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Overpass Bridge Where Fallen Officer From Mahopac Was Killed Renamed In His Honor Overpass Bridge Where Fallen Officer From Mahopac Was Killed Renamed In His Honor
Overpass Bridge Where Fallen Officer From Mahopac Was Killed Renamed In His Honor Nearly two years after the death of a beloved police officer, the Westchester County bridge where he was fatally struck in a head-on crash is now forever named in his memory.  In a ceremony held on Wednesday, Oct. 30, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the renaming of the Tuckahoe Road Bridge over the Sprain Brook Parkway in Yonkers after Yonkers Police Detective Sergeant Frank Gualdino, who was killed in a crash in December 2022 at the age of 53. On Dec. 1, 2022, Gualdino, a Putnam County resident who lived in Mahopac, was driving on Tuckahoe Road while on duty when a speed…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Officer Put On Restricted Duty After Investigation Into Use Of Force In Westchester: Police Officer Put On Restricted Duty After Investigation Into Use Of Force In Westchester: Police
Officer Put On Restricted Duty After Investigation Into Use Of Force In Westchester: Police A police officer in Westchester was put on restricted duty following an investigation into his use of force while apprehending a suspect who led authorities on a pursuit.  In an announcement on Friday, March 29, the Yonkers Police Department revealed that one of their officers was placed on restricted duty in connection with their conduct during an incident on Thursday, March 14. According to the department, just after 9:45 p.m. on the day of the incident, a victim went up to Yonkers officers in the area of McLean and Van Cortlandt Park Avenues and told them his vehicle had just b…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Officials In Westchester Call For Direct Access To Penn Station Via Hudson Line Officials In Westchester Call For Direct Access To Penn Station Via Hudson Line
Officials In Westchester Call For Direct Access To Penn Station Via Hudson Line Officials in the Hudson Valley are calling on the MTA to undertake a study on the feasibility of providing direct access to Penn Station from the Hudson Line.  In a letter addressed to MTA Chief Executive Officer Janno Lieber, Westchester County Executive George Latimer called on the transportation agency to conduct a study on having direct one-seat access to Manhattan's Penn Station from the Hudson Line, Latimer announced on Wednesday, Jan. 17.  "The advantages of such a connection are abundant," Latimer wrote in the latter, adding, "Improved transportation links would …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Coach, Player Dismissed After Antisemitic Remarks Made At HS Basketball Game In Westchester Coach, Player Dismissed After Antisemitic Remarks Made At HS Basketball Game In Westchester
Coach, Player Dismissed After Antisemitic Remarks Made At HS Basketball Game In Westchester A high school basketball coach and a player have both been disciplined following an incident during a game in Westchester in which antisemitic remarks were hurled at a team, officials said. The incident happened during a basketball game on Thursday, Jan. 4 between girls' varsity teams from Roosevelt High School in Yonkers and The Leffell School, a private Jewish school located in Hartsdale, Yonkers city officials said.  During the third quarter of the game, which took place at Roosevelt High School, members of the Leffell School's team were injured by an alleged physical style of …

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by Ben Crnic
Lifestyle
New Update: 50 Cent Stops By Westchester Stew Leonard's, Meets With Fans, Officials New Update: 50 Cent Stops By Westchester Stew Leonard's, Meets With Fans, Officials
New Update: 50 Cent Stops By Westchester Stew Leonard's, Meets With Fans, Officials Elected officials, police, and fans had their chance to be star-struck when famous rapper 50 Cent made a stop at a Stew Leonard's location in Westchester to hold a signing event.  The 48-year-old acclaimed rapper stopped by Stew Leonard's Wines & Spirits of Yonkers, located at 1 Stew Leonard Dr., on Thursday night, Dec. 28 to promote his cognac brand, Branson, and his champagne, Le Chemin du Roi.  Earlier Report - 50 Cent Holds Signing Event At Stew Leonard's In Yonkers While there, 50 Cent met with Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Westchester County Legislator Jam…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Well-Known Member Of Community ID'd As Woman Struck, Killed By Sedan In Westchester Well-Known Member Of Community ID'd As Woman Struck, Killed By Sedan In Westchester
Well-Known Member Of Community ID'd As Woman Struck, Killed By Sedan In Westchester A well-known community volunteer has been identified as the victim of a horrific car crash that ended in her death. Westchester County resident Christine Kenney O'Rourke, age 70, was killed on Sunday, June 11, while out for a walk when a sedan driven by a 54-year-old White Plains woman jumped the sidewalk on North Broadway (Route 9) in  Yonkers, killing O'Rourke and then slamming into a nearby home. Earlier report: Fatal Crash: Sedan Strikes Woman, Then Slams Into House In Yonkers Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said he was saddened to hear of the tragedy: "My heart goes out to the Kenney and O'…

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by Kathy Reakes
Business
New Eatery, Other Retailers Open At Plaza In Westchester New Eatery, Other Retailers Open At Plaza In Westchester
New Eatery, Other Retailers Open At Plaza In Westchester Four new retailers, including a new eatery, have opened up shop at a busy strip plaza in Westchester.  The new businesses, all located in Yonkers at the Fleetwood Plaza located at 850 Bronx River Rd. right by the Cross County Parkway, celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, May 1 with Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano in attendance.  One of the new retailers to open at the plaza is Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, which serves a variety of frozen desserts that will certainly satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth.  In addition to countless flavors of Italian ice and frozen custard,…

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by Ben Crnic
News
ID Released For 48-Year-Old Police Detective In Westchester Who Died Suddenly ID Released For 48-Year-Old Police Detective In Westchester Who Died Suddenly
ID Released For 48-Year-Old Police Detective In Westchester Who Died Suddenly The name of a 48-year-old member of a police department in Westchester County who died suddenly has been released.  Earlier Report - 48-Year-Old Yonkers Police Detective Dies Suddenly Detective Del Caraballo, a 16-year-veteran with the Yonkers Police Department, died on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 19 in New York City after suffering a medical emergency while driving a vehicle, the department announced.  Yonkers officials mourned Caraballo's death and remembered him for his dedication to public service. "This detective was known and loved by many in the law enforce…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
48-Year-Old Police Detective In Westchester Dies Suddenly 48-Year-Old Police Detective In Westchester Dies Suddenly
48-Year-Old Police Detective In Westchester Dies Suddenly A 48-year-old member of a police department in Westchester has died suddenly. The detective, a 16-year veteran with the Yonkers PD, died on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 19 in New York City after he apparently suffered a medical event while operating a motor vehicle in New York City, according to preliminary indications, the department announced Monday morning, Feb. 20. His identity is being withheld pending family notifications, according to the Yonkers PD/ “Our city is mourning a tragedy," Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said in a statement. "This detective was known and loved by many in the…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
ID Released For Police Sergeant Killed In Multi-Vehicle Westchester Crash Involving Teen Driver ID Released For Police Sergeant Killed In Multi-Vehicle Westchester Crash Involving Teen Driver
ID Released For Police Sergeant Killed In Multi-Vehicle Westchester Crash Involving Teen Driver Click here for a new, updated story: New Details Released After Westchester Crash That Killed Sergeant, 53, Due To Retire In Months Police have released the name of a longtime police sergeant killed in a car crash in Westchester County when a 16-year-old with a learner's permit driving a new BMW lost control of the car and slammed into the police vehicle. Yonkers Sgt. Frank Gualdino, age 53, was killed around 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 1, in Yonkers on Tuckahoe Road at the Sprain Brook Parkway overpass. Earlier report: Police Officer Killed In Multi-Vehicle Yonkers Crash Yon…

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by Kathy Reakes
Business
Pick Up Only: Starbucks Location For Quick Orders Opens In Westchester County Pick Up Only: Starbucks Location For Quick Orders Opens In Westchester County
Pick Up Only: Starbucks Location For Quick Orders Opens In Westchester County A newly-opened Starbucks location in Westchester County is perfect for those looking to grab a quick cup of joe.  The new coffee shop, located in Yonkers at 16 Nepperhan St. by the Yonkers Metro-North station, is a pickup-only location, streamlined for commuters looking to grab a coffee on their way to work, according to Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.  "This 'pick-up only' location is perfect for Metro-North commuters to grab a quick cup of fresh coffee and delicious breakfast before or after their ride," Spano said.  Visitors of the location are advised to download the Star…

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by Ben Crnic
Business
New Mexican Restaurant Celebrates Opening In Westchester County New Mexican Restaurant Celebrates Opening In Westchester County
New Mexican Restaurant Celebrates Opening In Westchester County A new spot to grab authentic Mexican food in Westchester County celebrated its opening along with city officials.  Cantina 914, located in Yonkers at 527 Nepperhan Ave., celebrated its opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday night, Nov. 17, according to Yonkers city officials.  The new restaurant serves a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and flautas, according to its online menu on Grubhub.  The business also serves less-known dishes such as machetes, which are described as 18-inch quesadillas, and cemitas, which are serve…

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by Ben Crnic
Business
Sugar, Sugar: Domino Refinery In Westchester County Lights Up New LED Sign Sugar, Sugar: Domino Refinery In Westchester County Lights Up New LED Sign
Sugar, Sugar: Domino Refinery In Westchester County Lights Up New LED Sign A Domino Sugar Refinery in Westchester County has unveiled a new LED sign that celebrates the city it calls home.  The new sign, located at the Domino Sugar Refinery In Yonkers at 1 Federal St., was lit up for the first time in an event attended by Yonkers city officials on Monday, Nov. 21, according to Olivia DeLuca, a spokeswoman for the refinery.  The 4' by 30' sign that combines the Domino Sugar logo with the city's name pays homage to the iconic "Yonkers" sign on the city's Recreation Pier, DeLuca said. The LEDs that make up the sign can have their colors changed to…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
'A Blessed Individual': Former Police Chaplain In Westchester County Dies At 88 'A Blessed Individual': Former Police Chaplain In Westchester County Dies At 88
'A Blessed Individual': Former Police Chaplain In Westchester County Dies At 88 A former chaplain for a police department in Westchester County is being remembered for his service to his community.  Reverend Clarence E. Bolling of Yonkers died on Monday, Nov. 7 at the age of 88, according to his obituary.  Bolling served as the Yonkers Police Department Chaplain for over 25 years, according to Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.  "Bolling was a blessed individual," Spano said in a post, also saying, "He was a prominent figure in our community and absolute city icon. Rest in peace Reverend Bolling."  Yonkers Police also issued a statement about Bolling,…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Officials Share Plans For New Media Arts School In Westchester County Officials Share Plans For New Media Arts School In Westchester County
Officials Share Plans For New Media Arts School In Westchester County A Westchester County community is offering students the chance to prepare for careers in media arts at a new school. Yonkers officials announced that the city and Yonkers Public Schools signed a 20-year lease to open a media arts middle and high school at the former Rising Ground property on Hawthorne Street in partnership with the new Great Point Studios that opened in the region. Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano shared the announcement ahead of the 74th annual Emmy Awards on Monday, Sept. 12.  This year's Emmy nominations feature several shows that filmed scenes in Yonkers, including A…

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by Nicole Valinote
Police & Fire
Police Investigate After Student Brings BB Gun To Westchester Elementary School Police Investigate After Student Brings BB Gun To Westchester Elementary School
Police Investigate After Student Brings BB Gun To Westchester Elementary School At least one student is expected to face charges after causing alarm at a Westchester elementary school by bringing a BB gun to class days after the mass shooting in Texas. In Yonkers, an investigation was launched at the Cesar E. Chavez (formerly Cedar Place) Elementary School when a student brought the weapon inside the building on Thursday, May 26. According to a Yonkers Police Department spokesperson, officers have recovered the BB gun and the involved students were taken to the Community Affairs Division. Police said that they anticipate charging one or more students as juvenile deli…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Trio Busted For 'Brazen' Westchester Jewelry Store Smash, Grab, Police Say Trio Busted For 'Brazen' Westchester Jewelry Store Smash, Grab, Police Say
Trio Busted For 'Brazen' Westchester Jewelry Store Smash, Grab, Police Say Three suspects are in custody after a “brazen” robbery of a Westchester jewelry store where they made off with $100,000 in items before crashing while fleeing the scene, police said. In Yonkers, officers responded to the Golden Square Jewelry Store on South Broadway at approximately 5:20 p.m. on Thursday, May 12, after a group of masked men broke through the front window with a sledgehammer and crowbar. Yonkers Police Department spokesperson Dean Politopoulos said that after the smash and grab robbery, the men fled in a dark-colored SUV, which was located in the Park Hill neighborhood by re…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Detective Shot During Sting Operation In Westchester Released From Hospital Detective Shot During Sting Operation In Westchester Released From Hospital
Detective Shot During Sting Operation In Westchester Released From Hospital The veteran detective in Westchester who was shot during an anti-gun task force sting operation has been released from the hospital, according to multiple reports. There was no shortage of fanfare for Yonkers Police Det. Brian Menton, a 27-year veteran of the force who was shot at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20 in a small grocery store on Elm Street. Earlier story - ID Released For Detective Shot During Sting Operation In Yonkers On Tuesday, May 3, Menton, age 47, was released from Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, where he was met with bagpipes and raucous applause from…

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by Zak Failla
News
ID Released For Detective Shot During Sting Operation In Westchester ID Released For Detective Shot During Sting Operation In Westchester
ID Released For Detective Shot During Sting Operation In Westchester A veteran police detective in Westchester is recovering from surgery after being shot during an FBI anti-gun task force sting operation. The Yonkers Police Department said that Det. Brian Menton, a 27-year-veteran of the force who was a week from retiring, was shot at approximately 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, April 20 in a small grocery store near the intersection of Elm Street and Linden Street in the city. Earlier story - New Details Released After Officer Shot, Hospitalized In Yonkers At the time of the shooting, Menton, who was assigned to the Westchester County Safe Streets…

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by Zak Failla
News
Officials Express Outrage After Westchester Man Hit Asian Woman 125 Times In Brutal Assault Officials Express Outrage After Westchester Man Hit Asian Woman 125 Times In Brutal Assault
Officials Express Outrage After Westchester Man Hit Asian Woman 125 Times In Brutal Assault Top elected officials in the Hudson Valley are condemning the actions of a man who was caught on camera brutally attacking an Asian woman in a Westchester apartment building. Yonkers resident Tammel Esco, age 42, was charged with a hate crime after assaulting a 67-year-old Asian woman following his arrest on Friday, March 11, Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah announced. Esco was charged on Saturday, March 12 with second-degree attempted murder and assault. Further investigation led to additional charges on Monday, March 14 in Yonkers Criminal Court that includes attempted murd…

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by Zak Failla
Business
New Film/TV Facility In Westchester Could Become 'Burbank Of New York,' Report Says New Film/TV Facility In Westchester Could Become 'Burbank Of New York,' Report Says
New Film/TV Facility In Westchester Could Become 'Burbank Of New York,' Report Says Lights, cameras, action. A taste of Hollywood has come to the region as Great Point Studios officially opens its long-awaited Lionsgate Studios in Westchester. The sprawling new Yonkers facility which The New York Times said could become the “Burbank of New York” now becomes the largest modern-built film and television production facility in the Northeast. Long-term tenants at the new $500 million facility already include Lionsgate, Mediapro, and Syracuse University, which has entered an agreement "to create a distinctive learning and fully hands-on working experience for television,…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
NY Congressman Tom Suozzi Says He's Running For Governor NY Congressman Tom Suozzi Says He's Running For Governor
NY Congressman Tom Suozzi Says He's Running For Governor An already crowded lineup of gubernatorial hopefuls in New York got a little more full as a popular Long Island lawmaker threw his hat in the ring and announced his intention to make another run at the governor's seat. US Rep. Tom Suozzi, whose 3rd District includes parts of Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens counties, announced on Monday, Nov. 29 that he will be challenging incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul, who took over following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo. “I am running for governor of New York as a common-sense Democrat who gets things done,” Suozzi said. “I have the track record, common-sens…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Speculation On Possible 2022 NY Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Includes Familiar Face Speculation On Possible 2022 NY Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Includes Familiar Face
Speculation On Possible 2022 NY Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Includes Familiar Face With Andrew Cuomo out and New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul stepping in the governor’s shoes, some are speculating about who could potentially run in what could be a stacked 2022 gubernatorial election. Cuomo resigned on Tuesday, Aug. 10, with Hochul, a Buffalo native, set to take over. In recent weeks, with the walls closing in on Cuomo as he navigating through the sexual harassment scandal, speculation has been circling his administration regarding who could challenge for his seat in 2022. Among those who could consider a run is a familiar face: former Secretary of State and US Senator from…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Who Is Kathy Hochul? Cuomo Resignation Shifts Focus To NY's Soon-To-Be First Female Governor Who Is Kathy Hochul? Cuomo Resignation Shifts Focus To NY's Soon-To-Be First Female Governor
Who Is Kathy Hochul? Cuomo Resignation Shifts Focus To NY's Soon-To-Be First Female Governor Longtime Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is set to become New York’s first female governor when she officially takes over for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who announced his resignation, effective later this month. On Tuesday, Aug. 10, Cuomo announced that he would be stepping away from Albany, effective in 14 days on Tuesday, Aug. 24, paving the way for Hochul (whose last name is pronounced HOKE-ul and rhymes with "Local") to step in and seek to stabilize what has become a highly political climate in New York. Hochul, age 62, has served as Cuomo’s top lieutenant for nearly seven years, the longest tenure of an…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Details Emerge On Drive-By Shooting With Multiple Injuries In Westchester Details Emerge On Drive-By Shooting With Multiple Injuries In Westchester
Details Emerge On Drive-By Shooting With Multiple Injuries In Westchester Four people were injured, one critically, in a drive-by shooting in Westchester that police said could potentially be gang-related. Shots rang out at approximately 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, June 11 at the intersection of Elm Street and Oak Street in Yonkers, a police spokesperson said, after a passenger in a passing vehicle stuck his head out of a window and opened fire in an incident caught on video. Original story - Multiple Gunshot Victims Reported By Police In Yonkers Yonkers Police Commissioner John Mueller said the incident appears to be related to gang activity and was not a random ac…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Suspect Nabbed In Fatal Stabbing Of Westchester Store Owner Suspect Nabbed In Fatal Stabbing Of Westchester Store Owner
Suspect Nabbed In Fatal Stabbing Of Westchester Store Owner A suspect has been arrested and charged with manslaughter after allegedly fatally stabbing a Westchester store owner during a dispute over a stolen $30 hat. Investigators from the Yonkers Police Department responded to the Premier Fashion clothing store on New Main Street at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday, April 20, where there was a report of a stabbing incident. Original story - Westchester Store Owner Fatally Stabbed By Would-Be Shoplifter, Police Say Upon arrival, officers found the store owner, 47-year-old city resident Ruben Martinez-Campos, who had multiple stab wounds and was b…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Police Officer In Westchester Arrested For Theft Of Department Property Police Officer In Westchester Arrested For Theft Of Department Property
Police Officer In Westchester Arrested For Theft Of Department Property A police officer in Westchester found himself on the wrong side of the law after allegedly stealing department property. Christian Carrasco, a 16-year veteran of the Yonkers Police Department, turned himself in to police custody following an investigation into the sale of police equipment on eBay, a department spokesman said.  Carrasco had been the subject of an Internal Affairs investigation after the department was alerted by federal law enforcement agencies that the items were being auctioned on the Internet. The investigation into the items popping up on eBay determined that they …

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by Zak Failla
Business
Major Production Company Lionsgate Building $100M Facility In Westchester Major Production Company Lionsgate Building $100M Facility In Westchester
Major Production Company Lionsgate Building $100M Facility In Westchester A premier movie production studio -- Lionsgate -- has announced it is planning to build a major new production facility in Westchester, according to Great Point Capital Management. Construction on the $100 million Yonkers site located near 1 Larkin Plaza at the Hudson River, will begin in November and is planned to be up and running in late 2020, officials said. Lionsgate is known for backing such films as “John Wick: Chapter 3” and "Rambo: Last Blood," as well as developing games, TV shows, and streaming services.  The new complex will include three 20,000-square-feet and two 10,000-…

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by Kathy Reakes
Lifestyle
$1M Mega Millions Ticket Sold At Stew Leonard's Westchester $1M Mega Millions Ticket Sold At Stew Leonard's Westchester
$1M Mega Millions Ticket Sold At Stew Leonard's Westchester Westchester is abuzz Wednesday as word spreads that one lucky person picked up a winning $1 million Mega Millions ticket at Stew Leonard's in Yonkers. “We are so excited to have the million-dollar winner from our store," said owner Stew Leonard Jr. " We can’t wait for the winner to come forward so we can have them come in and celebrate. We would offer them free milk and cookies, but I doubt they need it now.” The store handed out free Mega Million tickets on Tuesday as excitement grew about the growing, $1.6 billion jackpot which was won by one ticket purchased in South Carolina w…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Ex-Postal Worker Charged In Connection With Westchester Mail Thefts Ex-Postal Worker Charged In Connection With Westchester Mail Thefts
Ex-Postal Worker Charged In Connection With Westchester Mail Thefts A former U.S. Postal Service employee who recently resigned from her post in Yonkers is among two who local residents who have been arrested in connection to mail theft in the area. Following the recent rash of recently reported stolen mail in the region - which has led to multiple arrests in multiple cases in Westchester - Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and Police Commissioner Charles Gardner announced the arrest of two School Street residents who are facing multiple charges for their alleged role in mail theft. In recent weeks, police in Yonkers have received reports of more than 80 reported in…

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by Zak Failla