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New York State

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…
Affordable Housing Community Breaks Ground In Mount Vernon: Will Have Over 300 Units Affordable Housing Community Breaks Ground In Mount Vernon: Will Have Over 300 Units
Affordable Housing Community Breaks Ground In Mount Vernon: Will Have Over 300 Units Construction has begun on a new $223 million affordable housing development in Westchester that will create hundreds of new homes.  The project, called Opal 115, will bring 315 affordable apartments to the city and is being built in partnership with Forward Thinkers Development, Grandview Consulting, and The NRP Group.  The development, which will hold a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 17, will provide housing for households earning 40 to 90 percent of the Area Median Income.  Nearly half of the apartments will be two- and three-bedroom units designed to accommodate…
Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released After Plainview Native's Death Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released After Plainview Native's Death
Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released After Plainview Native's Death President-elect Donald Trump vowed swift vengeance if the hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israel aren’t released soon. In a post on Truth Social Monday, Dec. 2, Trump said there would be “ALL HELL TO PAY” in the Middle East for those behind that Oct. 7, 2023 attack unless all hostages were released before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. “Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it’s all talk, and no action!” Trump said. “Please let this TRUTH serve to represent th…
Israeli-American Citizen From Plainview, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Dead In Oct. 7 Attack Israeli-American Citizen From Plainview, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Dead In Oct. 7 Attack
Israeli-American Citizen From Plainview, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Dead In Oct. 7 Attack More than a year of agonizing uncertainty has come to a tragic end for the family of a New York native thought to have been taken hostage during the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Omer Neutra, from Long Island’s Plainview, was killed during the attacks that claimed the lives of another 1,200 men, women, and children, the Israeli government confirmed Monday, Dec. 2. The 21-year-old moved to Israel when he was 18 to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during a gap year, his parents Orna and Ronen said in a video shared by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). …
Leaders Of Gang Involved In New Rochelle Drive-By Shooting Get Decades In Jail Leaders Of Gang Involved In New Rochelle Drive-By Shooting Get Decades In Jail
Leaders Of Gang Involved In New Rochelle Drive-By Shooting Get Decades In Jail Two high-ranking leaders of a violent gang involved in multiple violent incidents throughout Westchester will spend decades in prison, officials announced.  Bronx resident Dwight Reid, age 52, and Brooklyn resident Christopher Erskine, age 41, were both sentenced to 35 years in prison for their leadership of the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation Bloods Gang, a violent street and prison organization that has operated in Westchester County, other parts of New York State, and across the country, the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Tuesday, …
Clarkstown Police Sergeant Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award Clarkstown Police Sergeant Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award
Clarkstown Police Sergeant Honored With 2024 Hero Of Crisis Intervention Team Award The National Alliance on Mental Illness has awarded a Hudson Valley police sergeant the 2024 Hero of CIT Award—New York State, recognizing his significant contributions to mental health advocacy. The Clarkstown Police Department announced that Sgt. Christopher Bax’s recent accolade underscores his dedicated efforts in mental health advocacy within the community. The department said that as a Crisis Intervention Team trainer, Bax has shown exemplary leadership and compassion, significantly impacting the lives of those affected by mental illness. "His approach extends beyond training law enf…
New Update: Missing South Setauket Man Found New Update: Missing South Setauket Man Found
New Update: Missing South Setauket Man Found New update: A Long Island man who was reported missing has been located. Dominick Yannotto, age 81, of South Setauket, had last been seen leaving his Hart Lane residence at around 6 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, according to a Silver Alert issued by the Suffolk County Police. On Friday, Nov. 15, police announced that Yannotto was located and was unharmed. No other details were given. Original report: Authorities are asking for help in locating a missing man from Long Island. Dominick Yannotto, age 81, of South Setauket, was last seen leaving his Hart Lane residence at around 6 a.m. Wedn…
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire
Remembering Dariel Vasquez: 18-Year-Old HS Baseball Team Captain Killed In NY/NJ Wildfire Shock and sadness spread following the death of 18-year-old firefighter Dariel Vasquez, who was killed on Saturday, Nov. 9, while bravely battling the Jennings Creek Wildfire that spread from New Jersey into Greenwood Lake, New York.  Vasquez, a young Parks and Recreation Aide with the New York State Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Department, lost his life in the line of duty, a heartbreaking end to a life full of promise and service. New York State Police are investigating the circumstances of his death. Known as a rising star in his community, Dariel was a former R…
Contractor Who 'Destroyed' Protected Wetlands In West Babylon Fined $121K Contractor Who 'Destroyed' Protected Wetlands In West Babylon Fined $121K
Contractor Who 'Destroyed' Protected Wetlands In West Babylon Fined $121K A Long Island contractor will fork over six figures in fines for building a parking lot on protected wetlands. Anthony Labriola and his companies, ALAC Realty and ALAC Contracting, were penalized $121,000 by New York State for illegally building on a protected area along the Carlls River in West Babylon. New York Attorney General Letitita James revealed Friday, Nov. 8, that Labriola and his companies removed trees and plants in a protected "buffer area” to build a construction vehicle parking lot and storage facility. The Carlls River freshwater wetlands are classified under the Department…
Overpass Bridge Where Fallen Officer Was Killed Renamed In His Honor In Yonkers Overpass Bridge Where Fallen Officer Was Killed Renamed In His Honor In Yonkers
Overpass Bridge Where Fallen Officer Was Killed Renamed In His Honor In Yonkers Nearly two years after the death of a beloved police officer, the Westchester County bridge where he was fatally struck in a head-on crash is now forever named in his memory.  In a ceremony held on Wednesday, Oct. 30, hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the renaming of the Tuckahoe Road Bridge over the Sprain Brook Parkway in Yonkers after Yonkers Police Detective Sergeant Frank Gualdino, who was killed in a crash in December 2022 at the age of 53. On Dec. 1, 2022, Gualdino, a Putnam County resident who lived in Mahopac, was driving on Tuckahoe Road while on duty when a speed…
Election 2024: Can NYers Snap Pic Of Completed Ballot? Here's What To Know Election 2024: Can NYers Snap Pic Of Completed Ballot? Here's What To Know
Election 2024: Can NYers Snap Pic Of Completed Ballot? Here's What To Know Think twice before snapping that Election Day selfie. While New Yorkers may be tempted to commemorate their participation in this year’s highly consequential election by taking a photo of their ballot, doing so is actually a crime. Under state law, it is a misdemeanor offense for a voter to snap a picture with their completed ballot. “Any person who shows his ballot after it is prepared for voting, to any person so as to reveal the contents, or solicits a voter to show the same, is guilty of a misdemeanor,” reads the text from New York State election law. According to the New York State B…
New School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Program Announced In Westchester To Catch Illegal Passings New School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Program Announced In Westchester To Catch Illegal Passings
New School Bus Stop-Arm Camera Program Announced In Westchester To Catch Illegal Passings Nearly a dozen districts in Westchester will be participating in an all-new enforcement program that will use artificial intelligence to catch those who illegally pass stopped school buses, officials announced.  In an announcement on Tuesday, Oct. 22, Westchester County Executive George Latimer unveiled a new school bus stop-arm photo program meant to reduce the number of illegal passing.  According to Latimer, every vehicle in participating school districts' fleets will be equipped with cameras that will use AI to detect cars that pass stopped buses. The equipment will be provide…
20-Year-Old Injures Woman In Street Takeover In Patchogue, Police Say 20-Year-Old Injures Woman In Street Takeover In Patchogue, Police Say
20-Year-Old Injures Woman In Street Takeover In Patchogue, Police Say A week after a woman was injured in a so-called street takeover on Long Island, police arrested a suspect. The incident happened in Patchogue, at the Gateway Plaza on Sunrise Highway, at around 1:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6. Suffolk County Police said a 19-year-old Holbrook woman was watching a care takeover when she was struck by an Infiniti sedan. She was taken by private vehicle to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore with serious injuries. Earlier Report: Dangerous 'Street Takeovers' Target Of Proposed Legislation Backed By Suffolk County Lawmaker On Tuesday morning, Oct. 1…
State Awards $3.5M For Shoreline Restoration At Long Island Beaches State Awards $3.5M For Shoreline Restoration At Long Island Beaches
State Awards $3.5M For Shoreline Restoration At Long Island Beaches New York State will spend millions of dollars rebuilding Long Island beaches. The state has allocated $3.5 million for shoreline restoration projects at Tobay and Overlook beaches in the wake of significant storm damage and erosion. Fortification work will include dredging the Fire Island Inlet and placing nearly 1.25 million cubic yards of sand at Gilgo State Park, Tobay Beach, and Overlook Beach. The project will help protect communities and important recreation areas from severe weather events driven by climate change, and create jobs that boost local economies, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s offi…
Ulster County Resident Dies From EEE Virus; State Declares 'Imminent Threat To Public' Ulster County Resident Dies From EEE Virus; State Declares 'Imminent Threat To Public'
Ulster County Resident Dies From EEE Virus; State Declares 'Imminent Threat To Public' A New York resident has died days after contracting the state’s first human case of a rare but serious mosquito-borne virus in nearly a decade. The Ulster County resident died from complications stemming from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office confirmed on Monday, Sept. 23. It marks the first human case of EEE in New York State since 2015. Earlier Report: Human Case Of Severe Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed In Ulster County, First In NY Since 2015 “We’ve been informed this patient has passed away from EEE, we extend our sympathies and our hearts go out t…
Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide From Manhasset Raked In Millions As Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide From Manhasset Raked In Millions As Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds
Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide From Manhasset Raked In Millions As Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds This story has been updated. A former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is accused of acting as an agent for the Chinese government. Long Island residents Linda Sun, age 41, and her husband Chris Hu, age 40, were arrested at their Manhasset home on Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, on charges of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, money laundering, and related charges. According to federal prosecutors, Sun – who served as Hochul’s deputy chief of staff before being fired in 2023 – engaged in numerous political activities at the behest of Chinese government …
Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows
Tourists Spent Record-Breaking Amount On Long Island Last Year, Report Shows It appears tourists just can’t get enough of Long Island. Travelers spent a record-breaking $7.5 billion across Nassau and Suffolk counties in 2023, according to data from New York State’s annual Tourism Economics report.  That figure far surpassed 2022’s record-breaking spending of $6.6 billion by 12.7 percent. Tourists spent the most, 36 percent, on food and beverages, followed by lodging at 20 percent, the report found. Retail and service stations added another $1.2 billion, or 16 percent of total spend. Suffolk County saw the biggest increase in tourism dollars in 2023, with 15.6…
Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says
Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says State leaders are crediting major policing reforms for a marked decline in shootings across New York State. In 21 counties outside of New York City, the number of shootings with injuries dropped 29 percent through July compared to the first seven months of 2023, a Division of Criminal Justice Services report shows. The data came from police departments across the state participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, which provides agencies with state funding for equipment, overtime, personnel, training, and technical assistance aimed at reducing shootings and firea…
'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Trail Of Destruction Across Suffolk County 'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Trail Of Destruction Across Suffolk County
'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Trail Of Destruction Across Suffolk County At least six homes were heavily damaged and roads were washed out following a powerful storm system that brought drenching rain and widespread flooding to parts of New York and Connecticut. On Long Island, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine issued a state of emergency on Monday, Aug. 19, after surveying flood damage caused when up to nine inches of rain fell in parts of the county overnight. “Our longtime Mill Pond is gone. Six houses along here were damaged, their cesspools and personal belongings are now floating down this creek into the sound,” Romaine told reporters. Earlier Report:…
Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers Preference In Harris-Trump Presidential Race Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers Preference In Harris-Trump Presidential Race
Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers Preference In Harris-Trump Presidential Race With just three months until the presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris enjoys a comfortable lead over former President Donald Trump among New York voters, new polling shows. Harris, who formally secured the Democratic nomination for president on Monday, Aug. 5, leads her Republican opponent 53 to 39 percent among likely New York State voters, according to a Siena College poll released Tuesday, Aug. 6. In late June, a Siena College poll showed President Joe Biden leading Trump by a narrower margin, 47 to 39 percent. Related Report: Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Runn…
This NY Locale Makes Nationwide Top 50 List Of Best Places To Live For Families This NY Locale Makes Nationwide Top 50 List Of Best Places To Live For Families
This NY Locale Makes Nationwide Top 50 List Of Best Places To Live For Families One town in New York made the Top 50 list of Fortune’s third annual national rankings of the Best Places To Live For Families list. It's located on Long Island - No. 15 North Hempstead. Fortune said that in addition to its proximity to New York City, "the township has the highest Sharecare community well-being ranking on the list, at 88 out of 100. It’s also home to some of the best school districts in New York and has the highest number of recommended hospitals in the area (50) on the list." With around 237,000 residents, North Hempstead is the seventh-largest municipality by population i…
Man Convicted Of 'Sextorting' Teen Through Snapchat, Sexual Assault At Atlantic County Hotel Man Convicted Of 'Sextorting' Teen Through Snapchat, Sexual Assault At Atlantic County Hotel
Man Convicted Of 'Sextorting' Teen Through Snapchat, Sexual Assault At Atlantic County Hotel A New York City man was convicted of blackmailing a teen into having sex with him at an Atlantic County hotel, authorities said. Zachary Williams, 37, was found guilty in federal court on Monday, July 22 of two counts of interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor, production of and possession of child pornography, and coercion and enticement of a minor, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release.  According to court documents and trial evidence, Williams met the victim through Snapchat in September 2020. He told t…
New Development With Over 100 Affordable Apartments Completed In Yonkers New Development With Over 100 Affordable Apartments Completed In Yonkers
New Development With Over 100 Affordable Apartments Completed In Yonkers Construction of an all-new six-story apartment building in Westchester with more than 100 affordable units has been completed with help from New York state officials.  The grand opening of Summit on Hudson, located in Yonkers just a half-mile from the city's Metro-North train station, was celebrated by city and state officials on Tuesday, July 16.  The new building, developed by Wethab and built as part of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's $25 billion comprehensive Housing Plan to create and preserve 100,000 affordable homes throughout the state, contains 113 affordable apartments…
Swimming Discouraged At 14 Long Island Beaches Over Bacteria Concerns Swimming Discouraged At 14 Long Island Beaches Over Bacteria Concerns
Swimming Discouraged At 14 Long Island Beaches Over Bacteria Concerns You’ll want to think twice about taking a dip in these Long Island beaches. The Nassau County Department of Health issued an advisory Thursday, July 18, against swimming at 14 beaches known to be impacted by stormwater runoff. Health officials said recent heavy rainfall in the region may have led to elevated bacteria levels that exceed the New York State standards for bathing water quality. The following beaches are included in the advisory: Centre Island Sound – Bayville Creek Club – Lattingtown Lattingtown Beach – Lattingtown Laurel Hollow Beach – Laurel Hollow Morgan Sound – Glen Co…
Man Loses Hand, 3 Other Fingers In Fireworks Mishap On Long Island Man Loses Hand, 3 Other Fingers In Fireworks Mishap On Long Island
Man Loses Hand, 3 Other Fingers In Fireworks Mishap On Long Island A Long Island man is permanently disfigured following a fireworks mishap. The accident happened at around 9 p.m. Saturday, June 29, in Brentwood at a residence on Eastern Avenue near Nostrand Avenue. Suffolk County Police said a 66-year-old man was in the yard when a firework exploded, severing his left hand and three fingers on his right hand. He was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital in serious condition. Investigators are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact Suffolk County Police at 631-854-8352. Fireworks, including bottle rockets and Roman candles, are i…
Man Caught With Illegally-Possessed Gun In Hudson Valley Traffic Stop: Police Man Caught With Illegally-Possessed Gun In Hudson Valley Traffic Stop: Police
Man Caught With Illegally-Possessed Gun In Hudson Valley Traffic Stop: Police A Connecticut man faces a felony weapons charge after being caught with an illegally possessed gun during a traffic stop in the Hudson Valley, police announced.  Fairfield County resident Mathew Conti of Danbury, age 27, was arrested in Putnam County on a weapons charge on Tuesday, June 25, the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced on Friday, June 28.  According to the Sheriff's Office, at around 1:15 a.m. on Tuesday, deputies saw a vehicle with an obscured license plate driving north on Route 22 near the interchange with Interstate 684 in Brewster and pulled it over. After th…
NJ Reviewing Whether To Revoke Trump Golf Club Liquor Licenses NJ Reviewing Whether To Revoke Trump Golf Club Liquor Licenses
NJ Reviewing Whether To Revoke Trump Golf Club Liquor Licenses New Jersey officials are reviewing whether Donald Trump can keep liquor licenses at three of his golf courses following his hush-money conviction across the Hudson, a spokesperson for the Garden State's top cop confirmed on Tuesday. The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control is "reviewing the impact of President Trump’s conviction" in New York State on the licenses and "declines further comment at this time,” the office of Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a brief June 11 statement. The licenses remain active at the Trump National Golf Clubs in Bedminster (Somerset County)…
Update: Scarsdale-Based Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter Update: Scarsdale-Based Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter
Update: Scarsdale-Based Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter A Westchester-based accountant who admitted participating in a multi-million dollar tax evasion scheme with his partner was a volunteer firefighter who served for almost three decades, including during 9/11.  Certified public accountants New Jersey resident Jack Sardis, age 66, of Englewood Cliffs in Bergen County, and his partner, George Sanossian, age 70, of Scarsdale, both admitted to scheming with their clients to reduce tax liabilities through a shell company, leading to over $2 million in unreported cash transactions, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of…
$2M Scheme: Scarsdale Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy $2M Scheme: Scarsdale Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy
$2M Scheme: Scarsdale Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy Two New York accounting firm partners have pleaded guilty to a multi-million dollar tax evasion scheme.  Click here for a new, updated story - Update: Scarsdale-Based Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter Westchester County resident George Sanossian, age 70, of Scarsdale, and New Jersey resident Jack Sardis, age 66, of Englewood Cliffs, both certified public accountants, admitted to conspiracy to defraud the IRS by scheming with clients to reduce tax liabilities through a shell company, leading to over $2 million in unreported cash transactions.  The tw…
HS Senior From Northern Westchester Wins State Oratory Competition For Second Time HS Senior From Northern Westchester Wins State Oratory Competition For Second Time
HS Senior From Northern Westchester Wins State Oratory Competition For Second Time A high school senior from Northern Westchester is officially a back-to-back champion in a statewide oratory speech event.  Aidan Aldea-Lustig, a senior at Byram Hills High School in Armonk, was named champion of the Original Oratory Speech event at the New York State Forensic League Championships, the Byram Hills Central School District announced on Monday, April 29.  During the event, held at The Bronx High School of Science on Sunday, April 14, Aldea-Lustig came out on top amongst 33 other students with a 10-minute address on free speech.  The Orig…
Public Radio 'Legend' Karen DeWitt Signing Off After 34 Years: ‘It’s Time To Go’ Public Radio 'Legend' Karen DeWitt Signing Off After 34 Years: ‘It’s Time To Go’
Public Radio 'Legend' Karen DeWitt Signing Off After 34 Years: ‘It’s Time To Go’ After more than three decades of covering New York State government and politics, public radio journalist Karen DeWitt is signing off. The longtime Capitol Bureau chief for the New York Public News Network will file her last story on Friday, June 21, she announced on X Tuesday, April 30. “Finally, I get to use this phrase: ‘Some personal news,’” DeWitt said. “It’s been a fabulous ride, but it’s time to go.” Since 1990, DeWitt has informed listeners on Albany affairs via the network's dozen public radio stations across the state, including WAMC in Albany, WLIW on Long Island, and WNYC in N…