Cure For Loneliness? Robotic Pets Going Out To Thousands Of Socially Isolated NYers Cure For Loneliness? Robotic Pets Going Out To Thousands Of Socially Isolated NYers
Cure For Loneliness? Robotic Pets Going Out To Thousands Of Socially Isolated NYers Call it four-legged companionship without the need for potty training. Thousands of animatronic pets are on their way to older, socially isolated New Yorkers in an effort to combat what experts describe as a crisis of loneliness. The state’s Office for the Aging (OFA) announced Sunday, June 3, that Rhode Island-based Ageless Innovation is delivering another 4,725 robotic pets and games to elderly adults through New York State’s aging network. Since 2018, OFA has distributed more than 31,500 of the plush, lifelike pets, which are designed to make realistic sounds and movements, to those ass…
Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Dog In Hudson Valley Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Dog In Hudson Valley
Man Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Dog In Hudson Valley A Hudson Valley man is facing charges after police say they received a complaint that he was having sexual contact with a dog. Late in the afternoon on Wednesday, June 12, in Ulster County, police arrested Michael J. Cook, age 39, of Saugerties. As a result of an ensuing investigation following the complaint, Cook was charged with sexual abuse and criminal mischief.   Cook was processed at the Saugerties Police Department, arraigned in the Town of Saugerties Justice Court, and released on his own recognizance to reappear in court later.
COVID-19: New Highly Contagious KP.3 'FLiRT' Variant Now Accounts For Majority Of US Cases COVID-19: New Highly Contagious KP.3 'FLiRT' Variant Now Accounts For Majority Of US Cases
Covid-19: New Highly Contagious KP.3 'FLiRT' Variant Now Accounts For Majority Of US Cases A new highly contagious COVID-19 variant known as KP.3 now accounts for most infections in the United States. Data from the  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that in a two-week period ending Saturday, June 8, the strain made up 25 percent of cases nationally, just ahead of the KP.2 variant (22.5 percent). Both KP.3 and KP.2 are offshoots of the highly contagious Omicron variant and are members of a newly identified group of variants known as  “FLiRT.”  COVID-19: New 'FLiRT' Variants Now Dominant In US Neither is expected to cause more serious symptom…
Beware Of 'Pig Butchering' Online Romance Schemes In NY: Attorney General Beware Of 'Pig Butchering' Online Romance Schemes In NY: Attorney General
Beware Of 'Pig Butchering' Online Romance Schemes In NY: Attorney General New York Attorney General Letitia James urged New Yorkers to be on high alert for increasingly common online romance scams that lead to the victims making fraudulent investments. Also referred to as “pig butchering” schemes, the perpetrators of such crimes will work to gain trust with their victims, “fattening” them up so they willingly provide the scammer money, James said in a Thursday, June 6 press release. Victims are usually targeted via dating websites and apps, social media, and unsolicited text messages. Earlier report - NY Resident Loses $341K In 'Pig Butchering' Scheme: …
Duo Nabbed In Jewelry Store Burglary Spree Targeting Hudson Valley Businesses Duo Nabbed In Jewelry Store Burglary Spree Targeting Hudson Valley Businesses
Duo Nabbed In Jewelry Store Burglary Spree Targeting Hudson Valley Businesses Two suspects are behind bars in connection with a string of jewelry store burglaries that targeted businesses in the Hudson Valley and Connecticut. In Dutchess County, police were called at around 4:30 a.m. Thursday, June 13, for a burglary in progress in Beacon at Sky Diamond Jewelers on Main Street. As officers arrived, the suspects were seen driving away from the scene.  Officers initially pursued the vehicle onto the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge but called off the chase “due to the unsafe speeds,” Beacon Police said. Investigators determined that the suspects broke into Sky Diamond Jew…
'Stop Calling Me Names,' Gabby Petito Wrote To Boyfriend Brian Laundrie: FBI Report 'Stop Calling Me Names,' Gabby Petito Wrote To Boyfriend Brian Laundrie: FBI Report
'Stop Calling Me Names,' Gabby Petito Wrote To Boyfriend Brian Laundrie: FBI Report Gabby Petito, the 22-year-old Long Island native who was killed by her fiancé Brian Laundrie in 2021, wrote him a letter imploring him to stop calling her names, according to FBI documents. Related: FBI Reveals How Brian Laundrie Took Responsibility For Gabby Petito’s Death The 300-plus documents, recently released by the FBI, outline the investigation and offer a glimpse into what transpired before and after the Suffolk County, Blue Point resident was killed by the man she said she loved in an undated letter included in the release. "You know how much I love you, so (and I'm writi…
Powerful Storms, Then Sweltering Heat Coming To NY, Hochul Warns: 'Take Every Precaution' Powerful Storms, Then Sweltering Heat Coming To NY, Hochul Warns: 'Take Every Precaution'
Powerful Storms, Then Sweltering Heat Coming To NY, Hochul Warns: 'Take Every Precaution' New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is warning residents to take precautions ahead of a barrage of threatening weather, including severe storms followed by a dangerous heat wave. Hochul's announcement comes as predictions call for a cold front to arrive in the state on Friday, June 14, which is expected to produce thunderstorms with heavy downpours and damaging wind gusts. According to Hochul's office, the storm system could bring several hazards along with it, including flash flooding, dangerous traveling conditions, and power outages.  Related Report - Timing Shifts For Severe Storms W…
Movie Theaters Offering Tickets For As Low As $1 This Summer Movie Theaters Offering Tickets For As Low As $1 This Summer
Movie Theaters Offering Tickets For As Low As $1 This Summer Parents looking for a fun way to get out of the house with the kids this summer and not break the bank may be able to turn to their local movie theater for a solution. AMC Theatres, Regal Cinemas, and Cinemark have announced programs offering reduced movie ticket prices for some kids' movies and snacks all summer.  Regal Cinemas Regal Cinemas will offer $1 movie tickets for special screenings at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Aug. 7.  The movies include "Despicable Me 3," "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse," "PAW Patrol: The Movie," and several others. Click…
Brand-New Mobile ID Launches In NY, Promises 'Convenience, Security' Brand-New Mobile ID Launches In NY, Promises 'Convenience, Security'
Brand-New Mobile ID Launches In NY, Promises 'Convenience, Security' Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that New Yorkers can now have a digital version of their state-issued driver's license or identification right on their smartphones. Hochul and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles announced on Tuesday, June 11 that the new program, New York Mobile ID, was now available to all New Yorkers. Available to anyone with a smartphone, New York Mobile ID (or MiD) is a highly secure digital version of a state-issued driver's license, learner’s permit, or non-driver identification card that can be used at nearly 30 TSA security checkpoints across the country. …
Multi-Million Dollar Scheme: 8 NYers Accused Of Scamming Government For Services Never Provided Multi-Million Dollar Scheme: 8 NYers Accused Of Scamming Government For Services Never Provided
Multi-Million Dollar Scheme: 8 NYers Accused Of Scamming Government For Services Never Provided Eight New Yorkers who owned, operated, or were employees of several transportation companies have been accused of scamming the government out of millions of dollars for services never provided. The indictments were unsealed on Long Island at federal court in Central Islip on Tuesday, June 11. Seven of the eight are from Long Island and the other from New York City: Noman Ahmed, age 37, Port Jefferson Station; Adnan Arshad, also known as “Eddie,” age 45, Mount Sinai; Rehman Diwan, age 24, Hicksville; Jessica Hendrickson, age 36, Patchogue; Jose Marte, age 33, …
2 Lives Ended In 32 Seconds: Man Gunned Down Mom, Stepdad At NY Home, Jury Finds 2 Lives Ended In 32 Seconds: Man Gunned Down Mom, Stepdad At NY Home, Jury Finds
2 Lives Ended In 32 Seconds: Man Gunned Down Mom, Stepdad At NY Home, Jury Finds A protection order was no match for a disgruntled 21-year-old armed with an AK-47 rifle and set on murdering his own mother and stepfather in upstate New York, a jury found. Schenectady County resident Nicholas Fiebka, of Schenectady, was convicted of two counts of murder and related charges on Friday, June 7, in the deaths of his mother Alesia Wadsworth and stepfather, William Horwedel. Prosecutors said Fiebka entered his mother’s Princetown home on Nov. 21, 2022, armed with an AK-47 rifle with an illegal drum magazine capable of holding 75 rounds of ammunition and firing two shots with ev…
Girl Accused Of Setting Fire That Killed 58-Year-Old In Region Girl Accused Of Setting Fire That Killed 58-Year-Old In Region
Girl Accused Of Setting Fire That Killed 58-Year-Old In Region A 15-year-old girl is charged with murder after allegedly setting a residential fire in the region that killed a man. Emergency crews in Columbia County responded to a Livingston home on State Route 9 on Friday, June 7, for a residential fire with people trapped inside. A male resident was pronounced dead at the scene, according to New York State Police. On Monday, June 10, investigators identified the victim as 58-year-old Edmund Metz. Following an investigation, police determined that the fire was deliberately set by a 15-year-old girl.  The teen was arrested on suspicion of second…
Cyberattack Limits Newburgh City Services: Here's What Cyberattack Limits Newburgh City Services: Here's What
Cyberattack Limits Newburgh City Services: Here's What A cyberattack on a Hudson Valley city's network security is preventing residents from numerous functions, including paying their water bills or property taxes, and many others. The incident occurred in Orange County in the city of Newburgh on Monday, June 10.  According to Mike Neppl, spokesman for Newburgh, officials identified a network security incident that is causing the temporary disruption of some city services.  "We have retained outside IT experts and other professionals who are working around the clock with the city to restore operations fully," Neppl said.  At th…
ShopRite In Hudson Valley To Close ShopRite In Hudson Valley To Close
ShopRite In Hudson Valley To Close After over 30 years in business, a popular ShopRite store in the region will close this summer. The 55,500-square-foot store, located in Ulster County in Ellenville, at 1 ShopRite Boulevard off Route 209, was opened in 1993 by Wakefern Food Corporation in New Jersey. According to Karen O'Shea, the corporation's spokeswoman, the store did not renew its lease and will close on Saturday, Aug. 31. "We thank our associates for their service and continue to offer staff positions at nearby ShopRite stores," O'Shea said. The store is the only major grocer in the village. O'Shea did not offe…
Quadruple Murder Case: Former Police Officer From Orange County Receives Sentence Quadruple Murder Case: Former Police Officer From Orange County Receives Sentence
Quadruple Murder Case: Former Police Officer From Orange County Receives Sentence A former police officer at several municipalities in Westchester and Dutchess counties has received his sentence for killing four men in the Hudson Valley over missing drug money.  Orange County resident and former cop Nicholas Tartaglione of Otisville, age 56, was sentenced on Monday, June 10 to four consecutive life sentences for the killings in the town of Chester in Orange County following a botched cocaine deal in April 2016 at the Likquid Lounge.  The four victims were: Martin Luna, age 41,  Urbano Santiago, age 32,  Miguel Luna, age 25,  Hector G…
Eighth-Grade Student From Hudson Valley Dies In Fall From Parking Garage: 'Amazing Young Man' Eighth-Grade Student From Hudson Valley Dies In Fall From Parking Garage: 'Amazing Young Man'
Eighth-Grade Student From Hudson Valley Dies In Fall From Parking Garage: 'Amazing Young Man' A beloved middle school student from Westchester who had already met plenty of success as a wrestler is being remembered by his community following his sudden death.  New, updated report - Update: Services Set For 13-Year-Old Star Athlete From Harrison Killed In 5-Story Fall Mark Anthony Giordano, a 13-year-old eighth-grade student at Harrison's Louis M. Klein Middle School, was killed after falling from the parking garage on Sunday evening, June 9 next to the Harrison Metro-North train station, according to MTA officials and Harrison Central School District Superintendent Lo…
$185M Scheme: NY Trio Nabbed For Defrauding 1,400 Investors, Feds Say $185M Scheme: NY Trio Nabbed For Defrauding 1,400 Investors, Feds Say
$185M Scheme: NY Trio Nabbed For Defrauding 1,400 Investors, Feds Say Three New York men have been charged in connection with a $185 million fraud scheme involving over a thousand investors, federal authorities announced. The three are Long Island resident Mario Gogliormella, age 47, of Manhasset; and New York City residents Steven Lacaj, age 27, of Manhattan, and Karim Ibrahim, age 34, of Queens, also known as “Chris Hayes." “By allegedly raising approximately $185 million from over 1,400 investors, Mario Gogliormella, Steven Lacaj, and Karim Ibrahim left a trail of shattered trust and financial ruin," US Attorney for the Southern Distric…
67 Guns, 4 Assault Rifles Turned In At Hudson Valley Gun Buyback Event 67 Guns, 4 Assault Rifles Turned In At Hudson Valley Gun Buyback Event
67 Guns, 4 Assault Rifles Turned In At Hudson Valley Gun Buyback Event A Hudson Valley gun buyback event collected 67 guns, including four assault rifles. The annual event was held in Rockland County in Spring Valley on Thursday, June 6. During the event, sponsored by the Rockland County Sheriff's Office with the Spring Valley Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Rockland County District Attorney’s, residents were given gift cards in exchange for guns.  Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco said the guns collected included: Four assault rifles 29 handguns 32 rifles and shotguns Two antique or non-working guns Individuals also turned…
Montgomery Duo Extorts Thousands From Business Owner Using Threats Of Libel, DA Says Montgomery Duo Extorts Thousands From Business Owner Using Threats Of Libel, DA Says
Montgomery Duo Extorts Thousands From Business Owner Using Threats Of Libel, DA Says Two Hudson Valley residents are accused of extorting a business owner out of thousands of dollars. Orange County residents Ally Thueson, age 32, and Elizabeth Sloanhoffer, age 33, both of Montgomery, were arrested by the county’s White Collar Crime Task Force on Tuesday, June 4, on suspicion of grand larceny and coercion. According to prosecutors, Thueson and Sloanhoffer threatened to post false statements about Thueson’s employer online unless they were paid $9,000. The employer reportedly paid the money to avoid harm to their business. Both defendants were arraigned in the Village o…
NY Mom's Poisoning Death Remains Mystery 6 Years Later Despite 'Hundreds Of Leads' NY Mom's Poisoning Death Remains Mystery 6 Years Later Despite 'Hundreds Of Leads'
NY Mom's Poisoning Death Remains Mystery 6 Years Later Despite 'Hundreds Of Leads' Six years have passed since Megan Dyer-Maclean was found dead along an old railroad bed in upstate New York and police are no closer to catching her killer. The Rensselaer County mother of two was 31 years old when a friend discovered her body in a wooded area behind her Johnsonville home, located off Route 67, in June 2018. An autopsy concluded that she was poisoned to death by strychnine, a highly toxic, odorless pesticide commonly used to kill rodents and birds. Since then, Rensselaer County Sheriff’s officials have followed up on hundreds of leads and interviews but no suspects have be…
'More Playtime': Rex Heuermann Used 'Planning Document' To Guide Gilgo Beach Murders, DA Says 'More Playtime': Rex Heuermann Used 'Planning Document' To Guide Gilgo Beach Murders, DA Says
'More Playtime': Rex Heuermann Used 'Planning Document' To Guide Gilgo Beach Murders, DA Says New details are shedding light on the lengths that accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann went to in hopes of getting away with his alleged murder spree. The 60-year-old Long Island resident, of Massapequa Park, was arraigned on two more charges of second-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, June 6, in the killings of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. Heuermann was previously charged with the murders of four Gilgo Beach victims: Melissa Barthelemy, Megan Waterman, Amber Lynn Costello, and Maureen Brainard-Barnes. Earlier Report: Gilgo Beach Murders: Suspect …
Several Bear Sightings Reported Throughout This Hudson Valley County: Here's How To Avoid Them Several Bear Sightings Reported Throughout This Hudson Valley County: Here's How To Avoid Them
Several Bear Sightings Reported Throughout This Hudson Valley County: Here's How To Avoid Them Several bear sightings have been reported throughout a Hudson Valley county as they emerge from their winter dens.  The sightings were reported over several days by residents in multiple areas of Putnam County, according to an announcement by the Putnam County SPCA on Tuesday, June 4.  Although the organization did not identify specific areas where the bears were spotted, it did explain that sightings have increased as the bears search for food following their emergence from their winter dens with depleted fat reserves. According to the New York State Department of Environmental …
Gilgo Beach Murders: Suspect Rex Heuermann Charged In Deaths Of 2 More Women Gilgo Beach Murders: Suspect Rex Heuermann Charged In Deaths Of 2 More Women
Gilgo Beach Murders: Suspect Rex Heuermann Charged In Deaths Of 2 More Women Suspected Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann was formally charged with the murders of two additional women, bringing his alleged victim count to six and expanding the timeline of killings by two decades. Click here for a new, updated story - 'More Playtime': Rex Heuermann Used 'Planning Document' To Guide Gilgo Beach Murders, DA Says The 60-year-old Long Island resident, of Massapequa Park, was arraigned on two more charges of second-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, June 6, in the killings of Jessica Taylor and Sandra Costilla. Taylor’s decapitated remains were dis…
Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter In Bergen County Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter In Bergen County
Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter In Bergen County 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…
Bill Adding Fencing To Hudson Valley Bridges To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward Bill Adding Fencing To Hudson Valley Bridges To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward
Bill Adding Fencing To Hudson Valley Bridges To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward A bill aimed at stopping suicides by adding preventive fencing to five Hudson Valley bridges has passed the New York State Senate unanimously. Now, the bill introduced by State Sen. Pete Harckham (D, Mount Kisco), will move to the State Assembly, whose session ends on Friday, June 7, for consideration. The bill mandates that climb deterrent fencing be installed on all bridges under the New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA) jurisdiction. The five Hudson Valley bridges are: Bear Mountain Bridge. Rip Van Winkle Bridge,  Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge,  Mid-Hudson Bridge,  Newbu…
$2M Scheme: Hudson Valley Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy $2M Scheme: Hudson Valley Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy
$2M Scheme: Hudson Valley 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…
Gilgo Beach Murders: Major Development To Be Announced By Investigation Task Force Gilgo Beach Murders: Major Development To Be Announced By Investigation Task Force
Gilgo Beach Murders: Major Development To Be Announced By Investigation Task Force The joint task force investigating the Gilgo Beach serial murders is set to announce a major development in the case. Click here for a new, updated story - 'More Playtime': Rex Heuermann Used 'Planning Document' To Guide Gilgo Beach Murders, DA Says On Long Island, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney, the lead investigator on the case, will announce the “significant development” at a press conference scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday, June 6, outside the courthouse in Riverhead, his office announced. The announcement will follow a scheduled court appearance by accused Gilg…
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For 2 Violent Rapes Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For 2 Violent Rapes
Hudson Valley Man Sentenced For 2 Violent Rapes A Hudson Valley man will spend the next 25 years in prison for raping and beating a woman twice.  Rockland County resident Rigoberto Lopez Castro, age 26, of Spring Valley, was sentenced on Wednesday, June 5, to a total of 25 years for the two rapes and one count of burglary, said Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II. On Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, Castro forcibly raped the victim, a woman previously known to him, the DA's office said. According to Scott Waters of the District Attorney's Office, during the attack, Castro held a belt to the victim's neck and hit her&nb…
Asian Masseuse, Attractive College Grad Among Paid Roles Sought For TV Show Filming In NJ Asian Masseuse, Attractive College Grad Among Paid Roles Sought For TV Show Filming In NJ
Asian Masseuse, Attractive College Grad Among Paid Roles Sought For TV Show Filming In NJ All TV shows have to start somewhere and you can be on the ground floor. A new comedy pilot filming in New Jersey and throughout the tristate area is now casting numerous roles for a shoot in the mid-summer. Roles include: Jeremy, age 18 to 30, an adrenaline junkie and friend of the protagonist. "He is intelligent but rarely shows it," according to a listing. Chelsea, age 18-35, is an attractive female in her 20s who is fresh out of college, according to a listing. Roles are also being cast for an Asian masseuse, ages 18 to 35, a Black nurse in her 30s, a strict boss smaller tha…
Giant, Flying, Multi-Colored Spiders With 4-Inch-Long Legs Head To Northeast: What To Know Giant, Flying, Multi-Colored Spiders With 4-Inch-Long Legs Head To Northeast: What To Know
Giant, Flying, Multi-Colored Spiders With 4-Inch-Long Legs Head To Northeast: What To Know Large yellow-and-gray spiders with 4-inch-long legs that can fly through the air are heading to the Northeast and could show up this summer, according to multiple reports. Sightings of the Trichonephila clavata species known as "Joro spiders" have already been reported in 10 Eastern states, CBS News says. A New Jersey pest control company in January had warned that this might happen. 4NJ Pest, based in Flanders, said the spiders act as "pest controllers" in their natural habitats, however, their introduction to not-native species could be detrimental to the balance of local ecosystems.…
Middletown, Newburgh Companies Announce Some 300 Job Layoffs Middletown, Newburgh Companies Announce Some 300 Job Layoffs
Middletown, Newburgh Companies Announce 300 Layoffs Several hundred Hudson Valley workers will lose their jobs as three companies, either close, merge or cutback on production. The companies, all located in Orange County, Frito-Lay and Gen-Pak, both in Middletown, and Amscan in Newburgh, filed WARN Notices with the state that inform them of upcoming layoffs. Frito-Lay said it would lay off 88 workers beginning on Friday, Aug. 30 due to construction projects at the plant. The workers will not be rehired.  Gen-Pak, a food packaging manufacturing plant said it would layoff all 138 of its employees due to the rise in the bans on the use of…