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Rep. Josh Riley's Office Announces House Passage of Veterans' Benefits Bills

Rep. Josh Riley's Office Announces House Passage of Veterans' Benefits Bills

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed two bills aimed at enhancing veterans' benefits, according to an announcement from the office of Rep. Josh Riley, who represents New York’s 19th Congressional District. Rep. Riley co-sponsored both measures. The first, the Major Richard Star Act, seeks to eliminate an offset that currently prevents medically retired veterans from receiving both their full retirement pay and disability benefits, a situation described by Riley's office as the 'wounded warrior tax.' The second bill, the Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act, is designed to increase certain Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits to keep pace with rising living costs. While the House has passed these measures, the announcement from Riley's office did not specify when higher payments would begin or confirm if either measure has become law. Additionally, Riley's office highlighted other veterans-related legislation he has supported, including the VET PFAS Act, introduced in May 202...

Appeals court rules against Trump administration on New York highway funds

Appeals court rules against Trump administration on New York highway funds

By David Shepardson Nov 13 (Reuters) - A federal appeals court ruled on Friday that the Trump administration overstepped its authority in April when it withheld $73.5 million in highway funding from New York over the state's refusal to revoke some commercial driver licenses issued to foreign drivers

Rep. Rob Menendez Secures Federal Audit of FAA Helicopter Tourism Oversight Amid Safety and Noise Concerns

Rep. Rob Menendez Secures Federal Audit of FAA Helicopter Tourism Oversight Amid Safety and Noise Concerns

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General has announced a formal audit into the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) oversight of helicopter tourism operations. This decision follows significant congressional pressure, spearheaded by Representative Rob Menendez and other lawmakers. The audit will specifically investigate how commercial helicopter tour operators utilize regulatory exceptions, particularly focusing on whether some flights are improperly classified as 'aerial photography' to bypass more stringent safety regulations. This initiative stems from ongoing concerns regarding safety and noise pollution in the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area, which have been exacerbated by past helicopter crashes. Representative Menendez and local officials have expressed that this review is a crucial step towards accountability, while advocacy groups hope it will lead to stricter regulations or even a ban on certain non-essential flights. The Congressman has also supported several ...

Snow Tapers Off in New York, Weekend Turns Dry

Snow Tapers Off in New York, Weekend Turns Dry

Parts of New York are experiencing the final stages of a snowstorm as precipitation is expected to wind down by Friday evening. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), snowfall has been concentrated in colder and higher-elevation areas, with some locations, such as Cooperstown, already reporting up to 4 inches of snow. Additional snowfall of 1 to 3 inches is possible in the Catskills and other elevated regions, while lower elevations may see a slushy coating. Rain mixed with snow is expected in parts of Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess counties, but significant accumulation is unlikely in areas closer to New York City. The NWS predicts drier and milder conditions for the weekend, with temperatures reaching the upper 40s to around 50°F (8–10°C).

Representative Laura Gillen Praises House Passage of Major Richard Star Act, Advocates for Veteran Benefits

Representative Laura Gillen Praises House Passage of Major Richard Star Act, Advocates for Veteran Benefits

Representative Laura Gillen (NY-04) has issued a statement commending the House's passage of the Major Richard Star Act. According to a press release, Gillen voted in favor of the bill, describing it as a crucial measure to uphold the nation's commitment to veterans. She highlighted that the bipartisan legislation aims to provide full retirement and disability benefits to eligible wounded service members. Gillen, who co-sponsored the act, reiterated her dedication to supporting veterans and ensuring they receive the benefits they have earned through their service. The statement underscores her legislative focus on veteran welfare and her participation in bipartisan efforts to address their needs.

53 Nations Urge Israel's Incoming Government to Open Gaza Crossings for Unrestricted Aid

53 Nations Urge Israel's Incoming Government to Open Gaza Crossings for Unrestricted Aid

Fifty-three countries and organizations, led by Qatar, Jordan, and the United Kingdom, have collectively urged Israel's incoming government to open Gaza to unrestricted aid. This appeal, delivered at the United Nations headquarters in New York, calls for the full and regular operation of Egyptian and Jordanian humanitarian corridors as winter approaches. The group highlighted that the comprehensive plan endorsed by the UN Security Council under Resolution 2803, which mandates the immediate entry of humanitarian aid at agreed levels, has not been fully implemented. They warned that ongoing restrictions on essential supplies, including shelter and life-saving provisions, are preventing humanitarian organizations from responding adequately. The appeal also called for the restoration of medical referral pathways to hospitals in East Jerusalem and the West Bank and demanded transparent investigations into attacks against healthcare and humanitarian workers.

AI-Driven Employment Tools Raise Legal Concerns Over Bias and Discrimination in New York

AI-Driven Employment Tools Raise Legal Concerns Over Bias and Discrimination in New York

AI-Driven Employment Tools Raise Legal Concerns Over Bias and Discrimination in New York

Criminals pay restitution. Why doesn't it reach victims? | Opinion

Criminals pay restitution. Why doesn't it reach victims? | Opinion

If governments can search databases to find a criminal's forgotten money, why can't they use the same determination to find the victim?

Democratic US senator probes CoreCivic sale of ICE facility in Minnesota

Democratic US senator probes CoreCivic sale of ICE facility in Minnesota

WASHINGTON, Nov 13 (Reuters) - A top US Democratic senator is investigating the Trump administration's purchase of a Minnesota immigration detention facility from CoreCivic, raising questions over the price and calling on the company and the Department of Homeland Security to preserve their records.

Syria Joins 53 Nations in UN Appeal for Increased Humanitarian Aid and Healthcare in Gaza

Syria Joins 53 Nations in UN Appeal for Increased Humanitarian Aid and Healthcare in Gaza

Syria, alongside representatives from 53 other countries, participated in a joint press event at UN headquarters in New York on Friday, November 13, 2026. The collective appeal called for greater humanitarian assistance and improved access to healthcare in the Gaza Strip, citing worsening humanitarian conditions. Syria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ibrahim Olabi, emphasized the urgent need to address shortages of essential humanitarian and medical services in the territory. The participating nations also pledged support for urgent winter preparations in Gaza, where humanitarian needs are severe. The appeal underscored the critical role of the United Nations and its agencies, particularly the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), in providing essential services.

Peanut the squirrel's former owner has been detained by ICE and could be deported

Peanut the squirrel's former owner has been detained by ICE and could be deported

When New York wildlife officers euthanized a couple’s pet squirrel, Peanut, two years ago, Republicans including JD Vance slammed the critter’s killing as another example of government overreach from meddling Democrats

At Sing Sing prison, incarcerated men get preview of new PBS documentary on nation's justice system

At Sing Sing prison, incarcerated men get preview of new PBS documentary on nation's justice system

Incarcerated men at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility have previewed a new docuseries on the history of the nation's criminal justice system