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New York State

Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now
Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now Flu activity is now widespread across New York State, prompting an advisory from authorities. Under this declaration by State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, healthcare workers who are not vaccinated against the flu must wear masks in certain settings to protect vulnerable patients. “The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against infection,” said Dr. McDonald. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated and ensure you don’t miss out on holiday celebrations.” Flu cases are surging across the state.  As of Saturday, Dec. 14, more than 23,000 cases have been r…
Affordable Housing Community Breaks Ground In Mount Vernon: Will Have Over 300 Units Affordable Housing Community Breaks Ground In Mount Vernon: Will Have Over 300 Units
Affordable Housing Community Breaks Ground In Mount Vernon: Will Have Over 300 Units Construction has begun on a new $223 million affordable housing development in Westchester that will create hundreds of new homes.  The project, called Opal 115, will bring 315 affordable apartments to the city and is being built in partnership with Forward Thinkers Development, Grandview Consulting, and The NRP Group.  The development, which will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 17, will provide housing for households earning 40 to 90 percent of the Area Median Income.  Nearly half of the apartments will be two- and three-bedroom units designed to accommodate…
Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released In Wake Of NY Native's Death Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released In Wake Of NY Native's Death
Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released In Wake Of NY Native's Death President-elect Donald Trump vowed swift vengeance if the hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israel aren’t released soon. In a post on Truth Social Monday, Dec. 2, Trump said there would be “ALL HELL TO PAY” in the Middle East for those behind that Oct. 7, 2023 attack unless all hostages were released before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. “Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it’s all talk, and no action!” Trump said. “Please let this TRUTH serve to represent th…
Israeli-American Citizen From NY, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Killed In Oct. 7 Attack Israeli-American Citizen From NY, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Killed In Oct. 7 Attack
Israeli-American Citizen From NY, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Killed In Oct. 7 Attack More than a year of agonizing uncertainty has come to a tragic end for the family of a New York native thought to have been taken hostage during the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Omer Neutra, from Long Island’s Plainview, was killed during the attacks that claimed the lives of another 1,200 men, women, and children, the Israeli government confirmed Monday, Dec. 2. The 21-year-old moved to Israel when he was 18 to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during a gap year, his parents Orna and Ronen said in a video shared by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). …
Leaders Of Gang Involved In Violent Shootings, Robberies In Westchester Get Decades In Jail Leaders Of Gang Involved In Violent Shootings, Robberies In Westchester Get Decades In Jail
Leaders Of Gang Involved In Violent Shootings, Robberies In Westchester 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, …
Overpass Bridge Where Fallen Officer Was Killed Renamed In His Honor In Westchester Overpass Bridge Where Fallen Officer Was Killed Renamed In His Honor In Westchester
Overpass Bridge Where Fallen Officer Was Killed Renamed In His Honor In Westchester Nearly two years after the death of a beloved police officer, the Westchester County bridge where he was fatally struck in a head-on crash is now forever named in his memory.  In a ceremony held on Wednesday, Oct. 30, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the renaming of the Tuckahoe Road Bridge over the Sprain Brook Parkway in Yonkers after Yonkers Police Detective Sergeant Frank Gualdino, who was killed in a crash in December 2022 at the age of 53. On Dec. 1, 2022, Gualdino, a Putnam County resident who lived in Mahopac, was driving on Tuckahoe Road while on duty when a speed…
Election 2024: Can NYers Snap Pic Of Completed Ballot? Here's What To Know Election 2024: Can NYers Snap Pic Of Completed Ballot? Here's What To Know
Election 2024: Can NYers Snap Pic Of Completed Ballot? Here's What To Know Think twice before snapping that Election Day selfie. While New Yorkers may be tempted to commemorate their participation in this year’s highly consequential election by taking a photo of their ballot, doing so is actually a crime. Under state law, it is a misdemeanor offense for a voter to snap a picture with their completed ballot. “Any person who shows his ballot after it is prepared for voting, to any person so as to reveal the contents, or solicits a voter to show the same, is guilty of a misdemeanor,” reads the text from New York State election law. According to the New York State B…
New School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Program Announced In Westchester To Catch Illegal Passings New School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Program Announced In Westchester To Catch Illegal Passings
New School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Program Announced In Westchester To Catch Illegal Passings Nearly a dozen districts in Westchester will be participating in an all-new enforcement program that will use artificial intelligence to catch those who illegally pass stopped school buses, officials announced.  In an announcement on Tuesday, Oct. 22, Westchester County Executive George Latimer unveiled a new school bus stop-arm photo program meant to reduce the number of illegal passing.  According to Latimer, every vehicle in participating school districts' fleets will be equipped with cameras that will use AI to detect cars that pass stopped buses. The equipment will be provide…
Hudson Valley Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared Hudson Valley Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared
Hudson Valley Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared A New York resident has died days after contracting the state’s first human case of a rare but serious mosquito-borne virus in nearly a decade. The Ulster County resident died from complications stemming from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office confirmed on Monday, Sept. 23. It marks the first human case of EEE in New York State since 2015. Earlier Report: Human Case Of Severe Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed In Ulster County, First In NY Since 2015 “We’ve been informed this patient has passed away from EEE, we extend our sympathies and our hearts go out t…
Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide Raked In Millions Acting As Undisclosed Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide Raked In Millions Acting As Undisclosed Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds
Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide Raked In Millions Acting As Undisclosed Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds This story has been updated. A former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is accused of acting as an agent for the Chinese government. Long Island residents Linda Sun, age 41, and her husband Chris Hu, age 40, were arrested at their Manhasset home on Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, on charges of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, money laundering, and related charges. According to federal prosecutors, Sun – who served as Hochul’s deputy chief of staff before being fired in 2023 – engaged in numerous political activities at the behest of Chinese government …
Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says
Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says State leaders are crediting major policing reforms for a marked decline in shootings across New York State. In 21 counties outside of New York City, the number of shootings with injuries dropped 29 percent through July compared to the first seven months of 2023, a Division of Criminal Justice Services report shows. The data came from police departments across the state participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, which provides agencies with state funding for equipment, overtime, personnel, training, and technical assistance aimed at reducing shootings and firea…
'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Trail Of Destruction Across Parts Of NY 'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Trail Of Destruction Across Parts Of NY
'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Trail Of Destruction Across Parts Of NY At least six homes were heavily damaged and roads were washed out following a powerful storm system that brought drenching rain and widespread flooding to parts of New York and Connecticut. On Long Island, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine issued a state of emergency on Monday, Aug. 19, after surveying flood damage caused when up to nine inches of rain fell in parts of the county overnight. “Our longtime Mill Pond is gone. Six houses along here were damaged, their cesspools and personal belongings are now floating down this creek into the sound,” Romaine told reporters. Earlier Report:…
Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers Preference In Harris-Trump Presidential Race Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers Preference In Harris-Trump Presidential Race
Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers Preference In Harris-Trump Presidential Race With just three months until the presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris enjoys a comfortable lead over former President Donald Trump among New York voters, new polling shows. Harris, who formally secured the Democratic nomination for president on Monday, Aug. 5, leads her Republican opponent 53 to 39 percent among likely New York State voters, according to a Siena College poll released Tuesday, Aug. 6. In late June, a Siena College poll showed President Joe Biden leading Trump by a narrower margin, 47 to 39 percent. Related Report: Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Runn…
This NY Locale Makes Nationwide Top 50 List Of Best Places To Live For Families This NY Locale Makes Nationwide Top 50 List Of Best Places To Live For Families
This NY Locale Makes Nationwide Top 50 List Of Best Places To Live For Families One town in New York made the Top 50 list of Fortune’s third annual national rankings of the Best Places To Live For Families list. It's located on Long Island - No. 15 North Hempstead. Fortune said that in addition to its proximity to New York City, "the township has the highest Sharecare community well-being ranking on the list, at 88 out of 100. It’s also home to some of the best school districts in New York and has the highest number of recommended hospitals in the area (50) on the list." With around 237,000 residents, North Hempstead is the seventh-largest municipality by population i…
New Development With Over 100 Affordable Apartments Completed In Westchester New Development With Over 100 Affordable Apartments Completed In Westchester
New Development With Over 100 Affordable Apartments Completed In Westchester Construction of an all-new six-story apartment building in Westchester with more than 100 affordable units has been completed with help from New York state officials.  The grand opening of Summit on Hudson, located in Yonkers just a half-mile from the city's Metro-North train station, was celebrated by city and state officials on Tuesday, July 16.  The new building, developed by Wethab and built as part of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan to create and preserve 100,000 affordable homes throughout the state, contains 113 affordable apartments…
Man Caught With Illegally-Possessed Gun In Hudson Valley Traffic Stop: Police Man Caught With Illegally-Possessed Gun In Hudson Valley Traffic Stop: Police
Man Caught With Illegally-Possessed Gun In Hudson Valley Traffic Stop: Police A Connecticut man faces a felony weapons charge after being caught with an illegally possessed gun during a traffic stop in the Hudson Valley, police announced.  Fairfield County resident Mathew Conti of Danbury, age 27, was arrested in Putnam County on a weapons charge on Tuesday, June 25, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, June 28.  According to the Sheriff's Office, at around 1:15 a.m. on Tuesday, deputies saw a vehicle with an obscured license plate driving north on Route 22 near the interchange with Interstate 684 in Brewster and pulled it over. After th…
Update: Westchester-Based Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter Update: Westchester-Based Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter
Update: Westchester-Based Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter A Westchester-based accountant who admitted participating in a multi-million dollar tax evasion scheme with his partner was a volunteer firefighter who served for almost three decades, including during 9/11.  Certified public accountants New Jersey resident Jack Sardis, age 66, of Englewood Cliffs in Bergen County, and his partner, George Sanossian, age 70, of Scarsdale, both admitted to scheming with their clients to reduce tax liabilities through a shell company, leading to over $2 million in unreported cash transactions, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of…
$2M Scheme: Westchester Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy $2M Scheme: Westchester Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy
$2M Scheme: Westchester Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy Two New York accounting firm partners have pleaded guilty to a multi-million dollar tax evasion scheme.  Click here for a new, updated story - Update: Scarsdale-Based Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter Westchester County resident George Sanossian, age 70, of Scarsdale, and New Jersey resident Jack Sardis, age 66, of Englewood Cliffs, both certified public accountants, admitted to conspiracy to defraud the IRS by scheming with clients to reduce tax liabilities through a shell company, leading to over $2 million in unreported cash transactions.  The tw…
HS Senior From Westchester Wins State Oratory Competition For Second Time HS Senior From Westchester Wins State Oratory Competition For Second Time
HS Senior From Westchester Wins State Oratory Competition For Second Time A high school senior from Northern Westchester is officially a back-to-back champion in a statewide oratory speech event.  Aidan Aldea-Lustig, a senior at Byram Hills High School in Armonk, was named champion of the Original Oratory Speech event at the New York State Forensic League Championships, the Byram Hills Central School District announced on Monday, April 29.  During the event, held at The Bronx High School of Science on Sunday, April 14, Aldea-Lustig came out on top amongst 33 other students with a 10-minute address on free speech.  The Orig…
Public Radio 'Legend' Karen DeWitt Signing Off After 34 Years: ‘It’s Time To Go’ Public Radio 'Legend' Karen DeWitt Signing Off After 34 Years: ‘It’s Time To Go’
Public Radio 'Legend' Karen DeWitt Signing Off After 34 Years: ‘It’s Time To Go’ After more than three decades of covering New York State government and politics, public radio journalist Karen DeWitt is signing off. The longtime Capitol Bureau chief for the New York Public News Network will file her last story on Friday, June 21, she announced on X Tuesday, April 30. “Finally, I get to use this phrase: ‘Some personal news,’” DeWitt said. “It’s been a fabulous ride, but it’s time to go.” Since 1990, DeWitt has informed listeners on Albany affairs via the network's dozen public radio stations across the state, including WAMC in Albany, WLIW on Long Island, and WNYC in N…
Sergeant Collapses, Dies Moments After Shift In Hudson Valley: 'Good Man Who Will Be Missed' Sergeant Collapses, Dies Moments After Shift In Hudson Valley: 'Good Man Who Will Be Missed'
Sergeant Collapses, Dies Moments After Shift In Hudson Valley: 'Good Man Who Will Be Missed' A Hudson Valley police department is mourning the line-of-duty loss of a beloved sergeant who collapsed and died mere moments after completing his shift.  In a statement on Saturday, April 20, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced the death of Brewster Police Sergeant Richard Gurniak, who collapsed after hanging up his keys after his shift during the early morning hours on Saturday.  Despite efforts to save his life from a fellow Brewster officer and two members of the Sheriff's Office, Gurniak later died at Putnam Hospital from a heart attack at the age of 57. A…
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Less than a month since a case of measles showed up outside of New York City, the number of cases has more than doubled across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Friday, April 12, the CDC announced that the total number of measles cases in the US in 2024 has reached 121 — far surpassing last year’s number of 58 — with cases being reported in 18 states and jurisdictions, including New York State. The update comes after a Nassau County child under the age of 5 was announced as the state’s first measles case to be reported outside of New York C…
Eclipse Prison Lockdown Violates NY Inmates’ Religious Rights, Lawsuit Claims Eclipse Prison Lockdown Violates NY Inmates’ Religious Rights, Lawsuit Claims
Eclipse Prison Lockdown Violates NY Inmates’ Religious Rights, Lawsuit Claims Click here for an updated story: Six Woodbourne Inmates Permitted To View Eclipse After Suing Over Religious Rights Several New York prison inmates are suing the state over a planned lockdown at correctional facilities during the upcoming total solar eclipse. The federal lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of New York on Friday, March 29, on behalf of six inmates who are incarcerated at Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Sullivan County. It states that although they come from varying backgrounds and hold different religious beliefs, “they have each expressed a sincerely held r…
NY Bill Targets Squatters Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners NY Bill Targets Squatters Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners
NY Bill Targets Squatters Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners New York lawmakers are considering legislation targeting illegal squatters amid recent disturbing incidents involving homeowners that garnered national attention. The bill from Republican Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, whose 15th District represents parts of Nassau County, adds squatters to the definition of criminal trespass. It also extends the time period for tenancy rights from 30 days to 45 days of possession. Under current New York State law, squatters are classified as tenants and receive temporary rights after living in a property for 30 days. If a squatter claims to be a tenant, the…
Grand Opening Held For Newly-Remodeled Gym At New Rochelle YMCA Grand Opening Held For Newly-Remodeled Gym At New Rochelle YMCA
Grand Opening Held For Newly-Remodeled Gym At New Rochelle YMCA A YMCA in Westchester is celebrating the opening of its newly remodeled gymnasium following a restoration project supported by local, state, and federal officials.  The New Rochelle YMCA held a grand opening for its newly remodeled gymnasium on Tuesday, March 19  following a restoration effort supported by the city, Westchester County, New York State, and federal governments.  The effort was also funded by several local community and business partners and donors, according to the YMCA. "We want to thank all the elected officials, businesses, donors and our wonderful vendors …
Beloved Firefighter, Instructor From Hudson Valley Dies Beloved Firefighter, Instructor From Hudson Valley Dies
Beloved Firefighter, Instructor From Hudson Valley Dies A Hudson Valley fire department has announced the loss of one of its active members.  The death of Robert McDonald, a member of the Kent Fire Department in Putnam County, was announced by the department on Saturday, March 2.  McDonald was a past lieutenant with the department and was also a New York State fire instructor. According to the department, McDonald taught countless volunteers in Putnam. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family," the department wrote in a social media post on Saturday. Details about services for McDonald have not yet been announced. Chec…
World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says
World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says New York State is suing the world’s largest beef producer, claiming it lied about its environmental impacts in order to boost sales. A lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James in New York State Supreme Court on Wednesday, Feb. 28, accuses JBS USA Food Company of deceptive business practices and false advertising. According to James’ office, the company has repeatedly misled the public by claiming it will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, despite documented plans to increase production and grow its carbon footprint. In 2021, the JBS Group reported total global greenh…
Officials Take Step Toward Bike Path Between North, South Country Trail, New TZB In Westchester Officials Take Step Toward Bike Path Between North, South Country Trail, New TZB In Westchester
Officials Take Step Toward Bike Path Between North, South Country Trail, New TZB In Westchester Town officials have applied for a grant that would help fund efforts toward creating a bicycle and pedestrian path between the North and South County Trail and the new Tappan Zee Bridge in Westchester.  The application was submitted to New York State officials by the town of Greenburgh, which detailed the proposed path in an announcement on Thursday, Feb. 29.  According to Town Supervisor Paul Feiner, the proposed bicycle and pedestrian path would run along Route 119 from the South/North County Trailway to the new Tappan Zee Bridge. If the grant is approved and the path is eventua…
'Blatantly Illegal': NYAG Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Transgender Athlete Ban On Long Island 'Blatantly Illegal': NYAG Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Transgender Athlete Ban On Long Island
'Blatantly Illegal': Nyag Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Transgender Athlete Ban On Long Island An executive order on Long Island banning transgender women and girls from participating in sports at public facilities was given five days to be rescinded, according to New York State Attorney General Letitia James. “This executive order is transphobic and blatantly illegal.” On Friday, March 1, just over a week after Nassau County Bruce Blakeman issued an executive order prohibiting transgender women (those assigned male at birth) from playing in women’s sports, James — who had quickly condemned the act — officially submitted a cease-and-desist against the order. Original Report:&nbs…
Officials In Westchester Call For Direct Access To Penn Station Via Hudson Line Officials In Westchester Call For Direct Access To Penn Station Via Hudson Line
Officials In Westchester Call For Direct Access To Penn Station Via Hudson Line Officials in the Hudson Valley are calling on the MTA to undertake a study on the feasibility of providing direct access to Penn Station from the Hudson Line.  In a letter addressed to MTA Chief Executive Officer Janno Lieber, Westchester County Executive George Latimer called on the transportation agency to conduct a study on having direct one-seat access to Manhattan's Penn Station from the Hudson Line, Latimer announced on Wednesday, Jan. 17.  "The advantages of such a connection are abundant," Latimer wrote in the latter, adding, "Improved transportation links would …
NY Ranks High Among Best States To Raise Family, New Study Finds: Here's Where, Why NY Ranks High Among Best States To Raise Family, New Study Finds: Here's Where, Why
NY Ranks High Among Best States To Raise Family, New Study Finds: Here's Where, Why According to a new report ranking the US states on a scale of the best places to raise a family, New York State ranks among the top 10. New York State is one of the best states in the country to raise a family — according to a study released on Monday, Jan. 8 by WalletHub, which ranked the Empire State as number five. The personal finance company used the following metrics to score each of the 50 states, then take the totals to complete a final ranking: Family fun (including the share of children who live near a park, share of families with young children, number of attractions, and mo…