Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents' Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents'
Sweeping Change: Instagram Moves Teens Into Private Accounts 'Guided By Parents' Millions of teenage Instagram users are being forced into private accounts with enhanced security features aimed at limiting their exposure to harmful content. Meta, the social media platform’s parent company, unveiled its “Teen Accounts” feature on Tuesday, Sept. 17, automatically placing anyone under the age of 18 into a default private account. Teens with a private account must accept new followers and people who don’t follow them can’t see their contact or interact with them. It also comes with strict messaging settings, making it so they can only receive messages from people they foll…
Movie Theater In Hudson Valley Closes After Decades In Business Movie Theater In Hudson Valley Closes After Decades In Business
Movie Theater In Hudson Valley Closes After Decades In Business After some 36 years of keeping the residents in the Hudson Valley entertained, a popular movie theater that has been owned by the same person for the past 20 years has closed. Known for its matinees and friendly employees, Showtime Cinemas in Orange County, located in the town of Newburgh on Route 300, ran its last film on Sunday, Sept. 15. "Since 2020, we have had a massive battle to fight, and we overcame it with the help and support of the local and surrounding communities," the owners said on Facebook. The owners said they would have had to close sooner if it weren't for the customers,…
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says
New Details: Ex-Husband Shot Way Into NY Home Before Killing Woman, Her BF, DA Says Authorities have released new details in the case of a New York couple who were shot to death inside their home. Long Island resident Daniel Coppola, age 50, of St. James, was arraigned on four counts of first-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Sept. 6, in the deaths of his ex-wife Kelly Coppola and her boyfriend, Kenneth Pohlman. Suffolk County Police found Mrs. Coppola, age 50, and Pohlman, age 52, dead from gunshot wounds inside their St. James residence on Brasswood Road shortly before midnight on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Earlier Report: Accused Murderer Ranted About Pr…
Salad Pizza Has NYers Divided: ‘Blasphemy’ Salad Pizza Has NYers Divided: ‘Blasphemy’
Salad Pizza Has NYers Divided: ‘Blasphemy’ Forget red sauce or white sauce, thin crust or deep dish — the real question is salad or no salad? On top, that is. New Yorkers are talking after a curious image popped up on the Long Island Foodies Facebook page: a slice of pizza topped with a chicken Caesar salad. “It’s a bad picture, but in your experience, is a salad slice normally on a regular slice?” Sam Marshak asked his fellow foodies. “I’ve never seen this, so just curious what the norm is.” Yes, if you’re like this reporter and didn’t know, “salad pizza” is a thing. The pies are typically made sans the tomato sauce, with either…
'Run-Down To Remarkable': New Eatery In Capital Region Promises 'Escape From Ordinary' 'Run-Down To Remarkable': New Eatery In Capital Region Promises 'Escape From Ordinary'
'Run-Down To Remarkable': New Eatery In Capital Region Promises 'Escape From Ordinary' A new restaurant in the region promising a "culinary adventure" is garnering positive reviews days after opening. Out of Town Bistro – located in Albany at 258 Lark Street – held its grand opening Saturday, June 29. “Escape the ordinary and embark on a culinary adventure where each dish tells a story of flavors discovered from afar,” reads its Facebook bio. “Out of Town Bistro invites you to explore the world through tantalizing dishes crafted with passion and creativity.” Among the tantalizing dishes that diners can choose from are chicken wings, grilled or fried shrimp, or salmon served …
Capital Region Eatery Closing After 5 Years: 'Beyond My Control' Capital Region Eatery Closing After 5 Years: 'Beyond My Control'
Capital Region Eatery Closing After 5 Years: 'Beyond My Control' A well-reviewed breakfast and lunch spot in the region is calling it quits after five years in business. Saratoga County eatery Spa Café on Broadway – located in Saratoga Springs at 480 Broadway – will permanently close on Friday, May 17, owner Darin Palmetto announced on Facebook. “It is with a very heavy heart that I make this announcement,” Palmetto said. “This decision took a lot of thought and deliberation, but I have come to realize that I can no longer sustain the business in any form due to circumstances that are beyond my control.” He went on to thank all of his customers for supp…
Globe-Trotting Record Seeker Makes NY Stop On Quest To Drive 75 Countries Globe-Trotting Record Seeker Makes NY Stop On Quest To Drive 75 Countries
Globe-Trotting Record Seeker Makes NY Stop On Quest To Drive 75 Countries What drive around the world would be complete without a stop in the Empire State? Sinan Mohammad agreed, making a pit stop on Long Island Wednesday, Feb. 28, during his ambitious quest to travel by car through 75 countries in hopes of setting a Guinness World Record. The 30-year-old Indian national began his arduous trek in Mangalore, India in March 2023, setting out solo in a custom painted Mahindra Scorpio SUV. He hopes to cover roughly 60,000 miles by August 2024. As of early March, he had already driven nearly 30,000 miles across three continents. Mohammad received a warm welcome from…
Facebook, Instagram Issues Resolved After Widespread Outage: Meta Facebook, Instagram Issues Resolved After Widespread Outage: Meta
Facebook, Instagram Issues Resolved After Widespread Outage: Meta Facebook and Instagram users were locked out of their accounts Tuesday morning, March 5 in what appeared to have been a widespread outage. Hundreds and thousands of both Facebook and Instagram users had reported problems on DownDetector as of 11 a.m. The issue was resolved at approximately 11:45 a.m. Meta spokesman Andy Stone addressed the outage on Twitter: Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have difficulty accessing some of our services. We resolved the issue as quickly as possible for everyone who was impacted, and we apologize for any inconvenience. https://t.co/ybyy…
‘We Need Answers’: Death Of 14-Year-Old NY Girl Still Mystery One Year Later ‘We Need Answers’: Death Of 14-Year-Old NY Girl Still Mystery One Year Later
‘We Need Answers’: Death Of 14-Year-Old NY Girl Still Mystery One Year Later A year after Samantha Humphrey’s body was pulled from a river in upstate New York, her killer remains at large. The 14-year-old Schenectady High School sophomore was last seen on Nov. 25, 2022, near the city's Mohawk River. Her mother reported her missing the following day. Investigators spent months fruitlessly searching the water and surrounding areas with K9 units and dive teams before her body was finally recovered on Feb. 22, 2023. Earlier Report: NY Teen Samantha Humphrey Remembered As 'A Light In The Dark' Following Death At Age 14 A week later, Schenectady Police confirmed…
‘Just So Grateful’: Capital Region Restaurant Closing After 7 Years In Business ‘Just So Grateful’: Capital Region Restaurant Closing After 7 Years In Business
‘Just So Grateful’: Capital Region Restaurant Closing After 7 Years In Business For Christopher Knable, that’s a wrap on seven years of serving up comfort food with a side of “old fashioned values.” His Columbia County cafe and bakery, Main St. Goodness – located in Chatham at 20 Main Street – will permanently close on Sunday, Feb. 11. Knable is hanging up his apron and moving overseas after accepting “a really exciting new job,” he said in a video announcement on Facebook. “I just want to say thank you. Thank you, Chatham. It’s really been such a joy and I’m just so grateful to have been here for the last seven years and really enjoyed serving the community,” he said…
Melanie, NJ Folk Singer, Woodstock Performer, Dies At 76 Melanie, NJ Folk Singer, Woodstock Performer, Dies At 76
Melanie, NJ Folk Singer, Woodstock Performer, Dies At 76 Melanie, a folk singer-songwriter whose music took her from the Jersey Shore to international success in the 70's, has died at 76 years old. Melanie Safka died on Tuesday, Jan. 23, according to a Facebook post by her family. A cause of death was not given. The Long Branch native was born on Monday, Feb. 3, 1947, her IMDb page said. Her children called her a powerful performer and loving parent. "She was one of the most talented, strong, and passionate women of the era and every word she wrote, every note she sang reflected that," Leilah, Jeordie, and Beau Jarred said.  "Our world is …
‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Capital Region Dies At Age 33 ‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Capital Region Dies At Age 33
‘Beautiful Heart, Soul': National Guard Member From Capital Region Dies At Age 33 Tributes are pouring in for a beloved New York Army National Guard member from the region following her untimely death. Heather St. Pierre, formerly of Troy in Rensselaer County, died at her Cambridge home in Washington County on Thursday, Jan. 11 at the age of 33, according to her obituary. A cause of death was not given. Born in Albany, St. Pierre graduated from Hoosic Valley Central School in 2008, where she holds school records in pole vaulting and track. She later obtained a criminal justice degree from Bryant & Stratton College. St. Pierre was a member of the Military Poli…
'Thankful For The Memories': Restaurant In Capital Region Announces Closure 'Thankful For The Memories': Restaurant In Capital Region Announces Closure
'Thankful For The Memories': Restaurant In Capital Region Announces Closure A well-reviewed Irish pub in the region has permanently closed after five years in business. Greene County eatery Murphy’s Law Public House – located in Leeds at 1147 Main Street – announced that it would not be reopening after its winter break. “It is with heavy hearts that the Murphy clan regrets to announce the difficult decision…” the business said in a Facebook post Tuesday, Jan. 16.  “Though we never had the intentions of running a restaurant, we feel blessed to have been a part of the experience here in Leeds.” Murphy’s Law Public House opened in 2019 serving up pub staples li…
Trump Eyeing NY Congresswoman As Veep Pick, Report Says Trump Eyeing NY Congresswoman As Veep Pick, Report Says
Trump Eyeing NY Congresswoman As Veep Pick, Report Says As campaign season heats up, rumors are swirling over former President Donald Trump’s pick to be his running mate should he clinch the Republican nomination. Among the names that Trump is strongly considering for his vice president is New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, NBC News reports. The 39-year-old House Republican Conference chair – whose 21st District represents several Capital Region counties, including Rensselaer – was brought up during a dinner at the former president’s Mar-a-Lago home in December 2023, according to the outlet. Trump nodded approvingly and referred to Stefanik as “a ki…
Northern Westchester Eatery To Close Permanently: 'This Last Week Is Gonna Be LIT!' Northern Westchester Eatery To Close Permanently: 'This Last Week Is Gonna Be LIT!'
Northern Westchester Eatery To Close Permanently: 'This Last Week Is Gonna Be LIT!' A restaurant in Northern Westchester will soon be closing for good, but not without one last week of fun.  Dog Haus Biergarten Mohegan Lake, located at 3137 East Main St., will permanently close after Sunday, Jan. 14, the restaurant announced on social media.  Although no official reason for the closing was given, in a Facebook comment, the owners wrote, "We truly tried our hardest to make it work."  Despite the bad news, the owners maintained that the eatery's last days in business would still be a blast. To make this happen, the eatery will host karaoke on Wednesday night,…
Popular Restaurant In Region Closing After 10 Years Popular Restaurant In Region Closing After 10 Years
Popular Restaurant In Region Closing After 10 Years With plenty of five-star reviews and legions of fans, many foodies in the region will be sad to hear that one of their favorites is closing its doors. Sullivan County's Soy Asian Cusine, in Monticello, known for their homemade dumplings, sushi, and "very good Japanese food," according to a Yelper, announced on their Facebook page they will be closing on Monday, Jan. 15. The restaurant didn't give a reason for the closure but did say they wanted to thank everyone for their business and that they would be missed. Always popular with foodies, one diner had this to say just last month on Yelp:…
'Very Difficult Decision': Italian Restaurant In Capital Region Closing After 2 Years 'Very Difficult Decision': Italian Restaurant In Capital Region Closing After 2 Years
'Very Difficult Decision': Italian Restaurant In Capital Region Closing After 2 Years Yet another restaurant in the region is ending the year on a sour note. Belt Line 3, located in Albany at 340 Hamilton Street, will permanently close on Friday, Dec. 29, owner Angela Carkner announced on Facebook. “It was a very difficult decision to make. We were so proud to revitalize an empty space in Hudson Park/Center Square and breathe life into it again,” Carkner said.  “We have loved meeting you all, hosting your big life events and especially enjoyed the new customer relationships that have turned into friendships.” View this post on Instagram …
Man Poses As Nurse On Dating App, Then Assaults Several Women In Westchester, NYC: Feds Man Poses As Nurse On Dating App, Then Assaults Several Women In Westchester, NYC: Feds
Man Poses As Nurse On Dating App, Then Assaults Several Women In Westchester, NYC: Feds A 30-year-old man faces kidnapping and cyberstalking charges after posing as a nurse on a dating application and brutalizing several women he met in Westchester and New York City, federal officials announced.  An eight-count indictment charging New Jersey resident Herman Brightman of West New York, also known as "Nazir Griffiths" and "Nazir Luckett," with kidnapping, cyberstalking, and more has been returned by a grand jury, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Monday, Dec. 11.  According to federal officials, between January 2022 and Septemb…
Entrepreneur From Northern Westchester Earns Spot On Forbes' 30 Under 30 List Entrepreneur From Northern Westchester Earns Spot On Forbes' 30 Under 30 List
Entrepreneur From Northern Westchester Earns Spot On Forbes' 30 Under 30 List For Northern Westchester native Tom Weingarten, simply following his passion for sports and coaching and taking a chance ended up bringing him to a level of success that is now earning recognition from major national outlets. Weingarten, age 29, who serves as the chief growth officer for sports media company Overtime, was named on the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list, which is released annually and features 600 successful young entrepreneurs, stars, and leaders who have already exhibited plenty of potential.  Since Weingarten joined Overtime in 2015 as a startup, it has grown to have …
NY AG James Joins Lawsuit Against Meta With 32 Other States: 'They Must Be Held Accountable' NY AG James Joins Lawsuit Against Meta With 32 Other States: 'They Must Be Held Accountable'
NY AG James Joins Lawsuit Against Meta With 32 Other States: 'They Must Be Held Accountable' New York Attorney General Letitia James and a group of attorneys general from 32 other states have filed a federal lawsuit against Meta for contributing to a mental health crisis among young people, officials announced. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that the social media company knowingly designed and implemented features on Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms that purposefully take advantage of children and teens, James' office announced on Tuesday, Oct. 24.  Additionally, the lawsuit also charges Meta with collecting…
Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In New Canaan Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In New Canaan
Rumor Of Taylor Swift Sighting Causes Fan Frenzy In New Canaan It was Swiftie Mania day in a Connecticut town after a rumor started that the mega pop queen Taylor Swift was lunching in town with her new boyfriend Travis Kelce. In the heart of Fairfield County, hundreds of teens, moms, and well, guys, turned up in the town. of New Canaan outside the popular Elm Restaurant on Thursday, Oct. 20 where Swift was supposed to be inside dining with boyfriend Kelce (the Kansas City Chiefs tight end), Swift's BFF actor Blake Lively, and Lively's hubby actor Ryan Reynolds who live in neighboring Pound Ridge in Northern Westchester County.  Once the rumor made it…
Restaurant Dubbed As 'Out-Of-Body Experience' Opens In Capital Region Restaurant Dubbed As 'Out-Of-Body Experience' Opens In Capital Region
Restaurant Dubbed As 'Out-Of-Body Experience' Opens In Capital Region The new restaurant took a risk in opening a fine dining restaurant in the Capital Region – and so far, it has paid off. The Roosevelt Room, located at 112 North Greenbush Road in Troy, Rensselaer County, opened on Aug. 1, 2023. Opening a fine-dining restaurant is no small feat, but co-owners (and father-son duo) Mike and Michael Moscatiello and chef Noah Frese decided they wanted to fill the “niche” that was missing in Rensselaer County, as they told the Albany Business Review. In its first few months, taking that chance has already appeared to have been worth it. “Truly, an out-of-bo…
NY AG James Urges Social Media Companies To Stop Hateful Content After Attacks In Israel NY AG James Urges Social Media Companies To Stop Hateful Content After Attacks In Israel
NY AG James Urges Social Media Companies To Stop Hateful Content After Attacks In Israel New York Attorney General Letitia James has sent a series of letters to several social media companies urging them to take action and remove hateful content posted in response to the violence taking place in Israel.  The letters, announced by the Attorney General's Office on Friday, Oct. 13, all request that each company provide thorough explanations of how they are stopping the spread of hateful content that encourages violence against Jewish and Muslim people or institutions in the aftermath of violent attacks committed against Israel by the Hamas militant group.  Jame…
Popular Eatery In Capital Region Closes After 16 Years: 'Thank You From Bottom Of Our Heart' Popular Eatery In Capital Region Closes After 16 Years: 'Thank You From Bottom Of Our Heart'
Popular Eatery In Capital Region Closes After 16 Years: 'Thank You From Bottom Of Our Heart' A popular restaurant in the region known for its handmade European food has permanently closed after 16 years in business. Rensselaer County eatery Muza, located in Troy at 1300 15th Street, announced the closure in a Facebook post Tuesday, Oct. 10, five months after what was supposed to be a temporary shuttering. “To all of our loyal customers and staff throughout the years, we have made the difficult decision to close the Muza doors indefinitely," the Muza family said in a statement. Earlier Report: Popular Restaurant In Troy Closed 'Until Further Notice' "We are incredibly thankful …
Capital Region Business Owner, Father Who Died At Age 37 From Cancer Was 'Devoted Family Man' Capital Region Business Owner, Father Who Died At Age 37 From Cancer Was 'Devoted Family Man'
Capital Region Business Owner, Father Who Died At Age 37 From Cancer Was 'Devoted Family Man' Condolences are flooding in following the death of a beloved business owner, husband, and father from the region who is being remembered for his dedication to family. Rensselaer County resident Thomas Haberland, of the Town of Nassau, died Wednesday, Sept. 27, at the age of 37 following a “courageous” battle with cancer, according to his obituary.  A lifelong resident of Nassau, Haberland owns NE Tree and Property Services, where he humorously lists his job description as "flying squirrel." He began the venture as a teenager.  “Kind, caring, and generous are just a few of the traits he em…
'Drinks, Food Were Amazing': New Restaurant In Capital Region Garnering High Praise 'Drinks, Food Were Amazing': New Restaurant In Capital Region Garnering High Praise
'Drinks, Food Were Amazing': New Restaurant In Capital Region Garnering High Praise A new pan-Asian restaurant in the region serving up a variety of noodle soups and rice dishes is garnering high praise just weeks into business. Albany County eatery Hey Chef, located in Albany at 1133 Central Avenue, held its grand opening on Friday, Aug. 11. The business is under the direction of Ruby Liu, who also owns Albany spot Tengu Bistro on Central Avenue.  Adorning the restaurant’s menu are a variety of wheat and rice noodle soups made with either chicken, beef, or shrimp. Diners can also opt for rice bowls, served with meat, white rice, broccoli, carrots, and a chef special sau…
Cook It Yourself: New Eatery In Capital Region With Unique Model Cited For 'Outstanding' Food Cook It Yourself: New Eatery In Capital Region With Unique Model Cited For 'Outstanding' Food
Cook It Yourself: New Eatery In Capital Region With Unique Model Cited For 'Outstanding' Food A new restaurant in the region that lets diners don the chef hat is earning high praise days after opening. Schenectady County eatery Volcano Asian BBQ and Hot Pot, located in Niskayuna at 2309 Nott Street, held its soft opening on Thursday, Aug. 3. “Get ready to ignite your taste buds and embrace the sizzle and simmer of VOLCANO Asian BBQ and Hot Pot!” the company said on Facebook. Under the direction of owner Briana Lin, the restaurant offers up a unique “hot pot” dining experience in which customers prepare their own meals right at their table. Think fondue but with broth instead of ch…
Jan. 6 Attack: Graduate Of Northern Westchester HS Gets Prison Time For Role In Riot Jan. 6 Attack: Graduate Of Northern Westchester HS Gets Prison Time For Role In Riot
Jan. 6 Attack: Graduate Of Northern Westchester HS Gets Prison Time For Role In Riot A Northern Westchester high school product has been sentenced for his role in the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.  Brian Gundersen, age 28, who graduated from Byram Hills High School in Armonk and played varsity football during his time there, was sentenced to 18 months in prison on Tuesday, July 25 for his role in the breach of the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, according to the US Department of Justice.  Earlier Report - HS Football Jacket IDs Northern Westchester Man As Capitol Rioter Gundersen, who now lives in State College, Pennsylvania, had been charged in co…