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COVID-19 Pandemic

Westfield Man Admits To Defrauding COVID Relief Fund Of $900K: Feds Westfield Man Admits To Defrauding COVID Relief Fund Of $900K: Feds
Westfield Man Admits To Defrauding COVID Relief Fund Of $900K: Feds A 66-year-old Westfield man recently admitted to fraudulently obtaining a $900,000 PPP loan during the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities said.  Joseph McKeon applied for PPP loans on behalf of his New Jersey company, falsely claiming a higher number of employees and inflated payroll figures, US Attorney Philip Sellinger said. To support his claims, McKeon submitted forged documents, including bank statements and tax returns, Sellinger said. McKeon withdrew significant amounts of cash and transferred portions of the money, including a $315,504 transaction to an Indiana title company, Selli…
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Cases of whooping cough are five times higher than at this time a year ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning. Officially known as pertussis, those infected have persistent, chronic fits of coughing followed by a “whoop” sound. "Reports of pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.," the CDC said in a new advisory. "However, the United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported each year. It's likely mitigation measures used during the…
'New Chapter': Beloved Former Stratford Pizzeria That Closed Last Year To Reopen In Shelton 'New Chapter': Beloved Former Stratford Pizzeria That Closed Last Year To Reopen In Shelton
'New Chapter': Beloved Former Stratford Pizzeria That Closed Last Year To Reopen In Shelton A beloved pizzeria that closed last year after 76 years in business announced it's reopening in a new town. Salerno's Apizza called Stratford home for decades, but in a Facebook post, owner Carlo Salerno said he is finalizing negotiations to open a new storefront in Shelton. He can't say exactly where it will be.  While we can’t reveal the exact location just yet as we are still negotiating on the exact location, we promise it’s coming soon! Once everything is confirmed, you’ll be the first to know! And… from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your incredible p…
'Our Number One Jewel': Atlantic City Aquarium Reopening Delayed Again, Renovations Wrapping Up 'Our Number One Jewel': Atlantic City Aquarium Reopening Delayed Again, Renovations Wrapping Up
'Our Number One Jewel': Atlantic City Aquarium Reopening Delayed Again, Renovations Wrapping Up Significant progress has been made in renovating the Atlantic City Aquarium but the long-delayed reopening has been pushed back once again, officials said. The North New Hampshire Avenue aquarium is now expected to reopen in December, Mayor Marty Small Sr. said at a news conference on Monday, Sept. 30. Earlier in the year, the city twice announced the facility would reopen in September and right before the Fourth of July. The renovations have faced many delays due to funding and supply chain issues, along with crews discovering worse conditions than previously expected l…
Newburgh Movie Theater Closes After Decades In Business Newburgh Movie Theater Closes After Decades In Business
Newburgh Movie Theater Closes After Decades In Business After some 36 years of keeping the residents in the Hudson Valley entertained, a popular movie theater that has been owned by the same person for the past 20 years has closed. Known for its matinees and friendly employees, Showtime Cinemas in Orange County, located in the town of Newburgh on Route 300, ran its last film on Sunday, Sept. 15. "Since 2020, we have had a massive battle to fight, and we overcame it with the help and support of the local and surrounding communities," the owners said on Facebook. The owners said they would have had to close sooner if it weren't for the customers,…
US Median Household Income Rises For First Time Since Before COVID-19 Pandemic US Median Household Income Rises For First Time Since Before COVID-19 Pandemic
US Median Household Income Rises For First Time Since Before Covid-19 Pandemic Real median household income in the United States rose for the first time in four years. The amount of to $80,610 in 2023 marked the first annual increase since 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a US Census Bureau report released this week. The report, Income in the United States: 2023, compares median household income by different characteristics, including race and Hispanic origin, and shows that not all groups had an increase in median household incomes from 2022 to 2023. Household characteristics are determined by the person, or one of the people, who owns or rents t…
Most Expensive Long Island Home Listings All Sold For Under Asking Price Most Expensive Long Island Home Listings All Sold For Under Asking Price
Most Expensive Long Island Home Listings All Sold For Under Asking Price These luxury homes on Long Island didn’t quite fetch the selling price their owners had hoped for. Of the 10 most expensive residential sales to close across Nassau and Suffolk counties since Wednesday, Aug. 28, all 10 sold for below asking price, data from Zillow shows. The most expensive listing – a one-bedroom, three-bathroom ranch on 1.62 acres in Great Neck that was listed for $7.8 million – closed on Wednesday, Aug. 28, for $6.5 million, 16-percent under asking. The cheapest of the 10 – a six-bedroom, six-bathroom newer build on one acre in Woodbury that had sought $3.495 million – c…
Toms River Man Led Scheme To Commit Mortgage, COVID-19 Business Loan Fraud: Feds Toms River Man Led Scheme To Commit Mortgage, COVID-19 Business Loan Fraud: Feds
Toms River Man Led Scheme To Commit Mortgage, Covid-19 Business Loan Fraud: Feds A Toms River man was accused of leading a multimillion-dollar scheme to commit mortgage fraud and steal federal COVID-19 loans, authorities said. Arthur Spitzer, 37, was indicted on 25 counts, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release on Tuesday, Sept. 3. A grand jury also indicted 38-year-old Mendel Deutsch of Toms River and 42-year-old Joshua Feldberger of Howell Township in the case. According to the indictment, Spitzer got mortgage loans for real estate properties that he didn't own in New Jersey and Brooklyn, New York. He chose properties that ha…
Shore Memorial Health System To Pay $3.15M For Improperly Taking Pandemic Loan: Feds Shore Memorial Health System To Pay $3.15M For Improperly Taking Pandemic Loan: Feds
Shore Memorial Health System To Pay $3.15M For Improperly Taking Pandemic Loan: Feds An Atlantic County healthcare system will pay more than $3 million for improperly receiving a loan from a COVID-19 pandemic program, authorities said. Shore Memorial Health System has agreed to pay the federal government $3.15 million, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release on Wednesday, Aug. 14. The settlement comes from Shore Memorial Physicians’ Group receiving $2.78 million in a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan. The physicians' group wasn't eligible for a PPP loan because it isn't a small business since it's an affiliate of Shore Mem…
Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations
Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations Buca di Beppo is Buca di bankrupt. The popular Italian eatery chain announced it had filed for Chapter 11 this week and would close several underperforming locations, including restaurants in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.  Like many other restaurant chains, Buca di Beppo said the business hadn't bounced back since the COVID-19 pandemic. Customer spending is lower than expected, and supply costs remain high, according to court documents. It's a common tale for several "fast-casual" dining restaurants that have failed to thrive in recent years.   Revenue for…
Popular Bagel Shop To Open New Location In Hudson Valley Popular Bagel Shop To Open New Location In Hudson Valley
Popular Bagel Shop To Open New Location In Hudson Valley Three years ago, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a Hudson Valley couple came up with the unique idea of stuffing their favorite foods into homemade bagels. Well, a few years later, that idea—now Moonrise Bagels in Ulster County in Woodstock—has been so successful that the couple has been featured on the "Today" show, and their "yummy" New York-style bagels are shipped nationwide through GoldBelly. It wasn't easy and involved a lot of hard work, but they made it happen, and now they are opening a second Moonrise Bagels in Dutchess County in Poughkeepsie on Saturday, July 20.  The first …
Atlantic City's 2024 Airshow Canceled After 'Major Act' Withdraws From Event Atlantic City's 2024 Airshow Canceled After 'Major Act' Withdraws From Event
Atlantic City's 2024 Airshow Canceled After 'Major Act' Withdraws From Event Atlantic City's popular air show has been scrubbed for 2024 after a last-minute effort seemingly saved the financially troubled summer spectacle, officials said. The 2024 Visit Atlantic City Airshow has been canceled, according to the event website's homepage on Wednesday, July 10. A joint statement was posted by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, the South Jersey Transportation Authority (SJTA), and Visit Atlantic City. The free event, which attracts about 500,000 visitors, was scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13, and Wednesday, Aug. 14. "We regret …
42-Year-Old Jersey Shore Food Pantry Reopens In Temporary Location After Leaving Old Home 42-Year-Old Jersey Shore Food Pantry Reopens In Temporary Location After Leaving Old Home
42-Year-Old Jersey Shore Food Pantry Reopens In Temporary Location After Leaving Old Home A food pantry that has served Bradley Beach for more than four decades has found a temporary home about a month after closing its only location. Bradley Food Pantry has reopened at 1115 Main Street, the charity announced on Facebook on Wednesday, June 19. Food is distributed under a tent on the backside of the property. The pantry, which has served the coastal borough and surrounding area since 1982, left its space at St. James Episcopal Church on Fourth Avenue on Friday, May 17. "I am deeply grateful for the number of volunteers who have turned out to help with the transformatio…
Long-Delayed Reopening Of Atlantic City Aquarium Pushed Back Again Long-Delayed Reopening Of Atlantic City Aquarium Pushed Back Again
Long-Delayed Reopening Of Atlantic City Aquarium Pushed Back Again After four years of delays, visitors will have to wait a few more months to return to the Atlantic City Aquarium. The North New Hampshire Avenue aquarium will reopen in September, the city said. Mayor Marty Small Sr. previously said in February that the facility would reopen on Monday, July 1. City spokesperson Andrew Kramer said city council passed resolutions on Wednesday, June 12 to award contracts for improvements to the city's exterior, including a new mural. "Based on the information we were given earlier in the year, it looked like July 1st was a reasonable reopening date…
Busy Westchester Shopping Center Celebrates 70th Anniversary Busy Westchester Shopping Center Celebrates 70th Anniversary
Busy Westchester Shopping Center Celebrates 70th Anniversary A bustling shopping center in Westchester marked the beginning of its seventh decade in business with a celebration attended by local and state officials.  In a grand kick-off event held on Saturday, May 18, the Cross County Center in Yonkers celebrated its 70th anniversary as a major site of commerce in Westchester.  The event was attended by elected officials such as Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and New York State Sen. Andrea Stewart-Cousins, as well as Senior Property Manager Carl Calabro, who all celebrated the center's longevity. "Growing up in Yonkers, we always knew it wa…
Westchester's First Mobile Adoption Unit To Debut At Chappaqua Farmer's Market Westchester's First Mobile Adoption Unit To Debut At Chappaqua Farmer's Market
Westchester's First Mobile Adoption Unit To Debut At Chappaqua Farmer's Market The first mobile adoption unit in Westchester will soon make its debut appearance at a busy farmer's market to reach residents looking to add furry friends to their families. SPCA Westchester's Mobile Adoption Unit, the first of its kind, will soon hit the road and debut at the Chappaqua Farmer's Market at the Chappaqua Train Station on Saturday, May 11 at 9 a.m. The 26-foot vehicle features 20 spacious cages, roll-up viewing windows, and a booth providing a space for matchmaking discussions between SPCA staff and would-be adopters.  The vehicle was commissioned to increase animal ado…
Drinks And A Movie: Alcohol Sales Approved At Nonprofit Cinema In Central Jersey Drinks And A Movie: Alcohol Sales Approved At Nonprofit Cinema In Central Jersey
Drinks And A Movie: Alcohol Sales Approved At Nonprofit Cinema In Central Jersey You can now enjoy a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail at an independent movie theater in Monmouth County. Basie Center Cinemas will start selling alcoholic beverages to customers 21 and older, the Red Bank theater announced in a news release on Tuesday, May 7. A recent state law cleared the way for the cinema to receive a liquor license. The White Street theater said it will feature products from Jersey craft breweries and wineries. "Basie Center Cinemas is now the only area indie movie house that can offer patrons a glass of wine, a local craft beer, or a cool, canned cocktail to accom…
'Heartbroken' Jersey Shore Food Pantry Closing After 42 Years, Searching For New Location 'Heartbroken' Jersey Shore Food Pantry Closing After 42 Years, Searching For New Location
'Heartbroken' Jersey Shore Food Pantry Closing After 42 Years, Searching For New Location A Bradley Beach food pantry has less than a month to find a new home before it officially closes. Bradley Food Pantry will close its location at St. James Episcopal Church on Fourth Avenue on Friday, May 17, the charity said in a news release. The pantry has served the coastal borough and surrounding area since 1982. The charity's board has searched for a new facility because of higher demand since the COVID-19 pandemic began and "differing viewpoints between the pantry and the church." "After 40 years in this location, we are heartbroken to have to close our doors, even tem…
$1.7M COVID-19 Fraud Scheme: Daughter, Mom Who Worked For Mount Vernon PD Sentenced $1.7M COVID-19 Fraud Scheme: Daughter, Mom Who Worked For Mount Vernon PD Sentenced
$1.7M Covid-19 Fraud Scheme: Daughter, Mom Who Worked For Mount Vernon PD Sentenced A mother-daughter duo has been sentenced to prison for defrauding the government of approximately $1.7 million.  Westchester County residents Alicia Ayers and her mother, Andrea Ayers, both of Mount Vernon, were found guilty of submitting more than 300 fraudulent applications for US Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans.  Andrea Ayers was a former Code Enforcement Officer for the City of Mount Vernon Police Department. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress expanded the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program to provide low-interest …
Look Who's Back: Popular Restaurant In Region Reopens Look Who's Back: Popular Restaurant In Region Reopens
Look Who's Back: Popular Restaurant In Region Reopens Big food news in the region with the reopening of a favorite restaurant that closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lorenzo's Bistro, located in Sullivan County in Jeffersonville, reopened its doors on Monday, April 1, at 5002 Route 52 in the old Sal's Pizzeria building. Fans of the former Lorenzo's are already packing the restaurant.  Many of the "old favorites," such as the Cubano sandwich and Philly cheese steak, are back on the menu, as well as a lineup of everything from bagels and breakfast sandwiches to lunch and dinner entrees, including new Tex-Mex dishes. Resident Jason Dole …
'Pretty Good Run': Restaurant In Capital Region Closes After 3 Decades In Business 'Pretty Good Run': Restaurant In Capital Region Closes After 3 Decades In Business
'Pretty Good Run': Restaurant In Capital Region Closes After 3 Decades In Business A popular restaurant in the region has closed after 31 years in business. Columbia County eatery Blue Plate Restaurant – located in Chatham at 1 Kinderhook Street – informed customers in a Facebook post on Monday, March 4. “A pretty good run of 31 years (minus a few breaks),” owner David Grunberg said. The landmark, three-story building has also been home to Hess’s Market, the Inn Between, Hail Columbia, and others over the years. Opened in 1993, Blue Plate kept longtime diners coming back with dishes like edamame gnocchi and grilled Moroccan shrimp, and appetizers like fried calamari an…
Melinda Schriver Of Galloway Dies, 45 Melinda Schriver Of Galloway Dies, 45
Melinda Schriver Of Galloway Dies, 45 The family of an Atlantic County mother and former restaurant owner is mourning her death. Melinda Schriver of Galloway died on Sunday, Feb. 11 at 45 years old, according to her obituary. The cause of her death was not mentioned. Schriver was born on Friday, Sept. 8, 1978, in Vineland, and she was a lifelong resident of Galloway. She was an Absegami High School graduate and studied business administration at Atlantic Cape Community College. Schriver was once the owner of Naomi's Cafe, a now-closed restaurant in Northfield that shared the name of one of her daughters. "Naomi’s was a family…
Eversource Asks For Big Rate Hike For CT Residential Customers: Here's How Much Eversource Asks For Big Rate Hike For CT Residential Customers: Here's How Much
Eversource Asks For Big Rate Hike For CT Residential Customers: Here's How Much Utility company Eversource has submitted a request for a rate adjustment that would increase monthly costs for residential customers in Connecticut later in the year.  The company filed a request for a $784 million rate adjustment with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on Thursday, Feb. 15, according to a statement from Eversource.  The proposed rate hike, which would go into effect on Wednesday, May 1, would increase monthly bills for residential customers by $38, a 19 percent increase, according to a report by Connecticut Public.  According to Eversourc…
Midwife Fakes Vax Records For Thousands Of Children Across NY: Health Dept. Midwife Fakes Vax Records For Thousands Of Children Across NY: Health Dept.
Midwife Fakes Vax Records For Thousands Of Children Across NY: Health Dept. A New York midwife was found to have faked over 12,000 vaccines for children on Long Island and as far away as Erie County. Jeanette Breen, a licensed midwife who ran Baldwin Midwifery, located in Baldwin, Nassau County, was issued what the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) dubbed an “unprecedented” fine of $300,000 for her scheme. Starting at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year, Breen began supplying patients with a series of oral pellets called the "Real Immunity Homeoprophylaxis Program." These fake pills are marketed as an alternative to vaccination by an out-of-stat…
Hudson Valley Eatery Announces Closure 'With Heavy Heart' Hudson Valley Eatery Announces Closure 'With Heavy Heart'
Hudson Valley Eatery Announces Closure 'With Heavy Heart' After eight years of good food and drinks, a beloved Hudson Valley pub and beer garden is closing its doors. Located in Ulster County, Schatzi's New Paltz will serve its last pierogi and cold beer on Sunday, Dec. 31. The owner, Jeremy Phillips, who announced on Facebook the closure, said it was with a "heavy heart" that he is closing the business. "New Paltz being my home town has and will always hold a special place in my heart," Phillips said. "I love this town and the people of this town." He added that many factors contributed to his decision to close the door including the pandemic,…
Englewood Vegan Kosher 'Kind Of Chinese' Eatery Spotlighted On New Show Englewood Vegan Kosher 'Kind Of Chinese' Eatery Spotlighted On New Show
Englewood Vegan Kosher 'Kind Of Chinese' Eatery Spotlighted On New Show An acclaimed Bergen County restaurant known for its new take on old favorites is being spotlighted on a new show. Fat Choy, a kosher vegan, also "kind of Chinese" restaurant at 52 E Palisade Ave. in Englewood is profiled on "Schmoozing and Cruising," streaming on ChaiFlicks, which celebrates the best in kosher cuisine.  The episode, hosted by CW Silverburg, premiered on Thursday, Dec. 14. ChaiFlicks describes itself as the leading streaming service for Jewish storytelling. Fat Choy was recently named one of the best restaurants in America by the New York Times. Pete Wells raved about the r…
After Stabbing, Western Mass Bar 'Closed Until Further Notice,' Owners Say After Stabbing, Western Mass Bar 'Closed Until Further Notice,' Owners Say
After Stabbing, Western Mass Bar 'Closed Until Further Notice,' Owners Say The owners of a Berkshire County ramen bar said they created the Pittsfield hotspot to be a safe space for people to meet and have a good time, but a stabbing last week upended that goal. They've decided to shut down indefinitely.  A man was stabbed as he left Thistle & Mirth just after 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22. The man took himself to Baystate Medical Center, and police say he is expected to survive. Authorities did not release his name.  Related: Man Stabbed Leaving Pittsfield Ramen Bar The owners of the 44 West St. bar said in a Facebook post that they have seen an increas…
George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process'
George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' New York Rep. George Santos, who admitted to lying about his background and is facing nearly two dozen federal criminal charges, is claiming victory after an effort to expel him from Congress failed. The freshman Republican lawmaker from Long Island, whose 3rd District represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, easily survived a resolution brought by his fellow New York Republicans to oust Santos from the House on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The resolution failed with 179 members voting in favor and 213 voting against. Nineteen members voted “present.” Earlier Report: George Santos Pleads Not…
CT Eatery Wins 'Best Of The Fest' At NYC BagelFest CT Eatery Wins 'Best Of The Fest' At NYC BagelFest
CT Eatery Wins 'Best Of The Fest' At NYC BagelFest Forget those New York bagels you dreamed of shoving in your face. There's a new king of dough in town and it's located in Connecticut. Olmo Bagels in New Haven has walked away with not only bragging rights but with a chest full of love for the city they are made in with the big win of "Best Of The Fest" at the 2023 NYC BagelFest. But that's not all the upstart little bagel shop brought home from the annual competition that really crowns the king of bagels. They also brought home "Best Beyond the Boroughs," and "Best Schmear," said Olmo chef and owner Craig Hutchinson. "The fest was like …
112-Year-Old NJ Movie Theater Reopens For First Time Since Pandemic 112-Year-Old NJ Movie Theater Reopens For First Time Since Pandemic
112-Year-Old NJ Movie Theater Reopens For First Time Since Pandemic One of New Jersey's oldest movie theaters has reopened for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. Bernardsville Cinema 3 officially reopened on Friday, Oct. 27, with the International Bernardsville Film Festival, which will run through Sunday, Oct. 29. The cinema, located at 5 Minebrook Road in Bernardsville, was built in 1910 by Frank Allen, a developer downtown, the theater's website says.  The theater seats 500 people but was converted into a triplex theater in the 1990s. BowTie cinemas took over in 2013 until changing hands to United Leisure Cinemas, who has ownersh…
COVID-19: IRS Workers From Long Island Stole Thousands In Relief Funds, DA Says COVID-19: IRS Workers From Long Island Stole Thousands In Relief Funds, DA Says
Covid-19: IRS Workers From Long Island Stole Thousands In Relief Funds, DA Says Two IRS employees from Long Island are accused of pocketing thousands of dollars in relief funds meant to help small businesses struggling due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tina White, age 36, of Bellport, and Shawana Williams, age 45, of Centereach, were arraigned on grand larceny charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Oct. 12. According to prosecutors, White and Williams applied for COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loans from the Small Business Administration in the summer of 2020, claiming to be business owners struggling due to the pandemic. White claimed to be the chief operating …