Governor David A. Paterson has directed the New York State Department of Health (DOH) to activate its infectious disease, epidemiology, laboratory, disaster preparedness and health systems staff to coordinate efforts across the State as eight cases of probable swine influenza (swine flu) were identified in New York City today. Samples from these cases have been sent to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for confirmatory testing.

New York Archbishop-designate Timothy Dolan, who is succeeding Cardinal Edward Egan (retiring after nine years), says he will challenge any same-sex marriage proposal put forth by the state of New York.

The gunman in the tragic Binghamton, New York immigration center shootings that took place earlier today has been identified: according to law enforcement officials, his name is Jiverly Voong.

Brad Van Pelt, former great New York Giants linebacker, has died of an apparent heart attack at the age of 57.

Who is Kirsten Gillibrand? It's easy to see why you might ask that. As someone only very recently to come to politics, she's relatively unknown, but she is, according to multiple reports, NY governor David Psterson's selection to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate.

Two days before the miracle crash landing of U.S. Airways flight 1549, the same Airbus A320 was involved in a different scare, according to reports.

Reports are surfacing that Caroline Kennedy is the front-runner for Hillary Clinton's New York Senate. On the other hand, still other reports say no. Sigh.

The much awaited return of the Buddy Rich Memorial Concert is now over. In late August, Cathy Rich, daughter of the late, legendary drummer Buddy Rich, confirmed plans for the Buddy Rich Memorial and that it would take place at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on October 18. Her company, Scabeba Entertainment, Drucker Labs and drumming icon Neil Peart will produce this historic event, which promises to be the most intense and compelling ever in terms of the performers and sponsors.

Out of the 2.6 billion proposed savings plan of New York's governor David Paterson $1 billion in current year savings is designed to guard against further revenue reductions; combined with $1.6 billion in 2009-10, savings would cut next year’s $6.4 billion budget deficit by over 40 percent.

The New York state senator Dean Skelos released a statement on his election as the head of the Majority Leader of the New York State Senate.

Looking for great bargains? Don't miss the chance to browse and buy antiques, artworks and next-to-new collectibles at Art & Treasures. The popular annual sale takes place Friday and Saturday, June 27 and 28 at the Memorial Art Gallery. Sponsored by the Gallery Council, it’s the place to find gently used antiques, jewelry, artwork, china, porcelain, silver, crystal, fine linens and furniture. Admission is free, with all sales to benefit the Gallery.

The Museum of Modern Art presents Dali: Painting and Film, the first exhibition to focus on the profound relationship between the paintings and films of Salvador Dali (Spanish, 1904–1989). The exhibition proposes that Dali's personal engagement with cinema—as a filmgoer, a screenwriter, a filmmaker, and an art director—was fundamental to his understanding of modernism and deeply affected his art.