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NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — There were new developments overnight in the scandal surrounding nursing home deaths during the pandemic. Published reports by The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal allege top aides to Gov. Andrew Cuomo intervened to rewrite a July 2020 draft report by the Department of Health on nursing home deaths to conceal the actual number of people who passed away. It was a problem because of a March 25 Department of Health order that said nursing homes should accept a return of patients who had COVID-19 and had been treated in hospitals, CBS2’s Marcia Kramer reported. According to the papers, the draft report said that nearly 10,000 nursing home residents died from the coronavirus . But after the alleged “rewrite,” which excluded patients transferred to hospitals who later died, the public was told the number of people who died was 6,432. Beth Garvey, special counsel to the governor, issued a statement saying: The out of facility data was omitted after DOH could not confirm it had been adequately verified – this did not change the conclusion of the report, which was and is that the March 25 order was “not a driver of nursing home infections or fatalities.” Federal prosecutors are investigating the alleged cover-up of nursing home deaths. Cuomo is also facing new revelations in his sexual harassment scandal after one of his accusers spoke out on camera for the first time. Charlotte Bennett, 25, spoke from the heart in an exclusive interview with CBS Evening News anchor Norah O’Donnell . Bennett is one of three women pointing their fingers at the governor. Bennett charged that in May 2020, Cuomo asked her what she called inappropriate questions that made her think he wanted to have sexual relations with her. Bennett said the governor repeatedly asked her about being a rape survivor. “Why do you think he was fixated on you as a survivor of sexual assault?” O’Donnell asked. “I think it’s really strategic. I think abusers look for vulnerabilities, previous traumas, the idea that maybe I’m more willing to accept behavior because I have a history of sexual violence, perhaps I’m not as confident in myself because of my history,” Bennett said. Cuomo publicly apologized to Bennett and said he never touched anyone inappropriately.

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Reports: Top Cuomo Aides Allegedly Altered July Report To Conceal Number Of Nursing Home Deaths

March 5, 2021 0 comment

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New Jersey Legislature Advances Resolutions To Celebrate Bruce Springsteen Day, Grover Cleveland Week

written by PamRoderic

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey would celebrate Bruce Springsteen Day and Grover Cleveland Week under resolutions that advanced in the Legislature on Thursday. A Democratic-led committee approved them. Springsteen is a multiple Grammy Award-winning rocker from Freehold. Cleveland was born in Caldwell and was the only person to serve two non-consecutive terms as President of the United States. He has a service area named after him on the New Jersey Turnpike. Springsteen Day would be Sept. 23, the musician’s birthday, under the resolution. Cleveland Week would begin on his birthday, March 18. The federal government last week dropped drunken driving charges against Springsteen stemming from an incident in a national recreation area in which he had two shots of tequila but his blood-alcohol level was four times below the legal limit. Democratic state Sen. Vin Gopal represents the part of Monmouth County where Springsteen grew up, played as young musician and currently lives. He said he introduced the measure a year ago, but because of COVID-19, it didn’t advance. “He’s a rich part of my district,” he said. “New Jersey should be proud of him.” Cleveland was elected president in 1884 and 1892 after earlier serving as governor of New York, where he moved to study law. He’s buried in Princeton. The resolutions are ceremonial and, if enacted by both houses of the Legislature, petition the governor to issue a proclamation to observe relevant activities and programs. (© Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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New Jersey Legislature Advances Resolutions To Celebrate Bruce Springsteen Day, Grover Cleveland Week

March 5, 2021 0 comment

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‘Absolutely Stunning’: Lawmakers React To Goldstein Investigation Into Minors Collecting EDD Benefits

written by StephanLanger

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Lawmakers want answers after a recent David Goldstein investigation found that children as young as 1-year-old were collecting unemployment benefits. An investigation by CBS Los Angeles’ David Goldstein found nearly a dozen questionable unemployment claims for minors receiving unemployment funds as unemployed actors or fashion models. (CBSLA) “That is absolutely stunning,” Assemblymember Jim Patterson, R-Fresno, said about the investigation. According to records obtained by CBS Los Angeles, unemployment claims have been filed on behalf of minors claiming they were out of work actors and fashion models despite the children not being registered to work in the state — including a 1-year-old from Fresno who was getting $167 per week in taxpayer-funded unemployment benefits. “There’s no reason why the governor cannot right now using his executive authority pick up the telephone and say to those involved at the EDD, ‘Get your act together, or else,’” Patterson said. Sources told CBS Los Angeles that the EDD was in the process of making changes to how it processes some claims. Beginning this week, the EDD will be verifying the income of people who are self-employed, using state databases — something that hasn’t been done in the past. If their income cannot be verified, claimants will have 21 days to provide proof before their benefits are cut off. “They need to back it up,” State Senator Brian Jones, R-San Diego, said. “They should have been doing that from the beginning.” Jones said he believes the change will cut down on potential fraud. “EDD should be catching up with that verification and getting as many of those things verified as soon as possible,” he said. The verification process would be that everyone — even a 1-year-old child — would have to provide documentation of income prior to the pandemic. “I think even 1-year-olds, if they have a source of income, have to file a Schedule C if they’re a 1099 independent contractor,” Jones said. According to sources familiar with the situation, EDD will first ask those receiving above the minimum benefits to provide proof of income — though the verification process is expected to be expanded in the future.

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‘Absolutely Stunning’: Lawmakers React To Goldstein Investigation Into Minors Collecting EDD Benefits

November 24, 2020 0 comment

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President Trump Says New York State Will Not Receive COVID Vaccine As Soon As It’s Available

written by Fletche33K

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — President Donald Trump announced Friday a coronavirus vaccine will be available in April for the entire country, except New York. Gov. Andrew Cuomo fired back Friday night. The president spoke at a press conference on Operation Warp Speed and vaccine distribution. “Millions of doses will soon be going out the door,” Trump said. Trump said two vaccines could be approved by the end of the year and be available to all Americans a few months later, but then, the president suddenly said New York will not get its vaccine unless the governor approves it. “As soon as April the vaccine will be available to the entire general population with the exception of places like New York State, where, for political reasons, the governor decided to say, and I don’t think it’s good from a political standpoint, but he wants to take his time with the vaccine,” Trump said. “We won’t be delivering it to New York until we have authorization to do so, and that pains me to say that. This is a very successful, amazing vaccine and 90% and more. But, so the governor, Governor Cuomo will have to let us know what he’s ready for it.” Cuomo has said he won’t take the Trump administration’s word that the vaccine is safe. MORE: Gov. Cuomo: ‘I’m Not Going To Trust The Federal Government’s Opinion’ On Potential Approved COVID-19 Vaccine “He doesn’t trust the fact that it’s this White House, this administration, so we won’t be delivering to New York until we have authorization to do so,” Trump said. “We can’t be delivering it to a state that won’t be giving it to its people immediately.” The governor appeared on MSNBC to respond to the president’s comments. “Everything is personal with this president. There can’t be a disagreement on principle, and he retaliates,” Cuomo said. Cuomo has appointed a panel to examine any vaccine before its distributed in the state. “An overwhelming percentage of Americans are worried about political interference in the vaccination process, in the approval process by the president,” the governor said. CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Health Experts Stress Need To Fight ‘Mask Exhaustion’ Tri-State Area Coronavirus Travel Advisory List CBS2’s Dr. Max Answers Your Health Questions Resources: Unemployment, Hunger, Mental Health & More Remote Learning Tools For Parents Teaching At Home Complete Coronavirus Coverage Cuomo says he has faith in drug companies, but not the administration. “But I do want to be able to say that the people of this state, trust the vaccine. I do want to be able to say I know you have doubts about Trump and about politicization of the health process, but we had a separate panel with headed by Nobel Prize Laureate,” Cuomo said. Cuomo says seven other states have also appointed panels to approve a vaccine. He says the New York panel would not slow down distribution of the vaccine. State Attorney General Letitia James says she is prepared to sue the Trump administration if New York doesn’t receive the vaccine with the rest of the United States. She released the following statement in response to Trump’s remarks: “This is nothing more than vindictive behavior by a lame-duck president trying to extract vengeance on those who oppose his politics. Once there is a fully-developed COVID-19 vaccine, we are confident that a Biden-Harris Administration will provide New York with the proper number of doses so that our state’s residents can achieve immunity. If dissemination of the vaccine takes place in the twilight of a Trump Administration and the president wants to play games with people’s lives, we will sue and we will win.” The governor also pointed out the Biden administration takes over Jan. 20, and even the president, who insists he won the election, hinted that may be true. “Hopefully, whatever happens in the future, who knows which administration it will be. I guess time will tell,” Trump said. More Election 2020 Coverage : General Election Results New York Results New Jersey Results Complete Coverage Friday’s press conference was the president’s second appearance before the media since Election Day. With President-elect Joe Biden now being projected to win in Georgia and Trump in North Carolina, Biden winds up with 306 electoral votes to Trump’s 232. MORE FROM CBS NEW YORK De Blasio Says NYC Parents Should Be Ready ‘As Early As Monday’ For All-Remote Learning Bicycle Thefts Surging In New York City As Pandemic Causes Nationwide Shortage Of Bikes 2 Killed In Explosion At Veterans Affairs Hospital In West Haven, Conn. You can get the latest news, sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app. Download here .

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President Trump Says New York State Will Not Receive COVID Vaccine As Soon As It’s Available

November 14, 2020 0 comment

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2 Killed In Explosion At Veterans Affairs Hospital In West Haven, Conn.

written by AdriennTxo

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (CBSNewYork) — At least two people are dead after a steam pipe exploded at a veterans hospital in Connecticut. It happened around 8 a.m. in the basement of a maintenance facility on the hospital’s campus. Investigators say a steam line was being replaced. State emergency management officials are actively working with local and federal officials to respond to the explosion that occurred this morning at the West Haven VA Medical Center and will continue to provide as much aid as necessary to conduct an investigation. (1/3) — Governor Ned Lamont (@GovNedLamont) November 13, 2020 One of the victims was a VA employee, and the other was a contractor. “One of those employees was a Navy veteran,” said Alfred Montoya Jr., director of the VA Connecticut Healthcare System. “Probably one of the hardest moments of my VA career and told his loved one that he was deceased. It was so difficult.” Sen. Richard Blumenthal released the following statement: “It is sad day in America, as we continue to learn more about the incident at the West Haven VA this morning. Our hearts go out to the families of those individuals who have been impacted. As a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I’ve been in contact with the director of the facility and will continue to remain in touch as more information becomes available. There must be a full and complete investigation as to what was the cause for this fatal, tragic explosion – our veterans deserve the best care, and the safest and most reliable work, always.” Three other people also had minor injuries. The exact cause is still under investigation. MORE FROM CBS NEW YORK President Trump Says New York State Will Not Receive COVID Vaccine As Soon As It’s Available De Blasio Says NYC Parents Should Be Ready ‘As Early As Monday’ For All-Remote Learning Doctors Worry Winterizing Outdoor Dining Spaces Will Increase COVID Risk For Diners You can get the latest news, sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app. Download here .

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2 Killed In Explosion At Veterans Affairs Hospital In West Haven, Conn.

November 13, 2020 0 comment

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Cuomo Says Managing Infection Rate Will Be Critical As New York’s Coronavirus Numbers Climb

written by MarieMBRapoehdd

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — New York State is facing a grim outlook in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the state has almost the same number of infections as back in June, and things could get worse before they get better. “You will see through the fall the numbers going up nationwide,” the governor told ABC’s “Good Morning America” on Monday. “Scientists said that was going to happen. It’s going to be managing the infection increase, which is going to be the challenge.” On Sunday, Cuomo announced there were 18 fatalities the day before and the statewide positivity rate was 2.3%– the highest it’s been since June. “Our seven-day rolling average 2.21% — the highest we’ve seen in a long time,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday. “Now we’re having some challenges on Staten Island . So we’re going to focus a lot of resources there to protect the people of Staten Island and to stop this second wave. We’re going to see a ‘day of action’ tomorrow on Staten Island — and this day of action means a lot outreach, a lot of mask distribution, a lot of testing.” Many told CBS2’s John Dias they fear another lockdown. “Maybe we’ll have to take a minute or two out again and do it,” one woman told Dias. “Too many people keep dying. They can’t control what’s going on,” Cypress Hills resident Tomas Baleao said. “I think it’s gotten so far out of control at this point,” another person added. MORE FROM CBS NEW YORK Already Struggling Queens Business Owners Say Summonses, Fines Over COVID Guidelines Are ‘Unfair’ Cheering, Celebrations Erupt In Streets Of New York After Joe Biden Projected To Win Presidency 4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Massachusetts, Felt In CT, Long Island, USGS Says While President Donald Trump continues to tout his handling of the pandemic, the governor says President-elect Joe Biden will have a different approach to COVID . “When you deny a problem the way Trump did, you can never solve it,” Cuomo said. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy echoed that statement. “Beginning with the president there’s a complete belief in science, data and facts,” he said. The Garden State’s seven-day rolling average is 4.86%, according to John Hopkins. Murphy is expected to make a major announcement Monday about new restrictions on places where people gathering. “We’ve seen as restaurants stay open later, seating at bars, interstate indoor sports tournament — those are areas that we’re looking very closely,” the governor said. In Connecticut, the rolling average of cases is 4.74%. Health officials warn against large gatherings for Thanksgiving and urge everyone to wear a mask and practice social distancing. CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC Tri-State Coronavirus Travel Advisory Quarantine List Resources, Hotlines, Unemployment & Covering Bills Remote Learning Tools For Parents Teaching At Home CBS2’s Dr. Max Answers Your Health Questions What To Do If Someone Isn’t Social Distancing Or Wearing A Mask? Expert: Parents Be Mindful Of Children’s Stress After Months Of Isolation Chopper 2 Over Empty NYC Streets, Landmarks Complete Coronavirus Coverage You can get the latest news, sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app. Download here .

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Cuomo Says Managing Infection Rate Will Be Critical As New York’s Coronavirus Numbers Climb

November 9, 2020 0 comment

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Election 2020: New Jersey Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Legalizing Marijuana

written by NellieBehrens

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — Voters have spoken, overwhelmingly passing a resolution to legalize recreational marijuana in New Jersey. Sixty-seven percent of New Jersey said yes to the ballot measure. A big election brought forth historic change in the Garden State. “I think it’s amazing. I think it’s good for our economy,” one person said. “This is a tremendous victory in New Jersey,” said Steven Hawkins of the Marijuana Policy Project. As CBS2’s Meg Baker reports, the Garden State is officially going green, but not so fast. So now what? More Election 2020 Coverage : General Election Results New York Results New Jersey Results Photos From The Polls Complete Coverage Hawkins’ organization helped with getting the initiative passed. He says now that it ha been approved by voters, it’s time for guidelines to be put in place. “The next steps will be that the Legislature perhaps as early this Thursday in New Jersey will move to pass legislation to implement a cannabis commission and set up a regulatory system for taxing cannabis and then we could see very early in the next year cannabis starting to be sold for adult use in New Jersey,” Hawkins said. Results : Marijuana Legalization Ballot Issue 2020 Recreational pot becomes in January, but you won’t be able to buy it right away. “Realistically, the timeline is anywhere from six months to a year,” said industry expert Mike McQueeny. “You have to grow it before you can package it and sell it. On top of that, you have to create regulations and rules to do that safely.” It took Massachusetts and other states more than two years to set up the industry. Those already in the medical marketplace will be the first allowed to sell to the general consumer. The problem: Growers in New Jersey do not have enough cannabis available to meet the needs of patients, let alone any other buyers. “I hope they’re out there tilling soil right now. So as soon as they have enough product, they’ll be able to sell,” said State Sen. Nicholas Scutari. Now that New Jersey has voted to legalize marijuana, the state Legislature can start establishing industry standards and deciding where the revenue goes. Scutari is writing the bill and says marijuana in New Jersey will have the lowest tax rate in the country at less than seven percent, and will allow an extra two percent local tax, giving additional revenue to municipalities that decide to allow facilities in their town. “We create an economic engine for this state moving forward, but not just taxation but with job creation,” Scutari said. But the impact is more than extra money for the state. “The economic impact it will have on our state. The job creation. The farming jobs, the tilling jobs, the bud tenders, the sales jobs, the architects,” Scutari said. Watch Meg Baker’s report — Dr. Diane Calello with New Jersey Poison Control Center says the state’s focus needs to be on safety. Edibles must be properly packaged and labeled. “Not only kids like to eat, not realizing it’s cannabis, but it’s also the thing that makes adults take some, not experience an effect, take more, take more, take more and then get hit with a big dose of THC or marijuana unexpectedly an hour or two in,” Dr. Calello said. New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal reminds people that all of the state’s criminal laws relating to street purchases of marijuana still apply, though some state legislators are looking to decriminalize cannabis right away. There is opposition. More than 70 municipalities signed a pact not to allow dispensaries in their towns, and the New Jersey Association of Chiefs of Police cite concerns about drug impaired driving and the toxicity of today’s marijuana. “I think we have a lot of work ahead of us,” said John Zebrowski, the police chief in the town of Sayerville and serves as vice president of the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police. The organization has some concerns about the legalization of marijuana and how it will impact the safety of people on roads. “The issue of impairment is still one that has not been answered. There isn’t a comprehensive or comparable device available to utilize to show impairment, as there is for alcohol at this point,” Zebrowski said. More From CBS New York Coronavirus Impact: NYC Businesses Near Subways, In Grand Central Terminal Struggling To Get By MTA Worker Says He’s Facing 30-Day Suspension For Exposing Safety Issues On Trains Study: 1.7 Million New Yorkers Have Been Infected With COVID-19 As Zebrowski waits to see how policing will move forward, some are hoping bordering states like New York will legalize marijuana, too. Currently, a New York senator is pushing for it to be legalized with a bill detailing how it can be regulated and taxed. “All New York is saying if we don’t legalize is, fine, New Jersey, we’ll come to you and we’ll spend our money over there,” Sen. Liz Krueger said. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio have both said they’re in favor. “It has to be done the right way in New York. It has to be done in a way that’s safe and that empowers communities who often have suffered from the wrong king of laws in the past,” de Blasio said. For social justice. For racial justice. For economic justice. https://t.co/zUTROLKhkY — Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) November 4, 2020 Meanwhile, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy tweeted his support, saying legalizing adult use marijuana is a huge step forward for racial and social justice and for the economy. Legalizing bud was one of his campaign promises. “This is a state, when we came in to office, had the widest white/non-white gap of persons incarcerated in America, and that’s overwhelmingly because of low-end drug crimes,” Murphy said. Black people in New Jersey are 3.5 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana than white people. Safeer Quraishi is with the NAACP local chapter in New Jersey. “We’re advocating for those who are incarcerated for small drug offenses to be released immediately,” Quraishi told CBS2’s Ali Bauman. You can get the latest news, sports and weather on our brand new CBS New York app. Download here .

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Election 2020: New Jersey Voters Overwhelmingly Approve Legalizing Marijuana

November 5, 2020 0 comment

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Former NY Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Sentenced To 7 Years

written by TheoBeaudry

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — Former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was sentenced to seven years in prison Friday. He is expected to begin serving his prison term on Oct. 1. The punishment, announced by U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni, was five years less than the 12-year sentence she gave to Silver after he was initially convicted in the case in 2015. That conviction was tossed out by an appeals court, but the 74-year-old Democrat fared no better at a second trial this spring. At his retrial this spring, a jury found Silver guilty of earning nearly $4 million illegally by collecting fees from a cancer researcher and real estate developers. Prosecutors say he invested those proceeds and collected another $1 million in illegal profits. Prosecutors has said Silver should spend well over 10 years in prison. Defense attorneys argued for far less prison time and a community service component that would allow Silver to get out from behind bars. In a letter to U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni, Silver begged for mercy. “I pray I will not die in prison,” Silver wrote, saying he was “broken-hearted” that he damaged the trust people have in government. “The work that has been the focus of most of my life has become dirty and shameful,” Silver said in his letter. “Everything I ever accomplished has become a joke and a spectacle.” In handing down the sentence, Caproni said, “this crime was driven by unmitigated greed.” She also said when Silver’s obituary is written, it would not focus on the fact that he was once one of the most powerful men in the state; it would focus on this case. Prosecutors told Caproni in a written submission that they had proven that Silver “repeatedly corrupted the great power of his office for personal profit and caused incalculable damage to the public trust.” Silver’s attorneys wanted to limit his time in jail after what they call “a meaningful custodial sentence.” They want him to do community service, like running a help desk assisting New Yorkers, CBS2’s Marcia Kramer reported. The judge will also decide whether to allow Silver to remain free pending his appeal. In his letter to the judge, Silver said he’s worried about his wife and grandchildren and how they’ll be treated because of him. Silver’s first conviction and 2015 and a 12-year prison sentence were tossed out by an appeals court as a result of a recent Supreme Court ruling that tweaked the legal boundaries of what constituted corruption. U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said he hopes the sentence sends a clear message that “brokering official favors for your personal benefit is illegal and will result in prison time.” First elected in 1976, Silver served as speaker for 21 years, resigning after his 2015 arrest. His sentencing comes 10 days after Dean Skelos, the former New York Senate leader, and his son, Adam, were convicted of extortion, wire fraud and bribery at a retrial for each of them. Like Silver, the once-powerful Republican and his son also were granted a new trial after the Supreme Court narrowed public corruption law as it reversed the conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell. They were also convicted at a retrial. Silver and Skelos were among a trio dubbed the “three men in a room” in Albany, a nod to the longstanding practice of legislative leaders and the governor negotiating key bills behind closed doors. Skelos served in the Senate from 1985 to 2015 and became Senate leader in 2008. Over 30 New York state lawmakers have left office under a cloud of criminal or ethical allegations since 2000. More than a dozen have been convicted of charges including authorizing bribes to get on a ballot, diverting money meant for community programs into a campaign and skimming funds from contributions to a Little League baseball program. (© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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Former NY Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Sentenced To 7 Years

July 27, 2018 0 comment

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Upcoming Miniseries Chronicles Daring 2015 Escape From Upstate Prison

written by MauraXHNrp

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Two Oscar winners are bringing star power to a new mini-series about a dramatic 2015 Upstate prison break. David Sweat and Richard Matt’s mug shots were on front pages everywhere after the convicted killers broke out of maximum security Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora. They were aided by lovesick prison seamstress Joyce Mitchell. The manhunt gripped the nation and has now grabbed Hollywood’s attention. Director Ben Stiller is finishing Escape at Dannemora in time for a premiere this fall. “I think this story has every element that would grab Hollywood,” Chelsia Rose Marcius, journalist and author of Wild Escape , told CBS2. “There’s so much material to work with, there’s so much of a story to be told.” Escape at Dannemora is based off of Marcius’ book. She spent 100 hours interviewing Sweat, who told Marcius he felt “born again” during his 22 days on the run. In the upcoming miniseries he’s portrayed by actor Paul Dano, from 12 Years A Slave and There Will Be Blood . “David Sweat had not been out of prison for 12 years,” Marcius recalled. “Just simple things like seeing the lakes and rivers and mountains were a big deal for him.” Oscar winners Benicio Del Toro and Patricia Arquette star as Richard Matt and Joyce Mitchell, and Sopranos star Michael Imperioli was cast as New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Showtime, the network slated to air the miniseries, has not yet released a picture of the actor as the governor. Cuomo’s schedule shows he spent time with Imperioli and series writer Bret Johnson in December. “I think in the series the governor is a supporting character, but during the event he was a leading man, touring the prison, leading the briefings, he was all over it,” Marcius said. “During the escape, during the manhunt he said ‘this is made for TV, this is a movie script’.” Sweat certainly had a flair for the dramatic, leaving a taunting note for investigators to find. Escape at Dannemora is schedule to premiere at a festival in France in October.

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Upcoming Miniseries Chronicles Daring 2015 Escape From Upstate Prison

July 26, 2018 0 comment

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NY Daily News Layoff Includes Half Newsroom Staff, Top Editors

written by JeniferPlante

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — The New York tabloid Daily News will cut half of its newsroom staff, saying it wants to focus more on digital news. The paper was sold to tronc Inc. last year for $1, with the owner of the Chicago Tribune assuming liabilities and debt. In an email sent to staff Monday, tronc said staff at the Daily News will focus on breaking news involving “crime, civil justice and public responsibility.” Revenue and print circulation have been sliding at the newspaper for years, even as it provided critical coverage of health issues in public housing and for first responders after the Sept. 11 attacks. Revenue slid 22 percent between 2014 and 2016, and the paper had already been letting people go. “Since the year began, we’ve worked hard to transform the New York Daily News into a truly digitally-focused enterprise – one that creates meaningful journalism, delivers it more quickly and more frequently, and develops new approaches to engage our readers,” an email sent to staff said. “We’ve gained a deeper understanding of our readership. We’ve redefined our structures. But we have not gone far enough.” Editor-in-chief Jim Rich and Managing Editor Kristen Lee are both included in the layoffs. Local leaders took to social media to speak out about the newspaper cuts. “It’s no secret that I’ve disagreed with the Daily News from time to time,” posted Mayor Bill de Blasio. “But Tronc’s greedy decision to gut the newsroom is bad for government and a disaster for NYC. Tronc should sell the paper to someone committed to local journalism and keeping reporters on the beat.” It’s no secret that I’ve disagreed with the Daily News from time to time. But Tronc’s greedy decision to gut the newsroom is bad for government and a disaster for NYC. Tronc should sell the paper to someone committed to local journalism and keeping reporters on the beat. — Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) July 23, 2018 Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged tronc to reconsider their business decision, noting the state was given no warning about the move. “My father, as Governor, came to the aid of the New York Post when it was facing difficult financial times,” posted Cuomo. “Even though the Post represented an opposing active partisan interest, my father understood the value of a robust free press. So do I.” My statement on the layoffs at the @NYDailyNews : pic.twitter.com/R1FflH98DX — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) July 23, 2018 Robert York, editor of tronc-owned The Morning Call in Allentown, Pennsylvania, will take over as editor of The Daily News. tronc Inc., based in Chicago, owns the Chicago Tribune, The Baltimore Sun, the Orlando Sentinel, and other media operations. (© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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NY Daily News Layoff Includes Half Newsroom Staff, Top Editors

July 23, 2018 0 comment

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Demanding Answers: What’s Taking So Long With The Van Wyck Expressway?

written by ClintonHalsey

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – For more than eight years, drivers who use the Van Wyck Expressway have dealt with frustrating delays as the cost of the project has soared. What’s taking so long? CBS2’s Political Reporter Marcia Kramer asked the master building himself, Gov. Andrew Cuomo. “I am a Queens boy,” the governor said right before cutting the ribbon for the newly repaired Queens Midtown Tunnel , damaged during Superstorm Sandy . But if you want bragging rights for having Queens roots, you have to take the pain with the acclaim, Kramer reported. Right now, there are some borough residents who have a bone to pick with “Andy from Queens.” “Construction is horrible around here. You can’t go nowhere,” one driver said. “Very annoying,” said another. “It’s not easy to travel everywhere,” another said. “I’m always late,” a man added. “I have to leave an hour earlier to get on the Van Wyck.” The work began in 2010, but that was just phase one, which, according to the state’s records, was a year and a half late and millions of dollars over budget. They’re now working on phase two, phase three and the yet-to-be started phase four to replace six decaying overpasses, rehab four more and widen the highway from six lanes to eight – a complex and intricate project that first required widening everything else to accommodate more lanes. As the phases have multiplied, so has the cost. When CBS2 first examined the project in March 2016 , it had a price tag of $300 million. In October 2016 , when the state Department of Transportation took CBS2 on a tour, it was $400 million. Now, it’s $700 million. Kramer: “What’s taking so long, governor?” Cuomo: “We have been widening all the bridges and overpasses and moving the exit and entrance ramps to allow for an additional lane… a massive undertaking.” “Takes time,” he added. The time part frustrates Cuomo, who built the new Tappan Zee and Kosciuszko bridges in record time. “Look, I’m not big on patience,” he said. “We are doing the impossible… And you had to operate the road in the meantime.” Officials now say the end date is March 2021, which is either possible or an impossible dream. A spokesperson for the governor said phase one took so long, because “time was not a focus then.” She said the rest of the contracts are on time and on budget.

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Demanding Answers: What’s Taking So Long With The Van Wyck Expressway?

July 20, 2018 0 comment

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New York, New Jersey, Connecticut Sue Over Tax Overhaul

written by CristinaMoreton

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSnewYork) — New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland are suing the federal government over the Republican-led tax overhaul. The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in the Southern District of New York. The tax law passed by Congressional Republicans and signed into law last year by Republican President Donald Trump caps a deduction for state and local taxes at $10,000. The SALT deduction is especially popular in high-tax, Democratic states, where many homeowners will see big increases in their federal tax bill. READ THE LAWSUIT: Civil Action No. 18-cv-6427 Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the tax bill was crafted specifically to hurt blue states. He says it’s also unconstitutional because it interferes with state taxing authority. Supporters of the tax overhaul dismiss the lawsuit as political and say that the changes actually reduce taxes for many residents. In January, New York leaders from both parties called for creative solutions to avoid state property owners from being overly penalized by the tax code. “What the Trump Administration enacted with the SALT deduction cap was nothing more than a tax hike,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in a statement. Cuomo has been among the most vocal against the tax overhaul, saying it “benefits the 1% at the expense of middle-class families.” Republican lawmakers countered in New York, the Democratic leaders’ lack of plan led to the reworking of the tax plan. “If the governor were truly serious about encouraging lower taxes and promoting affordability, he wouldn’t have advanced a budget that sought to increase taxes by $1 billion, including new DOT fees and a new tax on internet purchases,” said New York Senate Majority Leader John J. Flanagan in statement following today’s accouncement. “It took Senate Republicans to beat back those proposed tax hikes.”

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New York, New Jersey, Connecticut Sue Over Tax Overhaul

July 17, 2018 0 comment

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Opioid Epidemic: New Jersey Mulls Expansion Of Medical Marijuana Program To Treat Addiction

written by IsiahBigelow

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — New Jersey is considering an expansion of the state’s medical marijuana program to include opioid addiction as a qualifying condition, but some experts have voiced concern. More than 22,000 people in New Jersey died of drug overdoses in 2016. While the cure for opioid addiction remains a mystery, NJ Department of Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal says he’s exploring the idea of making medical marijuana a potential treatment for the state and nationwide scourge. “Right now the consideration is adding it as an addition to what’s called medication-assisted treatment, that is the evidence-based treatment people get for addiction,” he said. “When they’re addicted it actually helps them get off and get into recovery.” Right now, patients dealing with opioid use disorder can only access medical marijuana if their addiction was rooted in treatment for chronic pain. The commissioner says medical marijuana also gives doctors another option when first prescribing for pain. “It reduces the reliance physicians have on opioids to treat pain,” Elnahal said. “Marijuana is an effective treatment for pain.” Psychologist and addiction expert Dr. Harris Stratyner says there’s insufficient evidence that the use of marijuana will stop someone from using heroin or other opioids. “There’s just not enough scientific research out there to show it’s effective,” Stratyner says. “It may be dangerous and trigger opioid addiction if that’s your drug of choice.” Elnahal knows it’s an ambitious plan. “What we want to do is set up studies that actually investigate if it can be independently used as yet another tool getting people out of addiction,” Elnahal said. Stratyner points out that many people who use drugs have psychiatric disorders and are self-medicating with either opioids or stimulants, and he fears using marijuana could cloud the picture. In March, the DOH added five qualifying conditions for medical marijuana including anxiety, migraines, and chronic pains. The program has added 10,000 patients since the start of Governor Phil Murphy’s term in January, bringing total enrollment to over 25,000 people.

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Opioid Epidemic: New Jersey Mulls Expansion Of Medical Marijuana Program To Treat Addiction

July 16, 2018 0 comment

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Opioid Epidemic: New Jersey Mulls Expansion Of Medical Marijuana Program To Treat Addiction

written by ElizaReneh

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Opioid Epidemic: New Jersey Mulls Expansion Of Medical Marijuana Program To Treat Addiction

July 16, 2018 0 comment

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New York State Department Of Health Says Benefits Of Legalized Pot Outweigh Risks

written by Savanna1117

ALBANY, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — Proposals to permit recreational marijuana use in New York state took a big step forward Friday when state health officials issued a long-awaited report concluding that the benefits of legalization outweigh the risks. The 74-page analysis from the Department of Health estimates the state could raise nearly $700 million in tax revenue off the drug. The researchers predict that allowing those age 21 and older to use marijuana recreationally would not significantly raise rates of marijuana use by adults or teens, and note that legalization would eliminate criminal penalties that disproportionately impact minorities. Still, the report laid out several challenges to legalization, including the need to carefully regulate the sale of the drug and educate teens about potential harm. Residents and visitors now spend between $1.7 billion and $3.5 billion on illegal marijuana each year in New York state, according to estimates. Depending on the tax rate chosen by lawmakers, the state could hope to generate between $250 million and $678 million in revenue. New York state “would be one of the largest potential regulated marijuana markets in the United States,” the report found. “As such, there is potential for substantial tax revenue … which can be used to help support program initiatives in areas such as public health, education, transportation, research, law enforcement and workforce development.” It will now be up to Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo and lawmakers to craft and consider specific legalization proposals. Lawmakers aren’t due back in Albany until January. Cuomo, who commissioned the report in January, has long expressed concerns about legalization, last year calling marijuana a “gateway drug.” But he has since softened his stance amid pressure from legalization supporters, including his Democratic primary opponent, “Sex and the City” star and liberal activist Cynthia Nixon. For years, bills that would legalize marijuana have languished on the legislative agenda as states including Colorado, California and — closer to home — Massachusetts and Vermont have moved to legalize America’s most widely used illicit drug. While many Democrats in the Legislature are supportive of legalization, the Senate’s Republican leaders are more skeptical. A spokesman for GOP Senate Leader John Flanagan said last month that Republicans are concentrating on other issues. “Our Senate Majority is focused on making New York more affordable for hardworking taxpayers, helping businesses create new and good-paying jobs, and keeping families and communities safe,” said spokesman Scott Reif. “Let the governor and others focus on legalizing drugs.” Even if a proposal gains broad support in Albany, figuring out the details will be tricky. How high will the tax be? How would retail establishments be regulated? Would the state allow marijuana to be consumed on site? Could local communities pass their own laws prohibiting marijuana businesses? And how will law enforcement determine whether a motorist is impaired? Will the state expunge the criminal records of those arrested for using the drug? “The devil is in the details,” Cuomo told reporters Friday. He said he would closely review the report before making a formal proposal. Still, longtime supporters of legalization say the report is a significant step forward after decades of criminal prohibition. “Marijuana prohibition has devastated our communities, saddled hundreds of thousands with criminal records, acted as an easily accessible tool for racially biased policing, and stunted the opportunities for entire generations of mostly New Yorker’s of color,” said Chris Alexander of the Drug Policy Alliance. “Now that the report has been released and its conclusions presented, we are hopeful that the governor and the Legislature can shift from the ‘if’ to examining the ‘how’ to legalize marijuana.” Nixon questioned the timing of the report, which was released the day after a former top economic development official and three developers were convicted of corruption related to Cuomo’s “Buffalo Billion” economic development program. She also said her candidacy may be prompting Cuomo’s evolving attitude on marijuana. “For eight years, Governor Cuomo oversaw the criminalization of communities of color through racist drug policies,” Nixon tweeted. “Today, his administration endorses marijuana legalization not because it is the right thing to do, but to distract from the conviction of his top economic aide.” Cuomo campaign spokeswoman Lis Smith dismissed the criticism, and seemingly the candidate herself, tweeting that “only an actress could be this self obsessed.” Nearly 23,000 people were arrested for marijuana possession in New York state in 2016. Studies routinely show that blacks and Latinos are arrested far more often than whites, even though rates of marijuana use are about the same across different groups. (© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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New York State Department Of Health Says Benefits Of Legalized Pot Outweigh Risks

July 14, 2018 0 comment

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