Newark, NJ
On Your Side
Airline CEOs Urge Congress To Overhaul 'Outdated' Air Traffic Control Systems After EWR Issues Airline CEOs Urge Congress To Overhaul 'Outdated' Air Traffic Control Systems After EWR Issues Airline CEOs Urge Congress To Overhaul 'Outdated' Air Traffic Control Systems After EWR Issues
Airline CEOs Urge Congress To Overhaul 'Outdated' Air Traffic Control Systems After EWR Issues Major airline CEOs are calling on Congressional lawmakers to upgrade the nation's air traffic control systems, especially after recent widespread issues at Newark Liberty International Airport. The top executives sent the open letter to Congress on Wednesday, May 21. The group showed its support for a federal modernization plan to replace decades-old technology and hire thousands of new air traffic controllers. The letter was signed by executives from Alaska Airlines, American, Atlas Air, Delta, FedEx, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and UPS, along with the industry group Airline…

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by Chris Spiker
Harrisburg, PA
Your Community
Don’t Hang Up On AmeriCorps: Cuts Undermine Decades Of Bipartisan Service Don’t Hang Up On AmeriCorps: Cuts Undermine Decades Of Bipartisan Service Don’t Hang Up On AmeriCorps: Cuts Undermine Decades Of Bipartisan Service
Don’t Hang Up On AmeriCorps: Cuts Undermine Decades Of Bipartisan Service A Unifying Legacy Now Under Threat In a time of growing division, AmeriCorps stands out as a rare bipartisan success—a program that unites young Americans in service across the country. But now, its future is at risk. Earlier this year, the federal government announced a $400 million cut to AmeriCorps programming. The consequences will be felt in every corner of the country, including here in Pennsylvania. In response, Pennsylvania joined a lawsuit brought by two dozen states—including North Carolina, Nevada, Kentucky, and Wisconsin—demanding that the federal government honor its commitment t…

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by Rep. Dan Miller
Albany, NY
Your Community
'Dangerous Loophole' Shielding Drugged Drivers Must End, DA Urges NY Lawmakers 'Dangerous Loophole' Shielding Drugged Drivers Must End, DA Urges NY Lawmakers 'Dangerous Loophole' Shielding Drugged Drivers Must End, DA Urges NY Lawmakers
'Dangerous Loophole' Shielding Drugged Drivers Must End, DA Urges NY Lawmakers With the clock ticking on New York’s legislative session, a Long Island district attorney is urging lawmakers to pass legislation he says is critical to saving lives. Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney and a statewide coalition of prosecutors , safety advocates, and public health leaders kicked off a series of “Days of Action” in Albany on Monday, May 12, demanding politicians pass the Deadly Driving Bill. If approved, the law would close a “dangerous loophole” in New York’s drugged driving laws, Tierney said. Under current law, prosecutors cannot pursue charges against drivers impaired by s…

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by Michael Mashburn
National Interest
This 'Over-The-Counter Medication' Will Soon Be Allowed In NJ Schools Without Doctor's Note This 'Over-The-Counter Medication' Will Soon Be Allowed In NJ Schools Without Doctor's Note This 'Over-The-Counter Medication' Will Soon Be Allowed In NJ Schools Without Doctor's Note
This 'Over-The-Counter Medication' Will Soon Be Allowed In NJ Schools Without Doctor's Note New Jersey students are finally allowed to use sunscreen, wear hats, and bring sunglasses to school—without needing a doctor’s note. On March 31, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law that requires school districts to permit students to use FDA-approved sunscreen and sun-protective clothing at school and during school-sponsored activities, as long as parents provide written permission, according to a press release from the governor’s office. Previously, sunscreen was classified as an over-the-counter medication, and many districts restricted its use without a medical note. The new law, sp…

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by Cecilia Levine
Albany, NY
Your Community
Fly For ICE, Lose Millions? NY Bill Would Sever State Deals For Airlines In Deportation Flights Fly For ICE, Lose Millions? NY Bill Would Sever State Deals For Airlines In Deportation Flights Fly For ICE, Lose Millions? NY Bill Would Sever State Deals For Airlines In Deportation Flights
Fly For ICE, Lose Millions? NY Bill Would Sever State Deals For Airlines In Deportation Flights Airlines aiding deportations without a judge’s say-so could soon hit turbulence in New York. New legislation proposed by Democratic State Sen. Patricia Fahy would block commercial airlines from receiving certain state contracts or tax benefits if they help carry out immigration deportations without a judicial warrant or legal representation for the person being deported. Fahy introduced the legislation–dubbed the SAFE AIR Act–on Monday, April 28. It is being co-sponsored by fellow Democratic Assemblymember Michaelle Solages, of Valley Stream. If approved, the bill would ensure that New Yor…

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by Michael Mashburn
Paramus, NJ
Breaking News
New NJ Law Makes Deceptive Deepfakes A Crime New NJ Law Makes Deceptive Deepfakes A Crime New NJ Law Makes Deceptive Deepfakes A Crime
New NJ Law Makes Deceptive Deepfakes A Crime Gov. Phil Murphy signed into legislation this week a new law that establishes criminal and civil penalties for producing and distributing deceptive audio or visual media, a.k.a. deepfakes. A3540/S2544, which had bipartisan support, makes it a crime in the third degree for anyone who produces deepfake audio or video media for an unlawful purpose or shares deepfakes created for an unlawful purpose. The creator or distributor could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $30,000 if convicted. Francesca Mori, a student at Westfield High School, has become a staunch advocate for legislati…

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by Sam Barron
Albany, NY
Breaking News
Outrage Over Squirrel Sensation's Euthanasia Prompts State Changes: 'We Can Do Better' Outrage Over Squirrel Sensation's Euthanasia Prompts State Changes: 'We Can Do Better' Outrage Over Squirrel Sensation's Euthanasia Prompts State Changes: 'We Can Do Better'
Outrage Over Squirrel Sensation's Euthanasia Prompts State Changes: 'We Can Do Better' New York State environmental officials are revamping their wildlife enforcement procedures in the wake of public outcry over the state-ordered euthanasia of a popular social media squirrel. Following an internal investigation, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is implementing new protocols to avoid similar incidents in the future, the agency announced Friday, March 28. The changes follow national backlash surrounding “Peanut,” a Chemung County squirrel with nearly one million followers on Instagram who was seized and later euthanized by the agency last fall, as Daily Voice …

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by Michael Mashburn
Harrisburg, PA
Your Community
PA Lawmaker Pushes Suicide Bill, While Backing Death Penalty Repeal PA Lawmaker Pushes Suicide Bill, While Backing Death Penalty Repeal PA Lawmaker Pushes Suicide Bill, While Backing Death Penalty Repeal
PA Lawmaker Pushes Suicide Bill, While Backing Death Penalty Repeal A Pennsylvania bill to legalize medically assisted suicide was introduced on Friday, March 21, the third Jumu’ah of Ramadan, with Rep. Tarik Khan, listed as a co-sponsor — despite the practice being explicitly forbidden in his faith. The “Compassionate Aid in Dying” legislation was introduced by Rep. Carol Hill-Evans (D-York) and co-sponsored by Khan (D-Philadelphia) and several other progressive Democrats. It would allow terminally ill Pennsylvanians with less than six months to live to request life-ending prescriptions under a model similar to Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act. Advocates ca…

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by Jillian Pikora
Hartford, CT
Your Community
Trump Signs Order to Dismantle Dept of Education Sparking Backlash From CT Democrats, Teachers Trump Signs Order to Dismantle Dept of Education Sparking Backlash From CT Democrats, Teachers Trump Signs Order to Dismantle Dept of Education Sparking Backlash From CT Democrats, Teachers
Trump Signs Order to Dismantle Dept of Education Sparking Backlash From CT Democrats, Teachers President Donald Trump fulfilled a campaign promise this week by signing an executive order to begin dismantling the Department of Education. The move has thrilled many Republicans, but Connecticut Democrats fear long-lasting repercussions for the state's most vulnerable students. Trump signed the order Thursday, May 20, in the East Room of the White House, flanked by children. The goal, the president said, is to return school decisions to the states. But such a major overhaul will require congressional approval, meaning it needs some Democratic support. "Everybody knows it’s right, and the…

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by Josh Lanier
Hackensack, NJ
Breaking News
Bill To Keep Old Criminal Records Off Background Checks Vetoed By Murphy, Offers Another Plan Bill To Keep Old Criminal Records Off Background Checks Vetoed By Murphy, Offers Another Plan Bill To Keep Old Criminal Records Off Background Checks Vetoed By Murphy, Offers Another Plan
Bill To Keep Old Criminal Records Off Background Checks Vetoed By Murphy, Offers Another Plan A New Jersey bill aimed at preventing outdated criminal records from appearing on background checks, if charges were being expunged, has been vetoed by Gov. Phil Murphy. The governor instead proposed an online tracking system and annual reporting requirements to address the state’s expungement backlog. The legislation, Assembly Bill 3881, was introduced on Feb. 27, 2024, by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) to prohibit the State Bureau of Identification (SBI) from releasing outdated criminal history records while pending expungement orders were still being processed. Under current la…

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by Cecilia Levine
National Interest
Senate Joins House In Voting To Avert Government Shutdown Senate Joins House In Voting To Avert Government Shutdown Senate Joins House In Voting To Avert Government Shutdown
Senate Joins House In Voting To Avert Government Shutdown With just hours to spare before a midnight deadline, Congress passed a stopgap bill to fund the government through the fall, avoiding a shutdown. The Senate approved the measure early Friday evening, March 14, sending it to President Donald Trump, who is expected to sign it. The bill will keep the government funded through Tuesday, Sept. 30. The vote followed a tense week of negotiations, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and nine other Democrats crossing party lines in a key procedural vote to advance the legislation. The move came despite mounting pressure from within his own…

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by Joe Lombardi
National Interest
Steak Your Claim: Texas Wants To Rebrand New York Strip, NY Isn't Biting Steak Your Claim: Texas Wants To Rebrand New York Strip, NY Isn't Biting Steak Your Claim: Texas Wants To Rebrand New York Strip, NY Isn't Biting
Steak Your Claim: Texas Wants To Rebrand New York Strip, NY Isn't Biting A beef between Texas and New York is sizzling. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is pushing to rename the New York strip steak as the "Texas strip" steak. The Republican said the Texas senate will file a resolution to make the name change official for restaurants and supermarkets in the Lone Star State. Lt. Gov. Patrick argues that the large cattle industry in Texas deserves the credit. "Just because a New York restaurant named Texas beef a New York Strip in the 19th century doesn't mean we need to keep doing that," he said in a social media post on Friday, Feb. 28. New York City resta…

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by Chris Spiker