Tag:

Kathy Hochul

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…
Five New Laws Save New Yorkers Money, Offer Transparency Five New Laws Save New Yorkers Money, Offer Transparency
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.…
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 …
Anthem Reverses Anesthesia Coverage Cap After Outcry In NY, CT Anthem Reverses Anesthesia Coverage Cap After Outcry In NY, CT
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…
Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released After Long Island Native's Death Trump Vows 'Hell To Pay' If Israeli Hostages Aren't Released After Long Island Native's Death
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…
Israeli-American Citizen From LI, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Dead In Oct. 7 Attack Israeli-American Citizen From LI, Thought Taken Hostage, Confirmed Dead In Oct. 7 Attack
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). …
NY State Launches Statewide DWI Crackdown, Extra Patrols For Thanksgiving Travel NY State Launches Statewide DWI Crackdown, Extra Patrols For Thanksgiving Travel
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…
FEMA Denies Emergency Assistance For Suffolk County Residents After Devastating Flooding FEMA Denies Emergency Assistance For Suffolk County Residents After Devastating Flooding
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…
Former Suffolk County Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Named To Trump's Cabinet Former Suffolk County Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Named To Trump's Cabinet
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…
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 Long Island Locale Red Light Camera Programs To Be Extended In This Long Island Locale
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 …
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…
State Awards $3.5M For Shoreline Restoration At Long Island Beaches State Awards $3.5M For Shoreline Restoration At Long Island Beaches
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…
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…
NY Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus With No Vaccine: 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared NY Resident Dies From Rare Mosquito Virus With No Vaccine: 'Imminent Threat To Public' Declared
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…
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 From Long Island Raked In Millions As Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds Ex-Cuomo, Hochul Aide From Long Island Raked In Millions As Agent Of Chinese Government: Feds
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 …
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…
Homeowners Impacted By Suffolk Co. Flooding Could Get Up To $50K In Repair Grants; Here's How Homeowners Impacted By Suffolk Co. Flooding Could Get Up To $50K In Repair Grants; Here's How
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…
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…
Pair Of Shark Sightings Reported At Rockaway Beach Pair Of Shark Sightings Reported At Rockaway Beach
Pair Of Shark Sightings Reported At Rockaway Beach Governor Kathy Hochul announced that state parks would be increasing their shark surveillance capabilities after two shark sightings were reported at at Rockaway Beach, causing closures. The first set of jaws was spotted at just after noon on Thursday, July 11. According to a post by the New York Police Department’s Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry, the shark was captured by surveillance drones - Rockaway Beach at 86th Street. As a result, police closed down the beach from 64th to 104th streets. Be Advised! Our drones have sighted a shark at Rockaway Beach. Beach will be closed…