TIMELINES, MARCH 17, 2017

Cuomo Announces Funds for Clean Water Infrastructure

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on March 9 that almost $60 million will be spent across New York on upgrading local drinking water and wastewater systems. The goal is to improve water quality in 16 update communities. “By making strong investments in clean water infrastructure in these communities, we will help to secure a more sustainable, more prosperous and healthier New York for all,” Governor Cuomo said. The state’s executive budget includes the $2 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017 to provide money for this cause. Some of the projects approved include improving infrastructure in the following counties: Albany, Greene, Columbia, Onondaga, Oswego, Genesee, Putnam, Schoharie, Fulton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Delaware and Niagara.

FBI Used Best Buy to Conduct Surveillance

According to an OC Weekly article, documents released by Wikileaks detailing government surveillance showed the FBI worked with Best Buy’s Geek Squad. Evidence showed company technicians were trained by the agency on law-enforcement operational tactics, shared lists of targeted citizens and encouraged searched of computers when unrelated to customer’s repair request to increase surveillance.

Border Crossing Drops About 40%

The Secretary of Homeland Security, John F. Kelly, announced illegal border crossing of the U.S.-Mexican border is lower than average for President Trump’s first two months in office. The drop is around 40% and measured by how many arrests are made and people stopped from entering the country. Usually these two months are busier for border crossings. Kelly said the total dropped from 31,578 to 18,762 trending toward the lowest monthly total seen in five years. This dip in border traffic coincides with the president’s executive orders around immigration.

NY AG Leads Fight to Protect Emission Standards

New York’s Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman is leading a coalition of states opposed to President Trump’s action directing federal agencies to reconsider vehicle emission standards. State attorneys general from New York, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection issued a statement regarding this issue. “Weakening these commonsense standards would undermine successful efforts to combat the pollution emitted by vehicles – emissions that cause widespread, substation harm to public health and are one of the largest sources of climate change pollution,” the statement read. Schneiderman will file a motion to support current emission standards reflected in the Clean Air Act.

Trump’s 2005 Tax Return Leaked

Rachel Maddow, an anchor on MSNBC, tweeted on Tuesday March 14 she had President Donald Trump’s tax return. Maddow revealed parts of a 2005 tax return. It showed Trump and his wife Melania paid $5.3 million in income taxes, and over $31 million in “alternative minimum” taxes. He included a $105 million write down on losses. The two pages were first published on DCReport.org when the documents showed up in the site’s veteran investigative reporter’s mailbox. Johnston said “it describe the types of income, but not the sources.” The revelation was built up around hype of what the documents might contain. 

Stella Underwhelms NYC, Packs Punch for Locations North

Winter storm Stella that covered the northeast in white snow on March 14 left New York City with less snow than predicted. Only seven inches landed in the city but up forecasters predicted up to 20 inches in the city. But it didn’t disappoint in the northern counties of Rockland and Orange. This became the heaviest snowstorm on record in Binghamton, with over 30 inches falling in a 22-hour period. Snow in Rockland ranged from 10-16 inches depending on location. The storm left snow inland but produced coastal flooding in New Jersey.

Knicks Broadcaster John Andariese Died After Fight with Dementia

Longtime broadcaster John Andariese died at age 78 on March 13. Andariese, the Knicks analyst for almost 35 years, began working on the team’s radio broadcast in the early 1970s. He worked alongside Marv Albert on MSG Networks as a television analyst. Andariese retired before the 2012-13 season. He was one of few NBA analysts who never played or coached in the league. He is survived by his wife, Maureen, three daughters and four grandchildren.

EMTs to be Screened for Sex

Offender Convictions

New York Assemblyman James Skoufis (D-Woodbury) announced legislation he authored requiring prospective emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to submit to screenings against the sex offender registry. This legislation was set to take effect on March 14. Skoufis said EMTs are crucial for the community whose hard work should be provided, and this law will help vet potential hires and keep the public safe. “Families need to have confidence that their loved one is safe and receiving the best care on their worst day,” he said.  Skoufis has fought to protect public safety and work with ambulance associates to create this legislation.

New Clinton Might Seek Congress   

A recent report in The Hill said there is a chance former first daughter Chelsea Clinton might enter the world of professional politics for herself if Sen. Kirsten Gilibrand (D-N.Y.) leaves her senate seat for the White House in 2020. She has tweeted at the current president and rumors have spread around the capitol that she might be being “groomed” for Congress. A former Hillary Clinton aide said, “she’s never denied that she has an interest in running for office, and that leads me to believe that one day, she will.”

NR Boys Win State Bowling Title, Remember Friend

North Rockland’s boys bowling team won the bowling state championship last weekend. Their female counterparts finished second. But both teams headed back to Rockland with their hearts full of emotion. The teens lost a friend and competitor Brandon Smith, of Clarkstown. The 17-year-old’s spirit was with the North Rockland teams during their final games in which the boys won by one pin. Smith was last year’s Journal News Rockland boys bowler of the year. North Rockland’s head coach believed having Brandon to think about gave the teams motivation to do so well.