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Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Business
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…

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by Ben Crnic
Sports
Championship-Winning Team From Pace University Honored At NY State Capitol Championship-Winning Team From Pace University Honored At NY State Capitol
Championship-Winning Team From Pace University Honored At NY State Capitol The first college team to win a national title from a school in Westchester was honored during a celebration held at the New York State Capitol.  The Pleasantville-based Pace University women's lacrosse team, the Setters, which won the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship on Sunday, May 21, 2023, after beating No. 1-ranked West Chester University 19-9, was honored at the New York State Capitol in Albany on Tuesday, Jan. 16, university officials announced.  Earlier Report - White House Visit: Championship-Winning Team From Pace University Honored During the celebration…

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by Ben Crnic
News
15 'Psychologically Disturbed Children' Removed From Pleasantville Treatment Center 15 'Psychologically Disturbed Children' Removed From Pleasantville Treatment Center
15 'Psychologically Disturbed Children' Removed From Pleasantville Treatment Center Fifteen children with severe psychological and behavioral issues have been removed from a Northern Westchester residential treatment center which has sparked controversy among town leaders for unsafe conditions.  The children were removed from the JCAA Westchester Campus located in Pleasantville at 1075 Broadway, which serves as a treatment center for emotionally troubled young people, Mount Pleasant officials announced on Wednesday, Oct. 11.  According to officials, the children will instead be reassigned to facilities better equipped to handle them. …

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by Ben Crnic
News
Unsafe Child Treatment Center: NY Officials Hear Concerns About Pleasantville Facility Unsafe Child Treatment Center: NY Officials Hear Concerns About Pleasantville Facility
Unsafe Child Treatment Center: NY Officials Hear Concerns About Pleasantville Facility As part of their effort to call for the closure of a Northern Westchester residential treatment center for emotionally troubled children because of unsafe conditions, town leaders met with New York state officials to plead their case.  Both Mount Pleasant Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi and Police Chief Paul Oliva met with state officials during a meeting on Thursday, July 27 to demand the closure of the JCAA Westchester Campus located in Pleasantville at 1075 Broadway, which serves as a treatment center for emotionally troubled children.  Earlier Report - Officials Demand Closure Of Unsafe Chil…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
NY State Senator Resigns NY State Senator Resigns
NY State Senator Resigns A New York state senator has resigned after serving nearly eight years in the state Legislature. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat representing the state’s 9th District on the South Shore of Long Island in Nassau County, announced his resignation Friday, July 29, in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. "Today is my last day as an elected official, and I will start a new chapter in my life next week in the private sector,” Kaminsky wrote. “It has been an incredible honor and privilege to work on behalf of the residents of Long Island’s South Shore for the past eight years.  …

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by Michael Mashburn
Business
Here's How Long NYers Will Get Relief At Pump As Gas Tax Holiday Takes Effect Here's How Long NYers Will Get Relief At Pump As Gas Tax Holiday Takes Effect
Here's How Long NYers Will Get Relief At Pump As Gas Tax Holiday Takes Effect With gas prices reaching record heights across the nation, New Yorkers will see some financial relief at the pump as the statewide gas tax holiday goes into effect. As of Wednesday, June 1, New York is suspending certain taxes on fuel for the rest of the year to help limit the strain motorists have been feeling for months amid record inflation. The tax suspension will reduce prices by at least 16 cents per gallon statewide, with some counties offering additional savings to aid consumers who have struggled with rising gas prices. Related story - Gas Sales Tax Cap To Take Effect In Th…

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by Zak Failla
News
ID Released Of Accused Teen Gunman In Mass Shooting Leaving 10 Dead At Buffalo Supermarket ID Released Of Accused Teen Gunman In Mass Shooting Leaving 10 Dead At Buffalo Supermarket
ID Released Of Accused Teen Gunman In Mass Shooting Leaving 10 Dead At Buffalo Supermarket The identity has been released of the teenage gunman now in custody who live-steamed a mass shooting at a a supermarket in Buffalo that left 10 dead in what authorities say was a racially motivated hate crime. A total of 13 people were shot in the incident that happened just after 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue in a Black neighborhood, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said. The three others shot have non life-threatening injuries. The alleged gunman, now identified as 18-year-old Payton Gendron, of the town of Conklin in Broome County, New Yo…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
18-Year-Old Gunman Live-Streamed Mass Shooting Leaving 10 Dead At Buffalo Supermarket 18-Year-Old Gunman Live-Streamed Mass Shooting Leaving 10 Dead At Buffalo Supermarket
18-Year-Old Gunman Live-Streamed Mass Shooting Leaving 10 Dead At Buffalo Supermarket Updated story: ID Released Of Accused 18-Year-Old Gunman In Mass Shooting Of 10 At Buffalo Supermarket This story has been updated. Ten people are dead after a teenage gunman live-steaming the event who is now in custody opened fire inside a supermarket in Buffalo in what authorities say was a racially motivated hate crime. A total of 13 people were shot in the incident that happened just after 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue, Buffalo Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia said. The three others shot have non life-threatening injuries. Gramaglia said…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Hochul Decides On Lieutenant Governor, Reports Say Hochul Decides On Lieutenant Governor, Reports Say
Hochul Decides On Lieutenant Governor, Reports Say Kathy Hochul has hit the ground running in her opening two days as New York governor, reportedly choosing her top lieutenant a day after taking office. Hochul, who officially took over from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday, Aug. 24, has reportedly tapped State Sen. Brian Benjamin to serve as her lieutenant governor. Benjamin, a Democrat representing Harlem and other parts of Manhattan, was first elected to the State Senate in 2016 and has served two terms. He previously ran for New York City comptroller but lost in the primary in June to City Councilman Brad Lander. Incoming Lt. Gov…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Hochul's Ascension To Governor Will Clear Way For New Lieutenant From Westchester Hochul's Ascension To Governor Will Clear Way For New Lieutenant From Westchester
Hochul's Ascension To Governor Will Clear Way For New Lieutenant From Westchester The leadership in Albany will have a brand-new look in two weeks when Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s resignation takes effect and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul officially takes over on Tuesday, Aug. 24. Cuomo finally gave into calls for his resignation on Tuesday, Aug. 10, effective 14 days later, when Hochul takes over, opening the door for a new lieutenant governor to take over her position. According to the Associated Press, Hochul has tapped her successor in State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers), who is set to take over the duties of lieutenant governor once Hochul becomes govern…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Who Is Kathy Hochul? Cuomo Resignation Shifts Focus To NY's Soon-To-Be First Female Governor Who Is Kathy Hochul? Cuomo Resignation Shifts Focus To NY's Soon-To-Be First Female Governor
Who Is Kathy Hochul? Cuomo Resignation Shifts Focus To NY's Soon-To-Be First Female Governor Longtime Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul is set to become New York’s first female governor when she officially takes over for Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who announced his resignation, effective later this month. On Tuesday, Aug. 10, Cuomo announced that he would be stepping away from Albany, effective in 14 days on Tuesday, Aug. 24, paving the way for Hochul (whose last name is pronounced HOKE-ul and rhymes with "Local") to step in and seek to stabilize what has become a highly political climate in New York. Hochul, age 62, has served as Cuomo’s top lieutenant for nearly seven years, the longest tenure of an…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
'New York Enters A New Day': Reaction Pours In After Cuomo's Resignation 'New York Enters A New Day': Reaction Pours In After Cuomo's Resignation
'New York Enters A New Day': Reaction Pours In After Cuomo's Resignation It didn’t take long for a reaction to pour in after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that he will be resigning amid the sexual harassment scandal surrounding his administration. Cuomo finally acquiesced to calls for his resignation on Tuesday, Aug. 10 following days of furor from New Yorkers and politicians alike after the Attorney General’s investigators released a scathing 165-page report finding him guilty of sexually harassing multiple women. New York Attorney General Letitia James whose investigation led to the governor's resignation, said that Cuomo's announcement "closes a sad ch…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Calls Grow For Cuomo's Resignation Following Release Of NY AG's Sexual Harassment Report Calls Grow For Cuomo's Resignation Following Release Of NY AG's Sexual Harassment Report
Calls Grow For Cuomo's Resignation Following Release Of NY AG's Sexual Harassment Report New York politicians are calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign following the release of the results of the scathing independent investigation conducted by the Attorney General's Office that found he was a serial sexual harasser. On Tuesday, Aug. 3, New York AG Letitia James released the findings of a five-month independent investigation that found the governor allegedly fostered a toxic workplace environment while also subjecting state employees to unwanted touching and inappropriate dialogue. Earlier story - Cuomo Sexually Harassed 'Multiple Women,' Including State Trooper, Scathing AG…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
COVID-19: Lawmakers Move To Repeal 'Cuomo Chips' Rule Requiring Food Be Purchased With Alcohol COVID-19: Lawmakers Move To Repeal 'Cuomo Chips' Rule Requiring Food Be Purchased With Alcohol
Covid-19: Lawmakers Move To Repeal 'Cuomo Chips' Rule Requiring Food Be Purchased With Alcohol Hold the Cuomo Chips. New York State lawmakers are making moves to repeal several COVID-19 restrictions put in place by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, including the mandate that food must be sold with drinks at bars and restaurants. During the height of the pandemic, Cuomo issued a series of Executive Orders to help curtail the spread of the virus, including restricting sales at restaurants, which prompted some eateries to begin selling bags of potato chips - dubbed Cuomo chips at some locations - or other small items to skirt around the rule. Original story - COVID-19: Restaurant Adds $1 'Cuomo Chi…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Here's When NYers 60+ Can Get Vaccinated Without Appointment COVID-19: Here's When NYers 60+ Can Get Vaccinated Without Appointment
Covid-19: Here's When NYers 60+ Can Get Vaccinated Without Appointment Another hurdle has been removed for older New Yorkers seeking the COVID-19 vaccine. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that beginning on Friday, April 23, residents 60 years and older can enter any of the state’s 16 mass vaccination sites and receive a vaccine without having to schedule an appointment. “Today, we’re taking an additional step for people 60 years of age and older. You won’t even need an appointment to get a vaccine,” Cuomo said from a COVID-19 briefing in Yonkers on Wednesday, April 21. “You can just walk into any of the mass vaccination sites across the state, walk in, and…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Suspect Nabbed For Attack On Asian Grandmother In Westchester Suspect Nabbed For Attack On Asian Grandmother In Westchester
Suspect Nabbed For Attack On Asian Grandmother In Westchester An 83-year-old Asian-American grandmother was spat on and knocked unconscious during a random attack by a man in Westchester, who was later apprehended, police said. Nancy Toh was attacked at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9 while collecting cans and bottles to recycle outside Nordstrom at the Westchester Mall in White Plains, police said. She was allegedly approached by Glenmore Nehmbhard, who spat on her and punched her in the face. Authorities say Nehmbhard is homeless. Police said that Toh was knocked to the ground by the punch and blacked out before a good Samaritan came to …

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by Zak Failla
Politics
State Assembly Authorized To Begin Impeachment Investigation Into Cuomo Misconduct State Assembly Authorized To Begin Impeachment Investigation Into Cuomo Misconduct
State Assembly Authorized To Begin Impeachment Investigation Into Cuomo Misconduct The New York State Assembly Judiciary Committee will begin an impeachment investigation into misconduct allegations against Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced late Thursday afternoon, March 11. The move comes following reports of sexual harassment and inappropriate touching by six women who have come forward in recent weeks. Heastie, a Bronx Democrat, reportedly recommended the probe during a private meeting earlier Thursday with other Democratic members of the Assembly. He later confirmed the move in a released statement. "After meeting with the Assembly Majority …

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by Zak Failla
Politics
New Bipartisan Calls For Cuomo To Resign Made After Groping Accusation New Bipartisan Calls For Cuomo To Resign Made After Groping Accusation
New Bipartisan Calls For Cuomo To Resign Made After Groping Accusation New bipartisan calls for Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s resignation are coming from all corners following the latest allegations of him having inappropriate sexual contact with a staffer. This week, a sixth woman came forward, reportedly claiming that Cuomo summoned her to the Executive Mansion, where he reached under her shirt and groped her, a claim that the governor has vehemently denied. Original story - Most Serious Sexual Abuse Accusation Against Cuomo Emerges As Ex-Aide Alleges Groping Following that report, more New York lawmakers have come out with calls for Cuomo to resign, with Democr…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
'Cuomo Must Resign,' NY State Senate's Top Democrat Says 'Cuomo Must Resign,' NY State Senate's Top Democrat Says
'Cuomo Must Resign,' NY State Senate's Top Democrat Says Andrew Cuomo's hopes of serving out his third term as New York governor have taken a dramatic turn for the worse in the last 24 hours. First, two more women, both former aides, came forward with new allegations of sexual misconduct against Cuomo, bringing the number of women who have accused Cuomo of sexual harassment to five. Now, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers) has said she's seen enough and has called on Cuomo to resign. "Every day there is another account that is drawing away from the business of government," Stewart-Cousins said in a statement released …

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by Joe Lombardi
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, “…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Democratic Majority To Pass Legislation Repealing Cuomo Emergency Powers Immediately COVID-19: Democratic Majority To Pass Legislation Repealing Cuomo Emergency Powers Immediately
Covid-19: Democratic Majority To Pass Legislation Repealing Cuomo Emergency Powers Immediately Lawmakers in New York reached an agreement that will strip Gov. Andrew Cuomo of his COVID-19 pandemic-linked emergency powers. Legislators from New York’s Assembly and Senate announced on Tuesday, March 2 that Cuomo would be stripped of emergency powers and the state will return some matters he had control of, such as lockdowns, to local officials. The announcement was made by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, who noted that the legislation will allow current directives pertaining to preserving public health to continue. “I think everyone unde…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
New Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations Spark Bipartisan Backlash, Some Calls To Resign New Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations Spark Bipartisan Backlash, Some Calls To Resign
New Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations Spark Bipartisan Backlash, Some Calls To Resign New allegations of sexual harassment by a second former aide to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has sparked an almost immediate backlash, including bipartisan calls for his resignation. Charlotte Bennett, age 25, who was an executive assistant and health policy adviser in the Cuomo administration until she left her post this past November, said the governor asked her during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic if she had ever had sex with older men, and whether she was monogamous. Bennett made her statements in a series of interviews with The New York Times. The new allegations come after former…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Second Aide Accuses Cuomo Of Sexual Harassment Second Aide Accuses Cuomo Of Sexual Harassment
Second Aide Accuses Cuomo Of Sexual Harassment A second former aide to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is accusing him of sexual harassment. Charlotte Bennett, age 25, who was an executive assistant and health policy adviser in the Cuomo administration until she left her post this past November, said the governor asked her during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic if she had ever had sex with older men, and whether she was monogamous. Bennett made her statements in a series of interviews with The New York Times. The new allegations come after former Cuomo aide Lindsey Boylan, In a lengthy blog post released on Wednesda…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
State Senate Majority Leader Says Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations 'Deeply Disturbing' State Senate Majority Leader Says Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations 'Deeply Disturbing'
State Senate Majority Leader Says Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations 'Deeply Disturbing' New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins is the latest to weigh in on the allegations of sexual harassment that have been levied against Gov. Andrew Cuomo by a former aide as some lawmakers in the state are calling for an investigation into the matter. This week, former Cuomo aide Lindsey Boylan came forward with accusations against the governor that included claims of inappropriate comments, touching, and an unprompted kiss on the lips in his Manhattan office. Original story - New Details Of Cuomo Sexual Harassment Claims Released By Former Aide Coupled with the o…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Top Republicans Call For Cuomo's Ouster After Top Aide Admits They Hid Nursing Home Data Top Republicans Call For Cuomo's Ouster After Top Aide Admits They Hid Nursing Home Data
Top Republicans Call For Cuomo's Ouster After Top Aide Admits They Hid Nursing Home Data A growing number of political figures in New York are calling for Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s head - and job - following a new report that the state withheld information on COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes during the pandemic and the administration was aware of it. Original story - COVID-19: NY AG Report Says Nursing Home Deaths May Have Been Undercounted By 50 Percent The New York Post reported that Cuomo’s top aide, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa, told Democratic state legislators in a meeting this week that the administration “froze” when asked to release data about the number of …

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Rob Astorino Concedes To Pete Harckham In State Senate Race Rob Astorino Concedes To Pete Harckham In State Senate Race
Rob Astorino Concedes To Pete Harckham In State Senate Race Three weeks after Election Day, incumbent Democratic State Sen. Pete Harckham has declared victory over Republican challenger Rob Astorino in the 40th Senate District. The race between the two had been hotly contested, though absentee ballots turned the tide for Harckham. At the time of his concession, Astorino held a slight lead, though there were thousands of ballots still to be counted. The 40th district includes parts of Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties. There are currently 81,351 registered Democratic voters, with 60,454 registered Republican voters, and 55,597 voters with n…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
NY State Senate Retains Democratic Majority NY State Senate Retains Democratic Majority
NY State Senate Retains Democratic Majority Though it was a disappointing and long night for some, New York’s Democrats were able to retain control in the State Senate “comfortably.” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said that while already retaining their position, the gap between the Democrats and Republicans in New York is expected to grow even further as more votes are counted. As of 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, with ballots still being tallied, there are still five seats being determined in the Senate, with the Republicans holding a tenuous hold with one more delegate than the Democrats. “Despite a difficult nigh…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
COVID-19: Cuomo Signs Law Allowing For Absentee Ballots Due To Risk Of Virus COVID-19: Cuomo Signs Law Allowing For Absentee Ballots Due To Risk Of Virus
Covid-19: Cuomo Signs Law Allowing For Absentee Ballots Due To Risk Of Virus Citing the COVID-19 pandemic, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that he signed a law to expand absentee balloting in advance of the November election. Sure to draw the ire and attention of President Donald Trump, on Thursday, Aug. 20, Cuomo signed the three-part package that includes measures that will allow absentee ballot applications to be submitted directly to the Board of Elections. This new law allows a voter to get an absentee ballot due to risk or fear of illness including COVID-19 and ensures all absentee ballots postmarked on or before Election Day or received by the Board of …

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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…

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by Zak Failla
Sports
Basketball Tournament Featuring Westchester Rivals Postponed Due To COVID-19 Concerns Basketball Tournament Featuring Westchester Rivals Postponed Due To COVID-19 Concerns
Basketball Tournament Featuring Westchester Rivals Postponed Due To Covid-19 Concerns A major postseason high school basketball tournament has been postponed due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus. The four quarterfinal games in the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) Tournament won't be played as scheduled on Sunday, March 8 because the host site, Fordham University, canceled most on-campus events, starting on Sunday.  A pair of Westchester County rivals -- White Plains-based Archbishop Stepinac and Iona Prep, located in New Rochelle -- were scheduled to play at 6:15 p.m. The first game of the tournament had been scheduled to start …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
NY Has 76 COVID-19 Cases, With 57 In Westchester, Cuomo Says, Declaring State Of Emergency NY Has 76 COVID-19 Cases, With 57 In Westchester, Cuomo Says, Declaring State Of Emergency
NY Has 76 Covid-19 Cases, With 57 In Westchester, Cuomo Says, Declaring State Of Emergency This story has been updated. There are now 76 cases of the novel coronavirus in New York State, with 57 of them in Westchester, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced in a news conference on Saturday, March 7. Cuomo said he made an emergency declaration to give the state more powers to respond to the outbreak. The latest breakdown in New York by county is as follows: Westchester County: 57  New York City: 11 Nassau County: 4 Rockland County: 2 Saratoga County: 2 Westchester now accounts for 75 percent of those currently testing positive in New York. Click here to watch a video of the new…

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by Joe Lombardi