NYPD Boss Dodges Questions About Rape Allegations Against Son

(NEW YORK) -- New York Police Department Commissioner Ray Kelly dodged questions from the media about rape allegations against his son, Fox anchor Greg Kelly, on Friday.  It was the first time Commissioner Kelly had faced reporters since the allegations surfaced.

At a press conference at Police Headquarters, Kelly told the press to refer all questions to the Manhattan district attorney's office.

Greg Kelly, co-host of Good Day New York, is accused of raping a paralegal in a Manhattan office; through his lawyer, Kelly denied the woman's claims.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Cuomo Outlines 2012-13 Executive Budget and Reform Plan

(BUFFALO, N.Y.) -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo traveled to Buffalo on Wednesday to outline his 2012-13 Executive Budget and Reform Plan.

Cuomo's plan aims to close the state's $2 billion budget deficit through pension reform. The governor said he will not impose new taxes on residents and his plan will also include school accountability in order to improve education in the state. Education has been Cuomo's priority; he's been meeting with education officials this week to discuss a developing a new teacher evaluation system.

"We must continue to hold the line on spending to make sure New York remains a welcoming and open place for families and businesses. This budget further ensures that important reforms are made to our public education system so students come first, and school districts are held accountable for spending. By coming together, we have shown what can be done, and I look forward to continuing to work to create jobs and build a new New York," said Cuomo.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

AG Announces Database Targeting Scammers of Military Personnel

(WASHINGTON) -- New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has teamed up with federal officials to announce new measures being implemented to crack down on companies and individuals who set out to scam military personnel through consumer fraud.

On Wednesday, Schneiderman joined officials from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Defense, and the Federal Trade Commission to announce plans to develop the Repeat Offenders Against Military (ROAM) Database, aimed at cracking down on such scams. Officials say the database will keep track of completed enforcement actions against those who repeatedly scam members of the military, veterans, or their families.

The database will reportedly make publicly available information on legal actions against perpetrators, searchable for law enforcement officials from across the country.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio

Report: New York State Faces Doctor Shortage

(ALBANY, N.Y.) -- New York State is facing a shortage of physicians in hospitals that could get even worse in the future, according to a report by the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS).

According to the report, the state could face even more shortages as the departure and retirement rates of doctors increases since the average age of practicing doctors is 52 and 16 percent of doctors are over the age of 65.  Rural areas of the state have been hit hardest by the shortage.

“Every patient deserves a doctor,” said HANYS’ President Daniel Sisto. “We must have policies in place to motivate and recruit physicians to practice in New York State, particularly in the communities that need them the most.”

Copyright 2011 ABC News Radio


State Sen. LaValle Introduces Bill to Make Testing Fraud a Felony

(ALBANY, N.Y.) -- New York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle of Port Jefferson introduced a bill on Tuesday which would impose tougher penalties for people who cheat on college entrance tests.

The new law would make facilitation of education testing fraud a felony which carries a prison sentence. The legislation is in answer to a widespread SAT cheating scandal in New York involving students from several high schools.

Copyright 2012 ABC News Radio