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Education

Schools
Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm
Sharp Drop In College Enrollment Raises Alarm Fewer high school graduates began college this fall, with enrollment in that age group dropping 5 percent from last year, according to an analysis by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.  Four-year institutions were hardest hit, with public colleges seeing an 8.5 percent drop in first-year enrollments and private nonprofit colleges reporting a 6.5 percent decline.  This trend poses significant challenges for colleges and universities, particularly those reliant on tuition revenue.  As the competition for students intensifies, institutions face mounting pressur…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged With CEO's Murder, Faces Extradition To NY Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged With CEO's Murder, Faces Extradition To NY
Ivy Leaguer From Prominent Family Officially Charged With CEO's Murder, Faces Extradition To NY An Ivy League-educated high school valedictorian from a privileged, politically connected family has been charged with the execution-style murder of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare providers after a days-long manhunt. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery New York prosecutors have formally charged 26-year-old Luigi Nicholas Mangione, a native of Towson, Maryland, with the fatal shooting of United Healthcare executive Brian Thompson.  The incident occurred outside the New York Hilton in midt…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Hudson Valley Welcomes New Licensed Pot Dispensary Hudson Valley Welcomes New Licensed Pot Dispensary
Hudson Valley Welcomes New Licensed Pot Dispensary A new pot shop is set to elevate the cannabis retail experience in a town in the region as its first state-licensed recreational dispensary. The new store, Dutchess Roots, located in the Town of Poughkeepsie, broke ground on Monday, Nov. 25, at 2615 South Road. The dispensary is nestled behind Buff City Soap and opposite The Yoga House, with plans to open its doors in Spring 2025. Town Supervisor Rebecca Edwards expressed enthusiasm for the new venture and stressed the town's commitment to regulated and safe cannabis sales.  Officials said Dutchess Roots aims to integrate into the co…

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by Daily Voice
Obituaries
'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' Chestnut Ridge Native Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle 'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' Chestnut Ridge Native Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle
'Never, Never, Never Give Up:' Chestnut Ridge Native Dies After 10-Year Cancer Battle Lauren Zucconi, a Bergen County teacher, loving wife, and proud Long Beach Island homeowner, passed away on Monday, Nov. 25, after a decade-long battle with cancer, according to her obituary on the Volk Leber Funeral Home website. She was 36 years old. Her unwavering mantra, “Never, never, never give up,” defined her courageous journey and inspired those around her. Born in Westwood and raised in Chestnut Ridge, NY, Lauren excelled in academics and athletics, graduating from Spring Valley High School, where she met her soulmate, James Robert Nash, her obituary says. She went on to earn…

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by Cecilia Levine
Politics
Linda McMahon Picked To Head Department Of Education Linda McMahon Picked To Head Department Of Education
Linda McMahon Picked To Head Department Of Education President-elect Donald Trump named Linda McMahon, a prominent figure in business and politics, the next Secretary of the Department of Education. Trump noted McMahon's two years working on the Connecticut Board of Education when nominating her as the nation's top teacher. “As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand 'Choice' to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families,” Trump said in a statement that promised she would be a “fierce advocate for Parents’ Rights.” Related: Dr. Oz Tapped To Oversee Medicare, Medi…

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by Josh Lanier
News
New Update: Accused Killer Of 15-Year-Old Hudson Valley Boy In US Illegally, ICE Says New Update: Accused Killer Of 15-Year-Old Hudson Valley Boy In US Illegally, ICE Says
New Update: Accused Killer Of 15-Year-Old Hudson Valley Boy In US Illegally, ICE Says A 40-year-old man who allegedly shot his girlfriend and her two children in Northern Westchester and then led authorities on a 12-hour manhunt is in the United States illegally and has had past encounters with Border Patrol, officials said. Fernando Andres Jimenez Meza, who allegedly shot and killed 15-year-old Michael Raimondi and injured his mother and brother during an incident in the Baldwin Place section of Somers on Monday, Oct. 28, is an unlawfully present citizen of Chile, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) spokesperson said on Friday, Nov. 1. He entere…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Barstool Sports Lending Support To Family Of Hudson Valley Teacher Killed In Murder-Suicide Barstool Sports Lending Support To Family Of Hudson Valley Teacher Killed In Murder-Suicide
Barstool Sports Lending Support To Family Of Hudson Valley Teacher Killed In Murder-Suicide Following a horrific murder-suicide that left a beloved Westchester teacher and mom dead, community members and media company Barstool Sports are coming to the aid of her three children.  The outpouring of support follows the death of Eastchester Union Free School District teacher Arlene O’Neill, age 47, who was killed in a shooting at her Yonkers home on Chittenden Avenue on Wednesday morning, Oct. 16.  According to police, O’Neill, a fifth-grade teacher at the Anne Hutchinson School, was fatally shot by her husband, retired New York City Police Department officer…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
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…

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by Michael Mashburn
Schools
Hudson Valley Well-Represented In Brand-New Best High School Rankings Hudson Valley Well-Represented In Brand-New Best High School Rankings
Hudson Valley Well-Represented In Brand-New Best High School Rankings New York is well-represented in brand-new rankings of the best high schools in New York. The first four in Niche's 2025 selections are all from New York City: Stuyvesant in Manhattan, the Bronx High School of Science, Staten Island Technical High School, and Townsend Harris High School in Queens. Checking in at No. 5 and the first Westchester County selection is Scarsdale High School. The first Long Island school picked is No. 7 Half Hollow Hills West in Dix Hills. Long Island schools also make up spots 10 through 13: They are Jericho, Syosset, and Great Neck South high schools. Four mor…

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by Joe Lombardi
Obituaries
Memorial Set For Hudson Valley Teen Killed In Crash That Injured 3 Others Memorial Set For Hudson Valley Teen Killed In Crash That Injured 3 Others
Memorial Set For Hudson Valley Teen Killed In Crash That Injured 3 Others A teen who died in a single-vehicle Hudson Valley crash is being remembered for having an "Old Soul" and being a modern-day Renaissance man. Related Story: Minisink Valley Community Rallies To Support Family Of 17-Year-Old Killed In Crash Orange County resident Jack Braun of Slate Hill, a hamlet of Wawayanda, died in Sullivan County around 1:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 22, on Route 17 West in Mamakating in a single-vehicle crash. According to his obituary, Braun, a student at Minisink Valley High School, was born an ‘old soul' and was passionate about history, film, and music.  His…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student Returned To Hudson Valley HS After Retirement Announcement Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student Returned To Hudson Valley HS After Retirement Announcement
Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student Returned To Hudson Valley HS After Retirement Announcement A former teacher accused of taking a student behind a high school auditorium curtain in Westchester and kissing them returned to the district in a partial capacity for a year after announcing his retirement, officials said.  Hartsdale resident Michael Rubino, who taught music with Hastings Public Schools for over 20 years, was arrested on Wednesday, Sept. 11 on charges connected to his alleged unwanted touching and kissing of an underage student at Hastings High School, according to the Westchester County District Attorney's Office.  Earlier Report - Former Teacher…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Former Teacher Accused Of Touching, Kissing Student At High School In Hudson Valley Former Teacher Accused Of Touching, Kissing Student At High School In Hudson Valley
Former Teacher Accused Of Touching, Kissing Student At High School In Hudson Valley A retired music teacher of more than two decades faces criminal charges after allegedly taking a student behind a high school auditorium curtain in Westchester and kissing them, officials announced. New, updated report - Teacher Accused Of Kissing Student Returned To Westchester HS After Retirement Announcement Hartsdale resident Michael Rubino, age 63, was arrested in connection with an incident at Hastings High School in June involving the unwanted touching and kissing of an underage student, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Accordi…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY
New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY There will soon be a student on every school board in New York.A new law requiring all state boards of education to have at least one student member will take effect on July 1, 2025. The students will attend public meetings, but not executive sessions, and won't be allowed to vote. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill on Thursday, Sept. 5. It will also remove the current law requirement that a student member seat be authorized by referendum of the voters of the district.  The bill would also remove the requirement that a student member be a senior at the school and instead require only …

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by Joe Lombardi
Schools
Students' Cell Phones Will Be Locked Up At This Middle School In Hudson Valley Students' Cell Phones Will Be Locked Up At This Middle School In Hudson Valley
Students' Cell Phones Will Be Locked Up At This Middle School In Hudson Valley A funny thing happened at a Hudson Valley high school last year when students were required to lock up their cell phones during the day—it worked, and now the middle school is joining the club.  Poughkeepsie Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Rosser said the Yondr pouch program was launched in Dutchess County at Poughkeepsie High School in April.  Rosser wrote in his school newsletter that the program has changed its culture and improved attendance and engagement since its inception. This fall, district officials are expanding the program to Poughkeepsie Middle School. “The su…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
School Worker Accused Of Abusing Student In Hudson Valley School Worker Accused Of Abusing Student In Hudson Valley
School Worker Accused Of Abusing Student In Hudson Valley An employee at a school in Northern Westchester County has been accused of abusing a student. New York State Police from the Somers barracks announced on Monday night, Aug. 19, that the alleged incident occurred earlier this month at the Westchester Exceptional Children's School in North Salem. Following the report of abuse by the victim’s mother on Friday, Aug. 2, an investigation determined Carmen M. Santiago Osorio, age 60, of New Rochelle, kicked a child under the age of 13 years old.  She was charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled perso…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Donald Trump Paints America In Collapse In Elon Musk X Interview Plagued By Tech Glitches Donald Trump Paints America In Collapse In Elon Musk X Interview Plagued By Tech Glitches
Donald Trump Paints America In Collapse In Elon Musk X Interview Plagued By Tech Glitches In an at-times rambling conversation plagued by tech glitches that jumped from fawning praise to forced questions, former President Donald Trump laid out his clearest thesis for his campaign: Vote Trump to preserve American supremacy around the globe and avoid a World War.  The conversation began about the assassination attempt on Trump's life. Musk said he was stunned at how close Trump was to losing his life. The former president said even his doctors couldn't believe his luck.  The former president said it was most likely divine intervention that saved his life. https://t.c…

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by Josh Lanier
Schools
School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War
School Board Member In Hudson Valley Under Fire For Comments On Israel-Hamas War Elected officials and community members are calling for a Hudson Valley school board member to step down following alleged antisemitic remarks made at a board meeting.  The outrage was prompted following a school board meeting in Putnam County on Tuesday, July 9, when Carmel Central School District Trustee Jim Wise allegedly controversy within the town over a comment on the Israel-Hamas war. The statement in question, "From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free," was defended by Wise in a post on social media on Wednesday, Aug. 7.  "I also reject absolutely the idea that …

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Pair Of New Principals Named At School District In Hudson Valley Pair Of New Principals Named At School District In Hudson Valley
Pair Of New Principals Named At School District In Hudson Valley Two new principals will soon take the lead at two Hudson Valley schools. In an announcement on Thursday, July 25, the Carmel Central School District in Putnam County revealed that new principals were hired for both Kent Primary School and Kent Elementary School.  Vincent Fino, the former Assistant Principal at Carmel High School, will take over at Kent Primary School. He replaces Dan Brown, who retired at the end of the 2023-24 school year, the district said. Meanwhile, John Fratto will be the next principal at Kent Elementary School and replace Michael Setaro, who will begin a new ro…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Free Pool Access For Summer: Hochul Launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign At NY Parks Free Pool Access For Summer: Hochul Launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign At NY Parks
Free Pool Access For Summer: Hochul Launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign At NY Parks As part of an initiative to promote physical and mental health among young New Yorkers, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that pool entry fees will be waived at state parks this summer. “Summer is here – get offline and get outside.” On Tuesday, July 2, Hochul announced that for the rest of the summer, there will be no entry fees at New York State Parks pools. It’s part of the “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign, which encourages young people and families to prioritize their mental and physical health by taking a break from social media to enjoy recreation and social gatherings outdoors. Poo…

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by Sophie Grieser
Real Estate
Fox News Star Sean Hannity Sells New York Home For Just Under $13 Million Fox News Star Sean Hannity Sells New York Home For Just Under $13 Million
Fox News Star Sean Hannity Sells New York Home For Just Under $13 Million After just a week on the market, news anchor Sean Hannity sold his 10,600-square-foot waterfront estate. The estate, located in the town of Oyster Bay village of Centre Island, was listed for $13.75 million but sold at $12.7 million. Sold by Nest Seekers International’s Shawn Elliott after a bidding war, the buyer (who has not been named) received not only the seven-bedroom, nine-bath house but all the furniture as well, according to the Wall Street Journal and a representative for Elliott. Earlier Report: Fox News' Sean Hannity Lists Oyster Bay Home For $13.7M The estate boasts …

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by Sophie Grieser
News
Westchester Eighth-Grade Student Dies Suddenly In Fall From Parking Garage: 'Amazing Young Man' Westchester Eighth-Grade Student Dies Suddenly In Fall From Parking Garage: 'Amazing Young Man'
Westchester Eighth-Grade Student Dies Suddenly In Fall From Parking Garage: 'Amazing Young Man' A beloved middle school student from Westchester who had already met plenty of success as a wrestler is being remembered by his community following his sudden death.  New, updated report - Update: Services Set For 13-Year-Old Star Athlete From Harrison Killed In 5-Story Fall Mark Anthony Giordano, a 13-year-old eighth-grade student at Harrison's Louis M. Klein Middle School, was killed after falling from the parking garage on Sunday evening, June 9 next to the Harrison Metro-North train station, according to MTA officials and Harrison Central School District Superintendent Lo…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Westchester Students Help Name Baby Falcons Born On Top Of New Tappan Zee Bridge Westchester Students Help Name Baby Falcons Born On Top Of New Tappan Zee Bridge
Westchester Students Help Name Baby Falcons Born On Top Of New Tappan Zee Bridge Thanks to elementary school students in Westchester and Rockland counties, several baby peregrine falcons born on top of the new Tappan Zee Bridge have been bestowed with creative names.  To name the falcons, which were born in late May on top of the new Tappan Zee Bridge, the New York State Thruway Authority and Veolia Water held a contest in which voters could decide between several names chosen by schoolchildren throughout the region. Nearly 200,000 votes later, the results are in — the four winning names are:  Beakoncé, which earned 26 percent of votes and was the idea of Ms…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
Hudson Valley School To Close For Year Hudson Valley School To Close For Year
Hudson Valley School To Close For Year Delays from the state Department of Education have forced a Hudson Valley school district to close an elementary school for a year. The school, Fort Montgomery Elementary School, is located in Orange County. According to Superintendent of Schools Michael McElduff, the district submitted all required documentation for the extensive project review to the State Education Department.  On Thursday, May 30, the district had not heard back from the state on the proposed improvement and much-needed upgrades for the school. "The district has been proactive in communicating with SED and h…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Superintendent, Security Specialist Stole From Westchester School District: DA Superintendent, Security Specialist Stole From Westchester School District: DA
Superintendent, Security Specialist Stole From Westchester School District: DA A former superintendent and security system specialist face corruption charges after allegedly stealing thousands from the Westchester school district they served and using the funds to buy luxury items for themselves, officials announced. Former Greenburgh-Graham Union Free School District Superintendent Oliver Levy, age 55, and the district's former security specialist, Surendra Kumar, age 47, were both arrested and arraigned on Thursday, May 30 in connection with the scheme, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office and New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli ann…

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by Ben Crnic