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Kathy Hochul

Hochul Signs Bill Restricting 'Addictive' Social Media Feeds Targeting Children Hochul Signs Bill Restricting 'Addictive' Social Media Feeds Targeting Children
Hochul Signs Bill Restricting 'Addictive' Social Media Feeds Targeting Children Big changes are on the horizon for those TikTok and Instagram feeds. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed new legislation Thursday, June 20, meant to combat what lawmakers called “addictive” social media algorithms aimed at minors, the first such law in the country. Under the Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation (SAFE) For Kids Act, social media companies will be required to display content chronologically for users under 18 unless they get parental consent allowing them to show content that is selected algorithmically instead. Content that is algorithmically curated relies on a user’s behavior and past …
‘Sad Day’: SCOTUS Bump Stock Ruling Sparks Bipartisan Condemnation From NY Politicians ‘Sad Day’: SCOTUS Bump Stock Ruling Sparks Bipartisan Condemnation From NY Politicians
‘Sad Day’: SCOTUS Bump Stock Ruling Sparks Bipartisan Condemnation From NY Politicians New York politicians wasted no time reacting to the Supreme Court’s decision striking down a federal ban on bump stocks, which allow semiautomatic rifles to fire more quickly. In their 6-3 ruling Friday, June 14, with conservatives in the majority, the high court sided with a Texas gun store owner who surrendered his bump stocks after the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reclassified the devices as machine guns in 2018. He later sued to get them back. The ATF’s regulation, issued under the Trump administration with his full support, came about after the 2017 Las Veg…
Powerful Storms, Then Sweltering Heat Coming To NY, Hochul Warns: 'Take Every Precaution' Powerful Storms, Then Sweltering Heat Coming To NY, Hochul Warns: 'Take Every Precaution'
Powerful Storms, Then Sweltering Heat Coming To NY, Hochul Warns: 'Take Every Precaution' New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is warning residents to take precautions ahead of a barrage of threatening weather, including severe storms followed by a dangerous heat wave. Hochul's announcement comes as predictions call for a cold front to arrive in the state on Friday, June 14, which is expected to produce thunderstorms with heavy downpours and damaging wind gusts. According to Hochul's office, the storm system could bring several hazards along with it, including flash flooding, dangerous traveling conditions, and power outages.  Related Report - Timing Shifts For Severe Storms W…
Brand-New Mobile ID Launches In NY, Promises 'Convenience, Security' Brand-New Mobile ID Launches In NY, Promises 'Convenience, Security'
Brand-New Mobile ID Launches In NY, Promises 'Convenience, Security' Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that New Yorkers can now have a digital version of their state-issued driver's license or identification right on their smartphones. Hochul and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles announced on Tuesday, June 11 that the new program, New York Mobile ID, was now available to all New Yorkers. Available to anyone with a smartphone, New York Mobile ID (or MiD) is a highly secure digital version of a state-issued driver's license, learner’s permit, or non-driver identification card that can be used at nearly 30 TSA security checkpoints across the country. …
'Jury Of Our Peers Act' Allowing Convicted Felons To Serve On Juries Passes NY Legislature 'Jury Of Our Peers Act' Allowing Convicted Felons To Serve On Juries Passes NY Legislature
'Jury Of Our Peers Act' Allowing Convicted Felons To Serve On Juries Passes NY Legislature New Yorkers with felony convictions could soon serve on court juries after state lawmakers passed legislation reversing the lifetime ban on such service. The New York State Assembly on Friday, June 7, passed the “Jury of Our Peers Act,” which would allow those convicted of felonies to serve on New York juries once they are released from prison or have otherwise satisfied all of their sentencing requirements. Advocates say the move will help rectify an underrepresentation of minorities on juries. “Black New Yorkers have been systematically denied the right to serve on juries as they are dis…
Red Light Cameras Approved For Busy Westchester Intersections After Fatal Hit-Run Red Light Cameras Approved For Busy Westchester Intersections After Fatal Hit-Run
Red Light Cameras Approved For Busy Westchester Intersections After Fatal Hit-Run Officials are one step closer to installing two red light cameras at busy Westchester intersections following a hit-run that left a beloved community leader dead.  Following a request for two red light cameras to be put at two busy intersections in Greenburgh made by the Town Board, the New York State Legislature has approved legislation authorizing their installation, Greenburgh Town Supervisor Paul Feiner announced on Wednesday, June 4.  The cameras would be located at the intersection of Old Army Road and Ardsley Road as well as East Hartsdale Avenue and Roc…
Memorial Weekend Busts: Hundreds Arrested In NY For DWI; Here's Breakdown By Region Memorial Weekend Busts: Hundreds Arrested In NY For DWI; Here's Breakdown By Region
Memorial Weekend Busts: Hundreds Arrested In NY For DWI; Here's Breakdown By Region New data from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office unveiled that state police arrested hundreds of people for drunk driving over Memorial Day weekend - and issued tens of thousands of tickets. Hochul released the data on Tuesday, June 4, just over a week after Memorial Day weekend, which saw extra state police enforcement and sobriety checkpoints in anticipation of drunk and distracted driving. “New York State has zero tolerance for drunk and impaired driving, and we are doing everything in our power to prevent the senseless tragedies that result from it,” Hochul said in a statement, adding that he…
Security For World Cricket Cup In NY Ramped Up After Apparent Terror Threat Security For World Cricket Cup In NY Ramped Up After Apparent Terror Threat
Security For World Cricket Cup In NY Ramped Up After Apparent Terror Threat In the wake of an ominous message shared by a pro-ISIS group, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that the World Cricket Cup, held at a Long Island stadium, will see increased security measures. Hochul’s announcement came just days before the first match of the International Cricket Council’s World Cup is set to be held at Eisenhower Stadium in East Meadow. Eisenhower Stadium will begin hosting World Cricket Cup games on Monday, June 3. They will last until Wednesday, June 12.  Though stating that “there is no credible public safety threat at this time,” the governor noted that…
Shuttle Service For New Tappan Zee Bridge Path To Resume Between Tarrytown, Rockland Shuttle Service For New Tappan Zee Bridge Path To Resume Between Tarrytown, Rockland
Shuttle Service For New Tappan Zee Bridge Path To Resume Between Tarrytown, Rockland A free weekend shuttle bus servicing a popular pedestrian and cycling path on the new Tappan Zee Bridge between Westchester and Rockland counties is set to resume operation. The Hudson Link free weekend shuttle bus for the shared-use path on the new Tappan Zee Bridge will restart service on Saturday, May 25, and continue each weekend through Sunday, Oct. 27, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday, May 24.  The buses will run every 20 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. and allow easy access to both sides of the path, which countless pedestrians and cyclists use. Stops …
Upgrades Completed At 'Vital' Westchester Railroad Yard After 23 Years Upgrades Completed At 'Vital' Westchester Railroad Yard After 23 Years
Upgrades Completed At 'Vital' Westchester Railroad Yard After 23 Years After more than two decades, upgrades at a Northern Westchester railroad yard that serves as an important hub of operations for Metro-North have finally been completed. The MTA announced the completion of modernization efforts at the Croton-Harmon Yard in Croton-On-Hudson meant to improve train reliability and performance on Friday, May 10. According to MTA officials, the project, which included state and federal funding, was started in 2001 after the site was determined to be inadequate at meeting the needs of crews who maintain the railroad's fleet of trains.  The project's final ph…
$6.5M To Go Toward Repaving Stretch Of Busy Main Route In Westchester $6.5M To Go Toward Repaving Stretch Of Busy Main Route In Westchester
$6.5M To Go Toward Repaving Stretch Of Busy Main Route In Westchester State officials have revealed that an extensive repaving project will soon improve conditions on a busy stretch of a main route in Northern Westchester.  In an announcement on Friday, May 10, New York State Sen. Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Chris Burdick revealed a $6.5 million resurfacing and paving project has started on a stretch of Route 35. The project will center on improving conditions on the 5.9-mile stretch of Route 35 between Route 22 in Bedford and Mead Street in Lewisboro. According to Gov. Kathy Hochul, the construction will include milling the roadway's existing pave…
'I Don't Really Care': DA Flashes Badge, Phones Chief During Tense NY Traffic Stop 'I Don't Really Care': DA Flashes Badge, Phones Chief During Tense NY Traffic Stop
'I Don't Really Care': DA Flashes Badge, Phones Chief During Tense NY Traffic Stop A district attorney in upstate New York is under fire after she was caught on video berating and disobeying a police officer after refusing to pull over for a traffic stop. The tense exchange between Monroe County DA Sandra Doorley and a Webster Police Department officer on Monday, April 22, was captured in a 26-minute video recorded by the officer’s body camera. In the footage, the officer is seen approaching Doorley’s garage moments after she parked her SUV after ignoring his attempts to stop her for speeding. “I’m sorry, I’m the DA. I was going 55 coming home from work,” Doorley tells t…
Give 'Em A Brake: 'Work Zone Awareness Week' Stresses Safer Driving Near NY Road Crews Give 'Em A Brake: 'Work Zone Awareness Week' Stresses Safer Driving Near NY Road Crews
Give 'Em A Brake: 'Work Zone Awareness Week' Stresses Safer Driving Near NY Road Crews Landmarks across New York will be lit up in orange on Wednesday, April 17, to honor state highway workers and encourage safer driving through their work zones. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19 is Work Zone Awareness Week, with the national theme of “Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.” The campaign is meant to stress the importance of putting down your phone, reducing your speed, and paying better attention while driving, especially in work zones, state transportation officials said. In 2023, there were 214 document…
Total Solar Eclipse NY Travel Advisory: Arrive Early, Plan On Staying Late, Hochul Says Total Solar Eclipse NY Travel Advisory: Arrive Early, Plan On Staying Late, Hochul Says
Total Solar Eclipse NY Travel Advisory: Arrive Early, Plan On Staying Late, Hochul Says In preparation for a high volume of traffic and visitors for the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is advising travelers to arrive to their destinations early and plan on staying late. In addition, Hochul said on Sunday, April 7, travelers should allow for extra time, monitor the weather forecast before getting on the road, and pack plenty of water and snacks for the trip.  Additionally, drivers should never pull over on the side of the road to view the eclipse to ensure first responders can get by in an emergency.  Related story - Total So…
After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage
After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage All state agencies in New York will review critical infrastructure and assess the potential for damage following an earthquake and multiple aftershocks.  Gov. Kathy Hochul made that announcement as the US Geological Survey has detected at least 25 aftershocks in Central New Jersey, many of which have been felt in New York and across the region, following the original 4.8 magnitude quake at 10:23 a.m. Friday, April 5. “My top priority is keeping people safe, and I have directed state personnel to take all necessary precautions following yesterday's historic earthquake,” Hochul said. “At…
Earthquake: Authorities In Westchester Warn Of Aftershocks Earthquake: Authorities In Westchester Warn Of Aftershocks
Earthquake: Authorities In Westchester Warn Of Aftershocks Did you feel it? Residents in Westchester and Putnam counties are among those along the East Coast abuzz about an earthquake that was felt late Friday morning, April 5. The quake, which originated in Hunterdon County, New Jersey in the borough of Lebanon about 60 miles west of midtown Manhattan, was felt across the Hudson Valley at 10:23 a.m., and measured 4.8 on the Richter scale, according to the US Geological Survey. Related Report - 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits NY, Other Parts Of East Coast Shortly after the earthquake hit, several police departments across Westchester…
Long-Duration Storm: Be Ready For Wintry Mix, Power Outages, Flooding, Hochul Warns NYers Long-Duration Storm: Be Ready For Wintry Mix, Power Outages, Flooding, Hochul Warns NYers
Long-Duration Storm: Be Ready For Wintry Mix, Power Outages, Flooding, Hochul Warns NYers Ahead of an upcoming storm system expected to last several nights, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging residents across the state to prepare for snow, heavy rains, power outages, and flooding.  According to the latest predictions, the storm is expected to arrive in the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and Long Island on Tuesday, April 2, and continue through Thursday night, April 4, bringing poor travel conditions and likely power outages along with it, Hochul announced.  Related Report - Strengthening Nor'easter Will Bring Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds, Up To 2 Feet Of Snow In Spo…
Solar Eclipse: Heavy Traffic Likely In Parts Of State As Tourists Pour Into NY, Hochul Warns Solar Eclipse: Heavy Traffic Likely In Parts Of State As Tourists Pour Into NY, Hochul Warns
Solar Eclipse: Heavy Traffic Likely In Parts Of State As Tourists Pour Into NY, Hochul Warns As the date of the upcoming historic solar eclipse draws closer, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is reminding residents to take the necessary safety precautions and prepare for high-volume traffic as an influx of travelers arrives in the state to get a good view.  In an announcement made on Monday, March 25, two weeks before the historic eclipse on Monday, April 8, Hochul said the state is in the process of preparing for the event to ensure residents and tourists have a "safe and memorable" viewing experience, mainly in the western part of the state where the event is expected to be the most…
NY Move Over Law To Expand, Include All Stopped Vehicles NY Move Over Law To Expand, Include All Stopped Vehicles
NY Move Over Law To Expand, Include All Stopped Vehicles In an attempt to make driving safer for all New Yorkers, Gov. Kathy Hochul reminded drivers that the Move Over Law would be expanded by the end of March 2024. Starting Wednesday, March 27, New York’s Move Over Law, which was originally adopted to prevent collisions with emergency vehicles, will be expanded to include all vehicles stopped on highways, Hochul announced. “The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority, especially those pulled over to the side of the road,” she said. Under the expanded version of the law, drivers who see any type of vehicle stopped on either shoulder of a…
Village Seeks $20M To Help Fix 'Outdated, Dilapidated' Main Route In Westchester Village Seeks $20M To Help Fix 'Outdated, Dilapidated' Main Route In Westchester
Village Seeks $20M To Help Fix 'Outdated, Dilapidated' Main Route In Westchester A village in Northern Westchester is urging state officials to allocate $20 million toward designing improvements for a busy main route that has fallen into disrepair.  In an announcement on Thursday, March 21, Briarcliff Manor village officials urged New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and the State Assembly to allocate $20 million in the new state budget for the preliminary design of improvements for Route 9A, which they say is "outdated and dilapidated."  The request follows the completion of a yearlong study into Route 9A conducted by the New York State Department of Transportation. I…
These Hudson Valley Housing Projects To Receive Portion Of $260M Fed, State Funding These Hudson Valley Housing Projects To Receive Portion Of $260M Fed, State Funding
These Hudson Valley Housing Projects To Receive Portion Of $260M Fed, State Funding More than a quarter billion dollars in federal and state funding will go toward addressing New York’s housing crisis. Over $260 million has been awarded to 29 housing developments across the state through tax credits and subsidies meant to create or preserve over 1,800 affordable and sustainable homes, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Monday, March 18. The projects will upgrade and modernize public housing and further local economic development initiatives, according to the governor’s office. Each one includes sustainable features meant to advance the state’s climate goals. “The only way to add…
NY National Guard Members Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Return Home; Funerals Set NY National Guard Members Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Return Home; Funerals Set
NY National Guard Members Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Return Home; Funerals Set Two New York National Guard members killed in a helicopter crash on the US-Mexico border that claimed three lives received a hero’s welcome in their hometowns. The remains of Casey Frankoski and John Grassia arrived at Albany County’s Army aviation facility in Latham at around 3 p.m. Monday, March 18. Gov. Kathy Hochul and other local leaders stood in silence as flag-draped caskets carrying the 28-year-old Frankoski and 30-year-old Grassia were loaded into waiting hearses. Earlier Report: National Guard Solider From NY ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash “The service and sa…
'Just The Beginning': Nation's First Utility-Scale Offshore Wind Farm Completed Off NY Coast 'Just The Beginning': Nation's First Utility-Scale Offshore Wind Farm Completed Off NY Coast
'Just The Beginning': Nation's First Utility-Scale Offshore Wind Farm Completed Off NY Coast If you’re reading this, there’s a possibility that the electricity to power your device came from the country’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the completion of the South Fork Wind project on Thursday, March 14, capping off more than two years of construction that began in February 2022. As of Thursday, all 12 of the project’s offshore wind turbines were up and running roughly 35 miles off the coast of Long Island, delivering power to Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaways, the governor’s office said. Earlier Report: 'Momentous St…
National Guard Solider From NY ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash National Guard Solider From NY ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash
National Guard Solider From NY ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash The only survivor of a helicopter crash that killed three people has been identified as a National Guard soldier from New York. The incident happened around 2:50 p.m. Friday, March 8 while the UH-72 Lakota chopper was flying over the US-Mexico border near Rio Grande City, Texas, according to the Joint Task Force North. Capital Region native Jacob Pratt, of Rensselaer, suffered critical injuries and remains hospitalized. More than $102,000 has been raised from a total of over 1,100 separate donations in a GoFundMe fundraiser launched by the New York State Counc…
Police To Increase Patrols, Sobriety Checks In NY For St. Patrick's Day Weekend: Hochul Police To Increase Patrols, Sobriety Checks In NY For St. Patrick's Day Weekend: Hochul
Police To Increase Patrols, Sobriety Checks In NY For St. Patrick's Day Weekend: Hochul Ahead of celebrations for St. Patrick's Day weekend, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that authorities will be cracking down on drunk and drug-impaired driving. As part of the effort to catch those who choose to drive while impaired, New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols and sobriety checkpoints across the state beginning on Friday, March 15, and continuing into Sunday, March 17, Hochul announced. In addition, law enforcement agencies will also be targeting distracted drivers using cell phones, as well as checking retail establishments to mak…
'Indefensible': DA Blasts Hochul Over Criticism Of Severed Remains Case Of Westchester Victims 'Indefensible': DA Blasts Hochul Over Criticism Of Severed Remains Case Of Westchester Victims
'Indefensible': DA Blasts Hochul Over Criticism Of Severed Remains Case Of Westchester Victims Local leaders are outraged over comments Gov. Kathy Hochul made criticizing the investigation into two Westchester County residents whose mutilated corpses were strewn across Long Island. The public back-and-forth began Wednesday, March 6, when Suffolk County District Raymond Tierney blasted reforms to the state’s bail laws that saw four suspects in the case released from custody with GPS monitoring. “Unfortunately, due to ‘bail reform’ passed by the New York State Legislature in 2019, charges relating to the mutilation and disposal of murdered corpses are no longer bail-eligible, meaning m…
'Simply Unrealistic': NY Republicans Want To 'Pump The Brakes' On Electric School Bus Mandate 'Simply Unrealistic': NY Republicans Want To 'Pump The Brakes' On Electric School Bus Mandate
'Simply Unrealistic': NY Republicans Want To 'Pump The Brakes' On Electric School Bus Mandate A plan to mandate electric school buses on New York roadways in the next decade is meeting strong opposition from Republican state lawmakers. Several GOP state senators and assembly members were on hand at Long Island's Levittown Bus Depot on Sunday, Feb. 25 for a “Pump the Brakes” rally and press conference that was also attended by some fire safety and school officials. Attendees voiced their opposition to a state budget mandate that requires all new buses sold in New York to be zero-emission by 2027 and all buses on the road to be zero-emission by 2035. Opponents argued the impending ma…
‘You're Racist': Video Shows Lawyer Harassing NY Mosque Members Over Israel-Hamas War ‘You're Racist': Video Shows Lawyer Harassing NY Mosque Members Over Israel-Hamas War
‘You're Racist': Video Shows Lawyer Harassing NY Mosque Members Over Israel-Hamas War A New York lawyer is facing criminal charges after he was allegedly caught on video harassing members of a mosque over the Israel-Hamas war. The Long Island incident happened at around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 at the Melville Islamic Center, located on Old Neck Road. Suffolk County Police said Jordan Endler, age 46, entered the place of worship and made several statements regarding the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Video shared on X, formerly Twitter, shows Endler walking in circles around a staircase while repeatedly shouting, “Free the Israeli hostages now.” A woman filming the i…
New Poll Reveals How NYers Think Gov. Hochul Is Handling Job New Poll Reveals How NYers Think Gov. Hochul Is Handling Job
New Poll Reveals How NYers Think Gov. Hochul Is Handling Job Fresh polling shows a dip in New Yorkers’ satisfaction with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s handling of the job. A Siena College poll of registered voters released on Tuesday, Feb. 20, shows that Hochul’s favorability rating sits at 41 to 46 percent, down from 45 to 42 percent in January 2024. Her job approval rating also took a hit, sitting at 48 to 47 percent, down from 52 to 42 percent last month, the poll found. Voters were closely divided on whether Hochul is an effective or strong leader, and a plurality said she’s out of touch with average New Yorkers, the poll showed. It wasn’t all bad news f…
Poll Shows Tight Race In Special Election For George Santos Congressional Seat Poll Shows Tight Race In Special Election For George Santos Congressional Seat
Poll Shows Tight Race In Special Election For George Santos Congressional Seat Fresh polling continues to show a tight race ahead of New York’s special election to fill George Santos’ vacant congressional seat. A Newsday/Siena College poll of likely 3rd District voters released Thursday, Feb. 8, shows Democrat Tom Suozzi narrowly leading Republican Mazi Pilip 48 to 44 percent. Though both candidates have breakeven favorability ratings, voters feel that Suozzi would do a better job on protecting democracy, addressing the issue of abortion, and making Congress work more effectively, said Don Levy, Siena College Research Institute’s director. “Pilip is viewed as better …
Federal Assistance For Flood Recovery Approved For Westchester, Long Island: Hochul Federal Assistance For Flood Recovery Approved For Westchester, Long Island: Hochul
Federal Assistance For Flood Recovery Approved For Westchester, Long Island: Hochul The federal government has approved funding for local governments in Westchester and Long Island to help communities devastated by heavy rain and flooding, officials announced. In an announcement on Wednesday, Jan. 31, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said that her request for a Major Disaster Declaration in Westchester, Nassau, and Kings counties was approved by President Joe Biden, allowing communities in these areas to receive federal assistance in recovering from severe flooding in September 2023.  The declaration will allow the federal government to fund recovery and reconstruction…