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Climate Change

NY's Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues NY's Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues
NY's Alec Baldwin Says Americans 'Very Uninformed' About Important Issues Actor Alec Baldwin – no stranger to controversy – is once again drawing the internet’s ire after recent comments on Americans’ intelligence. The 66-year-old New York native is facing backlash after suggesting that US citizens are ignorant about important world events and that watching films is the remedy to bridge the information gap. “Americans are very uninformed about reality, what’s really going on – with climate change, Ukraine, Israel, you name it, all the biggest topics in the world. Americans have an appetite for a little bit of information,” the Beetlejuice star told reporters at a…
FEMA Denies Emergency Assistance For NY Residents After Devastating Flooding FEMA Denies Emergency Assistance For NY Residents After Devastating Flooding
FEMA Denies Emergency Assistance For NY Residents After Devastating Flooding The federal government declined to help New York homeowners who were impacted by last summer’s severe flooding. Following a preliminary damage assessment on Long Island by the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FMEA), the agency stated that Suffolk County did not meet the severity requirements for assistance. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office expressed disappointment over the decision but vowed to appeal it. Earlier Report: Homeowners Impacted By Suffolk Co. Flooding Could Get Up To $50K In Repair Grants; Here's How “(We) will continue fighting to ensure storm-impacted residents…
Election 2024: Projection Made In NY State Senate Race Representing Part Of Rockland Election 2024: Projection Made In NY State Senate Race Representing Part Of Rockland
Election 2024: Projection Made In NY State Senate Race Representing Part Of Rockland 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…
$26.3 Million Road Project Begins In Hudson Valley $26.3 Million Road Project Begins In Hudson Valley
$26.3 Million Road Project Begins In Hudson Valley Work has started on a section of Hudson Valley roadway to upgrade drainage systems, fortify stone, resurface the road, and more. According to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, the $26.3 million project begins Monday, Oct. 21, and will occur in Orange County along a 4.9-mile stretch of Route 9W atop Storm King Mountain in Cornwall and Highlands.  The scenic highway between Newburgh and Bear Mountain on the western side of the Hudson River serves as an essential access road for the US Military Academy at West Point and many other popular attractions in the Hudson Valley region. “New Yorkers n…
Potential New Tropical Storm May Form In Same Area That Launched Helene, Milton Potential New Tropical Storm May Form In Same Area That Launched Helene, Milton
Potential New Tropical Storm May Form In Same Area That Launched Helene, Milton The same area that launched two major hurricanes in a two-week span could be the breeding ground for a potential new tropical system. "We expect another gyre to get going over Central America later next week," said AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva, "From this large, slowly spinning area of low pressure, a more distinct area of showers and thunderstorms may form, and from that, a tropical depression or tropical storm may evolve." The system could take two possible paths -- either northern (as Helene and Milton did) or southern. (See the first image above.) Meanwhile, …
Hudson Valley County Unveils New EV Portable Charging Station Hudson Valley County Unveils New EV Portable Charging Station
Hudson Valley County Unveils New EV Portable Charging Station A Hudson Valley government has unveiled the county's latest vehicle charging station, which is entirely off the grid and can be used in remote areas. The new portable charging facility is currently stationed at the Ulster County Office Complex on Ulster Avenue in Kingston. Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said on Tuesday, Sept. 24, the station is powered entirely by solar energy and equipped with solar battery storage to help during power outages. It joins other charging stations in the county and will be relocated to its new home in the Ashokan Trail parking lot off Route 28 in Boicevi…
'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:…
Northern Westchester Resident Cited For Efforts To Make 'Ultimate Energy-Efficient Home' Northern Westchester Resident Cited For Efforts To Make 'Ultimate Energy-Efficient Home'
Northern Westchester Resident Cited For Efforts To Make 'Ultimate Energy-Efficient Home' A Northern Westchester resident has received national recognition for his efforts to create the ultimate energy-efficient home almost completely from scratch.  Ossining resident Daniel Colombini was honored with a 2024 US Department of Energy Housing Innovation Award for his "passive house," according to Goldman Copeland, the New York City-based consulting engineering firm where he is a Principal.  Colombini's house is one of only 24 in the country to receive the honor and one of only two in New York. The other is located in the Ulster County town of Esopus.&nb…
Nation's Largest Offshore Wind Project Breaks Ground In NY On Way To Powering 600K Homes Nation's Largest Offshore Wind Project Breaks Ground In NY On Way To Powering 600K Homes
Nation's Largest Offshore Wind Project Breaks Ground In NY On Way To Powering 600K Homes Work on the nation’s largest offshore wind project is officially underway in New York. On Long Island, local and state leaders attended a ceremonial groundbreaking at the Boys and Girls Club of Bellport on Wednesday, July 17, for Sunrise Wind, a 924-megawatt project expected to produce enough energy to power 600,000 homes. The project – located approximately 30 miles east of Montauk – will support over 800 union jobs during the construction phase and will lead to economic benefits stretching from the Capital Region to Long Island, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said. Earlier Report: 'Ju…
$26.1M Flood Mitigation Project Starts In Northern Westchester $26.1M Flood Mitigation Project Starts In Northern Westchester
$26.1M Flood Mitigation Project Starts In Northern Westchester Work has started on a $26.1 million flood mitigation project in Northern Westchester just east of the Hudson River. The project will elevate the Annsville Circle as well as a half-mile stretch along Route 6/Route 202 in the town of Cortlandt, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Monday, July 15. “Last July, dozens of state roads in the Hudson Valley were affected by one of the most intense and devastating storms in years, causing mass flooding and road closures, and overwhelming communities,” Hochul said. “Resilient infrastructure is necessary to ensure public safety, and this project in Wes…
Journalist Vs. Chemist: Avlon, Goroff Face Off In Closely-Watched NY Congressional Primary Race Journalist Vs. Chemist: Avlon, Goroff Face Off In Closely-Watched NY Congressional Primary Race
Journalist Vs. Chemist: Avlon, Goroff Face Off In Closely-Watched NY Congressional Primary Race Among the New York races that political pundits are keeping an eye on this Primary Day is that of the journalist versus the chemist. On Long Island, Democrats John Avlon and Nancy Goroff are facing off to determine who will take on Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in November for the state’s 1st Congressional District, representing the eastern two-thirds of Suffolk County. The 51-year-old Avlon is a former political analyst at CNN who previously served as a columnist and associate editor for The New York Sun. He was also the chief speech writer for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Ea…
'Just The Beginning': Nation's First Utility-Scale Offshore Wind Farm Completed Off NY Coast 'Just The Beginning': Nation's First Utility-Scale Offshore Wind Farm Completed Off NY Coast
'Just The Beginning': Nation's First Utility-Scale Offshore Wind Farm Completed Off NY Coast If you’re reading this, there’s a possibility that the electricity to power your device came from the country’s first utility-scale offshore wind farm. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the completion of the South Fork Wind project on Thursday, March 14, capping off more than two years of construction that began in February 2022. As of Thursday, all 12 of the project’s offshore wind turbines were up and running roughly 35 miles off the coast of Long Island, delivering power to Nassau and Suffolk counties and the Rockaways, the governor’s office said. Earlier Report: 'Momentous St…
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…
Westchester Students Among 300 Semifinalists Nationwide In Prestigious Regeneron Competition Westchester Students Among 300 Semifinalists Nationwide In Prestigious Regeneron Competition
Westchester Students Among 300 Semifinalists Nationwide In Prestigious Regeneron Competition Dozens of students from New York have been named semifinalists in the country’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. The Society for Science announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search for 2024 on Wednesday, Jan. 10. Participants were whittled down from 2,162 applicants from 712 high schools across 46 states, Puerto Rico, and 10 other countries. Students were chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, and community involvement, as well as a commitment to academics and creativity in asking scientific …
'Momentous Step': First Turbine Completed For Offshore Wind Farm To Power NY Homes 'Momentous Step': First Turbine Completed For Offshore Wind Farm To Power NY Homes
'Momentous Step': First Turbine Completed For Offshore Wind Farm To Power NY Homes Efforts to power tens of thousands of New York homes with the state’s first offshore wind farm have marked another major milestone. Crews working on the South Fork Wind farm, located approximately 35 miles off the coast of Long Island, have finished installing the first of 12 wind turbines, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced Monday, Nov. 20. It comes months after crews wrapped up work on the project’s first monopile foundation in June 2023. Earlier Report: Offshore Wind Farm To Power Long Island Homes Marks Major Construction Milestone Once completed, the wind farm will connect to t…
Familiar Face Throws Hat In Ring For Congressional Seat Now Held By Embattled George Santos Familiar Face Throws Hat In Ring For Congressional Seat Now Held By Embattled George Santos
Familiar Face Throws Hat In Ring For Congressional Seat Now Held By Embattled George Santos Former New York Rep. Tom Suozzi is officially jostling for his old job, joining nearly two dozen other political hopefuls looking to ouster embattled Long Island Congressman George Santos from office in 2024. Suozzi, a Democrat who represented the 3rd District covering parts of Nassau County and Queens from 2016 to 2022, formally announced his run Tuesday, Oct. 10. “The madness in Washington, DC, and the absurdity of George Santos remaining in the United States Congress is obvious to everyone,” he said on X, formerly known as Twitter. Former New York Rep. Tom Suozzi.US House Office …
Northern Westchester's Martha Stewart Responds To Critics After Iceberg Backlash Northern Westchester's Martha Stewart Responds To Critics After Iceberg Backlash
Northern Westchester's Martha Stewart Responds To Critics After Iceberg Backlash Martha Stewart clapped back at critics for enjoying a cocktail with a real piece of an iceberg "plucked" from the waters while on a cruise off the east coast of Greenland. “End of the first zodiac cruise from @swanhelleniccruises into a very beautiful fjord on the east coast of greenland. We actually captured a small iceberg for our cocktails tonight," Stewart, age 82, a longtime New Yorker who currently calls the Northern Westchester County hamlet of Katonah home, posted to Instagram on Tuesday, Aug. 29. View this post on Instagram A post sh…
NY's First Offshore Wind Farm Marks Major Construction Milestone NY's First Offshore Wind Farm Marks Major Construction Milestone
NY's First Offshore Wind Farm Marks Major Construction Milestone Efforts to power tens of thousands of New York homes using the state’s first offshore wind farm have marked a major construction milestone. The South Fork Wind farm, located approximately 35 miles off the coast of Long Island, achieved its “steel in the water” milestone with the installation of the project’s first monopile foundation, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced Thursday, June 22. Expected to be in operation by the end of 2023, the project will feature 12 wind turbines connected to the power grid via an underwater cable that can power 70,000 Long Island homes. It will mark the fi…
Significant Storm Possible At Week's End: Separate Rounds Of Precipitation Will Come First Significant Storm Possible At Week's End: Separate Rounds Of Precipitation Will Come First
Significant Storm Possible At Week's End: Separate Rounds Of Precipitation Will Come First Separate rounds of precipitation will precede a potentially more significant storm on track for the region at the end of the week. Tuesday, Feb. 7 will be clear and brisk during the day before the arrival of a frontal system that will moderate temperatures. The system will move across the region late in the afternoon and in the evening, bringing mixed precipitation, with mainly showers and light snow and areas of sleet or freezing rain that could result in localized slippery travel farthest north and inland.  After the front passes, the high temperature on Wednesda…
Topsy-Turvy Stretch Will Feature Near-Record Warmth Then Chance For Sleet, Snow In Some Spots Topsy-Turvy Stretch Will Feature Near-Record Warmth Then Chance For Sleet, Snow In Some Spots
Topsy-Turvy Stretch Will Feature Near-Record Warmth Then Chance For Sleet, Snow In Some Spots A mild air mass could bring near-record warm temperatures for this time of year will be followed just days later by a dip in temperatures with the potential for sleet and snow in parts of the region. Temperatures will top off at around the 60-degree mark on Wednesday, Jan. 4, according to the National Weather Service. (See the image above.) It will be another mostly cloudy day with some peaks of sunshine. As a cold front approaches late in the day, there will be rainfall in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures will fall on Thursday, Jan. 5 with the high temperature between 10 …
Former Fire Chief Of Northern Westchester Department Named NY Deputy State Fire Administrator Former Fire Chief Of Northern Westchester Department Named NY Deputy State Fire Administrator
Former Fire Chief Of Northern Westchester Department Named NY Deputy State Fire Administrator A former chief of a fire department in Northern Westchester is now the first woman to ever serve as New York's Deputy State Fire Administrator.  Former Armonk Fire Chief Luci Labriola-Cuffe was named to the position, which serves the New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), on Thursday, Dec. 1, OFPC officials announced.  As Deputy State Fire Administrator, Labriola-Cuffe will make sure that the organization's training and education programs meet the new challenges and expanded responsibilities handled by OFPC, including newer threats suc…
Winter 2022-23 Forecast Released By NOAA National Weather Service Winter 2022-23 Forecast Released By NOAA National Weather Service
Winter 2022-23 Forecast Released By NOAA National Weather Service The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has just released its outlook for the winter of 2022-23.with a strong element of uncertainty for this region.La Niña returns for the third consecutive winter, driving warmer-than-average temperatures for the Southwest and along the Gulf Coast and eastern seaboard.  So in a nutshell, for the Lower 48, it comes down to warmer and drier conditions than average in the south, and a bit of a mystery here up north. NOAA's National Weather Service forecasters are predicting that much of the Northeast "falls into the category of eq…
Poll Sheds Light On Highly Contested Race In New NY Congressional District Poll Sheds Light On Highly Contested Race In New NY Congressional District
Poll Sheds Light On Highly Contested Race In New NY Congressional District With just weeks left until Election Day, new polling shows that Democrat Josh Riley is leading his Republican opponent, Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, in the highly contested race for New York’s new 19th Congressional District. The district covers several counties in the central portion of the state, including Sullivan, Greene, and Columbia counties. Riley holds a five-point lead there over Molinaro, 46 to 41 percent, according to a new Spectrum News/Siena College poll of likely voters. Among their parties, Riley garnered support from 83 percent of Democrats while 78 percent of …
This Invasive Insect Spreading Quickly Across Region, Nation, New Study Warns This Invasive Insect Spreading Quickly Across Region, Nation, New Study Warns
This Invasive Insect Spreading Quickly Across Region, Nation, New Study Warns A foul-smelling, invasive insect commonly referred to as a “stink bug” could become a more frequent sight due to climate change, according to a new study published in Pest Management Science. Scientists used data collected over a three-year period from 17 states to try and forecast how changing weather patterns might create a more welcoming environment for the brown marmorated stink bug. Using several potential climate scenarios, modeling found that changing weather could increase suitable habitats for the insect in the United States by 70 percent, researchers found. Areas most likely to b…
More To Come? Research Scientists Spell Out Possible Reasons For Increase In Shark Attacks More To Come? Research Scientists Spell Out Possible Reasons For Increase In Shark Attacks
More To Come? Research Scientists Spell Out Possible Reasons For Increase In Shark Attacks As the number of shark sightings and attacks increase in waters up and down the Atlantic Coast, research scientists say to expect more and point to climate change, and the rebounding of the shark population as the reasons. Researchers say shark populations, which declined as much as 90 percent from the 1970s to the 1990s, are now rebounding as the ecosystem resettles, Robert Hueter, the chief scientist of Ocearch, told The New York Times. But, Hueter also points to climate change at work, saying sharks have moved up the coast to the New York Bight, a wedge formed by the shorelines of Long I…
Venomous 'Parachuting' Spider Species From Asia Headed To East Coast Venomous 'Parachuting' Spider Species From Asia Headed To East Coast
Venomous 'Parachuting' Spider Species From Asia Headed To East Coast A hoard of new eight-legged neighbors will soon be parachuting toward the East Coast as the Joro spider begins making its march toward the region. The invasive species - dubbed “parachuting” for its distinct look and mode of transportation - has already begun making its mark in the south, is expected to begin migrating north, according to a newly released study. Joro spiders have two ways of travel, by hitching a ride on humans or cargo, or by “ballooning up
“ and generating silk threads that can be used as “parachutes” to use the wind to traverse the environment. Joro spider.Wikimedia…
Trump Impeachment Attorney Running For NY AG Trump Impeachment Attorney Running For NY AG
Trump Impeachment Attorney Running For NY AG The trial attorney who served as the majority counsel during former President Donald Trump’s impeachment trials announced that he is running to become “The People’s Lawyer of New York.” Dan Goldman, a Democrat who was the lead prosecutor in the first impeachment probe and as a staff counsel in the second, announced that he is running to replace New York Attorney General Letitia James, who previously announced a gubernatorial run. Related story - 'I'm Running For Governor': NY AG Letitia James Makes It Official The 45-year-old Goldman took to social media to announce his "people-powered ca…
Proposed New Bill Would Ban Noisy Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Statewide Proposed New Bill Would Ban Noisy Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Statewide
Proposed New Bill Would Ban Noisy Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers Statewide New York lawmakers are promoting a new green agenda as they look to potentially put a ban on noisy gas-powered leaf blowers across the state. State Sen. Pete Harckham (who represents parts of Westchester/Putnam/Dutchess counties) promoted a new bill that would amend New York’s energy laws to require zero-emission landscaping devices no later than 2027. The bill includes a potential ban on lawnmowers, lawn edgers, leaf blowers, leaf vacuums, and other landscaping equipment. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), one hour of lawn mower use is the equivalent of driving 300…
Final New York Firefighters Return From Battling Wildfires In Oregon, California Final New York Firefighters Return From Battling Wildfires In Oregon, California
Final New York Firefighters Return From Battling Wildfires In Oregon, California The final four New York State wildland firefighters who were battling blazes in Oregon and California have returned home after completing their two-week assignments. The four firefighters are all Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers, according to an announcement from Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hochul said Ranger Bryan Gallagher, who is from Suffolk County, was a facility unit leader at the Dixie Fire in California.  Ranger Charles Kabrehl, of Warren County, also worked at the Dixie Fire as a task force leader.  Ranger Joseph Hess, from Saratoga County, worked as …
Storm Ida: Nine Deaths Now Reported In NY, Recovery Effort Update Storm Ida: Nine Deaths Now Reported In NY, Recovery Effort Update
Storm Ida: Nine Deaths Now Reported In NY, Recovery Effort Update Gov. Kathy Hochul gave New Yorkers an update on the state's recovery efforts after Tropical Depression Ida carved a destructive path through the region, with record rainfall and nine reported deaths in the state.  Hochul gave the update during a news conference on Thursday, Aug. 2, at the Great Neck Long Island Rail Road station in Nassau County.  Hochul said the Port Washington Line was disrupted and workers and trying to restore the tracks so they'll be safe again. "What we saw last night was nothing short of unprecedented. I cannot imagine a community having gone through …
July Was Hottest Month Ever Recorded On Earth, NOAA Says July Was Hottest Month Ever Recorded On Earth, NOAA Says
July Was Hottest Month Ever Recorded On Earth, NOAA Says The world broke a dubious record last month as the Earth’s climate continues heating up. July was the hottest month ever recorded, according to new data released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), causing more concern for those anxious about climate change. The combined land- and ocean-surface temperature around the world was 1.67 degrees Fahrenheit above the average of 60.4 degrees, according to NOAA — making July the hottest month on Earth since record-keeping started 142 years ago. “In this case, first place is the worst place to be,” NOAA Administrator Ri…