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Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
'Help is on the way.' Robert Brooks' family turns to prison reform

'Help is on the way.' Robert Brooks' family turns to prison reform

After a historic $24 million settlement, Robert Brooks' family says its fight will now focus on people incarcerated in New York prisons.
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Rochester Community Observes Fifth Annual Daniel Prude Day, Advocates for Mental Health Response Reform

Rochester Community Observes Fifth Annual Daniel Prude Day, Advocates for Mental Health Response Reform

Community members in Rochester, New York, gathered on Saturday to commemorate the fifth annual Daniel Prude Day. The event served as a platform to honor Daniel Prude's legacy and to advocate for significant changes in how police departments handle mental health crises. Daniel Prude, a Black man, died in 2020 after being taken into custody by the Rochester Police Department while experiencing a mental health crisis and under the influence of PCP. His death was subsequently ruled a homicide, though no officers were charged in connection with the incident. Activists, artists, and various local groups participated in the gathering, emphasizing that the observance is not solely about remembrance but also a demand for accountability and the creation of safer communities. Zion Stafford, a participant, articulated the community's resolve to ensure their well-being and protection, even if it means standing up for themselves.
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New York Lawmakers Urge Governor Hochul to Expand Volunteer First Responder Tax Credits

New York Lawmakers Urge Governor Hochul to Expand Volunteer First Responder Tax Credits

Volunteer firefighters and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in New York are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to sign a bill that would significantly expand tax credits for volunteer first responders. The proposed legislation, which passed both houses of the New York State Legislature with overwhelming support in May and June, aims to increase the income tax credit for active volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers. Currently, the credit stands at $200 for individuals and $400 for eligible married joint filers. If signed into law, these amounts would rise to $800 for individuals and $1,600 for joint filers. Additionally, the bill would eliminate a rule that forces volunteer first responders to choose between state and local tax credits, allowing them to accept both. Supporters argue that the expansion is crucial for supporting volunteers amidst rising living costs and for maintaining adequate staffing levels in volunteer departments, thereby preventing municipalities from needing to raise taxes for professi...
Westchester County Journal NewsWestchester County Journal News
Mike Lawler urges NY to reveal energy bill discounts for data centers

Mike Lawler urges NY to reveal energy bill discounts for data centers

Rep. Lawler demanded the New York Power Authority reveal how much it's discounting electricity for data centers, citing USA TODAY Network reporting.
Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
Goodbye summer, it’s almost time to do something again

Goodbye summer, it’s almost time to do something again

For me and my friends, the fair was the beginning of the end of summer. But what an end.
Westchester County Journal NewsWestchester County Journal News
Mount Vernon Armory to be transformed with $13M in state funding

Mount Vernon Armory to be transformed with $13M in state funding

The Mount Vernon Armory, built in 1889, will be transformed into a community center for seniors, children and job training.
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Long Island Police Departments Conduct Nearly 3,000 Manual Searches in AI Surveillance Database in One Month

Long Island Police Departments Conduct Nearly 3,000 Manual Searches in AI Surveillance Database in One Month

Long Island police departments conducted nearly 3,000 manual searches in the Flock AI-powered surveillance database during June, according to data obtained by Hempstead-based defense attorney Richard Hochhauser. Nassau County police performed 1,112 searches, Suffolk County PD conducted 1,194 searches, and District Attorney Ray Tierney's office added 500 more, totaling 2,794 manual queries in a single month. This figure does not include instances where the system automatically flagged a vehicle. Flock Safety's smart cameras record license plates and distinct vehicle features like dents and bumper stickers, storing this information to track vehicle movements. Critics argue this technology is an invasion of privacy and susceptible to abuse. New York state currently lacks laws governing data retention, access, or accountability for misuse of this surveillance data, although Flock's system defaults to deleting data every seven days unless manually saved.
Westchester County Journal NewsWestchester County Journal News
This new NY law increases AI protections as Hochul eyes 'kill switch'

This new NY law increases AI protections as Hochul eyes 'kill switch'

Ahead of the enactment of the RAISE Act, Gov. Kathy Hochul says the state is exploring ways to expand New York's artificial intelligence protections.
Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
Section V has 18 teams in first NYS girls soccer rankings

Section V has 18 teams in first NYS girls soccer rankings

Local girls soccer talent is on display as 18 teams earn spots in the first state poll.
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Governor Janet Mills Vetoes Maine Data Center Moratorium Bill Amid National Debate

Governor Janet Mills Vetoes Maine Data Center Moratorium Bill Amid National Debate

Governor Janet Mills, a Democrat, vetoed a bill earlier this year that would have established the first statewide moratorium on data centers in Maine. This action comes as a national movement against the rapid proliferation of data centers gains momentum, with activists pushing for state and local regulations due to environmental and economic concerns. The veto by Governor Mills contrasts with efforts in other states, such as New York, where state lawmakers passed a similar moratorium bill, though Governor Kathy Hochul has yet to sign it, opting instead for a one-year pause via executive order to develop regulations. The broader context includes President Trump's support for AI companies, which has fueled a surge in data center construction, despite growing public opposition. A recent survey indicated that three-quarters of Americans oppose data centers, a significant increase from the previous year.
Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
Rochester man convicted in 2025 shooting death, officer shootout

Rochester man convicted in 2025 shooting death, officer shootout

Edison Estremera-Cohen was convicted of murder, robbery and weapons charges in the 2025 death of David Vazquez. He also exchanged gunfire with Rochester police after the shooting.
Westchester County Journal NewsWestchester County Journal News
Audit reveals AI oversight gaps in State University of New York system

Audit reveals AI oversight gaps in State University of New York system

The audit called on SUNY to implement AI policies and provide AI-related guidance and oversight. Here's what it means for the system.