News by Deborah Williams
News by Deborah Williams on South Shore Press
New York Lawmakers Call for Governor to Sign School Bus Safety Rules
The start of school is just around the corner and New York lawmakers are calling for Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign a recently passed law increasing penalties for not abiding by stopped school bus rules.
Serious Sticker Shock Coming as State Approves Huge Increase in National Grid Rates for Millions in New York
New York's Public Service Commission approved a substantial National Grid rate hike to begin next month adding $33 to the average bill now and $60 in total in three years. New York's Green New Deal mandates along with infrastructure repairs are driving the cost increases, says National Grid.
Suffolk County Judicial Diversion Program Badly Misused by Judge
Suffolk County, like many counties in NY and across the country, has a Judicial Diversion Program (JDP) meant for non-violent felony offenders facing charges and who also abuse alcohol and drugs. Instead of jail or probation, JDP will help them enter and stay in a drug or alcohol treatment program.
84% of American Voters say Illegal Immigration is Bad for America
In a year when the economy, crime, and illegal immigration are top of mind for voters, there is no doubt what the overwhelming majority of voters feel about illegal immigration.
Social Security Administration Makes $1.1 Billion in Bad Payments
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found the Social Security Administration wrote checks for a jaw-dropping $1.1 billion in improper payments for FY2024 and has a "record-breaking backlog" of 5.2 million cases.
New Department of Transportation Rule Requires a Quick Refund for Delayed or Canceled Flights
Have you ever had your flight canceled at the last minute leaving you stranded at the airport? Have you and your kids been trying to get away on vacation only to spend hours and hours stuck at the airport because your flight was delayed? Have you rented a car in desperation to get home because there was no hope of your flight taking off in any reasonable timeframe?
Civil Service Test Fees Waived until the End of 2025
If you were thinking about taking one or more Civil Service Exams, and the cost of the filing fees added up to more than you could afford, there is no reason to worry about that any longer. With all fees waived until December 2025, you can try for several positions and not empty your wallet.
New York State Troopers are Looking for Recruits
Are you thinking of a career in law enforcement? The New York State Police are now accepting applications for the Trooper Entrance Examination, and testing for candidates is now open.
Feds Roll out 'Time is Money' Initiative to Make 'Unsubscribing' Easier
Are you tired of opening your email Inbox and finding it filled with dozens, even hundreds, of junk emails from retailers and scammers? Are you frustrated with unwanted memberships and automatic payment services you can't seem to stop? The Federal Communication Commission (FCC) is making it easier to 'unsubscribe' with a new 'Time is Money' initiative.
Suffolk County Left Out to Sea when US Coast Guard Leaves East Moriches Coast Guard Station
The East Moriches US Coast Guard Station was closed during a consolidation of stations. When that happened, nine local volunteer fire departments and one ambulance service teamed up to form a coalition picking up the slack to ensure water rescue in the region didn't miss a beat.
Five Suffolk County Bridges Listed as Worst in NYS
New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli issued a report on the structural health and safety of New York's bridges. Ten percent rate in poor condition.
Courts Again Block Biden-Harris Student Loan Bailout
The Eighth Circuit of Appeals extended its pause of part of the Biden-Harris plans to transfer student debt from the student who knowingly took out the loan and pass it on to other taxpayers.
Calls for Hochul to Sign Law Expanding Tuition Aid to Veterans Grow Louder
The New York State Assembly and Senate both passed a bill during this session that expanded tuition assistance to veterans regardless of their combat experience. All veterans, no matter their service, would be eligible for tuition assistance.
Biden-Harris Give Taliban $239 Million in Taxpayer Funds
Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) revealed in a report that significant failures in oversight of American aid resulted in the "misallocation" of $239 million of taxpayer funds to the Taliban. The funds were intended for counterterrorism efforts in Afghanistan.
New York on Track to Allow Convicted Felons to Serve on a Jury
New York's Office of Court Administration (OCA) announced that New York's lifetime ban for convicted felons to serve on juries is about to come to an end.
Senators Hawley and Gillibrand co-sponsor a Bill to Expand Mental Health Services for First Responders
U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) introduced the bipartisan 'First Responders Wellness Act ' that would establish a grant program to expand professional mental health services for law enforcement officers.
Only in New York: No ID to Vote, but Required to Buy Decongestant
Governor Kathy Hochul signed a host of new legislation claiming to strengthen voting protections and improve voter accessibility. Notably absent from her legislation is any effort to ensure election integrity and require photo ID at the polling station.
Hochul to Spend $100 Million on New York's Green New Deal projects
Governor Kathy Hochul plans to spend $100 million for phase one of a massive NY Green New Deal Project to cut the carbon footprint of Albany's Empire Plaza by 20%.
EdCOPS Act of 2024 Aims to Beef up Local Police Force Ranks
Are you considering becoming a police officer? Now may be the time to do it as Congress is looking to increase incentives to help police forces across New York State and the nation fill their dwindling ranks.
American Flags Should be 'Born in the USA' Says Congress
In a rare bi-partisan congressional effort, congress passed the "All American Flag Act requiring American flags purchased by the government to be entirely Made in America.
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Stony Brook students blend fitness and ecology in 3K EcoWalk
Stony Brook University students participated in the "Running Wild 3K EcoWalk," a new Earthstock event conducted on April 21 at the Ashley Schiff Preserve.
Justice in Motion: Five MS-13 Gangbangers Indicted in Blue Point Beach Killing
Lopez-Lopez, 27, of Central Islip, was a former MS-13 member suspected of turning informant. His body was left on the shoreside (pictured) at the end of Blue Point Avenue back in early March.
Leave Fireworks to the Pros or Risk Tragedy This Fourth of July
Suffolk officials warn against illegal fireworks, want residents to enjoy the July 4th holiday without blowing themselves up.