New New York drug laws in place

The Rockefeller Drug Laws required mandatory prison terms for all drug-related crimes in New York when it was enacted over three decades ago. Now, more than a thousand current inmates could face resentencing and escape this fate.

Many low-level drug offenders became eligible on Wednesday for shorter prison times or release, according to the Associated Press.

Gov. David Paterson and lawmakers reached a decision in April to revise the Rockefeller Drug Laws.

The legislation will allow judges to send new offenders to drug treatment programs instead.

“Families were broken, money was wasted and we continued to wrestle with a statewide drug problem,” Paterson said Wednesday.

My Take: My broadcast professor last semester explained the Rockefeller Drug Laws to us as we discussed the cost of jail upkeep and the cost of housing prisoners for many years. Although I do not believe that drug offenders should avoid punishment, I think this is a wise move by New York State. Instead of putting a band-aid on drug addiction in individuals’ lives, this new legislation will allow judges to send addicts to get help. I believe this will also increase the chance that the individuals will not be repeat offenders. 

Clay man sends sexually explicit pictures to Missouri police

Syracuse.com is reporting that a Clay man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly sending sexually explicit pictures of himself to a Missouri County Sheriff’s Office.

Lawrence Bradish, 50, believed the Internet photos were going to a 13-year-old girl, according to the Onondaga County sheriff’s department.

Officials in Stone County, Mo. contacted Onondaga County deputies and issued a warrant.

Deputies took three computers from Bradish’s home.

Bradish was awaiting extradition to Missouri as of Wednesday afternoon.

My Take: This local story caught my attention because of the complexity of the arrest: Bradish thought he was sending pictures to a girl but instead was sending them to police in Missouri. Also, I found it interesting that Bradish must go to Missouri to face his charges. 

Dave Letterman accused of promoting hostile work environment

CNN.com is reporting that comedian David Letterman faced the chopping block again on Wednesday when The National Organization for Women—or NOW—publically accused him of promoting a hostile work environment.

The controversy about Letterman’s sexual affairs with employees led NOW to release a statement on Tuesday.

“Many workplaces are plagued with inappropriate behavior by men in power,” the statement said.

Robert Halderman, a CBS producer, is accused of threatening to leak the sex scandal unless Letterman gave him two million dollars.

Letterman apologized publically to his wife on Monday.

My Take: Although we would like to admit it or not, Americans are chatting incessantly about Letterman’s sex scandal. This update about NOW’s statement just broke, and I think it’s a story of interest to many. 

Letterman apologizes to wife