Timelines 8/3/17

Russian Defense to Use Lasers to Deflect Enemy
The Russian defense industry says powerful lasers on its sixth-generation fighter will be used to “burn” enemy homing systems on projectiles fired in their direction to deflect them from hitting a target. “Now we are talking about developments in the field of powered lasers that will be able to physically destroy attacking missiles’ homing heads,” said the adviser to the First Deputy CEO of Radio-Electronic Technologies Group (KRET) Vladimir Mikheyev. Another priority for the Russian defense industry includes drone technology.

Retired General John Kelly Appointed as Chief of Staff
Retired general and former secretary of Homeland Security, John Kelly, was appointed as President Donald Trump’s chief of staff on July 28. Trump claims that he has “no doubt that [John Kelly] will be an absolutely superb chief of staff.” Trump praised Kelly for his skills as a fixer and his success in slowing illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexican border.

Trump to Sign Russia Sanctions Bill
President Donald Trump announced on July 28 that he will sign the Russia sanctions bill after a few of his own changes. The bill passed through both the Senate and the House of Representatives with an overwhelming majority supporting it, making it almost impossible for Trump to veto it. It imposes penalties on Iran, North Korea and Russia and includes measures preventing Trump from singlehandedly deciding to end or suspend sanctions on Russia. In response, Russia announced that it will expel some American diplomats and repossess real estate currently being used by the American mission in Moscow.

Predictions that Governor Cuomo Runs for President
Congressman and former Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi commented that Governor Andrew Cuomo will definitely run for president of the United States. Suozzi said Cuomo is a political genius that is good at working the system but not an easy person to deal with.

Communications Director Scaramucci Fired After 10 Days
President Donald Trump fired Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci after 10 days in his position. When Scaramucci was appointed, both Sean Spicer, former press secretary and Reince Priebus, the chief of staff, left the White House staff. The removal of Scaramucci came days after he went on a verbal tirade against senior members of the president’s staff. The decision to remove him came at the request of new chief of staff John Kelly, after an incident where Scaramucci boasted to report directly to the president, overriding Kelly’s role.

Registered Organizations Added to Medical Marijuana Program
In order to improve patient access and geographic distribution across the state, the New York State Department of Health announced on August 1 that it authorized five more registered organizations to dispense medical marijuana in New York state. The newly registered organizations are Citiva Medical, Fiorello Pharmaceuticals, New York Canna, PalliaTech NY and Valley Agriceuticals. Other enhancements to New York State’s Medical Marijuana Program include adding chronic pain as a condition, having home deliveries, empowering nurse practitioners and physician assistants to certify patients and publishing a list of registered practitioners who have consented to be listed.

Tappan Zee Bridge Traffic to Switch in Late August
On August 25, four lanes of Rockland-bound traffic will shift to the new Tappan Zee Bridge, called the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, in the evening. Westchester-bound traffic will remain on the old bridge until further notice.

  rockland news, rockland news blurbs