NY's Drew Barrymore Brings 'Wicked' Star Ariana Grande To Tears With Magical Surprise NY's Drew Barrymore Brings 'Wicked' Star Ariana Grande To Tears With Magical Surprise
NY's Drew Barrymore Brings 'Wicked' Star Ariana Grande To Tears With Magical Surprise Ariana Grande was over the rainbow with joy following an on-set surprise by Drew Barrymore. The pop icon, who’s currently dazzling moviegoers with her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch in the box office smash hit “Wicked,” was brought to tears during an appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show” set to air Thursday, Dec. 5. “I have something that’s extremely exciting and special. It’s actually, it was owned by the Smithsonian and now it’s owned in private hands,” the 49-year-old Barrymore teased Grande. “But for the purposes of our sit-down, they loaned it to us.” Grande then gasped as Bar…
Man, GF Learn Fate For Grisly Murder Of His 85-Year-Old Grandfather In Hudson Valley Man, GF Learn Fate For Grisly Murder Of His 85-Year-Old Grandfather In Hudson Valley
Man, GF Learn Fate For Grisly Murder Of His 85-Year-Old Grandfather In Hudson Valley A Rockland County man and his girlfriend have been sentenced for their roles in killing his 85-year-old grandfather, stealing his belongings and hiding his body in 2023, authorities said. Constantinos Doonan, 32, also known as “Dino,” and Jo-Ann Haughey, 28, both of New City, were convicted in the January 2023 killing of Constantinos Mastakouris at his home on Ruth Drive in New City, Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said. On Tuesday, Dec. 3, authorities announced that Doonan was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison while Haughey received 15 years for ma…
Jury Deliberating Fate Of Ex-Marine, NY Resident Accused In Street Artist's Death On Subway Jury Deliberating Fate Of Ex-Marine, NY Resident Accused In Street Artist's Death On Subway
Jury Deliberating Fate Of Ex-Marine, NY Resident Accused In Street Artist's Death On Subway Jury deliberations are underway in the case of a New York Marine Corps veteran accused of choking a street artist to death aboard a Manhattan subway. The anonymous jury began weighing manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges against Daniel Penny just after 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, in the death of Jordan Neely. Jurors concluded their deliberations Tuesday evening, and will be back in court to resume on Wednesday morning, Dec. 4. Bystander video allegedly showed the 26-year-old Penny, a Long Island resident from West Islip, placing the 30-year-old Neely in a chokehold aboard a t…
Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released In Wake Of NY Native's Death Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released In Wake Of NY Native's Death
Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released In Wake Of NY Native's Death President-elect Donald Trump vowed swift vengeance if the hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israel aren’t released soon. In a post on Truth Social Monday, Dec. 2, Trump said there would be “ALL HELL TO PAY” in the Middle East for those behind that Oct. 7, 2023 attack unless all hostages were released before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. “Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it’s all talk, and no action!” Trump said. “Please let this TRUTH serve to represent th…
Time Running Out For New Yorkers To Meet Crucial REAL ID Deadline Time Running Out For New Yorkers To Meet Crucial REAL ID Deadline
Time Running Out For New Yorkers To Meet Crucial Real ID Deadline Time is winding down for New Yorkers to get their federally compliant REAL ID or Enhanced ID/driver's license ahead of a crucial deadline. Starting Wednesday, May 7, 2025, standard driver’s licenses or non-driver IDs will no longer be accepted for boarding domestic flights or entering certain federal facilities.  To comply with new federal regulations, residents must obtain a REAL ID or Enhanced ID, both of which are available at the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices. A REAL ID, which meets the federal standard, can be used for domestic flights and accessing fe…
Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs
Congestion Pricing Plan Set To Start In NYC: Here's When, Where, What It Costs Driving into New York City and heading south of midtown Manhattan? You'll be paying for it. New York City’s congestion pricing plan, set to begin on Friday, Jan. 5, aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and fund crucial public transit upgrades.  Vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street will incur a toll, with rates starting at $9 per day. The Federal Highway Administration approved the program last month. However, lawsuits could potentially stop the planned rollout. The toll is aimed at reducing gridlock and enhancing traffic flow in the Central Business Distr…
Israeli-American Citizen From NY, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Killed In Oct. 7 Attack Israeli-American Citizen From NY, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Killed In Oct. 7 Attack
Israeli-American Citizen From NY, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Killed In Oct. 7 Attack More than a year of agonizing uncertainty has come to a tragic end for the family of a New York native thought to have been taken hostage during the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Omer Neutra, from Long Island’s Plainview, was killed during the attacks that claimed the lives of another 1,200 men, women, and children, the Israeli government confirmed Monday, Dec. 2. The 21-year-old moved to Israel when he was 18 to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during a gap year, his parents Orna and Ronen said in a video shared by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). …
Boy Dies After Losing Consciousness During Hockey Game In NY Boy Dies After Losing Consciousness During Hockey Game In NY
Boy Dies After Losing Consciousness During Hockey Game In NY A teenager died after losing consciousness on the ice at a Long Island skating center, according to police. Click here for a new, updated story - ID Released For Massapequa HS Senior Who Died During Hockey Game In Bethpage The incident occurred around 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at the Town of Oyster Bay Skating Center on Stewart Avenue in Bethpage, Nassau County Police said.  The 17-year-old boy collapsed during an intermission of a hockey game, prompting bystanders to begin CPR. Nassau County Police medics and officers arrived shortly after and continued attempted-life-saving …
21-Year-Old From Region Scheduled To Be Released From Prison Now Held On Rape Charge 21-Year-Old From Region Scheduled To Be Released From Prison Now Held On Rape Charge
21-Year-Old From Region Scheduled To Be Released From Prison Now Held On Rape Charge A man from the region who was due to be released from prison on an unrelated charge is now being held after being accused of raping a young girl. In early September, the Ulster County Sheriff's Office Corrections Intelligence Unit discovered that an incarcerated man at the Ulster County Jail had been electronically communicating with a 14-year-old girl who did not appear to have a familial connection to him.  The individual was quickly identified as Ronald L. Burris III, age 21, of Saugerties, who was an inmate in the jail on an unrelated charge at the time of disco…
NY's Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues NY's Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues
NY's Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues Actor Alec Baldwin – no stranger to controversy – is once again drawing the internet’s ire after recent comments on Americans’ intelligence. The 66-year-old New York native is facing backlash after suggesting that US citizens are ignorant about important world events and that watching films is the remedy to bridge the information gap. “Americans are very uninformed about reality, what’s really going on – with climate change, Ukraine, Israel, you name it, all the biggest topics in the world. Americans have an appetite for a little bit of information,” the Beetlejuice star told reporters at a…
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says
Rare Bird Flu Case Confirmed In Child, CDC Says A rare case of avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in a child in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The child, who is a resident of California, experienced only mild symptoms and is now recovering. The case, detected through routine flu testing, revealed low levels of the virus in the initial sample, and follow-up tests were negative for bird flu, but positive for other common respiratory viruses.  The CDC is working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to determine how the child might hav…
Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik Among Trump Admin Picks From NY Targeted With Bomb Threats Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik Among Trump Admin Picks From NY Targeted With Bomb Threats
Lee Zeldin, Elise Stefanik Among Trump Admin Picks From NY Targeted With Bomb Threats Several New York politicians received bomb threats as part of a widespread attack targeting President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet picks and administrative appointees. The attacks, which ranged from bomb threats to prank “swatting” calls meant to dispatch a large number of armed police officers to a target’s residence, were made Tuesday night, Nov. 26, and Wednesday morning, Nov. 27. “Last night and this morning, several of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet nominees and administration appointees were targeted in violent, un-America threats to their lives and those who live with them,” said K…
Dating App Message With Child Porn Leads To Conviction Of Former Area Resident Dating App Message With Child Porn Leads To Conviction Of Former Area Resident
Dating App Message With Child Porn Leads To Conviction Of Former Area Resident A former resident in the region is facing years behind bars after admitting to sending child pornography on a dating app. Tyreik Blackmon, age 30, formerly of Schenectady, pleaded guilty to child sex crimes in Schenectady County Court on Tuesday, Nov. 26. Prosecutors said Blackmon, who also goes by “Elise,” admitted to sending a sexually explicit video and photo of a child to another person via an online dating app in November 2023. Investigators got involved after a good Samaritan contacted law enforcement saying he had met another user of the dating app who, during a conversation about …
Teen Accused Of Selling Fentanyl On Main Street In Region Teen Accused Of Selling Fentanyl On Main Street In Region
Teen Accused Of Selling Fentanyl On Main Street In Region Authorities in the region say an ongoing investigation into fentanyl sales led to the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect. The Dutchess County Drug Task Force, with assistance from the Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit, executed a search warrant on Monday, Nov. 25, at a residence on Main Street in Poughkeepsie.  According to officials, the search followed undercover purchases of fentanyl made from Jahking Z. Murphy, age 19, in the area of 455 Main St. Murphy was taken into custody without incident and charged with: Two counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance in the thir…
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All' Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All'
Pilot Known For Rescuing Dogs Killed In Plane Crash In Region: 'A Friend To All' This story has been updated. A Virginia pilot who regularly flew dogs in need to safe homes around the country was killed when his small plane crashed in a remote area of New York. The Greene County incident happened in the Town of Windham at around 6:10 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. Sheriff’s officials said a single-engine Mooney plane was traveling from Maryland to Albany carrying the pilot and three dogs when it crashed in a remote area. The impact killed the pilot, 49-year-old Seuk Kim, of Springfield, Virginia, and one of the dogs. A second dog, a lab mix puppy, survived but suffered two bro…
Manhattan's Top Federal Prosecutor To Resign Before Trump Presidency Manhattan's Top Federal Prosecutor To Resign Before Trump Presidency
Manhattan's Top Federal Prosecutor To Resign Before Trump Presidency US Attorney Damian Williams, who has overseen high-profile cases in the Southern District of New York, has announced his resignation, a move that comes ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term and the expected nomination of his successor.  Williams’ resignation will take effect at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, according to a statement from his office on Monday, Nov. 25.  The resignation comes as President-elect Trump has announced plans to nominate Jay Clayton, a former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman under Trump’s first administration, to lead the of…
Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY
Couple Accused Of $1M Lululemon Theft Spree Across 5 States, Including NY A Connecticut couple has been accused of orchestrating a multi-state theft operation targeting Lululemon stores, resulting in approximately $1 million in stolen merchandise. Jadion Anthony Richards, age 44, and Akwele Nickeisha Lawes-Richards, age 45, both from Danbury, were charged in in Minnesota on Friday, Nov. 22, at Ramsey County District Court with organized retail theft, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.  Their alleged activities spanned over two months and involved thefts in several states, including New York, Connecticut, Minnesota, Colorado, and Utah, the Star Tri…
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says A newly discovered compound in drinking water has raised questions about its potential health risks.  The chemical, known as chloronitramide anion (Cl–N–NO₂⁻), was found in all samples from 10 US drinking water systems that use chloramines, according to a study published in the journal Science on Thursday, Nov. 21. The research, led by Julian L. Fairey, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas,  identified chloronitramide anion as a decomposition product of inorganic chloramines, which are commonly used to disinfect municipal water supplies.  The study estimates …
Record 8.7M Thanksgiving Travelers Expected At Port Authority Crossings: What You Need To Know Record 8.7M Thanksgiving Travelers Expected At Port Authority Crossings: What You Need To Know
Record 8.7M Thanksgiving Travelers Expected At Port Authority Crossings: What You Need To Know The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is preparing for a record-breaking 8.7 million travelers to use its airports and crossings during the Thanksgiving travel period, from Monday, Nov. 25, to Monday, Dec. 2.  Travelers should expect heavy traffic, longer wait times, and parking challenges, the agency announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Approximately 3.2 million passengers are expected to travel through John F. Kennedy International, Newark Liberty International, LaGuardia, and New York Stewart International airports—an increase of 2% from last year’s record volume. To accommodat…
Man From Region Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion Man From Region Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion
Man From Region Sentenced For Violent 2017 Home Invasion A Hudson Valley man has been sentenced to nine years in prison following a dramatic burglary incident where he and an accomplice posed as FBI agents during a violent home invasion.  Westchester County resident Oscar Castillo, age 37, from Yonkers, was sentenced on Monday, Nov. 18, said Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler. He was also sentenced to five years of post-release supervision.  The sentence stems from Castillo's 2023 guilty plea to burglary charges linked to a 2017 incident in Washingtonville. Castillo, who initially evaded sentencing by not appearing in c…
Alex Jones Sues Sandy Hook Families In Fight To Keep Control of Media Empire: Report Alex Jones Sues Sandy Hook Families In Fight To Keep Control of Media Empire: Report
Alex Jones Sues Sandy Hook Families In Fight To Keep Control of Media Empire: Report In a case that reads like dark satire itself, Alex Jones is suing the comedy website The Onion and the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre claiming they colluded to buy his right-wing conspiracy theory show "InfoWars" in a bankruptcy auction, reports said. Lawyers for Jones, who owes a $1.5 billion judgment to Sandy Hook families after spreading false claims that the 2012 school shooting was a hoax, argued in court documents that The Onion's winning $1.75 million bid was "flagrantly non-compliant" and designed to "rig the process," according to NPR. Earlier Report: Back…
1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products 1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products
1 Dead, 10 Sickened, Including In NY, In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products A multi-state Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry products has killed an infant and sickened at least 10 others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials are investigating infections linked to recalled Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. The illnesses were in New York, New Jersey, California, and Illinois between Wednesday, July 31 and Thursday, Oct. 24, the agency said. Of 11 people with information available, nine have been hospitalized. In California, one pregnant woman and her twins were sick and both infants died. But …
Hudson Valley Man Charged With Criminally Negligent Homicide In Fatal Crash Hudson Valley Man Charged With Criminally Negligent Homicide In Fatal Crash
Hudson Valley Man Charged With Criminally Negligent Homicide In Fatal Crash A 40-year-old Hudson Valley man has been charged with alleged criminally negligent homicide following a fatal incident that claimed the life of Bard graduate Linh Hong Nguyen.  Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi said Rohan Patrick, of Poughkeepsie, faces charges related to the death of Linh Hong Nguyen on Saturday, May 25.  Related: Bard Grad, Runover, Killed On Red Hood Sidewalk The tragedy occurred in Dutchess County at 10:25 p.m. along Route 9 in Red Hook when Patrick allegedly drove his vehicle in a manner that led to Nguyen's death, the DA said. "This t…
21-Year-Old Accused Of Violating Protection Order While In Custody For Second Time In Month 21-Year-Old Accused Of Violating Protection Order While In Custody For Second Time In Month
21-Year-Old Accused Of Violating Protection Order While In Custody For Second Time In Month A man is facing charges after allegedly violating an order of protection while incarcerated for the second time in the span of a month, authorities said. The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office reported that Brandon Mima, age 21, of Beacon, currently held at the Dutchess County Justice and Transition Center, is accused of contacting two individuals protected by the order via telephone. He was arrested on Wednesday, Nov. 20, and charged with: Aggravated family offense, a felony, Criminal contempt in the second degree, a misdemeanor,  Obstruction of governmental administration in the secon…
Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Credit Union In Region: Police Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Credit Union In Region: Police
Woman Nabbed In $8K Fraudulent Check Case At Credit Union In Region: Police A 20-year-old woman has been charged with two felonies after cashing a fraudulent check worth over $8,000 at a credit union in the region, authorities said.  The investigation began in Putnam County on Friday, Nov. 15, when a deputy took a complaint from an investigator with the Hudson Valley Credit Union about a fraudulent check cashed at the Mahopac branch in Putnam County, according to the Sheriff’s Office. A Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) investigator reviewed surveillance footage and other evidence, which quickly led to authorities identifying Xiomara Ortiz, a 20-year-old …
NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits
NY Pet Stores Face Deadline To Halt Sales Of Dogs, Cats, Rabbits Retail pet stores in New York will soon be prohibited from selling dogs, cats, or rabbits under a new state law aimed at ending the abusive practices of puppy mills.  Starting Sunday, Dec. 15, pet stores across the state must cease all sales, leases, or transfers of dogs, cats, and rabbits, New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Friday, Nov. 22. James emphasized that the law, known as the Puppy Mill Pipeline Act, is designed to disrupt large-scale breeding operations, often referred to as puppy mills, which have long been criticized for inhumane treatment and poor health …
5 Black Bears Struck By Cars This Week Sparking Safety Warning At Delaware Water Gap 5 Black Bears Struck By Cars This Week Sparking Safety Warning At Delaware Water Gap
5 Black Bears Struck By Cars This Week Sparking Safety Warning At Delaware Water Gap A sharp increase in black bear collisions has park officials urging visitors to slow down and stay alert while driving through the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. In the past week, five black bears have been struck by vehicles on Route 209, a concerning jump from the park’s usual annual average of just a few incidents, officials said. “Wildlife can be unpredictable; it is your job to give yourself time to react,” park officials said in a statement, emphasizing the importance of watching for wildlife and adhering to posted speed limits. Black bears, the park’s largest residents…
Sullivan County Government Offices Closed Due To Storm Sullivan County Government Offices Closed Due To Storm
Sullivan County Government Offices Closed Due To Storm Due to numerous power outages and downed trees, Sullivan County government offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 22, with the exception of 24-hour facilities.  Snowfall totals in the county range from 3 inches (Woodbourne) to a foot (Callicoon Center). Offices are expected to reopen on Monday, Nov. 25.  Police and fire will be on duty and available.  Be safe and avoid downed wires, said Dan Hust, Sullivan County communications director. 
Woman From Region Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside Woman From Region Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside
Woman From Region Sentenced For Arson Of Residential Building With People Inside In a significant court ruling, a woman from the region was sentenced to nine years in prison following her conviction for arson of a residential building. According to Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler, Dawn Hulse, age 53, of Port Jervis, was sentenced on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to prison time plus an additional five years of supervised release.  This follows her guilty plea in Orange County Court to commit arson at a two-family residence in Port Jervis. Court documents reveal that on Tuesday, Jan. 25, Hulse disabled the smoke detector from the fuse box and barricaded the…
Region Escalates to Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation Region Escalates to Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation
Region Escalates to Drought Warning: Officials Urge Water Conservation As the dry spell continues and wildfires persist, New York State has raised the Hudson Valley's drought status to a warning level, prompting intensified voluntary water conservation efforts across the region. On Wednesday, Nov. 20, the state heightened its drought advisory for the Hudson Valley from a watch to a warning, though immediate concerns for Rockland's water sources remain minimal for now.  Officials said the longer the region experiences dry conditions, the more pressing the concern becomes.  A Drought Warning is the second in a four-stage advisory system that includes …
2 Men, Woman Killed In Random NYC Stabbing Spree 2 Men, Woman Killed In Random NYC Stabbing Spree
2 Men, Woman Killed In 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…