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New York Among Top 25 Best States, Brand-New Ranking Says: Here's Why
New York continues to rank among the top 25 best states in the country.
The Empire State came in at No. 23 – down slightly from No. 20 last year – on the 2024 Best States list by U.S. News & World Report, released Tuesday, May 7.
Rankings were determined using 71 metrics across eight categories, including fiscal stability, infrastructure, education, health care, and the economy. Data was pulled from national surveys taken by nearly 70,000 people.
New York made the top 10 for natural environment and health care, coming in at No. 5 and No. 8, respectively, while placing No. 12 in educat…
Hudson Valley Man Admits Driving High, Causing Crash That Paralyzed Teen
A Hudson Valley man is facing three to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to driving high on pot and causing a crash that paralyzed a teen.
Orange County resident Chauncey Smith, age 22, of Pine Bush, admitted his guilt on Monday, May 6, for causing the Monday, Aug. 14, 2023 crash, said Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler.
As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, on Aug. 14, 2023, Smith was driving westbound on Route 17K in Newburgh when his car crossed the double yellow line and collided head-on with another vehicle.
As a result of the crash, a 15-y…
Wild Fox In Region Tests Positive For Rabies
A health department in the region has confirmed that a fox has tested positive for the rabies virus.
The fox, which was euthanized, was found in Sullivan County in the town of Bethel, said officials with the Sullivan County Department of Public Health.
The department said people exposed to the fox are currently receiving treatment.
Rabies occurs commonly throughout the state, mostly occurring in wild animals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and woodchucks.
Domestic animals, often including cats, cattle, and dogs, account for less than 10 percent of the reported rabies cases. …
Covid-19: NY Duo Steals $8M From Company Seeking Surgical Masks, Feds Say
Two New York residents are accused of conning a medical supply company out of millions of dollars in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Long Island resident Jonathan Cannon, age 58, of Miller Place, and Erie County resident Julie Dotton, age 51, of Orchard Park, are both charged with wire fraud in a complaint unsealed in Central Islip federal court on Thursday, May 2.
According to prosecutors, a Canadian company serving as an official provider of personal protective equipment paid Cannon and Dotton $8.2 million for surgical masks needed due to the pandemic.
In exchange, Dotton agreed…