Latest news with #GovernorHochul
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Shark sightings force some New York beaches to close on busy July 4 weekend
Shark sightings forced some New York beaches to close on the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend. Millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day on Friday, with many opting to hang out at the beach. New Yorkers who wanted to take advantage of the sunny weather may have been disappointed to find Rockaway Beach in Queens was closed after shark sightings. New York City Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry alerted the closures in an X post Friday afternoon. Daughtry said two sharks were spotted near Beach 32nd Street shortly before 11:30 a.m. ET. He said 'one marine animal' was also seen at Beach 144th Street and the latest sighting was at Beach 30th Street. 'These sightings were very close to beachgoers. But thanks to drone tech, lifeguards, and the dedicated professionals at [NYC Emergency Management], we're keeping everyone safe as they enjoy the holiday.' Beach 30th Street was only closed for an hour on Friday, according to Daughtry. New York takes shark monitoring seriously. Lifeguards continuously patrol the water and beach police and staff use drones to spot 'dangerous marine life,' such as sharks, and large schools of fish that may attract them, according to a recent press release from Governor Kathy Hochul's office. The Empire State has increased its surveillance capabilities this summer, which includes six new drones, marking 28 drones total, and training eight new drone operators for a total of 48 operators. New York also gave beach police one large 'enterprise drone' with thermal imaging, among other capabilities. The drone can also drop personal flotation devices into the water in emergencies. '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 in Wednesday's release. She continued: 'We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions. I encourage all beachgoers to stay safe, stay alert and always follow the direction of lifeguards and park staff.'
The Independent
05-07-2025
- The Independent
Shark sightings force some New York beaches to close on busy July 4 weekend
Shark sightings forced some New York beaches to close on the busy Fourth of July holiday weekend. Millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day on Friday, with many opting to hang out at the beach. New Yorkers who wanted to take advantage of the sunny weather may have been disappointed to find Rockaway Beach in Queens was closed after shark sightings. New York City Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Kaz Daughtry alerted the closures in an X post Friday afternoon. Daughtry said two sharks were spotted near Beach 32nd Street shortly before 11:30 a.m. ET. He said 'one marine animal' was also seen at Beach 144th Street and the latest sighting was at Beach 30th Street. 'These sightings were very close to beachgoers. But thanks to drone tech, lifeguards, and the dedicated professionals at [NYC Emergency Management], we're keeping everyone safe as they enjoy the holiday.' Beach 30th Street was only closed for an hour on Friday, according to Daughtry. New York takes shark monitoring seriously. Lifeguards continuously patrol the water and beach police and staff use drones to spot 'dangerous marine life,' such as sharks, and large schools of fish that may attract them, according to a recent press release from Governor Kathy Hochul 's office. The Empire State has increased its surveillance capabilities this summer, which includes six new drones, marking 28 drones total, and training eight new drone operators for a total of 48 operators. New York also gave beach police one large 'enterprise drone' with thermal imaging, among other capabilities. The drone can also drop personal flotation devices into the water in emergencies. '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 in Wednesday's release. She continued: 'We are continuing to strengthen our shark surveillance capabilities and safety tactics at these beaches to help protect these treasured summertime traditions. I encourage all beachgoers to stay safe, stay alert and always follow the direction of lifeguards and park staff.'
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bodegas in NYC seek security upgrades after shooting incident
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) — Panic buttons and security cameras. That's what workers in New York City's 25,000 bodegas need to stay safe, according to Fernando Mateo with the United Bodegas of America. Mateo held a news conference Wednesday following the shooting death of 38-year-old Victor Bautista outside a bodega on Trinity Avenue in the Bronx. More Local News Mateo said, 'If we didn't have the videotapes that showed how Victor Bautista got murdered, the police would have no leads in this case. How much is a life worth, is what we ask. Mayor Eric Adams announced $1.6 million for panic buttons to be installed in 500 bodegas. Mateo said Governor Hochul promised 5 million dollars for businesses to upgrade security features, but Mateo said instead, Hochul gave tax credits. Mateo said, 'We don't want tax credits. It doesn't count. You can't buy cameras with credit. Give us the money we need to make our small businesses safer. allow us to save lives.' Governor Hochul's press office did not respond to a request for comment. There's been no arrest in Bautista's murder. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Finextra
05-06-2025
- Business
- Finextra
NY legislature passes Statewide cash law
A bill banning retailers from refusing to accept cash payments has passed both houses of the New York State Legislature. 0 The legislation, sponsored by Senator James Sanders Jr and Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, prohibits food stores and retail establishments from refusing to accept payment in cash. The sponsors say the move ensures that all New Yorkers — especially low-income, elderly, and unbanked people — can access essential goods and services in an era increasingly dominated by digital payments. The measure now awaits Governor Hochul's signature. Says Senator Sanders: 'Cash is still king for many New Yorkers who live paycheck to paycheck or who simply don't have access to credit or banking services. 'No one should be denied a sandwich, a bottle of water, or a loaf of bread because they don't have a debit card. This bill is about fairness and basic dignity.'
Fast Company
08-05-2025
- Business
- Fast Company
Step in and act where the government won't
The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more. It's been made clear in the past few months that the uncertainty we're facing as a country has impacted almost every level of society. And it's not lost on me that there is an overwhelming amount of pressure on our state leaders in the current political and economic environment. Unfortunately, I'm not confident that these leaders are using their power to tackle the deep-rooted issues that our country continues to face—like the growing wealth gap. In my home base of Albany, New York there are over 1,000 abandoned properties with the number of unhoused people rising 38% since 2022. Governor Hochul claims to have plans to reinvent New York City, the Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valley—recently announcing a $412 million proposal —but despite budget approvals, we've yet to see a concrete plan and timeline that will move the investment forward. Take it a step further. The wealth gap in America isn't just growing, it's accelerating. And the reality is, we can do something about this. According to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, from 1981 to 2021, income for the top 20% of earners in the U.S. jumped 165%. For the middle and lowest earners? Just 33% and 38%. Why leaders should be frustrated I've grown tired of waiting for government leaders to step up and fight. I no longer expect sweeping reform from the top. So, I've focused on what I can do from the ground up. Four years ago, my wife Lisa and I started Business for Good in New York's Capital Region. Our mission is to close the wealth gap. We invest directly in communities: supporting small businesses, affordable housing, offering marketing and HR resources, mentoring entrepreneurs, and creating ecosystems that allow people to rise—and stay—out of poverty. It's working. But it's not enough. Not unless more of us get off the sidelines. That's why I'm calling on other leaders to join me in replicating the model that we've used for Business for Good. All it takes is simple, powerful steps that any business leader can follow to use their privilege for good. These are not theoretical—they work. And they're built on a belief that I hold deeply: Privilege can be shared, but only by those who have it. The courage to act is contagious. Here's where we start Change starts with one simple but powerful action: listening. We must be willing to actively hear from those who are directly impacted by the growing rise of uncertainty and inequity. Next, do your homework. Deepen your understanding of inequities and the impacts of rising uncertainty and systemic exclusion. Be courageous, as individual learning and growth is required to drive real change. Then, confront—and speak up. Acknowledge your own biases as well as share information and resources. If you have a platform, use it—your voice, your company, your community, social media, etc. Remember that if words matter, actions speak louder. We also need to partner with local government leaders and policy makers who are committed to dismantling barriers and fighting for each and every member of our communities. For us, at Business for Good, we work with local leaders in the Albany/New York Capital Region as part of our pilot program. Showing up matters. Leverage your privilege for good by sharing your opinion, engaging in activities that support belonging, starting a conversation, and connecting within your local community. Engagement is key. That means having hard conversations with colleagues, friends, and family. Be brave enough to speak up. We each have a role to play in breaking the silence and building awareness. Finally, invest. Real impact takes resources. Actionable ways to drive change At Business for Good, we've put our money where our mission is, fighting for our neighbors and communities. We've invested over $1 million to help create the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce—a hub for community leaders, entrepreneurs, and small businesses to thrive. We've supported a local community center focused on improving the lives of those in need from youngest to oldest. We're working with like-minded leaders in the private sector to tackle issues that our local government is not: housing and employment to name a few. Other leaders and cities can and should take this approach to replicate the progress we've seen in our community. I recently read a set of community values posted in Dubai. And while this was halfway across the world and it wasn't my own community, one message struck me: A successful society is one that lifts everyone up. Let's bring that idea home.
