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New York State

Election 2024: Can NYers Snap Pic Of Completed Ballot? Here's What To Know Election 2024: Can NYers Snap Pic Of Completed Ballot? Here's What To Know
Election 2024: Can NYers Snap Pic Of Completed Ballot? Here's What To Know Think twice before snapping that Election Day selfie. While New Yorkers may be tempted to commemorate their participation in this year’s highly consequential election by taking a photo of their ballot, doing so is actually a crime. Under state law, it is a misdemeanor offense for a voter to snap a picture with their completed ballot. “Any person who shows his ballot after it is prepared for voting, to any person so as to reveal the contents, or solicits a voter to show the same, is guilty of a misdemeanor,” reads the text from New York State election law. According to the New York State B…
Resident In Region Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared Resident In Region Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared
Resident In Region Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus; 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared A New York resident has died days after contracting the state’s first human case of a rare but serious mosquito-borne virus in nearly a decade. The Ulster County resident died from complications stemming from eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office confirmed on Monday, Sept. 23. It marks the first human case of EEE in New York State since 2015. Earlier Report: Human Case Of Severe Mosquito-Borne Virus Confirmed In Ulster County, First In NY Since 2015 “We’ve been informed this patient has passed away from EEE, we extend our sympathies and our hearts go out t…
Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide Raked In Millions Acting As Undisclosed Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide Raked In Millions Acting As Undisclosed Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds
Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide Raked In Millions Acting As Undisclosed Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds This story has been updated. A former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo is accused of acting as an agent for the Chinese government. Long Island residents Linda Sun, age 41, and her husband Chris Hu, age 40, were arrested at their Manhasset home on Tuesday morning, Sept. 3, on charges of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, money laundering, and related charges. According to federal prosecutors, Sun – who served as Hochul’s deputy chief of staff before being fired in 2023 – engaged in numerous political activities at the behest of Chinese government …
Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says
Here's How Much Shootings In NY Have Declined In Past Year, Report Says State leaders are crediting major policing reforms for a marked decline in shootings across New York State. In 21 counties outside of New York City, the number of shootings with injuries dropped 29 percent through July compared to the first seven months of 2023, a Division of Criminal Justice Services report shows. The data came from police departments across the state participating in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative, which provides agencies with state funding for equipment, overtime, personnel, training, and technical assistance aimed at reducing shootings and firea…
'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Trail Of Destruction Across Parts Of NY 'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Trail Of Destruction Across Parts Of NY
'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Trail Of Destruction Across Parts Of NY At least six homes were heavily damaged and roads were washed out following a powerful storm system that brought drenching rain and widespread flooding to parts of New York and Connecticut. On Long Island, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine issued a state of emergency on Monday, Aug. 19, after surveying flood damage caused when up to nine inches of rain fell in parts of the county overnight. “Our longtime Mill Pond is gone. Six houses along here were damaged, their cesspools and personal belongings are now floating down this creek into the sound,” Romaine told reporters. Earlier Report:…
Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers Preference In Harris-Trump Presidential Race Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers Preference In Harris-Trump Presidential Race
Brand-New Poll Reveals NYers Preference In Harris-Trump Presidential Race With just three months until the presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris enjoys a comfortable lead over former President Donald Trump among New York voters, new polling shows. Harris, who formally secured the Democratic nomination for president on Monday, Aug. 5, leads her Republican opponent 53 to 39 percent among likely New York State voters, according to a Siena College poll released Tuesday, Aug. 6. In late June, a Siena College poll showed President Joe Biden leading Trump by a narrower margin, 47 to 39 percent. Related Report: Harris Taps Gov. Tim Walz As Runn…
This NY Locale Makes Nationwide Top 50 List Of Best Places To Live For Families This NY Locale Makes Nationwide Top 50 List Of Best Places To Live For Families
This NY Locale Makes Nationwide Top 50 List Of Best Places To Live For Families One town in New York made the Top 50 list of Fortune’s third annual national rankings of the Best Places To Live For Families list. It's located on Long Island - No. 15 North Hempstead. Fortune said that in addition to its proximity to New York City, "the township has the highest Sharecare community well-being ranking on the list, at 88 out of 100. It’s also home to some of the best school districts in New York and has the highest number of recommended hospitals in the area (50) on the list." With around 237,000 residents, North Hempstead is the seventh-largest municipality by population i…
$2M Scheme: Westchester Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy $2M Scheme: Westchester Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy
$2M Scheme: Westchester Accounting Firm Partners Admit To Tax Fraud Conspiracy Two New York accounting firm partners have pleaded guilty to a multi-million dollar tax evasion scheme.  Click here for a new, updated story - Update: Scarsdale-Based Accountant Nabbed In Tax Fraud Scheme Was Longtime Firefighter Westchester County resident George Sanossian, age 70, of Scarsdale, and New Jersey resident Jack Sardis, age 66, of Englewood Cliffs, both certified public accountants, admitted to conspiracy to defraud the IRS by scheming with clients to reduce tax liabilities through a shell company, leading to over $2 million in unreported cash transactions.  The tw…
Public Radio 'Legend' Karen DeWitt Signing Off After 34 Years: ‘It’s Time To Go’ Public Radio 'Legend' Karen DeWitt Signing Off After 34 Years: ‘It’s Time To Go’
Public Radio 'Legend' Karen DeWitt Signing Off After 34 Years: ‘It’s Time To Go’ After more than three decades of covering New York State government and politics, public radio journalist Karen DeWitt is signing off. The longtime Capitol Bureau chief for the New York Public News Network will file her last story on Friday, June 21, she announced on X Tuesday, April 30. “Finally, I get to use this phrase: ‘Some personal news,’” DeWitt said. “It’s been a fabulous ride, but it’s time to go.” Since 1990, DeWitt has informed listeners on Albany affairs via the network's dozen public radio stations across the state, including WAMC in Albany, WLIW on Long Island, and WNYC in N…
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Less than a month since a case of measles showed up outside of New York City, the number of cases has more than doubled across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Friday, April 12, the CDC announced that the total number of measles cases in the US in 2024 has reached 121 — far surpassing last year’s number of 58 — with cases being reported in 18 states and jurisdictions, including New York State. The update comes after a Nassau County child under the age of 5 was announced as the state’s first measles case to be reported outside of New York C…
Eclipse Prison Lockdown Violates NY Inmates’ Religious Rights, Lawsuit Claims Eclipse Prison Lockdown Violates NY Inmates’ Religious Rights, Lawsuit Claims
Eclipse Prison Lockdown Violates NY Inmates’ Religious Rights, Lawsuit Claims Click here for an updated story: Six Woodbourne Inmates Permitted To View Eclipse After Suing Over Religious Rights Several New York prison inmates are suing the state over a planned lockdown at correctional facilities during the upcoming total solar eclipse. The federal lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of New York on Friday, March 29, on behalf of six inmates who are incarcerated at Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Sullivan County. It states that although they come from varying backgrounds and hold different religious beliefs, “they have each expressed a sincerely held r…
NY Bill Targets Squatters Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners NY Bill Targets Squatters Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners
NY Bill Targets Squatters Amid Troubling Incidents Involving Homeowners New York lawmakers are considering legislation targeting illegal squatters amid recent disturbing incidents involving homeowners that garnered national attention. The bill from Republican Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, whose 15th District represents parts of Nassau County, adds squatters to the definition of criminal trespass. It also extends the time period for tenancy rights from 30 days to 45 days of possession. Under current New York State law, squatters are classified as tenants and receive temporary rights after living in a property for 30 days. If a squatter claims to be a tenant, the…
World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says
World’s Largest Beef Producer 'Greenwashed' Environmental Harms To Boost Sales, NY AG Says New York State is suing the world’s largest beef producer, claiming it lied about its environmental impacts in order to boost sales. A lawsuit filed by Attorney General Letitia James in New York State Supreme Court on Wednesday, Feb. 28, accuses JBS USA Food Company of deceptive business practices and false advertising. According to James’ office, the company has repeatedly misled the public by claiming it will achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, despite documented plans to increase production and grow its carbon footprint. In 2021, the JBS Group reported total global greenh…
'Blatantly Illegal': NYAG Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Transgender Athlete Ban On Long Island 'Blatantly Illegal': NYAG Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Transgender Athlete Ban On Long Island
'Blatantly Illegal': Nyag Submits Cease-And-Desist Over Transgender Athlete Ban On Long Island An executive order on Long Island banning transgender women and girls from participating in sports at public facilities was given five days to be rescinded, according to New York State Attorney General Letitia James. “This executive order is transphobic and blatantly illegal.” On Friday, March 1, just over a week after Nassau County Bruce Blakeman issued an executive order prohibiting transgender women (those assigned male at birth) from playing in women’s sports, James — who had quickly condemned the act — officially submitted a cease-and-desist against the order. Original Report:&nbs…
NY Ranks High Among Best States To Raise Family, New Study Finds: Here's Where, Why NY Ranks High Among Best States To Raise Family, New Study Finds: Here's Where, Why
NY Ranks High Among Best States To Raise Family, New Study Finds: Here's Where, Why According to a new report ranking the US states on a scale of the best places to raise a family, New York State ranks among the top 10. New York State is one of the best states in the country to raise a family — according to a study released on Monday, Jan. 8 by WalletHub, which ranked the Empire State as number five. The personal finance company used the following metrics to score each of the 50 states, then take the totals to complete a final ranking: Family fun (including the share of children who live near a park, share of families with young children, number of attractions, and mo…
Time For Longtime 'Eyesore' In Capital Region To Be Demolished, County Legislators Say (Poll) Time For Longtime 'Eyesore' In Capital Region To Be Demolished, County Legislators Say (Poll)
Time For Longtime 'Eyesore' In Capital Region To Be Demolished, County Legislators Say (Poll) After looming high above New York’s capital city for nearly a century, this local landmark may have finally worn out her welcome. Members of the Albany County Legislature are calling for Albany’s 11-story Central Warehouse building to be demolished following years of repeated failed attempts to rehabilitate the building. In a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul and other state and federal leaders, Legislators Frank Mauriello and Paul Burgdorf requested that any public funds spent on “Albany’s greatest eyesore” go toward tearing it down and “starting from scratch.” “Though it once served as ‘an imp…
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…
These Hudson Valley Roadways To Be Repaved As Part Of $100M Project These Hudson Valley Roadways To Be Repaved As Part Of $100M Project
These Hudson Valley Roadways To Be Repaved As Part Of $100M Project Thanks to $100 million in new funding, over 560 miles of roadway across the state of New York will be repaved to make them more resilient to freak weather events. The $100 million investment, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced, will support repaving projects on nearly 568 miles of busy roadways throughout the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Long Island, and more.  Hochul said the effort comes as a result of severe weather that has been battering the state more and more.  "From a devastating blizzard to historic flooding, we are living in a time of record-breaking weather events which hav…
Automated Speeding Ticket Radar Program Takes Effect In Hudson Valley, Elsewhere In NY Automated Speeding Ticket Radar Program Takes Effect In Hudson Valley, Elsewhere In NY
Automated Speeding Ticket Radar Program Takes Effect In Hudson Valley, Elsewhere In NY A brand-new law that has just launched means motorists on some of New York's busiest roadways may find themselves on the receiving end of automated speeding tickets. The five-year program which has been rolled this year is a joint effort by State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and Thruway Authority (NYSTA). to enhance the state’s ongoing efforts to slow motorists down in work zones. The so-called Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program is the result of legislation signed into law by Gov, Kathy Hochul in September 2021.  On Monday, Nov 20, work-zone speed units wer…
'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving 'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving
'Prepare With Care': Health Officials Urge Food Safety Ahead Of Thanksgiving As millions of New Yorkers prepare to cook their Thanksgiving feasts, health officials are urging people to remember the tenants of food safety. The New York State health and agriculture departments offered up several tips to help keep family and friends safe from foodborne illness this holiday season. “The Department works hard all year long to ensure the safety of our food supply at our stores and food manufacturing facilities, but food safety is also so important at home,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball. “We urge everyone who is cooking for their loved ones this Thanksgiv…
$75 Million Plan Aims To Ease Surge Of Hate, Bias Crimes In NY: Hochul $75 Million Plan Aims To Ease Surge Of Hate, Bias Crimes In NY: Hochul
$75 Million Plan Aims To Ease Surge Of Hate, Bias Crimes In NY: Hochul As a response to the rise in both anti-Semitic and Islamophobic crimes across New York State stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict, Gov. Kathy Hochul unveiled a multi-million dollar plan to keep New Yorkers safe. Earlier report: 21-Year-Old Accused Of Threatening To Shoot, Stab, Rape Jewish Students On Campus At Cornell The announcement came on Tuesday, Oct. 31. Hochul, utilizing all available state resources, declared a multi-branched plan aimed at limiting the number of hate and bias crimes, which she says have risen since the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas. “Let me be clear: we cannot…
Increased Crash Risk: Watch For Deer During Mating Season, State Warns Motorists Increased Crash Risk: Watch For Deer During Mating Season, State Warns Motorists
Increased Crash Risk: Watch For Deer During Mating Season, State Warns Motorists With the arrival of fall, there is an increased risk of crashes involving deer, both the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) are warning motorists. Deer are most active and more likely to enter public roadways this time of year as they search for mates during their breeding season, which is the months of October, November, and December. According to the University at Albany’s Institute for Traffic Safety Management and Research, in 2022, 41.5 percent of the crashes between deer and vehicles occurred during this three-month…
24-Year-Old Marine, Aspiring Trooper Killed In Capital Region Car Crash 24-Year-Old Marine, Aspiring Trooper Killed In Capital Region Car Crash
24-Year-Old Marine, Aspiring Trooper Killed In Capital Region Car Crash Authorities are investigating a two-crash crash in the region that killed a 24-year-old man. The Albany County wreck happened at around 7:20 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, in the hamlet of Loudonville, according to Colonie Police. Investigators said Nicholas Camilli, of Loudonville, was driving his motorcycle northbound on Old Niskayuna Road when a car made a left turn in front of him near W. Cobble Hill Road. Camilli struck the car and was fatally injured. The driver of the other vehicle, a 79-year-old Loudonville man, was not injured. Old Niskayuna Road was closed near the crash scene for fo…
Billy Joel Gets Namesake Street In NY Hometown As Student Musicians Play On: 'Very Cool' Billy Joel Gets Namesake Street In NY Hometown As Student Musicians Play On: 'Very Cool'
Billy Joel Gets Namesake Street In NY Hometown As Student Musicians Play On: 'Very Cool' Billy Joel’s current hometown in New York has him feelin’ alright after honoring the musician with his very own street. The Piano Man himself, age 74, was on hand for a ceremony on Long Island Thursday, Oct, 19 in Oyster Bay, to unveil the new Billy Joel Way. New signage will replace a section of Audrey Avenue, located in the downtown area in front of Joel’s shop “20th Century Cycles.” Speaking to a large crowd gathered under the clear blue sky, Joel recalled how his mother would often bring him to Oyster Bay as a child growing up in the hamlet of Hicksville. He remembered thinking of th…
This Hudson Valley Pizzeria Among 11 Best In NY, Report Says This Hudson Valley Pizzeria Among 11 Best In NY, Report Says
This Hudson Valley Pizzeria Among 11 Best In NY, Report Says Those in search of New York’s best pizza need look no further than these favored restaurants, according to a new report. After seeking out the “crunchiest, cheesiest, and freshest options” from across the state, I Love New York included the following pizzerias in its “11 of the Best Pizza Places in New York State” roundup: Capital Region Albany & Rensselaer counties: DeFazio’s in Albany and Troy I Love New York praised this eatery for its six different dough options, including one made from brown ale. “Add that to the plentiful topping combinations and high-quality cheeses and you’…
Tobacco-Related Cancers Down In NY, New Report Finds Tobacco-Related Cancers Down In NY, New Report Finds
Tobacco-Related Cancers Down In NY, New Report Finds Fewer New Yorkers are being diagnosed with tobacco-related cancers. A new report released by the state health department Thursday, Sept. 14, found that several of the cancers most often associated with smoking declined throughout the state between 2016 and 2020. Incident rates of esophageal, laryngeal, and lung cancer - those most closely related to tobacco use - steeply declined both in New York City and elsewhere in the state, the report found. Rates of oral cancer, however, increased by 1.3 percent each year between 2006 and 2020 among those living in New York City. Researchers also no…
Lane Closures Suspended Across NY For Holiday Weekend Lane Closures Suspended Across NY For Holiday Weekend
Lane Closures Suspended Across NY For Holiday Weekend Gov. Kathy Hochul, in anticipation of the upcoming holiday weekend, announced the suspension of all construction-related lane closures across the state. From 6 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 1 to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 6, all temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects across New York State will be suspended, the governor announced on Friday, Sept. 1. The decision is meant to ease travel congestion over Labor Day Weekend, Hochul said. “From our scenic trails to our world-class state parks, New York is home to some of the best places to celebrate Labor Day weekend,” she sa…
'Inexcusable' Surprise Found In Traveler's Carry-On Bag At Albany International Airport 'Inexcusable' Surprise Found In Traveler's Carry-On Bag At Albany International Airport
'Inexcusable' Surprise Found In Traveler's Carry-On Bag At Albany International Airport For the fourth time this year, security screeners stopped a man from carrying a loaded gun onto a plane at Albany International Airport. Agents made the discovery during a routine x-ray screening of the traveler’s carry-on bag Tuesday, Aug. 15, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced. The Rensselaer County man, of Johnsonville, was found to have a 9mm handgun that was loaded with five bullets. Albany County Sheriff’s deputies confiscated the weapon. Earlier Report: 'Stiff Penalty' For Traveler Caught With Loaded Gun At Albany Airport Transportation officials said the…
Strongest Tornado In Eastern US This Week Among 6 Confirmed Twisters In NY Strongest Tornado In Eastern US This Week Among 6 Confirmed Twisters In NY
Strongest Tornado In Eastern US This Week Among 6 Confirmed Twisters In NY A total of six tornadoes have been confirmed in New York State this week, accounting for 40 percent of the twisters in the Eastern US during separate rounds of storms on Monday, Aug. 7 and Tuesday, Aug. 8. Though five of those six were characterized as being "weak" on the Enhanced Fujita scale, there was one twister rated as "strong," according to the National Weather Service. It touched down in northern New York in Lewis County, about 35 miles south of Watertown, and traveled 16 miles. It was rated as an EF-3, making it the strongest of the 15 tornadoes in the Eastern US this week. T…
Tornado Touched Down In NY During Round Of Severe Storms Tornado Touched Down In NY During Round Of Severe Storms
Tornado Touched Down In NY During Round Of Severe Storms A tornado touched down in New York State during a round of severe storms this week, the National Weather Service has announced following a survey of the damage. It traveled 11 miles northeasterly in Cortland and Tompkins counties from 5:13 p.m. to 5:36 p.m. Monday, Aug. 7. Its highest wind speed was 90 miles per hour and its maximum width was 200 yards as it moved from the town of Harford in Cortland County to the village of McGraw in Tompkins County. (Click on the second image above to view the path.) The twister was rated an EF-1 on the Enhanced Fujita scale, the second-weakest of th…
Lane Closures Suspended Across NY For Holiday Weekend Lane Closures Suspended Across NY For Holiday Weekend
Lane Closures Suspended Across NY For Holiday Weekend In anticipation of the upcoming July 4th holiday, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the suspension of construction-related lane closures throughout the state. From 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 1 to 6 a.m. on Wednesday, July 5, temporary lane closures for road and bridge construction projects across New York State, the governor announced on Thursday, June 29. The decision will ease congestion for those traveling for the Fourth of July weekend, Hochul said. “We want to ensure people get to their destinations with minimal delays," she said in a statement. "I encourage everyone traveling this holida…