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Drunk LI Driver Who Left Passenger To Die Adds Two Years To Prison Term With Witness Threat: DA Drunk LI Driver Who Left Passenger To Die Adds Two Years To Prison Term With Witness Threat: DA Drunk LI Driver Who Left Passenger To Die Adds Two Years To Prison Term With Witness Threat: DA
Drunk LI Driver Who Left Passenger To Die Adds Two Years To Prison Term With Witness Threat: DA A Long Island man who fled a drunken crash that killed his passenger got an extra two years on his prison term Tuesday, Oct. 13 after threatening a witness, authorities said. Elvin Maradiaga Ortiz, 35, of Hempstead, was sentenced to 21 years behind bars, the Nassau County District Attorney’s office said. He was initially supposed to get 19 years as part of a plea deal, according to authorities. However, Ortiz’s long list of crimes grew even further when he was charged with witness intimidation, which tacked on the extra two years, the DA’s office said. Investigators said Ortiz threatened t…

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by Joe Wilkinson

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LI Drug Dealer Who Sold Weed Gummies To Middle Schoolers And Fled For Canada Learns His Fate LI Drug Dealer Who Sold Weed Gummies To Middle Schoolers And Fled For Canada Learns His Fate LI Drug Dealer Who Sold Weed Gummies To Middle Schoolers And Fled For Canada Learns His Fate
LI Drug Dealer Who Sold Weed Gummies To Middle Schoolers And Fled For Canada Learns His Fate The man who sold weed gummies that sent 12 Long Island middle schoolers to the hospital has been sentenced to prison time Wilmer Castillo Garcia, 24, of Mastic, got two years behind bars at his sentencing hearing Tuesday, Oct. 13, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office said. His sentence was part of a plea deal he took on July 23, according to authorities. Castillo Garcia was selling the THC gummies through Instagram when a student at William Floyd Middle School purchased them and distributed them to classmates in March 2025, investigators said. All 12 students received medical atten…

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by Joe Wilkinson
Breaking News
Fired LI Health Aide Didn’t Let Dismissal Stop Her $5K Medicaid Fraud: Investigators Fired LI Health Aide Didn’t Let Dismissal Stop Her $5K Medicaid Fraud: Investigators Fired LI Health Aide Didn’t Let Dismissal Stop Her $5K Medicaid Fraud: Investigators
Fired LI Health Aide Didn’t Let Dismissal Stop Her $5K Medicaid Fraud: Investigators A Long Island health care aide turned her month-long employment into an extended scheme and stole $5,000 from Medicaid, authorities said. Latricia Hires, 34, of Bridgehampton, was arrested and arraigned in Riverhead on Tuesday, Oct. 13, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office said. Hires got a job in September 2025 as an aide for two residents at L’Arche – Long Island, a residential facility for people with intellectual disabilities in Riverhead, investigators said. Her employment was terminated on Oct. 17, 2025, but she continued billing Public Partnerships LLC, the fiscal intermedi…

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by Joe Wilkinson
Breaking News
LI Men Killed In Shockingly Similar Car Crashes At Highway Toll Booth Identified: State Police LI Men Killed In Shockingly Similar Car Crashes At Highway Toll Booth Identified: State Police LI Men Killed In Shockingly Similar Car Crashes At Highway Toll Booth Identified: State Police
LI Men Killed In Shockingly Similar Car Crashes At Highway Toll Booth Identified: State Police Both drivers who died in fiery crashes into a highway toll booth on Long Island last month were identified Tuesday, Oct. 13 by police. Vijay P. Cheema, 74, of Fort Salonga, died in the Monday, Sept. 14 crash into the Sunken Meadow State Park toll booth on the north end of Sunken Meadow State Parkway in Kings Park, New York State Police said. Gregory W. Salone, 70, of Kings Park, died Monday, Sept. 21 after crashing into the exact same toll booth exactly one week later, state police said. Cheema’s death in the first crash was ruled a suicide, according to state police. Investigators did not…

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by Joe Wilkinson
Breaking News
Nassau County Man, 50, Killed After Stopping In Left Lane On I-95 Nassau County Man, 50, Killed After Stopping In Left Lane On I-95 Nassau County Man, 50, Killed After Stopping In Left Lane On I-95
Nassau County Man, 50, Killed After Stopping In Left Lane On I-95 A 50-year-old Long Island man has been identified as the victim of a fatal crash on Interstate 95 in Westchester County after his SUV was struck by another vehicle while stopped in the left lane, police said. Nassau County resident Pankaj R. Bakshi, 50, of Floral Park, died following the two-vehicle collision on northbound I-95 in Port Chester on Monday, Oct. 12, New York State Police confirmed on Tuesday, Oct. 13.  The crash happened around 5:55 a.m. near mile marker 14.8 on the New York State Thruway. According to police, Bakshi was driving a 2025 Chevrolet Suburban that ha…

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by Ben Crnic

Your Community

Your Community
Northwell Health Launches The Institute For Healthy Aging Across 28 Hospitals Northwell Health Launches The Institute For Healthy Aging Across 28 Hospitals Northwell Health Launches The Institute For Healthy Aging Across 28 Hospitals
Northwell Health Launches The Institute For Healthy Aging Across 28 Hospitals Northwell Health has launched a new initiative connecting services across its 28 hospitals to help older adults maintain their health, independence and quality of life as they age. The Northwell Institute for Healthy Aging brings together hospital services, physician practices, outpatient programs, research facilities, and community resources to better coordinate care for aging adults and their families. According to Northwell Health, the initiative focuses on preventing illness, addressing changing healthcare needs and supporting caregivers who help older adults manage their health. The i…

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by Daily Voice
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Introducing Daily Voice Events! Introducing Daily Voice Events! Introducing Daily Voice Events!
Introducing Daily Voice Events! There’s always something happening in your community. Now, Daily Voice makes it easier to find it. With Daily Voice Events, you can discover hundreds of events happening near you, from festivals and family activities to live music, fundraisers, community gatherings and more. Hosting an event of your own? Post it for free and get it in front of thousands of local readers looking for things to do in their area. Whether you’re looking for something to do or want to spread the word about an event, Daily Voice Events helps you connect with your community. Click here to explore local events or …

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by Daily Voice
Your Community
Tide Turns To Freedom For Two Humpback Whales Stranded Off LI Coast Tide Turns To Freedom For Two Humpback Whales Stranded Off LI Coast Tide Turns To Freedom For Two Humpback Whales Stranded Off LI Coast
Tide Turns To Freedom For Two Humpback Whales Stranded Off LI Coast Two whales that became stranded off the Long Island coast Wednesday, Oct. 7 have made their way back out to sea on their own, officials said. The two juvenile humpback whales found themselves stranded on sandbars off Saltaire and Ocean Bay beaches on Wednesday morning, the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society said. Witness reports sparked a large conservation response that included the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Park Service, and numerous state and local agencies, according to the environmental group. “The early reports from members of the public and the Village of Saltaire about the s…

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by Joe Wilkinson

Breaking News

Breaking News
Supersonic Plane Concept Envisions Faster Transatlantic Flights: What To Know Supersonic Plane Concept Envisions Faster Transatlantic Flights: What To Know Supersonic Plane Concept Envisions Faster Transatlantic Flights: What To Know
Supersonic Plane Concept Envisions Faster Transatlantic Flights: What To Know A futuristic aircraft concept imagines a faster, more luxurious trip across the Atlantic, but travelers are a long way from booking a seat. The Sky OV, created by Barcelona-based industrial designer Oscar Viñals, envisions carrying about 200 passengers between New York and London in less than five hours. It remains a design concept. Its proposed speed, propulsion systems, and passenger experience have not been demonstrated in a manufactured commercial aircraft. Viñals presents the project through his OVI Design portfolio, with renderings showing a broad, swept aircraft body and a silhouett…

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by Joe Lombardi
Breaking News
Power Grid Emergency Issued In NY: What To Know About Unusual October Alert Power Grid Emergency Issued In NY: What To Know About Unusual October Alert Power Grid Emergency Issued In NY: What To Know About Unusual October Alert
Power Grid Emergency Issued In NY: What To Know About Unusual October Alert The world's largest power grid operator has issued an emergency alert as unusually warm October weather and widespread equipment outages put pressure on electricity supplies across the region, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania. PJM Interconnection issued a Maximum Generation Alert and Load Management Alert for Tuesday, Oct. 13, as higher electricity demand and planned equipment outages put pressure on the regional power supply. The alerts mean power companies are being asked to keep as much equipment running as possible, including postponing maintenance that could take power plants or t…

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by Cecilia Levine
Breaking News
Duct-Taped Passenger Facing Federal Prison Duct-Taped Passenger Facing Federal Prison Duct-Taped Passenger Facing Federal Prison
Duct-Taped Passenger Facing Federal Prison The American Airlines passenger who had to be restrained with duct tape and zip ties during a flight that was diverted to Maryland is now facing a much bigger problem on the ground. Layne Lundeen, 67, of Tucson, Arizona, was indicted on charges stemming from a confrontation aboard a Dallas-to-Newark flight that was diverted to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Anne Arundel County on Thursday, Sept. 3. Federal prosecutors announced the indictment on Tuesday, Oct. 13, alleging that Lundeen assaulted a fellow passenger and interfered with flight attendants and cre…

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by Zak Failla and Cecilia Levine
Breaking News
Delta Flight From JFK Evacuated Upon Arrival In Israel After Bomb Threat: Reports Delta Flight From JFK Evacuated Upon Arrival In Israel After Bomb Threat: Reports Delta Flight From JFK Evacuated Upon Arrival In Israel After Bomb Threat: Reports
Delta Flight From JFK Evacuated Upon Arrival In Israel After Bomb Threat: Reports A Delta flight from John F. Kennedy Airport to Tel Aviv was evacuated on arrival Tuesday morning, Oct. 13 due to a bomb threat, according to multiple reports. Passengers on Delta Flight 234 were rushed off the plane shortly landing at Ben Gurion Airport, the main commercial airport in Israel, due to the anonymous claim that a bomb was on board, the Jerusalem Post reported. The plane was then moved to a remote parking area on the tarmac and searched by security teams, according to Israeli news source Ynet. Nothing suspicious was found in the aircraft, officials said. Normal operations resum…

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by Joe Wilkinson
Breaking News
WATCH: Humpback Whale Crashes Into Small Boat Off Long Island Coast: ‘Holy!’ WATCH: Humpback Whale Crashes Into Small Boat Off Long Island Coast: ‘Holy!’ WATCH: Humpback Whale Crashes Into Small Boat Off Long Island Coast: ‘Holy!’
Watch: Humpback Whale Crashes Into Small Boat Off Long Island Coast: ‘Holy!’ A giant humpback whale crashed into a boat off the coast of Long Island on Saturday, Oct. 10. The shocking collision was captured on video by Steven Heid, who shared the clip on social media. The whale approached Heid’s boat quickly as he was fishing in Moriches Inlet, the video shows. It appeared to be feeding, as dozens of fish are seen flying through the air in the moments before the whale slammed into the boat’s side. View this post on Instagram While the whale made solid contact with the side of the boat, appearing to even “bite” the sid…

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by Joe Wilkinson

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Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall
Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall More than 30,000 Mercedes-Benz luxury cars are being recalled because a brake hose problem can make it harder for drivers to stop. Mercedes-Benz USA issued the recall for 30,064 vehicles, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report filed on Friday, Oct. 2. The affected vehicles include certain S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, and AMG sedans from model years 2022 through 2025. The front brake hoses may weaken over time because of heat and mechanical stress. The hoses can eventually rupture and leak brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the distance neede…

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One
Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One Chipotle Mexican Grill is going big with its takeout bags, giving customers a chance to win a massive three-foot-wide version. The chain unveiled its limited-edition "Big A** Chipotle Bag" on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The 170-liter tote bag celebrates the chain's Family Meals, which are designed to feed four to six people. The oversized bag measures 36 inches wide, 24 inches tall, and 12 inches deep. "A Big A** Meal deserves a Big A** Bag," said chief brand officer Fernando Machado. "We took one of the most recognizable parts of the Chipotle experience, gave it an outsized upgrade, …

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge NY Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge NY Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge NY Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback
Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge NY Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback Krispy Kreme is baking up dozens of new restaurants across the New York City region as the doughnut chain works to recover from financial struggles. The Charlotte, North Carolina, company announced plans to open 33 new shops across the metropolitan area over the next five years in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The expansion will also include communities surrounding the city, including on Long Island and in New Jersey. Krispy Kreme signed a franchise development agreement with Original Entrepreneurs LLC, a longtime partner that already operates 12 Krispy Kreme shops.  "We lo…

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident
Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident Websites for Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop, and several other major grocery chains went offline on Monday, Oct. 12, after their parent company reported a cybersecurity incident affecting its network. Ahold Delhaize, the Netherlands-based grocery giant that operates thousands of stores across the United States, confirmed the security issue in a statement issued Monday. The company said it had taken some systems offline as a precaution while investigating the incident. "Our teams are taking steps to assess and mitigate the issue," the company said. "This includes taking some systems offl…

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by Jillian Pikora
On Your Side
Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report
Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report Starbucks is considering a massive takeover of Chipotle Mexican Grill in what could become the largest restaurant acquisition in history, according to a report. The coffeehouse giant has worked with advisers for months on a possible purchase of Chipotle, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, Oct. 8. The potential deal would bring together two of the nation's biggest restaurant chains. It's unclear whether Starbucks has made a formal offer to Chipotle, which has a market value of about $41 billion. People familiar with the discussions told FT that a deal could face ma…

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by Chris Spiker

On Your Side

On Your Side
Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall
Dangerous Brake Leak Issue Prompts Huge Mercedes-Benz Recall More than 30,000 Mercedes-Benz luxury cars are being recalled because a brake hose problem can make it harder for drivers to stop. Mercedes-Benz USA issued the recall for 30,064 vehicles, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report filed on Friday, Oct. 2. The affected vehicles include certain S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach, and AMG sedans from model years 2022 through 2025. The front brake hoses may weaken over time because of heat and mechanical stress. The hoses can eventually rupture and leak brake fluid, reducing braking performance and increasing the distance neede…

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One
Chipotle Unveils 'Big A**' Tote Bag: Here's How To Win One Chipotle Mexican Grill is going big with its takeout bags, giving customers a chance to win a massive three-foot-wide version. The chain unveiled its limited-edition "Big A** Chipotle Bag" on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The 170-liter tote bag celebrates the chain's Family Meals, which are designed to feed four to six people. The oversized bag measures 36 inches wide, 24 inches tall, and 12 inches deep. "A Big A** Meal deserves a Big A** Bag," said chief brand officer Fernando Machado. "We took one of the most recognizable parts of the Chipotle experience, gave it an outsized upgrade, …

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge NY Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge NY Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge NY Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback
Krispy Kreme Reveals Huge NY Expansion Plans Amid Financial Comeback Krispy Kreme is baking up dozens of new restaurants across the New York City region as the doughnut chain works to recover from financial struggles. The Charlotte, North Carolina, company announced plans to open 33 new shops across the metropolitan area over the next five years in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The expansion will also include communities surrounding the city, including on Long Island and in New Jersey. Krispy Kreme signed a franchise development agreement with Original Entrepreneurs LLC, a longtime partner that already operates 12 Krispy Kreme shops.  "We lo…

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by Chris Spiker
On Your Side
Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident
Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop Websites Down After Cybersecurity Incident Websites for Giant, Food Lion, Stop & Shop, and several other major grocery chains went offline on Monday, Oct. 12, after their parent company reported a cybersecurity incident affecting its network. Ahold Delhaize, the Netherlands-based grocery giant that operates thousands of stores across the United States, confirmed the security issue in a statement issued Monday. The company said it had taken some systems offline as a precaution while investigating the incident. "Our teams are taking steps to assess and mitigate the issue," the company said. "This includes taking some systems offl…

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by Jillian Pikora
On Your Side
Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report
Starbucks Could Buy Chipotle In Historic Restaurant Merger: Report Starbucks is considering a massive takeover of Chipotle Mexican Grill in what could become the largest restaurant acquisition in history, according to a report. The coffeehouse giant has worked with advisers for months on a possible purchase of Chipotle, the Financial Times reported on Thursday, Oct. 8. The potential deal would bring together two of the nation's biggest restaurant chains. It's unclear whether Starbucks has made a formal offer to Chipotle, which has a market value of about $41 billion. People familiar with the discussions told FT that a deal could face ma…

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by Chris Spiker

National Interest

National Interest
Social Security Announces Benefit Change: What Recipients Should Know Social Security Announces Benefit Change: What Recipients Should Know Social Security Announces Benefit Change: What Recipients Should Know
Social Security Announces Benefit Change: What Recipients Should Know Millions of Americans have a new number to factor into next year’s household budgets. The Social Security Administration announced on Wednesday, Oct. 14, that benefits will increase by 3.6 percent for 2027 through its annual cost-of-living adjustment, known as COLA. The adjustment translates to roughly $75 more per month for the average retired worker. Average disability and survivor benefits are expected to increase by about $59 monthly. Those are averages, not uniform increases for every recipient. The dollar change depends on the person’s benefit amount. For example, a monthly benefit …

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by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
New No Kings Day Planned: Here's When, Where New No Kings Day Planned: Here's When, Where New No Kings Day Planned: Here's When, Where
New No Kings Day Planned: Here's When, Where A brand-new nationwide No Kings mobilization is coming, with a different focus from the mass protests that brought the movement national attention. Organizers have scheduled No Kings: Vote Early for Saturday, Oct. 17, according to the official No Kings website. The day centers on voter participation ahead of the midterm elections Tuesday, Nov. 3. The coalition describes the events as nonpartisan gatherings intended to help eligible voters check their registration, understand their options, and make a voting plan. Readers can visit NoKings.org, select Find an Event, and search by ZIP code f…

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by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
Rock Singer Reveals Serious Diagnosis, Shares Emotional Message Rock Singer Reveals Serious Diagnosis, Shares Emotional Message Rock Singer Reveals Serious Diagnosis, Shares Emotional Message
Rock Singer Reveals Serious Diagnosis, Shares Emotional Message A familiar voice in rock and metal has shared a heartbreaking health update, explaining the difficult weeks behind her silence. Amanda Somerville, 47, revealed an inoperable brain tumor in an Instagram announcement on Sunday, Oct. 11. “My dear Somervillains,” Somerville began. “I owe you a personal word. Many of you have heard by now - the news has been traveling faster than I have - and I'm sorry it's taken me this long to speak to you directly. "These past weeks have been a blur of hospitals, scans, biopsies and difficult conversations, and I needed time to understand what we're facing b…

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by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
Bryan Cranston Speaks Out After Death Of Actor RJ Mitte, Who Played His Son On 'Breaking Bad' Bryan Cranston Speaks Out After Death Of Actor RJ Mitte, Who Played His Son On 'Breaking Bad' Bryan Cranston Speaks Out After Death Of Actor RJ Mitte, Who Played His Son On 'Breaking Bad'
Bryan Cranston Speaks Out After Death Of Actor RJ Mitte, Who Played His Son On 'Breaking Bad' Bryan Cranston is mourning the actor who played his son on “Breaking Bad,” sharing memories of a bond that continued long after the cameras stopped rolling. Cranston’s Instagram tribute follows the death of RJ Mitte, on Monday, Oct. 12, in Texas at 34. “I’m in deep despair as I write this tonight,” Cranston’s post began. “RJ Mitte, my sweet son on ‘Breaking Bad’ has died. “I met him when he was only 14 years old when he was cast as Walter White Jr., a part he played with such joy and enthusiasm. “Born with Cerebral Palsy, he never - ever - allowed that challenge to be an excuse for anythi…

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by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
Early Flu Concerns Grow As Activity Climbs Early Flu Concerns Grow As Activity Climbs Early Flu Concerns Grow As Activity Climbs
Early Flu Concerns Grow As Activity Climbs Flu activity is picking up as fall gets underway, putting this year’s protection timing in focus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says flu activity remains low nationally but is increasing. Its latest FluView report captures that trend. Clinical laboratories reported that 3.4 percent of tested respiratory specimens were positive for influenza. Flu diagnoses accounted for 0.4 percent of emergency department visits in a separate surveillance system. Those figures show flu is circulating, but they do not establish that a widespread early season is already underway. The CDC…

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by Joe Lombardi