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News
New Update: Accused Killer Of 15-Year-Old Boy From Region In US Illegally, ICE Says New Update: Accused Killer Of 15-Year-Old Boy From Region In US Illegally, ICE Says
New Update: Accused Killer Of 15-Year-Old Boy From Region In US Illegally, ICE Says A 40-year-old man who allegedly shot his girlfriend and her two children in Northern Westchester and then led authorities on a 12-hour manhunt is in the United States illegally and has had past encounters with Border Patrol, officials said. Fernando Andres Jimenez Meza, who allegedly shot and killed 15-year-old Michael Raimondi and injured his mother and brother during an incident in the Baldwin Place section of Somers on Monday, Oct. 28, is an unlawfully present citizen of Chile, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson said on Friday, Nov. 1. He entere…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Barstool Sports Lending Support To Family Of Teacher From Region Killed In Murder-Suicide Barstool Sports Lending Support To Family Of Teacher From Region Killed In Murder-Suicide
Barstool Sports Lending Support To Family Of Teacher From Region Killed In Murder-Suicide Following a horrific murder-suicide that left a beloved Westchester teacher and mom dead, community members and media company Barstool Sports are coming to the aid of her three children.  The outpouring of support follows the death of Eastchester Union Free School District teacher Arlene O’Neill, age 47, who was killed in a shooting at her Yonkers home on Chittenden Avenue on Wednesday morning, Oct. 16.  According to police, O’Neill, a fifth-grade teacher at the Anne Hutchinson School, was fatally shot by her husband, retired New York City Police Department officer…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key To What Party Controls House Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key To What Party Controls House
Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key To What Party Controls House As Election Day draws closer, political pundits are closely watching three New York congressional races that could determine which party controls the House next year. Freshmen Republican Reps. Mike Lawler, Marc Molinaro, and Anthony D’Esposito – supporters of former President Donald Trump in districts won by President Joe Biden in 2020 – are all hoping for repeat wins in November. Here’s a closer look at their races. Mondaire Jones (left) and Rep. Mike Lawler. Campaign Facebook Pages 17th District: Lawler vs. Jones Lawler, whose 17th District represents all of Rockland and Pu…

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by Michael Mashburn
Schools
NY Well-Represented In Brand-New Best High School Rankings NY Well-Represented In Brand-New Best High School Rankings
NY Well-Represented In Brand-New Best High School Rankings New York is well-represented in brand-new rankings of the best high schools in New York. The first four in Niche's 2025 selections are all from New York City: Stuyvesant in Manhattan, the Bronx High School of Science, Staten Island Technical High School, and Townsend Harris High School in Queens. Checking in at No. 5 and the first Westchester County selection is Scarsdale High School. The first Long Island school picked is No. 7 Half Hollow Hills West in Dix Hills. Long Island schools also make up spots 10 through 13: They are Jericho, Syosset, and Great Neck South high schools. Four mor…

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by Joe Lombardi
Obituaries
Memorial Set For Student Killed In Sullivan County Crash That Injured 3 Others Memorial Set For Student Killed In Sullivan County Crash That Injured 3 Others
Memorial Set For Student Killed In Sullivan County Crash That Injured 3 Others A teen who died in a single-vehicle Hudson Valley crash is being remembered for having an "Old Soul" and being a modern-day Renaissance man. Related Story: Minisink Valley Community Rallies To Support Family Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Crash Orange County resident Jack Braun of Slate Hill, a hamlet of Wawayanda, died in Sullivan County around 1:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 22, on Route 17 West in Mamakating in a single-vehicle crash. According to his obituary, Braun, a student at Minisink Valley High School, was born an ‘old soul' and was passionate about history, film, and music.  His…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student Returned To High School In Region After Retirement Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student Returned To High School In Region After Retirement
Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student Returned To High School In Region After Retirement A former teacher accused of taking a student behind a high school auditorium curtain in Westchester and kissing them returned to the district in a partial capacity for a year after announcing his retirement, officials said.  Hartsdale resident Michael Rubino, who taught music with Hastings Public Schools for over 20 years, was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 11 on charges connected to his alleged unwanted touching and kissing of an underage student at Hastings High School, according to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.  Earlier Report - Former Teacher…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Former Teacher Accused Of Touching, Kissing Student At High School In Westchester Former Teacher Accused Of Touching, Kissing Student At High School In Westchester
Former Teacher Accused Of Touching, Kissing Student At High School In Westchester A retired music teacher of more than two decades faces criminal charges after allegedly taking a student behind a high school auditorium curtain in Westchester and kissing them, officials announced. New, updated report - Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student Returned To Westchester HS After Retirement Announcement Hartsdale resident Michael Rubino, age 63, was arrested in connection with an incident at Hastings High School in June involving the unwanted touching and kissing of an underage student, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Accordi…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY
New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY There will soon be a student on every school board in New York.A new law requiring all state boards of education to have at least one student member will take effect on July 1, 2025. The students will attend public meetings, but not executive sessions, and won't be allowed to vote. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill on Thursday, Sept. 5. It will also remove the current law requirement that a student member seat be authorized by referendum of the voters of the district.  The bill would also remove the requirement that a student member be a senior at the school and instead require only …

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by Joe Lombardi
Schools
Students' Cell Phones Will Be Locked Up At This Middle School In Region Students' Cell Phones Will Be Locked Up At This Middle School In Region
Students' Cell Phones Will Be Locked Up At This Middle School In Region A funny thing happened at a Hudson Valley high school last year when students were required to lock up their cell phones during the day—it worked, and now the middle school is joining the club.  Poughkeepsie Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Rosser said the Yondr pouch program was launched in Dutchess County at Poughkeepsie High School in April.  Rosser wrote in his school newsletter that the program has changed its culture and improved attendance and engagement since its inception. This fall, district officials are expanding the program to Poughkeepsie Middle School. “The su…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
School Worker Accused Of Abusing Student In Region School Worker Accused Of Abusing Student In Region
School Worker Accused Of Abusing Student In Region An employee at a school in Northern Westchester County has been accused of abusing a student. New York State Police from the Somers barracks announced on Monday night, Aug. 19, that the alleged incident occurred earlier this month at the Westchester Exceptional Children's School in North Salem. Following the report of abuse by the victim’s mother on Friday, Aug. 2, an investigation determined Carmen M. Santiago Osorio, age 60, of New Rochelle, kicked a child under the age of 13 years old.  She was charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled perso…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Donald Trump Paints America In Collapse In Elon Musk X Interview Plagued By Tech Glitches Donald Trump Paints America In Collapse In Elon Musk X Interview Plagued By Tech Glitches
Donald Trump Paints America In Collapse In Elon Musk X Interview Plagued By Tech Glitches In an at-times rambling conversation plagued by tech glitches that jumped from fawning praise to forced questions, former President Donald Trump laid out his clearest thesis for his campaign: Vote Trump to preserve American supremacy around the globe and avoid a World War.  The conversation began about the assassination attempt on Trump's life. Musk said he was stunned at how close Trump was to losing his life. The former president said even his doctors couldn't believe his luck.  The former president said it was most likely divine intervention that saved his life. https://t.c…

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by Josh Lanier
Schools
School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War
School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War Elected officials and community members are calling for a Hudson Valley school board member to step down following alleged antisemitic remarks made at a board meeting.  The outrage was prompted following a school board meeting in Putnam County on Tuesday, July 9, when Carmel Central School District Trustee Jim Wise allegedly controversy within the town over a comment on the Israel-Hamas war. The statement in question, "From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free," was defended by Wise in a post on social media on Wednesday, Aug. 7.  "I also reject absolutely the idea that …

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Pair Of New Principals Named At School District In Hudson Valley Pair Of New Principals Named At School District In Hudson Valley
Pair Of New Principals Named At School District In Hudson Valley Two new principals will soon take the lead at two Hudson Valley schools. In an announcement on Thursday, July 25, the Carmel Central School District in Putnam County revealed that new principals were hired for both Kent Primary School and Kent Elementary School.  Vincent Fino, the former Assistant Principal at Carmel High School, will take over at Kent Primary School. He replaces Dan Brown, who retired at the end of the 2023-24 school year, the district said. Meanwhile, John Fratto will be the next principal at Kent Elementary School and replace Michael Setaro, who will begin a new ro…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
'Deeply Grateful': Support Swells For Family Of Capital Region Principal Killed In Crash 'Deeply Grateful': Support Swells For Family Of Capital Region Principal Killed In Crash
'Deeply Grateful': Support Swells For Family Of Capital Region Principal Killed In Crash The community is rallying around the family of a beloved elementary school principal in the region who was killed in a car crash. Saratoga County resident Nicholas Criscone, age 50, of Charlton, died Saturday, July 20, when his vehicle went off Stage Road in Charlton, struck a tree, and caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to New York State Police. Earlier Report: Scotia Elementary Principal Nicholas Criscone Dies In Crash News of Criscone’s death sent shock and sadness through the halls of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District in Schenectady County, w…

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by Michael Mashburn
Schools
Beloved Principal ID'd As Victim Killed In Capital Region Crash: 'He Was The Heart And Soul' Beloved Principal ID'd As Victim Killed In Capital Region Crash: 'He Was The Heart And Soul'
Beloved Principal ID'd As Victim Killed In Capital Region Crash: 'He Was The Heart And Soul' Students and colleagues are mourning the sudden loss of a beloved elementary school principal following his death in a car crash. The Saratoga County wreck happened at around 5:30 a.m. Saturday, July 20, in the town of Charlton on State Road. New York State Police said Nicholas Criscone, age 50, of Charlton, was driving southbound on Stage Road when his vehicle left the roadway, struck a tree, and caught on fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Criscone’s death was further confirmed by the Scotia-Glenville Central School District in Schenectady County, where he was the principal of G…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Free Pool Access For Summer: Hochul Launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign At NY Parks Free Pool Access For Summer: Hochul Launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign At NY Parks
Free Pool Access For Summer: Hochul Launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign At NY Parks As part of an initiative to promote physical and mental health among young New Yorkers, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that pool entry fees will be waived at state parks this summer. “Summer is here – get offline and get outside.” On Tuesday, July 2, Hochul announced that for the rest of the summer, there will be no entry fees at New York State Parks pools. It’s part of the “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign, which encourages young people and families to prioritize their mental and physical health by taking a break from social media to enjoy recreation and social gatherings outdoors. Poo…

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by Sophie Grieser
Real Estate
Fox News Star Sean Hannity Sells New York Home For Just Under $13 Million Fox News Star Sean Hannity Sells New York Home For Just Under $13 Million
Fox News Star Sean Hannity Sells New York Home For Just Under $13 Million After just a week on the market, news anchor Sean Hannity sold his 10,600-square-foot waterfront estate. The estate, located in the town of Oyster Bay village of Centre Island, was listed for $13.75 million but sold at $12.7 million. Sold by Nest Seekers International’s Shawn Elliott after a bidding war, the buyer (who has not been named) received not only the seven-bedroom, nine-bath house but all the furniture as well, according to the Wall Street Journal and a representative for Elliott. Earlier Report: Fox News' Sean Hannity Lists Oyster Bay Home For $13.7M The estate boasts …

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by Sophie Grieser
News
Westchester Eighth-Grade Student Dies Suddenly In Fall From Parking Garage: 'Amazing Young Man' Westchester Eighth-Grade Student Dies Suddenly In Fall From Parking Garage: 'Amazing Young Man'
Westchester Eighth-Grade Student Dies Suddenly In Fall From Parking Garage: 'Amazing Young Man' A beloved middle school student from Westchester who had already met plenty of success as a wrestler is being remembered by his community following his sudden death.  New, updated report - Update: Services Set For 13-Year-Old Star Athlete From Harrison Killed In 5-Story Fall Mark Anthony Giordano, a 13-year-old eighth-grade student at Harrison's Louis M. Klein Middle School, was killed after falling from the parking garage on Sunday evening, June 9 next to the Harrison Metro-North train station, according to MTA officials and Harrison Central School District Superintendent Lo…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Hudson Valley School To Close For Year Hudson Valley School To Close For Year
Hudson Valley School To Close For Year Delays from the state Department of Education have forced a Hudson Valley school district to close an elementary school for a year. The school, Fort Montgomery Elementary School, is located in Orange County. According to Superintendent of Schools Michael McElduff, the district submitted all required documentation for the extensive project review to the State Education Department.  On Thursday, May 30, the district had not heard back from the state on the proposed improvement and much-needed upgrades for the school. "The district has been proactive in communicating with SED and h…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Superintendent, Security Specialist Stole From Westchester School District: DA Superintendent, Security Specialist Stole From Westchester School District: DA
Superintendent, Security Specialist Stole From Westchester School District: DA A former superintendent and security system specialist face corruption charges after allegedly stealing thousands from the Westchester school district they served and using the funds to buy luxury items for themselves, officials announced. Former Greenburgh-Graham Union Free School District Superintendent Oliver Levy, age 55, and the district's former security specialist, Surendra Kumar, age 47, were both arrested and arraigned on Thursday, May 30 in connection with the scheme, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli ann…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
New Details: District Employee Punched Capital Region Assistant Superintendent, Police Say New Details: District Employee Punched Capital Region Assistant Superintendent, Police Say
New Details: District Employee Punched Capital Region Assistant Superintendent, Police Say This story has been updated. An assistant school superintendent in the region is abruptly resigning after claiming that a colleague physically assaulted him on school grounds. In Albany County, Cohoes Police responded to Page Avenue Elementary School for a reported assault at around 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16. According to the incident report obtained by Daily Voice, Cohoes City School District Assistant Superintendent Daniel Martinelli told officers that he got into a heated argument with James Stapleton, the district's facilities director. As the argument escalated, Staple…

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by Michael Mashburn