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Sunday, dec 22
Tag:
Kathy Hochul
News
Restaurant Reservation ‘Black Market’ Target Of NY Law Signed By Gov. Hochul
New Yorkers can now enjoy fairer access to coveted restaurant reservations. A new law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday, Dec. 19, prohibits third-party reservation platforms from arranging reservations without a restaurant's consent. The platforms often charge consumers additional fees, creating a costly “black market” for popular dining spots and making it harder for diners to secure tables without paying a premium. “We’re putting an end to the predatory black market for restaurant reservations — protecting consumers and businesses, and giving everyone a chance to get a seat at the …
News
Grounded: FAA Temporarily Bans Drones Over Parts Of Long Island Amid Mystery Sightings
Think twice about launching that drone. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued temporary flight restrictions over parts of Long Island on Friday, Dec. 20, amid mysterious drone sightings in the region. Restrictions are in effect until Sunday, Jan. 19, over locations determined by the FAA to be critical infrastructure sites, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office. Among the Long Island locales on the list are Oceanside, Roslyn Heights, Levittown, Melville, and Commack. "Since mid-November, New York has been carefully monitoring reports of drone activity and we have been communic…
News
CEO Murder: Manhattan Grand Jury Indicts Luigi Mangione, Could Be Extradited To NY In Days
Luigi Mangione, the man accused of killing former UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on Tuesday, Dec. 17. Mangione is charged with one count of first-degree murder in furtherance of terrorism and two counts of second-degree murder. Mangione, a 26-year-old Maryland native, had fled New York City after the high-profile targeted assassination outside the New York Hilton in Manhattan on Wednesday, Dec. 4. UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. UnitedHealthcare After a days-long manhunt, Mangione was apprehended at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsy…
News
Mysterious Drones Spotted Over Long Island Amid Growing Local, State Monitoring Efforts
Mysterious drones that have sparked concerns across New Jersey and New York in recent weeks have now been spotted over Long Island. Local town Facebook and Nextdoor groups were inundated with reported sightings of the so far unexplained aircraft over the weekend, including in Oyster Bay, Huntington Station, Seaford, Northport, West Babylon, and Smithtown. The drones, first reported in mid-November over New Jersey, have caused disruptions and rampant speculation across the region. Notably, operations at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor were halted for nearly an hour on Friday, De…
News
New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport To Shut Down
Following an incident at a New York airport that disrupted operations, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that federal partners are deploying a state-of-the-art drone detection system to New York State. The announcement follows a significant disruption in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor, where a drone forced a temporary shutdown of the airport’s runways, delaying flights. State and federal agencies are continuing their investigation into the incident. After that event, Hochul called for additional resources to bolster drone detection and response …
News
Drone Disruption Shuts Down Runways At NY Airport, Prompts Hochul Call For Federal Action
Runways at a Hudson Valley airport were brought to a halt after drone activity disrupted operations for approximately an hour, prompting New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to escalate calls for immediate federal intervention. Click here for a new, updated story: New Drone Detection System Coming To NY After Incident Forces Airport To Shut Down Hochul said the incident happened in Orange County on Friday, Dec. 13, at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor. “This has gone too far,” Hochul stated, addressing growing concerns over unauthorized drones in sensitive airspace. The incident ma…
Politics
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…
News
Five New Laws Save New Yorkers Money, Offer Transparency
Five new laws signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul will make it easier for residents to do everything from canceling health memberships to learning about restaurant sanitary inspections while saving them money. “At a time when New Yorkers are experiencing the devastating effects of rising prices, it’s important that I do everything I can to put more money back in their pockets,” Hochul said. Here are the five new laws: Canceling health club memberships: Health clubs must accept the cancellation of membership within 10 days of receiving the request. The previous law gave them 15 days.…
Politics
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 …
News
Anthem Reverses Anesthesia Coverage Cap After Outcry In NY, CT
New York and Connecticut residents can breathe easier: Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision to impose time limits on anesthesia coverage during procedures, officials announced Thursday, Dec. 5. The policy, initially set to take effect on Feb. 1, 2025, would have capped anesthesia coverage if a procedure exceeded an arbitrary time limit, regardless of medical necessity, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The decision applied to residents in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri. Facing backlash from patients, healthcare advocates, and state leaders, Anth…
News
Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released After Long Island Native's Death
President-elect Donald Trump vowed swift vengeance if the hostages taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israel aren’t released soon. In a post on Truth Social Monday, Dec. 2, Trump said there would be “ALL HELL TO PAY” in the Middle East for those behind that Oct. 7, 2023 attack unless all hostages were released before his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025. “Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it’s all talk, and no action!” Trump said. “Please let this TRUTH serve to represent th…
News
Israeli-American Citizen From LI, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Dead In Oct. 7 Attack
More than a year of agonizing uncertainty has come to a tragic end for the family of a New York native thought to have been taken hostage during the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Omer Neutra, from Long Island’s Plainview, was killed during the attacks that claimed the lives of another 1,200 men, women, and children, the Israeli government confirmed Monday, Dec. 2. The 21-year-old moved to Israel when he was 18 to join the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) during a gap year, his parents Orna and Ronen said in a video shared by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). …
Police & Fire
NY State Launches Statewide DWI Crackdown, Extra Patrols For Thanksgiving Travel
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced a statewide surge in law enforcement patrols and safety measures to protect travelers during Thanksgiving week, one of the busiest and riskiest times for road travel. The detail will run through Sunday, Dec. 1 after launching Saturday, Nov. 23. “Thanksgiving kicks off the busiest travel season of the year, and we want everyone to reach their friends and loved ones safely,” Hochul said. “I urge drivers to stay alert, stay sober, and move over when you see vehicles stopped on the side of the road.” In response, New York State officials are rampin…
News
FEMA Denies Emergency Assistance For Suffolk County 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…
Politics
Former Suffolk County 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…
News
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…
News
Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In This Long Island 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 …
Politics
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…
News
State Awards $3.5M For Shoreline Restoration At Long Island Beaches
New York State will spend millions of dollars rebuilding Long Island beaches. The state has allocated $3.5 million for shoreline restoration projects at Tobay and Overlook beaches in the wake of significant storm damage and erosion. Fortification work will include dredging the Fire Island Inlet and placing nearly 1.25 million cubic yards of sand at Gilgo State Park, Tobay Beach, and Overlook Beach. The project will help protect communities and important recreation areas from severe weather events driven by climate change, and create jobs that boost local economies, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s offi…
News
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…
News
NY Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus With No Vaccine: '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…
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…
News
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. “…
Politics
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…
Schools
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 …
News
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 …
News
Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide From Long Island Raked In Millions As 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 …
News
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…
News
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…
News
Homeowners Impacted By Suffolk Co. Flooding Could Get Up To $50K In Repair Grants; Here's How
Help is on the way for Long Island homeowners who were impacted by severe flooding. Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a disaster emergency for Suffolk County on Friday, Aug. 23, following this week’s record rainfall that resulted in major flooding to homes and businesses, and washed out several roads. Hochul’s office also announced that impacted homeowners may be eligible for grants of up to $50,000 to fund or reimburse certain qualifying health and safety related repairs not covered by insurance or other relief programs. Earlier Report: 'We Will Rebuild': Powerful Storm, Flooding Leave Tr…
News
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…
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