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Education

News
Former Teacher Accused Of Touching, Kissing Student At High School In Region Former Teacher Accused Of Touching, Kissing Student At High School In Region
Former Teacher Accused Of Touching, Kissing Student At High School In Region 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. 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. According to the DA's Office, at around 10:15 a.m. on Monday, June 10, Rubino, who taught music with Hastings public schoo…

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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
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
Schools
US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor
US Presidential Scholars: 6 NY High School Seniors Awarded Top Honor These students have a date with the president. Six graduating seniors from New York were among just 161 high school students across the country to be selected as a US Presidential Scholar, one of the nation’s highest honors for students. Established in 1964, the award recognizes distinguished seniors who have shown exceptional accomplishments in areas like academics, leadership, and service to their school and communities. The program was later expanded to include students in the visual, creative, and performing arts, and in career and technical education fields. In the Empire State, the…

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by Michael Mashburn
Schools
16-Year-Old Sets Fire To School In Capital Region, Police Say 16-Year-Old Sets Fire To School In Capital Region, Police Say
16-Year-Old Sets Fire To School In Capital Region, Police Say Classes were in session when a 16-year-old allegedly set fire to a high school in the region. The Albany County incident happened Tuesday, April 23, at Bethlehem High School. According to Bethlehem Police, the juvenile suspect intentionally started a fire in a school bathroom in the C wing.  No students or staff were injured, but the incident forced an evacuation of the building that lasted nearly an hour. The alleged culprit is a student at the school, according to Superintendent Jody Monroe, who said the district is cooperating with police and is conducting its own investigation. …

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by Michael Mashburn
News
New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why
New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why New York continues to rank among the top 25 best states in the country. The Empire State came in at No. 23 – down slightly from No. 20 last year – on the 2024 Best States list by U.S. News & World Report, released Tuesday, May 7. Rankings were determined using 71 metrics across eight categories, including fiscal stability, infrastructure, education, health care, and the economy. Data was pulled from national surveys taken by nearly 70,000 people. New York made the top 10 for natural environment and health care, coming in at No. 5 and No. 8, respectively, while placing No. 12 in educat…

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by Michael Mashburn
Schools
School Superintendent In Hudson Valley Accepts Post In Nearby District School Superintendent In Hudson Valley Accepts Post In Nearby District
School Superintendent In Hudson Valley Accepts Post In Nearby District After six years, a Hudson Valley superintendent has announced his upcoming move to a nearby district to remain closer to his family. Superintendent Phil Benante of Putnam County's Haldane Central School District announced on Tuesday, April 30 that he was appointed head of the Arlington Central School District in Dutchess County, according to a letter written to the district community.  In his letter, Benante wrote that he chose to move to the Arlington district because it would allow him to work closer to his family.  The Arlington district includes parts of Beekman, La Gran…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Best High Schools: Westchester Well-Represented In Brand-New Rankings Best High Schools: Westchester Well-Represented In Brand-New Rankings
Best High Schools: Westchester Well-Represented In Brand-New Rankings New York is well-represented on U.S. News & World Report's latest rankings of the nation's best high schools. The brand-new rankings were released Tuesday morning, April 23, and determined by performance on state-required tests, graduation, and how well they prepare students for college. The highest-ranked school outside New York City is on Long Island: Jericho, at No. 13 statewide and 104th nationally. The top-rated high school in Westchester County is Edgemont at No. 14 in the state and 128th in the nation, with Bronxville, at No. 16 in the state and 151st nationally. Another W…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Poll Shows Tight Race In Special Election For George Santos Congressional Seat Poll Shows Tight Race In Special Election For George Santos Congressional Seat
Poll Shows Tight Race In Special Election For George Santos Congressional Seat New polling is showing a tight race ahead of New York’s special election to fill George Santos’ vacant House seat. An Emerson College/PIX11 poll of 3rd District voters released Thursday, Jan. 18, shows Democrat Tom Suozzi narrowly leading Republican Mazi Pilip 45 percent to 42 percent. Five percent of voters want someone else for the job while nine percent are still undecided, the poll found. Earlier Report: Election Date Set To Fill George Santos' Vacant House Seat The 3rd District seat – which represents parts of Nassau County and Queens – has sat vacant since Santos was ousted i…

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by Michael Mashburn
Obituaries
‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Capital Region Dies At Age 33 ‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Capital Region Dies At Age 33
‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Capital Region Dies At Age 33 Tributes are pouring in for a beloved New York Army National Guard member from the region following her untimely death. Heather St. Pierre, formerly of Troy in Rensselaer County, died at her Cambridge home in Washington County on Thursday, Jan. 11 at the age of 33, according to her obituary. A cause of death was not given. Born in Albany, St. Pierre graduated from Hoosic Valley Central School in 2008, where she holds school records in pole vaulting and track. She later obtained a criminal justice degree from Bryant & Stratton College. St. Pierre was a member of the Military Poli…

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by Michael Mashburn
Schools
School Opens World's First 'Hologram Studio' For Education In Westchester School Opens World's First 'Hologram Studio' For Education In Westchester
School Opens World's First 'Hologram Studio' For Education In Westchester A film school in Westchester is making history by opening the first-ever "hologram studio" for educational purposes, officials announced.  The grand opening for the world's first-ever hologram studio for youth and education was held on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at the S.I.C. Film School located at 1 Larkin Pl., Yonkers city officials announced.  According to the school, the studio is the first to be made specifically for educational purposes and is part of the institution's focus on using virtual reality and the metaverse in arts education.  Students will be able to use the studio to…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Nelson Mandela's Grandson Visits Schools In Westchester, Encourages Students To Serve Community Nelson Mandela's Grandson Visits Schools In Westchester, Encourages Students To Serve Community
Nelson Mandela's Grandson Visits Schools In Westchester, Encourages Students To Serve Community Students at two Westchester schools were treated to a visit from the grandson of famed activist and politician Nelson Mandela, who encouraged them to take some time to give back to their communities and stand up for others.  Ndaba Mandela, the grandson of former South African President Nelson Mandela, visited the Nelson Mandela/Dr. Hosea Zollicoffer School and Mount Vernon High School on Tuesday, Nov. 21, Mount Vernon City School District officials announced. During his visits to the schools, Mandela discussed his grandfather's legacy and his activism efforts and also participated…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
This Westchester School District Among Top 13 In Nation, According To New Rankings This Westchester School District Among Top 13 In Nation, According To New Rankings
This Westchester School District Among Top 13 In Nation, According To New Rankings Several school districts in the region rank among the best in the nation in brand-new rankings. TeachSimple analyzed reviews and ratings of each US school district and ranked them from highest to lowest, with 1 being the lowest, and 5 being the highest.  The scores are based on reviews from parents and students, statistics from the US Department of Education, and user-submitted information from schools.  The two top-ranked districts in New York and Connecticut are both in Nassau County on Long Island: No. 3 Roslyn Union Free SD has a high proficiency in both reading and math. T…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Hochul Signs Controversial ‘Clean Slate’ Law Sealing Most Criminal Convictions Hochul Signs Controversial ‘Clean Slate’ Law Sealing Most Criminal Convictions
Hochul Signs Controversial ‘Clean Slate’ Law Sealing Most Criminal Convictions Millions of New Yorkers will soon have their criminal convictions sealed under new legislation meant to better help them find jobs and housing. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the “Clean Slate Act” into law during a ceremony in Brooklyn on Thursday, Nov. 16. Under the new law, those with misdemeanor convictions will have their records sealed three years after their release from incarceration, while felony convictions will be sealed after eight years. Earlier Report: Suffolk County DA Accuses Lawmakers Of 'Protecting Criminals' With Proposed 'Clean Slate' Bill Class A felonies, which include m…

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by Michael Mashburn
Schools
New Superintendent Tapped At Northern Westchester School District New Superintendent Tapped At Northern Westchester School District
New Superintendent Tapped At Northern Westchester School District After a thorough search process, a Northern Westchester school district has selected a new superintendent who comes from a school system close to home.  The Hendrick Hudson School District has named Michael A. Tromblee as its new superintendent of schools, who will be appointed to his new position during a Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. in the Hendrick Hudson High School library.  Tromblee, who will officially begin his new role on Friday, Dec. 1, will come from the nearby Mahopac Central School District, where he has served as Assistant Sup…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Best High Schools: NY Well-Represented In Brand-New U.S. News Rankings Best High Schools: NY Well-Represented In Brand-New U.S. News Rankings
Best High Schools: NY Well-Represented In Brand-New U.S. News Rankings Led by a strong showing downstate, New York is well-represented on U.S. News & World Report's brand-new rankings of the nation's best high schools. The rankings were released on Tuesday, Aug. 29. Top-ranked in the Empire State is the High School Math Science and Engineering at CCNY, with a 100-percent graduation rate and college readiness rating of 98.9, placing it at the No. 22 spot nationally. The top five-ranked Long Island high schools are: Jericho High School (13th in NY, 104th nationally) Garden City High School (21st in the state, 199th nationally) Great Neck South H…

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by Joe Lombardi
Schools
These Westchester School Districts Among Top 10 In America For Best Teachers, Report Says These Westchester School Districts Among Top 10 In America For Best Teachers, Report Says
These Westchester School Districts Among Top 10 In America For Best Teachers, Report Says They’re arguably the most crucial component of any student’s academic career - the unsung heroes in our society - and some of the very best teachers in the country can be found right here in New York, according to a new report. Seven school districts in the state made the top 20 on Niche’s 2023 “Districts with the best teachers in America” report. The community and school ranking website looks at a number of key areas, such as academics, diversity, college prep, and sports, and assigns each category a letter grade. The following New York school districts were given an A+ in the “teachers” …

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by Michael Mashburn
Schools
Legacy At Stake: Harvard Admissions Perk Under Federal Review, Reports Say Legacy At Stake: Harvard Admissions Perk Under Federal Review, Reports Say
Legacy At Stake: Harvard Admissions Perk Under Federal Review, Reports Say Harvard University is under federal scrutiny for its preferential treatment of donor and legacy candidates, reports say.  The US Department of Education announced this week it had opened an investigation into the prestigious Massachusetts university's admissions practices for undergraduate applicants, according to Harvard's newspaper, the Crimson.    Related: End Of 'Legacy': Wesleyan University Halts Admissions Perk The investigation will seek to determine if the legacy or donor admissions discriminate on the basis of race, the Crimson reported. If so, the university m…

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by Morgan Gonzales
Schools
School District In Hudson Valley Names HS Alum As New Superintendent School District In Hudson Valley Names HS Alum As New Superintendent
School District In Hudson Valley Names HS Alum As New Superintendent A new school superintendent has been named to take over a Hudson Vally school district after the former leader resigned. Dr. Daniel Erceg was unanimously approved to take the helm of the Saugerties Central School District in Ulster County at a special Board of Education meeting held on Tuesday, June 27.  A Saugerties resident, Erceg graduated from Saugerties High School in 2002, officials said. "We are confident that Dr. Erceg's experience, expertise, and vision will greatly contribute to the success and growth of our schools," said Board President Robert Thomann. Erceg is …

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by Kathy Reakes
Lifestyle
This Westchester Community Ranks Ninth Nationally Among Best Places For Families, Fortune Says This Westchester Community Ranks Ninth Nationally Among Best Places For Families, Fortune Says
This Westchester Community Ranks Ninth Nationally Among Best Places For Families, Fortune Says Of all the towns in New York State, this community was decided the best for families and one of the best in the country. In Fortune Magazine's 2023 “50 Best Places to Live for Families” ranking, the Westchester County town of Greenburgh came in at No. 9, beating out dozens of other municipalities around the country, and ranking as best in the Empire State. What makes Greenburgh one of the best in the nation, Fortune claims, includes its proximity to New York City while still delivering a “small-town charm in a leafy landscape of rolling hills.” With historic residences to visit, outdoor r…

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by Sophie Grieser