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Mental Health

CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy
CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has retained high-profile attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo, who could mount a defense centered on Mangione's mental state. Friedman Agnifilo, a former Manhattan Chief Assistant District Attorney turned criminal defense lawyer, suggested a possible strategy even before formally joining Mangione’s legal team.  “It looks to me like there might be a not guilty by reason of insanity defense that they’re going to be thinking about because the evidence is going to be so overwhelming that he did wh…
CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery
CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the whiz kid Ivy League-educated high school valedictorian accused of the execution-style murder of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare providers, may have spiraled out of control after traumatic back surgery. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione The procedure, which allegedly left Mangione in significant physical and emotional distress, may have contributed to his deteriorating mental state, a factor authorities are considering as part of their investigation. …
NY Law Expands Workers’ Comp For Job-Related Mental Health Crises NY Law Expands Workers’ Comp For Job-Related Mental Health Crises
NY Law Expands Workers’ Comp For Job-Related Mental Health Crises New York is taking a major step toward supporting mental health in the workplace. A bill signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul Friday, Dec. 6, allows employees statewide to file for workers’ compensation for specific types of mental injury caused by extraordinary work-related stress. The crucial protections were previously limited to first responders. “New Yorkers work hard — and those who have experienced the unthinkable while on the job deserve to be treated fairly,” Hochul said. “The mental health crisis our country has experienced since the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, and we need to do …
Police In Region De-escalate Suicidal Woman With Knife At Store Police In Region De-escalate Suicidal Woman With Knife At Store
Police In Region De-escalate Suicidal Woman With Knife At Store A suicidal woman with a knife was safely talked into dropping the weapon after a stand-off at a Hudson Valley store. The incident occurred at the All In One Food Mart in Dutchess County, in Beacon, on Monday, Dec. 2. According to Beacon Police Chief Thomas Figlia, officers who responded to the area of 1020 Wolcott Ave., along with a Mental Health America specialist, found the woman calm but incoherent. While they attempted to speak with her, she produced a kitchen knife from her pocket, held it to her own throat, and then slowly retreated into the grocery store as officers contin…
Police Sergeant From Region Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award Police Sergeant From Region Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award
Police Sergeant From Region Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award The National Alliance on Mental Illness has awarded a Hudson Valley police sergeant the 2024 Hero of CIT Award—New York State, recognizing his significant contributions to mental health advocacy. The Clarkstown Police Department announced that Sgt. Christopher Bax’s recent accolade underscores his dedicated efforts in mental health advocacy within the community. The department said that as a Crisis Intervention Team trainer, Bax has shown exemplary leadership and compassion, significantly impacting the lives of those affected by mental illness. "His approach extends beyond training law enf…
Hudson Valley Resident ID'd As Victim In Triple-Fatal Random NYC Stabbing Spree Hudson Valley Resident ID'd As Victim In Triple-Fatal Random NYC Stabbing Spree
Hudson Valley Resident ID'd As Victim In Triple-Fatal Random NYC Stabbing Spree Two men and a woman were killed in a random stabbing spree in Manhattan that left one other person seriously injured. A suspect, identified as Ramon Rivera, age 51, was apprehended with two kitchen knives and clothes stained in blood after the incidents happened late Monday morning, Nov. 18, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. Northern Westchester County resident Angel Lata Landi, age 36, of Peekskill, was standing in front of a construction site at 444 West 19th Street near Chelsea at around 8:20 a.m. when Rivera approached him without speaking and stabbed him in the abdome…
34-Year-Old Woman Dies After Jumping From Apartment Building Near Hudson River 34-Year-Old Woman Dies After Jumping From Apartment Building Near Hudson River
34-Year-Old Woman Dies After Jumping From Apartment Building Near Hudson River A 34-year-old woman died at a hospital after jumping from an apartment building's roof near the Hudson River in the region. The incident happened in Westchester County on Wednesday, Nov. 13, when the Brooklyn resident jumped from the roof of the Franklin Towers apartment complex at 50 White St. in Tarrytown, according to Tarrytown Police. The woman was soon rushed to Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, where she died, police said.  Her name has not been made public by police.  "Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and friends," the department wrote in a stat…
33-Year-Old Woman Murdered At Hamptons Resort Attended College In Hudson Valley 33-Year-Old Woman Murdered At Hamptons Resort Attended College In Hudson Valley
33-Year-Old Woman Murdered At Hamptons Resort Attended College In Hudson Valley A woman who was found murdered at a posh Long Island resort had connections to the Hudson Valley. Sabina Rosas, age 33, was killed at the posh Shou Sugi Ban House, located in the Hamptons hamlet of Water Mill, on Monday, Oct. 28, according to Suffolk County Police. Rosas, a Brooklyn artist who also went by the name Sabina Khorramdel, was found dead in her guest room by a staff member at around 12:30 p.m. Earlier Report: Suspect In Murder At Water Mill Spa Found Dead 200 Miles Away As Friends Mourn 'Gifted Artist' Detectives did not say how the woman died, only that she was “a victi…
Most Americans Say 2024 Election Is Damaging Their Mental Health: Study Most Americans Say 2024 Election Is Damaging Their Mental Health: Study
Most Americans Say 2024 Election Is Damaging Their Mental Health: Study Feeling a bit anxious these days? You're not alone. A total of 61 percent of Americans say that the upcoming Tuesday, Nov. 5 election has slightly, moderately, or significantly impacted their mental health, according to a brand-new poll published by Forbes Health. “I believe some people’s anxiety comes from past post-election results,” Dr. Rufus Tony Spann, a certified school psychologist and licensed professional counselor, told Forbes. “Based on the results of previous elections, some communities felt they needed to prepare for the backlash due to the results of an election.” About 2,00…
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…
TikTok 'Cultivates Addiction' For Kids, Harming Their Mental Health, NY AG’s Lawsuit Alleges TikTok 'Cultivates Addiction' For Kids, Harming Their Mental Health, NY AG’s Lawsuit Alleges
TikTok 'Cultivates Addiction' For Kids, Harming Their Mental Health, NY AG’s Lawsuit Alleges TikTok knowingly harms young users’ mental health all in an effort to turn a profit, a new multistate lawsuit alleges. New York Attorney General Letitia James was among a bipartisan coalition of 14 attorneys general who filed a lawsuit against the social media platform on Tuesday, Oct. 8, alleging fraudulent and deceptive business practices, among other offenses. According to the complaint, TikTok falsely claims its platform is safe for young people despite “addictive features” that worsen their mental health and body image issues. Those features include around-the-clock notifications lea…
Social Media Sites Should Be Forced To Display Warning Labels, NY AG Argues Social Media Sites Should Be Forced To Display Warning Labels, NY AG Argues
Social Media Sites Should Be Forced To Display Warning Labels, NY AG Argues You’ve seen them on cigarettes and alcohol – now social media accounts could come with their own warnings if New York Attorney General Letitia James gets her way. James was among a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general who sent a letter to Congress on Tuesday, Sept. 10, urging lawmakers to approve US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's request for warnings on sites like TikTok and Instagram about potential adverse mental health effects for minors. Murthy made the request in June, citing new research showing that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face an incr…
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says Authorities have released new details in the case of a New York couple who were shot to death inside their home. Long Island resident Daniel Coppola, age 50, of St. James, was arraigned on four counts of first-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Sept. 6, in the deaths of his ex-wife Kelly Coppola and her boyfriend, Kenneth Pohlman. Suffolk County Police found Mrs. Coppola, age 50, and Pohlman, age 52, dead from gunshot wounds inside their St. James residence on Brasswood Road shortly before midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Earlier Report: Accused Murderer Ranted About Pr…
Assisted Suicide Case In Region: Arizona Resident Convicted Of Manslaughter Assisted Suicide Case In Region: Arizona Resident Convicted Of Manslaughter
Assisted Suicide Case In Region: Arizona Resident Convicted Of Manslaughter An out-of-state man has been convicted of manslaughter in connection with the assisted suicide death of a woman in a Hudson Valley hotel room. Stephen Miller, age 85, of Tucson, Arizona, was sentenced to five years of probation on Tuesday, Sept. 3, in Ulster County Court in Kingston.  The conviction is in connection with the Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023, death of a woman found unresponsive by the cleaning staff at the Super 8 Motel in Kingston, said Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji. According to Nneji, the Kingston Police Department, Fire Department, and other emergency person…
IDs Released For 5 Family Members Killed In Murder-Suicide In Quiet Suburban NY Neighborhood IDs Released For 5 Family Members Killed In Murder-Suicide In Quiet Suburban NY Neighborhood
IDs Released For 5 Family Members Killed In Murder-Suicide In Quiet Suburban NY Neighborhood The identities have been released for five family members who were killed in a murder-suicide in a residential Long Island community. The incident happened just before noon on Sunday, Aug. 25 at a residence on a cul-de-sac in Syosset. Nassau County Police say officers who responded to the residence on 76 Wyoming Court for a report of shots fired discovered a man outside the home who "sustained an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound." He has now been identified as Joseph DeLucia Jr., age 59, Nassau County PD Detective Captain Steve Fitzpatrick said at a news conference late Monday morning…
Hundreds Petition For Safety Barriers At Mall In Region To Prevent Deaths By Suicide Hundreds Petition For Safety Barriers At Mall In Region To Prevent Deaths By Suicide
Hundreds Petition For Safety Barriers At Mall In Region To Prevent Deaths By Suicide Following the death of a 32-year-old woman who jumped from a high floor at a Hudson Valley mall, a petition has been started to urge the shopping center to add protective barriers to prevent such incidents. Related: Rockland Woman, 32, Jumps To Death From Upper Floor Of Palisades Center Mall In West Nyack The unidentified woman's death occurred in Rockland County around 2:45 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18, at the Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack. After the news reported the suicide, Rockland County resident Shannon Harding said something had to be done. "I started the petition as a …
Woman Tried To Set Her Mother On Fire After Dousing Capital Region Home In Gas: Police Woman Tried To Set Her Mother On Fire After Dousing Capital Region Home In Gas: Police
Woman Tried To Set Her Mother On Fire After Dousing Capital Region Home In Gas: Police A woman from the region is facing multiple felonies after police say she tried to set her mother on fire and burn down their home over the weekend.  Saratoga County resident Ashley L. Millington, age 31, of Milton, is charged with attempted arson in the second degree and arson in the third degree, the Saratoga Springs Sheriff's Office said.  A neighbor called deputies to the Paisley Road home just before midnight on Sunday, Aug. 18, for a mental health disturbance. When they arrived, they found the home doused in gasoline, authorities said.  Her mother was still in the house…
32-Year-Old Woman Jumps To Death From Upper Floor Of Mall In Region 32-Year-Old Woman Jumps To Death From Upper Floor Of Mall In Region
32-Year-Old Woman Jumps To Death From Upper Floor Of Mall In Region A woman jumped to her death from an upper floor inside a busy Hudson Valley mall. Related: Hundreds Petition For Safety Barriers At Hudson Valley Mall To Prevent Suicides The incident occurred in Rockland County around 2:45 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 18, at the Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack. According to Det. Norm Peters of the Clarkstown Police officers responded to the mall after receiving reports that someone had jumped from an interior floor. Arriving officers found the 32-year-old woman, from Rockland County, on the ground and administered CPR before she was transported to …
Alert Issued For 18-Year-Old Man Missing From Region Alert Issued For 18-Year-Old Man Missing From Region
Alert Issued For 18-Year-Old Man Missing From Region Authorities are asking for the public's help in finding a missing 18-year-old man who was last seen in Westchester.  Jasiah Jones was reported missing on Thursday, Aug. 15 after last being seen on Jackson Avenue in Yonkers on Wednesday, Aug. 14 at around 10:20 p.m., according to the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services.  Jones, who is 5-foot-5 and 150 pounds, is believed to be suicidal and may be in need of medical attention, officials said.  He is a Black man with black hair and brown eyes. Jones was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and white sneakers,…
Would-Be Bridge Jumper Saved By Police Officer In Hudson Valley Would-Be Bridge Jumper Saved By Police Officer In Hudson Valley
Would-Be Bridge Jumper Saved By Police Officer In Hudson Valley A man threatening to jump from a bridge in the region was saved by a police officer. The incident occurred in Dutchess County at the Mid-Hudson Bridge in Poughkeepsie around 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1. According to the City of Poughkeepsie Police, the troubled man had climbed over the rail of the bridge and was threatening to jump. When police arrived, they found the man was Spanish-speaking and found an officer who could speak Spanish to work with him, the department said. The department said the officer was able to utilize his crisis intervention training to build a rapport. After a per…
Greenwich Resident, Fandango Founder J. Michael Cline, 64, Was Father Of 6 Greenwich Resident, Fandango Founder J. Michael Cline, 64, Was Father Of 6
Greenwich Resident, Fandango Founder J. Michael Cline, 64, Was Father Of 6 Fairfield County resident J. Michael Cline, the founder of Fandango and other startups, who died from an apparent suicide after falling from the 20th floor of a luxury hotel in Manhattan, was a father of six. Cline, age 64, a homeowner in Greenwich, died around 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, July 16, at the Kimberly Hotel on 50th Street, said the New York City Police Department. "Upon arrival, officers found an unconscious and unresponsive male with injuries indicative of a fall from an elevated position. An investigation remains ongoing," NYPD said.  Original report: Fandango Founder Fr…
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…
Hochul Signs Bill Restricting 'Addictive' Social Media Feeds Targeting Children Hochul Signs Bill Restricting 'Addictive' Social Media Feeds Targeting Children
Hochul Signs Bill Restricting 'Addictive' Social Media Feeds Targeting Children Big changes are on the horizon for those TikTok and Instagram feeds. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed new legislation Thursday, June 20, meant to combat what lawmakers called “addictive” social media algorithms aimed at minors, the first such law in the country. Under the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) For Kids Act, social media companies will be required to display content chronologically for users under 18 unless they get parental consent allowing them to show content that is selected algorithmically instead. Content that is algorithmically curated relies on a user’s behavior and past …
Update: Construction Scammer Jumps To Death On Capital Region Highway Ahead Of Sentencing Update: Construction Scammer Jumps To Death On Capital Region Highway Ahead Of Sentencing
Update: Construction Scammer Jumps To Death On Capital Region Highway Ahead Of Sentencing This story has been updated. New details are emerging after a man jumped to his death from atop an interstate overpass in the region, shutting down the highway for over an hour. The Albany County incident happened at around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, near the I-90/I-787 interchange in Albany. Earlier Report: $138K Scam: Contractor Skips Town After Taking Albany Homeowner's Cash, Police Say New York State Police said a person jumped from the I-90 overpass onto I-787 and was pronounced dead at the scene. No vehicles were involved and there were no other reports of injuries. The d…
Update: Missing 26-Year-Old Hudson Valley Man Found Dead Update: Missing 26-Year-Old Hudson Valley Man Found Dead
Update: Missing 26-Year-Old Hudson Valley Man Found Dead A 26-year-old man from the Hudson Valley who had been missing for nearly two months has been found dead.  Putnam County resident Colin Albert Marma of Garrison, age 26, was found dead nearly two months after he was last seen on Friday, Feb. 2, according to an announcement by the Hope Alive 845 non-profit group on Thursday, March 28.  Earlier Report - Alert Issued For Missing 26-Year-Old Man From Garrison "Hope Alive 845 Team sends our love and condolences to the family who did everything humanly possible to find their son," the group said in their announcement, adding, …
Winter Blues Got You Down? These Activities May Lift Your Spirits, NY Redditors Say Winter Blues Got You Down? These Activities May Lift Your Spirits, NY Redditors Say
Winter Blues Got You Down? These Activities May Lift Your Spirits, NY Redditors Say If the shorter, darker days of winter have you singing the blues, you’re not alone. Nearly 10 million Americans experience what psychologists have dubbed seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, according to Boston University. A form of depression, SAD typically rears its head during late fall or early winter and dissipates during the sunnier days of spring and summer. Symptoms may include feeling sad most of the day, losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, and having low energy. Some sufferers also report oversleeping, overeating, and having difficulty concentrating. While the best c…
29-Year-Old From Connecticut Focus Of Netflix Documentary On His Mom's Mysterious Death On Boat 29-Year-Old From Connecticut Focus Of Netflix Documentary On His Mom's Mysterious Death On Boat
29-Year-Old From Connecticut Focus Of Netflix Documentary On His Mom's Mysterious Death On Boat A 29-year-old from Connecticut who was accused of killing his mother and grandfather is the focus of a new Netflix documentary on the mysterious deaths.  Netflix said earlier this month the documentary will explore the mysteries surrounding Middlesex County native Nathan Carman, of Middletown, who was accused of killing his mother Linda Carman while on a fishing trip in 2016, and his grandfather, John Chakalos. three years earlier in 2013. Carman, who died while in police custody last year, allegedly killed his mother while fishing off the coast of Rhode Island on the family boat.…
Westchester Students Among 300 Semifinalists Nationwide In Prestigious Regeneron Competition Westchester Students Among 300 Semifinalists Nationwide In Prestigious Regeneron Competition
Westchester Students Among 300 Semifinalists Nationwide In Prestigious Regeneron Competition Dozens of students from New York have been named semifinalists in the country’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. The Society for Science announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search for 2024 on Wednesday, Jan. 10. Participants were whittled down from 2,162 applicants from 712 high schools across 46 states, Puerto Rico, and 10 other countries. Students were chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, and community involvement, as well as a commitment to academics and creativity in asking scientific …
Brand-New Hudson Valley County Executive Sworn In During Season's First Major Winter Storm Brand-New Hudson Valley County Executive Sworn In During Season's First Major Winter Storm
Brand-New Hudson Valley County Executive Sworn In During Season's First Major Winter Storm Despite the region’s first major storm of the winter season dropping more than a foot of snow in parts of the Hudson Valley, more than 350 guests attended the swearing-in of a new county executive. The swearing-in event for Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino was held on Sunday, Jan. 7 at Dutchess Community College’s Aviation Education Center at Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Wappinger.  “I am so honored and humbled to be with you all as I take my ceremonial Oath of Office for this position," Serino said. "As I get to work for Dutchess County, I want to thank each and every on…
Stabbed 65 Times: Capital Region Man Murdered 21-Year-Old In 'Fit Of Rage,' Jury Finds Stabbed 65 Times: Capital Region Man Murdered 21-Year-Old In 'Fit Of Rage,' Jury Finds
Stabbed 65 Times: Capital Region Man Murdered 21-Year-Old In 'Fit Of Rage,' Jury Finds A jury has found a 24-year-old man guilty of stabbing his friend to death during an altercation at a home in the region. Jaquan Morrison, of Schenectady, was convicted of murder in Schenectady County Court on Friday, Dec. 8, in the killing of 21-year-old Dwayne Harris. Prosecutors said Harris allowed Morrison to stay at a Schenectady home, located on Maple Avenue, that he shared with several roommates in April 2022. However, on the morning of April 12, Morrison got into an altercation with one of the other roommates and everyone demanded that he leave the home. Several hours later, Harris…
COVID-19: Pandemic Has Caused 'Collective Trauma' Among US Adults, New Poll Reveals COVID-19: Pandemic Has Caused 'Collective Trauma' Among US Adults, New Poll Reveals
Covid-19: Pandemic Has Caused 'Collective Trauma' Among US Adults, New Poll Reveals Adult Americans are still experiencing "collective trauma" nearly four years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a brand-new poll. The long-term stress sustained since the outbreak began has had a significant impact on well-being, evidenced by a significant increase in reported mental health conditions and chronic illnesses, according to the results of the nationwide survey conducted by The Harris Poll for the American Psychological Association (APA) among more than 3,000 US adults age 18 and older. Those ages 35 to 44 reported the most significant increase in chroni…