NY's Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues NY's Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues
NY's Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues Actor Alec Baldwin – no stranger to controversy – is once again drawing the internet’s ire after recent comments on Americans’ intelligence. The 66-year-old New York native is facing backlash after suggesting that US citizens are ignorant about important world events and that watching films is the remedy to bridge the information gap. “Americans are very uninformed about reality, what’s really going on – with climate change, Ukraine, Israel, you name it, all the biggest topics in the world. Americans have an appetite for a little bit of information,” the Beetlejuice star told reporters at a…
Leaders Of Gang Involved In Peekskill Armed Robbery Get Decades In Jail Leaders Of Gang Involved In Peekskill Armed Robbery Get Decades In Jail
Leaders Of Gang Involved In Peekskill Armed Robbery Get Decades In Jail Two high-ranking leaders of a violent gang involved in multiple violent incidents throughout Westchester will spend decades in prison, officials announced.  Bronx resident Dwight Reid, age 52, and Brooklyn resident Christopher Erskine, age 41, were both sentenced to 35 years in prison for their leadership of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation Bloods Gang, a violent street and prison organization that has operated in Westchester County, other parts of New York State, and across the country, the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Tuesday, …
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says A rare case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a child in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The child, who is a resident of California, experienced only mild symptoms and is now recovering. The case, detected through routine flu testing, revealed low levels of the virus in the initial sample, and follow-up tests were negative for bird flu, but positive for other common respiratory viruses.  The CDC is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to determine how the child might hav…
Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik Among Trump Admin Picks From NY Targeted With Bomb Threats Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik Among Trump Admin Picks From NY Targeted With Bomb Threats
Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik Among Trump Admin Picks From NY Targeted With Bomb Threats Several New York politicians received bomb threats as part of a widespread attack targeting President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks and administrative appointees. The attacks, which ranged from bomb threats to prank “swatting” calls meant to dispatch a large number of armed police officers to a target’s residence, were made Tuesday night, Nov. 26, and Wednesday morning, Nov. 27. “Last night and this morning, several of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees were targeted in violent, un-America threats to their lives and those who live with them,” said K…
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All' Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All'
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All' This story has been updated. A Virginia pilot who regularly flew dogs in need to safe homes around the country was killed when his small plane crashed in a remote area of New York. The Greene County incident happened in the Town of Windham at around 6:10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. Sheriff’s officials said a single-engine Mooney plane was traveling from Maryland to Albany carrying the pilot and three dogs when it crashed in a remote area. The impact killed the pilot, 49-year-old Seuk Kim, of Springfield, Virginia, and one of the dogs. A second dog, a lab mix puppy, survived but suffered two bro…
Manhattan's Top Federal Prosecutor To Resign Before Trump Presidency Manhattan's Top Federal Prosecutor To Resign Before Trump Presidency
Manhattan's Top Federal Prosecutor To Resign Before Trump Presidency US Attorney Damian Williams, who has overseen high-profile cases in the Southern District of New York, has announced his resignation, a move that comes ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term and the expected nomination of his successor.  Williams’ resignation will take effect at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, according to a statement from his office on Monday, Nov. 25.  The resignation comes as President-elect Trump has announced plans to nominate Jay Clayton, a former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman under Trump’s first administration, to lead the of…
Westchester Pharmacies Tied To $11.5M Medicaid Fraud Scheme, Former Owner Gets Prison Time Westchester Pharmacies Tied To $11.5M Medicaid Fraud Scheme, Former Owner Gets Prison Time
Westchester Pharmacies Tied To $11.5M Medicaid Fraud Scheme, Former Owner Gets Prison Time The owner of several pharmacies in Westchester County and New York City has been sentenced to prison for running a multimillion-dollar Medicaid fraud scheme that endangered vulnerable HIV patients, officials said. Aftab Hussain was sentenced to two to six years in prison for stealing over $11.5 million through a scheme involving illegal kickbacks and black market medications, the Attorney General’s Office announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20.  According to the AG's Office, Hussain owned or controlled more than 20 pharmacies, including some in Westchester County, where he exploited low-…
Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY
Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY A Connecticut couple has been accused of orchestrating a multi-state theft operation targeting Lululemon stores, resulting in approximately $1 million in stolen merchandise. Jadion Anthony Richards, age 44, and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, age 45, both from Danbury, were charged in in Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 22, at Ramsey County District Court with organized retail theft, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.  Their alleged activities spanned over two months and involved thefts in several states, including New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, Colorado, and Utah, the Star Tri…
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says A newly discovered compound in drinking water has raised questions about its potential health risks.  The chemical, known as chloronitramide anion (Cl–N–NO₂⁻), was found in all samples from 10 US drinking water systems that use chloramines, according to a study published in the journal Science on Thursday, Nov. 21. The research, led by Julian L. Fairey, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas,  identified chloronitramide anion as a decomposition product of inorganic chloramines, which are commonly used to disinfect municipal water supplies.  The study estimates …
Officer Violently Attacked By Inmate At Northern Westchester Prison Officer Violently Attacked By Inmate At Northern Westchester Prison
Officer Violently Attacked By Inmate At Northern Westchester Prison An officer suffered serious injuries after an inmate attacked him in a stairwell at a maximum-security prison in Northern Westchester, officials said. The assault occurred on Monday, Nov. 18, just after 10:30 a.m., as inmates were returning to their cells from morning recreation, according to the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA). The incident began when an inmate was seen yelling in the stairwell between two cell blocks. The officer ordered the inmate to return to his cell, but he refused. When the officer approached and repeated the order,…
Record 8.7M Thanksgiving Travelers Expected At Port Authority Crossings: What You Need To Know Record 8.7M Thanksgiving Travelers Expected At Port Authority Crossings: What You Need To Know
Record 8.7M Thanksgiving Travelers Expected At Port Authority Crossings: What You Need To Know The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is preparing for a record-breaking 8.7 million travelers to use its airports and crossings during the Thanksgiving travel period, from Monday, Nov. 25, to Monday, Dec. 2.  Travelers should expect heavy traffic, longer wait times, and parking challenges, the agency announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Approximately 3.2 million passengers are expected to travel through John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and New York Stewart International airports—an increase of 2% from last year’s record volume. To accommodat…
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion A Hudson Valley man has been sentenced to nine years in prison following a dramatic burglary incident where he and an accomplice posed as FBI agents during a violent home invasion.  Westchester County resident Oscar Castillo, age 37, from Yonkers, was sentenced on Monday, Nov. 18, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. He was also sentenced to five years of post-release supervision.  The sentence stems from Castillo's 2023 guilty plea to burglary charges linked to a 2017 incident in Washingtonville. Castillo, who initially evaded sentencing by not appearing in c…
Alex Jones Sues Sandy Hook Families In Fight To Keep Control of Media Empire: Report Alex Jones Sues Sandy Hook Families In Fight To Keep Control of Media Empire: Report
Alex Jones Sues Sandy Hook Families In Fight To Keep Control of Media Empire: Report In a case that reads like dark satire itself, Alex Jones is suing the comedy website The Onion and the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre claiming they colluded to buy his right-wing conspiracy theory show "InfoWars" in a bankruptcy auction, reports said. Lawyers for Jones, who owes a $1.5 billion judgment to Sandy Hook families after spreading false claims that the 2012 school shooting was a hoax, argued in court documents that The Onion's winning $1.75 million bid was "flagrantly non-compliant" and designed to "rig the process," according to NPR. Earlier Report: Back…
1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products 1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products
1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products A multi-state Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry products has killed an infant and sickened at least 10 others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials are investigating infections linked to recalled Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. The illnesses were in New York, New Jersey, California, and Illinois between Wednesday, July 31 and Thursday, Oct. 24, the agency said. Of 11 people with information available, nine have been hospitalized. In California, one pregnant woman and her twins were sick and both infants died. But …
Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Credit Union In Mahopac: Police Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Credit Union In Mahopac: Police
Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Credit Union In Mahopac: Police A 20-year-old woman has been charged with two felonies after cashing a fraudulent check worth over $8,000 at a credit union in the region, authorities said.  The investigation began in Putnam County on Friday, Nov. 15, when a deputy took a complaint from an investigator with the Hudson Valley Credit Union about a fraudulent check cashed at the Mahopac branch in Putnam County, according to the Sheriff’s Office. A Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) investigator reviewed surveillance footage and other evidence, which quickly led to authorities identifying Xiomara Ortiz, a 20-year-old …
NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits
NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits Retail pet stores in New York will soon be prohibited from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits under a new state law aimed at ending the abusive practices of puppy mills.  Starting Sunday, Dec. 15, pet stores across the state must cease all sales, leases, or transfers of dogs, cats, and rabbits, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Friday, Nov. 22. James emphasized that the law, known as the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, is designed to disrupt large-scale breeding operations, often referred to as puppy mills, which have long been criticized for inhumane treatment and poor health …
Bobcat Sighting Reported In Croton-On-Hudson, Village Officials Say Bobcat Sighting Reported In Croton-On-Hudson, Village Officials Say
Bobcat Sighting Reported In Croton-On-Hudson, Village Officials Say Village officials in Northern Westchester are warning residents to protect their pets following a bobcat sighting. The warning came in an announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from Croton-on-Hudson village officials, who said they had received a report of a bobcat sighting within the community. Although officials did not specify where the sighting occurred, they urged residents to know how to "coexist safely" with the species.  This includes:  Protecting pets by keeping them indoors and securing livestock in predator-proof enclosures; Avoiding the intentional and unintentional fee…
New Judge To Succeed Disgraced Predecessor Forced To Resign In Peekskill New Judge To Succeed Disgraced Predecessor Forced To Resign In Peekskill
New Judge To Succeed Disgraced Predecessor Forced To Resign In Peekskill A municipality in Northern Westchester has announced its next city judge following the resignation of her predecessor, who was forced to resign after being charged with making sexual innuendos and inappropriate remarks to staff and attorneys on multiple occasions.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the Peekskill Common Council revealed the selection of Sophia Trott as the next City Court Judge.  Trott will replace Reginald J. Johnson, who resigned from his position on Monday, Sept. 30 following formal charges filed against him by the New York State Comm…
Over 100 Assault Weapons, Guns Turned In At Buyback Event In Peekskill Over 100 Assault Weapons, Guns Turned In At Buyback Event In Peekskill
Over 100 Assault Weapons, Guns Turned In At Buyback Event In Peekskill More than 100 firearms, including several assault weapons, were turned in during a community gun buyback event held in Northern Westchester.  A total of 103 guns were collected during the buyback event held in Peekskill on Saturday, Nov. 16 at the United Methodist Church of Peekskill, the New York Attorney General's Office announced.  This included 68 handguns; 19 long guns; and 9 assault weapons, officials said, adding that the office has removed more than 8,300 guns from New York communities since 2019.  "Every one of the guns collected today is a step in the right di…
Peekskill Resident ID'd As Victim In Triple-Fatal Random NYC Stabbing Spree Peekskill Resident ID'd As Victim In Triple-Fatal Random NYC Stabbing Spree
Peekskill Resident ID'd As Victim In Triple-Fatal Random NYC Stabbing Spree Two men and a woman were killed in a random stabbing spree in Manhattan that left one other person seriously injured. A suspect, identified as Ramon Rivera, age 51, was apprehended with two kitchen knives and clothes stained in blood after the incidents happened late Monday morning, Nov. 18, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. Northern Westchester County resident Angel Lata Landi, age 36, of Peekskill, was standing in front of a construction site at 444 West 19th Street near Chelsea at around 8:20 a.m. when Rivera approached him without speaking and stabbed him in the abdome…
FEMA Denies Emergency Assistance For NY Residents After Devastating Flooding FEMA Denies Emergency Assistance For NY Residents After Devastating Flooding
FEMA Denies Emergency Assistance For NY Residents After Devastating Flooding The federal government declined to help New York homeowners who were impacted by last summer’s severe flooding. Following a preliminary damage assessment on Long Island by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FMEA), the agency stated that Suffolk County did not meet the severity requirements for assistance. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office expressed disappointment over the decision but vowed to appeal it. Earlier Report: Homeowners Impacted By Suffolk Co. Flooding Could Get Up To $50K In Repair Grants; Here's How “(We) will continue fighting to ensure storm-impacted residents…
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Westchester's Best! Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Westchester's Best!
Readers’ Choice: Cast Your Votes for Westchester's Best! Westchester County, it’s time to show some love for your favorite local businesses! Daily Voice has officially launched the voting phase of its inaugural Readers’ Choice competition, and the power is in your hands to crown the best of the best. Our readers submitted nominations earlier this fall, and now the top contenders are ready for your votes. With over 80 categories spanning six major groups, this is your chance to celebrate the local gems that make Westchester a vibrant place to live, work, and play. From the tastiest eats to top-notch services, your vote can help highlight the busin…
New Info Released In Search For 23-Year-Old Accused Of Murdering His Dad In Suburban NY Hamlet New Info Released In Search For 23-Year-Old Accused Of Murdering His Dad In Suburban NY Hamlet
New Info Released In Search For 23-Year-Old Accused Of Murdering His Dad In Suburban NY Hamlet Authorities released new details in the search for a man accused of stabbing his father to death on Long Island. The incident happened in Rocky Point, at a residence located on Quail Road, at around 1:25 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 9. Suffolk County Police arrived to find Joseph Zoll, age 61, suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Earlier Report: Seen Him? 23-Year-Old On Run After Murdering His Father At Suburban NY Home, Police Say On Sunday, Nov. 10, homicide detectives named Zoll’s son, Matthew Zoll, as the pri…
New Update: Evacuations Continue As Hudson Valley Wildfire Jumps Containment Lines New Update: Evacuations Continue As Hudson Valley Wildfire Jumps Containment Lines
New Update: Evacuations Continue As Hudson Valley Wildfire Jumps Containment Lines Volunteer evacuations occurred in the Hudson Valley over the weekend due to a 5,000-acre wildfire that expanded winds and caused it to jump one of the firelines. The call to quickly leave the area occurred in Orange County on Saturday, Nov. 16, in the Edgemere Avenue and Wah Ta Wah Park sections of Greenwood Lake.  Earlier report - Hudson Valley Wildfire Prompts Voluntary Evacuations, Shelters Open For Residents, Pets Crews of regional police officers, led by the Town of Warwick and Greenwood Lake Police departments, executed the pre-planned evacuation, which was performed succ…
Police Officer In Westchester 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Police Officer In Westchester 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis
Police Officer In Westchester 'Doing Well' After Thyroid Cancer Diagnosis Members of a police department in Westchester will be growing out their facial hair as part of their effort to support one of their own who is bravely facing off against cancer.  Throughout this month, the Irvington Police Department will be supporting the American Thyroid Cancer Association with its annual No-Shave-November as one of its members, Officer Estefania Mejia, fights her own battle against the disease. According to the department, Mejia was diagnosed earlier in the year. There's good news, though — she has undergone surgery and treatments and is now "doing well," …
1 Dead, Dozens Sickened In 18 States, Including NY, From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots 1 Dead, Dozens Sickened In 18 States, Including NY, From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots
1 Dead, Dozens Sickened In 18 States, Including NY, From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots An E. coli outbreak linked to carrots has left one person dead and sickened 39 people in 18 states. Click here for a new, updated story: Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) says the infections have come from multiple brands of recalled organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms, which is based in Bakersfield, California.  "Carrots on store shelves right now are likely not affected but may be in people's homes," the CDC said. "If you have any recalled carrots…
Son From NY Accused Of Killing Wealthy New Canaan Financier In Ireland Son From NY Accused Of Killing Wealthy New Canaan Financier In Ireland
Son From NY Accused Of Killing Wealthy New Canaan Financier In Ireland A Connecticut financier was killed at an Ireland hotel after he flew from the United States to care for his mentally ill son. Now his son is charged with the assault that killed him, the BBC reported. New York City resident Henry McGowan, age 30, of Brooklyn, is accused of killing his father, 66-year-old John McGowan, of New Canaan, on Tuesday, Nov. 12, the outlet said.  The New York Times reported that Henry flew to Ireland earlier this week to stay at Ballyfin Demesne, a hotel in County Laois. Henry suffers from bipolar disorder, and when John learned his son had left the count…
6 Accused Of Distributing Cocaine, Fentanyl Out Of Public Housing In Peekskill 6 Accused Of Distributing Cocaine, Fentanyl Out Of Public Housing In Peekskill
6 Accused Of Distributing Cocaine, Fentanyl Out Of Public Housing In Peekskill Six people face federal charges in connection with a drug ring that distributed addictive substances out of residential buildings in Northern Westchester, officials said. The six suspects were arrested and arraigned in federal court on Tuesday, Nov. 12 in connection with a drug conspiracy that operated in Peekskill, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Friday, Nov. 15.  According to the federal indictment, from around April 2024 to the date of their arrests, the six defendants worked to supply and distribute large amounts of cocaine, crack co…
Man Threatens To Kill Reporter, Her Family In Hudson Valley, Feds Say Man Threatens To Kill Reporter, Her Family In Hudson Valley, Feds Say
Man Threatens To Kill Reporter, Her Family In Hudson Valley, Feds Say Anger over an unflattering news article prompted a man to threaten to kill a New York reporter and her family, federal prosecutors alleged. Austin Suman, age 35, now residing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was charged in Westchester County with making a threat involving an explosive and related charges in White Plains federal court. Prosecutors said Suman contacted a Hudson Valley reporter based in Orange County via Facebook messenger on Friday, Nov. 8, threatening to “end” the woman’s family. He allegedly threatened to blow her house “off its foundation” and used multiple racial slurs. …
These Westchester Hospitals Get 'A' Grade For Patient Safety: New Report These Westchester Hospitals Get 'A' Grade For Patient Safety: New Report
These Westchester Hospitals Get 'A' Grade For Patient Safety: New Report Several hospitals in the Hudson Valley have earned top marks for keeping patients safe, according to a new report.  Five hospitals in Putnam and Westchester counties were given an "A" grade for patient safety in a new Fall 2024 report released on Friday, Nov. 15 by the Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog organization that advocates for safety in hospitals. These included:  White Plains Hospital, White Plains; Phelps Hospital, Sleepy Hollow; New York-Presbyterian Westchester, Bronxville; Northern Westchester Hospital, Mount Kisco; Putnam Hospital, Carmel. The new …
Westchester Nursing Home Among 4 In NY To Pay $45M Settlement After Mistreating Residents: AG Westchester Nursing Home Among 4 In NY To Pay $45M Settlement After Mistreating Residents: AG
Westchester Nursing Home Among 4 In NY To Pay $45M Settlement After Mistreating Residents: AG A Westchester County nursing home is one of four in New York that will be required to pay tens of millions of dollars following years of mistreating and neglecting its senior residents, officials announced. In an announcement on Thursday, Nov. 14, New York Attorney General Letitia James revealed that four New York nursing homes, including the Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing at 12 Tibbets Ave. in White Plains, would pay a $45 million settlement to address years of alleged insufficient staffing and resident neglect. The other nursing homes, all managed by Centers for Care, …