Longtime Yorktown Firefighter, 9/11 Hero Dies At 67: Remembered For Lifetime Of Service Longtime Yorktown Firefighter, 9/11 Hero Dies At 67: Remembered For Lifetime Of Service
Longtime Yorktown Firefighter, 9/11 Hero Dies At 67: Remembered For Lifetime Of Service A brave Hudson Valley first responder and FDNY EMS hero who raced to the World Trade Center on 9/11 has died.  John “Jackie” Sullivan, a 36-year volunteer firefighter in both the Rockland County village of Spring Valley and the Westchester County town of Yorktown, died on Wednesday, July 9, at the age of 67, the Yorktown Heights Volunteer Fire Department announced.  Sullivan, a Navy veteran, served for 12 years as a flight engineer before embarking on a 31-year career in New York City Emergency Medical Services, eventually rising to the rank of Deputy Chief at FDNY EMS in addition…
Richard Gere Under Fire From Paul Simon's Daughter For Selling Her Former New Canaan Home Richard Gere Under Fire From Paul Simon's Daughter For Selling Her Former New Canaan Home
Richard Gere Under Fire From Paul Simon's Daughter For Selling Her Former New Canaan Home "Pretty Woman" star Richard Gere's decision to sell his Connecticut estate that once belonged to famed singer-songwriter Paul Simon has irked Simon's daughter enough to wish a curse upon him. Why such vitriol from the 30-year-old daughter of one half of the legendary duo Simon & Garfunkel? According to an Instagram story posted on Tuesday, July 8, by Lulu Simon, Gere promised to "take care of the land as condition of his purchase."  This was particularly important to Simon, who has followed her dad into the music business, as her childhood pets are buried on the 32-acre property, l…
Man Strangled Former Partner In Front Of Their Kids, Slapped Child Next Day In Yonkers: DA Man Strangled Former Partner In Front Of Their Kids, Slapped Child Next Day In Yonkers: DA
Man Strangled Former Partner In Front Of Their Kids, Slapped Child Next Day In Yonkers: DA A Westchester man has been indicted on multiple felony charges after allegedly assaulting his former partner and one of their children while violating an active order of protection, prosecutors announced. Tairon Drake, age 30, was arraigned Tuesday, July 8, in Westchester County Court on charges stemming from a violent domestic incident at his Yonkers home, Westchester District Attorney Susan Cacace announced on Thursday, July 10.  Prosecutors allege that on May 1, 2025, Drake placed both hands around his ex-partner’s neck and threatened to kill her, all in front of their two children.…
'Especially Grotesque': Man Raped Teen Before Dumping Body On Street In New Rochelle, DA Says 'Especially Grotesque': Man Raped Teen Before Dumping Body On Street In New Rochelle, DA Says
'Especially Grotesque': Man Raped Teen Before Dumping Body On Street In New Rochelle, DA Says A Westchester man previously charged in connection with the dumping of a 15-year-old boy’s body has now been indicted on new charges involving the repeated sexual abuse of the teen, prosecutors announced.  Hugo Horacio Perez-Gabriel, age 32, of New Rochelle, was indicted on multiple new charges, including third-degree rape, third-degree criminal sexual act, tampering with physical evidence, endangering the welfare of a child, and third-degree sexual abuse, Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace said Wednesday, July 9.  He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Tue…
Bacterial Concerns, Heavy Rain Shut Down These Westchester Beaches Bacterial Concerns, Heavy Rain Shut Down These Westchester Beaches
Bacterial Concerns, Heavy Rain Shut Down These Westchester Beaches Multiple beaches in Westchester County were closed Wednesday, July 9, due to potential bacterial contamination following recent rainfall, health officials announced. The Westchester County Health Department said 0.67 inches of rain fell over the past 24 hours, prompting a preemptive closure of beaches in New Rochelle, Mamaroneck, and Rye on Wednesday.  The following locations are affected: New Rochelle: Hudson Park Beach, Davenport Beach Club, Greentree Country Club, and Surf Club on the Sound; Mamaroneck: Harbor Island Park, Beach Point Club, Orienta Beach Club, and&n…
Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess Q2 Real Estate Markets Stayed Strong Despite High Rates: Report Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess Q2 Real Estate Markets Stayed Strong Despite High Rates: Report
Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess Q2 Real Estate Markets Stayed Strong Despite High Rates: Report Despite higher mortgage rates and tight inventory, the real estate market across Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties showed continued strength in the second quarter of 2025, according to a new report from Houlihan Lawrence. In Westchester County, luxury homes priced above $2 million remained in high demand, especially in towns with strong transportation access and updated interiors. Many well-priced properties attracted multiple offers, and buyers continued to act quickly, the brokerage said in its new Houlihan Lawrence Q2 2025 Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess Market Report…
2 Struck In Hit-Run In North Castle: Driver Caught, Arrested, Police Say 2 Struck In Hit-Run In North Castle: Driver Caught, Arrested, Police Say
2 Struck In Hit-Run In North Castle: Driver Caught, Arrested, Police Say Two people were injured in a hit-and-run crash in Westchester County after being struck by a vehicle that fled the scene, police said.  The incident happened around 3:05 p.m. on Monday, July 7, when the pedestrians were walking westbound on School Street in North Castle and crossing at the intersection with Wampus Avenue, the North Castle Police Department said in an announcement on Tuesday, July 8.  Police said the two were hit by a white or silver Lexus that had been traveling northbound on Wampus Avenue. The driver, described as a woman, did not stop after the crash.  Bot…
Snack Wrap Comeback: McDonald’s Beloved Favorite Returns to Westchester Snack Wrap Comeback: McDonald’s Beloved Favorite Returns to Westchester
Snack Wrap Comeback: McDonald’s Beloved Favorite Returns to Westchester The wait is finally over — and fans of a classic fast-food favorite in Westchester County can rejoice. After nearly a decade of clamoring from customers nationwide, McDonald’s is officially bringing back its beloved Snack Wrap to menus across the country, including right here in Westchester County.  The item, which was discontinued in 2016, makes its long-anticipated return on Wednesday, July 10, at participating locations — and this time, McDonald’s says, it’s here to stay.  Driven by relentless fan demand through social media, petitions, and loyal nostalgia, the Snack Wrap revi…
Peregrine Falcon Found Injured On Shore Of Reservoir In Harrison, Rescued Peregrine Falcon Found Injured On Shore Of Reservoir In Harrison, Rescued
Peregrine Falcon Found Injured On Shore Of Reservoir In Harrison, Rescued A Peregrine falcon found injured and unable to fly along the shore of a Westchester County reservoir is back in the wild, thanks to the quick response of a state environmental officer and a local wildlife rehabilitator.  The falcon was discovered on Tuesday, June 17, on a rock near the shoreline of the Kensico Reservoir in the town of Harrison, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation said on Thursday, July 3.  An Environmental Conservation Officer responded to the report and found the bird alert but grounded. Although no visible injuries were observed, the offi…
Mount Pleasant Father Dies Suddenly At 52: 'He Was Active, Strong, Never Missed Day's Work' Mount Pleasant Father Dies Suddenly At 52: 'He Was Active, Strong, Never Missed Day's Work'
Mount Pleasant Father Dies Suddenly At 52: 'He Was Active, Strong, Never Missed Day's Work' A heartbroken family is asking for the community’s help after the sudden death of a hardworking Westchester County husband and father who died of a massive heart attack at just 52 years old. Lush Lumaj, a devoted father of two from Mount Pleasant, died on Sunday, June 29, after suffering an unexpected and fatal heart attack, according to a GoFundMe launched by his niece, Julie (Xhuljana) Bacaj.  "Lush’s passing was completely unexpected. He was active, strong, and never missed a day’s work," Bacaj wrote. Born in Vermosh, Albania, Lumaj was remembered as a hardworking man who embo…
$13M Medicaid Scam: NY Transport Companies Stole Millions In Taxpayer Dollars, AG Says $13M Medicaid Scam: NY Transport Companies Stole Millions In Taxpayer Dollars, AG Says
$13M Medicaid Scam: NY Transport Companies Stole Millions In Taxpayer Dollars, AG Says Several New York medical transport companies, including some in the Hudson Valley and New York’s Capital Region, are being forced to pay back millions of dollars after a sweeping Medicaid fraud investigation by the state, officials announced.   The enforcement effort, revealed Monday, June 30, targeted 25 companies across the state, including businesses in Westchester, Dutchess, Orange, Columbia, Albany, and Saratoga counties. Sixteen companies have agreed to repay over $13 million in stolen Medicaid funds, and seven others are now facing lawsuits, New York Attorney General Letitia…
Westchester's First Legislature Chair, WWII Hero Herman Geist Dies At 100: 'Forever Grateful' Westchester's First Legislature Chair, WWII Hero Herman Geist Dies At 100: 'Forever Grateful'
Westchester's First Legislature Chair, WWII Hero Herman Geist Dies At 100: 'Forever Grateful' Westchester County is mourning the loss of local legend Herman S. Geist, a World War II hero, legal trailblazer, and the first-ever Chairman of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, who died at age 100.  Geist, an important figure in Westchester County public service, died on Saturday, June 28, according to his obituary.  Born on April 5, 1925, Geist lived an extraordinary century — a life defined, Westchester County officials say, by integrity, leadership, and a relentless commitment to community.  From the frontlines of World War II, where he served as a US Army lie…