First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported
First US Human Death From Bird Flu Reported Authorities have confirmed the first human death in the United States caused by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or H5N1.  The announcement was made by the Louisiana Department of Health on Monday, Jan. 6.  Earlier Report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US The patient, a man over 65 with underlying health conditions, was hospitalized before succumbing to the illness after exposure to a non-commercial backyard flock and wild birds. The Louisiana Department of Health said it has conducted a public health investigation and found no additional cases or …
Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks
Biden Blocks Offshore Drilling Along Many US Coastal Areas, Citing Environmental Risks President Joe Biden announced sweeping protections against offshore oil and gas drilling along key US coastlines, including the east and west coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska. President Biden has taken decisive action to protect about 625 million acres along the U.S. coastlines from the risks of offshore oil and gas drilling, according to a White House statement on Monday, Jan. 6.  The move withdraws areas along the east and west coasts, the eastern Gulf of Mexico, and Alaska’s Northern Bering Sea from future drilling, citing potential environmental, economic, and public …
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know
Egg Prices Soar As Bird Flu Cases Rise Dramatically: Here's What To Know The bird flu outbreak in the United States is causing egg prices to hit new highs, affecting consumers across the nation.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported increased cases of the virus in several states, leading to concerns over food supply. As producers respond to the outbreak, many are culling infected flocks to prevent further spread. This has led to a notable drop in egg production.  According to the USDA, current egg prices are nearly double what they were last year, leaving shoppers feeling the pinch at the grocery store. Nearly 129 mi…
First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In Manhattan: Here's What To Know First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In Manhattan: Here's What To Know
First-In-Nation Congestion Pricing Plan Takes Effect In Manhattan: Here's What To Know Driving in New York City and heading south of midtown Manhattan? You'll now be paying for it. New York City has become the first city in the nation to implement a congestion pricing plan, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan’s busiest areas while funding crucial public transit improvements. This plan went into effect on Sunday, January 5. It seeks to lower traffic congestion, improve air quality, and finance important upgrades to public transportation. Key Details of the Plan Toll Rates: Vehicles entering Manhattan below 60th Street will incur a toll starti…
'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season 'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season
'Tripledemic' Threat: Covid-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season The United States is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, commonly referred to as a “tripledemic,” involving COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday, Jan. 3, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is high and continues to increase nationally, the agency said. COVID-19 cases are increasing nationwide, with the XEC variant—a mix of earlier Omicron strains—now accounting for about 45 percent of cases.  Symptoms include congestion, cough, fe…
Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report
Aubrey Plaza's Husband Jeff Baena Found Dead: Report Jeff Baena, a director and screenwriter married to actress Aubrey Plaza, was found dead in his Los Angeles home, Fox News reports. He was 47 years old. Baena and Plaza frequently collaborated on projects. She starred in Life After Beth (2014) and The Little Hours (2017), both written by Baena. He also directed Spin Me Round, which featured Plaza (Parks & Rec, White Lots) in a leading role. Baena moved to Los Angeles after graduating from NYU. Plaza also attended NYU, however, it is not clear how they met. The two reportedly began dating in 2011 and tied the knot in 2020. The couple was …
MURDER-SUICIDE: Newly-Retired NYSP Worker ID'd As Victim Of Post-Christmas Tragedy MURDER-SUICIDE: Newly-Retired NYSP Worker ID'd As Victim Of Post-Christmas Tragedy
Murder-suicide: Newly-Retired Nysp Worker ID'd As Victim Of Post-Christmas Tragedy A New Jersey man and newly-retired New York State Police employee was shot and killed by his neighbor in Upstate New York who then killed his wife, and then himself, in a post-Christmas tragedy, according to officials and those who loved him. Thomas K. Fusco, 65, who was born in Passaic and raised in Saddle Brook, was found dead from a gunshot wound when New York State Police responded to a shooting at 10 Sunset Point Yankee Lake in Mamakating at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 26, New York State Police said.  Police executing a search warrant at a neighbor's house found the bodies of…
Lacrosse Star Turned NY Account Executive Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack Lacrosse Star Turned NY Account Executive Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack
Lacrosse Star Turned NY Account Executive Billy DiMaio Killed In New Orleans Attack Chestnut Hill College and Holmdel High School are mourning the loss of alumnus Billy DiMaio ’22, a standout lacrosse captain and respected community leader, who was among the victims killed in the New Orleans terror attack on Wednesday, Jan. 1. DiMaio, 24, of Holmdel, graduated from Chestnut Hill College in 2022, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. As captain of the college’s lacrosse team in his senior year, he was known for his leadership, determination, and positive influence on teammates and peers. Posted by Billy Dimaio on Monday, July 31, 2023 "We are devastat…
NY Native Among 14 Killed In New Orleans Terrorist Attack 'Brought Joy To Everyone' NY Native Among 14 Killed In New Orleans Terrorist Attack 'Brought Joy To Everyone'
NY Native Among 14 Killed In New Orleans Terrorist Attack 'Brought Joy To Everyone' A New York native who was among 14 people killed in a New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans is being remembered for his positive spirit. Matthew Tenedorio, 25, was shot to death in the ensuing chaos after an Army veteran rammed a pickup truck into a crowd of revelers in the city’s French Quarter at around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, relatives revealed on GoFundMe. “On January 1, 2025, our lives were shattered…” Tenedorio’s cousin’s Greg and Christina Bounds wrote on the fundraiser, created to help the family with funeral expenses. “Matthew was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and f…
Fatal I-684 NY Plane Crash: Witness Stopped, Pulled Victim From Wreckage, New Report Says Fatal I-684 NY Plane Crash: Witness Stopped, Pulled Victim From Wreckage, New Report Says
Fatal I-684 NY Plane Crash: Witness Stopped, Pulled Victim From Wreckage, New Report Says Federal officials have released more information about a small plane crash on Interstate 684 at the border of Fairfield, CT, and Westchester, NY counties.   The information, which centered on a fatal plane crash on I-684 on Thursday, Dec. 12, was released in a preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday, Dec. 31. Rockland County resident and commercial pilot Jacob Yankele Friedman of Monsey, age 32, was killed in the crash, while the 26-year-old private pilot, Kalmen Goldberger, of Linden, NJ, was hospitalized with serious injuries. On the night…
COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States
Covid-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States Parts of the nation are experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 cases, raising concerns among health officials. The increase in activity picked up just ahead of the holiday season. Experts attribute this resurgence to several factors, including the emergence of new variants. The XEC variant, an off-shoot of the highly contagious Omicron strain, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the US after first being identified in Europe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  States with "very high" current wastewater viral activity are shown in the darker sh…
Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15 Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15
Livvy Dunne, Pittsburgh Pirates’ Skenes, Chandler At New Orleans Bar Before Attack Killed 15 LSU gymnast and social media influencer Livvy Dunne, along with her boyfriend, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, and Pirates Pitcher Bubba Chandler were in New Orleans hours before the deadly pickup truck attack that killed 15 people early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Dunne, a native of Bergen County, New Jersey, shared photos on social media of herself, Skenes, and Chandler enjoying the New Orleans nightlife. In one image, the group is seen inside a bar, smiling and seemingly enjoying their evening. Shortly after, Dunne posted another photo of New Orleans with a broken heart emoji, indicating h…
Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter
Wheelchair-Bound Man Survives New Orleans Attack With Broken Legs: Daughter Jeremi Sensky, a 51-year-old man from Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, survived the New Orleans attack that killed 15 people early Wednesday, Jan. 1, despite being struck by the vehicle and suffering severe injuries. Sensky, who uses a wheelchair, was struck by the pickup truck during the attack in the French Quarter, breaking both legs and ejecting him from his chair, his daughter Heaven Sensky Kirsch told Daily Voice on Thursday, Jan. 2. “By the grace of God, he is alive,” Heaven said. “He’s currently in surgery. I want people to know my dad is alive, full of life, resilient, and I’m sure he’l…
Mass Shooting Outside NY Venue Occurred During Memorial For Teen Who Was Shot To Death Mass Shooting Outside NY Venue Occurred During Memorial For Teen Who Was Shot To Death
Mass Shooting Outside NY Venue Occurred During Memorial For Teen Who Was Shot To Death Authorities released new details in a mass shooting outside a New York music venue late on New Year's Day that injured nearly a dozen victims. The shooting occurred in Queens, at the Amazura event venue near 143rd Street and 91st Avenue in Jamaica, at around 11:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1. NYPD officials said several people were waiting to enter the venue when three to four gunmen opened fire, hitting six female and four male victims. All of the victims were taken to a hospital and are expected to survive, police said. At the time shots rang out, the venue was hosting a memorial service …
Princeton Alum Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate Princeton Alum Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate
Princeton Alum Injured In Deadly New Orleans Attack That Killed Former Teammate Ryan Quigley, a 2020 Princeton University graduate and former classmate and coworker of Tiger Bech, was injured in the deadly New Orleans pickup truck attack early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Quigley, a Lansdale Catholic High School graduate from the Class of 2016, was hospitalized following the attack, which claimed at least 15 lives, including Bech’s, in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Quigley and Bech both worked at Seaport Global Holdings LLC, a financial services firm in New York, and had remained close since their time at Princeton. Ryan Quigley Facebook/Ryan Quigley @ryan.quigley.3…
Deadly Cybertruck Explosion At Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Investigated As Possible Terror Act Deadly Cybertruck Explosion At Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Investigated As Possible Terror Act
Deadly Cybertruck Explosion At Trump Hotel in Las Vegas Investigated As Possible Terror Act Authorities are investigating a deadly explosion involving a Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas. The explosion claimed the life of one individual and left seven others injured, prompting a joint inquiry by local law enforcement and the FBI. The incident is being investigated as a possible terrorist act, ABC News and CNN are reporting. The incident occurred around 8:40 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1, near the hotel’s valet area.  Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion followed by a fire that engulfed the vehicle. First responders quickly arrived…
Former Princeton Football Star Tiger Bech Killed In New Orleans Pickup Truck Attack Former Princeton Football Star Tiger Bech Killed In New Orleans Pickup Truck Attack
Former Princeton Football Star Tiger Bech Killed In New Orleans Pickup Truck Attack Former Princeton University football player and All-Ivy League kick returner Tiger Bech was among the victims killed in a deadly pickup truck attack in New Orleans' French Quarter early Wednesday, Jan. 1. Bech, a 2019 Princeton graduate and standout receiver, was in New Orleans for the holidays when the attack occurred at approximately 3:15 a.m. CT, authorities said. The incident left at least 15 people dead and dozens injured. The driver of the vehicle, Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, 42 of Texas, was killed in a firefight with police shortly after the attack, according to the FBI. Investigato…
42-Year-Old Army Veteran ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver 42-Year-Old Army Veteran ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver
42-Year-Old Army Veteran ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver This story has been updated. An Army veteran has been identified as the man authorities say rammed a pickup truck into a crowd in the French Quarter of New Orleans early on New Year's Day morning, leaving 15 people dead and injuring approximately 35 others. Shamsud-Din Bahar Jabbar, age 42, who was killed in a shootout with police officers after the incident at around 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 on Bourbon Street, was a US citizen born in Texas, where he lived at the time of the incident, the FBI said. The Ford truck, rented through an auto sharing company, displayed an ISIS flag on the tr…
New Year's Terror: 15 Killed, 35 Hurt After Driver Intentionally Rams Into New Orleans Crowd New Year's Terror: 15 Killed, 35 Hurt After Driver Intentionally Rams Into New Orleans Crowd
New Year's Terror: 15 Killed, 35 Hurt After Driver Intentionally Rams Into New Orleans Crowd This story has been updated. A pickup truck intentionally rammed into a New Year's crowd on New Orlean's Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring dozens, according to authorities. Click here for a new, updated story: Army Vet ID'd As New Orleans Terror Attack Driver; FBI Searching For Other Suspects The incident in the city's French Quarter happened early Wednesday morning, Jan. 1. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick called the driver's actions, "very intentional," saying, “This man was trying to run over as many people as he possibly could.”  The man also sho…
COVID-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms COVID-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms
Covid-19: XEC Now Leading Variant in US - Here Are Symptoms The XEC COVID-19 variant, first identified in Europe, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Click here for a new, updated story - COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States As infections tick upward, public health experts are urging vigilance. The strain, a mix of earlier Omicron subvariants, exhibits symptoms similar to Omicron and its predecessors. These include: Congestion,  Runny nose,  Cough,  Shortness of breath,  Fever or chills,  Fatigue.  Not…
$4.3B Now Recovered For Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims, DOJ Says $4.3B Now Recovered For Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims, DOJ Says
$4.3B Now Recovered For Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims, DOJ Says More than $4.3 billion has now been recovered for victims of Bernie Madoff’s massive and infamous Ponzi scheme, the Justice Department announced, as part of a decade-long effort that has compensated over 40,000 people worldwide for nearly 94 percent of their losses. The DOJ says  its 10th and final distribution from the Madoff Victim Fund (MVF), provided more than $131 million to over 23,000 victims. The latest distribution marks the culmination of a decade-long effort to recover and return forfeited funds tied to Madoff's fraudulent investment empire. Most victims, primarily small inv…
Landmark NYC Eatery Katz's Deli Violated ADA Regulations, Feds Say: Inside The New Overhaul Landmark NYC Eatery Katz's Deli Violated ADA Regulations, Feds Say: Inside The New Overhaul
Landmark NYC Eatery Katz's Deli Violated ADA Regulations, Feds Say: Inside The New Overhaul The iconic Katz's Deli in Manhattan has agreed to make significant accessibility improvements and pay a $20,000 penalty following a federal lawsuit. The settlement, announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim, resolves allegations that the historic deli violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A consent decree outlining the required changes was entered on Sunday, Dec. 29, by U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla. “The corrections and modifications agreed to by Katz’s Deli will give individuals with disabilities an equal opportunity to enjoy one of New York City’s most pop…
These NY Towns Named Among Safest In Country In New Rankings These NY Towns Named Among Safest In Country In New Rankings
These NY Towns Named Among Safest In Country In New Rankings If you're looking for peace and quiet, you may want to settle down in one of three Hudson Valley towns named among the safest places in the country in new rankings by MoneyGeek.  In their list of the 25 Safest Small Cities and Towns in the US released on Monday, Dec. 16, the personal finance website ranked towns from Westchester, Putnam, and Orange counties among the country's municipalities with the lowest crime numbers.  The following towns were named:  Yorktown, which took No. 6; Carmel, which took No. 7; Wallkill, which took No. 8. In order to make their rankings, Money…
Nationwide Spike In Norovirus Cases: CDC Reports Surge In Outbreaks Nationwide Spike In Norovirus Cases: CDC Reports Surge In Outbreaks
Nationwide Spike In Norovirus Cases: CDC Reports Surge In Outbreaks A sharp increase in norovirus cases is sweeping the United States, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Often called the "stomach flu," norovirus is a leading cause of gastroenteritis, resulting in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. The CDC reports 41 outbreaks in the first week of December alone, surpassing levels recorded in prior months. This spike aligns with the virus's typical winter peak but underscores the need for heightened vigilance this season. Norovirus spreads through contaminated food, surfaces, and …
Here's When New Yorkers Must Meet REAL ID Deadline Here's When New Yorkers Must Meet REAL ID Deadline
Here's When New Yorkers Must Meet 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…
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says
Mutations Observed In First Severe Human Bird Flu Case In US, CDC Says The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified mutations in the the first severe bird flu case in the US that may increase its ability to infect humans.  These mutations, found in the hemagglutinin (HA) gene, play a key role in helping the virus attach to cells in the upper respiratory tract. This discovery stems from the first severe US case of H5N1, involving a Louisiana resident over 65 who had direct contact with infected backyard birds.  Earlier report: First Severe Bird Flu Case Confirmed In US Notably, these mutations weren’t present in the bird sam…
Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skier On Frozen NY Canal (VIDEO) Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skier On Frozen NY Canal (VIDEO)
Good Samaritan Rescues Jet Skier On Frozen NY Canal (Video) A New York woman is being hailed as a hero after rescuing a jet skier who became stranded on a frozen canal, sending him into frigid waters. The dramatic rescue unfolded on Thursday, Dec. 26, on Long Island's Poospatuck Creek in Mastic Beach, after a jet skier found himself stuck and sinking in the icy water. Kayla Masotto, a nearby resident, sprang into action after spotting the man struggling in the freezing canal. Video shared on Instagram shows Masotto walking out onto the thin ice with her paddleboard to reach the man, whose arms and legs had gone numb from the cold water. A second …
Judge Overturns NFL Lineman's Father's Conviction In Decades-Old NY Robbery (UPDATE) Judge Overturns NFL Lineman's Father's Conviction In Decades-Old NY Robbery (UPDATE)
Judge Overturns NFL Lineman's Father's Conviction In Decades-Old NY Robbery (Update) Following the discovery of new evidence and constitutional violations, a judge has vacated the conviction of the father of an NFL lineman who served years in prison for a Westchester robbery decades ago.  In an announcement on Friday, Dec. 27, the Westchester County DA's Office said a judge overturned the conviction of 67-year-old Jeffrey Koonce, who was found guilty of robbery and weapons possession in 1983 in connection with a 1981 armed robbery at a Mount Vernon social club.  District Attorney Miriam Rocah said her office’s Conviction Review Unit (CRU) uncovered evide…
'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas 'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas
'First Couple Of Fox' Sean Hannity, Ainsley Earhardt Engaged Over Christmas Christmas brought a romantic twist for Fox News hosts Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt, who announced their engagement on Thursday, Dec. 26.  Hannity popped the question during a special moment at their church, marking the culmination of their five-year relationship, Fox News reports. “We are overjoyed and so thankful to our families for all of their love and support during this wonderful time in our lives,” the couple said in a statement to Fox News, radiating joy as they celebrated the milestone. Hannity, 62, has deep roots on Long Island, where he grew up in Franklin Square. Start…
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month
Stowaway Found On Delta Flight For Second Time In Month For the second time in a month a stowaway was caught on a Delta Air Lines flight, sparking concerns. The flight, from Seattle to Honolulu, was preparing for takeoff when crew members discovered the unticketed passenger onboard, leading to the plane returning to the gate on Christmas Eve on Tuesday, Dec. 24. Delta Airlines said that safety protocols were followed, resulting in the passenger’s removal and subsequent detention by law enforcement. The identity of the person has not been released. “As there are no matters more important than safety and security, Delta people followed…
Bald Eagle Sightings To Increase In NY: Here's Best Places To Spot America's Bird Bald Eagle Sightings To Increase In NY: Here's Best Places To Spot America's Bird
Bald Eagle Sightings To Increase In NY: Here's Best Places To Spot America's Bird Winter is the best time to see bald eagles in New York, and the Hudson Valley offers some of the top spots for viewing these iconic birds of prey, according to conservation experts. Nature lovers hoping to catch a glimpse of bald eagles soaring through New York skies should head outdoors during the winter months, as December, January, and February are the top times to see these majestic birds, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced in a social media post on Monday, Dec. 23.  This is because bald eagles are most active during the winter, with peak numbers …