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New York State Senate

Election 2024: Projection Made In NY State Senate Race Representing Parts Of Westchester Election 2024: Projection Made In NY State Senate Race Representing Parts Of Westchester
Election 2024: Projection Made In NY State Senate Race Representing Parts Of Westchester New York's 40th State Senate District voters have officially chosen their next representative.  Democrat Pete Harckham, age 64, has been projected as winning re-election for his fourth term in the New York State Senate seat representing Northern Westchester and parts of Putnam and Rockland counties, according to the state's Board of Elections.  As of just after 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, Harckham was leading his opponent, Republican Gina Arena, by 50 to 44 percent.  In total, Harckham received 84,789 votes of those tallied, over 10,000 more than those cast for Arena. It i…
Election 2024: Winner Projected In 16th Congressional District Representing Much Of Westchester Election 2024: Winner Projected In 16th Congressional District Representing Much Of Westchester
Election 2024: Winner Projected In 16th Congressional District Representing Much Of Westchester The votes are in, and New York's 16th Congressional District now knows its next representative in Congress.  Democrat George Latimer has been projected as the winner for the House seat representing the southern portion of Westchester, including White Plains, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle, and Rye, and a small part of the northern Bronx, defeating Republican Miriam Flisser, according to the state Board of Elections. Latimer was leading Flisser by a margin of 72 to 28 percent, with 54 percent of the vote in as of 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6.  The people of Westc…
Food Hall Gets Liquor License In Westchester Thanks To Amended Legislation Food Hall Gets Liquor License In Westchester Thanks To Amended Legislation
Food Hall Gets Liquor License In Westchester Thanks To Amended Legislation Thanks to the efforts of lawmakers, a Northern Westchester eatery that had been unable to get a liquor license for years because of its proximity to a church can finally serve drinks.  Since opening in February 2016, Mount Kisco's Exit 4 Food Hall, located at 153 East Main St., had been trying to secure a state liquor license. However, co-owner Isi Albanese was unable to do so for years because the eatery was located within 200 feet of a local church.  This posed a problem, as New York state law prohibited issuing liquor licenses to establishments within 200 feet of a house o…
$300K Grant To Go Toward Crucial New Fire Training Center In Hudson Valley $300K Grant To Go Toward Crucial New Fire Training Center In Hudson Valley
$300K Grant To Go Toward Crucial New Fire Training Center In Hudson Valley Hundreds of thousands of dollars in funding from the New York State Senate are set to go toward a new fire training center to be used by countless departments in the Hudson Valley.  In an announcement on Thursday, Aug. 29, New York State Sen. Pete Harckham revealed that $300,000 that he helped secure would be put toward the new Putnam County Fire Training Center, which is now under construction on Gipsy Trail Road (Route 41) in Carmel.  The grants will come from the Senate's Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) program and will go toward the t…
NY Senate Proclamation Honors Fallen Former Fire Chief From Westchester NY Senate Proclamation Honors Fallen Former Fire Chief From Westchester
NY Senate Proclamation Honors Fallen Former Fire Chief From Westchester A New York Senate proclamation honoring the life of a beloved former Northern Westchester fire chief was presented to his family months after his sudden death.  The proclamation, prepared by New York State Sen. Peter Harckham, was presented to the family of former Somers Fire Chef and Golden’s Bridge Deputy Fire Chief Raymond Baker, Sr. the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department announced on Thursday, March 13.  Earlier Report - Funeral Details Released For Former Somers Fire Chief: 'Selfless Person' Baker, who died unexpectedly in his sleep on Saturday, March 9 at t…
'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…
Bill Adding Fencing To Hudson Valley Bridges To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward Bill Adding Fencing To Hudson Valley Bridges To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward
Bill Adding Fencing To Hudson Valley Bridges To Prevent People From Deadly Jumps Moves Forward A bill aimed at stopping suicides by adding preventive fencing to five Hudson Valley bridges has passed the New York State Senate unanimously. Now, the bill introduced by State Sen. Pete Harckham (D, Mount Kisco), will move to the State Assembly, whose session ends on Friday, June 7, for consideration. The bill mandates that climb deterrent fencing be installed on all bridges under the New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA) jurisdiction. The five Hudson Valley bridges are: Bear Mountain Bridge. Rip Van Winkle Bridge,  Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge,  Mid-Hudson Bridge,  Newbu…
Officials Consider Temporarily Halting Battery Storage Facility Plans In Hudson Valley Officials Consider Temporarily Halting Battery Storage Facility Plans In Hudson Valley
Officials Consider Temporarily Halting Battery Storage Facility Plans In Hudson Valley Following an uproar concerning a proposed battery storage facility in the Hudson Valley, town officials are considering a temporary moratorium that would allow more time for leaders to consider the plans and hear from the public.  In response to a proposed lithium battery storage facility that would be located in the Putnam County hamlet of Mahopac at 24 Miller Rd., the Carmel Town Board is planning on holding a public hearing on a possible moratorium on energy storage systems in the town in June.  Earlier Report - Somers Officials Speak Out Against Battery Storage…
Parents Of Stillborn Babies Would Qualify For Paid Family Leave Under NY Bill Parents Of Stillborn Babies Would Qualify For Paid Family Leave Under NY Bill
Parents Of Stillborn Babies Would Qualify For Paid Family Leave Under NY Bill New York lawmakers are considering legislation aimed at easing the immense burden on parents whose babies are stillborn. A bill introduced by Democratic State Sen. Timothy Kennedy – whose 63rd District represents most of Buffalo – would add birth of a stillborn child as a qualifying condition for receiving Paid Family Leave benefits. An earlier version of the bill passed the senate in March 2023, but it was not voted on in the assembly. Speaking on the senate floor before its passage in the chamber, Kennedy told his colleagues that the legislation is personal to him and his wife, whose bab…
Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Felony Under NY Bill Meant To Remedy 'Ill-Conceived Disaster' Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Felony Under NY Bill Meant To Remedy 'Ill-Conceived Disaster'
Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Felony Under NY Bill Meant To Remedy 'Ill-Conceived Disaster' Public outrage over the release of four suspects accused of dismembering and hiding the bodies of two murder victims in New York has led to proposed changes to state law. A bill introduced by Long Island Republican State Sen. Anthony Palumbo on Thursday, March 7, would make it a felony to dismember or conceal a human corpse, thereby making the offense eligible for bail. Palumbo said the legislation is a direct response to the “horrific” case in Suffolk County, where the severed body parts of a Yonkers couple were found strewn at Bethpage State Park, Southards Pond Park in Babylon, and a woo…
New Eatery Celebrates Grand Opening In Westchester New Eatery Celebrates Grand Opening In Westchester
New Eatery Celebrates Grand Opening In Westchester Sushi lovers will want to check out a new Northern Westchester restaurant that just celebrated its grand opening.  Sushi Express, located in Yorktown at 1925 Commerce St., held its grand opening on Thursday, Feb. 22.  The opening event was attended by New York State Sen. Pete Harckham, who announced the restaurant's opening on his Facebook page.  "It’s always great to see locally owned businesses open in our community," Harckham said.  The eatery offers various sushi rolls, sashimi, hand rolls, sushi entrees, and salads.  Special rolls include the Spicy Eskimo Ro…
Championship-Winning Team From College In Westchester Honored At NY State Capitol Championship-Winning Team From College In Westchester Honored At NY State Capitol
Championship-Winning Team From College In Westchester 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…
Beloved Mother Of Mayor In Westchester, Former NY State Senator Dies: 'She Inspired Us' Beloved Mother Of Mayor In Westchester, Former NY State Senator Dies: 'She Inspired Us'
Beloved Mother Of Mayor In Westchester, Former NY State Senator Dies: 'She Inspired Us' The beloved mother of a Westchester County mayor and a former New York state senator is being remembered for her life-long dedication to her family.  Josephine Spano, the mother of Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano and former New York State Sen. Nicholas A. Spano, died on Wednesday morning, Dec. 6 at the age of 89, according to an announcement by Mayor Spano's office.  In a statement, Spano said that his mother helped give him and his siblings the drive to succeed.  "We all just wanted to make her so proud," Spano said, adding, "She inspired us. She educated us. She dedicated he…
'Dangerous' Social Media: NY State Senator Seeks To Require Parents' Permission For Minors 'Dangerous' Social Media: NY State Senator Seeks To Require Parents' Permission For Minors
'Dangerous' Social Media: NY State Senator Seeks To Require Parents' Permission For Minors As federal officials highlight the possible harm that social media can cause to children, a New York State Senator is seeking to make it unlawful for minors to use online platforms without permission from their parents.  New York State Senator Jack Martins, a Republican who represents the state's 7th State Senate district which includes part of Nassau County, has introduced legislation that would make it illegal for social media companies to allow minors to create or maintain accounts without obtaining consent from their parents or guardians, Martin's office announced on Friday, May 26.…
Harckham Wins Heated State Senate Race Representing Parts Of Westchester Harckham Wins Heated State Senate Race Representing Parts Of Westchester
Harckham Wins Heated State Senate Race Representing Parts Of Westchester After a tight race, New York State Sen. Peter Harckham, D-Lewisboro, emerged victorious and was reelected to represent District 40, which represents much of the region. Harckham, who ran against and defeated Republican candidate Gina Arena, was originally elected to the seat in 2018 and 2020 and will now serve a third term representing citizens of the district, which encompasses much of Northern Westchester, Putnam County, and parts of Dutchess County, according to Ballotpedia.  Harckham compiled 64,869 votes (53.3 percent) to 56,937 (46.7 percent) for Arena. We did it, folks! pic.twit…
Head Of NY State Police Resigns Amid Allegations He Shielded Colleague From Complaints Head Of NY State Police Resigns Amid Allegations He Shielded Colleague From Complaints
Head Of NY State Police Resigns Amid Allegations He Shielded Colleague From Complaints The head of the New York State Police is stepping down after Gov. Kathy Hochul confirmed her office was investigating allegations that he mishandled internal personnel complaints. State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen, age 59, of Glens Falls in Warren County, announced his resignation Friday, Oct. 7, the agency said in a statement.  His official last day will be Wednesday, Oct. 19. "Today I accepted the resignation of State Police Superintendent Kevin Bruen,” Hochul said in a statement. “I thank him for his years of public service.” First Deputy Superintendent Steven Nigrelli will …
Candidates Emerge To Become New County Exec After Pat Ryan's Congressional Swing-District Win Candidates Emerge To Become New County Exec After Pat Ryan's Congressional Swing-District Win
Candidates Emerge To Become New County Exec After Pat Ryan's Congressional Swing-District Win Now that Democrat Pat Ryan has won the special election for New York’s open 19th House seat, the jockeying has begun to fill his vacant Ulster County executive position. Three names, all Democrats, have emerged so far. Earlier Report: Pat Ryan's Congressional Special Election Win Cited Nationally As Bellwether They include March Gallagher, the current Ulster County comptroller, Jennifer Metzger, a former state senator, and Marc Rider, the deputy county executive. Gallagher, who served as president and CEO of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, announced her interest in a Face…
New Polls Shed Light On Race In Redrawn Congressional District Representing Much Of Westchester New Polls Shed Light On Race In Redrawn Congressional District Representing Much Of Westchester
New Polls Shed Light On Race In Redrawn Congressional District Representing Much Of Westchester New York Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney is enjoying a comfortable lead over State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi in the battle to be the Democratic nominee for the newly redrawn 17th Congressional District. Two new internal polls reported by POLITICO show Maloney with double digit leads over Biaggi in the primary race, with Maloney’s polling showing him beating her by 34 points, 52 percent to 18 percent. Previous Report: Maloney Faces Primary Challenger In Newly Redrawn District Representing Much Of Westchester However, the second poll, commissioned by Biaggi’s campaign, shows her down by 1…
NY's Top Judge, Janet DiFiore, To Step Down Midway Through Term NY's Top Judge, Janet DiFiore, To Step Down Midway Through Term
NY's Top Judge, Janet DiFiore, To Step Down Midway Through Term After six years on the job, New York’s top-ranking judge is stepping down midway through her term. In a letter to colleagues sent Monday, July 11, Chief Judge Janet DiFiore said she plans to retire in August and “move on to the next chapter in life.” Here's the letter NY Chief Judge Janet DiFiore sent to her colleagues today, confirming she will step down Aug. 31. pic.twitter.com/yQxwCjOJM3 — Jon Campbell (@JonCampbellNY) July 11, 2022 DiFiore, a Democrat and lifelong resident of Westchester County, was appointed to the role by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo and confirmed by the state Senate i…
Maloney Faces Primary Challenger In Newly Redrawn District Representing Much Of Westchester Maloney Faces Primary Challenger In Newly Redrawn District Representing Much Of Westchester
Maloney Faces Primary Challenger In Newly Redrawn District Representing Much Of Westchester It’s going to be a crowded field vying for their spot in the newly redrawn 17th Congressional District, which includes much of the Hudson Valley. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee chairman Sean Patrick Maloney is expected to be challenged by Democratic State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi and possibly others as he looks to retain his seat. The district includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Northern Westchester, and Dutchess counties. Republican Assemblyman Mike Lawler, a lifelong Rockland County conservative, announced on Monday, May 23 that he plans to challenge for the seat, stating he …
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi Says She's Running For Congress State Senator Alessandra Biaggi Says She's Running For Congress
State Senator Alessandra Biaggi Says She's Running For Congress New York State Sen. Alessandra Biaggi announced her run for Congress as the lawmaker joins a crowded field looking to take over for gubernatorial hopeful Tom Suozzi. Biaggi, age 35, of Pelham, announced her candidacy on Monday, Feb. 7 in the newly drawn Third Congressional District, which now includes parts of Suffolk, Nassau, Queens, Bronx, and Westchester counties. Suozzi announced he will not be seeking reelection after launching a primary challenge against incumbent New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. Earlier story - NY Congressman Tom Suozzi Says He's Running For Governor Biaggi worked for …
Former NY State Senator Found Safe After Being Reported Missing Former NY State Senator Found Safe After Being Reported Missing
Former NY State Senator Found Safe After Being Reported Missing A longtime New York politician has been located after being reported missing earlier, authorities announced. Former New York State Sen. Bill Perkins, who also represented Harlem on the New York City Council was reported missing from his apartment on Tuesday, Jan. 18, just weeks after his latest term on the Council concluded. Perkins, now 72 years old, was found early on Wednesday, Jan. 19, after being reported missing from his Morningside Avenue apartment on Tuesday afternoon. Police said that Perkins was ultimately found at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning in the Bronx by offi…
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…
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…
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…
Matt Damon Endorses Candidate For Town Justice In Westchester County Matt Damon Endorses Candidate For Town Justice In Westchester County
Matt Damon Endorses Candidate For Town Justice In Westchester County A famous actor has endorsed a candidate running for a post in New York. Matt Damon, known for his roles in movies such as Good Will Hunting and The Martian, recorded a video sharing his endorsement of Clark Petschek for Bedford Town Justice in Northern Westchester County. Petschek is running against Jodi Kimmel for the position. Damon, a native of Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a longtime friend of Petschek, since they were roommates at Harvard University.  "He's one of the most exceptional people I've met in my life," Damon said. "I've followed his life and career closely since c…
Village In Westchester Seeks Red-Light Cams For Busy Intersection Village In Westchester Seeks Red-Light Cams For Busy Intersection
Village In Westchester Seeks Red-Light Cams For Busy Intersection A village in Westchester is attempting to become the first to get the green light to install red-light cameras at one of the county's busier intersections. Officials in Pelham Manor are seeking approval to install two red-light cameras at the intersection of Pelhamdale Avenue and Boston Post Road (Route 1) at both Pelhamdale approaches. The bill has already passed in both the state Assembly and Senate, and now just awaits the signature of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. If approved, Pelham Manor would be the first municipality in Westchester to install the cameras since 2015, joining just Yonk…
NY Lawmakers Fall Short For Now In Effort To Rename Donald J. Trump State Park NY Lawmakers Fall Short For Now In Effort To Rename Donald J. Trump State Park
NY Lawmakers Fall Short For Now In Effort To Rename Donald J. Trump State Park Lawmakers in New York will have to wait, as their efforts to remove the Trump name from a Hudson Valley state park stalled in the Assembly. The state Senate approved a bill this week that could have led to New York stripping the Trump title from the rarely frequented Donald J. Trump State Park on the Westchester-Putnam border. Earlier story - NY May Rename Trump State Park The Senate approved a new, scaled-down version of the legislation with the hope of getting it passed before the Legislature wrapped its annual session at the state Capitol this week. However, the Assembly didn’t take up…
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…
NY Officially Legalizes Pot, Here's How Long It Will Take For It To Be Available NY Officially Legalizes Pot, Here's How Long It Will Take For It To Be Available
NY Officially Legalizes Pot, Here's How Long It Will Take For It To Be Available New York State lawmakers have given the green light for legalized marijuana possession and paved the way to allow for marijuana sales to people over the age of 21. Late on Tuesday, March 30, the New York State Senate voted 40-23 in favor of the new bill, while the Assembly approved it by a margin of 100-49. The bill was sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's desk to sign following the approval by both Houses, which he did on Wednesday, March 31, making the law official.  With Cuomo's approval, possession becomes legal immediately for those age 21 and over. The bill does not specify a date when …
Sixth Woman Comes Forward With Sexual Harassment Claim Against Cuomo Sixth Woman Comes Forward With Sexual Harassment Claim Against Cuomo
Sixth Woman Comes Forward With Sexual Harassment Claim Against Cuomo Another woman - this time a current staff member - has come forward and accused New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo of inappropriate behavior, according to a new report released on Tuesday. Cuomo has now been accused by six women of inappropriate actions while in office, including several former and now current members of his administration. The sixth accuser told associates that Cuomo touched her inappropriately last year inside the governor’s mansion after she was beckoned there on official business, the Albany Times Union reported on Tuesday, March 9. The woman’s name is currently being withheld…