News
With a new name, this Indigenous team honors the sacred origin of lacrosse
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“We created it. So, you know, it’s just like paying that respect. It’s supposed to be a gift, and it’s a gift of peace and bringing everyone together as one.”
courts
Chief Justice Max Baer was at the center of some of Pennsylvania’s biggest election cases
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Baer was instrumental in deciding a number of key voting rights and election cases that came before the high court.
News
Gov. Kathy Hochul defends COVID test purchases amid pay-to-play allegations
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is defending a decision to buy $637 million in COVID-19 rapid tests from a campaign donor.
Featured in Category
Massive semiconductor chip plant coming to Syracuse area
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The economy of central New York, and much of upstate, will be transformed following the announcement Tuesday that tech company Micron will make a $100 billion investment to build several state-of-the-art semiconductor fabrication plants in the Syracuse area.
App NEWS
The path ahead on redrawing New York’s Assembly maps
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Last week, a judge ordered New York’s Independent Redistricting Commission, or IRC, to redraw legislative districts for the state Assembly for 2024, after they were ruled unconstitutionally drawn earlier this year.
App NEWS
‘Some things are above politics’: Rep. Cheney on Jan. 6 Committee, future of Republican party
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Wyoming Rep. Liz Cheney spoke to Syracuse University students, faculty and staff Monday afternoon for a conversation titled “Courage in Defense of Democracy.” During her talk, she spoke on the importance of a peaceful transition of power and the future of the Republican party.
App NEWS
Hochul’s labor commissioner approves 10 year phase-in to 40 hour farm laborer work week
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Late on Friday, Governor Kathy Hochul’s labor commissioner, Roberta Reardon, issued an order to phase-in a 40-hour work week for farm laborers by 2032. The plan, recommended by a wage board, has sparked backlash from farmers and some Republican elected officials who say it will severely harm the state’s farming industry.
Government
Some Pennsylvania counties will let voters fix mail-in ballot issues this election
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A Commonwealth Court judge rejected a move to ban counties from letting voters fix minor issues. But the case may not have much effect on the midterms.
News
Everything you need to prepare for Pa.’s high-stakes 2022 election
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As Pennsylvania gears up for the pivotal 2022 election, Spotlight PA and WSKG News want to empower voters to make an informed decision on Nov. 8.
2 year college
Community colleges budget for slower recovery from pandemic
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“There are only so many projects that we can take on,” Talbot said. “[Tompkins and Cortland counties] do not have deep pockets, neither one of you.”
New York State Democratic Party targets independent voters on abortion issue
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The New York State Democratic Party is reaching out to independent voters on the abortion issue, sending mailers that paint the Republican candidate for governor, Rep. Lee Zeldin, as holding unacceptably “extreme” views.
New York’s labor commissioner accepts recommendation to lower farmworker overtime threshold
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New York state Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon has accepted a recommendation by the Farm Laborers Wage Board to lower the farmworker overtime threshold from 60 to 40 hours per week.
App NEWS
Judge orders redistricting panel to redraw New York’s Assembly districts for 2024
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A judge has decided to give New York’s Independent Redistricting Commission a chance to redraw legislative districts for the state Assembly, despite deadlocking earlier this year.
Crime and Justice
Children’s advocacy group calls for culture shift to combat ‘school-to-prison pipeline’
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A poll shows 84% of parents polled support eliminating suspensions in Pre-K through 3rd grade.
News
Pennsylvania voters rank abortion as a top issue in a newly-released poll
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A group of more than 400 likely voters surveyed by Muhlenberg College ranked the issue second only to the economy.
App NEWS
Molinaro, Riley talk economic priorities at Binghamton Chamber forum
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The 19th Congressional District candidates agree the Southern Tier’s economy is changing, but have different priorities for ushering in that transition.
App NEWS
Local New York leaders claim nuclear power can address climate crisis
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Nine Mile Point is the first nuclear-powered clean hydrogen production facility in the country.
Health
Doug Mastriano has been consistent about his abortion views for years
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The Republican state senator’s positions are receiving renewed scrutiny because of comments made during an interview three years ago.
App NEWS
Poll finds Hochul leads Zeldin by 17 points in New York governor’s race
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A new poll finds Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul ahead of her Republican opponent, Rep. Lee Zeldin, as she makes inroads into the law enforcement sector, which traditionally has held views to the right of many Democrats.
Economy
Congressional candidate supports farm owner concerns with overtime pay expansion
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“The workers don’t like it. It’s not going to be good for the farmers and it could potentially close a lot of our farms.”
Education
New York Poison Center says unintentional poisonings increase as school begins
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“The intentional exposures for self harm and self medicating. We’re starting to see a bump in that 13 to 19 age group, and that has us all a bit concerned.”
Government
How to apply for a Pennsylvania property tax rebate or rent rebate
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Learn how to take advantage of Pennsylvania’s property tax rebate and rent rebate program, and a special one-time bonus approved this year.
App NEWS
$290 million needed to combat increase in rainbow fentanyl, Schumer says
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U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is calling for $290 million to be included in the next federal spending package to fund anti-drug initiatives following a recent increase in rainbow fentanyl.
Education
No ‘overnight’ solutions: How PA leaders plan to solve the teacher shortage
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For more than a decade, Pennsylvania’s pool of new teachers has been shrinking, placing added pressure on those who go into teaching.
Health
Canada Removing All COVID-19 Entry Restrictions October 1
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Canada imposed strict border-crossing restrictions in March 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic.
App NEWS
Union says proposed New York state health rules would undermine nursing home patient care
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Advocates for nursing home workers say the New York State Department of Health is trying to undermine a law meant to establish minimum staffing requirements.
App NEWS
Riley, Molinaro yet to agree to debates in 19th Congressional District race
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Molinaro did not agree to debate on WSKG TV and radio.
App NEWS
Governor Hochul visits Ithaca Porchfest alongside Democratic candidates
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Gov. Kathy Hochul gathered with members of the Tompkins County Democratic Committee and experienced Ithaca’s annual front porch music festival.
App NEWS
Zeldin: ‘I’m not in this race because of abortion’; Hochul remains skeptical
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The Republican candidate for governor, Lee Zeldin, said Friday that even though he is opposed to abortion rights, he respects the views of those who disagree with him and would not make big changes in the state’s abortion rights laws.
App NEWS
During ‘Climate Week’, Hochul pushes renewable energy projects, Environmental Bond Act
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That bond act would, among other things, fund projects to fight climate change including efforts to make communities more resilient to major weather events, such as floods.
News
Oz, who has criticized Fetterman for releasing prisoners, announces support for reducing sentences
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The new stance contrasts with one of the key tactics of his campaign — to relentlessly criticize Fetterman for supporting the early release of prisoners.
App NEWS
Broome, Tompkins counties rearrests fell in second year of bail reform implementation
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Drop is consistent with statewide averages, but lack of data still leaves questions unanswered.
App NEWS
Read the New York attorney general’s lawsuit against former President Donald Trump, his children, associates
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New York’s attorney general is seeking to bar former President Donald Trump, his children, and certain associates from doing business in the Empire State, and $250 million in restitution over allegations of fraud related to his business dealings over a decade.
New York attorney general sues Donald Trump and his company
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New York’s attorney general sued former President Donald Trump and his company on Wednesday, alleging business fraud involving some of their most prized assets, including properties in Manhattan, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Climate change could mean earlier, less vibrant fall foliage in New York
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The leaves are starting to change color across New York. But this year, the fall foliage may come sooner and be less vibrant because of drought conditions around the state.
Environment
New York lawmakers introduce legislation to combat ‘forever chemicals’ in water sources
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New York State has no limits to how much of this substance can be dumped into the drinking water sources, and no way to find the source of the chemicals.
Crime and Justice
PA governor candidates Josh Shapiro and Doug Mastriano on stopping crime
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In recent months, the specter of crime has been a central talking point in Republican state Sen. Doug Mastriano’s campaign for governor.
App NEWS
New York to send police, other aid to Puerto Rico amid Hurricane Fiona
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About a hundred Spanish-speaking police officers from New York are heading down to Puerto Rico this week to help deal with the devastation caused by Hurricane Fiona.
App NEWS
Proposed Binghamton budget includes trash bag cost increase, more police
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Mayor Jared Kraham’s first budget would also keep property tax rates about even with 2022.
App NEWS
Your guide to the November midterm election in New York
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This November, voters across the U.S. will participate in the midterm election. New Yorkers will have a chance to vote in contests for state executive offices, the U.S. House and Senate, the state Legislature, and more. We’ve answered some key questions about the elections.
App NEWS
New research finds more genetic diversity in Adirondack brook trout
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Wild brook trout are one of the most prized species of fish in the Adirondacks, but they’re also one of the hardest to catch, in part because their populations have plummeted in recent decades.
App NEWS
Pennsylvania drivers could start buying custom license plates online under a House-approved bill
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Supporters say letting private companies mint their own designs could bring in millions of dollars for road projects, State Police efforts, and more.
Averted railway strike underscores fragile state of supply chains in Pennsylvania
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A tentative labor agreement between freight rail operators and unions brought relief to Pennsylvania industries Thursday.
anxiety
As new school year begins, some counselors are concerned about students’ mental health
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“We had kids that came to ninth grade who hadn’t been in school for two years. So they didn’t develop the social skills that they needed.”
App NEWS
Amid ongoing legal battle, Broome County jail continues to restrict in-person visits
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“People have been without personal contact from a loved one for over two years now.”
airport
Upstate airports, including BGM, receive state funds for renovations
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$30 million to be used for terminal, other upgrades
App NEWS
Sempolinski, Ryan sworn in to fill vacant congressional seats
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Ryan will run in the new 18th Congressional District for a full term. Sempolinski will not seek reelection.
Government
The PA state Senate’s election investigation gets its day in court – nearly a year after it started
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Commonwealth Court judges are mulling whether the Republican-led probe into Pennsylvania’s election system can move forward.
Health
Volunteer fire departments can now charge for an ambulance. That could save New York’s rural EMS services
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“The benefit to us is that right now we have a great reliable service when people are having a medical emergency. The downside of that is that it is very, very expensive.”
App NEWS
Settlement reached in lawsuit over Binghamton-Johnson City sewage treatment wall collapse
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The parties agreed to settle with days remaining before the case went to a jury trial.
Albany County Supreme Court
‘I think not!’: Judge denies attempt to overturn New York congressional maps
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Lawsuit had sought to order the state’s failed redistricting panel to redraw congressional maps for elections after 2024.
Crime and Justice
Medical billing company faces lawsuit after ransomware attack
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Practice Resources LLC. hosts the data from 28 different medical practices across New York.
App NEWS
Pennsylvania counties have received their first payments from prescription drug companies
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With opioid settlement money in hand, midstate counties are getting ready to take grant applications.
Government
Hochul will allow emergency pandemic purchasing powers to lapse, citing COVID numbers
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Gov. Kathy Hochul doesn’t plan to renew a set of emergency powers granted to her office through executive order that has allowed her administration to waive certain spending oversight procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
App NEWS
Pennsylvania announces free school breakfast program for K-12 students
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This year, almost every K-12 student in Pennsylvania will receive a free school breakfast paid for by the commonwealth.
App NEWS
Polio declared a disaster in New York as virus spreads
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says the declaration increases the availability of resources to deal with the disease, which has now been confirmed in wastewater samples in Nassau County in addition to previously turning up in Rockland, Orange and Sullivan counties and New York City.
App NEWS
Kim Ward, Pennsylvania Senate GOP argue state legislatures should have sole power over elections
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Lawyers for Pennsylvania Senate Republicans are weighing in on an election-related case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The case, known as Moore v. Harper, could impact how future elections are conducted.
Government
Gillibrand urges Congress for $1 billion in funding for community health workers
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U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) has requested that Congress provide at least $1 billion in funds for community health workers in the upcoming COVID-19 supplemental funding package.
Sneak peek at LUMA festival art installation: Inside Binghamton’s State Street parking garage
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The LUMA festival will run Friday and Saturday evening with projections and installations throughout Downtown Binghamton.
Featured in Category
Pennsylvania church wants members to bring their political differences to service
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Despite differences in their opinions, members are still able to pray together afterward.
App NEWS
Pennsylvania recreation, conservation projects get $90 million boost
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Pennsylvania is putting $90 million into more than 330 parks and nature conservation projects across the state.
App NEWS
New York drops mask requirement on public transportation
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Gov. Kathy Hochul also said that the state continues to make progress in terms of the COVID infection rate.
App NEWS
Wage Board recommends lower overtime threshold for farmworkers
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Wage board recommends lower overtime threshold for farm workers.
App NEWS
Binghamton battery-manufacturing hub proposal wins federal funding
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Program envisions massive investment in workforce development, scaling up of battery-manufacturing supply chain in the Southern Tier.
App NEWS
How Pennsylvania Senate candidates compare on jobs, labor
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Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race will play a big role in deciding which party controls the chamber next year, and one of the big policy areas affected by that control is workers’ rights.
News
Cornell University poll shows cost of living is most important issue for New Yorkers
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The Empire State Poll, conducted between May and mid-August, found that 28% of respondents ranked the cost of living first, followed by crime at just over 20%.
App NEWS
Protestors gather as Cayuga Nation police arrest 3 more Halftown critics
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All three detainees are related to a woman whose home was demolished last month on orders from the tribe’s controversial leader, Clint Halftown. The detainees are outspoken critics of Halftown.
Pennsylvania labor advocates push for changes aimed at bolstering working conditions
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Workplace safety and wage law changes, both perennial issues, are top of mind during Labor Day weekend.
Crime and Justice
Police seeing more drug overdoses at the New York State Fair
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“We had about four or five on the grounds, even before the fair started. So there were a number of workers who overdosed.”
Crime and Justice
A lawsuit window for PA survivors of childhood sexual abuse could open as early as next May
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State legislative leaders say they’ll take a procedural vote on the proposal early next year. 2023 primary voters would then get to weigh in.
Crime and Justice
DEA warns brightly-colored Fentanyl in New York targets children for addiction
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The look is part of a deliberate strategy by drug cartels to target young children.
App NEWS
Environmental groups turn focus to Greenidge’s water permits
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Water intake and pollution permits for the controversial power plant and cryptocurrency mining facility expire at the end of September.
App NEWS
Molinaro discusses abortion, guns at Endicott town hall
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The Republican candidate in the 19th Congressional District race shared his views with voters in Endicott Wednesday.
App NEWS
New York’s new gun laws take effect Sept. 1. Here’s what you need to know
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The new laws were passed after the U.S. Supreme Court threw out the state’s 100-year-old concealed carry laws in June.
App NEWS
Republican candidates rally with Broome County GOP
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The entire statewide Republican ticket and several other electoral hopefuls stumped in Vestal Tuesday.
988
At PA’s 988 call centers, crisis counselors offer empathy, and juggle limited resources
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The new 988 system launched in mid-July, and one early estimate says calls went up 45% nationally during the first week.
Crime and Justice
Teachers say more must be done to stop acts of school violence
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The man accused in the mass shooting in Buffalo allegedly threatened to commit a murder-suicide at his high school near Binghamton.
App NEWS
Developers plan commercial, apartment space across from Binghamton stadium
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Property developers are planning to build a $24 million apartment complex and commercial space across from Mirabito Stadium in Binghamton.
App NEWS
Officials remember fallen law enforcement officers at New York’s state fair
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In sweltering heat Monday, the names of fallen officers were read during Law Enforcement Day at the Fair.
Education
Nearly a million Pennsylvanians could have their student loans wiped away under Joe Biden’s plan
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Research shows those borrowers carry $20,000 or less in federal student loan debt – which the Biden administration wants to eliminate.
App NEWS
School boards, strained by pandemic, politics, have fewer returning members
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As the new school year is about to get underway, it will begin with fewer incumbent school board members.
New poll shows Pennsylvania voters are confident in the 2020 election outcome
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A new poll shows a majority of Pennsylvania voters surveyed are confident in the outcome of the 2020 presidential election.
News
Doug Mastriano’s insular campaign is full of dedicated supporters — and serious doubts
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If Mastriano, who got about 44% of the vote in the crowded GOP primary, wants to expand his reach beyond dedicated supporters, it might take some money.
App NEWS
New York Democrats continue attacks on Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
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New York’s Democratic Party leaders had been criticizing Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin for a planned fundraiser with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. DeSantis had to pull out because of an “unforeseen tragedy.”
App NEWS
On one-year anniversary of becoming governor, Hochul announces new improvements to State Fair
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul celebrated the one year anniversary of becoming governor Wednesday at the New York State Fair near Syracuse.
App NEWS
New York opens licensing process for retail cannabis; those affected by prohibition are first in line
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New York state has begun the application process for licenses to run retail cannabis stores, nearly a year and a half after the drug became legal for adult recreational purposes.
App NEWS
Open-access fiber network promises to bring broadband to rural Nichols
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Broadband internet access has been slow to reach rural communities, but the Town of Nichols in Tioga County is part of a new initiative to address the inequity; an open-access fiber network.
Pennsylvania Republican lawmaker says key 2020 election fraud claim ‘not factual’
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The claim remains a component of former President Donald Trump’s suite of false election fraud talking points.
App NEWS
One year after her appointment as governor, Hochul is running strong to be elected to the job
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Wednesday marked a year since Kathy Hochul became New York’s governor.
Featured in Category
Fetterman gives first Pittsburgh speech since stroke, Oz steps up criticism of his health
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Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman spoke publicly in Pittsburgh for the first time since he suffered a stroke in May on Tuesday, as his Republican opponent in the U.S. Senate race, Dr. Mehmet Oz, pressed Fetterman to commit to debates – and sharpened his criticism of Fetterman’s health problems.
App NEWS
Good government advocates render post-election observations
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Common Cause New York executive director says spotty voter turnout a result of split primary dates.
albany
Lea Webb wins Democratic primary in 52nd state Senate District
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Webb, a former Binghamton council member, defeated Ithaca lawyer and political action committee founder Leslie Danks Burke by over 20 points.
App NEWS
Ryan wins special election, holding House seat for Democrats
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Democrat Pat Ryan will fill out the remaining four months of the term in the 19th Congressional District.
App NEWS
Riley defeats Cheney in Democratic primary for 19th Congressional District
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Josh Riley will go on to face Republican Marc Molinaro in the general election for New York’s 19th Congressional District.
Featured in Category
Results for primary, special elections in Southern Tier, Catskills
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Tuesday was election day for many voters in the Southern Tier and Catskills. Here are some of the results.
Schools will follow fewer COVID rules this fall, but Hochul still concerned
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Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday that COVID-19 rules will be eased for New York’s schoolchildren this year, and masks and social distancing will no longer be required.
App NEWS
Assembly speaker reaffirms call for redistricting panel to redraw maps
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Carl Heastie says he wants a court to allow redistricting commission to redraw the Assembly and congressional maps.
Upstate New York Poison Center getting more calls about kids consuming marijuana edibles
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WRVO – The number of young children getting into marijuana edibles is on the rise in upstate New York, and experts are warning families to keep a lid on any gummies, cookies, or other cannabis-containing food products. In 2019, the Upstate New York Poison Center got 10 calls about children under the age of five getting into marijuana edibles that contain THC. Poison Center Medical Director Dr. Vince Calleo said they’ve gotten over 60 already this year, in the 54 county upstate region. “That’s a pretty substantial increase in a relatively short period of time, and makes us concerned we’re going to continue to see these numbers increase,” Calleo said. And he expects these calls to the center are only the tip of the iceberg, with a lot more cases out there that the Poison Center doesn’t hear about.
Pennsylvania Dept. of Aging creates new unit to investigate elder financial abuse
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The Pennsylvania Department of Aging is shining a light on elder financial abuse, in hopes of getting more convictions.
App NEWS
Tuesday’s rare August primary features highly contested races for Congress
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The second of New York’s two primary voting days is being held on Tuesday August 23, with some hotly contested races. Turnout is expected to be low.
App NEWS
NY-23 primary election: Paladino doubles down as outspoken ‘disruptor’
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Carl Paladino is running in a primary for the Republican nomination in the new 23rd Congressional District. His primary opponent in the race is Nick Langworthy.
App NEWS
Two fight for GOP nomination in NY-22 congressional primary
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The newly drawn 22nd Congressional District includes all of Onondaga, Madison, and Oneida counties and a small portion of Oswego County,
App NEWS
The FBI subpoenaed several PA GOP lawmakers and we still don’t know why
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The Washington Post reported the Justice Department is particularly interested in a scheme to appoint slates of illegitimate Republican electors.
Education
Homeless grade-schoolers in New York State will get $7 million in new supports
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The state predicts over 116,500 students across New York state could see support through this funding.
Crime and Justice
Progressive groups seek a new chief judge more attuned to the rights of society’s vulnerable
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There is data to back up the progressive groups’ concerns.
Government
No plans yet to fix future budget deficits for New York
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One contributor to the spending increase is Hochul’s plan to pump $10 billion into the state’s health care workforce.
App NEWS
PA lawmakers are set to get huge raises next year. They can return them, but almost nobody does.
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Inflation is pushing the Pa. legislature’s annual cost-of-living adjustments even higher; base salaries could exceed $100,000 in 2023.
News
Your questions about New York’s August 23 primary elections answered
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If you’re looking to head to the polls, we have the basics covered.
App NEWS
NY-23 special election: Della Pia wants to serve
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Della Pia is running as the Republican in the special election to fill out the term for New York’s current 23rd Congressional District. His Republican opponent is Joe Sempolinski.
App NEWS
NY-23 special election: Sempolinski touts district experience
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Sempolinski is running as the Republican in the special election to fill out the term for New York’s current 23rd Congressional District. His Democratic opponent is Max Della Pia.
App NEWS
Broome County community garden group gets New York grant to expand
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DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos presented the community garden organization with a grant from the state’s environmental protection fund.
Economy
PA works to tackle unemployment compensation problems. Advocates want the job done right.
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Community unemployment groups still want answers for issues that have come up over the last two years.
Crime and Justice
Buffalo massacre survivors not getting needed help, says activist
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“I’m sorry to say this, I thought I was an old slave begging to not die.”
App NEWS
NY-19 special election: Marc Molinaro promotes leadership record
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Molinaro is running as the Republican in the special election to fill out the term for New York’s current 19th Congressional District. His Democratic opponent is Pat Ryan.
Energy
Gasoline prices continue to fall locally and across the nation
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New York state overall, still has an average price of $4.34 a gallon, while the national average is $3.96 per gallon.
Government
New York’s fight over Assembly district lines continues
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Arguments continue over who will draw the new state Assembly lines after a court ruled that those lines were unconstitutionally gerrymandered.
Environment
Street trees can help cool ever-hotter temps. But they present their own problems to solve
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Cities are planting trees as one way to try to check the escalating temperatures. But there can be obstacles to that solution.
NY-19 special election: Pat Ryan touts leadership, business experience
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Pat Ryan is running as the Democrat in the special election to fill out the term for New York’s current 19th Congressional District. His Republican opponent is Marc Molinaro.
App NEWS
New York governor condemns ‘cowardly attack’ on Salman Rushdie
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Hadi Matar, a 24-year-old from Fairview, N.J., was charged with attempted murder and assault, New York State Police said.
Crime and Justice
Hochul says red flag law usage has doubled since an executive order and new laws were passed
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“I want to be in the business of preventing crimes more so than trying to solve crimes. A red flag (law) allows us to do that.”
App NEWS
Activists continue to occupy demolished Cayuga Nation home in protest of tribe leader Clint Halftown
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A banner on one of the tents reads “Halftown Must Go.” It’s a reference to a dispute between a faction of Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫʼ and the tribe’s de facto leader.
App NEWS
Former board members cast light on Danks Burke’s good government PAC
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The state senate candidate touts Trailblazers as a testament to her record of promoting good government, but former associates say the PAC’s ideals were bent as Danks Burke campaigned.
News
Hochul leads Zeldin in the governor’s race, but a win is not guaranteed
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“I always run like an underdog up until the very last minute. That’s why I am successful.”
Health
Some Pennsylvania doctors call Dr. Oz’s run for Senate a ‘threat to public health’
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The group is targeting Oz’s medical treatment recommendations and health product promotions during his time as host of “The Dr. Oz Show.”
App NEWS
NY19 Democrats debate ahead of primary election
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The winner of the Aug. 23 primary will face Republican Marc Molinaro in one of the nation’s most competitive districts.
Crime and Justice
After Buffalo massacre, New York governor pledges $10 million to fight domestic terrorism
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“I committed to New Yorkers that we will confront the scourge of domestic terror head-on.”
News
Sesame Place announces diversity, inclusion training after viral video sparks backlash
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In July, multiple allegations of racial discrimination were mounted against Sesame Place.
Featured in Category
NY-19 primary: Josh Riley touts policy experience, Southern Tier roots
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Democratic candidate Josh Riley wants to return to Washington to buck corporate special interests.
Aaron Foldenauer
Hochul, legislative leaders want to reassemble deadlocked redistricting commission
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A court will decide how to redraw state Assembly districts for 2024 elections.
Government
Doug Mastriano used legal maneuvering to end his Jan. 6 committee interview
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Mastriano said he never entered the Capitol, that he left before any violence occurred, and never crossed police lines “as they existed.”
binghamton
A lot has happened in the year since Cuomo resigned as governor
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This November will be only the second time in 44 years that the name Cuomo has not been on a statewide ballot.
Government
New York home care shortage’s impact on dementia caregiving: ‘It takes so much out of you’
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“It takes so much out of you to be taking care of anybody, but a dementia patient who is changing all the time, it’s just so hard. It takes so much.”
App NEWS
NY-19 primary: Jamie Cheney emphasizes agriculture roots, women’s health care
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Democratic candidate Jamie Cheney wants to be a voice for agriculture and mothers in the new 19th Congressional District.
App NEWS
To reduce stigma, Oneonta recovery center uses vending machine to distribute overdose-reversal drug
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A month in, The Turning Point recovery and community center in Oneonta is distributing as much naloxone in a day as they used to in a week.
Economy
Zeldin, farm owners push back against state wage board proposal for 40-hour week for farmworkers
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“Our farmers, our farmworkers are all getting collectively screwed right now by one-party Democratic rule.”
agriculture
New York officials: Spotted Lanternfly in Broome, Tompkins counties
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The biggest concern is the pest’s potential economic impact on New York’s $300 million dollar wine and grape industry.
Environment
Researchers find spreading drilling wastewater on PA roads can lead to harmful runoff
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Wastewater from oil and gas drilling has been used as a cheap dust suppressant in rural Pennsylvania for years.
Health
After attack, Zeldin pushes for national Dwyer veterans support program
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It helps veterans with mental health issues through peer-to-peer support.
Broome County Land Bank unveils first renovated home of 2022
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“We’re taking these [properties] and viewing them as opportunities.”
Government
Critics call water quality bill moving through PA legislature a back door to privatization
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The bill is seen as a mandate that municipal leaders and environmental groups call a solution in search of a problem.
App NEWS
More violence, surprise demolitions on Cayuga tribal lands as leadership dispute continues
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One Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ’ family said they believe the surprise demolition of their grandmother’s home was an act of retaliation for their past criticism of Halftown.
Education
New York health leader: Get your kids vaccinated
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While there are more reported cases of COVID-19 this summer than the two previous summers, the incidences of hospitalization and death are much lower.
Education
Pennsylvania’s lowest funded school districts lay out their plans for millions in new funding
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A few of those districts are reaping tens of millions more dollars from the state budget compared to last year
App NEWS
Governor Hochul, facing political pressure, defends her stance on bail reform
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Her opponent has called for a full repeal of the state’s bail reform laws, which ended most forms of cash bail.
App NEWS
Switching sides? New York voters have just 1 week to change political parties before August primary
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Registered voters have until August 11 to change their party affiliation for the upcoming congressional and state Senate primaries.
abortion
Tompkins County Legislature recap: Police staffing, free TCAT, Starbucks condemnation
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There was a lot on the docket during the most recent meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature, plus some debate not tied to any specific motions. Here’s a recap.
Economy
Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls will increase – again – starting next year
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The five-member Turnpike Commission approved an across-the-board fee hike for the 15th time in a row.
Government
Hochul announces new spending to boost health care workforce, help battle COVID-19, monkeypox
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Hochul is stepping up efforts against monkeypox with a new supply of vaccines and intensified education efforts.
News
PA Supreme Court upholds no-excuse mail voting ahead of midterms
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The justices rejected the GOP argument that the legislature did not have the power to allow Pennsylvanians to vote by mail without an excuse.
App NEWS
Poll shows Hochul leading Zeldin in race for New York Governor
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“Independent voters (are) closely divided, 44% with Zeldin, 42% with Hochul.”
App NEWS
New York health commissioner on monkeypox: ‘It’s spreading rapidly’
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Last week, Gov. Kathy Hochul declared monkeypox a state disaster emergency.
Health
New survey shows most Americans not concerned about lung cancer
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“Only 6.2% of residents at high risk for lung cancer have received a low dose CT scan.”
Energy
A new PA law aims to address old gas well cleanup. It could make the problem worse, critics say
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Gov. Tom Wolf is launching a review of the conventional drilling industry.
App NEWS
Ithaca increases police signing bonus, again
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The police department’s sign on bonus for lateral transfer hires has grown significantly since it was introduced last November in the city budget.
News
Unstable building blocks Amtrak service through Albany
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Amtrak said that alternative bus transportation will be provided on the Lake Shore Limited, Maple Leaf and Ethan Allan express.
App NEWS
Drought watch issued for 21 New York counties, including the Finger Lakes
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No mandatory restrictions are in place under a drought watch.
Crime and Justice
Governor sues to block abortion, voter ID questions from reaching PA ballot box
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The Democratic governor claims legislative Republicans unconstitutionally lumped together five pieces of their “failed” agenda.
Government
New York health commissioner declares monkeypox an ‘imminent threat to public health’
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The official declaration means local health departments will be able to access additional state reimbursement to help with the response and prevention activities related to the virus.
Broome County confirms first case of monkeypox
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Broome County detected its first case of monkeypox. Health officials say it was only a matter of time. The risk of exposure remains low and there is no cause for panic.
App NEWS
New York’s bail reform laws attract controversy in the governor’s race
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Public safety issues are dominating the governor’s race in New York in recent days.
Featured in Category
Veterans groups, Gillibrand criticize blockage of veteran health care bill
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One of the leading opponents to the bill is Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA) who argues the legislation allows for unrestricted spending.
Economy
After CHIPS bill passes Senate, Schumer pushes for computer chip plant
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“These companies are gonna need this bill to help them with dollars, and I’ll help to push to allocate those dollars.”
App NEWS
As monkeypox reaches Tompkins County, officials say there is no large cause for concern
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“Within the United States, I consider it containable, but we have to act and we have to think about prevention as well as vaccination.”
News
PA Democrats remind voters of Doug Mastriano’s ties to anti-Semites and conspiracy theorists.
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“If you embrace antisemites and racists and homophobes and xenophobes, then you are one of them.”
Food and Farms
New York farmers concerned about potential change in overtime rules
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Advocates for the change said farm workers should have the same overtime standard as other workers.
Crime and Justice
What kind of education does PA owe public school students? A judge will decide
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The petitioners have been arguing Pennsylvania’s school system is so underfunded, it violates the state constitution.
Crime and Justice
New York’s newly created state ethics panel is off to a slow start
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Progress on creating the new commission has been slow, leaving the state without any ethics panel at all.
Education
The public can comment on state plans to resume school accountability program
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“We will use it as a basis to continue to provide supports and resources to those schools and districts that most need them.”
App NEWS
Hochul waives taxes on diapers, releases $70 million for child care ‘deserts’
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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said Monday that the state will spend $70 million for improving child care services, as part of a plan that also ends the state sales tax on baby diapers.
988 hotline
Southern Tier health officials wait to see how 988 mental health hotline unfolds
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“Everyone takes 911 for granted, but it actually took 10 years to get 911 up and functioning across the United St