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'Must Be Changed': Drugged Driving Loophole Target Of NY Bill Amid Rising Fatalities 'Must Be Changed': Drugged Driving Loophole Target Of NY Bill Amid Rising Fatalities
'Must Be Changed': Drugged Driving Loophole Target Of NY Bill Amid Rising Fatalities New York state lawmakers are considering legislation aimed at expanding the definition of drugged driving amid a rise in fatal crashes. A bill sponsored by Democratic Sen. John Mannion and co-sponsored by two Republicans would change the definition of “drug” in the vehicle and traffic law to include any substance or combination of substances that impairs one’s ability to drive. Under current state law, drivers who are obviously impaired by a drug can only be arrested and prosecuted if the substance they are on is listed in a specific section of the Public Health Law. The problem, proponent…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
COVID-19: Westchester Cluster Focus Area Upgraded To Orange Warning Zone COVID-19: Westchester Cluster Focus Area Upgraded To Orange Warning Zone
Covid-19: Westchester Cluster Focus Area Upgraded To Orange Warning Zone A COVID-19 micro-cluster focus area in the Hudson Valley has just been upgraded to an Orange Warning Zone. The zone is located in Westchester County. Based on data metrics, Port Chester's yellow zone will make the transition, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The seven-day average positivity rate in Port Chester has been above 3 percent for 10 days, meeting the metrics for an orange warning zone declaration. The Hudson Valley's two other micro-cluster focus areas are an orange zone in Rockland County and a yellow zone in Orange County. Orange zones move schools…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: NY Announces $20,000 Fine For Promoter Of Concert That Drew Thousands COVID-19: NY Announces $20,000 Fine For Promoter Of Concert That Drew Thousands
Covid-19: NY Announces $20,000 Fine For Promoter Of Concert That Drew Thousands The promoter of a summer concert that drew thousands of people amid the COVID-19 pandemic has been fined $20,000 by the state. The Department of Health has charged "In the Know Experiences," the concert promoter of the July concert held on Long Island in the Hamptons, featuring the band the Chainsmokers with violating the Public Health Law and is seeking the $20,000 in fines for holding a non-essential gathering and failure to enforce mask-wearing. On Saturday, July 25, "In the Know Experiences" held the "Safe and Sound Concert Series" featuring the Chainsmokers at Nova's Ark Project in Wat…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: Rockland Cluster Communities Cited For Lack Of Compliance, State May Withhold Funds COVID-19: Rockland Cluster Communities Cited For Lack Of Compliance, State May Withhold Funds
Covid-19: Rockland Cluster Communities Cited For Lack Of Compliance, State May Withhold Funds Some Rockland County communities where COVID-19 clusters have cropped up are facing strict sanctions if they don’t step up enforcement efforts to stop the spread of the virus. Last week, Rockland County saw a spike in COVID-19 infection rates, which peaked over 6 percent, compared to the rest of the state, which has hovered around 1 percent for weeks, prompting Gov. Andrew Cuomo to launch a “cluster action initiative” to attack the hotspots. Earlier story - COVID-19: Rockland DOH Inspectors Join State Police In Enforcement At Cluster Zones Despite the new restrictions - which include the l…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
COVID-19: Local Governments Can Now Be Fined $10K A Day At Virus Hotspots In NY COVID-19: Local Governments Can Now Be Fined $10K A Day At Virus Hotspots In NY
Covid-19: Local Governments Can Now Be Fined $10K A Day At Virus Hotspots In NY Local governments at New York COVID hotspots can now be fined up to $10,000 a day if they failed to enforce compliance with the state's pandemic protocols.  Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Friday, Oct. 2 that the Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker is sending send an order to COVID hotspot local governments establishing a framework for reporting their enforcement activities. The letter also states specific consequences for failure to enforce the State Department of Health emergency regulations and the Cuomo's executive orders related to social distancing, mask compliance, and capac…

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by Joe Lombardi
Schools
COVID-19: Large Gathering 'May Have Done Enough To Shut Down Campus,' Syracuse University Says COVID-19: Large Gathering 'May Have Done Enough To Shut Down Campus,' Syracuse University Says
Covid-19: Large Gathering 'May Have Done Enough To Shut Down Campus,' Syracuse University Says A large gathering of first-year students at Syracuse University in violation of the school’s COVID-19 guidelines could lead to a campus shutdown, officials said. On Wednesday, Aug. 19, the crowd of more than 100 students were documented failing to socially distance themselves or wear face coverings on the school’s quad. The University’s COVID-19 rules don’t permit gatherings of more than 25 or more people, all of whom are directed to physically distance and wear face coverings. On Thursday, Aug. 20, Syracuse officials responded with a statement vowing to track down the students who were ca…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
New York Expands Marijuana Decriminalization After Bid To Legalize Pot Fails New York Expands Marijuana Decriminalization After Bid To Legalize Pot Fails
New York Expands Marijuana Decriminalization After Bid To Legalize Pot Fails Marijuana has not been legalized in New York -- but soon it will no longer be a crime if you are a possession of smaller amounts. State Senators approved legislation late Thursday, June 20 to decriminalize its use.  The new law could eventually clear marijuana conviction records for tens of thousands of people and make future violations for possessing small amounts of weed punishable by a $50 fine. Senate Democratic leaders said the legislation aims to address racial disparities in antiquated marijuana drug laws.  "Communities of color have borne the brunt of New York State’s ma…

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by Jon Craig