Fair 42°
Politics
State Senate Votes To Revoke Cuomo's Emergency Executive Powers State Senate Votes To Revoke Cuomo's Emergency Executive Powers
State Senate Votes To Revoke Cuomo's Emergency Executive Powers New York’s Senate Majority has passed legislation that will rescind Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s emergency COVID-19 powers amid multiple scandals plaguing his administration. On Friday afternoon, March 5, the Senate advanced legislation repealing the temporary emergency powers that the legislature granted to Cuomo last year at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation revokes Cuomo’s authority to issue new directives while allowing those that are now enforced and involving the state's public health to continue under "significantly greater legislative oversight." According to the Senate, “…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Isaias: Cuomo Proposes New Penalties For Utility Companies' Response To Storm Isaias: Cuomo Proposes New Penalties For Utility Companies' Response To Storm
Isaias: Cuomo Proposes New Penalties For Utility Companies' Response To Storm New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a scathing indictment to the state’s utility companies for their muted response to Tropical Storm Isaias, which left some without power for more than a week. During a briefing on Monday, Aug. 24, Cuomo announced he plans to propose legislation that will increase penalties for utility companies when they fail to properly plan and respond to a storm. Cuomo also said that some franchises could ultimately be fired if they don’t make the necessary changes before future storms strike. “The utility company responses were unacceptable following the recent tropica…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Politics
Harckham, Astorino Spar Over School Mascots In State Senate Race Harckham, Astorino Spar Over School Mascots In State Senate Race
Harckham, Astorino Spar Over School Mascots In State Senate Race The race for State Sen. Peter Harckham’s seat in the 40th District with former Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino is heating up as the two trade barbs over school mascots. This week, Harckham, a Democrat, purportedly introduced a bill that would limit funding to New York school districts that have potentially race-based mascots or logos that could be deemed offensive, such as those with ties to Native Americans. Related story - Astorino Will Challenge Harckham For State Senate Seat Serving Parts Of Three Counties The proposed legislation would impact at least three high schools in t…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Ban On Chokeholds, Other Police, Criminal Justice Reforms Become Law In New York Ban On Chokeholds, Other Police, Criminal Justice Reforms Become Law In New York
Ban On Chokeholds, Other Police, Criminal Justice Reforms Become Law In New York New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law that will radically reform policing throughout the state. At the conclusion of his daily COVID-19 briefing on Friday, June 12 in Manhattan, Cuomo signed a police reform package that he dubbed the “Say Their Name Agenda.” Flanked by Senate Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, and Rev. Al Sharpton, Cuomo signed the legislation into law that includes the ban of chokeholds by police. The package also calls for the repeal of Section 50a of the Civil Rights law, which will include more transparency of police disciplinar…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Politics
Closed-Door Negotiations Could Result In Change To Controversial NY Bail Reform Measure Closed-Door Negotiations Could Result In Change To Controversial NY Bail Reform Measure
Closed-Door Negotiations Could Result In Change To Controversial NY Bail Reform Measure Could New York's bail reform laws that took effect this year soon be a thing of the past? Gov. Andrew Cuomo and State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins reportedly met behind closed doors this week to discuss the much-maligned and oft-criticized newly enacted bail reform laws. The two were reportedly looking to make potential changes to the law before the New York State budget has to be signed into law on Wednesday, April 1. As of Wednesday, Jan. 1, thousands of inmates throughout the state were put back on the streets due to Cuomo’s bail reform legislation, which marked the en…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Vote Now: New Poll Says Most Think New Bail Reform Laws Are Bad For NY - What Do You Think? Vote Now: New Poll Says Most Think New Bail Reform Laws Are Bad For NY - What Do You Think?
Vote Now: New Poll Says Most Think New Bail Reform Laws Are Bad For NY - What Do You Think? New Yorkers have turned against the new bail reform laws that ended cash bail for all misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenders in New York, according to a new poll. As of Wednesday, Jan. 1, thousands of inmates throughout the state were put back on the streets due to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s bail reform legislation, which marked the end of cash bail for misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenders that were previously incarcerated. The reform has come under fire from both the community, some law enforcement agencies, and elected officials, who believe that Cuomo should revisit the …

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Politics
NY Needs To Revisit Bail Reform Laws, State Attorney General Says NY Needs To Revisit Bail Reform Laws, State Attorney General Says
NY Needs To Revisit Bail Reform Laws, State Attorney General Says New York State Attorney General Letitia James has become to latest voice to speak out against the recently enacted statewide bail reform laws. As of Wednesday, Jan. 1, thousands of inmates throughout the state were put back on the streets due to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s bail reform legislation, which marked the end of cash bail for misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenders that were previously incarcerated. The reform has come under fire from both the community, law enforcement agencies, and elected officials, who believe that Cuomo should revisit the law for possible changes in the …

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Politics
Cuomo Vetoes Mount Pleasant Hotel Occupancy Tax Cuomo Vetoes Mount Pleasant Hotel Occupancy Tax
Cuomo Vetoes Mount Pleasant Hotel Occupancy Tax New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has vetoed legislation that would have permitted Mount Pleasant to enact a new hotel occupancy tax following three years of debate regarding the bill. Last year, town officials approved a plan to add a 3 percent tax to hotel rates in an effort to increase revenue. Last week, Cuomo’s office announced that it is vetoing the legislation, without offering a reason in the announcement. Cuomo also vetoed similar legislation in other municipalities throughout the state. Presently, there is one hotel within the town’s borders, with a second planned in the coming years. …

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
NY Law Raising Legal Age To Purchase Tobacco Products Takes Effect NY Law Raising Legal Age To Purchase Tobacco Products Takes Effect
NY Law Raising Legal Age To Purchase Tobacco Products Takes Effect Older teenagers in New York will officially no longer be able to purchase tobacco or e-cigarette products. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the legislation into law on Tuesday, July 16 that raises the minimum sales age for tobacco and e-cigarette products from 18 to 21. The law took effect after 120 days, on Wednesday, Nov. 13. "New York is taking aggressive action to stamp out smoking among teens and children, but tobacco and e-cigarette use still persists thanks to irresponsible corporate marketing campaigns targeting young people," Cuomo said. "By raising the smoking age from 18 to 21…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
News
Area Dad Who Left Twins In Hot Car Won't Testify If Case Goes To Grand Jury, Lawyer Says Area Dad Who Left Twins In Hot Car Won't Testify If Case Goes To Grand Jury, Lawyer Says
Area Dad Who Left Twins In Hot Car Won't Testify If Case Goes To Grand Jury, Lawyer Says The attorney for a Hudson Valley dad who left his 1-year-old twins in a hot car in July, causing both of their deaths, said his client will not testify if the matter is sent to a grand jury. Attorney Joey Jackson made the comment following a brief hearing on Thursday, Oct. 24, where prosecutors told Rockland resident Juan Rodriguez, of New City, that the matter had not been presented to a grand jury and the case was once again adjourned until Dec. 5. Following the hearing, Jackson said Rodriguez, 39, has worked closely with law enforcement and had answered all of their questions honestly. …

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
Politics
'Emergency Executive Action' To Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes In NY Announced By Cuomo 'Emergency Executive Action' To Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes In NY Announced By Cuomo
'Emergency Executive Action' To Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes In NY Announced By Cuomo An "emergency executive action" has been put in place to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarettes in New York. The order will advance legislation aiming to eliminate "deceptive marketing practices of e-cigarettes to underage users and raises the purchasing age of e-cigarettes from 18 to 21 years old," Cuomo's office said in a statement announcing the move on Sunday, Sept. 15. The action comes after a sixth vaping-related death was announced on Tuesday, Sept. 10, in Kansas. Cuomo directed State Police and the Department of Health to immediately partner to ramp up enforcement efforts again…

SHARE

by Joe Lombardi
Politics
State Bill Would Teach Students About Hateful Symbols State Bill Would Teach Students About Hateful Symbols
State Bill Would Teach Students About Hateful Symbols Middle and high school students in New York may soon be taught the meaning of hateful symbols such as the swastika and noose as part of new legislation that has been introduced by state lawmakers. With reports of hate crimes on the rise statewide, including dozens on Long Island and the Hudson Valley, lawmakers are seeking to improve student education on racist and anti-Semitic symbolism. In Nassau County, there have already been 44 reported incidents, more than double at this point last year. Last week, seven swastikas were found drawn on a pavilion at an Oyster Bay park, and nooses have …

SHARE

by Zak Failla