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Jeff Lewis

News Briefs: Car Accident in Ramapo, Fire Station Approved in North Rockland, Meatball Contest in Blauvelt

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No injuries were reported after a scary, one-car crash in Chestnut Ridge yesterday. Ramapo Police say the accident took place near the intersection of Hungry Hollow Road and Route 45. Police say the driver struck an O&R electrical box, causing his car to catch fire.

Firehouse Bond Approved in North Rockland
Voters in the Thiells-Roseville Fire District in North Rockland Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a bond to build a new, $24 million firehouse. That’s according to the Journal News. The vote was 236 to 25 to purchase nearly five acres of land and construct the firehouse. The current firehouse on Route 202 no longer meets some state codes. The land for the new firehouse is near the current station.

Sons of Italy / Sen. Weber Meatball Contest in Blauvelt
Who makes the county’s best meatballs? Well, someone will be crowned meatball champ at tonight’s “First Annual Senator Bill Weber and Rockland Lodge Sons of Italy Meatball Challenge” in Blauvelt. Contestants will have to please the judges, including Rockland Lodge Sons of Italy President, Greg DeCola, previous Meatball Contest winners, and noted meatball experts, Morning Show co-hosts Jeff and Will. The event at the Sons of Italy Lodge on Van Wyck Road in Blauvelt is just about sold out, but there may still be space available, so if you’d like to attend, call Senator Weber’s office at 845-623-3627.

Area Lawmaker Seeks Passage of Antisemitism Bill in Congress

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Several bills in Congress are vying for attention as protests on college campuses across the country and right here in New York City continue to grow larger and, in some cases, accompanied by violence. One of those bills is H.R. 6090, the bi-partisan “Antisemitism Awareness Act of 2023,” introduced by Rockland Congressman Republican Mike Lawler of the 17th district. The bill passed the House Rules Committee earlier this week, and yesterday Lawler urged the rest of his colleagues to pass it…

That audio courtesy of C-SPAN. Lawler’s bill would codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. All schools that get federal funds must comply with Title VI. New York Congressman, Democrat Jerry Nadler said the bill was too broad and could infringe upon constitutionally protected speech. The “Antisemitism Awareness Act” could come up for a vote in the full House later this week. A competing bill, the “Countering Antisemitism Act,” would create a national White House Coordinator to combat antisemitism.

Disability Rights Advocates Look to Improve Election Polling Place Accessibility

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New York disability rights advocates are working to break barriers in numerous legislative areas, with a focus on voting and accessible polling places. A Brennan Center for Justice report finds many of New York’s polling places aren’t fully disability accessible – leaving them unable to accommodate a quarter of the state’s population. Doctor Sharon McLennon-Wier with “The Center for Independence of the Disabled New York” says this can be improved…

McLennon-Wier says the State Election Board should also train poll workers on using ballot marking devices. Bills about training poll workers and enabling electronic absentee ballots are pending in the Assembly’s Elections Committee.

Former WRCR “Morning Show” Host Steve Possell to be Honored by BRIDGES Thursday

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A Rockland radio legend is being honored tomorrow night. Former WRCR “Morning Show” host Steve Possell, who was born blind, is getting the “In My Shoes” award from Bridges, which highlights personal stories of accomplishment to help dispel the myths about disabilities. On his last day here at WRCR in August 2021, Steve looked back at the Boulders party that was held for him when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch, and reflected on his illustrious career…

Carlos Martinez is Bridges’ CEO and Executive Director, and he says Steve has been an inspiration to the entire community…

Other honorees include News 12 reporter Diane Caruso and entertainer Mike Murray. The event is tomorrow at the Bear Mountain Inn. Funds raised will help Bridges provide youth services and help them navigate education and career options. For more information, call 845-624-1366.

AI Robot to Give Commencement Speech at Upstate NY University

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An upstate New York University is going ahead as planned with an AI robot as its commencement speaker, despite thousands of students signing an online petition requesting they pull the plug on the event. Hanson Robotics is the AI company that created what they call “empathetic, living, intelligent machines that enrich our lives,” embodied by Sophia…

Al Samuels is the president and CEO of the Rockland Business Association, and he says he’s approaching the first-of-its-kind commencement speech at D’Youville University in Buffalo with a bit of caution…

An online petition against having Sophia as the school’s commencement speaker has gathered 2,390 signatures, so far. The school has not backed down. In a statement, D’Youville President Lorrie Clemo said higher education is meant to be an “incubator for innovation and to prepare students for both the opportunities and challenges of the future,” calling the event an “intersection of technology and education.” The ceremony is being held May 11th.