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Tag: Kathy Hochul

  • California, New York could become first states to enact laws aiming to prevent catastrophic AI harm

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    A man describes AI software during an interview last year. Two states may be the first to enact laws aiming to prevent catastrophic harm from frontier AI models. (Photo by Matthew Hinton/The Associated Press)

    California and New York could become the first states to establish rules aiming to prevent the most advanced, large-scale artificial intelligence models — known as frontier AI models — from causing catastrophic harm involving dozens of casualties or billion-dollar damages.

    The bill in California, which passed the state Senate earlier this year, would require large developers of frontier AI systems to implement and disclose certain safety protocols used by the company to mitigate the risk of incidents contributing to the deaths of 50 or more people or damages amounting to more than $1 billion.

    The bill, which is under consideration in the state Assembly, would also require developers to create a frontier AI framework that includes best practices for using the models. Developers would have to publish a transparency report that discloses the risk assessments used while developing the model. 

    In June, New York state lawmakers approved a similar measure; Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul has until the end of the year to decide whether to  sign it into law.

    Under the measure, before deploying a frontier AI model, large developers would be required to implement a safety policy to prevent the risk of critical harm — including the death or serious injury of more than 100 people or at least $1 billion in damages — caused or enabled by a frontier model through the creation or use of large-scale weapons systems or through AI committing criminal acts.  

    Frontier AI models are large-scale systems that exist at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation. These models, such as OpenAI’s GPT-5, Google’s Gemini Ultra and others, are highly advanced and can perform a wide range of tasks by processing substantial amounts of data. These powerful models also have the potential to cause catastrophic harm. 

    California legislators last year attempted to pass stricter regulations on large developers to prevent the catastrophic harms of AI, but Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed the bill. He said in his veto message that it would apply “stringent standards to even the most basic functions” of large AI systems. He wrote that small models could be “equally or even more dangerous” and worried about the bill curtailing innovation.

    Over the following year, the Joint California Policy Working Group on AI Frontier Models wrote and published its report on how to approach frontier AI policy. The report emphasized the importance of empirical research, policy analyses and balance between the technology’s benefits and risks.

    Tech developers and industry groups have opposed the bills in both states. Paul Lekas, the senior vice president of global public policy at the Software & Information Industry Association, wrote in an emailed statement to Stateline that California’s measure, while intended to promote responsible AI development, “is not the way to advance this goal, build trust in AI systems, and support consumer protection.”

    The bill would create “an overly prescriptive and burdensome framework that risks stifling frontier model development without adequately improving safety,” he said, the same problems that led to last year’s veto. “The bill remains untethered to measurable standards, and its vague disclosure and reporting mandates create a new layer of operational burdens.”

    NetChoice, a trade association of online businesses including Amazon, Google and Meta, sent a letter to Hochul in June, urging the governor to veto New York’s proposed legislation. 

    “While the goal of ensuring the safe development of artificial intelligence is laudable, this legislation is constructed in a way that would unfortunately undermine its very purpose, harming innovation, economic competitiveness, and the development of solutions to some of our most pressing problems, without effectively improving public safety,” wrote Patrick Hedger, the director of policy at NetChoice.

    Stateline reporter Madyson Fitzgerald can be reached at mfitzgerald@stateline.org.

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  • Hochul expands COVID vaccine access at NY pharmacies | Long Island Business News

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    In Port Washington on Friday, State Gov. signed an executive order to allow people to get the at pharmacies without a prescription across the state.

    New Yorkers can “go into a pharmacy, as they’re accustomed to doing, and the pharmacist will now, as a result of this signing, be authorized to administer COVID shots to those who choose to have them,” Hochul told reporters during a visit to Manorhaven Elementary School in Port Washington.

    The executive order was developed to get around newly imposed federal restrictions on vaccine access introduced last week that limited eligibility to those 65 and older, or younger with underlying conditions.

    On Friday, Hochul said that “we’re going to make sure that everyone who has has coverage” to get the COVID vaccine, and added that covers it.

    “Many of the large insurers have said they’ll cover it anyhow, because if you can prevent an illness, isn’t that a lot less expensive to treat in the long run?” Hochul said. “The insurance companies understand how important these are, but we’re going to work through some of the details.”

    Many of those details “can be settled when we come back with more comprehensive legislation in January,” Hochul said. But, she added, “I can’t wait that long. We are in peak COVID season. It’s starting up now. The cases are going up. People need to be aware of this, and this is the time when people should be thinking about getting their shots for themselves and their families if they choose.”

    She said that people have been “conditioned to be able to walk into a pharmacy, and I want to keep the status quo,” and added that she did not think people would take the time to get to a doctor’s office to get a prescription. “I don’t want there to be barriers to their or their family’s health because of an artificial roadblock.”

    Hochul said she and her team are “working around the clock to ensure that whatever Washington does, that we’re prepared to respond, so there’s no gap in coverage for New Yorkers.”


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    Adina Genn

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  • NYS targets antisemitism, discrimination on campuses | Long Island Business News

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    THE BLUEPRINT:

    • NY mandates coordinators on all college campuses

    • Legislation combats and all forms of discrimination

    • Hochul: “No one should fear for their safety at school”

    College and university campuses throughout New York State will now be required to appoint Title VI coordinators under a new mandate designed to combat antisemitism and all forms of bigotry, helping to ensure a safer learning environment for students.

    On Tuesday, Gov. signed legislation to uphold the protections of Title VI of the Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin, including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.

    “By placing Title VI coordinators on all college campuses, New York is combating antisemitism and all forms of discrimination head-on,” Hochul said in a news release about the legislation.

    “No one should fear for their safety while trying to get an education,” she said. “It’s my top priority to ensure every New York student feels safe at school, and I will continue to take action against campus discrimination and use every tool at my disposal to eliminate hate and bias from our school communities.”

    With the new legislation, coordinators are to collaborate closely with students, faculty and staff to address discrimination on campus and foster a safe learning environment.

    The legislation comes at a time when universities nationwide are grappling with how to uphold freedom of expression amid rising campus antisemitism, while also addressing concerns about student safety and institutional policy.

    The state legislation is considered one of the first in the nation to mandate Title VI coordinators across all college and university campuses.

    “New York, with the largest Jewish community in the country, is leading by example in protecting students from antisemitism and other forms of discrimination,” American Jewish Committee New York Director Josh Kramer said in the news release. “Gov. Hochul’s signature makes clear that Jewish students’ concerns cannot be brushed aside.”

    Others gave the legislation high marks.

    “For students who have historically faced systemic barriers, this bill requiring Title VI coordinators on college campuses is particularly important,” Assemblymember Michaelle Solages of Valley Stream said in the news release.

    “It establishes a clear, standardized process for reporting incidents and guarantees that every complaint will be met with an investigation. This is a significant measure for safety and accountability on our campuses,” Solages said.

    “The appointment of Title VI coordinators will assist in ensuring efficient resolution to traumatic incidences that are regularly experienced by college students of all backgrounds,” NAACP New York State Conference Education Committee Chair Christine Waters said in the news release.

    “Requiring Title VI coordinators at every college in New York is an important step toward ensuring that all students can learn in safe environments free of discrimination,” Asian American Federation Executive Director Catherine Chen said in the news release.

    “Since 2020, the Asian American Federation’s Hope Against Hate Campaign has been raising awareness and taking action to combat hate and bias against Asian Americans—an issue that persists to this day and includes hostility against South Asians and Muslim Americans. The federation stresses that strong anti-discrimination measures are essential to protect our vulnerable youth and create inclusive and fair communities for all students,” Chen added.

    “Amid a surge in antisemitism, Jewish students have faced unacceptable discrimination and hate on campuses throughout New York,” UJA-Federation of New York CEO Eric Goldstein said in the news release. “With this new law, students across the state will experience a safer and more inclusive learning environment.”

    Anti-Defamation League Regional Director for New York and New Jersey Scott Richman shared that sentiment

    “Too often, students on campuses feel the need to hide parts of their identity to avoid intimidation and harassment,” Richman said. “This legislation offers a crucial solution to ensure that colleges and universities are properly resourced to address and combat discrimination and hate on campus.”


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    Adina Genn

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  • Gov. Kathy Hochul touts anti-crime results as Trump presses blue states

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    ALBANY, New York — Gov. Kathy Hochul’s war on shoplifting is starting to show results — just as President Donald Trump is using the weight of the federal government to crack down on urban crime in blue states.

    Hochul today will announce her efforts to combat retail theft — bolstered penalties and more money for cops and prosecutors — have paid dividends. Retail theft dropped 12 percent in New York City between January and August compared to the same period a year ago. Shoplifting incidents declined by 5 percent elsewhere in the state over those months, her office said.

    Democrats across the country last year pushed to address shoplifting, a tangible concern for voters anytime they tried to purchase locked-away toiletries or watched viral social media videos of swarming thieves robbing luxury retailers.

    Retail theft spiked nationally following the onset of the pandemic, and incidents in New York are still above pre-Covid levels. But as Republicans continue to tie Democrats to crime and voters consistently raise concerns over public safety, Hochul has stressed the statistics show her efforts to fight crime are working.

    “Protecting business owners and retail workers is crucial to maintaining safety and security in New York. Since enacting protections to crack down on retail theft, we’ve seen a significant reduction in crime,” Hochul said in a statement. “And while it’s clear our investments are making an impact, the work is not done yet.”

    Addressing crime has become a political imperative for the New York governor, who has struggled with middling poll numbers.

    Public safety concerns were wielded against Hochul in 2022, when she ran for her first full term. Republicans focused almost exclusively on crime in their campaigns, and GOP gubernatorial nominee Lee Zeldin came within 6 points of winning — an unusually tight margin in a deep blue state. Alleviating voter concerns over crime next year will be an imperative for New York Democrats, as the party is also fighting to retain several first-term House members.

    The governor in recent days has touted a drop in shootings and a record-safe month on the city’s mass transit system. A decrease in crime comes at a politically crucial moment for Hochul, who runs for reelection next year.

    Trump on Monday signed an executive order meant to eliminate so-called “cashless bail” laws around the country — a move that goes to the heart of a package of left-leaning criminal justice measures signed into law six years ago by then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

    Hochul has pressed to limit the scope of the bail law to include more criminal offenses and give judges more discretion. That has not stopped her Republican foes from pressing the issue. Rep. Elise Stefanik, who is mulling a run for governor next year, cheered Trump’s executive order.

    “For too long, New Yorkers have suffered violent crimes and even lost their lives due to Kathy Hochul and single party Democrat rule’s dangerous anti-police, pro-criminal policies,” Stefanik said. “New Yorkers want law and order and tough on crime policies to bring safety back to our great state.”

    The president, meanwhile, has not ruled out deploying the National Guard to Chicago and New York City amid a federalized interagency push to address street crime in Washington.

    “We go in, we will solve Chicago within one week, maybe less,” Trump said Monday. “But within one week we’ll have no crime in Chicago, like no crime in D.C.”

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  • 5 dead, dozens injured after tour bus with about 50 people crashes in New York State, officials say

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    A vacation to Niagara Falls ended in tragedy on Friday as a tour bus with about 50 passengers heading back to New York City crashed into a ditch, killing five people and injuring dozens.Officials believe most of the passengers were not wearing a seat belt, as multiple people were also ejected from the bus, which sustained heavy damage in the incident, said New York State Police spokesperson James O’Callaghan.“We believe there is a child that is a fatality,” he said.And translators are headed to the scene to assist police in the investigation, as most of the passengers were Indian, Chinese or Filipino, he said at a news conference.Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo received 24 patients and 20 are being treated, it confirmed at a Friday afternoon news conference.Video below: NY State Police Trooper James O’ Callaghan discusses bus crashAs the investigation unfolds, it’s not yet clear why the crash took place, O’Callaghan said, but he added authorities have a “good idea” of what caused the bus to roll over after losing control, without offering further details.The bus was driving at full speed and did not hit any other vehicles, but lost control from the median onward, O’Callaghan said.Helicopters, ambulances and law enforcement swarmed the crash site, where the bus was seen on its side with many people gathered around it.A list of the passengers provided by the bus company confirms there were 52 people on board, including the driver, police said in a statement.“Several witnesses observed the bus lose control, enter the median, then cross to the southern shoulder and overturn,” the state police said in a news release.The state’s department of transportation is trying to help people get off the interstate as some remain stranded due to the incident, O’Callaghan said. The state Thruway is currently closed in both directions near the crash site, state police say.“It’s a very volatile scene. We have vehicles going the wrong way on the 90,” he said, describing the area as “highly traveled.”The driver is “alive and well” and working with authorities, O’Callaghan said, and some victims were taken to the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York.New York Gov. Kathy Hochul described the crash as “tragic” and said first responders are “working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved” in a post on X.CNN has contacted the U.S. embassies for the Philippines, China and India for comment.

    PEMBROKE, N.Y. —

    A vacation to Niagara Falls ended in tragedy on Friday as a tour bus with about 50 passengers heading back to New York City crashed into a ditch, killing five people and injuring dozens.

    Officials believe most of the passengers were not wearing a seat belt, as multiple people were also ejected from the bus, which sustained heavy damage in the incident, said New York State Police spokesperson James O’Callaghan.

    “We believe there is a child that is a fatality,” he said.

    And translators are headed to the scene to assist police in the investigation, as most of the passengers were Indian, Chinese or Filipino, he said at a news conference.

    Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo received 24 patients and 20 are being treated, it confirmed at a Friday afternoon news conference.

    Video below: NY State Police Trooper James O’ Callaghan discusses bus crash

    As the investigation unfolds, it’s not yet clear why the crash took place, O’Callaghan said, but he added authorities have a “good idea” of what caused the bus to roll over after losing control, without offering further details.

    The bus was driving at full speed and did not hit any other vehicles, but lost control from the median onward, O’Callaghan said.

    Helicopters, ambulances and law enforcement swarmed the crash site, where the bus was seen on its side with many people gathered around it.

    A list of the passengers provided by the bus company confirms there were 52 people on board, including the driver, police said in a statement.

    “Several witnesses observed the bus lose control, enter the median, then cross to the southern shoulder and overturn,” the state police said in a news release.

    The state’s department of transportation is trying to help people get off the interstate as some remain stranded due to the incident, O’Callaghan said. The state Thruway is currently closed in both directions near the crash site, state police say.

    “It’s a very volatile scene. We have vehicles going the wrong way on the 90,” he said, describing the area as “highly traveled.”

    The driver is “alive and well” and working with authorities, O’Callaghan said, and some victims were taken to the Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, New York.

    New York Gov. Kathy Hochul described the crash as “tragic” and said first responders are “working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved” in a post on X.

    CNN has contacted the U.S. embassies for the Philippines, China and India for comment.

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  • Prayers Up! Fatal Tour Bus Crash In Upstate NY Reportedly Leaves Multiple Dead, Dozens Injured (VIDEO)

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    A trip that was meant to be filled with memories and scenic views turned into an unthinkable tragedy on Friday afternoon. A tour bus carrying more than 50 passengers overturned on Interstate 90 near Pembroke, New York, while returning from a visit to Niagara Falls. What began as a routine ride back to New York City ended with shattered glass, scattered belongings, and the loss of at least four lives, reportedly including a child.

    RELATED: Prayers Up! Married Ohio Teachers Tragically Killed In Crash While Dropping Son Off At College (VIDEO)

    What Allegedly Happened To The Tour Bus?

    According to reports, New York State Police confirmed the bus veered into the median, overcorrected, and rolled into a ditch for reasons still under investigation. Many passengers, most of whom were tourists of Indian, Chinese, and Filipino descent, were ejected or trapped in the wreckage. And, photos from the scene show the vehicle on its side. Additionally, videos show emergency helicopters landing nearby as medics rushed to assist the injured. Authorities noted that most passengers weren’t wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash—raising serious concerns about safety protocol.

    More Details On The Tragic Crash

    Mercy Flight, the region’s air ambulance service, deployed multiple helicopters, and hospitals across Western New York—including Erie County Medical Center and Oishei Children’s Hospital—received patients in critical condition. The driver of the bus survived, and efforts to identify victims and notify families are ongoing. Interpreters were brought to the scene to support non-English-speaking passengers, and officials say the rescue operation remains “very active” well into the evening.

    Public Officials Speak Out

    As the community reels from the news, the New York State Thruway near Pembroke remains closed in both directions. And, several public officials have expressed heartbreak and gratitude toward first responders in statements posted to social media.

    “I’ve been briefed on the tragic tour bus accident…My team is coordinating closely with [NYS Police] and local officials who are working to rescue and provide assistance to everyone involved,” Kathy Hochul shared in a statement via X.

    While Attorney General Letitia James said via X:

    “This bus crash is heartbreaking, and I’m praying for everyone impacted. Grateful to our first responders on the scene working to rescue and help people.”

    RELATED: Prayers Up! Brooklyn Lounge Mass Shooting Reportedly Leaves Three People Dead & Multiple Injured (VIDEO)

    What Do You Think Roomies?

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    Desjah

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  • Live Weather Updates, August 20: Tracking Hurricane Erin As Coastal Flooding Begins Swamping Homes

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    Today is the day that we could see some of the worst impacts of Hurricane Erin as it churns parallel to the U.S. East Coast. North Carolina’s barrier islands have already started seeing significant waves crashing into shoreline homes and hotels.

    As always we have a complete forecast that you can constantly check out for updates, and below we’re tracking the latest on Erin’s impacts, preparations and closures, as well as other major weather headlines across the U.S. and beyond on this Wednesday, August 20.

    (09:20 a.m. EDT) New Jersey Beaches Ban Swimming

    From senior engagement editor Ron Brackett:

    With Hurricane Erin creating high surf and dangerous rip currents, New Jersey has closed at least 16 beaches to swimming.

    “We don’t want anyone in the ocean,” Seaside Heights Mayor Anthony Vaz told the Asbury Park Press.

    The National Weather Service warned that large, breaking waves of 5 to 8 feet are expected in the surf zone on Wednesday and 7 to 12 feet on Thursday.

    “Conditions at all beaches will be very dangerous. Extreme caution is advised for any beachgoers,” the Weather Service said in a tweet.

    (09:00 a.m. EDT) No Swimming At New York’s Southern Ocean Beaches; NYC Beaches Closed

    From producer Carmen Molina:

    Gov. Kathy Hochul directed the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to suspend swimming at Long Island ocean beaches due to flooding and rough surf conditions and potential rip tides resulting from Hurricane Erin.

    Swimming has been restricted at Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Hither Hills State Parks through Thursday.

    “The peak hurricane season is approaching, and we have strong preparations in place to keep people safe,” Hochul said.

    In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams and Iris Rodriguez-Rosa, the parks commissioner, said Tuesday that city beaches would be closed for several days.

    (08:29 a.m. EDT) Erin’s Waves Crash Into The Outer Banks

    While hundreds of residents and tourists evacuated North Carolina’s Outerbanks on Tuesday, others got caught in some of the earliest flooding from Hurricane Erin. The combination of the storm and high tide sent waves surging into homes, hotels and Highway 12 – the only way in and out of those islands.

    See it all in this video.

    (08:15 a.m. EDT) Hurricane Erin Will Bring Impacts To Northeast, New England

    From meteorologist Jennifer Gray:

    While Hurricane Erin will stay well offshore, parts of southern New England and the Northeast will still feel impacts. Winds could gust as high as 30-50 mph at times along the southern parts of New England and the Northeast coast. High surf and coastal flooding will also be a concern as Erin’s steady onshore winds will push water toward the coast. High surf advisories are in place along the northern New Jersey coast, extending northeastward to Cape Cod. Waves higher than 10 feet are possible just offshore.

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  • MTA approves $68.4 billion capital plan, sends it to Albany on how to figure out funding | amNewYork

    MTA approves $68.4 billion capital plan, sends it to Albany on how to figure out funding | amNewYork

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    Work continues in the tunnel near Court Square on the Crosstown G line on Tuesday, Aug 6, 2024.

    Marc A. Hermann / MTA