Animal Cruelty, Winter Forecast, Measles Outbreak

Let's say goodbye to December 2018 with a look at some of the most-read stories on the Hudson Valley Patch sites this month.

After last month's historic start to our winter weather, people were, understandably, concerned: 2019 Winter Weather Forecast In New York.

Readers were also outraged: Police Seeking Person Who Threw Dogs Out Of Car [PHOTOS]; 15YO Dies, 2 Teens Charged With Manslaughter: NYSP; Animal Cruelty Charge In Christmas Eve Arrest.

The long measles outbreak alarmed people: Measles Case At Public Elementary School In Rockland.

However, they responded with generosity on Christmas to news of someone else's misfortune: Fundraising For Families Burned Out Christmas Eve.

Plus, here's your chance to answer any of December's polls you missed:

• Should Big Lottery Winners Be Publicly Identified? [POLL]
• NY's Losing Population: Reasons Include Weather, Cost [POLL]
• Is Book Vending Machine A Good Way To Encourage Reading? [POLL]
• Study Shows Later School Starts Could Benefit Students [POLL]

Sign up for Patch news alerts to get updates straight to your inbox.
» Find Hudson Valley Patches' Facebook Pages