Jobless claims rise in New York as U.S. sees dip
Unemployment filings in New York climbed last week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, signaling a potential uptick in layoffs statewide. Initial claims in New York reached 18,006 for the week ending July 5, ... more
Mega Millions Jackpot at $80 Million for Tonight’s Drawing
The Mega Millions jackpot is back on the rise, now reaching an estimated $80 million ahead of the next drawing on Friday, July 11 at 11 p.m. ET. For those opting for the cash payout, ... more
Over half of rural NY hospitals face closure risk
More than half of rural hospitals in New York are at risk of closing due to severe financial strain, according to the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform. The policy group reported that 29 ... more
Finger Lakes residents push back on cryptomining at regional hearing
Dozens of residents and business owners from across the Finger Lakes region voiced concerns Wednesday over the environmental impact of cryptocurrency mining during the first of eight statewide hearings on the Draft Generic Environmental Impact ... more
Hochul announces $21M for Southern Tier flood defenses
Governor Kathy Hochul has committed $21 million to upgrade aging flood control systems across the Southern Tier, according to her office. The funding, from the 2022 Environmental Bond Act, will support critical infrastructure projects in ... more
Experts push gun locks as accidental injuries rise
With accidental gun injuries on the rise, New York officials and gun store owners are urging firearm users to follow safe storage practices, according to Spectrum News. State law requires locked storage if children under ... more
New York braces for $3B hit after federal cuts
New York is now staring down a deeper financial hole, according to the state’s budget director. Blake Washington said Thursday that recent federal spending cuts will add a staggering $3 billion deficit to next year’s ... more
New Yorkers spend 5th highest share of income on health insurance, study finds
As health insurance premiums continue to climb nationwide, a new WalletHub study ranks New York among the top five states where residents spend the highest percentage of their income on coverage. According to the report ... more
Hochul’s nuclear plant plan sparks fierce debate
Governor Kathy Hochul’s push to build a new nuclear power plant upstate is igniting tension between state leaders and environmental groups, according to Spectrum News 1. The proposed project aims to stabilize the power grid ... more
Judge orders state to work with Auburn on lake pollution
A New York judge has ruled that the state Department of Health must collaborate with Auburn and Owasco leaders to update rules protecting Owasco Lake, according to The Citizen. The decision comes after officials accused ... more
Senate Republicans urge state to halt climate mandates, declare energy emergency
New York Senate Republicans are calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to declare an energy state of emergency and immediately suspend key mandates under the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), citing threats to ... more
DuPont agrees to $27M settlement in toxic water case
Residents of Hoosick Falls are set to receive $27 million from DuPont, which finally agreed to settle a long-running lawsuit over toxic water contamination, according to Spectrum News. The case, filed in 2016, accused DuPont ... more
Tip tax break sparks renewed push for higher wages
A new federal law exempting tips from income taxes has reignited efforts in New York to raise the minimum wage for tipped workers. Activists argue the tax break mostly benefits higher earners and leaves behind ... more
New York to delay clean energy goals, extend fossil fuel use
New York is backing off its aggressive climate targets, with state officials signaling a slower shift to renewable energy, according to Spectrum News. Governor Kathy Hochul said current economic realities mean the state can't meet ... more
NY audit finds dangerous delays in adult care facility inspections
A sweeping audit released by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli finds that the state Department of Health has failed to adequately oversee adult care facilities, putting the health and safety of thousands of vulnerable ... more
Flags lowered in NY to honor fallen fire chief
Flags across New York are flying at half-staff today to honor West Colesville Fire Chief James Sitek, who died in the line of duty on July 4, according to the USA Today. Sitek collapsed from ... more
Immigrant NYers fear impacts of funding changes in federal megabill
New York’s immigrant population faces sharp impacts from the federal budget megabill. Aside from cuts to social safety net programs, the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ increases the budget for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It allocates ... more
NY lawmakers delay Medicaid hearing for answers
New York senators postponed a hearing on the $9 billion Medicaid-funded home care program, CDPAP, aiming to ensure the state Health Department testifies, according to Spectrum News 1. The hearing, now set for Aug. 21, ... more
RG&E fixing autopay glitch after vendor switch
RG&E is addressing a technical issue that affected customers enrolled in autopay, according to WROC. The problem stems from a federally mandated switch to a new payment vendor. The utility is locking down impacted accounts ... more
