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Flock Unveils Major Changes Amid Growing Surveillance Camera Backlash Flock Unveils Major Changes Amid Growing Surveillance Camera Backlash
Flock Unveils Major Changes Amid Growing Surveillance Camera Backlash Flock Safety is making major changes to how it stores data as nationwide privacy concerns rise over the controversial surveillance cameras. The company announced the updates in a blog post on Thursday, Aug. 13. Flock says it will cut its recommended default retention period for automatic license plate reader (ALPR) data from 30 to seven days. The changes also include new safeguards that Flock says will prevent law enforcement from misusing data. Flock will require agencies to use a system that flags unusual searches, automatically locks some users out pending review…
Toxic Weedkiller Settlement Cash Going Toward Pollinator Gardens In Hudson Valley, LI: AG Toxic Weedkiller Settlement Cash Going Toward Pollinator Gardens In Hudson Valley, LI: AG
Toxic Weedkiller Settlement Cash Going Toward Pollinator Gardens In Hudson Valley, LI: AG Several Hudson Valley and Long Island organizations are receiving thousands of dollars to create pollinator gardens, restore habitats, and expand environmental programs through money stemming from a settlement over toxic consumer weedkillers.  New York Attorney General Letitia James and The New York Community Trust announced $505,000 in grants for 28 organizations across the state to support pollinator conservation projects in historically underserved communities.  The funding includes grants for organizations in Kingston, Hudson, Nyack, Newburgh, Ossining, Brookhaven, Mastic Beac…
Child Found Abandoned In NY Hallway Reunited With Cops Who Saved Her After Adoption Child Found Abandoned In NY Hallway Reunited With Cops Who Saved Her After Adoption
Child Found Abandoned In NY Hallway Reunited With Cops Who Saved Her After Adoption More than two years after being found abandoned as a newborn in the hallway of a Westchester apartment building, a little girl was reunited with the police officers and medical workers who helped save her — and this time with her new family by her side.  The child, who police identified as Baby Melanie, recently reunited with members of the Yonkers Police Department and staff at Maria Fareri Children's Hospital in Valhalla following the finalization of her adoption, Yonkers Police announced on Wednesday, Aug. 12.  Melanie's story began on Feb. 6, 2024, when Yonkers Police Officers…
Longtime EMT Recovering After Medical Emergency In Dutchess County Longtime EMT Recovering After Medical Emergency In Dutchess County
Longtime EMT Recovering After Medical Emergency In Dutchess County After spending nearly four decades answering calls for help, a longtime Dutchess County EMT, paramedic, and firefighter is now receiving support from the community he has served following a medical emergency.  Jim Gallagher, whose career has included service with the LaGrange Fire Department in Dutchess County, is facing months of rehabilitation after recently suffering a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, according to a GoFundMe started by his friend and colleague Constance Levi.  Gallagher began his emergency medical services career with Empress Ambulance Service in 1987, accord…
$1.7M 'Woodland Escape' Boasting Pool, Pond, Secret Gardens In NY Now On Market $1.7M 'Woodland Escape' Boasting Pool, Pond, Secret Gardens In NY Now On Market
$1.7M 'Woodland Escape' Boasting Pool, Pond, Secret Gardens In NY Now On Market A nearly seven-acre Northern Westchester property filled with gardens, water features, and a contemporary home built among rock outcroppings has hit the market. Known as "Woods Home," the property at 1750 Baptist Church Rd. in Yorktown Heights sits on 6.74 acres in the Huntersville neighborhood and is now listed for $1.7 million, according to a listing from Houlihan Lawrence.  The 4,976-square-foot home has four bedrooms, two full bathrooms, and one half-bathroom.  Described by Houlihan Lawrence as a "woodland escape," the property includes sprawling lawns, a Sylvan pool, woodlan…
Sally Jessy Raphael's $4.75M Estate In Dutchess County Featured By Zillow Gone Wild Sally Jessy Raphael's $4.75M Estate In Dutchess County Featured By Zillow Gone Wild
Sally Jessy Raphael's $4.75M Estate In Dutchess County Featured By Zillow Gone Wild A sprawling, over 150-year-old Dutchess County estate owned for nearly three decades by former talk show host Sally Jessy Raphael has caught the attention of Zillow Gone Wild. Elmwood Farm, a historic estate at 618 Quaker Hill Rd. in Pawling, was featured in the popular real estate account's newsletter on Monday, Aug. 10.  The property, built in 1860 and owned by Sally Jessy Raphael for nearly 30 years, is currently listed by Jake Garay of SERHANT for $4.75 million. The newsletter highlighted the estate's massive size and historic character.  Set on 25.5 acres atop…
NY Among 15 Best States To Live In US, New Study Says: Here's Why NY Among 15 Best States To Live In US, New Study Says: Here's Why
NY Among 15 Best States To Live In US, New Study Says: Here's Why From strong schools and health care to high incomes and low crime, several Northeast states are among the best places to live, according to a new study. WalletHub released its 2026 Best States to Live In list on Monday, Aug. 10. The study ranked all 50 states using 51 measures of livability, from housing affordability and income growth to education, health, quality of life, and safety. Chip Lupo, a WalletHub analyst, said it's important to look beyond just economic reasons. "When deciding on a place to move, you should first consider financial factors like the cost of living, housing price…
These NY ZIP Codes Rank Among Nation's Most In-Demand For Real Estate These NY ZIP Codes Rank Among Nation's Most In-Demand For Real Estate
These NY ZIP Codes Rank Among Nation's Most In-Demand For Real Estate Communities across the Northeast dominated a new ranking of the nation's hottest housing markets. Realtor.com released its 2026 list of the hottest ZIP codes in the US on Monday, Aug. 10. The report ranked markets based on buyer demand and how quickly homes sold. The rankings were based on Realtor.com listing data from January through June 2026, using unique views per property to measure demand and days on market to measure how quickly homes sold. "This year's hottest ZIP codes tell us that buyers aren't simply chasing the lowest price tag anymore — they're chasing space, character an…
Vassar Brothers Medical Center Earns National Nursing Recognition Vassar Brothers Medical Center Earns National Nursing Recognition
Vassar Brothers Medical Center Earns National Nursing Recognition Vassar Brothers Medical Center has received a national nursing designation recognizing its commitment to nursing excellence, quality outcomes, professional empowerment, and a supportive practice environment. The American Nurses Credentialing Center awarded the hospital its Pathway to Excellence designation, according to Northwell Health. The credential recognizes health care organizations where nurses are supported, engaged, and positioned to provide high-quality care. At Vassar Brothers, the nursing environment includes shared decision-making, professional development opportunities, a…
Marvel Artist Andy Fish Faces Double Cancer Battle As Friends, Family, Comic Fans Step Up Marvel Artist Andy Fish Faces Double Cancer Battle As Friends, Family, Comic Fans Step Up
Marvel Artist Andy Fish Faces Double Cancer Battle As Friends, Family, Comic Fans Step Up Some people spend a lifetime lifting others up. Now, a Maryland family is hoping the favor comes back around. The call for help starts in Hagerstown, where Gina Gabianelli has launched a GoFundMe campaign for her cousin, nationally recognized comic book artist Andy Fish, who was diagnosed with two rare blood cancers and is preparing for a life-saving stem-cell transplant. Fish, a father of three and longtime Massachusetts resident, has spent nearly three decades building a career as a professional artist, writer and educator.  His work has appeared in Marvel Comics, Archie Comics, War…
These Beagles Could Change Dog Ownership For Millions With Allergies These Beagles Could Change Dog Ownership For Millions With Allergies
These Beagles Could Change Dog Ownership For Millions With Allergies Two beagles are making history after scientists said they created the first genetically edited dogs without the major protein responsible for most canine allergies. New York-based Kindred Companion Sciences unveiled the two female dogs named Alfie and Bailey on Wednesday, Aug. 5. The beagles were born in September 2024 after researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology to eliminate Can f 1, the primary dog allergen.  Kindred's findings were published in a peer-reviewed study in The CRISPR Journal. The company said researchers didn't detect Can f 1 prote…
After Fire Destroys CVS, Mobile Pharmacy Now Set Up Month Later In Dutchess County After Fire Destroys CVS, Mobile Pharmacy Now Set Up Month Later In Dutchess County
After Fire Destroys CVS, Mobile Pharmacy Now Set Up Month Later In Dutchess County A temporary CVS pharmacy is now serving customers just over a month after a devastating fire destroyed a Dutchess County location during severe Fourth of July storms.  Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino announced on Wednesday, Aug. 5, that a mobile CVS pharmacy is now open in the parking lot of the former CVS building in Pawling at 26 East Main St.   The temporary pharmacy comes after a July 4 fire leveled the CVS and the adjoining Pawling Yoga & Wellness building. The blaze erupted after powerful thunderstorms swept through the area, igniting what Pawling Fire Chief Ev…