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Championing Justice: Britt Burner's Recognition for Advocating for the Elderly and Disabled
As part of the New York State Bar Association's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 16th, Britt Burner, Esq. was honored with the prestigious 'Advocate for the Elderly Award.' The New York State Bar Association, through its Elder Law and Special Needs Section, bestowed this honor and recognition upon Britt for her unwavering commitment to the advancement of the rights of the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Insights into Elder Law: Strategies for Long-Term Care Planning and Asset Protection in New York
With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day, long-term care planning has become an increasingly important issue across the United States, including in New York. As the population ages, more individuals will require long-term care services and supports, highlighting the need for prudent planning to cover future care costs. There have been recent developments in New York on Medicaid eligibility rules and asset protection strategies.
Fiscal Fiasco: U.S. Border Needs Sidestepped for International Interests?
Amidst the backdrop of a deeply divided political landscape, a $118.28 billion legislative package, ostensibly designed to enhance U.S. border security and immigration reform, has instead allocated a significant portion of its resources towards international aid, primarily Ukraine. This decision has sparked a contentious debate over legislative priorities, particularly given the acute challenges faced by U.S. border communities amidst unchecked immigration.
GOP Blasts Senate Border Bill: A Pathway to Rubber-Stamping Amnesty
In a decisive challenge to the Senate's ambitious $118 billion immigration and border security proposal, Republican lawmakers are raising alarms over what they perceive as a dangerous pathway to indiscriminate amnesty. The bill, designed to revamp immigration policies and bolster border defenses, is now under intense scrutiny for potentially undermining the nation's immigration system integrity through provisions that GOP members argue could facilitate unchecked immigration.
Snoop Dogg Now Joins Ranks with Trump Supporting Hip-Hop Heavyweights
In a surprising turn of events that has shaken both the entertainment and political worlds, Snoop Dogg, the famous rapper and former critic of Donald Trump, has publicly announced his support for the former president. This unexpected change of heart is due to Trump's pardon of Michael "Harry-O" Harris, a key figure in the hip-hop industry and co-founder of Death Row Records, who was released from prison after serving more than thirty years. This act of mercy by Trump has caused Snoop Dogg to reconsider his stance on the former president, resulting in his public endorsement that has sparked widespread discussion about its potential implications for the African American vote and the broader landscape of political affiliations and perceptions within the community.
Trump Maintains Spot on Illinois Ballot Despite Primary Race Tensions
As the 2024 presidential election looms nine months away, recent national polls unveil a razor-thin margin between former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden, illustrating a divided electorate's leanings. The latest Quinnipiac University poll places Biden ahead with a 50% to 44% lead among registered voters, a notable jump from a marginal lead in December. This poll showcases Biden's strengthening position, particularly among female voters, where he enjoys a 58% to 36% advantage over Trump.
Border Battle: GOP Moves to Impeach DHS Chief Amid Policy Disputes
A week after House Republicans initiated impeachment proceedings against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, the political landscape remains sharply divided over the historic move. The GOP, citing allegations of legal violations related to border security and immigration policy, is pressing ahead with charges that could see Mayorkas become the first Cabinet secretary to face impeachment in nearly 150 years.
Georgia Legislation Targets Prosecutorial Misconduct Amid Willis-Trump Legal Showdown
In a pivotal development within Georgia's legal and political arena, the Georgia House of Representatives has passed a bill that could significantly impact the prosecutorial landscape, particularly for Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is currently embroiled in a high-stakes legal showdown with former President Donald Trump. The bill, known as House Bill 881, was approved on January 29 by a vote of 95-75, strictly along party lines, and has now been forwarded to the Senate for further debate. This legislation seeks to revive an oversight panel with the authority to discipline and remove county prosecutors accused of misconduct. This move could directly affect Willis amid allegations about her handling of the Trump case.
Big Apple and Empire State Expand Migrant Benefits
Two proposed plans by the State of New York and the City of New York will greatly expand benefits for illegal immigrants in the form of job opportunities and prepaid credit cards.
National Outrage: USA Flips Out Following Migrant Middle Finger
One of eight migrants believed to be responsible for a brutal beatdown of two NYPD cops infuriated both Republicans and Democrats after flipping off the country with two hands and a "one finger salute" after a brief court appearance.
Gas Stove Ban Plan Heats Up With Hochul's Budget
The War On Gas Stoves is heating up in New York State, with Governor Kathy Hochul lighting the spark to turn her pilot program of banning them a reality in the Empire State.
Fiscal Ticking Time Bomb: NYS Public Pensions Top $400,000
The biggest budget busting publicly subsidized pension in all of New York State belongs to Dr. Shashikant Lele, who last worked at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo. His pension for 2023 was a whopping $437,328.
Racial Data Collection Law in NYC Raises Questions on Policing Practices
Despite the intention to enhance transparency and curtail racial bias in policing, the law has faced criticism from various quarters, including Mayor Eric Adams. A former NYPD sergeant, Adams has expressed concerns that the new requirements might divert officers' focus from public safety to bureaucratic record-keeping. "Police officers are forced to fill out additional paperwork rather than focus on helping New Yorkers and strengthening community bonds," Adams stated, highlighting the apprehension that the law could compromise the efficacy of police work.
Taxpayer Funded Health Care Costs Explode in New York
The amount of money Suffolk County and all New York State taxpayers paid for publicly subsidized health care and Medicaid increased at an alarming rate of 78% over the past four years, according to a new report released by the Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli.
Palumbo Eyes Re-election: A Commitment to Suffolk's Future
Senator Anthony H. Palumbo has announced his bid for re-election to the New York State Senate, underscoring a comprehensive legislative agenda focused on key issues such as affordable housing, public safety, bipartisan collaboration, and education funding. Palumbo, who has served the First Senatorial District following a tenure in the New York State Assembly and an initial career in the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, is poised to continue his efforts in making Suffolk County a safer and more affordable place to live.
DiNapoli Pegs New York Migrant Problem
Unsustainable spending on the migrant crisis is a serious challenge for New York as the city struggles to deal with the migrants officials invited in under their sanctuary policies, according to an assessment released by the state comptroller.
From Albany to the Border: N.Y. Republicans Push for National Guard Deployment
Amidst the escalating migrant crisis at both the southern and northern U.S. borders, New York State Republican leaders have taken a decisive stand. Assemblyman Will Barclay and Senator Rob Ortt have directly appealed to Governor Kathy Hochul, urging the New York State National Guard deployment to Texas and along the New York-Canadian border. This bold request seeks to bolster efforts to curb the illegal flow of migrants into the country, spotlighting a deepening national issue at New York's doorstep.
Rothang Appointed to Open Space Committee
The chief of staff for Suffolk Legislator James Mazzarella, Rothang previously served as executive assistant to former town supervisor Edward Romaine, who's now the county executive.
Officials Double Down on Green Energy, Urge Governor to Move on Sunrise Wind
The $700 million plan to build 90 turbines off Montauk Point and connect them to the mainland via a 123-mile cable at Smith Point is facing some headwinds due to increased construction costs. The state Public Service Commission denied a request by the project's developer, the Denmark-based firm Ørsted, to raise electric rates to cover the higher costs, and Hochul decided to put the project back out to bid.
USO PART II United Service Organization
In 1947, the USO was disbanded, due partly to lack of funds. In 1951, after the United States had entered the Korean War, Secretary of Defense George Marshall and Secretary of the Navy Francis P. Matthews requested that the USO be reactivated "to provide support for the men and women of the armed forces with help of the American people." Between 1952 and 1953, not a day went by without the USO providing services somewhere in Korea, at home or overseas. In 1952 the USO was serving 3.5 million in the armed forces using much the same methods of operation as it did in World War II.
Daily Feed
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.
Horses heeling children gets a donation
Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive therapeutic equine programs using horses to facilitate growth, learning, and healing for children and adults with disabilities, individuals on the autism spectrum, veterans, and others, announced that the Clark Gillies Foundation has donated $7,500 to support scholarships for students in financial need.
Three sport star wins Scholar Athlete Award
Half Hollow Hills East senior Samantha Heyman has been named the first News12 Scholar Athlete Award winner of the 2024–25 school year, an honor sponsored by FourLeaf Federal Credit Union.