New York

As wedding season kicks off, couples in New York and 28 other states have a unique option when it comes to choosing a witness: their pet. According to Courtly, dogs, cats, rabbits—even hamsters—can legally sign as witnesses on a marriage certificate in these states. While it may sound like a modern trend, allowing pets to […]

Walmart has been fined by New York Attorney General Letitia James for violating state laws regarding the sale and distribution of realistic-looking toy guns. The AG’s office found that third-party sellers on Walmart’s platform shipped imitation firearms to nine addresses across the state, including locations in Western New York. State law requires toy guns to […]

New York’s new state budget includes the creation of a formal Office of Gun Violence Prevention (OGVP), centralizing efforts to reduce shootings and support victims. With $327 million allocated to gun-related initiatives, OGVP will coordinate with law enforcement and hospitals, manage grants, and launch public education campaigns. The move comes amid federal rollbacks of similar […]

A 5,400-square-foot Webster, New York mansion linked to narcotics trafficking has been sold for $1 million after being forfeited to the federal government. The property was seized following a 2023 civil forfeiture complaint by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, citing the home’s connection to drug money and illegal activity. The settlement included additional seized assets, totaling […]

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that over 8 million New Yorkers will receive inflation refund checks of up to $400 per family following a newly approved $254 billion state budget. Originally proposed in December, the rebates are funded by higher-than-expected sales tax revenue. While the timing remains uncertain, the payout is intended to alleviate financial pressure […]

A new report highlights financial hardships faced by tipped workers in New York, many of whom earn just 67% of the minimum wage before tips. A proposed bill (S415A/A1200A) aims to gradually raise their base pay to full minimum wage by 2029. Advocates argue this will improve worker conditions without harming the restaurant industry. A […]

State testing for New York students in grades 3–8 faced widespread delays due to back-to-back technical failures in the online testing system. The disruptions impacted at least four districts across the Capital Region, including Bethlehem, Amsterdam, and Fort Edward. The issues were attributed to the state’s testing vendor, the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). The New […]

The Buffalo Bills celebrated a major milestone in the construction of their new Highmark Stadium with a “topping out” ceremony. The final beam was placed atop the structure, signaling completion of the stadium’s main framework. Officials in attendance included Governor Kathy Hochul, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and team owner Terry Pegula. The new stadium is […]

Jean Rice, a longtime advocate for the homeless and member of Picture the Homeless, passed away at 85. Once homeless himself, Rice helped shift public perception through his activism and civil rights work. He fought for fair treatment and against profiling of the unhoused by police. Known for his intellect and activism, Rice’s life spanned […]

Health officials have confirmed a measles case in Suffolk County, marking the first case outside New York City this year and the third overall in the state. The patient, a child under 5 years old, is receiving treatment at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in Queens. Potential exposure may have occurred at the hospital’s pediatric emergency […]


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