Tag:

Kathy Hochul

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
NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure After Earthquake 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…
‘Rape Is Rape’: Hochul Signs NY Law Broadening Sexual Assault Definition ‘Rape Is Rape’: Hochul Signs NY Law Broadening Sexual Assault Definition
‘Rape Is Rape’: Hochul Signs NY Law Broadening Sexual Assault Definition State leaders in New York are working to ensure that perpetrators of sexual assault face the toughest prosecutions available. A new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday, Jan. 30, expands the definition of rape to include additional forms of nonconsensual, forced sexual conduct. Known as the “Rape is Rape” bill, the legislation removes the penetration requirement from the rape statutes and defines rape as vaginal, oral, and anal sexual contact. Under the previous law, oral and anal rape were excluded from being called rape. There was also a higher standard for what constituted vaginal…
NY Easing Licensing Process For School Bus Drivers To Address 'Critical Shortage' NY Easing Licensing Process For School Bus Drivers To Address 'Critical Shortage'
NY Easing Licensing Process For School Bus Drivers To Address 'Critical Shortage' Leaders in New York are making it easier for people to become school bus drivers in an attempt to tackle a growing national shortage. The Department of Motor Vehicles has implemented a federal waiver allowing school bus driver applicants to skip the engine compartment component – known as the “under the hood” part – of the commercial driver license road test. Gov. Kathy Hochul said the move will make it easier to get a commercial license at a time when school bus drivers are “desperately needed.” “The job of transporting and caring for our children is so important, and the need for more dr…
First Total Solar Eclipse In 99 Years To Be Visible In New York: Here's When, Where First Total Solar Eclipse In 99 Years To Be Visible In New York: Here's When, Where
First Total Solar Eclipse In 99 Years To Be Visible In New York: Here's When, Where New York officials are hard at work making preparations for a historic solar eclipse event that will be the first one visible in the state in nearly a century.  The total eclipse will be visible in the western and northern parts of New York state during the afternoon of Monday, April 8, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul and her office.  On the day of the event, between 3:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., the moon will pass between the earth and the sun and completely block out sunlight, completely turning day into night for 1 and a half to 3 and a half minutes.  The path of totality where…
Winter Storm - Hochul Warns NYers To Prepare For Snow, Possible Power Outages: 'Be Vigilant' Winter Storm - Hochul Warns NYers To Prepare For Snow, Possible Power Outages: 'Be Vigilant'
Winter Storm - Hochul Warns NYers To Prepare For Snow, Possible Power Outages: 'Be Vigilant' As a powerful Nor'easter threatens to dump inches of snow and a wintry mix on much of New York State, Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging residents to prepare for power outages and travel hazards posed by the white stuff.  According to Hochul, the large coastal weather system is predicted to hit New York late Saturday, Jan. 6, and continue into Sunday, Jan. 7, bringing anywhere from 3 to 12 inches of snow to parts of the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, and Central New York, and a mix of snow and rain to New York City and Long Island. Winter storm watches are in effect throughout New York S…
Minimum Wage Increase In Westchester: Here's How Much It Will Rise As New Year Begins Minimum Wage Increase In Westchester: Here's How Much It Will Rise As New Year Begins
Minimum Wage Increase In Westchester: Here's How Much It Will Rise As New Year Begins As the New Year draws closer, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is reminding residents that the state's minimum wage will increase as soon as the ball drops.  Beginning on Monday, Jan. 1, the minimum wage in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island will go up to $ 16 per hour, and $15 per hour for the rest of the state, Hochul reminded residents on Wednesday, Dec. 27.  Earlier Report - Minimum Wage To Go Up In New York: Here's When, How Much Additionally, the minimum wage for home care aides will increase to $18.55 per hour in New York City, Westchester, and Lon…
Minimum Wage Increase In Westchester: Here's How Much It Will Rise As New Year Begins Minimum Wage Increase In Westchester: Here's How Much It Will Rise As New Year Begins
Minimum Wage Increase In Westchester: Here's How Much It Will Rise As New Year Begins As the New Year draws closer, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is reminding residents that the state's minimum wage will increase as soon as the ball drops.  Beginning on Monday, Jan. 1, the minimum wage in New York City, Westchester County, and Long Island will go up to $ 16 per hour, and $15 per hour for the rest of the state, Hochul reminded residents on Wednesday, Dec. 27.  Earlier Report - Minimum Wage To Go Up In New York: Here's When, How Much Additionally, the minimum wage for home care aides will increase to $18.55 per hour in New York City, Westchester, and Lon…
'Historic Moment': Hochul Enacts Task Force Focusing On Missing Women, Girls Of Color 'Historic Moment': Hochul Enacts Task Force Focusing On Missing Women, Girls Of Color
'Historic Moment': Hochul Enacts Task Force Focusing On Missing Women, Girls Of Color Leaders in New York are aiming to put greater focus on cases involving missing girls and women of color. A bill signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 21, established a task force on missing women and girls who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC). The nine-member task force will include representatives from the Office of Family and Children's Services and New York State Police and will work to address discrepancies in how such cases are handled. They will be required to submit a report on their findings and recommendations within two years. “Public safety is my top p…
First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Opens In Westchester: Here's Where First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Opens In Westchester: Here's Where
First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Opens In Westchester: Here's Where The first adult-use cannabis dispensary in the Hudson Valley has officially opened for business. The new Westchester County dispensary, Elevate, opened in Mount Vernon on Monday, Dec. 11 at 127 South Terrace Ave., New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday, Dec. 14. The new adult-use facility joins 37 other dispensaries across New York State that are expected to be open by the end of the year, according to Hochul. "As New York expands the most equitable cannabis market in the nation, my administration remains committed to building a safe industry for all New Yorkers that will grow our …
'Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over' Campaign Launches Across NY State 'Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over' Campaign Launches Across NY State
'Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over' Campaign Launches Across NY State ‘Tis the season for cracking down on drunk driving. Starting on Wednesday, Dec. 13, and lasting through Monday, Jan. 1, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the New York State Police would join in on the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. During the campaign, additional patrols will be out on the road, and DWI checkpoints will be set up to ensure any person driving under the influence is taken off the road. Hochul said troopers would also be on the lookout for distracted driving, people who are not properly buckled, and those who violate the “Move Over Law” requiring driving…
Hochul Vows 'Aggressive' Discipline For Colleges Letting 'Jewish Genocide' Calls Go Unchecked Hochul Vows 'Aggressive' Discipline For Colleges Letting 'Jewish Genocide' Calls Go Unchecked
Hochul Vows 'Aggressive' Discipline For Colleges Letting 'Jewish Genocide' Calls Go Unchecked New York colleges that fail to swiftly punish calls for Jewish genocide will face “aggressive” repercussions, including potentially losing their funding, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced. In a letter to New York State college and university presidents on Saturday, Dec. 9, Hochul said she had reached out to SUNY Chancellor John King “to ensure that it is SUNY’s policy that calling for the genocide of any group of people” on campuses violated the university’s code of conduct and would lead to “swift disciplinary action.” “Chancellor King affirmed that was the case, and that SUNY will not tolerate …
Matchup Set: GOP Picks Candidate In NY Special Election For Seat Held By Santos, Report Says Matchup Set: GOP Picks Candidate In NY Special Election For Seat Held By Santos, Report Says
Matchup Set: GOP Picks Candidate In NY Special Election For Seat Held By Santos, Report Says New York Republicans have nominated Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip as their candidate for the state’s special election to fill George Santos’ vacant House seat, NBC News reports. A spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee told the outlet that party officials in Nassau County and Queens had picked Pilip for the 3rd District race. A formal announcement was expected on Friday, Dec. 15. Pilip immigrated from Ethiopia to Israel as a refugee when she was 12 years old. She later served as a paratrooper in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). She earned her maste…
'Angelica's Law' Honoring Late NY Teen Doles Stiffer Penalties For Repeat Reckless Drivers 'Angelica's Law' Honoring Late NY Teen Doles Stiffer Penalties For Repeat Reckless Drivers
'Angelica's Law' Honoring Late NY Teen Doles Stiffer Penalties For Repeat Reckless Drivers Angelica Nappi’s death won’t be in vain. The Long Island 14-year-old – who grew up in Holbrook and died at the hands of a reckless driver in February 2008 – was the inspiration behind “Angelica’s Law,” signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul this week. It decreases the number of prior license suspensions needed to qualify for first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a felony. The law will apply a felony to recidivist drivers who drive without a valid license after having committed five or more moving violations resulting in prior suspensions of revocations. “Public safety is m…