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Kathy Hochul

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…
Hochul Provides Update On Wildfires In Region Hochul Provides Update On Wildfires In Region
Hochul Provides Update On Wildfires In Region As the wildfires continue to burn across the Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul updated what's being done to mitigate and contain them. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Hochul said a multi-agency response had been deployed to fires in Orange and Ulster counties in close coordination with local fire departments and first responders.  According to Hochul, an aerial investigation shows the Orange County fire named the Jennings Creek/Sterling State Park wildfire in New York and New Jersey now encompasses 5,000 acres, half of which is in New York, and is 10 percent contained in both states. The fire in …
Ex-NY Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin, UAlbany Grad, Named To Trump's Cabinet Ex-NY Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin, UAlbany Grad, Named To Trump's Cabinet
Ex-NY Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin, UAlbany Grad, Named To Trump's Cabinet President-elect Donald Trump has selected former New York congressman and gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin to run the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In a statement on Monday, Nov. 11, Trump said Zeldin "will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses," adding that Zeldin will still maintain "the highest environmental standards." In a post on social media, Zeldin said, "It is an honor to join President Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator. "We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto indu…
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 (DEC), there’s a special place in hell for you.” In a…
Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In This Capital Region  Locale Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In This Capital Region  Locale
Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In This Capital Region 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 …
$26.3 Million Road Project Begins In Region $26.3 Million Road Project Begins In Region
$26.3 Million Road Project Begins In Region 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…
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…
750-Plus Acres Added To State Park Provides Access To Appalachian Trail 750-Plus Acres Added To State Park Provides Access To Appalachian Trail
750-Plus Acres Added To State Park Provides Access To Appalachian Trail Two several-hundred-acre land parcels have been added to a popular state park spanning two counties in the Hudson Valley, officials announced.  In an announcement on Thursday, Oct. 3, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed the addition of 763 acres to Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park in Putnam and Dutchess counties.  The added acres will go towards meeting the state's goal of conserving 30 percent of its land and waters by 2030, Hochul said. The land acquisition consists of a 530-acre parcel with a new access point for the park's recreational facilities and the long-dist…
Soldiers Stationed In NY Sent To Help Helene Recovery Efforts As Death Toll Hits 200 Soldiers Stationed In NY Sent To Help Helene Recovery Efforts As Death Toll Hits 200
Soldiers Stationed In NY Sent To Help Helene Recovery Efforts As Death Toll Hits 200 Several engineer soldiers with the New York State National Guard, including some stationed in Northern Westchester, have been sent to help southern communities bounce back from the damage caused by Hurricane Helene. A total of 20 engineer soldiers, including some stationed at Camp Smith in Cortlandt, have been deployed to South Carolina to support the recovery efforts, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday, Oct. 3. There, they will report to the South Carolina Army National Guard's Readiness Center in Greenville, South Carolina. They were deployed alongside 17 pieces of heavy equipment, i…
Final Phase Of Construction On Castleton Bridge Begins In Rensselaer County Final Phase Of Construction On Castleton Bridge Begins In Rensselaer County
Final Phase Of Construction On Castleton Bridge Begins In Rensselaer County Get ready for a few traffic nightmares, but it will be worth it, says New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. Hochul announced the latest mega-million project on Monday, Sept. 23. It will take place in Albany and Rensselaer counties as work begins on the $38.2 million bridge superstructure rehabilitation and resiliency project on the historic Castleton-On-Hudson Bridge over the Hudson River. The project is the final step in the Thruway Authority’s restoration of the more than one-mile blue cantilever truss bridge, which is traveled by more than six million vehicles annually. “The Castleton Bridge is a…
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…
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…
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Reveals Cancer Diagnosis: 'Keep An Eye On Your Body' NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Reveals Cancer Diagnosis: 'Keep An Eye On Your Body'
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Reveals Cancer Diagnosis: 'Keep An Eye On Your Body' New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is recovering from cancer. The 66-year-old Democrat revealed that she was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer, in a post on X Friday morning, Sept. 13. Appearing alongside her doctor, Hochul said she would undergo an outpatient procedure to remove a spot of skin cancer on her nose. She discovered the abnormality during a routine check-up. Three hours later, she made another post on X saying the procedure had been successful. “Hi New York. Back on the job after having basal cell carcinoma removal from my nose right here,” she said. “…
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…
New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY
New Law Will Put A Student On Every School Board In NY There will soon be a student on every school board in New York.A new law requiring all state boards of education to have at least one student member will take effect on July 1, 2025. The students will attend public meetings, but not executive sessions, and won't be allowed to vote. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed the bill on Thursday, Sept. 5. It will also remove the current law requirement that a student member seat be authorized by referendum of the voters of the district.  The bill would also remove the requirement that a student member be a senior at the school and instead require only …
COVID-19: Hochul Urges NYers To Receive New Vaccines Ahead Of Flu Season COVID-19: Hochul Urges NYers To Receive New Vaccines Ahead Of Flu Season
Covid-19: Hochul Urges NYers To Receive New Vaccines Ahead Of Flu Season Now that the new COVID-19 vaccine is available in New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging residents to get their updated shots ahead of this year's respiratory virus illness season. Related story - COVID-19: New XEC Strain 'Just Getting Started' Sparks Concern Amid Summer Wave Of US Cases In an announcement this week, Hochul encouraged eligible New Yorkers to get the new Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccine for the 2024-2025 season, offered by Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax.  According to Hochul, receiving the new vaccine is more pressing as students return to school and …
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 …
NYers Urged To Protect Themselves From Life-Threatening Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Hochul NYers Urged To Protect Themselves From Life-Threatening Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Hochul
NYers Urged To Protect Themselves From Life-Threatening Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Hochul As Labor Day weekend approaches, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging residents to take precautions against mosquito bites to protect themselves against illnesses, including one that killed a 41-year-old man in the Northeast.  In an announcement on Friday, Aug. 30, Hochul said those who venture outside during the holiday weekend should do so while taking steps to prevent mosquito bites, as cases of diseases caused by the pesky bugs are on the rise.  "We want people to get outside this Labor Day weekend and enjoy the beauty that is New York State, but we want them to do so safely w…
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…
All-New NY Mobile ID Off To Great Start With Tens Of Thousands Of Users: 'Key Step' All-New NY Mobile ID Off To Great Start With Tens Of Thousands Of Users: 'Key Step'
All-New NY Mobile ID Off To Great Start With Tens Of Thousands Of Users: 'Key Step' Tens of thousands of New Yorkers are embracing the future by using a digital version of their state-issued driver's license or identification on their smartphones, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.  Hochul just revealed that over 100,000 New York residents have finished their enrollment for a New York Mobile ID on their phones.  Earlier Report - Brand-New Mobile ID Launches In NY, Promises 'Convenience, Security' The voluntary product, available for iOS and Android, was designed for "convenience and security" and can be downloaded by anyone with a valid, New York state-issued dri…
Hochul Declares State Of Emergency For All Of NY, Sends Water Rescue Teams Hochul Declares State Of Emergency For All Of NY, Sends Water Rescue Teams
Hochul Declares State Of Emergency For All Of NY, Sends Water Rescue Teams As the remnants of Tropical Storm Debby slam much of New York with flooding, dangerous winds, and threaten to bring tornadoes, Gov. Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency and mobilized rescue teams. The declaration came on Friday, Aug. 9 after Debby's remnants arrived in New York, bringing severe flooding and gusty winds to much of the state as it moves northeast.  In addition to flooding, the storm system's arrival has also prompted tornado watches for parts of the Hudson Valley and Capital Region. Hochul's declaration covers the entire state. Related Report - Tornado …
Details Emerge On Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide Whose $3.5M Manhasset Home Was Searched By FBI Details Emerge On Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide Whose $3.5M Manhasset Home Was Searched By FBI
Details Emerge On Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide Whose $3.5M Manhasset Home Was Searched By FBI A former top aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo whose Long Island home was searched by the FBI earlier this week was fired by the state last year after "evidence of misconduct, according to new reports. According to a report by Politico, Linda Sun was terminated by the Department of Labor in 2023 for “misconduct.”  “Immediately upon discovering the evidence of misconduct, the administration referred the matter to law enforcement authorities,” a source told Politico. The 40-year-old Sun's $3.5 million Manhasset home was searched by FBI agents Tuesday morni…
FBI Conducts Pre-Dawn Search Of Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide's $3.5M NY Home: Report FBI Conducts Pre-Dawn Search Of Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide's $3.5M NY Home: Report
FBI Conducts Pre-Dawn Search Of Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide's $3.5M NY Home: Report FBI agents searched the $3.5 million home of a former deputy chief of staff to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who also held a high position under ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a new report says. Click here for a new, updated story: Details Emerge On Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide Whose $3.5M Manhasset Home Was Searched By FBI The red-bricked home of Linda Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, is located on Long Island's North Shore, in a gated community in the hamlet of Manhasset.  According to The New York Times, the search was conducted Tuesday morning, July 23. It is unclear what potential crime…
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…
Severe Heat, High Humidity Will Pose Significant Health Risk To NYers, Hochul Warns Severe Heat, High Humidity Will Pose Significant Health Risk To NYers, Hochul Warns
Severe Heat, High Humidity Will Pose Significant Health Risk To NYers, Hochul Warns Gov. Kathy Hochul is warnig New Yorkers that severe heat and high humidity will pose a significant health risk from Monday, July 15, through Wednesday, July 17. Temperatures during that stretch are likely to bring dangerous heat indexes between 95 and 104 degrees across the entire state.  New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Mohawk Valley, and Southern Tier, also have a marginal risk for severe thunderstorms in the afternoon into the evening on Monday. Air quality health advisories for ozone are also in effect for New York City and Long Island on Monday from 11 a.m. to 11 p…
New Advisory Issued To NYers For Extreme Heat, Severe Storms, Unhealthy Air: Hochul New Advisory Issued To NYers For Extreme Heat, Severe Storms, Unhealthy Air: Hochul
New Advisory Issued To NYers For Extreme Heat, Severe Storms, Unhealthy Air: Hochul New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is urging residents to stay safe and hydrated as hot, humid air rolls into much of the state ahead of severe storms predicted to bring heavy rains and flash flooding.  In an announcement on Monday, July 8, Hochul warned that above-average temperatures and high humidity would arrive in the state in the next few days. This includes "feels like temperatures" at or above 95 degrees, which can cause an increased risk of heat illnesses, Hochul's office said.  Related Report - Rounds Of Thunderstorms Expected Over Span Of Days: Here's Timing In res…
Free Pool Access For Summer: Hochul Launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign At NY Parks Free Pool Access For Summer: Hochul Launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign At NY Parks
Free Pool Access For Summer: Hochul Launches 'Get Offline, Get Outside' Campaign At NY Parks As part of an initiative to promote physical and mental health among young New Yorkers, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that pool entry fees will be waived at state parks this summer. “Summer is here – get offline and get outside.” On Tuesday, July 2, Hochul announced that for the rest of the summer, there will be no entry fees at New York State Parks pools. It’s part of the “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign, which encourages young people and families to prioritize their mental and physical health by taking a break from social media to enjoy recreation and social gatherings outdoors. Poo…
Fourth Of July Crackdown: Extra DUI Patrols To Monitor NY Roads Over Holiday Weekend Fourth Of July Crackdown: Extra DUI Patrols To Monitor NY Roads Over Holiday Weekend
Fourth Of July Crackdown: Extra DUI Patrols To Monitor NY Roads Over Holiday Weekend Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that extra patrols will be on the lookout for drunk and drugged drivers over the Fourth of July weekend. Starting on Wednesday, July 3 at 6 p.m. and lasting through midnight on Sunday, July 7, New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols on highways across the state. The extra patrols will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target reckless and aggressive driving in an effort to curb impaired drivers and target other traffic infractions, Hochul said. “State Police and local law enforcement agencies will once again be out on New Y…
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…
Powerful Storms, Then Sweltering Heat Coming To NY, Hochul Warns: 'Take Every Precaution' Powerful Storms, Then Sweltering Heat Coming To NY, Hochul Warns: 'Take Every Precaution'
Powerful Storms, Then Sweltering Heat Coming To NY, Hochul Warns: 'Take Every Precaution' New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is warning residents to take precautions ahead of a barrage of threatening weather, including severe storms followed by a dangerous heat wave. Hochul's announcement comes as predictions call for a cold front to arrive in the state on Friday, June 14, which is expected to produce thunderstorms with heavy downpours and damaging wind gusts. According to Hochul's office, the storm system could bring several hazards along with it, including flash flooding, dangerous traveling conditions, and power outages.  Related Report - Timing Shifts For Severe Storms W…