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New York

Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul
Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul New Yorkers can now enjoy fairer access to coveted restaurant reservations. A new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 19, prohibits third-party reservation platforms from arranging reservations without a restaurant's consent. The platforms often charge consumers additional fees, creating a costly “black market” for popular dining spots and making it harder for diners to secure tables without paying a premium. “We’re putting an end to the predatory black market for restaurant reservations — protecting consumers and businesses, and giving everyone a chance to get a seat at the …
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In NY Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In NY
Norovirus Outbreak Prompts Recall Of Oysters Sold In NY New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Washington DC residents are being urged to avoid consuming certain oysters after a recall linked to a norovirus outbreak, federal officials announced.  The contaminated oysters were sold under the brands Fanny Bay, Buckley Bay, and Royal Miyagi and harvested between Dec. 1 and Dec. 9, 2024, from British Columbia (BC), Canada, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The oysters, distributed by S&M Shellfish Co. of San Francisco, were shipped to retailers and restaurants across several states, including New Jersey, New York, Pe…
Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 42 In NY Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 42 In NY
Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 42 In NY The party is over for a popular chain store that's been in business for decades. Party City is “winding down” operations immediately at its approximately 800 locations, CEO Barry Litwin told corporate employees  in a video call on Friday, Dec. 20, CNN reports. Workers were told they will not receive severance pay, and that their benefits would end as the company goes out of business, CNN says. The company, headquartered in in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, is running low on cash and unable to pay rent in some locations, according to an earlier Bloomberg report. Party City was foun…
Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores
Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores Big Lots has announced plans to close all of its remaining 963 stores, initiating "going out of business" sales following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September. The company says it's started the process of closing stores in 48 states and liquidating inventory under its court-supervised Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.  The decision comes as the retailer seeks to maximize value for stakeholders while exploring potential going-concern sale opportunities. "We all have worked extremely hard and have taken every step to complete a going concern sale," Big Lots' President and Chie…
2 Inches Of Snow Could Fall This Weekend In Hudson Valley: Here's Your Forecast 2 Inches Of Snow Could Fall This Weekend In Hudson Valley: Here's Your Forecast
2 Inches Of Snow Could Fall This Weekend In Hudson Valley: Here's Your Forecast A winter storm is poised to bring light to moderate snowfall to eastern New York, western Massachusetts, and parts of Connecticut from Friday morning, Dec. 20 through Saturday evening, Dec. 21, according to the National Weather Service. A Hazardous Weather Outlook has been issued for the region, warning of slippery travel conditions, particularly during the Friday evening commute. While snowfall amounts are expected to remain below advisory levels—less than 4 inches—hazardous road conditions are likely. Thursday will be partly sunny with a high near 39°F and northwest winds of 7 to 10 mph, …
Payback Time: NY Delivery Drivers Will Get Cut Of $4M Settlement Over Withheld Tips Payback Time: NY Delivery Drivers Will Get Cut Of $4M Settlement Over Withheld Tips
Payback Time: NY Delivery Drivers Will Get Cut Of $4M Settlement Over Withheld Tips Thousands of local delivery drivers are in for a much-deserved payday. Drizly, a now-defunct alcohol delivery platform, reached a $4 million settlement with the State of New York on Tuesday, Dec. 17, for failing to ensure that delivery workers received their rightful tips. According to New York Attorney General Leitita James, Drizly encouraged customers to tip delivery workers but sent the funds to liquor store owners instead. Store owners were responsible for distributing the tips, but in many cases, workers did not receive the money they earned. The investigation also revealed that Driz…
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Mangione is charged with one count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and two counts of second-degree murder. Mangione, a 26-year-old Maryland native, had fled New York City after the high-profile targeted assassination outside the New York Hilton in Manhattan on Wednesday, Dec. 4.  UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. UnitedHealthcare After a days-long manhunt, Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsy…
Putnam County Sees Snow Accumulations, Nelsonville Reports 4.5 Inches Putnam County Sees Snow Accumulations, Nelsonville Reports 4.5 Inches
Putnam County Sees Snow Accumulations, Nelsonville Reports 4.5 Inches The National Weather Service has released snow totals from this week's winter storm. Snowfall accumulation impacted areas across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and New York, with Sussex County, NJ, and Putnam County, NY, seeing the highest totals from Sunday, Dec. 15 into Monday, Dec. 16. Below are detailed figures reported by state, county, and town, as per the National Weather Service: New Jersey Mercer County: Trenton Mercer Airport: Trace (11:59 PM, 12/15) Morris County: Butler (1 S): 3.0 inches (5:15 AM, 12/16) Sussex County: Wantage Twp: 4.1 inches (5:00 AM, 12/16) Wan…
Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When
Iconic Waldorf Astoria To Reopen After Years-Long Makeover: Here’s When An iconic New York hotel will soon be reopening after a years-long renovation. The Waldorf Astoria is on track to be up and running in the spring. It has been closed for renovation since February 2017. The hotel's online reservation system went live last week. An announcement on its website states, "We are opening Spring 2025 and are now accepting reservations for stays and groups beginning September 2025." Known for its Art Deco design and rich history, the Waldorf Astoria has been a symbol of luxury since its original opening in 1931. Over the decades, it has hosted countless celebriti…
Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 16 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $58M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 16 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $58M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 16 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $58M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Monday, Dec. 16 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $58 million with a $27.1 million cash option after a player in New York recently won the jackpot and reset the prize pool.  If no winner claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 18. The winning numbers for Monday's drawing were 09-30-33-57-61 with a Powerball of  17 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matchi…
NY Baby Formula Suppliers Accused Of Price Gouging Agree To $675K Settlement NY Baby Formula Suppliers Accused Of Price Gouging Agree To $675K Settlement
NY Baby Formula Suppliers Accused Of Price Gouging Agree To $675K Settlement Thousands of cans of baby formula are being distributed to families in need across New York after a settlement was reached with two companies accused of illegal price gouging. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Monday, Dec. 18, that her office had secured $675,000 worth of baby formula from Marine Park Distribution Inc. and its affiliate, Formula Depot Inc., following an investigation into price gouging during the nationwide formula shortage in 2022. The companies allegedly raised formula prices by more than 60 percent in some cases, with costs doubling for certain product…
Santos Spills: Viral Milkshake Attack Was Planned Publicity Stunt, Ousted NY Rep. Confesses Santos Spills: Viral Milkshake Attack Was Planned Publicity Stunt, Ousted NY Rep. Confesses
Santos Spills: Viral Milkshake Attack Was Planned Publicity Stunt, Ousted NY Rep. Confesses Turns out this milkshake drama was all whipped up. A video appearing to show disgraced former New York congressman George Santos being doused in ice cream in Times Square went viral over the weekend. The clip, which had been viewed millions of times on X, shows the 36-year-old convicted felon being accosted by a man seemingly outraged that Santos has “the audacity to show his face.” Watch video of the incident below. After getting the ex-Long Island congressman’s attention, the man tosses a milkshake all over Santos' jacket and asks, “How do you like that?” “You are un-[expletive] believ…
New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Stewart Airport To Shut Down New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Stewart Airport To Shut Down
New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Stewart Airport To Shut Down Following an incident at a New York airport that disrupted operations, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that federal partners are deploying a state-of-the-art drone detection system to New York State. The announcement follows a significant disruption in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, where a drone forced a temporary shutdown of the airport’s runways, delaying flights. State and federal agencies are continuing their investigation into the incident. After that event, Hochul called for additional resources to bolster drone detection and response …
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA The senators representing New York and New Jersey are demanding answers about the drones that have been spotted flying in the skies of New York and New Jersey this past month. New York Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, all Democrats, wrote a letter on Thursday, Dec. 12 to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FAA Director Michael Whitaker demanding an immediate briefing on what they are doing to address the issue. "We are...especially concerned about how these drones may …
Ousted NY CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say Ousted NY CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say
Ousted NY CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say The former CEO of a New York telecommunications company is accused of engaging in insider trading just hours after he was fired, dodging thousands in losses. Ken Peterman, 67, was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 11, on federal charges of insider trading and securities fraud. Prosecutors said Peterman exploited non-public information about Melville-based Comtech Telecommunications’ poor financial performance and his impending termination to sell company shares, avoiding significant financial losses. According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), he violated two trading blackouts whe…
How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal
How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal New Yorkers could soon see some relief from rising costs. Around 8.6 million taxpayers statewide could stand to benefit from a historic $3 billion in “inflation refund” checks that were proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul during a speech in the Bronx on Monday, Dec. 9. If approved by lawmakers, the initiative would deliver $300 checks to single taxpayers earning up to $150,000 annually and $500 to joint filers with incomes up to $300,000. The refunds would be funded by surplus sales tax revenue generated during the recent period of high inflations. Hochul said the one-time payments would provide…
CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery
CEO Murder: Whiz Kid Suspect May Have Spiraled After Traumatic Back Surgery Luigi Nicholas Mangione, the whiz kid Ivy League-educated high school valedictorian accused of the execution-style murder of the CEO of one of the nation's largest healthcare providers, may have spiraled out of control after traumatic back surgery. Click here for a new, updated story - CEO Murder: How A Hash Brown At McDonald's Ended Manhunt For Luigi Mangione The procedure, which allegedly left Mangione in significant physical and emotional distress, may have contributed to his deteriorating mental state, a factor authorities are considering as part of their investigation. …
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…
Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 9 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $20M Jackpot Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 9 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $20M Jackpot
Winning Numbers For Monday, Dec. 9 Powerball Drawing With Estimated $20M Jackpot The winning numbers have been announced for the Monday, Dec. 9 Powerball drawing. The estimated jackpot is $20 million with a $9.7 million cash option after a player in New York recently won the jackpot and reset the prize pool.  If no winner claims the top prize, the jackpot will continue to roll until the next drawing at 10:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11. The winning numbers for Monday's drawing were 35-37-40-45-61 with a Powerball of 24 and the Power Play was 2X. Lottery players have a 1 in 292,201,338 chance of winning a Powerball jackpot by matching all five b…
Five New Laws Save New Yorkers Money, Offer Transparency Five New Laws Save New Yorkers Money, Offer Transparency
Five New Laws Save New Yorkers Money, Offer Transparency Five new laws signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will make it easier for residents to do everything from canceling health memberships to learning about restaurant sanitary inspections while saving them money. “At a time when New Yorkers are experiencing the devastating effects of rising prices, it’s important that I do everything I can to put more money back in their pockets,” Hochul said.  Here are the five new laws: Canceling health club memberships: Health clubs must accept the cancellation of membership within 10 days of receiving the request. The previous law gave them 15 days.…
NY Law Expands Workers’ Comp For Job-Related Mental Health Crises NY Law Expands Workers’ Comp For Job-Related Mental Health Crises
NY Law Expands Workers’ Comp For Job-Related Mental Health Crises New York is taking a major step toward supporting mental health in the workplace. A bill signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul Friday, Dec. 6, allows employees statewide to file for workers’ compensation for specific types of mental injury caused by extraordinary work-related stress. The crucial protections were previously limited to first responders. “New Yorkers work hard — and those who have experienced the unthinkable while on the job deserve to be treated fairly,” Hochul said. “The mental health crisis our country has experienced since the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, and we need to do …
Coquito Crowned As Holiday Favorite Drink In New York, New Jersey Coquito Crowned As Holiday Favorite Drink In New York, New Jersey
Coquito Crowned As Holiday Favorite Drink In New York, New Jersey This holiday season, New Yorkers and New Jerseyans are raising their glasses to Coquito, the creamy, coconut-infused Puerto Rican drink that’s outshining eggnog as the region’s go-to festive cocktail, a new study by Drinksworld shows. The creamy blend of coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rum is cementing its place as a holiday classic, showcasing the Northeast’s diverse tastes and cultural influences.  The study, which analyzed Google search data for festive drinks, found Coquito leading the pack in NY and NJ, while Eggnog topped the charts in 12 states and Hot Buttered Rum in 10. F…
Anthem Reverses Anesthesia Coverage Cap After Outcry In NY, CT Anthem Reverses Anesthesia Coverage Cap After Outcry In NY, CT
Anthem Reverses Anesthesia Coverage Cap After Outcry In NY, CT New York and Connecticut residents can breathe easier: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision to impose time limits on anesthesia coverage during procedures, officials announced Thursday, Dec. 5. The policy, initially set to take effect on Feb. 1, 2025, would have capped anesthesia coverage if a procedure exceeded an arbitrary time limit, regardless of medical necessity, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The decision applied to residents in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri. Facing backlash from patients, healthcare advocates, and state leaders, Anth…
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…
NYers To Receive Cut Of $4.8M Settlement With SmileDirectClub Over Improper Billing NYers To Receive Cut Of $4.8M Settlement With SmileDirectClub Over Improper Billing
NYers To Receive Cut Of $4.8M Settlement With SmileDirectClub Over Improper Billing Thousands of New Yorkers will benefit from a $4.8 million settlement with the now-defunct SmileDirectClub over improper billing practices. The former Nashville, Tennessee-based teledentistry company agreed to the move after it continued to charge more than 28,000 consumers despite filing for bankruptcy and stopping services in September 2023. Multiple complaints were filed with the New York State Office of the Attorney General (OAG) after consumers were told to keep making monthly installment payments despite no longer receiving aligner treatment. In December 2023, OAG sent a cease-and-de…
Trump Taps NY Native Kash Patel, Extreme Loyalist As FBI Director Trump Taps NY Native Kash Patel, Extreme Loyalist As FBI Director
Trump Taps NY Native Kash Patel, Extreme Loyalist As FBI Director President-elect Donald Trump announced that 44-year-old loyalist and New York native Kashyap “Kash” Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,  Trump described Patel as a "brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter, in an announcement shared to social media on Sunday, Dec. 1. He praised Patel’s career of “exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people.” "He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution," Trump sai…
Recall Issued For Ready-To-Eat Produce Sold In NY Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination Recall Issued For Ready-To-Eat Produce Sold In NY Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination
Recall Issued For Ready-To-Eat Produce Sold In NY Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination Ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable products sold in the parts of the Northeast are being recalled. Connecticut-based Gracie’s Kitchens Inc., located in New Haven, has issued the recall due to potential contamination with Listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious health risks, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall involves products manufactured between Monday, Nov. 4 and Wednesday, Nov. 13, and sold under the Gracie’s Kitchens, King Kullen, and Wild By Nature brands.   The products were distributed to grocery stores in New York and Connecticut. Items …
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…
Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination
Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers distributed throughout the US and Canada and organic eggs sold in 25 Costco stores in several states have been recalled due to the risk of Salmonella contamination. Cucumber recall SunFed Produce, LLC (SunFed) is recalling all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the “SunFed” label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker that provides the implicated grower’s name “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V." The recalled cucumbers were sold between Saturday, Oct. 12, through Thursday, Nov. 26, 2024. The whole fresh America…
Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic With NY Ties To Lead CDC Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic With NY Ties To Lead CDC
Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic With NY Ties To Lead CDC Another vaccine skeptic with New York ties could soon shape public health policy. President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Florida congressman and physician Dave Weldon to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weldon was born on Long Island, in Amityville, and graduated from Stony Brook University in 1978 before earning his M.D. degree at the University of Buffalo in 1981. Earlier Report: Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services “In addition to being a medical doctor for 40 years, and an Ar…
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In NY, Report Says This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In NY, Report Says
This Is Most Popular Thanksgiving Side Dish In NY, Report Says Move over, stuffing and cranberry sauce – this Thanksgiving side reigns supreme in the eyes of New Yorkers. Of all the delectable dishes to play second fiddle to the turkey, sweet potato casserole is the most popular in the Empire State, according to AllRecipes. The website analyzed its data from Turkey Days past to come up with its list of the most popular Thanksgiving side dishes in every state, based on recipe search volumes. A holiday staple for many, sweet potato casserole is typically made with brown sugar, butter, orange juice, and cinnamon, and topped with gooey marshmallows. Home…