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New York State Senate

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$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…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
'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…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
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…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
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…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
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…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
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…

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by Michael Mashburn
Sports
Championship-Winning Team From College In Northern Westchester Honored At NY State Capitol Championship-Winning Team From College In Northern Westchester Honored At NY State Capitol
Championship-Winning Team From College In Northern 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…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Brand-New Hudson Valley County Executive Sworn In During Season's First Major Winter Storm Brand-New Hudson Valley County Executive Sworn In During Season's First Major Winter Storm
Brand-New Hudson Valley County Executive Sworn In During Season's First Major Winter Storm Despite the region’s first major storm of the winter season dropping more than a foot of snow in parts of the Hudson Valley, more than 350 guests attended the swearing-in of a new county executive. The swearing-in event for Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino was held on Sunday, Jan. 7 at Dutchess Community College’s Aviation Education Center at Hudson Valley Regional Airport in Wappinger.  “I am so honored and humbled to be with you all as I take my ceremonial Oath of Office for this position," Serino said. "As I get to work for Dutchess County, I want to thank each and every on…

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by Kathy Reakes
Obituaries
Capital Region Legislator Matthew Peter Dies At Age 38, Remembered As 'Fierce Public Servant' Capital Region Legislator Matthew Peter Dies At Age 38, Remembered As 'Fierce Public Servant'
Capital Region Legislator Matthew Peter Dies At Age 38, Remembered As 'Fierce Public Servant' Tributes are pouring in from across the political world following the sudden death of a county lawmaker in the region. Albany County Legislator Matthew Peter died Thursday, Dec. 14, at the age of 38, the legislature announced. “It is with tremendous sadness and sorrow that we have learned about the passing of one of our beloved members, Legislator Matthew Peter,” reads the statement. “As we mourn this unbelievable loss, we remember the man that we knew as a fierce public servant, a trusted companion, and a loyal friend.” The statement goes on to describe Peter as “a go-getter” who entered…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
'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.…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
Harckham Wins Heated State Senate Race Representing Much Of Northern Westchester Harckham Wins Heated State Senate Race Representing Much Of Northern Westchester
Harckham Wins Heated State Senate Race Representing Much Of Northern 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…

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by Ben Crnic
News
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 …

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
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…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
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…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
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…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
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 …

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by Zak Failla
Politics
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 …

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by Zak Failla
Politics
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…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
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…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
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…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
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…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Matt Damon Endorses Candidate For Town Justice In Northern Westchester Matt Damon Endorses Candidate For Town Justice In Northern Westchester
Matt Damon Endorses Candidate For Town Justice In Northern Westchester 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…

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by Nicole Valinote
Politics
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…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
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…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
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 …

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by Zak Failla
News
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…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Calls For Cuomo To Resign Draw Attention To Next In Line Lieutenant Governor As AG Starts Probe Calls For Cuomo To Resign Draw Attention To Next In Line Lieutenant Governor As AG Starts Probe
Calls For Cuomo To Resign Draw Attention To Next In Line Lieutenant Governor As AG Starts Probe As New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo nears a week without holding a news conference after a series of recent scandals, many are looking toward the next in line if he is forced out of office: Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. Cuomo has been under fire for weeks, first for his handling of COVID-19 cases in nursing homes, then allegedly attempting to cover it up. Now, he finds himself embroiled in separate sexual harassment claims, prompting for many to call for a probe of the governor, and potentially, his job. Earlier story - New Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations Spark Bipartisan Backlash, Some Calls To…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
New Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations Spark Bipartisan Backlash, Some Calls To Resign New Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations Spark Bipartisan Backlash, Some Calls To Resign
New Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations Spark Bipartisan Backlash, Some Calls To Resign New allegations of sexual harassment by a second former aide to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has sparked an almost immediate backlash, including bipartisan calls for his resignation. Charlotte Bennett, age 25, who was an executive assistant and health policy adviser in the Cuomo administration until she left her post this past November, said the governor asked her during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic if she had ever had sex with older men, and whether she was monogamous. Bennett made her statements in a series of interviews with The New York Times. The new allegations come after former…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Second Aide Accuses Cuomo Of Sexual Harassment Second Aide Accuses Cuomo Of Sexual Harassment
Second Aide Accuses Cuomo Of Sexual Harassment A second former aide to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is accusing him of sexual harassment. Charlotte Bennett, age 25, who was an executive assistant and health policy adviser in the Cuomo administration until she left her post this past November, said the governor asked her during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic if she had ever had sex with older men, and whether she was monogamous. Bennett made her statements in a series of interviews with The New York Times. The new allegations come after former Cuomo aide Lindsey Boylan, In a lengthy blog post released on Wednesda…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
State Senate Majority Leader Says Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations 'Deeply Disturbing' State Senate Majority Leader Says Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations 'Deeply Disturbing'
State Senate Majority Leader Says Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations 'Deeply Disturbing' New York State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins is the latest to weigh in on the allegations of sexual harassment that have been levied against Gov. Andrew Cuomo by a former aide as some lawmakers in the state are calling for an investigation into the matter. This week, former Cuomo aide Lindsey Boylan came forward with accusations against the governor that included claims of inappropriate comments, touching, and an unprompted kiss on the lips in his Manhattan office. Original story - New Details Of Cuomo Sexual Harassment Claims Released By Former Aide Coupled with the o…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
COVID-19: Cuomo Denies Telling Democratic Assemblyman 'You Will Be Destroyed' COVID-19: Cuomo Denies Telling Democratic Assemblyman 'You Will Be Destroyed'
Covid-19: Cuomo Denies Telling Democratic Assemblyman 'You Will Be Destroyed' Gov. Andrew Cuomo has vehemently denied threatening to “destroy” a Queens Assemblyman if he didn’t help contain the damage over the controversy he’s facing for underreporting the number of COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes. Democratic Assemblyman Ron Kim alleged that he got a phone call from Cuomo on Thursday, Feb. 11 following the report that one of the governor’s top aides, Secretary to the Governor Melissa DeRosa, admitted to withholding death data from the federal government. Earlier story - COVID-19: NY Supreme Court Rules Against Cuomo, DOH On Nursing Home Data According to Kim, …

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by Zak Failla