Governor Kathy Hochul and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment of 13 individuals in a massive 780-count case for allegedly stealing more than $2.2 million in merchandise from 128 Home Depot stores across New York and eight other states between August 2024 and September 2025. The Queens-based theft crew, working with “fences” who…
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation S5175A/A3698A authorizing New York localities to provide enhanced real property tax exemptions of up to 65 percent for eligible senior homeowners, up from the previous 50 percent cap that had not been raised in decades. The new law allows municipalities to grant these exemptions to seniors who meet locally…
On August 24, 2025, in Albany, Governor Kathy Hochul announced that swimming has resumed at all Long Island State Park ocean beaches as hazardous surf from Hurricane Erin subsides. Visitors should expect possible localized restrictions based on changing surf and rip-current conditions and are urged to follow posted advisories and lifeguard direction. State Parks lifeguards…
Summary: Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos announced the implementation of bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions across New York City’s public schools, the nation’s largest school system, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative aligns with New York State’s Distraction-Free Schools law, mandating all K-12 public school districts, charter schools,…