Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk
Nationwide Recall Issued For Brand Of Eye Drops Over Contamination Risk A nationwide recall has been issued for a specific lot of eye drops due to potential fungal contamination, which could cause serious eye infections. The recall involves lubricant eye drops under the Systane brand, manufactured by Alcon Laboratories, following a report of fungal material found in a sealed vial.  No illnesses have been reported, but fungal contamination can pose vision-threatening risks and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications for immunocompromised individuals. Details of the recall: Specific brand: Systane Lubricant Eye Drops Ultra PF, Single Vials On-…
Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against Sexual Harassment Accuser Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against Sexual Harassment Accuser
Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Files Lawsuit Against Sexual Harassment Accuser Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment, is suing one of his accusers, a Northern Westchester native, for defamation.  Cuomo, age 67, filed the lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court on Thursday, Dec. 19 against former staffer Charlotte Bennett, a Northern Westchester native, who accused the former governor of sexual harassment in 2021.  Bennett had previously filed a federal lawsuit against former Gov. Cuomo in September 2022. However, she voluntarily dropped the lawsuit on Monday, Dec. 9, saying in a joint statement …
Orange County Man Sentenced for Drunk Driving Crash That Killed 11-Year-Old Girl Orange County Man Sentenced for Drunk Driving Crash That Killed 11-Year-Old Girl
Orange County Man Sentenced for Drunk Driving Crash That Killed 11-Year-Old Girl A Hudson Valley man will spend up to seven years in prison after admitting to driving drunk and causing a crash that killed an 11-year-old girl in a tragic head-on collision, prosecutors announced. Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that Yeraldo Roa, age 36, of Port Jervis, was sentenced to two and one-third to seven years in prison on Friday, Dec. 20, following his guilty plea to vehicular manslaughter. Roa admitted to driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .20—more than twice the legal limit—on the night of Sept. 23, 2023. He crossed double-yello…
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 …
IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know
IRS Sending Special Payments To 1 Million Americans: Here's What To Know The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced it will issue automatic payments this month to nearly one million taxpayers who didn’t claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax returns.  These payments aim to assist eligible individuals who missed claiming the credit, which provides up to $1,400 per person for those who didn’t receive the full amount of their Economic Impact Payments (EIPs). Who Will Receive Payments? Eligible taxpayers include those who filed a 2021 tax return but either left the Recovery Rebate Credit field blank or entered $0 despite qualifying. Payments wil…
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…
Hudson Valley Man Convicted of Felony Driving Offenses After DUI Arrest on Route 9W Hudson Valley Man Convicted of Felony Driving Offenses After DUI Arrest on Route 9W
Hudson Valley Man Convicted of Felony Driving Offenses After DUI Arrest on Route 9W A Poughkeepsie man with a history of drunk driving convictions has been found guilty of felony charges after being caught driving without a court-ordered ignition interlock device, officials report. Mark Brown, age 56, of Poughkeepsie, was convicted of aggravated unlicensed vehicle operation and circumvention of an interlock device following a three-day jury trial in Kingston, said Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel Nneji. A New York State trooper arrested Brown in May 2023 after being stopped for multiple traffic violations on Route 9W in Marlborough.  According to officials, t…
Former Hudson Valley Corrections Officer Sentenced For Tampering With Records, Harassment Former Hudson Valley Corrections Officer Sentenced For Tampering With Records, Harassment
Former Hudson Valley Corrections Officer Sentenced For Tampering With Records, Harassment A former Rockland County corrections officer has been sentenced to probation after admitting to falsifying records and exposing himself to a female inmate while on duty, prosecutors announced. John Kezek, 39, of Knoxville, Tennessee, formerly of Florida, New York, was sentenced following his guilty plea to tampering with public records and official misconduct, said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh. The sentencing occurred on Thursday, Dec. 19. As part of his guilty plea, Kezek admitted to falsifying records at the Rockland County Correctional Facility and exposing himself to …
Christmas Lotto Cheer: Orange County Player Hits $50K On Powerball Christmas Lotto Cheer: Orange County Player Hits $50K On Powerball
Christmas Lotto Cheer: Orange County Player Hits $50K On Powerball Yippee! A lucky Hudson Valley Powerball player has $50,000 to spend for Christmas after winning the third-place prize for the Wednesday, Dec. 18 game. New York Lottery officials said the ticket was sold at the Quick Chek store on Route 9W in Newburgh in Orange County. The winning numbers were 06-15-18-33-49 with a Powerball of 7.  The unidentified player had to select four correct numbers and the Powerball to win the third prize.  No word yet on who the winner is. The Powerball drawing is televised every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 11 p.m.
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…
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In Orange County Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In Orange County
Backyard Fossil Jackpot: Ancient Mastodon Jaw Unearthed In Orange County A backyard in New York became the site of a remarkable prehistoric discovery when a homeowner unearthed a complete and well-preserved jaw of a mastodon, an ancient relative of modern elephants. Alongside the jaw, researchers also uncovered a toe bone fragment and a piece of a rib. The discovery began in the Hudson Valley when the Orange County resident noticed two large teeth protruding from the soil beneath a plant near the home in Scotchtown, according to the New York State Museum in a social media post on Tuesday, Dec. 17. After further digging revealed additional teeth, experts from th…
NTSB Report Sheds Light On NY Plane Crash That Killed VA Pilot, Animal Rescuer NTSB Report Sheds Light On NY Plane Crash That Killed VA Pilot, Animal Rescuer
NTSB Report Sheds Light On NY Plane Crash That Killed VA Pilot, Animal Rescuer The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released a preliminary report detailing the events leading up to a plane crash in Windham, NY, that claimed the life of a Virginia pilot dedicated to rescuing dogs in need. The crash occurred on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, at approximately 6:10 p.m. The single-engine Mooney M20J, piloted by 49-year-old Seuk Kim of Springfield, VA, was traveling from Harford County Airport in Maryland to Albany International Airport when it went down in a remote, wooded area of Greene County, as previously reported by Daily Voice. According to the NTSB report, t…
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US
First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Health officials have confirmed the first severe case of H5N1 bird flu in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made the announcement on Wednesday, Dec. 18 saying the infection was diagnosed on Friday, Dec. 13, following contact the patient made with sick and dead birds from a backyard flock. The case was reported in Louisiana and marks the first H5N1 case in the US linked to exposure to backyard poultry.  Since April 2024, there have been a total of 61 reported human cases of H5 bird flu reported in the United States. H5 is generally less severe than…
Hudson Valley Man Headed To Prison For Child Sex Abuse Hudson Valley Man Headed To Prison For Child Sex Abuse
Hudson Valley Man Headed To Prison For Child Sex Abuse A Hudson Valley man has been sentenced to prison for his conviction of sexual abuse of a 7-year-old child. Carlos Fernando Pinola Pop, 41, of Kingston, was found guilty of the Sept. 2023 incident and sentenced to four and a half years. In addition, Pinola Pop will have to register with the New York State Sex Offender Registry; he may also be subjected to deportation under federal law, said Ulster County District Attorney Emmanuel C. Nneji. The District Attorney's office said that during the incident, Pinola Pop subjected a child to sexual contact by placing his hands and penis on her …
$145M Scheme: Hudson Valley Man Known As 'Magician' Admits To One Of Largest Ever Frauds $145M Scheme: Hudson Valley Man Known As 'Magician' Admits To One Of Largest Ever Frauds
$145M Scheme: Hudson Valley Man Known As 'Magician' Admits To One Of Largest Ever Frauds A Northern Westchester man who earned the nickname “The Magician” for his ability to slash tax bills has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a massive $145 million fraud scheme that spanned a decade, federal officials announced. Rafael Alvarez, age 61, of Cortlandt Manor, entered the plea in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, Dec. 17, after being charged with conspiracy to defraud the US and aiding the preparation of false tax returns, according to Edward Y. Kim, Acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  Alvarez, the CEO and owner of ATAX, a Bronx-based tax preparation bu…
Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment
Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment As accused serial killer Rex Heuermann faces his seventh murder charge, the stories of his alleged victims – young women whose lives were tragically and violently cut short – offer a haunting reminder of the human toll behind the Gilgo Beach case. Here’s a closer look at the seven victims named in the indictment: Melissa Barthelemy, 24 Melissa Barthelemy Suffolk County Police Described by family as a talented hair stylist from the Bronx, she dreamed of opening her own salon. She was last seen alive on July 10, 2009, in her basement apartment on Underhill Avenue.  Barthelemy’s…
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…
NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say
NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann was formally charged with murdering a seventh victim. Heuermann, 60, of Massapequa Park, was indicted for second-degree murder in the killing of Valerie Mack in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday morning, Dec. 17. Mack, a 24-year-old Wildwood, NJ woman was working as an escort when she disappeared in 2000. A group of hunters discovered her skeletal remains wrapped in a plastic bag in a wooded area of Manorville in November 2000. She had been decapitated, and both of her hands had been severed from her body, prosecutors said. Her right leg had a…
CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans
CEO Murder: Stunning Poll Shows Shift In Views Among Young Americans A new national poll from Emerson College reveals a startling trend among young American voters: More respondents aged 18 to 29 believe the targeted assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was acceptable than those who do not. The poll highlights a sharp generational divergence on the issue. A total of 41 percent of voters aged 18-29 find the killer’s actions acceptable, 24 percent somewhat acceptable and 17 percent completely acceptable), while 40 percent find them unacceptable. Noting that 68 percent of voters overall reject the killer’s action, Spencer Kimball, executiv…
Middletown Rapist Gets 25 Years In Jail For Rape: DA Middletown Rapist Gets 25 Years In Jail For Rape: DA
Middletown Rapist Gets 25 Years In Jail For Rape: DA A Hudson Valley man received a 25-year prison sentence, the most severe penalty under the law after a jury found him guilty of forcibly raping an individual. Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler said Jesse Boniface, age 52, of Middletown, was also sentenced to 20 years of post-release supervision on Monday, Dec. 16. Hoovler added that the swift arrest by the Town of Crawford Police, assisted by the New York State Police in forensic analysis, led to the conviction for the Nov. 2023 assault. According to court documents, Boniface engaged in sexual intercourse and oral sexual co…
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…
Gilgo Beach Murders: 'Significant Development' To Be Announced By Investigative Task Force Gilgo Beach Murders: 'Significant Development' To Be Announced By Investigative Task Force
Gilgo Beach Murders: 'Significant Development' To Be Announced By Investigative Task Force Investigators in the Gilgo Beach serial murders are gearing up to announce a major break in the case. The Gilgo Beach Homicide Investigation Task Force – which includes the Suffolk County DA’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, and New York State Police – will reveal a “new significant development in the investigation” during a press conference planned for Tuesday morning, Dec. 17. It will follow a scheduled appearance by accused serial murderer Rex Heuermann inside a Suffolk County courtroom in Riverhead, the DA’s Office said. Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney, Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr, Acting Suf…
CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy
CEO Murder Case: Luigi Mangione's New Lawyer Signals Defensive Strategy Luigi Mangione, the 26-year-old accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has retained high-profile attorney Karen Friedman Agnifilo, who could mount a defense centered on Mangione's mental state. Friedman Agnifilo, a former Manhattan Chief Assistant District Attorney turned criminal defense lawyer, suggested a possible strategy even before formally joining Mangione’s legal team.  “It looks to me like there might be a not guilty by reason of insanity defense that they’re going to be thinking about because the evidence is going to be so overwhelming that he did wh…
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 …
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Stewart Airport, Prompts Hochul Call For Federal Action Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Stewart Airport, Prompts Hochul Call For Federal Action
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At Stewart Airport, Prompts Hochul Call For Federal Action Runways at a Hudson Valley airport were brought to a halt after drone activity disrupted operations for approximately an hour, prompting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to escalate calls for immediate federal intervention. Click here for a new, updated story: New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport To Shut Down Hochul said the incident happened in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor. “This has gone too far,” Hochul stated, addressing growing concerns over unauthorized drones in sensitive airspace. The incident ma…
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense
CEO Murder: Luigi Mangione Hires Powerhouse Lawyer To Take On High-Stakes Defense The man accused of gunning down a health insurance titan on a bustling New York City street is now at the center of another storm— this one inside a courtroom.  Facing a murder charge that could lead to life in prison, Luigi Mangione has turned to one of the most seasoned legal minds in the country to fight for his freedom. Enter Karen Friedman Agnifilo, the former Manhattan prosecutor who’s now tasked with defending the 26-year-old Mangione against allegations of ambushing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson outside the New York Hilton Midtown on Wednesday morning, Dec. 4.  With…
'Stay Calm,' Say Rockland County Officials After Drone Sightings 'Stay Calm,' Say Rockland County Officials After Drone Sightings
'Stay Calm,' Say Rockland County Officials After Drone Sightings Rockland County officials are urging residents to remain calm after at least four sightings of drones were spotted flying over the region late Thursday, Dec. 12, and into New Jersey. “We understand that these drone sightings may be unsettling and are taking these reports seriously,” said County Executive Ed Day.  Day said he has notified federal authorities and written a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to have the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigate and provide answers about who is behind these drone sightings. The d…
CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change
CEO Murder: UnitedHealthcare Parent Company Chief Calls For Change The head of UnitedHealth Group is calling for change in the healthcare industry after the targeted killing of the CEO of one of its two subsidiaries. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was gunned down outside the Midtown Hilton Hotel in Manhattan at around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4. On Monday, Dec. 9, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the case. At the time of his arrest in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Mangione was found to be in possession of a three-page manifesto critical of healthcare companies. He condemned UnitedHealthcare's increasing ma…
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 …
'Heinous, Dehumanizing:' Twin NYC Luxury Realtors Face Federal Sex Trafficking Charges 'Heinous, Dehumanizing:' Twin NYC Luxury Realtors Face Federal Sex Trafficking Charges
'Heinous, Dehumanizing:' Twin NYC Luxury Realtors Face Federal Sex Trafficking Charges Three luxury real estate agents and brothers known for operating in the New York City area are accused of drugging and raping numerous women dating back over a decade. Brothers Oren and Tal Alexander, founders of the real estate firm Official, and their brother Alon are charged with multiple counts of sex trafficking, according to a complaint filed in the Southern District of New York on Wednesday, Dec. 11. “The charges outlined in this indictment reflect some of the most heinous and dehumanizing crimes of sexual exploitation that our NYPD detectives investigate," NYPD Commissioner Jessica …
Man Admits To Sexual Abuse Of 2 Young Girls For Years In Hudson Valley Man Admits To Sexual Abuse Of 2 Young Girls For Years In Hudson Valley
Man Admits To Sexual Abuse Of 2 Young Girls For Years In Hudson Valley A Hudson Valley man pled guilty to the repeated sexual abuse of a child under the age of 13 just minutes before a pre-trial hearing was to begin. Rockland County District Attorney Thomas Walsh II announced that Fresnel Paul, age 60, of Spring Valley, made the plea on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Beginning in 2018, Paul routinely sexually abused a girl in the Village of Spring Valley. The repeated sexual abuse consisted of sexual intercourse, Walsh said. In addition, Paul also sexually abused a girl under the age of 11, officials said.  “The actions of the defendant in this ca…