Powerball jackpot soars to $443M
The Powerball jackpot has reached a staggering $443 million, with players across the nation eagerly checking their tickets after the latest drawing. This surge in the jackpot follows a significant win in Michigan on January ... more
Buffalo men face federal charges in separate VA incidents
In Buffalo federal authorities have announced charges against two local men in separate incidents involving threats and violence against VA Medical Center personnel. U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross disclosed the charges, highlighting the serious legal ... more
Former Marine Corps private pleads guilty to gun trafficking
Rylan Peterson, a 22-year-old former Marine Corps Private from Kingston, New York, has pleaded guilty to charges of gun trafficking, including "straw purchasing" firearms and transferring them unlawfully to an out-of-state resident. This announcement was ... more
CDC updates COVID-19 isolation guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a significant change in COVID-19 isolation guidelines, stating that Americans who test positive for COVID-19 are no longer required to isolate for five days. This decision ... more
Walgreens, CVS to offer abortion pills in New York amid expanded access campaign
New York residents will have access to abortion pills at select Walgreens locations, joining CVS Health in a move to distribute the mifepristone abortion pill following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's approval. This development ... more
AG James says NY will investigate AT&T outage
New York Attorney General Letitia James has initiated an investigation into the nationwide AT&T service outage on February 22 that left countless customers without essential communication services for up to 12 hours. In response to ... more
NY supermarkets push to sell wine, liquor in stores as small businesses fear closure
In New York, a legislative proposal allowing supermarkets to sell wine has reignited a longstanding debate between convenience for consumers and the survival of local liquor stores. Liquor store operators fears such a measure could ... more
NY Assemblyman takes aim at Wendy’s proposed ‘surge’ pricing; company since backtracks
New York Assemblymember Kenny Burgos has announced plans to draft a bill opposing a rumored pricing model by Wendy's, which social media users have interpreted as "surge pricing." The move comes after Wendy's CEO, Kirk ... more
Hochul signs NY’s new Congressional map into law: What happens now?
Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed new congressional maps into law. The move comes a few days after Democrats in the legislature rejected maps drawn by the state's Independent Redistricting Commission. Lawmakers felt the commission's maps ... more
Group calls for reversal of 2019 rent-stabilization laws
In New York, real estate groups are campaigning to modify the state's 2019 rent-stabilization laws, citing a commissioned study that claims these regulations have led to disinvestment and increased vacancies in rent-regulated housing. The Real ... more
Sen. Helming advocates for “Laken’s Law” amid immigration concerns after Georgia student killed
Senator Helming is pushing for the enactment of "Laken's Law" (S.8533), named in memory of Laken Riley, a 22-year-old nursing student from Georgia who was tragically murdered. The suspect, an illegal immigrant from Venezuela, had ... more
Southern Tier officials warn against CHIPS funding cuts
Officials across New York's Southern Tier are rallying against a proposed $60 million cut in CHIPS funding for local roads, bridges, and culverts in the 2024-25 executive budget. Described as a potential "crisis" by officials, ... more
Hochul announces $20M for school-based mental health clinics
Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $20 million initiative to support the creation of school-based mental health clinics across the state, addressing the rising concern of teen suicide and mental health challenges. This funding, aimed ... more
New York cannabis market sees surge in license applications
New York's cannabis officials are pushing for more license approvals as the state sees a flood of nearly 7,000 applications for adult-use cannabis businesses. This surge includes bids from cultivators, distributors, and retail dispensaries, highlighting ... more
Cayuga County split by Democrats Congressional maps: Vote could come this week, but would there be a challenge?
The New York State Legislature, led by Democrats, has put forward a new proposal for congressional district maps, following the rejection of the Independent Redistricting Commission's suggestion. This new plan divides Cayuga County into two ... more
Invasive species like spotted lanternfly pose major risk to New York’s environment and agriculture
Invasive species are causing significant harm to New York's environment and agriculture, according to state officials. With National Invasive Species Awareness Week underway, the spotlight is on pests like the spotted lanternfly, European starlings, purple ... more
Counties seek inclusion in Medicaid cut debate
New York county leaders are calling for local governments to be included in budget discussions to address Medicaid spending cuts effectively. They argue that incorporating social services staff in these discussions is crucial for maximizing ... more
WNY landlord group rejects ‘good cause eviction’ legislation
In Albany, New York, a landlord group from Western New York is opposing the "Good Cause Eviction" bill, which aims to protect tenants by preventing landlords from evicting them without a valid reason, such as ... more
Sen. Gillibrand proposes bill to safeguard IVF treatments
In response to a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand has introduced legislation aimed at protecting in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments for those struggling with infertility. The ruling, which regards frozen embryos as ... more
