Despite widespread air quality warnings, many had to go to work outdoors
Despite air quality readings across the Finger Lakes and Central New York that far surpassed unsafe levels for all people - many were surprised at the number of folks still out working on Wednesday. Wildfires ... more
Lawmakers debate healthcare for asylum seekers in New York
The federal government has approved New York to provide health care coverage to migrants with asylum seeker status and undocumented residents, marking a significant step towards inclusion. However, the legislation to actualize this must pass ... more
Senate passes HEAT Act: Natural gas appliances one step closer to being banned in NY
The New York State Senate has passed the HEAT Act, which now goes to the Assembly. The legislation aims to phase out gas-line extension allowances, which would reduce the use of natural gas in the state ... more
Lawmakers move to ban pesticide-treated seeds amid declining bee population in New York
The New York State Legislature is set to vote on a bill banning the sale of seeds pre-treated with neonicotinoid pesticides, which have been linked to a decline in the bee population, despite strong opposition ... more
Hochul’s signature is all that awaits on prescription drug transparency bill
The New York State Legislature has given final approval to a bill requiring greater transparency in prescription drug pricing. The legislation, which now awaits Governor Kathy Hochul's signature, mandates that drug manufacturers notify the public ... more
Retail cannabis licenses will be issued next week for the Finger Lakes
Retail cannabis licenses are coming to the Finger Lakes region soon. RochesterFirst.com reports that retail licenses for cannabis dispensaries will be issued next week. The Cannabis Control Board will meet June 15 to decide on ... more
New York offers aid to Canada amid wildfires: Air Quality Alert extended through Thursday
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has offered to send aid to Canada in the fight against wildfires that have ravaged the country. Hochul said that New York is prepared to send firefighters, equipment, and other ... more
Proposal would decrease mandated number of lockdown, active shooter drills from four to one in New York
A proposed bill aiming to decrease the annual number of mandated lockdown and active shooter drills in New York schools from four to one may not gain final approval from the Legislature. Should the bill ... more
Student loan payments will soon resume thanks to debt ceiling deal
As part of the recent debt ceiling agreement passed by Congress, student loan repayments are set to resume. This provision is part of a broader deal that prevents the nation from defaulting by enabling the ... more
State officials, Buffalo Bills host groundbreaking for new stadium
The Buffalo Bills marked the start of construction for their new stadium with a groundbreaking ceremony on Monday. The open-air stadium, which will keep the current Highmark Stadium name, will be situated across the street ... more
State could let marijuana be sold at farmers markets after mishandled license rollout
The state is apparently considering the sale of cannabis at farmers markets. This comes after the incredibly slow rollout of legal marijuana sales in New York. Farmers have hundreds, some even thousands of pounds of ... more
Park Police losing authority in state parks? Cuomo era change paves way for NYSP to take over
New York's state parks have begun shifting from regular Park Police patrols to State Police coverage, a change that will be noticed by many visitors this summer. The Times Union reports that the change was ... more
Packaging and Recycling Infrastructure Act faces pushback from state business leaders
The Packaging and Recycling Infrastructure Act, a late amendment bill aimed at mitigating plastic pollution and enhancing recycling statewide, has drawn strong opposition from state business leaders. The proposed legislation seeks to establish an Extended ... more
Man arrested after trespassing at closed state prison
A 35-year-old was taken into custody after trespassing into a closed state prison. New York State Police have charged Justin E. Hoose, 35, with criminal trespass after he allegedly forced his way into the now-closed ... more
Hochul says changes to Clean Slate Act possible before end of session
Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Sunday her confidence in the passing of the Clean Slate Act, a proposal aimed at sealing many criminal records, before state lawmakers adjourn for the year. The act, seen as ... more
Tobacco use declines significantly in New York: Flavored vaping ban and tax hike credited
A recent report from the state Department of Health reveals a substantial decrease in tobacco usage among middle and high school students in New York, citing a ban on flavored vaping products and a declining ... more
Thruway Authority hosts virtual public hearing on toll hike
The New York State Thruway Authority is set to host a public hearing to discuss proposed toll adjustments on the Thruway system. The virtual hearing will take place later today, via Cisco Webex events, allowing ... more
US life expectancy is headed the wrong direction
A recent study conducted by the American Journal of Public Health reveals a startling life expectancy trend in the US, suggesting the nation has been disadvantaged in terms of life expectancy since the 1950s. The ... more
Sierra Club urges state to quit promoting sewage sludge as fertilizer and ban its spread on fields
The Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter is calling for the state to reverse its policy of promoting the use of sewage sludge as a fertilizer spread on farm fields and as a component of compost due ... more
