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$100M Scheme: Westchester Man Known As 'Magician' Nabbed In One Of Largest Ever Frauds $100M Scheme: Westchester Man Known As 'Magician' Nabbed In One Of Largest Ever Frauds
$100M Scheme: Westchester Man Known As 'Magician' Nabbed In One Of Largest Ever Frauds A New York man known as "the Magician" has been charged in connection with one of the largest-ever tax fraud schemes by a tax preparer, federal officials announced. Northern Westchester County resident Rafael Alvarez, of Cortlandt Manor, has been charged in connection with a $100 million tax fraud scheme involving tens of thousands of federal individual income tax returns with false information, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Monday, April 15.  According to federal officials, from 2010 to 2020, Alvarez, also known as "the Magi…

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by Ben Crnic
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'Threat Environment' Prompts Proactive Measures In Place In Hudson Valley, Sheriff Says 'Threat Environment' Prompts Proactive Measures In Place In Hudson Valley, Sheriff Says
'Threat Environment' Prompts Proactive Measures In Place In Hudson Valley, Sheriff Says As tensions in the Middle East rise following Iran's attack against Israel, authorities in the Hudson Valley are taking precautionary measures to look out for suspicious activity and to keep residents safe. As a result of "heightened threat environments," the Putnam County Sheriff's Office will enact "proactive measures" to keep the county safe, including extra visibility at several pre-determined locations, authorities said.  These measures follow an aerial attack conducted by Iran against Israel on Saturday, April 13, which the country said was made in response to an Israeli strike a…

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by Ben Crnic
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Psychologist Sexually Abused Numerous Teens At NY Juvenile Lockup For Years, Police Say Psychologist Sexually Abused Numerous Teens At NY Juvenile Lockup For Years, Police Say
Psychologist Sexually Abused Numerous Teens At NY Juvenile Lockup For Years, Police Say A state psychologist is accused of sexually abusing numerous underage victims at a New York State juvenile detention center going back years. Maya Hayes, of Albany, was arrested Friday, April 12, following a New York State Police investigation into allegations of abuse at Columbia County’s Brookwood Secure Center, located in the town of Claverack. According to police, the 62-year-old sexually assaulted numerous victims at the facility over several years while employed as a clinician. No other details about the alleged abuse were made public.  Hayes' arrest followed a grand jury indic…

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by Michael Mashburn
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Support Pours In For Family Of Beloved Firefighter, Westchester Native Who Died At 26 Support Pours In For Family Of Beloved Firefighter, Westchester Native Who Died At 26
Support Pours In For Family Of Beloved Firefighter, Westchester Native Who Died At 26 Following the sudden loss of a young Hudson Valley firefighter who was always there to help others, his community is making sure his family gets the support they need.  Putnam County resident William "Billy" May of Brewster died on Friday, March 29 in Danbury, Connecticut at the age of 26, according to his obituary.  Earlier Report - Brewster Firefighter Billy May Dies At 26: 'Rising Star' Born in the Westchester County village of Bronxville in 1997, May graduated from Brewster High School in 2016 and had been a proud member of the Brewster Fire Department since 2020, where …

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by Ben Crnic
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Police Officer, Sheriff's Deputy, Suspect Killed In Shootout On Suburban Street In Upstate NY Police Officer, Sheriff's Deputy, Suspect Killed In Shootout On Suburban Street In Upstate NY
Police Officer, Sheriff's Deputy, Suspect Killed In Shootout On Suburban Street In Upstate NY Two police officers were killed overnight in a shooting on a suburban street in upstate New York. The incident happened in Onondaga County in the village of Liverpool located just north of Syracuse, shortly after 7 p.m. Sunday, April 14. According to the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office, Syracuse Police Officers encountered a suspicious vehicle at Emerson Avenue and Hamilton Street and attempted to stop it. However, the driver refused to stop and fled the area. The officers lost sight of the vehicle but could record the license plate information. Officers checked the vehicle registration …

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by Joe Lombardi
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Charges Upgraded To Murder In Hudson Valley 'Gator' Stabbing Case Charges Upgraded To Murder In Hudson Valley 'Gator' Stabbing Case
Charges Upgraded To Murder In Hudson Valley 'Gator' Stabbing Case Charges against one of two residents in the region charged in the stabbing of a man in a fight over tools have been upgraded to murder after the victim died days later in a case involving. the presence of an alligator. Related: Live Alligator Discovered At Scene Of Stabbing In Pawling Residence Dutchess County resident Giuseppe Vassallo, age 43, of Pawling, who was initially charged with attempted murder in the stabbing of Nathaniel Vieira, age 42, also of Pawling, on Saturday, March 2, saw his charges increased to murder on Thursday, April 11, said Sinead McLoughlin of the Dutc…

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by Kathy Reakes
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Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Less than a month since a case of measles showed up outside of New York City, the number of cases has more than doubled across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Friday, April 12, the CDC announced that the total number of measles cases in the US in 2024 has reached 121 — far surpassing last year’s number of 58 — with cases being reported in 18 states and jurisdictions, including New York State. The update comes after a Nassau County child under the age of 5 was announced as the state’s first measles case to be reported outside of New York C…

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by Sophie Grieser
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Total Solar Eclipse Rescue: Injured NY Woman Pulled To Safety From Mountain In Path Of Totality Total Solar Eclipse Rescue: Injured NY Woman Pulled To Safety From Mountain In Path Of Totality
Total Solar Eclipse Rescue: Injured NY Woman Pulled To Safety From Mountain In Path Of Totality An injured woman was rescued during the height of the solar eclipse in an area in upstate New York that was in the path of totality. According to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation, the incident began in the middle of the afternoon on Monday, April 8, at Adirondack trailheads in Franklin County, in the town of Santa Clara. Just after 4:30 p.m., authorities received a call about a hiker with a lower leg injury near the summit of Mount Saint Regis.  Due to the terrain and trail conditions, Forest Rangers called for assistance from the New York State Police (NYSP) Avia…

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by Joe Lombardi
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Burglary Crew Targeted Asian Business Owner In Northern Westchester, DA Says Burglary Crew Targeted Asian Business Owner In Northern Westchester, DA Says
Burglary Crew Targeted Asian Business Owner In Northern Westchester, DA Says Three men face charges after burglarizing the Northern Westchester home of an Asian business owner, including one suspect accused of a hate crime, officials announced.  The trio, who all live in Queens, were indicted in connection with a September 2023 burglary at an  Ossining residence, the Westchester County District Attorney's Office announced on Wednesday, April 10.  According to the DA's Office, on Friday, Sept. 29 around 12:20 p.m., the three defendants broke into the Ossining home of a local business owner who is Asian. The trio then allegedly stole designer handbags f…

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by Ben Crnic
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Update: Support Pours In For Longtime Firefighter Injured In Northern Westchester Blaze Update: Support Pours In For Longtime Firefighter Injured In Northern Westchester Blaze
Update: Support Pours In For Longtime Firefighter Injured In Northern Westchester Blaze A community is pulling together to raise money and cook meals for the family of a beloved firefighter who was seriously injured in a Northern Westchester blaze.  The effort began after longtime Pound Ridge firefighter and senior resident Ray Clark was injured in an intense blaze that went up at a Bedford residence on Long Ridge Road on Monday morning, April 8.  Earlier Report - Blaze Tears Through Bedford Home, Causes Road Closure Clark, a 62-year department member, is known for always giving his time to his community. Now that he is in need, though, Pound Ridge is maki…

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by Ben Crnic
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Daycare Commercial Casting Paid Roles Across Northeast Daycare Commercial Casting Paid Roles Across Northeast
Daycare Commercial Casting Paid Roles Across Northeast Do you want to be in a commercial about daycare? A commercial for highlighting the benefits of a daycare communication technology for parents and teachers is seeking talent for four roles, according to a casting notice.  The commercial is looking for people from Baltimore, Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York City, Jersey City and Virginia Beach. The roles include: A female daycare owner between the ages of 30 and 50, a female daycare director between the ages of 25 and 50, a daycare teacher between the ages of 18 and 40, and the parent of a daycare child between the ages of 18 and…

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by Sam Barron
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City Manager Resigns Suddenly In Westchester: Search For Successor Begins Now City Manager Resigns Suddenly In Westchester: Search For Successor Begins Now
City Manager Resigns Suddenly In Westchester: Search For Successor Begins Now A city in Westchester will soon be commencing a search process following the sudden resignation of its manager.  The New Rochelle City Council approved City Manager Kathleen Gill's resignation in a special session held on Tuesday, April 9, officials announced.   Gill's resignation became effective on Tuesday, officials added.  In a statement, New Rochelle Mayor Yadira Ramos-Herbert said Gill is looking to "pursue other opportunities." "She is grateful for her 27 years of service to the City of New Rochelle and is proud to have worked with so many hard-working and …

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by Ben Crnic
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Over 40 Aftershocks Keep NY Rockin' Days After Rare 4.8 Quake Over 40 Aftershocks Keep NY Rockin' Days After Rare 4.8 Quake
Over 40 Aftershocks Keep NY Rockin' Days After Rare 4.8 Quake Call it jealousy over the total solar eclipse? As millions geared up to watch the sun and moon’s rare celestial spectacle, Mother Earth continued to put on a show of her own in the days after a rare 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook much of the Northeast on Friday, April 5. Since then, at least 44 aftershocks have been recorded in Hunterdon and Somerset counties in New Jersey, according to data from the US Geological Survey (USGS). Earlier Report: New York Feels 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Aftershock The tremors, ranging in magnitude from 1.3 to 2.6, were felt across New Jersey, New York…

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by Michael Mashburn
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Launch Of 3 NASA Rockets Could Be Visible During Total Solar Eclipse Launch Of 3 NASA Rockets Could Be Visible During Total Solar Eclipse
Launch Of 3 NASA Rockets Could Be Visible During Total Solar Eclipse What a day for outer space. NASA will be launching three sounding rockets during the total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, to study how Earth’s upper atmosphere is affected when sunlight momentarily dims over a portion of the planet. And they are expected to be visible for between 10 and 40 seconds along the East Coast. The Atmospheric Perturbations around Eclipse Path (APEP) sounding rockets will launch from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia to study the disturbances in the ionosphere created when the Moon eclipses the Sun.  The sounding rockets will launch at three differe…

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by Cecilia Levine
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Pediatrician Traveling To See Eclipse ID'd As Woman Killed In Freak Trailer Accident In NY Pediatrician Traveling To See Eclipse ID'd As Woman Killed In Freak Trailer Accident In NY
Pediatrician Traveling To See Eclipse ID'd As Woman Killed In Freak Trailer Accident In NY Colleagues and loved ones are mourning the loss of a beloved pediatrician and wife who was killed in a freak accident on a New York highway while they were traveling to view the total solar eclipse. Long Island resident Dr. Monika Woroniecki, age 58, of Stony Brook, died Saturday, April 6, after falling from a moving Airstream trailer on Route 12E in the Jefferson County town of Brownville, about 60 miles north of Syracuse, according to State Police. Investigators said Woroniecki and other family members had decided to spend the last 20 minutes of the trip riding in the trailer, which was b…

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by Michael Mashburn
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Total Eclipse 2024: NASA Wants To Know About Strange Behavior From Animals Total Eclipse 2024: NASA Wants To Know About Strange Behavior From Animals
Total Eclipse 2024: NASA Wants To Know About Strange Behavior From Animals When parts of the US are under total daytime darkness during a solar eclipse, scientists will be studying if animals act any differently — and they want your help. NASA has funded the "Eclipse Soundscapes Project" to collect the sights and sounds during the total solar eclipse in the afternoon on Monday, Apr. 8. Scientists are asking for the public's help recording how different ecosystems react to the sudden midday change. You can share your observations on social media using the hashtag #EclipseSoundscapes. Don't forget to tag the location where you experience the eclipse. Weird plant a…

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by Chris Spiker
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6 NY Inmates Permitted To View Eclipse After Suing Over Religious Rights 6 NY Inmates Permitted To View Eclipse After Suing Over Religious Rights
6 NY Inmates Permitted To View Eclipse After Suing Over Religious Rights Several New York prison inmates will be allowed to view the total solar eclipse on Monday afternoon, April 8 after all following their lawsuit against the state alleging religious discrimination. Related Story - Total Solar Eclipse: Here's What To Expect To See By Minute, Zip Code The six inmates, incarcerated at Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Sullivan County, agreed to drop their federal lawsuit after the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) granted their religious request to watch the celestial spectacle, according to Thomas Mailey, a spokesperson for the age…

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by Michael Mashburn
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Total Solar Eclipse NY Travel Advisory: Arrive Early, Plan On Staying Late, Hochul Says Total Solar Eclipse NY Travel Advisory: Arrive Early, Plan On Staying Late, Hochul Says
Total Solar Eclipse NY Travel Advisory: Arrive Early, Plan On Staying Late, Hochul Says In preparation for a high volume of traffic and visitors for the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is advising travelers to arrive to their destinations early and plan on staying late. In addition, Hochul said on Sunday, April 7, travelers should allow for extra time, monitor the weather forecast before getting on the road, and pack plenty of water and snacks for the trip.  Additionally, drivers should never pull over on the side of the road to view the eclipse to ensure first responders can get by in an emergency.  Related story - Total So…

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by Joe Lombardi
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Total Solar Eclipse: Here's What To Expect To See By Minute, Zip Code Total Solar Eclipse: Here's What To Expect To See By Minute, Zip Code
Total Solar Eclipse: Here's What To Expect To See By Minute, Zip Code What's being called the most visible eclipse for the United States in 100 years is just a day away, but you won't have to wait until Monday afternoon, April 8. Click here for a new, updated story - Total Solar Eclipse: Here's Brand-New Cloud Cover Forecast, Timing By Zip Code A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. The sky will darken as if it were dawn or dusk. According to NASA, totality will start on Monday around 1:07 p.m. Eastern time in Mexico and leave Maine around 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. While mos…

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by Joe Lombardi
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Window Smashed, Property Damaged At Coffee Shop In Northern Westchester: 'NOT Okay' Window Smashed, Property Damaged At Coffee Shop In Northern Westchester: 'NOT Okay'
Window Smashed, Property Damaged At Coffee Shop In Northern Westchester: 'NOT Okay' Authorities are searching for those responsible for breaking into a Northern Westchester coffee shop and damaging property.  The break-in happened on Thursday, April 4 at around 11 p.m., when a window was smashed at The Farmer's Grind and Copia in South Salem at 475 Smith Ridge Rd.  According to the owners, whoever broke into the building damaged personal property. The incident prompted a strong reaction from the owners on social media, where they shared photos of the damage. "We post this as a message that this is NOT okay," the owners wrote, adding, "Small town local shops shou…

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by Ben Crnic
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Here's How Northeast 4.8 Magnitude Quake Stacks Up Against Prior Tremors To Rattle NY Here's How Northeast 4.8 Magnitude Quake Stacks Up Against Prior Tremors To Rattle NY
Here's How Northeast 4.8 Magnitude Quake Stacks Up Against Prior Tremors To Rattle NY As nerves were still settling following an earthquake that rattled much of the Northeast late Friday morning, April 5, social media was flooded with lifelong residents proclaiming the tremor was the strongest they’d ever felt. “That might’ve been the biggest earthquake I’ve ever felt because the whole house was actually shaking. Pretty crazy,” one user posted on X. Though Friday’s magnitude 4.8 quake was among the largest to hit the Northeast in the last century, it is classified as a "light" quake on the Richter scale, which runs from a 1.0 magnitude (micro) to 9.9 (extreme). Original R…

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by Michael Mashburn
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After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage
After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage All state agencies in New York will review critical infrastructure and assess the potential for damage following an earthquake and multiple aftershocks.  Gov. Kathy Hochul made that announcement as the US Geological Survey has detected at least 25 aftershocks in Central New Jersey, many of which have been felt in New York and across the region, following the original 4.8 magnitude quake at 10:23 a.m. Friday, April 5. “My top priority is keeping people safe, and I have directed state personnel to take all necessary precautions following yesterday's historic earthquake,” Hochul said. “At…

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by Joe Lombardi
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Drug Dealer From Northern Westchester Directed Multiple 'Vicious' Attacks: Here's His Sentence Drug Dealer From Northern Westchester Directed Multiple 'Vicious' Attacks: Here's His Sentence
Hawthorne Man Gets Prison Time For Directing Violent Attacks A Hudson Valley marijuana dealer from Northern Westchester will spend nearly two decades in prison for directing multiple violent attacks, including a brutal beating that left a man naked and bloody in a pile of snow, officials announced.  Hawthorne resident Wayne Hicks, age 32, was sentenced to 17 years in prison for charges related to the attacks and drug trafficking, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Thursday, April 4.  According to federal officials, Hicks, a Rockland County marijuana dealer also known as "Weez," directed two separate …

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by Ben Crnic
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23 Small Aftershocks Reported By USGS In 23 Hours After New Jersey Earthquake 23 Small Aftershocks Reported By USGS In 23 Hours After New Jersey Earthquake
23 Small Aftershocks Reported By USGS In 23 Hours After New Jersey Earthquake The USGS is reporting 23 aftershocks in the 23 hours since the New Jersey earthquake that rattled the Northeast. The initial earthquake had a magnitude of 4.8 and was reported in Whitehouse Station at 10:23 a.m. Friday, April 5. Tremors were felt by more than four million people from Maryland to New Hampshire. The first aftershock was reported just under an hour later at 11:20 a.m. 6 km NNE of Whitehouse Station with a magnitude of 2.0. The largest aftershock had a 4.0 magnitude and happened just before 6 p.m. Friday, April 5. Most of the aftershocks were not notable, with magnitudes …

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by Cecilia Levine
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4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Aftershock: NY Feels Additional Tremors 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Aftershock: NY Feels Additional Tremors
4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Aftershock: NY Feels Additional Tremors Hours after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake rattled the northeast, several states are once again feeling the earth move in what appears to be an aftershock. Just after 6 p.m. on Friday, April 5, the tremors of a 4.0 magnitude earthquake — an aftershock from an earlier 4.8 quake originating in New Jersey — could be felt across the Northeast. Similar to its earlier counterpart, the quake shook buildings across New York City, New Jersey, and parts of Connecticut, with some reporting feeling it in Pennsylvania and western Massachusetts. Original Story: 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Northeast T…

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by Sophie Grieser
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Cracks Discovered At School In Greenwich After 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake: Report Cracks Discovered At School In Greenwich After 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake: Report
Cracks Discovered At School In Greenwich After 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake: Report Cracks were discovered at a school in Fairfield County after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake was felt throughout the Northeast, according to a new report. Click here for a new, updated story: School In Greenwich Reopens After Cracks Found Following Earthquake Central Middle School in Greenwich was evacuated and moved to Greenwich High School after the cracks developed following the quake, which happened around 10:23 a.m. on Friday, April 5, according to NBC Connecticut. Engineers will conduct a further inspection over the weekend, the report said. Click here to read the NBC Connecticut …

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by Daily Voice
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Update: New Fire Chief Takes Helm Of Department In Westchester Update: New Fire Chief Takes Helm Of Department In Westchester
Update: New Fire Chief Takes Helm Of Department In Westchester A new fire chief is now leading a Westchester department following the retirement of his predecessor.  Temporary White Plains Fire Chief Claudio Petriccione was sworn in during a ceremony held on Thursday, April 4, White Plains Public Safety announced on Friday, April 5.  Petriccione's appointment to the position follows the retirement of his predecessor, Douglas McMath, who retired earlier in April after two and a half years as Chief.  Earlier Report - White Plains FD Chief Douglas McMath Retires After 3 Decades Petriccione has been with the department …

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by Ben Crnic
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Tearful Manager Says Yankees Will Dedicate Season To Northern Westchester Woman Killed By Tree Tearful Manager Says Yankees Will Dedicate Season To Northern Westchester Woman Killed By Tree
Tearful Manager Says Yankees Will Dedicate Season To Northern Westchester Woman Killed By Tree As the New York Yankees were preparing to play their home opener, the team's manager announced they will be playing the 2024 season with the memory of a beloved friend in mind.  Northern Westchester County resident Catherine Tusiani, age 50, of Armonk, the wife of Yankees Senior Vice President of Partnerships Michael Tusiani was killed when a tree fell on her car during a Nor'easter on Wednesday, April 3. In a news conference on Friday, April 5 before the game against the Toronto Blue Jays, Yankees skipper Aaron Boone tearfully said that the team would be dedicating the season to Tusia…

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by Ben Crnic
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Earthquake: Authorities In Westchester Warn Of Aftershocks Earthquake: Authorities In Westchester Warn Of Aftershocks
Earthquake: Authorities In Westchester Warn Of Aftershocks Did you feel it? Residents in Westchester and Putnam counties are among those along the East Coast abuzz about an earthquake that was felt late Friday morning, April 5. The quake, which originated in Hunterdon County, New Jersey in the borough of Lebanon about 60 miles west of midtown Manhattan, was felt across the Hudson Valley at 10:23 a.m., and measured 4.8 on the Richter scale, according to the US Geological Survey. Related Report - 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits NY, Other Parts Of East Coast Shortly after the earthquake hit, several police departments across Westchester…

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by Ben Crnic
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4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits New York, Northeast 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits New York, Northeast
4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits New York, Northeast An earthquake was felt in several states along the East Coast, including New York and Connecticut, late Friday morning, April 5. Click here for a new, updated story - 4.0 Magnitude Aftershock: NY Feels Additional Tremors The US Geological Survey said the quake, which occurred at 10:23 a.m. measured a 4.8 on the Richter scale, and had a depth of 0.62 miles. It reportedly originated in Hunterdon County, New Jersey in the borough of Lebanon, about 60 miles west of midtown Manhattan. It shook buildings across New York City, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and was even felt as far away as Boston…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
8-Year-Old Who Froze To Death Inside NY Garage Was Failed By Child Protective Services: Jury 8-Year-Old Who Froze To Death Inside NY Garage Was Failed By Child Protective Services: Jury
8-Year-Old Who Froze To Death Inside NY Garage Was Failed By Child Protective Services: Jury A scathing grand jury report found that Child Protective Services (CPS) workers in New York had ample opportunities to save an 8-year-old boy whose years of abuse at the hands of his ex-NYPD officer father culminated in him freezing to death inside a garage. The 71-page report, made public Thursday, April 4, found that Suffolk County CPS received at least 10 reports of abuse or neglect from Thomas Valva’s teachers in the two years leading up to his January 2020 death inside the garage of his Center Moriches home. Valva died of hypothermia after he and his 10-year-old brother Anthony w…

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by Michael Mashburn