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Legislation

Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation
Euthanasia Of NY's 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Outrage is swirling after New York wildlife officials seized and later euthanized beloved social media sensation “Peanut” the squirrel. Chemung County resident Mark Longo, of Elmira, took to Instagram Wednesday, Oct 30, telling his 581,000 followers that Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers had seized the animal, which he rescued in 2017 after its mother was struck by a car. “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness,” he wrote. “To the people who called (the Department of Environmental Conversation), there’…
'Wannabe Racecar Driver' Indicted For Stunt Crash Injuring 19-Year-Old In Patchogue 'Wannabe Racecar Driver' Indicted For Stunt Crash Injuring 19-Year-Old In Patchogue
'Wannabe Racecar Driver' Indicted For Stunt Crash Injuring 19-Year-Old In Patchogue A man accused of injuring a spectator during an illegal street takeover on Long Island was indicted on multiple charges. Matthew Mitchell, age 20, of Brooklyn, was charged with assault and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Oct. 31. Prosecutors said Mitchell was with a large group of cars that gathered at Patchogue’s Gateway Plaza on Sunrise Highway in the early hours of Sunday, Oct. 6. Earlier Report: Dangerous 'Street Takeovers' Target Of Proposed Legislation Backed By Suffolk County Lawmaker Several of the vehicles were seen performing “doughnuts,” drifting, a…
Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In This Long Island Locale Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In This Long Island Locale
Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In This Long Island Locale To protect motorists on New York roads, Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the creation of a new red light camera program in the Hudson Valley and the expansion of other initiatives across the state.  In an announcement on Wednesday, Oct. 23, Hochul revealed that she signed legislation to extend several existing red light camera programs in Westchester, Albany, and Nassau counties.  The legislation also includes the "largest expansion" of the red light camera program in New York City's history, Hochul's office said. "The safety of all New Yorkers is my top priority and we know that …
New Poll Reveals Long Islanders' Preference In Closely Watched Congressional Races New Poll Reveals Long Islanders' Preference In Closely Watched Congressional Races
New Poll Reveals Long Islanders' Preference In Closely Watched Congressional Races Fresh polling appears to show a political divide between two closely watched congressional races on Long Island. Democrat Laura Gillen leads incumbent Republican Rep. Anthony D’Esposito by 12 percentage points, 53 to 41 percent, among likely voters in New York’s 4th District, according to a Siena College/Newsday poll released Tuesday, Oct. 22 D’Esposito has represented the 4th District, which includes central and southern Nassau County, since 2023. The race was considered a tossup by The Cook Political Report. Earlier Report: Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key …
Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key To What Party Controls House Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key To What Party Controls House
Competitive Long Island, Hudson Valley Races Seen As Key To What Party Controls House As Election Day draws closer, political pundits are closely watching three New York congressional races that could determine which party controls the House next year. Freshmen Republican Reps. Mike Lawler, Marc Molinaro, and Anthony D’Esposito – supporters of former President Donald Trump in districts won by President Joe Biden in 2020 – are all hoping for repeat wins in November. Here’s a closer look at their races. Mondaire Jones (left) and Rep. Mike Lawler. Campaign Facebook Pages 17th District: Lawler vs. Jones Lawler, whose 17th District represents all of Rockland and Pu…
Smithtown Dealer's Fentanyl Killed 17-Year-Old Girl, DA Says Smithtown Dealer's Fentanyl Killed 17-Year-Old Girl, DA Says
Smithtown Dealer's Fentanyl Killed 17-Year-Old Girl, DA Says An admitted drug dealer was formally charged in connection with the overdose death of a 17-year-old Long Island girl. Daquan Booker, age 34, of Smithtown, was arraigned on multiple drug charges in Nassau County Court on Tuesday, Oct. 15, following the death of Garden City High School senior Grace Wrightington. Prosecutors said Booker met with the teen on at least two occasions in July 2023 and sold her purported oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl. The synthetic opioid – more than 100 times stronger than morphine – has contributed to a growing number of overdose deaths across the country in…
20-Year-Old Injures Woman In Street Takeover In Patchogue, Police Say 20-Year-Old Injures Woman In Street Takeover In Patchogue, Police Say
20-Year-Old Injures Woman In Street Takeover In Patchogue, Police Say A week after a woman was injured in a so-called street takeover on Long Island, police arrested a suspect. The incident happened in Patchogue, at the Gateway Plaza on Sunrise Highway, at around 1:15 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6. Suffolk County Police said a 19-year-old Holbrook woman was watching a care takeover when she was struck by an Infiniti sedan. She was taken by private vehicle to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore with serious injuries. Earlier Report: Dangerous 'Street Takeovers' Target Of Proposed Legislation Backed By Suffolk County Lawmaker On Tuesday morning, Oct. 1…
Dangerous 'Street Takeovers' Target Of Proposed Legislation Backed By Suffolk County Lawmaker Dangerous 'Street Takeovers' Target Of Proposed Legislation Backed By Suffolk County Lawmaker
Dangerous 'Street Takeovers' Target Of Proposed Legislation Backed By Suffolk County Lawmaker Leaders on Long Island are fed up with so-called street takeovers they say are endangering people’s lives. The incidents – in which groups of drivers descend upon a street to either race or do tricks – are now the target of legislation being proposed by state lawmakers that would levy stiffer penalties for violators. If approved, the bill would give police and prosecutors enhanced tools to help crack down on reckless drivers and allow for the seizure and forfeiture of their vehicles, Republican State Sen. Anthony Palumbo said at a press conference Wednesday, Oct. 9. Palumbo, whose 1st Dist…
TikTok 'Cultivates Addiction' For Kids, Harming Their Mental Health, NY AG’s Lawsuit Alleges TikTok 'Cultivates Addiction' For Kids, Harming Their Mental Health, NY AG’s Lawsuit Alleges
TikTok 'Cultivates Addiction' For Kids, Harming Their Mental Health, NY AG’s Lawsuit Alleges TikTok knowingly harms young users’ mental health all in an effort to turn a profit, a new multistate lawsuit alleges. New York Attorney General Letitia James was among a bipartisan coalition of 14 attorneys general who filed a lawsuit against the social media platform on Tuesday, Oct. 8, alleging fraudulent and deceptive business practices, among other offenses. According to the complaint, TikTok falsely claims its platform is safe for young people despite “addictive features” that worsen their mental health and body image issues. Those features include around-the-clock notifications lea…
New Poll Reveals NYers' Views On Banning Cell Phone Use In Schools New Poll Reveals NYers' Views On Banning Cell Phone Use In Schools
New Poll Reveals NYers' Views On Banning Cell Phone Use In Schools With the new school year comes renewed debate over the use of cell phones in the classroom. Among New York parents of school-age children, 77-percent support barring cell phone use in schools during the day, a Mount Sinai South Nassau “Truth in Medicine” poll found. Most parents, 72-percent, said they still want their child to have their phone on them in case of an emergency, the poll found. Earlier Report: Hochul Signs Bill Restricting 'Addictive' Social Media Feeds Targeting Children The poll was conducted by 600 parents with at least one child under the age of 18 in New York Cit…
Social Media Sites Should Be Forced To Display Warning Labels, NY AG Argues Social Media Sites Should Be Forced To Display Warning Labels, NY AG Argues
Social Media Sites Should Be Forced To Display Warning Labels, NY AG Argues You’ve seen them on cigarettes and alcohol – now social media accounts could come with their own warnings if New York Attorney General Letitia James gets her way. James was among a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general who sent a letter to Congress on Tuesday, Sept. 10, urging lawmakers to approve US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy's request for warnings on sites like TikTok and Instagram about potential adverse mental health effects for minors. Murthy made the request in June, citing new research showing that adolescents who spend more than three hours per day on social media face an incr…
Internet Providers Would Be Forced To Issue Outage Credits Under NY Bill: 'Matter Of Fairness' Internet Providers Would Be Forced To Issue Outage Credits Under NY Bill: 'Matter Of Fairness'
Internet Providers Would Be Forced To Issue Outage Credits Under NY Bill: 'Matter Of Fairness' New York lawmakers are considering legislation that would force internet providers to compensate customers for service outages. Under the “Internet Service Outage Consumer Protection Act,” providers would be required to issue prorated bill credits to customers for any service outages lasting more than an hour. The bill was introduced by Democratic Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, who represents the 111th Assembly District covering parts of Schenectady County. “In today’s digital age, reliable internet service is not just a convenience, but a necessity,” he said. “When service is disrupted,…
Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Passed By Nassau County Lawmakers Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Passed By Nassau County Lawmakers
Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Passed By Nassau County Lawmakers The Nassau County Legislature passed a bill that prevents transgender women from competing in women’s sports on Long Island. At a meeting on Monday, June 24, lawmakers voted 12-6 to pass the law. Originally introduced by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s office, the bill would require sports teams to designate whether they are a female, male, or co-ed team and is aimed to prevent “biological males” from competing on women’s teams. Earlier Report: Bill Banning Transgender Athletes Advanced By Nassau County Lawmakers It echoes an executive order Blakeman originally introduce…
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…
'Melanie's Law' Closing Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing Passes Assembly 'Melanie's Law' Closing Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing Passes Assembly
'Melanie's Law' Closing Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing Passes Assembly Two years after a young mother from New York was stabbed to death by her mother’s ex-boyfriend, state lawmakers have passed legislation aimed at closing the dangerous loophole that led to her killing. On Tuesday, May 21, the New York Assembly passed “Melanie’s Law,” allowing judges to expand orders of protection for immediate family members or household members of named victims of domestic violence, regardless of their age. The legislation is named after Melanie Chianese, who was stabbed to death on May 29, 2022, inside the Dutchess County residence in Wappingers Falls that she shared with …
'Protected, Not Prosecuted': NY Bill Would Decriminalize Prostitution, Target Sex Traffickers 'Protected, Not Prosecuted': NY Bill Would Decriminalize Prostitution, Target Sex Traffickers
'Protected, Not Prosecuted': NY Bill Would Decriminalize Prostitution, Target Sex Traffickers New York lawmakers are considering new legislation aimed at protecting sex trafficking survivors and closing a legal loophole often used by their abusers. The Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act (STSJEA), introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter, would decriminalize prostitution and automatically expunge all prior convictions for prostitution. If passed, the bill would also: Eliminate a loophole in New York State law that prevents sex abusers from being charged with promotion of prostitution when they traffic people to themselves Prevent people from being charged as a…
Severed Remains Case: 2 Charged With Murdering Westchester Couple As Gruesome Details Revealed Severed Remains Case: 2 Charged With Murdering Westchester Couple As Gruesome Details Revealed
Severed Remains Case: 2 Charged With Murdering Westchester Couple As Gruesome Details Revealed Months after the mutilated remains of a Hudson Valley couple were found strewn across Long Island, prosecutors have charged two suspects with their murders. Jeffrey Mackey, age 36, and Alexis Nieves, age 33, both of Amityville, were arraigned on additional charges of murder and related offenses in Suffolk County Court on Friday, April 26 in the killings of Malcolm Brown and Donna Conneely. Prosecutors said the couple was stabbed to death after entering Mackey and Nieves’ Amityville residence on Railroad Avenue on Tuesday, Feb. 27. Earlier Report: Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Fel…
Fatal Hit-Run: Second Driver Nabbed Year After 25-Year-Old Struck At Long Island Intersection Fatal Hit-Run: Second Driver Nabbed Year After 25-Year-Old Struck At Long Island Intersection
Fatal Hit-Run: Second Driver Nabbed Year After 25-Year-Old Struck At Long Island Intersection More than a year after a 25-year-old man was killed in a double hit-and-run crash at a Long Island intersection, a second suspect has been arrested. The incident happened at around 4 a.m. Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Patchogue. Suffolk County Police said Nicholas Puzio was crossing Medford Avenue at Oak Street in a marked crosswalk when he was hit by a southbound Honda Civic. Moments later, he was struck by a Nissan Armada. Both drivers fled the scene. Earlier Report: Fatal Hit-Run Crash: Suspect Nabbed After 25-Year-Old Struck At Patchogue Intersection Puzio, of Farmingdale, was tak…
Woman ID'd In Dismembered Remains Case Has Further Ties To Hudson Valley Woman ID'd In Dismembered Remains Case Has Further Ties To Hudson Valley
Woman ID'd In Dismembered Remains Case Has Further Ties To Hudson Valley One of two murder victims whose dismembered remains were found strewn across Long Island has numerous ties to the Hudson Valley. Suffolk County Police said the severed remains of Donna Conneely, age 59, were discovered Thursday, Feb. 29, at Babylon’s Southards Pond Park.  Homicide detectives located additional remains on Tuesday, March 5, at Bethpage State Park and in a wooded residential area in West Babylon. Homicide detectives have located human remains at Bethpage State Park, Southards Pond Park in Babylon, and in a wooded area along Lakeway Drive in West Babylon.  Googl…
Dismembered Remains Case: ID Released For 1 Of 2 Westchester County Victims Dismembered Remains Case: ID Released For 1 Of 2 Westchester County Victims
Dismembered Remains Case: ID Released For 1 Of 2 Westchester County Victims For the first time, police have publicly identified one of two murder victims from Westchester County whose mutilated remains were found strewn across Long Island, reigniting the debate over bail reform laws. In an update to the case Monday, March 11, Suffolk County Police identified the female victim as 59-year-old Donna Conneely, whose last known address was in Yonkers. The identity of the male victim is still pending confirmation from the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s office. Earlier Report: Dismembering Dead Body Would Be Felony Under NY Bill Meant To Remedy 'Ill-Conceived D…
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…
Chick-fil-A Will Be Forced To Open Some NY Locations On Sundays Under Proposed Bill Chick-fil-A Will Be Forced To Open Some NY Locations On Sundays Under Proposed Bill
Chick-fil-A Will Be Forced To Open Some NY Locations On Sundays Under Proposed Bill Chick-fil-A could soon be forced to open some New York locations on Sundays, overturning a policy that dates back nearly eight decades. State lawmakers are considering a bill that would require the chicken chain – and any other food service businesses located at New York State Thruway rest stops – to remain open seven days a week. While the legislation would affect all Thruway food businesses, its sponsor, Democratic Assemblymember Tony Simone, made it clear that his bill targets Chick-fil-A specifically. “It makes no sense for restaurants at rest stops to be closed on one of the busiest t…
Suspect In 9-Year-Old's Kidnapping From NY Campground Pleads Not Guilty, Report Says Suspect In 9-Year-Old's Kidnapping From NY Campground Pleads Not Guilty, Report Says
Suspect In 9-Year-Old's Kidnapping From NY Campground Pleads Not Guilty, Report Says The man accused of kidnapping a 9-year-old girl from a New York campground has formally denied any wrongdoing, Albany station WTEN reports.  Saratoga County resident Craig Nelson Ross Jr., age 46, of Milton, pleaded not guilty to nine criminal charges in Saratoga County Court on Friday, Nov. 17, the outlet said. Ross is charged with the following: First-degree kidnapping Four counts of sexual assault Two counts of sexual abuse Endangering the welfare of a child Assault Ross was arrested Monday, Oct. 2, 48 hours after allegedly kidnapping the girl from a campground at Moreau Lake Stat…
Westchester Rep. Bowman Charged With Misdemeanor After Pulling Fire Alarm: Report Westchester Rep. Bowman Charged With Misdemeanor After Pulling Fire Alarm: Report
Westchester Rep. Bowman Charged With Misdemeanor After Pulling Fire Alarm: Report New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman has been criminally charged with a misdemeanor after pulling a fire alarm at a congressional building in Washington, DC while rushing to make a vote, according to a report by NBC News.  New, updated report - New Update: Westchester Rep. Bowman To Pay Fine After Pulling Fire Alarm, He Says Bowman (NY-16), a Democrat, now faces a charge of falsely pulling a firearm in connection to an incident that happened on Saturday, Sept. 30, NBC News reported.  The 16th district is made up of the southern part of Westchester County, including the suburban citie…
Cameras Would Be Required At NY Parks Under New Bill Proposed After Kidnapping Cameras Would Be Required At NY Parks Under New Bill Proposed After Kidnapping
Cameras Would Be Required At NY Parks Under New Bill Proposed After Kidnapping Get ready to smile big on future visits to New York state parks. New legislation introduced by State Sen. Jim Tedisco would require all state parks, campgrounds, and recreational facilities in New York to have security cameras at all entrances and exits. Tedisco, a Republican whose 44th State Senate district represents portions of Saratoga and Schenectady counties, announced the proposal Thursday, Oct. 5 on X, formerly known as Twitter. “We don’t need the state to ‘study’ and ‘review’ the need for security cameras at our state parks and campgrounds, we need them installed as soon as possib…
'Melanie's Law' Aims To Close 'Dangerous' Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing 'Melanie's Law' Aims To Close 'Dangerous' Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing
'Melanie's Law' Aims To Close 'Dangerous' Loophole That Led To Hudson Valley Mom's Killing One year after a young mother from New York was stabbed to death by her own mother’s ex-boyfriend, a state lawmaker is pushing to close what he calls the “dangerous” loophole that led to her killing. Dutchess County resident Melanie Chianese, age 29, of the town of Wappinger, was found suffering from multiple stab wounds on May 29, 2022. Deputies from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office found her while responding to a home on Scott Drive in Wappinger for a report of a woman being injured. Earlier Report: Man Sentenced For Murdering Ex-Girlfriend's Daughter In Poughkeepsie She was rushed…
‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says ‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says
‘Stop The Bloodshed’: Louisville Shooting Could’ve Been Prevented By Red Flag Law, Hochul Says Recent mass shootings that killed six people at an elementary school in Tennessee and five more at a bank in Kentucky might not have occurred had those states implemented so-called “red flag” laws like New York, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul. In an op-ed written for USA Today Network and shared on the governor's website, Hochul touted the measures, which allow a court to issue an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) that temporarily prohibits someone from buying or possessing a gun should they be deemed a danger to themselves or others. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the state’s ERPO in…
Merry Christmas: NY Lawmakers To Become Highest Paid In US After Approving Raise Merry Christmas: NY Lawmakers To Become Highest Paid In US After Approving Raise
Merry Christmas: NY Lawmakers To Become Highest Paid In US After Approving Raise New York State lawmakers have voted to give themselves a significant pay raise days before Christmas, a move that would make them the highest paid in the country. Meeting for a special session in Albany on Thursday, Dec. 22, the legislature approved a bill that raises member pay by $32,000, bringing their total annual compensation to $142,000, beginning in 2023. The final vote in the Senate was 33 to 23 in favor, and 81 to 52 in the Assembly, WRGB reports. Every Republican in the Assembly voted against the pay hike. If the bill becomes law, it would also cap how much legislators can make…
Votes Cast At Wrong Polling Place, But In Right County To Still Be Accepted Under New NY Law Votes Cast At Wrong Polling Place, But In Right County To Still Be Accepted Under New NY Law
Votes Cast At Wrong Polling Place, But In Right County To Still Be Accepted Under New NY Law A new state law in New York means no more worrying about whether you’re at the correct polling location. The legislation, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul Tuesday, Dec. 6, requires that affidavit ballots cast by eligible voters who appear at the wrong polling place must still be counted, as long as they are voting in the correct county or assembly district. Hochul’s office said the move will strengthen protections for New Yorkers’ right to vote and have their ballots counted in races they are entitled to vote in while also encouraging voter participation. "Access to the ballot box shouldn't b…
Yankees, Other Pro Sports Teams Urge Fans To Take Action On Gun Law Reform After Mass Shootings Yankees, Other Pro Sports Teams Urge Fans To Take Action On Gun Law Reform After Mass Shootings
Yankees, Other Pro Sports Teams Urge Fans To Take Action On Gun Law Reform After Mass Shootings The game of baseball took a backseat for a pair of rival teams who took the opportunity to encourage gun control and legislative action after the recent mass shootings in Buffalo, Texas, and elsewhere in the US. Social media departments from the New York Yankees and AL East rival Tampa Bay Rays teamed up during their matchup on Thursday, May 26 to forego tweeting and messaging about their game, and instead used it to promote gun law reform. “In lieu of game coverage and in collaboration with the Tampa Bay Rays, we will be using our channels to offer facts about the impacts of gun violence,…