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New York State

Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now
Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now Flu activity is now widespread across New York State, prompting an advisory from authorities. Under this declaration by State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, healthcare workers who are not vaccinated against the flu must wear masks in certain settings to protect vulnerable patients. “The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against infection,” said Dr. McDonald. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated and ensure you don’t miss out on holiday celebrations.” Flu cases are surging across the state.  As of Saturday, Dec. 14, more than 23,000 cases have been r…
Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released After Plainview Native's Death Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released After Plainview Native's Death
Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released After Plainview 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…
Israeli-American Citizen From Plainview, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Dead In Oct. 7 Attack Israeli-American Citizen From Plainview, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Dead In Oct. 7 Attack
Israeli-American Citizen From Plainview, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Dead 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). …
New Update: Missing Long Island Man Found New Update: Missing Long Island Man Found
New Update: Missing Long Island Man Found New update: A Long Island man who was reported missing has been located. Dominick Yannotto, age 81, of South Setauket, had last been seen leaving his Hart Lane residence at around 6 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, according to a Silver Alert issued by the Suffolk County Police. On Friday, Nov. 15, police announced that Yannotto was located and was unharmed. No other details were given. Original report: Authorities are asking for help in locating a missing man from Long Island. Dominick Yannotto, age 81, of South Setauket, was last seen leaving his Hart Lane residence at around 6 a.m. Wedn…
Contractor Who 'Destroyed' Protected Wetlands On Long Island Fined $121K Contractor Who 'Destroyed' Protected Wetlands On Long Island Fined $121K
Contractor Who 'Destroyed' Protected Wetlands On Long Island Fined $121K A Long Island contractor will fork over six figures in fines for building a parking lot on protected wetlands. Anthony Labriola and his companies, ALAC Realty and ALAC Contracting, were penalized $121,000 by New York State for illegally building on a protected area along the Carlls River in West Babylon. New York Attorney General Letitita James revealed Friday, Nov. 8, that Labriola and his companies removed trees and plants in a protected "buffer area” to build a construction vehicle parking lot and storage facility. The Carlls River freshwater wetlands are classified under the Department…
Election 2024: Can NYers Snap Pic Of Completed Ballot? Here's What To Know Election 2024: Can NYers Snap Pic Of Completed Ballot? Here's What To Know
Election 2024: Can NYers Snap Pic Of Completed Ballot? Here's What To Know Think twice before snapping that Election Day selfie. While New Yorkers may be tempted to commemorate their participation in this year’s highly consequential election by taking a photo of their ballot, doing so is actually a crime. Under state law, it is a misdemeanor offense for a voter to snap a picture with their completed ballot. “Any person who shows his ballot after it is prepared for voting, to any person so as to reveal the contents, or solicits a voter to show the same, is guilty of a misdemeanor,” reads the text from New York State election law. According to the New York State B…
20-Year-Old Injures Woman In Street Takeover On Long Island, Police Say 20-Year-Old Injures Woman In Street Takeover On Long Island, Police Say
20-Year-Old Injures Woman In Street Takeover On Long Island, Police Say A week after a woman was injured in a so-called street takeover on Long Island, police arrested a suspect. The incident happened in Patchogue, at the Gateway Plaza on Sunrise Highway, at around 1:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6. Suffolk County Police said a 19-year-old Holbrook woman was watching a care takeover when she was struck by an Infiniti sedan. She was taken by private vehicle to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore with serious injuries. Earlier Report: Dangerous 'Street Takeovers' Target Of Proposed Legislation Backed By Suffolk County Lawmaker On Tuesday morning, Oct. 1…
State Awards $3.5M For Shoreline Restoration At Long Island Beaches State Awards $3.5M For Shoreline Restoration At Long Island Beaches
State Awards $3.5M For Shoreline Restoration At Long Island Beaches New York State will spend millions of dollars rebuilding Long Island beaches. The state has allocated $3.5 million for shoreline restoration projects at Tobay and Overlook beaches in the wake of significant storm damage and erosion. Fortification work will include dredging the Fire Island Inlet and placing nearly 1.25 million cubic yards of sand at Gilgo State Park, Tobay Beach, and Overlook Beach. The project will help protect communities and important recreation areas from severe weather events driven by climate change, and create jobs that boost local economies, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s offi…
NY Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus With No Vaccine: 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared NY Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus With No Vaccine: 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared
NY Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus With No Vaccine: 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared A New York resident has died days after contracting the state’s first human case of a rare but serious mosquito-borne virus in nearly a decade. The Ulster County resident died from complications stemming from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office confirmed on Monday, Sept. 23. It marks the first human case of EEE in New York State since 2015. Earlier Report: Human Case Of Severe Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed In Ulster County, First In NY Since 2015 “We’ve been informed this patient has passed away from EEE, we extend our sympathies and our hearts go out t…
Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide From Manhasset Raked In Millions As Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide From Manhasset Raked In Millions As Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds
Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide From Manhasset Raked In Millions As Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds This story has been updated. A former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is accused of acting as an agent for the Chinese government. Long Island residents Linda Sun, age 41, and her husband Chris Hu, age 40, were arrested at their Manhasset home on Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, on charges of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, money laundering, and related charges. According to federal prosecutors, Sun – who served as Hochul’s deputy chief of staff before being fired in 2023 – engaged in numerous political activities at the behest of Chinese government …
Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows
Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows It appears tourists just can’t get enough of Long Island. Travelers spent a record-breaking $7.5 billion across Nassau and Suffolk counties in 2023, according to data from New York State’s annual Tourism Economics report.  That figure far surpassed 2022’s record-breaking spending of $6.6 billion by 12.7 percent. Tourists spent the most, 36 percent, on food and beverages, followed by lodging at 20 percent, the report found. Retail and service stations added another $1.2 billion, or 16 percent of total spend. Suffolk County saw the biggest increase in tourism dollars in 2023, with 15.6…
Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says
Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says State leaders are crediting major policing reforms for a marked decline in shootings across New York State. In 21 counties outside of New York City, the number of shootings with injuries dropped 29 percent through July compared to the first seven months of 2023, a Division of Criminal Justice Services report shows. The data came from police departments across the state participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, which provides agencies with state funding for equipment, overtime, personnel, training, and technical assistance aimed at reducing shootings and firea…
'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Trail Of Destruction Across Long Island 'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Trail Of Destruction Across Long Island
'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Trail Of Destruction Across Long Island At least six homes were heavily damaged and roads were washed out following a powerful storm system that brought drenching rain and widespread flooding to parts of New York and Connecticut. On Long Island, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine issued a state of emergency on Monday, Aug. 19, after surveying flood damage caused when up to nine inches of rain fell in parts of the county overnight. “Our longtime Mill Pond is gone. Six houses along here were damaged, their cesspools and personal belongings are now floating down this creek into the sound,” Romaine told reporters. Earlier Report:…
Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers Preference In Harris-Trump Presidential Race Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers Preference In Harris-Trump Presidential Race
Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers Preference In Harris-Trump Presidential Race With just three months until the presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris enjoys a comfortable lead over former President Donald Trump among New York voters, new polling shows. Harris, who formally secured the Democratic nomination for president on Monday, Aug. 5, leads her Republican opponent 53 to 39 percent among likely New York State voters, according to a Siena College poll released Tuesday, Aug. 6. In late June, a Siena College poll showed President Joe Biden leading Trump by a narrower margin, 47 to 39 percent. Related Report: Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Runn…
This NY Locale Makes Nationwide Top 50 List Of Best Places To Live For Families This NY Locale Makes Nationwide Top 50 List Of Best Places To Live For Families
This NY Locale Makes Nationwide Top 50 List Of Best Places To Live For Families One town in New York made the Top 50 list of Fortune’s third annual national rankings of the Best Places To Live For Families list. It's located on Long Island - No. 15 North Hempstead. Fortune said that in addition to its proximity to New York City, "the township has the highest Sharecare community well-being ranking on the list, at 88 out of 100. It’s also home to some of the best school districts in New York and has the highest number of recommended hospitals in the area (50) on the list." With around 237,000 residents, North Hempstead is the seventh-largest municipality by population i…
Swimming Discouraged At 14 Long Island Beaches Over Bacteria Concerns Swimming Discouraged At 14 Long Island Beaches Over Bacteria Concerns
Swimming Discouraged At 14 Long Island Beaches Over Bacteria Concerns You’ll want to think twice about taking a dip in these Long Island beaches. The Nassau County Department of Health issued an advisory Thursday, July 18, against swimming at 14 beaches known to be impacted by stormwater runoff. Health officials said recent heavy rainfall in the region may have led to elevated bacteria levels that exceed the New York State standards for bathing water quality. The following beaches are included in the advisory: Centre Island Sound – Bayville Creek Club – Lattingtown Lattingtown Beach – Lattingtown Laurel Hollow Beach – Laurel Hollow Morgan Sound – Glen Co…
Man Loses Hand, 3 Other Fingers In Fireworks Mishap On Long Island Man Loses Hand, 3 Other Fingers In Fireworks Mishap On Long Island
Man Loses Hand, 3 Other Fingers In Fireworks Mishap On Long Island A Long Island man is permanently disfigured following a fireworks mishap. The accident happened at around 9 p.m. Saturday, June 29, in Brentwood at a residence on Eastern Avenue near Nostrand Avenue. Suffolk County Police said a 66-year-old man was in the yard when a firework exploded, severing his left hand and three fingers on his right hand. He was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital in serious condition. Investigators are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact Suffolk County Police at 631-854-8352. Fireworks, including bottle rockets and Roman candles, are i…
$2M Scheme: Westchester Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy $2M Scheme: Westchester Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy
$2M Scheme: Westchester Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy Two New York accounting firm partners have pleaded guilty to a multi-million dollar tax evasion scheme.  Click here for a new, updated story - Update: Scarsdale-Based Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter Westchester County resident George Sanossian, age 70, of Scarsdale, and New Jersey resident Jack Sardis, age 66, of Englewood Cliffs, both certified public accountants, admitted to conspiracy to defraud the IRS by scheming with clients to reduce tax liabilities through a shell company, leading to over $2 million in unreported cash transactions.  The tw…
Public Radio 'Legend' Karen DeWitt Signing Off After 34 Years: ‘It’s Time To Go’ Public Radio 'Legend' Karen DeWitt Signing Off After 34 Years: ‘It’s Time To Go’
Public Radio 'Legend' Karen DeWitt Signing Off After 34 Years: ‘It’s Time To Go’ After more than three decades of covering New York State government and politics, public radio journalist Karen DeWitt is signing off. The longtime Capitol Bureau chief for the New York Public News Network will file her last story on Friday, June 21, she announced on X Tuesday, April 30. “Finally, I get to use this phrase: ‘Some personal news,’” DeWitt said. “It’s been a fabulous ride, but it’s time to go.” Since 1990, DeWitt has informed listeners on Albany affairs via the network's dozen public radio stations across the state, including WAMC in Albany, WLIW on Long Island, and WNYC in N…
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness
Measles Concerns: NY Seeing Rise In Cases Less than a month since a case of measles showed up outside of New York City, the number of cases has more than doubled across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Friday, April 12, the CDC announced that the total number of measles cases in the US in 2024 has reached 121 — far surpassing last year’s number of 58 — with cases being reported in 18 states and jurisdictions, including New York State. The update comes after a Nassau County child under the age of 5 was announced as the state’s first measles case to be reported outside of New York C…
Eclipse Prison Lockdown Violates NY Inmates’ Religious Rights, Lawsuit Claims Eclipse Prison Lockdown Violates NY Inmates’ Religious Rights, Lawsuit Claims
Eclipse Prison Lockdown Violates NY Inmates’ Religious Rights, Lawsuit Claims Click here for an updated story: Six Woodbourne Inmates Permitted To View Eclipse After Suing Over Religious Rights Several New York prison inmates are suing the state over a planned lockdown at correctional facilities during the upcoming total solar eclipse. The federal lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of New York on Friday, March 29, on behalf of six inmates who are incarcerated at Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Sullivan County. It states that although they come from varying backgrounds and hold different religious beliefs, “they have each expressed a sincerely held r…
NY Bill Targets Squatters Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners NY Bill Targets Squatters Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners
NY Bill Targets Squatters Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners New York lawmakers are considering legislation targeting illegal squatters amid recent disturbing incidents involving homeowners that garnered national attention. The bill from Republican Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, whose 15th District represents parts of Nassau County, adds squatters to the definition of criminal trespass. It also extends the time period for tenancy rights from 30 days to 45 days of possession. Under current New York State law, squatters are classified as tenants and receive temporary rights after living in a property for 30 days. If a squatter claims to be a tenant, the…
New Update: Missing 29-Year-Old Ridge Woman Found New Update: Missing 29-Year-Old Ridge Woman Found
New Update: Missing 29-Year-Old Ridge Woman Found Update: A Long Island woman who went gone missing has been found. Suffolk County Police have issued a Silver Alert for Amanda Ardle, age 29, of Ridge, who was last seen leaving her home on Thursday, March 21 at approximately 7:15 p.m. Late Friday afternoon, March 22, police announced that she "has been located, unharmed." Original report: A Long Island woman has gone missing and authorities are asking the public's help in locating her. Suffolk County Police have issued a Silver Alert for Amanda Ardle, age 29, of Ridge, who was last seen leaving her home on Thursday, March 21 a…
World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says
World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says New York State is suing the world’s largest beef producer, claiming it lied about its environmental impacts in order to boost sales. A lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James in New York State Supreme Court on Wednesday, Feb. 28, accuses JBS USA Food Company of deceptive business practices and false advertising. According to James’ office, the company has repeatedly misled the public by claiming it will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, despite documented plans to increase production and grow its carbon footprint. In 2021, the JBS Group reported total global greenh…
'Blatantly Illegal': NYAG Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Transgender Athlete Ban On Long Island 'Blatantly Illegal': NYAG Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Transgender Athlete Ban On Long Island
'Blatantly Illegal': Nyag Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Transgender Athlete Ban On Long Island An executive order on Long Island banning transgender women and girls from participating in sports at public facilities was given five days to be rescinded, according to New York State Attorney General Letitia James. “This executive order is transphobic and blatantly illegal.” On Friday, March 1, just over a week after Nassau County Bruce Blakeman issued an executive order prohibiting transgender women (those assigned male at birth) from playing in women’s sports, James — who had quickly condemned the act — officially submitted a cease-and-desist against the order. Original Report:&nbs…
NY Ranks High Among Best States To Raise Family, New Study Finds: Here's Where, Why NY Ranks High Among Best States To Raise Family, New Study Finds: Here's Where, Why
NY Ranks High Among Best States To Raise Family, New Study Finds: Here's Where, Why According to a new report ranking the US states on a scale of the best places to raise a family, New York State ranks among the top 10. New York State is one of the best states in the country to raise a family — according to a study released on Monday, Jan. 8 by WalletHub, which ranked the Empire State as number five. The personal finance company used the following metrics to score each of the 50 states, then take the totals to complete a final ranking: Family fun (including the share of children who live near a park, share of families with young children, number of attractions, and mo…
Winter Storm - Hochul Warns NYers To Prepare For Snow, Possible Power Outages: 'Be Vigilant' Winter Storm - Hochul Warns NYers To Prepare For Snow, Possible Power Outages: 'Be Vigilant'
Winter Storm - Hochul Warns NYers To Prepare For Snow, Possible Power Outages: 'Be Vigilant' As a powerful Nor'easter threatens to dump inches of snow and a wintry mix on much of New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging residents to prepare for power outages and travel hazards posed by the white stuff.  According to Hochul, the large coastal weather system is predicted to hit New York late Saturday, Jan. 6, and continue into Sunday, Jan. 7, bringing anywhere from 3 to 12 inches of snow to parts of the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and Central New York, and a mix of snow and rain to New York City and Long Island. Winter storm watches are in effect throughout New York S…
New Legal Marijuana Dispensary On Long Island Sets Opening Date New Legal Marijuana Dispensary On Long Island Sets Opening Date
New Legal Marijuana Dispensary On Long Island Sets Opening Date The second legal, adult-use dispensary on Long Island has a tentative opening date, officials said. Happy Days Dispensary, located at 105 Route 109 in Farmingdale, is slated to open Saturday, Dec. 23, according to an announcement by Gov. Kathy Hochul — though that date isn't set in stone, the governor clarified.  As the second legal dispensary to open on Long Island since Strain Stars opened in July, also in Farmingdale, Happy Days joins the 37 other adult-use stores expected to open up shop in New York State in 2023. Alongside the caption, “By the locals. For the locals,” Happy Day…
$800K Theft: Ex-Long Island Attorney Admits Embezzling From Clients $800K Theft: Ex-Long Island Attorney Admits Embezzling From Clients
$800K Theft: Ex-Long Island Attorney Admits Embezzling From Clients A former Long Island attorney has confessed to embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from several of his clients. Douglas Valente, age 57, of Florida, pleaded guilty to three counts of grand larceny in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, Dec. 6. Valente was formerly the principal attorney at the Valente Law Group based in Stony Brook. Earlier Report: Syosset Attorney Steals $200K From Clients, Including Lottery Winner: DA He admitted that between April 2020 and September 2022, he stole more than $829,000 from three clients, according to the Suffolk County DA’s office. An inv…
These Hudson Valley Roadways To Be Repaved As Part Of $100M Project These Hudson Valley Roadways To Be Repaved As Part Of $100M Project
These Hudson Valley Roadways To Be Repaved As Part Of $100M Project Thanks to $100 million in new funding, over 560 miles of roadway across the state of New York will be repaved to make them more resilient to freak weather events. The $100 million investment, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced, will support repaving projects on nearly 568 miles of busy roadways throughout the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Long Island, and more.  Hochul said the effort comes as a result of severe weather that has been battering the state more and more.  "From a devastating blizzard to historic flooding, we are living in a time of record-breaking weather events which hav…
Automated Speeding Ticket Radar Program Takes Effect In Hudson Valley, Elsewhere In NY Automated Speeding Ticket Radar Program Takes Effect In Hudson Valley, Elsewhere In NY
Automated Speeding Ticket Radar Program Takes Effect In Hudson Valley, Elsewhere In NY A brand-new law that has just launched means motorists on some of New York's busiest roadways may find themselves on the receiving end of automated speeding tickets. The five-year program which has been rolled this year is a joint effort by State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and Thruway Authority (NYSTA). to enhance the state’s ongoing efforts to slow motorists down in work zones. The so-called Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program is the result of legislation signed into law by Gov, Kathy Hochul in September 2021.  On Monday, Nov 20, work-zone speed units wer…