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Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
When does pumpkin picking start in New York? 15 places to visit this fall

When does pumpkin picking start in New York? 15 places to visit this fall

Pumpkin patches typically open by mid-September, with October bringing peak picking season across New York.
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Oregon Governor Tina Kotek Halts State Land Use for New Data Centers Amid Industry Scrutiny

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek Halts State Land Use for New Data Centers Amid Industry Scrutiny

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has announced a pause on the use of state-owned land for new data centers until July 1, 2027. This directive, shared via X with an AI-generated image, aims to prevent data centers from imposing undue costs on Oregon residents while the state conducts a comprehensive study of the industry's impacts. As part of this action, Governor Kotek also terminated a pending sale of 32 acres of state property intended for a proposed $5 billion data-center development. The Governor acknowledged that her executive authority does not extend to a broader statewide moratorium on data-center construction, but her action targets transactions involving public land controlled by the state. This move positions Oregon as part of a growing national trend where state and local governments are seeking to slow, restrict, or attach new conditions to data-center construction, driven by concerns over their environmental and economic footprint.
Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
Thunderstorms could bring damaging winds, hail to New York this afternoon

Thunderstorms could bring damaging winds, hail to New York this afternoon

Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected across parts of New York this afternoon, with a risk for severe weather mainly inland from the lakes.
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Catholic Charities Highlights Affordability Crisis Driving Food Insecurity in New York During Hunger Action Month

Catholic Charities Highlights Affordability Crisis Driving Food Insecurity in New York During Hunger Action Month

Catholic Charities of New York is drawing attention to the escalating affordability crisis in New York, which is making it increasingly difficult for families to afford food. During Hunger Action Month in September, the organization emphasizes that rising costs for rent, groceries, utilities, and transportation are forcing many New Yorkers to make difficult choices between essential needs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices have risen 4.2% over the past year, while inflation-adjusted hourly earnings have fallen by 0.7%. Catholic Charities provides over 10 million meals annually through its network of food pantries, soup kitchens, mobile pantries, and meal delivery services. They also assist eligible New Yorkers in navigating public benefits like SNAP and connect them with case management and housing support.
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KKR Expands Next Generation Technology Team with New Associate Role in New York

KKR Expands Next Generation Technology Team with New Associate Role in New York

KKR Expands Next Generation Technology Team with New Associate Role in New York
Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
NY ranks sixth nationwide for estimated Trump tariff costs, report finds

NY ranks sixth nationwide for estimated Trump tariff costs, report finds

A National Taxpayers Union Foundation report estimates New York's cost from tariffs imposed through presidential executive action at $15 billion since January 2025.
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Lobster Trap Recovery Coalition Removes Over 4,000 Abandoned Traps from Long Island Sound

Lobster Trap Recovery Coalition Removes Over 4,000 Abandoned Traps from Long Island Sound

The Lobster Trap Recovery and Assessment Partnership (L-TRAP), a coalition including The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, has successfully recovered more than 4,000 lost and abandoned lobster traps from Long Island Sound. This initiative, launched in 2022, brings together various organizations such as the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, Save the Sound, Project Oceanology, Remote Ecologist, commercial lobstermen from Connecticut and New York, and research scientists from The Maritime Aquarium. The primary goal of L-TRAP is to locate, recover, and study these 'ghost fishing' traps, which continue to trap marine animals and damage habitats long after being lost. The recovery efforts have removed over 200,000 pounds of marine debris and documented more than 46,000 animals across 86 species found in the recovered traps. Senior research scientist Justin Susarchick emphasized the effectiveness of collaborative conservation efforts.
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Congressman Nick Langworthy Champions Bipartisan Recycling Legislation to Standardize Claims and Reduce Business Costs

Congressman Nick Langworthy Champions Bipartisan Recycling Legislation to Standardize Claims and Reduce Business Costs

Congressman Nick Langworthy of New York is leading efforts to pass the bipartisan Recycled Materials Attribution Act (RMAA). This proposed legislation aims to establish clear federal standards for recycled-content claims, prevent misleading assertions, and acknowledge modern accounting methods for accurately reporting the recycled content of products. The bill has already advanced past an initial legislative hurdle and is slated for consideration by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The RMAA seeks to address the current fragmented system of state and local recycling regulations, which creates compliance challenges and increased costs for businesses operating across state lines. The National Taxpayers Union and a coalition of free-market and taxpayer advocacy organizations support the bill, viewing it as a pro-taxpayer reform that will remove regulatory barriers and foster a more consistent market for recycled materials. The legislation also recognizes advanced recycling technologies, which use chemi...
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New York Lawmakers Propose Legislation to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled by 20% by 2050

New York Lawmakers Propose Legislation to Reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled by 20% by 2050

New York lawmakers are considering Senate Bill S4044 and Assembly Bill A4230, which aim to establish a statewide goal of reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by 20% by 2050. This legislation would require certain highway-capacity projects to be evaluated against this VMT reduction goal, potentially necessitating additional analysis or mitigation for projects expected to increase vehicle miles. The bills, currently in committee, reflect a growing national trend where states like California, Minnesota, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon are shifting transportation policy focus from traditional traffic congestion to VMT reduction and greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed New York legislation does not impose a mileage tax but seeks to create a policy framework where reducing private driving is an official government objective. Mitigation strategies outlined in the bills include promoting public transportation, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, remote work, broadband expansion, and changes to parking manag...
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New York Legislature Passes Bill Mandating 21-Day Review Period for Severance Agreements

New York Legislature Passes Bill Mandating 21-Day Review Period for Severance Agreements

The New York State Legislature has passed a bill, S372A, also known as the “No Severance Ultimatums Act,” which is now awaiting delivery to Governor Kathy Hochul. If enacted, this legislation would introduce new procedural requirements for employers concerning separation agreements. Specifically, the bill mandates a minimum 21-day review period and a 7-day revocation period for any severance agreement that requires an employee to release claims against their employer. The proposed amendment to the New York Labor Law aims to establish minimum review protections for employees and former employees offered such agreements. Employers would be required to inform employees of their right to consult an attorney, the 21-day consideration period, and the 7-day revocation period. Employees may sign before the 21-day period ends, but only if their decision is knowing, voluntary, and not influenced by fraud, misrepresentation, threats, or altered terms for early signing. This bill extends protections similar to those u...
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Former DreamWorks Executive Brian Edwards Launches Time Zone Capital for Indie Film and TV Financing

Former DreamWorks Executive Brian Edwards Launches Time Zone Capital for Indie Film and TV Financing

Former DreamWorks Executive Brian Edwards Launches Time Zone Capital for Indie Film and TV Financing