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Kathy Hochul

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…
$32M Resurfacing Project Begins On I-287 Stretch $32M Resurfacing Project Begins On I-287 Stretch
$32M Resurfacing Project Begins On I-287 Stretch Work has commenced on a multi-million dollar project that will restore a well-used stretch of highway in Westchester, officials announced.  In an announcement this week, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said a $32.4 million resurfacing project has started on a 5.5-mile stretch of Interstate 287 (Cross Westchester Expressway) between Westchester Avenue in Harrison and Route 1 in Rye.  According to Hochul, the project will repair road joints, add new pavement, and upgrade road striping on the stretch of highway, which is part of one of the busiest roadways in the Hudson Valley. …
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…
$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…
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…
Hudson Valley Bridges Get $17.4M In Funding For Rehab In 3 Counties Hudson Valley Bridges Get $17.4M In Funding For Rehab In 3 Counties
Hudson Valley Bridges Get $17.4M In Funding For Rehab In 3 Counties Three Hudson Valley bridges have received funding for rehabilitation in three counties. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday, June 25, that work is underway on a $17.4 million project to rehabilitate three highway bridges in the Hudson Valley, in Rockland, Westchester, and Orange counties. The project will install new decks and road surfaces and make other repairs to bridges along State Route 52 in Orange County, State Route 304 in Rockland County, and Illington Road in Westchester County, which serve thousands of motorists each day and are widely used by commuters to reach the regi…
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 …
Work Begins On Affordable Apartments In Hudson Valley Work Begins On Affordable Apartments In Hudson Valley
Work Begins On Affordable Apartments In Hudson Valley Construction has begun to rehabilitate 212 affordable apartments in three cities and towns in the Hudson Valley. According to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, all three properties are in Ulster County in the cities of Kingston and Saugerties and the town of Ulster. The properties will undergo extensive capital improvements, including sustainability upgrades and the introduction of new energy-efficiency measures. “To make housing more accessible and affordable, we need to increase supply and preserve the homes we already have,” Hochul said. “This project in the Hudson Valley provides over 200 ho…
‘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…
Brand-New Mobile ID Launches In NY, Promises 'Convenience, Security' Brand-New Mobile ID Launches In NY, Promises 'Convenience, Security'
Brand-New Mobile ID Launches In NY, Promises 'Convenience, Security' Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that New Yorkers can now have a digital version of their state-issued driver's license or identification right on their smartphones. Hochul and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles announced on Tuesday, June 11 that the new program, New York Mobile ID, was now available to all New Yorkers. Available to anyone with a smartphone, New York Mobile ID (or MiD) is a highly secure digital version of a state-issued driver's license, learner’s permit, or non-driver identification card that can be used at nearly 30 TSA security checkpoints across the country. …
'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…
Memorial Weekend Busts: Hundreds Arrested In NY For DWI; Here's Breakdown By Region Memorial Weekend Busts: Hundreds Arrested In NY For DWI; Here's Breakdown By Region
Memorial Weekend Busts: Hundreds Arrested In NY For DWI; Here's Breakdown By Region New data from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office unveiled that state police arrested hundreds of people for drunk driving over Memorial Day weekend - and issued tens of thousands of tickets. Hochul released the data on Tuesday, June 4, just over a week after Memorial Day weekend, which saw extra state police enforcement and sobriety checkpoints in anticipation of drunk and distracted driving. “New York State has zero tolerance for drunk and impaired driving, and we are doing everything in our power to prevent the senseless tragedies that result from it,” Hochul said in a statement, adding that he…
Security For World Cricket Cup In NY Ramped Up After Apparent Terror Threat Security For World Cricket Cup In NY Ramped Up After Apparent Terror Threat
Security For World Cricket Cup In NY Ramped Up After Apparent Terror Threat In the wake of an ominous message shared by a pro-ISIS group, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that the World Cricket Cup, held at a Long Island stadium, will see increased security measures. Hochul’s announcement came just days before the first match of the International Cricket Council’s World Cup is set to be held at Eisenhower Stadium in East Meadow. Eisenhower Stadium will begin hosting World Cricket Cup games on Monday, June 3. They will last until Wednesday, June 12.  Though stating that “there is no credible public safety threat at this time,” the governor noted that…
Shuttle Service For New Tappan Zee Bridge Path To Resume Between Westchester, Rockland Shuttle Service For New Tappan Zee Bridge Path To Resume Between Westchester, Rockland
Shuttle Service For New Tappan Zee Bridge Path To Resume Between Westchester, Rockland A free weekend shuttle bus servicing a popular pedestrian and cycling path on the new Tappan Zee Bridge between Westchester and Rockland counties is set to resume operation. The Hudson Link free weekend shuttle bus for the shared-use path on the new Tappan Zee Bridge will restart service on Saturday, May 25, and continue each weekend through Sunday, Oct. 27, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Friday, May 24.  The buses will run every 20 minutes between 9:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. and allow easy access to both sides of the path, which countless pedestrians and cyclists use. Stops …
'I Don't Really Care': DA Flashes Badge, Phones Chief During Tense NY Traffic Stop 'I Don't Really Care': DA Flashes Badge, Phones Chief During Tense NY Traffic Stop
'I Don't Really Care': DA Flashes Badge, Phones Chief During Tense NY Traffic Stop A district attorney in upstate New York is under fire after she was caught on video berating and disobeying a police officer after refusing to pull over for a traffic stop. The tense exchange between Monroe County DA Sandra Doorley and a Webster Police Department officer on Monday, April 22, was captured in a 26-minute video recorded by the officer’s body camera. In the footage, the officer is seen approaching Doorley’s garage moments after she parked her SUV after ignoring his attempts to stop her for speeding. “I’m sorry, I’m the DA. I was going 55 coming home from work,” Doorley tells t…
Give 'Em A Brake: 'Work Zone Awareness Week' Stresses Safer Driving Near NY Road Crews Give 'Em A Brake: 'Work Zone Awareness Week' Stresses Safer Driving Near NY Road Crews
Give 'Em A Brake: 'Work Zone Awareness Week' Stresses Safer Driving Near NY Road Crews Landmarks across New York will be lit up in orange on Wednesday, April 17, to honor state highway workers and encourage safer driving through their work zones. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 19 is Work Zone Awareness Week, with the national theme of “Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever.” The campaign is meant to stress the importance of putting down your phone, reducing your speed, and paying better attention while driving, especially in work zones, state transportation officials said. In 2023, there were 214 document…
Total Solar Eclipse NY Travel Advisory: Arrive Early, Plan On Staying Late, Hochul Says Total Solar Eclipse NY Travel Advisory: Arrive Early, Plan On Staying Late, Hochul Says
Total Solar Eclipse NY Travel Advisory: Arrive Early, Plan On Staying Late, Hochul Says In preparation for a high volume of traffic and visitors for the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is advising travelers to arrive to their destinations early and plan on staying late. In addition, Hochul said on Sunday, April 7, travelers should allow for extra time, monitor the weather forecast before getting on the road, and pack plenty of water and snacks for the trip.  Additionally, drivers should never pull over on the side of the road to view the eclipse to ensure first responders can get by in an emergency.  Related story - Total So…
After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage
After The Quake: All NY State Agencies To Review Infrastructure, Assess Potential For Damage All state agencies in New York will review critical infrastructure and assess the potential for damage following an earthquake and multiple aftershocks.  Gov. Kathy Hochul made that announcement as the US Geological Survey has detected at least 25 aftershocks in Central New Jersey, many of which have been felt in New York and across the region, following the original 4.8 magnitude quake at 10:23 a.m. Friday, April 5. “My top priority is keeping people safe, and I have directed state personnel to take all necessary precautions following yesterday's historic earthquake,” Hochul said. “At…