Latest news with #GovHochul
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Yahoo
Hochul announces more drones, staff to patrol for sharks on Long Island beaches
Beachgoers on Long Island will see increased patrols, enhanced aerial surveillance and more safety measures starting this weekend as part of the state's effort to protect swimmers and monitor for sharks and other potentially dangerous marine life, Gov. Hochul announced Wednesday. Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend and in preparation for beach season, Hochul said the state would increase the number of drones patrolling the Long Island State Park beaches and add additional drone operators to patrol the waters for unsafe conditions. State officials say lifeguards with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) continuously monitor the water from the shore, surfboats and personal watercraft for signs of dangerous marine life, including sharks. NYS Park Police and other staff also patrol the beachfront, using drones to scan for sharks or large schools of fish that might attract them. As part of the new measures announced Wednesday, six drones have been added to the existing fleet of 22, bringing the total to 28 drones in operation. The number of certified drone operators has also increased from 40 to 48, officials said. One 'large enterprise drone' will also be in use by Park Police, equipped with thermal imaging, laser range-finding and high-quality cameras to enable nighttime surveillance and patrols in adverse weather conditions. This drone can also drop personal flotation devices in emergencies, according to the governor's office. 'Our Long Island State Park beaches are cherished by New Yorkers and visitors alike — perfect places to get offline, get outside and enjoy the outdoors,' Hochul said Wednesday in a news release. 'We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions.' When sharks are spotted, swimming will be suspended until at least one hour after the last confirmed sighting, with swimmers cleared from the water. State Parks staff, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Conservation, will verify sightings, as lifeguards and NYS Park police will 'stay on high alert and patrol the waters for dangerous marine life,' officials said. Additionally, the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group — more than 200 individuals from municipalities, agencies and private beach operators from Queens through Long Island — will be notified so they can take appropriate action in their respective jurisdictions. Last week, a 20‑year‑old woman was reportedly bitten by 'unknown marine life' — likely by a juvenile sand tiger shark — while waist-deep in the surf at the Central Mall beachfront of Jones Beach State Park, the OPRHP said Friday. She sustained non-life-threatening lacerations to her left foot and leg and was treated at Nassau County University Medical Center Hospital. _____
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Yahoo
Hochul announces more drones, staff to patrol for sharks on Long Island beaches
Beachgoers on Long Island will see increased patrols, enhanced aerial surveillance and more safety measures starting this weekend as part of the state's effort to protect swimmers and monitor for sharks and other potentially dangerous marine life, Gov. Hochul announced Wednesday. Ahead of the Fourth of July weekend and in preparation for beach season, Hochul said the state would increase the number of drones patrolling the Long Island State Park beaches and add additional drone operators to patrol the waters for unsafe conditions. State officials say lifeguards with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) continuously monitor the water from the shore, surfboats and personal watercraft for signs of dangerous marine life, including sharks. NYS Park Police and other staff also patrol the beachfront, using drones to scan for sharks or large schools of fish that might attract them. As part of the new measures announced Wednesday, six drones have been added to the existing fleet of 22, bringing the total to 28 drones in operation. The number of certified drone operators has also increased from 40 to 48, officials said. One 'large enterprise drone' will also be in use by Park Police, equipped with thermal imaging, laser range-finding and high-quality cameras to enable nighttime surveillance and patrols in adverse weather conditions. This drone can also drop personal flotation devices in emergencies, according to the governor's office. 'Our Long Island State Park beaches are cherished by New Yorkers and visitors alike — perfect places to get offline, get outside and enjoy the outdoors,' Hochul said Wednesday in a news release. 'We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions.' When sharks are spotted, swimming will be suspended until at least one hour after the last confirmed sighting, with swimmers cleared from the water. State Parks staff, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Conservation, will verify sightings, as lifeguards and NYS Park police will 'stay on high alert and patrol the waters for dangerous marine life,' officials said. Additionally, the Long Island Coastal Awareness Group — more than 200 individuals from municipalities, agencies and private beach operators from Queens through Long Island — will be notified so they can take appropriate action in their respective jurisdictions. Last week, a 20‑year‑old woman was reportedly bitten by 'unknown marine life' — likely by a juvenile sand tiger shark — while waist-deep in the surf at the Central Mall beachfront of Jones Beach State Park, the OPRHP said Friday. She sustained non-life-threatening lacerations to her left foot and leg and was treated at Nassau County University Medical Center Hospital. _____
CBS News
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
NYC Pride March draws more than 1 million to Manhattan to express joy, love, and defiance
The grand finale of Pride Month was held Sunday in New York City, starting with a march past the Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the gay rights movement. The march covered 1.8 miles in Manhattan, and the sidewalks were jammed on a day that was all about joy, love, and defiance. Read more: Pride Month photos show celebrations in communities around the world Rise Up: Pride in Protest The theme for the march this year was "Rise Up: Pride in Protest." Among the estimated 1 million participants was storyteller and advocate Martin Boyce, who was 21 years old when he took part in the uprisings that lit a fire for the gay liberation movement. "I'm a Stonewall veteran," Boyce said. "It means not letting yourself down, putting your pride first." "Protest for those who are marginalized because when those who are marginalized have access, we all benefit," said Kazz Alexander, NYC Pride co-chair. Gov. Hochul vows to defend LGBTQ community Elected officials and candidates marched and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul made the following vow: "We will always fight back and defend this community," she said. Participants spoke of the importance of the march, given the current state of affairs in the country. "I know the world is going to wherever it's going. So I just wanted to come out and enjoy myself today and enjoy everybody honoring themselves," one said. "Everyone can just be together and happy in their own safe space," another participant said. "Definitely, the inclusivity. I think that's the best part of it. To see everybody happy and joyful just to celebrate, it's really great," another added. "Our existence is resistance. So if we're happy, it's defiance. Just like that we're being defiant," said Jen Baquial, president of the Sirens Women's Motorcycle Club. "I'm so grateful to be here with such an incredible group of people," LGBTQ advocate Steve Love Mendez said. After the march, PrideFest buzzed with similar excitement into the evening. And while 2025 saw a drop In visible corporate sponsorship and corporate funding, individuals came to the rescue with some extra dollars to keep Pride alive, determined and unapologetic. NYPD protests one of march's policies Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch protested the march over a policy she says discriminates against LGBTQ members of law enforcement. She stood alongside police members who are part of the Gay Officers Action League, or GOAL, right before the march stepped off on Fifth Avenue. Heritage of Pride, which runs the event, has banned armed officers in uniforms since 2021. It said this year it only banned weapons, but Tisch said officers cannot wear uniforms without weapons. She called the move a "PR stunt." "At a time where our rights are so under attack, it is really unbelievable to me that Heritage of Pride has decided to exclude us in this way," Tisch said. "It's a matter of public safety and personal safety for our officers. When they put on their uniforms, they must carry their weapons with them, and I will not budge on that." Hochul also voiced her support for the NYPD, saying officers deserve to be "seen, respected and fully included."
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Readers sound off on supporting reparations, Cuomo's leadership and the Gaza blockade
Manhattan: Re 'Tulsa's first-ever Black mayor proposes $100M trust to 'repair' impact of 1921 Race Massacre' (June 2): As the movement for reparations continues to rise nationally, it is heartening to see cities like Tulsa, Okla. and Mayor Monroe Nichols turn promises into policy. Gov. Hochul allocated resources for a statewide reparations study, while four NYC mayoral candidates publicly supported reparations at a forum organized last month by our coalition of more than 100 grassroots organizations and activists. Our recent survey done in collaboration with Liberation Ventures shows that 48% of New Yorkers support reparations, and 70% would be open to or supportive of a pro-reparations candidate. This political momentum reflects the reality that reparations are more popular than what many opponents would have you think. The median total wealth of white New Yorkers is $320,000, compared to $2,800 for Black New Yorkers. This is the result of generations of economic theft. With 2025 marking the 200th anniversary of Seneca Village — once home to the largest community of Black property owners in New York that was destroyed to build Central Park — the connection between historical harm and present inequity is undeniable. While the Trump administration whitewashes our history and tries to take away our civil rights, New York lawmakers must follow Tulsa's example and take concrete action by establishing reparations and funding what our communities need to heal and thrive. The time for repair is now. Trevor Smith Bronx: For Voicer June Lowe: Maybe I can help you straighten things out, however, facts are often lost on those in the throes of full-blown Trump Derangement Syndrome. President Trump (TACO man, as you call him) did authorize the deployment of the National Guard leading up to Jan. 6. He did not sit on his hands. Presently in L.A., he also authorized the deployment — not 'unleashed' (your words) — of the National Guard to ensure the safety of ICE agents as they lawfully perform their duty, and to protect the LAPD as they are not allowed to defend themselves. The 'madness' has been caused by 'a constitutional crisis' that America suffered for the last four years under Joe Biden, or whoever was playing president. Joe Schulok Hicksville, L.I.: Create unrest in the streets and then send in the military to quell the so-called insurrection. This rule of thumb is on page one of the dictator's playbook. And to prove the point, ask yourself why the National Guard and the Marines weren't sent to South Central L.A. That's where most of the MS-13 criminals are. The answer is because Trump doesn't give a damn about illegals in America. He's just creating the narrative he wants. Also, with Marines in Los Angeles, what is it that we are now not paying attention to? Answer: his extremely destructive 'Big Beautiful Bill.' Steven Malinofsky North Branford, Conn.: This Saturday, June 14, is known as Flag Day. My suggestions for the day are to boycott the parade and hang your flags upside down. We must stop that madman's rampant romp over our Constitution. Stephen Syrotiak Forest Hills: With Trump's continued march into authoritarianism, we need a mayor who will be able to stand up to him. He is threatening our universities and our minority communities, and before long, he will have the National Guard patrolling our streets. Zohran Mamdani is too inexperienced to deal with Trump. We need Andrew Cuomo as mayor. He has proven that he knows how to deal with that tyrant. Libby Gurgis Brooklyn: I was puzzled by Voicer Bob Cavaliere's letter, so I went back in the chain of exchanges to figure it out. First, MAGA or not, dismissing Mamdani as 'low-intelligence' is the sort of insult I'd expect to hear from Trump. Mamdani must be pretty smart to close the gap from message candidate to practically touching Cuomo's numbers. As far as taxpayers being on the hook for the 'free stuff' most of us need badly, it's the very wealthy who barely contribute their fair share who need to make up the slack. As far as energy prices, it's Trump who's crushing us with his stand against cheap, clean energy. Con Ed should be ashamed to propose such a painful rate hike. The Public Service Commission must reject it. But as for gas bills, the NY HEAT Act would stop gas companies from their out-of-control pipeline building that does cost taxpayers money. Ella Ryan Mineola, L.I.: At the Italian consulate in 2011, I asked Mario Cuomo if Andrew was contemplating a run for the Rose Garden in 2016. 'We'll have to see what Hillary does,' he responded. The rest is history. Today, the end of Mayor Adams' shambolic reign is nigh. Cuomo is well-positioned to become New York City's 111th mayor. Governing Gotham isn't a stroll in Central Park, however, and Sheriff Andy may not be everybody's cup of cappuccino. Still, this hard-charging politico wielded power effectively, if pugnaciously, as governor. Though he lacked his father's Ciceronian oratory, Andrew presided over the state with a sinewy sense of purpose. He employed a vigorous New York brand of realpolitik in Albany. Ultimately, he should heed Marcus Aurelius: 'Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.' Rosario A. Iaconis Manhattan: Has anyone else noticed how much faster their commute is since using OMNY? Yeah, neither did I. Thomas Bower Brooklyn: About 10 years ago, our block had hardened daylighting enforced. We lost more parking spots, but if it was for safety, I was all about it. There were signs posted, unknown to people who don't live here, so they had a ticket blitz. If I had a chance, I would tell people there's a new sign. That's how I roll. Now Citi Bike wants to install bikes in that spot. The corner proposed is not near any other means of transportation. We are a random block with no traffic lights, so it's even hard at times to pull out of our driveways. That corner is hard to navigate by sight. We also have a bus going down the block, which is the last stop. Why would a last bus stop need Citi Bikes? Mariann Tepedino Flushing: Re 'Gaza a no-go for Greta' (June 10): Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound ship carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid. The dozen passengers included the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. The ship operated under the auspices of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international campaign that opposes Israel's blockade of Gaza that Israel says is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling. The group said the activists had been 'kidnapped' by the Israeli military. The activists should be advised that before they will be allowed to distribute aid to Gaza, they must first convince Hamas to release the real kidnap victims — namely, the Israeli hostages hidden by Hamas from the outside world for more than 600 days. Theodore Sheskin Brooklyn: To Voicer Tal Barzilai: I would consider making amends to the Abenaki people whose land my ancestor lived on nearly 300 years ago, but I do not own land, nor are there Abenaki left in southern Maine to give it to. All I can do is speak out about colonialism in the present, of which Israel is a prime example. My ancestor was a flawed man, but unlike Zionists, he knew enough to behave himself on land that did not belong to him. His neighbors did not, and they wound up dead. Zionists, take note: Behave yourselves when you are a guest. You must play by their rules. No exceptions. Given the latest news about depraved Zionists murdering hungry Gazans, I believe that Israelis do not deserve to live there. So, I beg you not to go back to Israel, but I know you will insist, so I pray for your safety. Nick Smith Bronx: To Voicer Marc H. Lavietes: I would just like to say that the 'digital noise' and 'silly games' at Citi Field are there for the enjoyment of kids and adults alike. As for putting a competitive team on the field, I think the Mets have already done that, and quite well, actually! LGM! Mary Ann Guarneri
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Mayor Adams to meet with Trump to discuss ‘NYC priorities'
Mayor Adams is slated to meet with President Trump in Washington, D.C. to 'discuss New York City priorities,' his office announced Friday morning. The mayor's friendly relationship with Trump has been the subject of enormous scrutiny after the president's Department of Justice stepped in to get his federal corruption case dismissed. The mayor, who denies a quid pro quo with Trump, dropped out of June's Democratic mayoral primary shortly after the unusual dismissal and is instead seeking reelection as an independent candidate in November's general election. White House spokespeople did not immediately return requests for comment. Tiffany Raspberry, deputy mayor for intergovernmental affairs, will also be at the meeting, according to Adams spokesperson Kayla Mamelak, a spokesperson for Adams. Mamelak also noted that Gov. Hochul has also traveled to D.C. to meet with the president. Trump's Department of Justice secured the dismissal last month, after they discussed with Adams and his legal team how dropping the case would pave the way for Adams to help the Trump administration with its efforts to target undocumented New Yorkers for 'mass deportations.' The mayor has consistently said he wants to 'work, not war' with the president. The 3 p.m. sit-down was scheduled to take place just two hours before a deadline by which Trump's Department of Justice must release search warrant materials and other sealed records from Adams' federal corruption case. The judge presiding over the since-dismissed case initially ordered Trump's DOJ to release the materials last week, but the department blew the deadline and got an extension until 5 p.m. Friday. It's unclear what the sealed materials will show, but public attention in the records have been high in light of the controversial dismissal of the mayor's indictment.
