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Covid-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms
The XEC COVID-19 variant, first identified in Europe, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As infections tick upward, public health experts are urging vigilance.
The strain, a mix of earlier Omicron subvariants, exhibits symptoms similar to Omicron and its predecessors. These include:
Congestion,
Runny nose,
Cough,
Shortness of breath,
Fever or chills,
Fatigue.
Notably, loss of taste and smell — once hallmark signs of COVID-19 — has become increasingly rare.
…
'Bald Ballerina' Maggie Kudirka Dies After Inspirational Cancer Battle, 33
The world lost an extraordinary spirit on Friday, Dec. 27, with the passing of Maggie Kudirka, lovingly known as the "Bald Ballerina. "Maggie, 33, succumbed to metastatic breast cancer at her home, surrounded by family, loved ones shared on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Maggie Kudirka (@baldballerina)
The Joffrey Ballet School, where Maggie trained, mourned her loss, calling her a “beautiful warrior.” “Maggie’s passion and grace will forever inspire us,” they wrote, reflecting on her profound impact on the dance and c…
Hudson Valley Man Arrested In Connection With Vehicle Larcenies In Area: Police
A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a series of vehicle larcenies in the Village of Airmont, but police are still searching for additional suspects, authorities report.
The Ramapo Police Department arrested Keith Casas, age 29, of Airmont, in connection with multiple reports of larcenies from vehicles that occurred over two weekends in early December, said Det. Lt. Chris Franklin of the Ramapo Police.
According to Franklin, the thefts occurred overnight in Airmont, targeting unlocked vehicles. Items stolen included cash, credit cards, and personal belongings. The stolen c…
Carmel, Yorktown Named Among Safest Towns In Country In New Rankings
If you're looking for peace and quiet, you may want to settle down in one of three Hudson Valley towns named among the safest places in the country in new rankings by MoneyGeek.
In their list of the 25 Safest Small Cities and Towns in the US released on Monday, Dec. 16, the personal finance website ranked towns from Westchester, Putnam, and Orange counties among the country's municipalities with the lowest crime numbers.
The following towns were named:
Yorktown, which took No. 6;
Carmel, which took No. 7;
Wallkill, which took No. 8.
In order to make their rankings, Money…
No Charges Filed In Christmas Day Fatal Crash In Hudson Valley, Police Say
A man who was driving a pickup truck that was involved in a crash with a car that killed two Hudson Valley teens on Christmas will not be charged, police said.
According to Village of Liberty Police Chief Steven D'Agata, the crash occurred at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25, on Route 52 near Sullivan Avenue. A 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup driven by James Wynkoops, 57, of Grahamsville, collided with a 2003 Toyota Corolla with two teens inside, Daily Voice previously reported.
Killed in the crash were driver Hannah Reggio, age 17, of Middletown, in Orange County, and 15-year-old Sullivan Cou…
Intoxicated Driver Had 2 Children In Vehicle During Routine Greene County Traffic Stop: Cops
A Long Island man was busted for alleged felony aggravated DWI with two children under the age of 16 in his vehicle during a routine traffic stop of a 2021 Cadillac Escalade.
Donald Durando, age 44, of Smithtown, Suffolk County, was charged by state police in Windham, Greene County, on Saturday, Dec. 28, NYSP Trooper Jennifer Alvarez said.
While interviewing Durando, troopers smelled the strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. Alvarez said. Durando submitted to a field sobriety test, which he failed, and was placed under arrest without incident.
Two children…
Behind The Glitter: NY Company Creates Tiles For Iconic Times Square New Year's Eve Ball Drop
A New York glass company is ringing in the New Year with a dazzling milestone—creating the triangular glass tiles for the iconic Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball.
As 2025 begins, Gillinder Glass, a Port Jervis-based company with a history spanning over 160 years, celebrates its role in one of the world’s most famous traditions: the Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball drop.
In September, Jamestown, the owners of One Times Square, selected the company to design and manufacture 2,688 unique triangular glass tiles for the six-ton ball. The dazzling sphere, featuring 32,256 LED lights, captivates m…
Longtime Firefighter From Putnam Dies At 56: Remembered For Life Of Service
A Northern Westchester community is mourning the sudden loss of veteran firefighter and Hudson Valley resident Christopher Johanson, who dedicated his life to service and his family.
Johanson, a 24-year veteran firefighter with the Lake Mohegan Fire Department, passed away suddenly on Thursday, Dec. 26, at his home in Cold Spring at the age of 56, according to his obituary.
Johanson, badge number 61, joined the Lake Mohegan Fire Department in August 2000 and was most recently assigned to Station 2, the Jefferson Valley Firehouse.
In a memorial post on social media, t…
'Alice' Star Linda Lavin Dies, 87
Linda Lavin, the two-time Golden Globe winner and Emmy-nominated actress whose career spanned six decades on stage and screen, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, at the age of 87, according to The New York Times.
Born in Portland, Maine, Lavin studied acting at the College of William & Mary in Virginia, where she was deeply involved in the theater program. Her career took off with her iconic role as Alice Hyatt on the hit TV series "Alice," which earned her two Golden Globes and cemented her as a household name.
A force on Broadway, Lavin captivated audiences with performances in multiple …
Beloved Hudson Valley Firefighter, Coach, Family Man Miles E. Taylor Dies Suddenly
Sometimes, you never know who that firefighter is working to save.
But all have a story, as does Miles E. Taylor, former Chief of the Nyack Fire Department in Rockland County, who died suddenly on Saturday, Dec. 28.
Taylor, 60, of Nyack and Perkinsville, VT, was a well-known video producer for major news outlets, including ESPN, CNN, CBS, and NBC. He was also a member of the Nyack Fire Department since age 16.
In his obituary, Taylor's wife, Lee-Ann Taylor, said he loved adventure and the thrill of danger.
In addition to his work as a video producer, he worked with Fireworks by Grucci, tr…
