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Penn Station Improvements
Commuters exiting Penn Station will experience a more welcome streetscape thanks to $65 million in upgrades planned for the 114-year-old station. A major hub for Long Island riders, the upgrades will include new sidewalks, trees, flowers, and granite pavers, the owner of the property, Vornado Realty Trust, announced.
Hochul's $60M Green Grants: Environmental Stewardship or Political Theater?
Critics argue that while environmental initiatives are essential, the GRG program is more about furthering Hochul's political goals than addressing urgent ecological needs. They point out that the program's objectives, terms like "green streets" and "cleaner air," are seen as politically charged rather than focusing solely on environmental conservation. They also raise significant concerns about the program's potential to be used for political gain rather than for their intended purpose of promoting environmental resilience, a worry that demands our attention.
Suffolk Officials Push Volunteer Responder Bills
Looking to make it easier for local fire departments and ambulance services to recruit and retain volunteers, Suffolk officials called on the state legislature to pass a package of bills to benefit first responders.
Flawed Siena College Poll Misrepresents New Yorkers' Views on Trump Trial
The poll, which included 517 respondents contacted via a dual frame (landline and cell phone) mode and 289 drawn from a proprietary online panel (Lucid), has been criticized for its sampling methods. By relying on a combination of landline calls, cell phone interviews initiated via text, and online surveys, the poll may have inadvertently skewed results and failed to capture a genuinely representative sample of New Yorkers. This underscores the need for more accurate and representative polling methods.
Conservatives Condemn Campus Protests
That's how the New York State Conservative Party describes pro-Palestinian protestors on college campuses here in New York and across the country.
State Drops Ball on Stolen Vehicle Program
With a 15% increase in thefts from 2022 to 2023, the Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Program hasn't done much over the last three years of tapping motorist insurance premiums.
Supreme Court Could Spike Statewide Funds For New Bills Stadium
While it could be considered a legal "Hail Mary," this case could put the brakes on using $600 million in state funds to construct a new stadium for the only NFL team that currently plays within New York State.
Record Breaking NYS Budget Passed
$237 billion. That's how big of a budget just passed by New York State and approved by Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, along with the Assembly and Senate. Both of those chambers are controlled by a majority of Democrats.
Hate Crime Bill to Protect Emergency Workers
"It's difficult enough for emergency personnel to do their jobs without being subject to attacks by the people they are sworn to serve," said Joseph DeStefano (R, C-Medford), the assembly sponsor of the bill. "Sadly, these workers have been the subject of harassment and, in too many unfortunate cases, deadly assault that can't be characterized as anything else but a hate crime."
Funding Flows: Inside New York's Surprising Financial Shift with Federal Funds
In a momentous financial shift, New York State has recently found itself in an unprecedented position: receiving more financial aid from Washington than it contributes, primarily due to the infusion of historic federal pandemic relief funds. This substantial change in New York's financial dynamics, as revealed in a detailed analysis by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli for Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2022, is a significant departure from the state's traditional role as a net contributor to the federal treasury.
Hochul's Housing Hiccup: $400M for 1,100 Homes Raises Concerns
Governor Kathy Hochul's recent allocation of $412 million towards affordable housing initiatives across New York has ignited a heated debate and intense scrutiny. The initiative, which aims to create and preserve nearly 1,100 affordable homes, has come under fire for its allocation disparities in various regions. This controversy has raised significant questions about the responsible use of taxpayer funds.
Senator Dean Murray, Long Time Capitol Voice
If there's anyone who knows the way around the state Capitol, it's Dean Murray, a Senator who's also served separate terms in the Assembly. The East Patchogue resident has been the area's voice in Albany since 2010 and stands at the forefront of every critical issue that affects Long Island.
Three Clowns in a Room: State Budget Circus Continues
New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar perfectly summed up the dysfunction better known as passing an on-time budget in Albany, when he called the secretive, closed door process as "budget shenanigans."
Public Sector Pays As Hochul Hauls in Millions
Public service sure is paying off for New York Governor Kathy Hochul and her husband Bill. Full disclosure, I know both personally.
Shouldering the Cost: Who Will Foot the Bill for Hochul's Green Agenda?
In the corridors of power in New York, a fierce debate is underway. The state is grappling with the financial realities of Governor Kathy Hochul's ambitious green energy agenda. This discourse is not just fueled by environmental aspirations but also by mounting concerns over the economic burden and public backlash. The key players in this debate are the Governor's administration, environmental advocates, and critics of the state's climate policies.
Cops Kick Hochul Out of Wake for Fallen Officer
At the solemn gathering at a Massapequa Funeral Home on Long Island, the hasty departure of New York Governor Kathy Hochul from the wake of slain New York City Police Officer Jonathan Diller sparked a chorus of claps from bystanders, captured in video footage. A mere ten minutes after her arrival, this abrupt exit cast a shadow over the somber proceedings, leaving many questioning the sincerity of political support in times of tragedy.
Taxpayer Money for Migrants: NYC Mayor Faces Backlash!
New York City's latest initiative, a six-week pilot program doling out preloaded debit cards to migrants for necessities like food and baby supplies, is under fire for its hefty contract and perceived handouts. While city officials defend it as a trial run, critics decry it as a misuse of taxpayer funds and an incentive for illegal immigration.
Stopping Anti Semitism in its Ugly Tracks
Even before the horrific attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7th of last year, the New York State Republican Senate Minority created an "antisemitism working group" with the goal of collecting a report on rampant discrimination and attacks on Jews across New York State.
The Rise, Fall, and Lonely Death of Sheldon Silver
No one knows the power, anger, and wretched wrath Sheldon Silver once yielded in the halls of Albany more than former Democratic New York State Assemblyman Michael "Mickey" Kearns.
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Stony Brook students blend fitness and ecology in 3K EcoWalk
Stony Brook University students participated in the "Running Wild 3K EcoWalk," a new Earthstock event conducted on April 21 at the Ashley Schiff Preserve.
Justice in Motion: Five MS-13 Gangbangers Indicted in Blue Point Beach Killing
Lopez-Lopez, 27, of Central Islip, was a former MS-13 member suspected of turning informant. His body was left on the shoreside (pictured) at the end of Blue Point Avenue back in early March.
Leave Fireworks to the Pros or Risk Tragedy This Fourth of July
Suffolk officials warn against illegal fireworks, want residents to enjoy the July 4th holiday without blowing themselves up.