Elective Surgeries Can Resume, State Unveils New Online COVID Vaccine Tracker
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Governor Cuomo said the big problem across New York now is that hospitals can’t seem to vaccinate its own workers.
WSKG (https://wskg.org/author/wskgstaff/)
Governor Cuomo said the big problem across New York now is that hospitals can’t seem to vaccinate its own workers.
“What we still need is the Equality Act to be passed. Without that major legislation, we’re still subject to the whim of the president.”
Those conversations were about using the Justice Department to make it appear as though Georgia’s election results could be invalidated because of ongoing fraud investigations.
“Right from the very beginning of the parole process, which is the appearance in front of the parole board, there is no ‘right to counsel.’”
“I kept seeing these questions over and over: How do I run for school board? How do I help candidates run for school board?””
State figures report up to half the staff in some areas of New York are refusing the vaccine. That might lead to mandated vaccinations.
On demand, with no commercials nor subscription fees, listeners can request music perform by choral groups or music composed by Beethoven.
“With over 260 hours of content from the WSKG music library, a listener could go almost 11 days without hearing a repeat.”
“We should engage in everyday actions and changes in our lifestyle, that reduce our environmental footprint, that often make us healthier and happier and save us money, things we ought to do anyway.”
The state Capitol was on high alert after a report indicated armed groups were planning to gather at state capitols.
“For the taxpayers, this is going to help fund a lot of their municipalities’ costs in recovering this material.”
One would require appellate-level judges, like the state Supreme Court, to be elected by district rather than statewide.
First responders, people 75 and older, educators, and grocery store workers can now begin to schedule their vaccine appointments. But the wait to get the shot could take a while.
“Hopefully if there’s protests, they’re peaceful. But you can’t take any chances, especially after what we witnessed in Washington, D.C.”
“I am absolutely floored by how inaccessible this is to an ordinary person. The learning curve has been really, really steep.”
“They don’t necessarily have to know they traveled to go to a riot. They just have to travel and then intentionally get themselves intentionally involved in a riot.”
“The question is whether or not the evidence can be linked to a particular individual and what is the proper jurisdiction to bring those charges.”
As the New York state legislature resumes session today (Wednesday), advocates and some legislators are calling for limits on solitary confinement in state prisons.
“They lied about the results of the election. They lied about voter fraud.”
“You pull up. We verify who you are. You roll down your window. We swab you. Just a little nasal swab, not invasive. We then take that specimen with the requisition and we send it to our laboratory.”
“Our hospitals and health care systems continue to be significantly challenged.”
There are currently 3,914 COVID-19 cases among inmates, parolees, and corrections officers at state prisons, while 2,156 people have recovered.
“You have these climate events happening, and we have systems that are built for things that happened 100 years ago, not what’s happening now. We need to shift focus to that.”
If you’re wondering when your check will arrive, what’s up with your unemployment, or what else taxpayers should expect from the new program, here’s what you need to know.
Over one-fifth of the state’s 500 school districts haven’t had a single teacher of color in at least seven years.
Overnight, the Governor says State Police responded to over 600 accidents and disabled vehicles. There were also two fatal accidents.
Child care centers in Pennsylvania are facing a dark winter. With coronavirus cases surging, and government relief aid far reduced from the early days of the pandemic, providers are struggling as they navigate how to stay afloat financially while keeping the children they serve and their staffs safe.
“Despite being in the middle of a global pandemic, more Pennsylvanians than ever before – 6.9 million – participated in the Nov. 3 election and had their voices heard.”
Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on the State’s COVID-19 Response and Makes an Announcement
While public schools in urban and suburban counties have lost students, schools in more rural counties have largely tread water.
As the Democrats’ leader, she’ll be responsible for putting together Democrats’ legislative strategy for next year’s session.
“Nobody’s giving us any direction. We don’t have the unemployment thing in place, we don’t have the other supports that were in place the last time they shut us down, they’re just like, ‘You gotta close.’ ”
“We know that we can’t depend upon the federal government, given the fact that we’ve been waiting for them to respond to this crisis for months now.”
“Increasing access to food has not been a bipartisan goal. And it’s really troubling, because the need is so great. And obviously it’s not about whether you’re a Democrat or Republican when you’re hungry.”
The state’s average test positivity rate is nearly 12%
Over 20 state representatives signed on to a co-sponsorship memo for a resolution calling on state leaders to delay vote certification — which occurred last week in the presidential race.
The attention has raised his political profile along with questions about whether he’ll run for statewide office in two years.
Under the settlement, NYSEG would halt a proposed pipeline expansion in the Southern Tier and would stop promoting the use of natural gas and commit to net-zero growth in gas sales.
The GOP-backed resolution means counties will turn over voting data within the next 45 days..
“You can just go online and just fill out the application. Which is especially helpful with COVID, thinking about ways to give survivors access to resources in a faster way.”
“[He] made it very clear a year and a half ago that he had it out for me and was very vocal about that.”
The Voter Integrity Fund was launched a week ago by Matt Braynard, who says he’s raised over $500,000 to cross-reference public data in a quest to unearth malfeasance in the election.
PA faces a new dynamic if and when it considers whether to pursue its own recreational marijuana legalization measure.
While the state already requires counties to audit a portion of ballots in every race, GOP caucus spokesman Mike Straub said the legislature should examine what it alleges are “the impacts of interference.”
Some have taken a more defiant approach, including several rank-and-file members of the House Republican Caucus.
“I don’t want to sound like I’m disenfranchising people. I’m just waiting on what the state wants us to do.”
“The teachings of at least the Haudenosaunee people are that the decisions we make today impact seven generations into the future and so that weighs heavy on people’s minds.”
Trump’s lead in PA has narrowed as mail-in votes are counted, but the race remains too close to call.
A list of links to our region’s elections offices.
Reports are flying that President Donald Trump may try to falsely claim electoral victory Tuesday night before states like Pennsylvania finish counting ballots.
While voter turnout is expected to break records this election, the right to vote for some Latinos was not always a guarantee.
More than three-fourths of Republicans are planning to vote in person, while a majority of Democrats said they have or will cast a mail-in ballot.
Next month, all SUNY campuses must test any student who comes on campus for COVID-19.
Make sure, no matter what, that you drop off your ballot by 8 p.m. on Election Day. But don’t wait. Do it today.”
“The placement and the removal of the adhesive, will add to the erosion of the headstone, and certainly just as a precautionary measure, they’ve put that in place.”
“We can no longer operate at the same size that we once were when we were a much larger university, so our expectation is that we will align those costs and revenues.”
Unaffiliated voters aren’t talked about a lot but they can be the difference between winning and losing close elections. They wonder why should they compromise their beliefs to join a political party.
Voters asked candidates about their qualifications, government policies and voting records.
A spokesperson for Bucks County confirmed at least 1,091 voters have received two ballots and an official in Mifflin County said 108 voters were subject to the error.
“There’s the excitement of seeing her, and then the 30 minutes goes faster than you could ever imagine, and then when they wheel her away, it’s very tough.”
Both President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden have pointed to a COVID-19 vaccine as key to ending the pandemic.
New York state recently changed health forms to better reflect transgender and non-binary people, but, public health experts say the change fails to capture the full picture.
A survey of Pennsylvanians who did not vote in 2016, found nearly half of nonvoters wanted to cast ballots on Election Day, but were held back by logistical issues — bucking the stereotype of nonvoters as people who are checked out of politics.
“The closer the race, the longer it will take to know who the winner is, and oftentimes you do know within 24-36 hours because it’s not a very, very close race.”
Check how many mail-in ballots have been requested and returned, and get answers to important voting questions.
“We need the economic growth. We need the revenue and we need the restorative justice that the legalization of adult-use cannabis will provide.”
More than two dozen election officials said they’ll set up at least a drop box or two monitored by a law enforcement official, security camera or both.
“It’s a fun depiction as we think about these heroes, who have changed the world and continue to change; inspiring youngsters who can be a part of that.”
Pennsylvania school-choice advocates are pushing hard for a measure that would send federal coronavirus relief money directly to families to put towards private school tuition, tutoring, or other educational expenses.
“Restaurant self-certification is just one tool in the toolbox we can use to increase customer competence, protect ourselves, and grow our businesses.”
“I think…it’s now more of a concern than ever.”
The support for raising the federal minimum wage is higher than it was before the coronavirus pandemic took hold.
“For the first time in decades, we are free to create a local show for that Saturday evening time slot.”
The president’s speech included several of the false claims that are regular parts of his stump speeches.
“It’s so important that we address the right and the dignity behind our natural appearance, and being able to show up as we naturally are.”
Advocates say the ruling is a win for students and families, allowing them to better hold school districts accountable for discriminatory bullying that happens under their watch.
A pickup truck drove through the crowd and drove away, leaving an injured legal observer on with apparent broken bones.
“It is disturbing and hypocritical that Republican Senators would attempt to fill this vacancy now while Americans across the country have already begun casting their ballots.”
“I don’t even know what that’s like, having to actually go fill out an application to try to get another job, and fit in somewhere,” said Swain. “Starting over, like that’s just so crazy.”
“Suddenly I came to a town called Swastika, which is a symbol of the tyranny and hatred those soldiers fought and died to fight.”
The new standards — which are still subject to regulatory review and approval by the state legislature — were advanced by the Pennsylvania State Board of Education last week.
“This Administration has to understand that we won’t have a healthy economy until we have a healthy country and that starts with taking this virus seriously.”
The governor wants the deadline to send out vote-by-mail applications moved up, among other things.
“It was seemingly viewed by all concerned as an unfortunate set of circumstances, which we all know was not the case.”
Eight years ago, the state slashed $84 million targeted toward these programs and many services were eliminated. Now, advocates fear they could be on the chopping block again.
The Pa. Department Human Services had been planning to distribute $42 million to the parents of about 330,000 kids later this month, but learned recently that the U.S. Department of Agriculture had rejected their plan.
“I can’t think of anything more simple than slowing down and moving over if you can.”
“I think that technology has really helped us. It’s an inexpensive technology. It’s a student-friendly and a faculty-friendly technology.”
It’s the latest stress the industry has faced since COVID-19 turned the child care sector upside down in March.
Thursday night was a tale of two groups with contrasting ideas on how to make change, clashing, after the death of Daniel Prude.
“We know our hospitality industry is really taking a beating because of this pandemic, and they’re going to need to bounce back. Giving them an edge by having cannabis tourism is tremendously helpful.”
With just under a month to go until counting efforts are scheduled to end, some government leaders are concerned about the lower numbers.
For the next 90 days, public rules on masks and social distancing, as well as relaxed rules on unemployment insurance and professional certification will remain in place.
“I got boxes I’m staring at every day. My kids are staring at it. They’re like, ‘When are we gonna find a place to go?’”
“We’re all trying to figure out, ‘How can the counties have the responsibility for making sure the count is accurate and as timely as possible?”
New York State is expected to make additional announcements about high risk winter sports like basketball, hockey, wrestling and cheerleading in the coming months.
“We want children to be in situations where they’re safe and supervised by trusted adults.”
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway announced she was stepping down from her position to look after her family. Working families across the country are figuring out how to provide care for their children with remote and hybrid schooling this year.
In a rush to find answers, lawmakers and election officials alike are proposing a number of changes.
Officials are routinely citing the law to deny public records requests, but legal experts say the state can be more transparent — if it wants.
“If the pandemic was over today, and our economy was back to where it was pre-pandemic, we would probably be in a pretty good place. I think the concern really comes in when we look at the future.”
“This pandemic is far from over, but we’ve determined that institutions can reopen if they adhere to strict state guidance and take every precaution to keep visitors safe.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the different coronavirus tests and what they can — and can’t — tell you.
“The president has appointed someone who really seems to be a political hack. His main claim to fame is that he contributed a lot of money to the president’s campaign. He has no postal experience.”
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board claims that revealing how many licenses are available in each county would hurt revenue. But others believe it might help small businesses compete.
“It’s technically doable, I guess.”
Months of protests urged prosecutors and police to support criminal justice reform. But court records show a different path.
Athletic Director Sandy Barbour left open the possibility that the football team won’t play at all.
“The common interest of these governors is not a partisan agenda. Cuomo as a smart person is not going to raise those issues because he knows they’ll fracture the coalition.”
“When we have people who don’t stay in touch with us, or we knock on the door and they refuse to answer, or they tell us to our face, ‘I’m not going to pay, do what you’re going to do,’ that’s when it gets frustrating.”
“Would they let me be the gender that I am or the gender that I was assigned at birth? Because I have very strong views on that.”
Pennsylvania’s finances received a welcome — but probably temporary — boost in July, with tax collections up 6.6% compared to the same time last year, according to figures released Monday by the state’s Independent Fiscal Office.
“I think these are still historic and appropriate and protective drinking water standards that will protect New Yorkers for decades to come.”
Coronavirus testing, online instruction, and the ability to turn on a dime are central to reopening plans
“There is potentially no greater symbol of our image than our airport, which serves as the front door to our community.”
“I appreciate the work that the Congress has done to date with the CARES Act proposals. But this current debate must create resources that support state education and educational equity.”
State officials are trying again, this time with a grant program targeted at the smallest and most vulnerable operations.
As the face of the state’s COVID-19 response, Health Secretary Rachel Levine has been the subject of numerous personal attacks.
“If we did something as a business, the person would just up and leave and go somewhere else, because someone else is not going to enforce it.”
“The moment we left Canada, there was concern. We’ve got to follow the guidelines. It’s not gonna be easy.”
“There are men just like me in there. They should have been walking out with me. But instead they’ll probably die in prison.”
“I’ve been doing this since April 4th, and I have received zero money. The problem is you cannot get through on the phone.”
The bill would require upwards of three months of leave at 66 percent of a person’s salary.
Here’s something you may not know: People with disabilities are not guaranteed the right to live in the community.
8 percent of claims needed to be reviewed manually.
The lawsuit represents yet another test of Wolf’s emergency powers, which have been unsuccessfully challenged several times.
Virtually everybody has made sacrifices during the coronavirus pandemic. But, for some people who are deafblind, it meant almost entirely losing their connections to the outside world.
“Today we find that 59% of New Yorkers, that’s up from 54% two years ago, are touched by the opioid epidemic.”
“Instead of expanding access to care, this White House is, once again, putting up barriers and exacerbating the fear and anxiety that already exists for these communities,”
Bill sponsor, transparency advocates urge governor to reconsider
“I would never have applied if they hadn’t come and talked to me about it. They emphasized to me: Why don’t you take advantage of some of the things that are out there for you?”
Leaders from the city of Rochester and Monroe County were on hand for the installation of a Frederick Douglass statue in Maplewood park Thursday. The statue which stood there since 2018 was toppled on July 5th and thrown in the Genesee River Gorge.
“This whole process we’ve had an array of choices and they’ve all been bad.”
State legislators, local elected officials, and environmental advocates called for stringent standards on three toxic chemicals that have polluted drinking water across the state: PFOA, PFOS and 1,4-dioxane.
“An airport is the place to display ourselves to the world, and also to ourselves, we use it more than anyone else.”
The state Supreme Court earlier this month upheld the governor’s disaster emergency declaration, saying the legislature can’t terminate the declaration on its own.
“There are some strings. They have to use it for health and education, but we don’t say one size fits all.”
“There are many of us who represent diverse communities, … [who] understand that it is our duty to stand up, to protect the rights of Pennsylvanians to vote.”
“We find the data is suggesting children should be wearing masks any time they are outside of their family’s home and can’t maintain a distance of 6 or more feet.”
Pence itinerary included stops in Lancaster, Chester and Philly; Biden was in Scranton, his childhood hometown
The state supreme court sided with Wolf in a ruling last week.
For students, it’s a disorienting change during an already difficult time.
It’s not often when the top leadership position in Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives opens up in the middle of legislative session. But when it did this year, there was broad agreement it was Lancaster County native Bryan Cutler’s job for the taking.
“We’re kind of stuck in a position where we kind of feel helpless. We feel like we should be doing something.”
GOP legislature argued that it had the power to end Gov. Wolf’s coronavirus emergency declaration
54% of Black respondents supported defunding police departments, compared to 24% of white respondents.
State Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine said the coronavirus typically enters nursing homes through workers who don’t have symptoms.
Bid to limit governor’s emergency powers is attached to racial equality amendment
“We are more than happy to provide childcare. It’s complicated. It’s not easy. But it’s our mission.”
“We are preparing to open schools, we have plans to open schools, but (edit) I’ll be honest with you. It’s two months away. Anything can happen in two months.”
“I really don’t think there’s reason for the governor to have this power over guns. We are given the ability to keep and bear arms by the Constitution.”
“Fireworks are explosives that have the potential to set fire to nearby homes and other properties. The sound of fireworks can cause distress for individuals with PTSD or other medical conditions, pets and wildlife.”
“These ideas increase funds, but don’t increase public safety.”
The fate of the governor’s emergency declaration hangs in the balance
Stakeholders are being asked to share what they’ve experienced during the pandemic shutdowns and how can the state improve and take proper precautions in the fall.
“I don’t think I’d feel comfortable walking into a polling place that was in a sheriff’s department—as a black man and especially not during the current moment in American history.’
“I don’t have confidence in his numbers and some of his people.”
“We can’t stop right now. We have to continue fighting for our families, for our communities, for those who have lost their lives during COVID-19 without getting anything.”
For three years, he was among the most powerful figures in the state, negotiating the state budget and key pieces of legislation each year.
“This ruling may well shape the way that the federal courts interpret other federal statutes that outlaw discrimination based on sex.”
“There’s just not enough availability for every kid that wants to be in day care to be in day care in most states today.”
Action comes one week after Black Caucus members led protest on House floor
Responding to legislature’s lawsuit, Wolf asks high court to use “King’s Bench” jurisdiction
“Young people can engage in sports. Two spectators per child. So that’s another step towards return to normalcy.”
Counties vary in approach to tracking the virus’s impact on ethnic groups
“Nothing changes. Essentially, the resolution that was passed last evening is meaningless.”
Action sets up a likely court fight over whether governor can veto the move
Speaker Turzai says he supports calling a special session
Hearing points to structural inequity, unequal treatment as causes of COVID-19’s exacting toll
Lawmakers will reconvene in Albany Monday to consider that legislation, which includes a handful of bills that have been in the works for years, but failed to gain support until now.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, in a tweet, called the incident “wholly unjustified and utterly disgraceful.”
“If the police were arresting looters, and they were then being arrested and returned to the street the next day again, that would be nonsensical.”
Annual event was expected to draw as many as 2,000 2nd Amendment activists on Monday
Both officers, one a Buffalo Police officer and the other a New York State trooper, are currently in stable condition.
“We’re asking for access to child care for food chain workers, financial relief for undocumented workers and health and safety regulations for all workers on the job, especially farmworkers.”
Most of western Pa. moves to green phase of coronavirus reopening plan next week.
“None of us can fathom 20% cuts to education. Those are cuts that I don’t think we’ve ever imagined, we’ve ever seen, in recent times.”