Free Republic

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York state is banning natural gas stoves and heating systems in most new buildings, a policy that’s part of a national movement aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The law negotiated by Gov. Kathy Hochul and her fellow Democrats in the Legislature is part of the state budget and puts New York in the forefront of states targeting emissions from buildings. When the phase-in starts in 2026, newly constructed buildings will have to forego fossil fuel equipment in favor of devices like induction ranges and heat pumps that run on electricity. The state mandate applies...

A Harlem restaurant-supply store owner unleashed a round of shotgun blasts on a gang of four robbers Thursday afternoon, killing two of them, police said. The shooting happened at about 3:10 p.m. at The Kaplan Brothers’ Blue Flame, at 523 West 125th Street, near Amsterdam Avenue, according to cops. One man died at the scene and the another died at St. Luke’s Hospital. Residents said they were surprised at the robbery the store is not known as a cash business. Detectives are still investigating.