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COVID-19 Pandemic

$1.7M COVID-19 Fraud Scheme: Westchester Daughter, Mom Who Worked For Police Sentenced $1.7M COVID-19 Fraud Scheme: Westchester Daughter, Mom Who Worked For Police Sentenced
$1.7M Covid-19 Fraud Scheme: Westchester Daughter, Mom Who Worked For Police Sentenced A mother-daughter duo has been sentenced to prison for defrauding the government of approximately $1.7 million.  Westchester County residents Alicia Ayers and her mother, Andrea Ayers, both of Mount Vernon, were found guilty of submitting more than 300 fraudulent applications for US Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans.  Andrea Ayers was a former Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Mount Vernon Police Department. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress expanded the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program to provide low-interest …
Midwife Fakes Vax Records For Thousands Of Children Across NY: Health Dept. Midwife Fakes Vax Records For Thousands Of Children Across NY: Health Dept.
Midwife Fakes Vax Records For Thousands Of Children Across NY: Health Dept. A New York midwife was found to have faked over 12,000 vaccines for children on Long Island and as far away as Erie County. Jeanette Breen, a licensed midwife who ran Baldwin Midwifery, located in Baldwin, Nassau County, was issued what the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) dubbed an “unprecedented” fine of $300,000 for her scheme. Starting at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, Breen began supplying patients with a series of oral pellets called the "Real Immunity Homeoprophylaxis Program." These fake pills are marketed as an alternative to vaccination by an out-of-stat…
George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process'
George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' New York Rep. George Santos, who admitted to lying about his background and is facing nearly two dozen federal criminal charges, is claiming victory after an effort to expel him from Congress failed. The freshman Republican lawmaker from Long Island, whose 3rd District represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, easily survived a resolution brought by his fellow New York Republicans to oust Santos from the House on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The resolution failed with 179 members voting in favor and 213 voting against. Nineteen members voted “present.” Earlier Report: George Santos Pleads Not…
This Westchester Suburb Makes List Of 'Most Envied' Lifestyles In America, Report Says This Westchester Suburb Makes List Of 'Most Envied' Lifestyles In America, Report Says
This Westchester Suburb Makes List Of 'Most Envied' Lifestyles In America, Report Says A village in Westchester is apparently making people green with envy, as a new report has named a county suburb as having one of the most sought-after lifestyles in America.  The village of Scarsdale has made it on a list of suburbs with the "most envied lifestyles" across the country, according to a report from Moving Feedback released on Monday, Aug. 14.  The village took spot No. 104 on the list out of the 175 suburbs that were included.  The rankings were determined by an online panel survey of 3,000 adults based on age, gender, and geography, the organiza…
Mystery No More: Backers Of George Santos' $500K Bond In Federal Criminal Case Revealed Mystery No More: Backers Of George Santos' $500K Bond In Federal Criminal Case Revealed
Mystery No More: Backers Of George Santos' $500K Bond In Federal Criminal Case Revealed After more than a month, the question of who backed the half-million-dollar bond to free embattled New York Congressman George Santos from custody while his federal criminal case plays out has finally been answered. Documents unsealed in US District Court in the Eastern District of New York on Thursday, June 22, show that Santos’ father, Gercino dos Santos, and his aunt, Elma Preven, are the co-signers on his $500,000 bond. Santos' lawyer had argued that publicizing his relatives' identities could subject them to harassment from news organizations, but the judge rejected the plea. The 34-…
COVID-19 $14.7M Scheme: Westchester Duo Tried Stealing From Relief Program, Feds Say COVID-19 $14.7M Scheme: Westchester Duo Tried Stealing From Relief Program, Feds Say
Covid-19 $14.7M Scheme: Westchester Duo Tried Stealing From Relief Program, Feds Say Two men from Westchester and a Long Island woman face charges after participating in a more than $14 million scheme to steal from a program created to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, federal officials said.  New Rochelle resident Glenroy Walker, age 65, Mount Vernon resident Gary Wheeler, age 46, Freeport resident Sherril Baez, age 50, and three others are charged with scheming to steal more than $14 million from the federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Tuesday, June 6.  The …
Iconic Eatery Closes After 52 Years In Westchester: 'Time For Me To Just Let Go,' Owner Says Iconic Eatery Closes After 52 Years In Westchester: 'Time For Me To Just Let Go,' Owner Says
Iconic Eatery Closes After 52 Years In Westchester: 'Time For Me To Just Let Go,' Owner Says A pizzeria in Westchester that became a community staple for over half a century and became the setting of countless memories has closed as its owner prepares to enjoy retirement.  Raceway Pizza, located in Yonkers at 775 Yonkers Ave., has closed, owner Luigi Petrozza announced on social media on Wednesday, May 24.  Petrozza, whose family began the restaurant in 1971, cited his retirement as the reason for the restaurant's closing.  "Working here with my mom and dad for many, many years...it's going to be sad, but it's time for me to just let go and do what I have to do now," Petrozza sai…
Despite Rave Reviews, Father/Daughter Westchester Restaurant Struggling In 'Difficult Economy' Despite Rave Reviews, Father/Daughter Westchester Restaurant Struggling In 'Difficult Economy'
Despite Rave Reviews, Father/Daughter Westchester Restaurant Struggling In 'Difficult Economy' Although a Westchester County restaurant specializing in cheesesteaks has received much praise since opening, the owners say that they are still struggling because of inflation.  Earlier Report - Newly Opened Father/Daughter Westchester Restaurant Specializes In Cheesesteaks Crotty's Cheesesteaks, located in New Rochelle at 8 Eastchester Rd., was opened in January 2021 by father and daughter Joe Crotty and Lindsay Walsh. In addition to a wide variety of cheesesteaks with vegetarian & gluten-free options, the restaurant also serves salads and "delicious extras" such as fried pickles, ac…
ABC News 'This Week' Executive Producer Dies At Age 37 ABC News 'This Week' Executive Producer Dies At Age 37
ABC News 'This Week' Executive Producer Dies At Age 37 ABC News "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" executive producer Dax Tejera died suddenly on Friday, Dec. 23. He was 37 years old. Tejera died of a heart attack, Mediaite reports, citing ABC News president Kim Godwin. He is survived by his wife, Veronica, and their daughters, Sofia and Ella. "As EP of “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” Dax’s energy, passion and love for that show, ABC News, and you, shined every Sunday morning," Godwin said in a note to network staff obtained by adweek.com. "That same love was extended to his precious girls." View this post on I…
'A Happy Business': 3 Moms Bring Candy Van To Events Across Westchester 'A Happy Business': 3 Moms Bring Candy Van To Events Across Westchester
'A Happy Business': 3 Moms Bring Candy Van To Events Across Westchester For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth as Halloween approaches, a mobile candy van might just be the perfect solution. Candy Zoo, run by a team of three mothers, is a moving candy truck that is available to rent for private events and can be found throughout the tri-state area, including Westchester County, Fairfield County, and the Englewood area, according to one of the business's founders, Karen Benett. The truck sells more than 200 brands of candy and goes to weddings, birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, corporate events, and more, Benett said. The idea for the business sprouted…
NY Labor Dept. On Track To Pay Over $110M In Fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Claims In 2022 NY Labor Dept. On Track To Pay Over $110M In Fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Claims In 2022
NY Labor Dept. On Track To Pay Over $110M In Fraudulent Unemployment Insurance Claims In 2022 The New York State Department of Labor is on track to pay out more than $110 million in fraudulent unemployment insurance claims in 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced. A department investigation revealed that insurance fraud accounted for more than $11 million in benefits payments in August 2022 alone. The benefits were paid out almost exclusively to those who were already working while also collecting unemployment insurance payments during the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor’s office said. Hochul said the state plans to go after those who received fraudulent benefits payments and…
New England Teacher On Leave After 8 Middle School Boys Keep Log Of His Alleged Harassment New England Teacher On Leave After 8 Middle School Boys Keep Log Of His Alleged Harassment
New England Teacher On Leave After 8 Middle School Boys Keep Log Of His Alleged Harassment A log of alleged harassment by their teacher dubbed the “Pedo Database” that was created by eight middle school boys in New England is now part of an official investigation into the teacher, The Boston Globe reports.  The Rhode Island teacher, who works at Davisville Middle School in North Kingstown, has been placed on administrative leave amid a probe into numerous claims of inappropriate behavior, including that he made female students dance for him, the outlet reports. One of the former students, now a 15-year-old high school student, told The Boston Globe that he and several other male…
Westchester Man Among Trio Nabbed In $701K Fraud Scheme, Feds Say Westchester Man Among Trio Nabbed In $701K Fraud Scheme, Feds Say
Westchester Man Among Trio Nabbed In $701K Fraud Scheme, Feds Say Three men are facing federal charges for allegedly using other people’s identities to defraud the New York Labor Department out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Errol Murray, age 21, of Yonkers; Taliek Lanier, age 22, of Albany; and Thomas Brace, age 61, of Altoona, Pennsylvania, formerly of Albany, were all arrested on federal charges of mail and wire fraud, plus identity theft. Federal prosecutors said the trio conspired with a 36-year-old Albany woman, Jamie Johnson, and provided her with the personal identifying information of other people. Jonson pleaded guilty in February 2022 of…
'Testing The Waters': Comedian Joe Matarese Opens New Comedy Club In Westchester 'Testing The Waters': Comedian Joe Matarese Opens New Comedy Club In Westchester
'Testing The Waters': Comedian Joe Matarese Opens New Comedy Club In Westchester He’s appeared on America’s Got Talent and performed for the likes of David Letterman, Howard Stern, and Chelsea Handler.  Now, comedian Joe Matarese is bringing “New York City’s best comedy” to Westchester County. On Thursday, July 28, the 30-year veteran stand-up will mark the grand opening of his latest venture, B-Side Comedy Club, a 60-seat venue located on Garth Road in Scarsdale. Joining Matarese on stage will be fellow comedians Nick Scopoletti, Pete Ungar, and Daniel Tirado. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joe Matarese (…
Hudson Valley Man Who Worked Throughout Nation In Hospitality Industry Dies At 51 Hudson Valley Man Who Worked Throughout Nation In Hospitality Industry Dies At 51
Hudson Valley Man Who Worked Throughout Nation In Hospitality Industry Dies At 51 A Hudson Valley resident who worked in the hospitality industry in different states across the nation has died at the age of 51. Jason Antonelli died from an "unexpected cardiac event" in Newburgh on Wednesday, July 6, according to his obituary. Antonelli, who was known in his early years as Jason Reichgut, grew up in Hyde Park and graduated from Roosevelt High School, where he was a member of the varsity crew and varsity soccer teams. He graduated from SUNY Oneonta and went on to work in the hospitality industry. According to his obituary, his career took him across the country. "H…
COVID-19: Upstate Woman Pleads Guilty To Pandemic Relief Fraud COVID-19: Upstate Woman Pleads Guilty To Pandemic Relief Fraud
Covid-19: Upstate Woman Pleads Guilty To Pandemic Relief Fraud A woman from the Capital District is facing years in prison after admitting that she took advantage of loan programs meant to help businesses struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Debra Hackstadt, age 67, of Albany, pleaded guilty Thursday, May 19, to fraudulently obtaining 32 government-backed loans, according to the US Attorney’s Office. The loans were issued to Hackstadt herself, various friends and relatives, and several companies that she controlled, prosecutors said. In all, investigators said she received more than $1.6 million between April 2020 and June 2021 through two separat…
Discount Supermarket CEO Makes ‘Price Promise’ Pledge As Inflation Rate Soars Discount Supermarket CEO Makes ‘Price Promise’ Pledge As Inflation Rate Soars
Discount Supermarket CEO Makes ‘Price Promise’ Pledge As Inflation Rate Soars With inflation skyrocketing across the country, causing the price of food and other merchandise to surge, one supermarket head vowed to keep a tight rein on costs for customers. Aldi US CEO Jason Hart penned a “price promise” letter to consumers this week making a pledge to keep costs down at the discount supermarket chain. Aldi CEO Jason Hart.Aldi “Saving you money is what we do best,” he wrote. “And in times like these, I’m incredibly proud to underscore this commitment to you: no matter what happens in the world around us, Aldi will always be the low-price leader in every community w…
Data Of Nearly One Million NY Students Compromised In Hack Of Online Grading System Data Of Nearly One Million NY Students Compromised In Hack Of Online Grading System
Data Of Nearly One Million NY Students Compromised In Hack Of Online Grading System The personal data of nearly a million New York students has been compromised by hackers attempting to alter grades, investigators announced. In January, Illuminate Education, a taxpayer-funded software company that tracks grades and attendance for the New York City Department of Education, was targeted, resulting in the data of approximately 820,000 students being made available. Specifically, officials said that the hackers gained access to students’ names, birthdays, ethnicities, English-speaking, special-education, teacher schedules, and free-lunch statuses, though information including …
COVID-19: NY Doctor Sentenced For Using $3M In Fraudulently Obtained Loans On Luxury Items COVID-19: NY Doctor Sentenced For Using $3M In Fraudulently Obtained Loans On Luxury Items
Covid-19: NY Doctor Sentenced For Using $3M In Fraudulently Obtained Loans On Luxury Items A New York doctor will spend time behind bars after being sentenced for spending millions of dollars obtained through fraudulently obtained small business loans during the pandemic in an effort to live a luxury lifestyle. Long Island resident Konstantinos Zarkadas, who had a Nassau County practice in Glen Cove, was sentenced in federal court to 51 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining millions of dollars in COVID-19 emergency relief funds. In addition to his prison term, Zarkadas was also ordered to pay approximately $3.5 million in restitution after pleading guilty in November 2021 t…
Hudson Valley Eatery Will Close Permanently In Days Hudson Valley Eatery Will Close Permanently In Days
Hudson Valley Eatery Will Close Permanently In Days A popular Hudson Valley eatery will serve its final meal this weekend, becoming the latest business victimized by the COVID-19 pandemic. Ann Nickerson, the owner of the Kitchenette in High Falls in Ulster County announced that she would permanently be closing down the restaurant on Route 213 as of Sunday, March 30 due to the financial hit caused by the outbreak of the virus. “I have had a great run for 41 years, but the last two years have proven to be a challenge that has proven to be more than we can overcome,” she announced. “I have had the support of so many wonderful people both busine…
Food Network Show Shines New Spotlight On Hudson Valley Eatery In Return Visit By Robert Irvine Food Network Show Shines New Spotlight On Hudson Valley Eatery In Return Visit By Robert Irvine
Food Network Show Shines New Spotlight On Hudson Valley Eatery In Return Visit By Robert Irvine Celebrity chef Robert Irvine and the Food Network proved that saving one once struggling Hudson Valley dining spot in danger of closing was not “impossible.” In January 2020, Irvine and his “Restaurant Impossible” crew visited the Orange County eatery the Chianti Cow in Port Jervis in an effort to help prevent the struggling eatery from going out of business. Earlier story - TV Reality Show 'Restaurant Impossible' Spotlights Orange County Eatery During the episode, “Out With The Old, Into The New,” which initially aired on Jan. 30, 2020, Irvine's production crew, and a host of community …
Metro-North To Add Dozens Of Trains To Weekday Schedule Metro-North To Add Dozens Of Trains To Weekday Schedule
Metro-North To Add Dozens Of Trains To Weekday Schedule Sixty-six trains will be added to Metro-North's weekday schedule later this month as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority works to restore regular service to pre-pandemic levels. The new trains will be added to the schedule on Sunday, March 27, according to an announcement from the Business Council of Westchester. The business council said the addition of the trains will bring the railroad to 89 percent of its pre-pandemic service, although ridership during weekdays remains at around 50 percent of the levels before the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are seeing extremely strong ridership eas…
Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says
Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says With tax season rapidly approaching, many Americans have started filing and are now anxiously awaiting their refund check from the IRS. Despite facing a backlog and staffing issues due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans can expect their refund checks to arrive within weeks of filing their taxes, according to officials. Once filed, the IRS said that Americans can expect their refund money to arrive within 21 days, pending certain delays. The cash can also be tracked approximately 24 hours after filing through the IRS website. Where’s My Refund? According to the IRS, in 2022, …
Doctor From Westchester Charged For 'Prolific Seven-Year Fraud Scheme,' Feds Say Doctor From Westchester Charged For 'Prolific Seven-Year Fraud Scheme,' Feds Say
Doctor From Westchester Charged For 'Prolific Seven-Year Fraud Scheme,' Feds Say An eye doctor from Westchester who had practices throughout the Hudson Valley and Fairfield County who was previously charged with healthcare fraud has been sentenced for attempting to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic through loan fraud. Westchester resident Ameet Goyal, age 58, of Rye, who operated The Eye Associates Group, with practices in Rye, Mount Kisco, Wappingers Falls in Dutchess County, and Greenwich, has been sentenced to 96 months in prison for orchestrating a seven-year fraud scheme and for obtaining government loans intended for small businesses during the pandemic. In addition t…
NY Officials Call On Con Ed To Review Billing Practices After 'Extreme' Bill Increases NY Officials Call On Con Ed To Review Billing Practices After 'Extreme' Bill Increases
NY Officials Call On Con Ed To Review Billing Practices After 'Extreme' Bill Increases New York lawmakers have called on Con Edison to review its billing practices after a recent surge in energy costs.  State officials reported that the cost of natural gas this winter has increased, and some customers have seen their electric and/or natural gas bills more than double. Officials said the increases were caused by a global rise in prices due to higher energy usage this winter, increased demand internationally, and increased economic activity. The New York Public Service Commission sent a letter to Consolidated Edison CEO Timothy Cawley on Friday, Feb. 11, as…
Longtime Schools Superintendent In Westchester To Retire Longtime Schools Superintendent In Westchester To Retire
Longtime Schools Superintendent In Westchester To Retire A longtime educator in the Hudson Valley announced that he will be retiring after serving decades helping students in Westchester. Bronxville Schools Superintendent Roy Montesano announced that he will be retiring, effective as of Jan. 1, 2023 after five years at the district, prompting an extensive nationwide search for his successor. Before coming to Bronxville, Montesano also served as superintendent of the Hastings-on-Hudson School District and the Ramsey Public School District in New Jersey, where he was honored as the Superintendent of the Year there. In total, Montesano has served a…
COVID-19: Mom, Kids Accused Of Using Fake Vax Cards To Work In Westchester COVID-19: Mom, Kids Accused Of Using Fake Vax Cards To Work In Westchester
Covid-19: Mom, Kids Accused Of Using Fake Vax Cards To Work In Westchester A Dutchess County mother and her two daughters are facing charges for allegedly using fraudulent COVID-19 vaccination cards to maintain and obtain employment at a Northern Westchester nursing home, the District Attorney announced. Poughkeepsie residents Antoinette Clarke, age 48, Dzjara Clarke, age 27, and Jajvia Clarke, age 22, were arraigned on Monday, Jan. 31 in Cortlandt Town Court, where they were charged with criminal possession of a forged instrument, a felony, for attempting to dupe a Croton-on-Hudson nursing home in Northern Westchester. Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Ro…
LEGOLAND Theme Park In Hudson Valley Announces Re-Opening Date, New Experiences LEGOLAND Theme Park In Hudson Valley Announces Re-Opening Date, New Experiences
Legoland Theme Park In Hudson Valley Announces Re-Opening Date, New Experiences Everything is awesome at the Hudson Valley’s newest theme park as LEGOLAND prepares for opening day with new attractions and experiences. In Orange County, the LEGOLAND New York Resort announced that it will officially be opening for its first full season on Friday, April 8 with a host of improvements, including the debut of its new water playground. In July 2021, LEGOLAND New York opened up for the first time after years in development, representing the first major theme park in the region in more than 40 years. Earlier story - New Hudson Valley Theme Park LEGOLAND Celebrates Opening, No…
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Apologizes For Comment At Anti-Vax Rally His Wife Called 'Reprehensible' Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Apologizes For Comment At Anti-Vax Rally His Wife Called 'Reprehensible'
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Apologizes For Comment At Anti-Vax Rally His Wife Called 'Reprehensible' Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued a public apology after being blasted by critics - including his own family - for making an Anne Frank reference during an anti-vaccine and mandate rally in Washington, DC. During the event on Sunday, Jan. 23, Kennedy drew the ire of many when he implied that Anne Frank had more freedom in hiding from the Nazis than people have under the current US vaccine policies. “What we’re seeing today is what I call turnkey totalitarianism. They are putting in place all of these technological mechanisms for control we’ve never seen before,” Kennedy said. “It’s been the…
Former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Dies At Prison In Hudson Valley Former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Dies At Prison In Hudson Valley
Former State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Dies At Prison In Hudson Valley Embattled former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, once one of the state’s most powerful politicians, has reportedly died at the age of 77 in a Hudson Valley prison. A Democrat, Silver was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison in July 2021 on corruption charges and died at the Otisville Correctional Institution in Orange County on Monday, Jan. 24, officials announced. Silver, who at one point represented most of Manhattan, was found guilty of two counts of honest service wire fraud, two counts of honest services mail fraud, two counts of extortion under the color of off…
Orange Juice Prices Could Increase Amid Lower Yield, Report Says Orange Juice Prices Could Increase Amid Lower Yield, Report Says
Orange Juice Prices Could Increase Amid Lower Yield, Report Says Orange juice prices could increase as Florida orange groves are seeing a lower crop yield this season.  According to a January report from the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Statistics Board, the 2021-2022 forecast of Florida oranges is 44.5 million boxes, which is 1.5 million fewer than the December forecast. The USDA said if the forecast is realized, the final production will be 16 percent less than last year.  ABC News reported that this lower yield could lead to higher prices, adding that prices are already high due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According…