How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal
How Does $500 'Inflation Refund' Check Sound? Here's Who Qualifies Under Hochul's Proposal New Yorkers could soon see some relief from rising costs. Around 8.6 million taxpayers statewide could stand to benefit from a historic $3 billion in “inflation refund” checks that were proposed by Gov. Kathy Hochul during a speech in the Bronx on Monday, Dec. 9. If approved by lawmakers, the initiative would deliver $300 checks to single taxpayers earning up to $150,000 annually and $500 to joint filers with incomes up to $300,000. The refunds would be funded by surplus sales tax revenue generated during the recent period of high inflations. Hochul said the one-time payments would provide…
NY Law Expands Workers’ Comp For Job-Related Mental Health Crises NY Law Expands Workers’ Comp For Job-Related Mental Health Crises
NY Law Expands Workers’ Comp For Job-Related Mental Health Crises New York is taking a major step toward supporting mental health in the workplace. A bill signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul Friday, Dec. 6, allows employees statewide to file for workers’ compensation for specific types of mental injury caused by extraordinary work-related stress. The crucial protections were previously limited to first responders. “New Yorkers work hard — and those who have experienced the unthinkable while on the job deserve to be treated fairly,” Hochul said. “The mental health crisis our country has experienced since the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, and we need to do …
Trump Taps NY Native Kash Patel, Extreme Loyalist As FBI Director Trump Taps NY Native Kash Patel, Extreme Loyalist As FBI Director
Trump Taps NY Native Kash Patel, Extreme Loyalist As FBI Director President-elect Donald Trump announced that 44-year-old loyalist and New York native Kashyap “Kash” Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,  Trump described Patel as a "brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter, in an announcement shared to social media on Sunday, Dec. 1. He praised Patel’s career of “exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people.” "He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution," Trump sai…
'Oh Bobby': RFK Jr. Goes Full Monty In Shower Video While Wife Hawks Candles 'Oh Bobby': RFK Jr. Goes Full Monty In Shower Video While Wife Hawks Candles
'Oh Bobby': RFK Jr. Goes Full Monty In Shower Video While Wife Hawks Candles Robert Kennedy Jr. has nothing to hide — or at least he wasn’t willing to hide anything — as he got naked and took a shower while his wife filmed a video for her new line of candles. Actress Cheryl Hines posted the video to her Instagram Reels with the caption, "Oh Bobby." She was promoting Black Friday discounts on her new MAHA ("Make America Healthy Again") products for her lifestyle brand Hines+Young. Cheryl Hines posts video of RFK Jr in the shower to promote her line of “MAHA” branded candles, body sprays, and creams. pic.twitter.com/jd4DwQFOmL — PatriotTakes 🇺🇸 (@patriottakes) Nove…
Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic With NY Ties To Lead CDC Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic With NY Ties To Lead CDC
Trump Taps Another Vaccine Skeptic With NY Ties To Lead CDC Another vaccine skeptic with New York ties could soon shape public health policy. President-elect Donald Trump nominated former Florida congressman and physician Dave Weldon to serve as director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Weldon was born on Long Island, in Amityville, and graduated from Stony Brook University in 1978 before earning his M.D. degree at the University of Buffalo in 1981. Earlier Report: Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services “In addition to being a medical doctor for 40 years, and an Ar…
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says
Bomb Threats, Swatting Incidents Target Trump Cabinet Picks, Appointees, Spokesperson Says Several of President-elect Donald Trump’s Cabinet selections and administrative appointees were the targets threats the last two days, a spokesperson said, calling the acts "violent" and "un-American." According to a statement by the Trump-Vance Transition Team on Wednesday, Nov. 27, several individuals associated with the incoming administration were subjected to threats ranging from bomb scares to "swatting" incidents, in which false reports are made to dispatch emergency responders to someone's location. Law enforcement responded swiftly to ensure the safety of those targeted, the team s…
Trump AG Pick Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Consideration Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations Trump AG Pick Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Consideration Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Trump AG Pick Matt Gaetz Withdraws From Consideration Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations Facing stiff opposition in the US Senate, embattled former Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz has withdrawn his name from consideration to be President-elect Donald Trump's attorney general. The 42-year-old Gaetz had been the subject of an investigation by the Justice Department involving allegations of sex trafficking and sex with a minor.  "I had excellent meetings with Senators yesterday," Gaetz posted on social media early Thursday afternoon, Nov. 21. "I appreciate their thoughtful feedback - and the incredible support of so many.  "While the momentum was strong, it is clear that…
Linda McMahon Picked To Head Department Of Education Linda McMahon Picked To Head Department Of Education
Linda McMahon Picked To Head Department Of Education President-elect Donald Trump named Linda McMahon, a prominent figure in business and politics, the next Secretary of the Department of Education. Trump noted McMahon's two years working on the Connecticut Board of Education when nominating her as the nation's top teacher. “As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand 'Choice' to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families,” Trump said in a statement that promised she would be a “fierce advocate for Parents’ Rights.” Related: Dr. Oz Tapped To Oversee Medicare, Medi…
Trump Taps Dr. Oz To Lead Medicare, Medicaid Services Trump Taps Dr. Oz To Lead Medicare, Medicaid Services
Trump Taps Dr. Oz To Lead Medicare, Medicaid Services President-elect Donald J. Trump has nominated Dr. Mehmet Oz to head the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), citing the Pennsylvania-educated heart surgeon’s decades-long dedication to healthcare innovation and public advocacy. The announcement came Tuesday, Nov. 19, as Trump highlighted Oz’s qualifications and ties to the Keystone State. Dr. Oz earned both his medical degree and MBA from the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine and Wharton Business School, making him an Ivy League-trained physician and business leader. Trump lauded his achievements in a statement, ca…
Trump Taps Billionaire Financier, NY Native For Commerce Secretary Trump Taps Billionaire Financier, NY Native For Commerce Secretary
Trump Taps Billionaire Financier, NY Native For Commerce Secretary President-elect Donald Trump has picked another New Yorker for a top Cabinet post. Howard Lutnick, a Long Island native from Jericho and the chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald, is his pick for commerce secretary. “He will lead our tariff and trade agenda, with additional direct responsibility for the Office of the United States Trade Representative,” Trump announced on Truth Social on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Earlier Report: Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services Lutnick, a co-chair of the president-elect’s transition team, has spent …
Trump Names Ex-SEC Chief To Replace Damian Williams As SDNY's Top Prosecutor Trump Names Ex-SEC Chief To Replace Damian Williams As SDNY's Top Prosecutor
Trump Names Ex-sec Chief To Replace Damian Williams As Sdny's Top Prosecutor President-elect Donald Trump is looking to replace Damian Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York, with a familiar face from his previous administration who hails from Pennsylvania.  Trump announced on Thursday, Nov. 14 that he would nominate Jay Clayton, who has no experience as a criminal prosecutor, to be the next US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  Clayton, age 58, previously served as Chairman of the US Securities and Exchange Commission from May 2017 to December 2020, a role in which Trump wrote he "did an incredible job." Before that, he…
Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services
Trump Selects Vaccine-Skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. As Secretary Of Health, Human Services President-elect Donald Trump tapped a controversial New Yorker to oversee public health. Robert F Kennedy Jr. is his choice for secretary of health and human services, Trump announced Thursday, Nov. 14.  "For too long, Americans have been crushed by the industrial food complex and drug companies who have engaged in deception, misinformation, and disinformation when it comes to Public Health," Trump said on Truth Social. Earlier Report: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Suspends Presidential Bid, Backs Donald Trump "The Safety and Health of all Americans is the most important role of any A…
Former NY Rep Paralyzed After Horse Accident Receiving Treatment In NJ: Report Former NY Rep Paralyzed After Horse Accident Receiving Treatment In NJ: Report
Former NY Rep Paralyzed After Horse Accident Receiving Treatment In NJ: Report Former New York Congressman Michael Grimm has been left paralyzed from the chest down after a severe horse-riding accident during a polo tournament, and is being treated in New Jersey, CBS News reports citing a friend of Grimm's.  Grimm, age 54, was thrown from his horse in September and is now undergoing treatment at the renowned Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation, which has locations in West Orange, Saddle Brook, Chester, and Marlton.  Headquartered in West Orange, Kessler is where actor Christopher Reeve was treated following a similar accident in 1995, and was…
'I'll Keep Fighting': Molinaro Concedes In 19th Congressional Race Week After Election Day 'I'll Keep Fighting': Molinaro Concedes In 19th Congressional Race Week After Election Day
'I'll Keep Fighting': Molinaro Concedes In 19th Congressional Race Week After Election Day A week after the general election, Incumbent Republican Congressman Marc Molinaro for District 19 conceded the tight race to his competitor, Democrat Josh Riley. "Our race didn’t go the way we had hoped, but let me tell you, I am so proud of what we’ve built together," said Molinaro on Tuesday night, Nov. 12. Election 2024: Molinaro Waits On Final Absentee Ballots Before Conceding District 19 Race District 19 includes Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, Tioga, and Tompkins counties and parts of Otsego, Rensselaer, and Ulster counties.  With 655 of 656 …
Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency
Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency President-Elect Donald Trump continues to fill his cabinet with loyalists and his biggest supporters following his sweeping victory in last week's election.  He announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, that two billionaire former rivals turned allies, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, would head up his new Department of Government Efficiency.  Related: Trump Nominates NY Rep. Elise Stefanik As UN Ambassador The tech entrepreneur, age 53, and the 39-year-old Harvard and Yale Law grad will be tasked with major cuts in government spending. Trump called it "The Manhattan Project" for a new…
Trump Expected To Select Marco Rubio As Secretary Of State, Kristi Noem To Head DHS Trump Expected To Select Marco Rubio As Secretary Of State, Kristi Noem To Head DHS
Trump Expected To Select Marco Rubio As Secretary Of State, Kristi Noem To Head DHS President-elect Donald Trump is expected to add two well-known national political figures to his Cabinet this week. According to multiple reports, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio will be his choice for secretary of state, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem will lead the Department of Homeland Security. According to The New York Times, which first reported the news, Trump could still change his mind at the last minute about Rubio's selection. The son of Cuban immigrants, the 53-year-old Rubio was elected to the Senate in 2010. He was one of Trump's opponents in the 2016 Republican Presidential prim…
Former NY Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Named To Trump's Cabinet Former NY Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Named To Trump's Cabinet
Former NY Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin 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…
Trump Taps NY Congresswoman Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar Trump Taps NY Congresswoman Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar
Trump Taps NY Congresswoman Elise Stefanik For UN Ambassador Post, Picks Border Czar President-elect Donald Trump has picked one of his strongest allies in Congress to serve as United States ambassador to the United Nations and a former member of his first administration as border czar. Rep. Elise Stefanik, age 40, was first elected to New York's 21st District in 2014 and is the House Republican Conference Chair, the youngest woman to hold that post. "Elise is an incredibly strong, tough, and smart America First fighter," Trump said in a statement to CBS News. CNN first reported the news late Sunday, Nov. 10. Trump also decided on another native New Yorker for a…
Hudson Valley HS Grad AOC Issues Warning After Presidential Election Hudson Valley HS Grad AOC Issues Warning After Presidential Election
Hudson Valley HS Grad AOC Issues Warning After Presidential Election US Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took to social media following Tuesday's presidential election to reflect on the Democratic Party's poor showing.  In a live stream on Instagram on Wednesday, Nov. 6, Ocasio-Cortez, a Democrat who represents New York's 14th congressional district consisting of parts of the Bronx and Queens, addressed followers to discuss the election results including the re-election of former President Donald Trump. "We are about to enter a political period that will have consequences for the rest of our lives,” Ocasio-Cortez, also known as AOC, said during the li…
Trump Names Susie Summerall Wiles, Daughter Of Former NY Giant, As Chief Of Staff Trump Names Susie Summerall Wiles, Daughter Of Former NY Giant, As Chief Of Staff
Trump Names Susie Summerall Wiles, Daughter Of Former NY Giant, As Chief Of Staff President-elect Donald J. Trump has appointed New Jersey native Susan "Susie" Summerall Wiles, the campaign manager of his successful 2024 presidential campaign, as his White House Chief of Staff, according to an announcement made Thursday, Nov. 7. It marks a historic milestone as she will become the first woman to hold the position in US history.  “Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history, and was an integral part of both my 2016 and 2020 successful campaigns,” Trump said in the press release. “Susie is tough, smart, innovative, an…
It's Now 'Logistically Impossible' For Trump To Serve Any Prison Time, Expert Says It's Now 'Logistically Impossible' For Trump To Serve Any Prison Time, Expert Says
It's Now 'Logistically Impossible' For Trump To Serve Any Prison Time, Expert Says Critics hoping to see former President Donald Trump in a jail cell can kiss that fantasy goodbye following his second White House win. The 78-year-old Trump will almost certainly see his myriad legal troubles vanish now that he’s been declared the winner of the 2024 election against Vice President Kamala Harris, said Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor. Trump is currently facing federal charges in Washington, DC, for alleged fraud in the 2020 election, as well as election fraud charges in the state of Georgia. Special Counsel Jack Smith has also appealed a federal judge’s ruling dism…
'Not What We Voted For:' Kamala Harris Delivers Concession Speech After Losing To Trump 'Not What We Voted For:' Kamala Harris Delivers Concession Speech After Losing To Trump
'Not What We Voted For:' Kamala Harris Delivers Concession Speech After Losing To Trump Vice President Kamala Harris has addressed the nation for the first time after losing the 2024 Presidential Election to Donald Trump at her alma mater, Howard University. "The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for not what we voted for," the vice president said. "but hear me when I say the light of America’s promise will always burn bright." Harris urged her supporters to keep fighting before saying, "We must accept the results of this election." The veep said that she spoke to Trump and congratulated him on his victory, "and told him we will help him and h…
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…
Election 2024: Here's NY County-By-County Presidential Roundup, How Rockland Voted Election 2024: Here's NY County-By-County Presidential Roundup, How Rockland Voted
Election 2024: Here's NY County-By-County Presidential Roundup, How Rockland Voted Overall New York State Vote Election Districts Reporting: 13,077 of 13,357  Kamala Harris (D) 54.64%, 4,328,017 votes Donald Trump (R) 43.26%, 3,426,964 votes Breakdown: Albany County Harris 61.01% 87,849 Trump 36.48% 52,532 Allegany County Trump 71.63% 13,102 Harris 27.65% 5,058 Bronx County Harris 71.25% 244,385 Trump 26.69% 91,542 Broome County Trump 49.34% 42,644 Harris 48.70% 42,093 Cattaraugus County Trump 65.79% 21,936 Harris 32.73% 10,914 Cayuga County Trump 55.83% 19,959 Harris 42.74% 15,278 Chautauqua County T…
Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 18th Congressional District Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 18th Congressional District
Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 18th Congressional District With the votes counted, Democratic incumbent Pat Ryan defeated Republican challenger Alison Esposito in New York's 18th Congressional District, according to the New York State Board of Elections. The 18th District includes all of Orange County and most of Dutchess and Ulster counties. The district consists of Newburgh, Beacon, Kingston, and Poughkeepsie. According to the NYS Board of Elections, Ryan beat Esposito 194,237 votes to Esposito's 149,002 votes. Ryan, 42, of Gardiner, is a fifth-generation Hudson Valley native of Kingston, a Kingston High School alum, and the first US Military Ac…
Election 2024: Trump Reclaims Presidency By Securing Wins In Key Battleground States Election 2024: Trump Reclaims Presidency By Securing Wins In Key Battleground States
Election 2024: Trump Reclaims Presidency By Securing Wins In Key Battleground States Crucial triumphs in the key battleground states have lifted former President Donald Trump back to the White House. The 78-year-old Trump was declared winner of the 2024 election against Vice President Kamala Harris just before dawn on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Trump has been projected to win all three "Blue Wall" states of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. With big additional wins in North Carolina and Georgia, he has secured the 270 electoral votes needed to reclaim the presidency, becoming the first president who will serve non-consecutive terms since former Democratic New York Gov. Grover…
Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 17th Congressional District Race Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 17th Congressional District Race
Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 17th Congressional District Race The votes have been tallied, and a projected winner has come out on top in the race for New York's 17th Congressional District seat.  Incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Lawler has emerged as the winner for the House seat representing Rockland and Putnam counties, most of Northern Westchester, and portions of southern Dutchess County, defeating Democratic challenger Mondaire Jones, according to the state Board of Elections. Lawler was leading Jones 52.5 to 45.5 percent with 95 percent of the vote counted as of 2:50 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. Thank you NY-17! https://t.co/GOPZdDcT0l — …
Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 19th Congressional District Race Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 19th Congressional District Race
Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 19th Congressional District Race The votes are in for New York’s Capital Region District 19 congressional seat, where Democrat Josh Riley is on track to defeat Republican incumbent Marc Molinaro, according to The New York Times. New: Molinaro Says District 19 Race To Close To Call, Waiting For Final Absentee Ballots District 19 includes Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins counties and parts of Otsego, Rensselaer, and Ulster counties. According to early projected numbers by the Associated Press, Riley led Molinaro by 127,053 to 96,216, with 59 percent of the vote as of 10:20 …
Election 2024: NY's Controversial Anti-Discrimination Amendment Decided By Voters Election 2024: NY's Controversial Anti-Discrimination Amendment Decided By Voters
Election 2024: NY's Controversial Anti-Discrimination Amendment Decided By Voters New York voters have made their voices heard on a controversial constitutional amendment aimed at expanding anti-discrimination protections. Proposal 1, dubbed the “Equal Rights Amendment,” was approved by voters. The "yes" votes were leading 62 to 28 percent with 34-percent of the vote counted as of 10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, according to the state Board of Elections. It would amend the New York State Constitution to protect against unequal treatment based on the following: Ethnicity, national origin, age or disability Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression Pregnanc…
Election Day Traditions, Superstitions Run Gamut: 'Make Nachos, Drink Heavily' Election Day Traditions, Superstitions Run Gamut: 'Make Nachos, Drink Heavily'
Election Day Traditions, Superstitions Run Gamut: 'Make Nachos, Drink Heavily' After months of endless campaign ads, fundraising texts, rally speeches, and plenty of late-night TV fodder – who could forget, “They’re eating the dogs!!” – you’ve finally cast your ballot. Now what? If you’re like most politically minded Americans, you’ll be glued to wall-to-wall TV coverage, or constantly refreshing (doom scrolling?) your social media feed until a winner is finally projected in the presidential race. Spoiler alert: it could take days. And election-related stress is no joke: A majority of Democrats and Republicans said concern over the presidential race was spiking their …
James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election
James Joins AGs Nationwide Wide Calling For Peaceful Election New York Attorney General Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition of 50 attorneys general are calling for a peaceful election and transfer of power and condemning any potential political violence: “Regardless of the 2024 election outcome, we condemn any and all acts of violence related to its results," the coalition said. The coalition added: "A peaceful transfer of power is the highest testament to the rule of law, a tradition that stands at the heart of our nation’s stability. As Attorneys General, we affirm our commitment to protect our communities and uphold the democratic principles w…