Antonio Delgado
Molinaro Enters House Race
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Molinaro, who currently serves as Duchess County Executive, was entertaining a second run for governor in 2022, but later joined other Republicans endorsing Rep. Lee Zeldin (NY-01) for that race.
App NEWS
Senate Panel Orders PA Election Officials To Hand Over Voter Records
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“This is an attack on our country’s greatest freedom,” Williams said. “It’s an attack on our right to vote.”
Health
Fighting Through Stigmas: Have Racial Disparities Affected Research Into Sickle Cell Anemia?
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Some physicians believe that since the disease is more prevalent in people of color, it’s historically received far less attention and research dollars.
App NEWS
Many Unemployment Benefits Ended Amid Ongoing Labor Shortage
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“There’s clearly something going on in households where people still feel they can get by.”
Government
In PA, Vaccines Prevent COVID-19 Among Most Folks Who Are Innoculated
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Data suggests during that time, only a six percent chance existed that a person who was vaccinated fell ill with COVID-19 in Pennsylvania.
App NEWS
Coalition Cries Foul About Private Negotiations On Changes To New York’s Open Meeting Law
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“There should be something in the legislation that allows for the public to comment remotely. This legislation doesn’t do that.”
News
Seneca Falls Unveils Justice Bell Replica, Honors Women’s Suffrage
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“Just as the liberty bell is an enduring symbol of the American struggle for freedom, the justice bell is the struggle for women’s equality.”
App NEWS
Voters Will Decide On Marijuana Sales In Some New York Communities
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“They’re the ones that live here. They’re the ones that have a voice.”
Government
For The First Time, PA Senate Gives Public Online Access To Spending Records
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Reports that show all 50 senators’ spending for the month of July were posted to the Senate’s website Wednesday morning.
Government
Two Decades After 9/11, Have PA Lawmakers Forgotten How To Unite During Tragedies?
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Now, we’re in a partisan era in which, for example, some lawmakers argued against public health measures during a pandemic.
News
Rep. Zeldin, GOP Candidate for Governor, Criticizes Afghanistan Exit
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“You Don’t Collapse Bagram (Air Base) First”
Government
Governor Calls New York Lawmakers Back to Extend Eviction Moratorium, Approve Cannabis Officials
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Not only is the Legislature expected to extend the moratorium, they’re also set to make changes to the law to comply with a recent Supreme Court ruling.
Government
As The U.S. Leaves Afghanistan, Congress Members Discuss Future Of Defense
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“Everything that we anticipated could happen is happening. I don’t think the president is in a position to be able to lead right now.”
News
Kathy Hochul Makes First Visit To New York State Fair As Governor
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“(We need) a person that’s going to make a change. I don’t care what their sex is. If you have a heart to serve the people, and that’s what you do, I’m for you.”
Government
Healthcare Workers Rally For Better Pay
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“If we don’t make these jobs worthwhile for these caregivers, there isn’t going to be someone to care for us when we need care.”
Government
New York Lawmakers React To Discrepancy In COVID-19 Death Toll
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The new COVID-19 death toll numbers of about 55,400 people is in line with the death certificate data provided to the CDC.
Government
Lawmakers, Ethics Commission Clash in Hearing Over New York’s Ethics Laws
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Much of the focus of the hearing was the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, or JCOPE, the state’s current ethics agency.
App NEWS
New York Senator Looks Forward To Working With New York’s New Governor
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Both Gillibrand and Hochul have roots in Upstate New York, and they both face the challenge of pulling New York state out of a pandemic.
Environment
PA’s 25-Year Plan For State Parks Stresses Need To Address Effects Of Climate Change
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The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources says climate change is front-and-center as it plans for the future of the Commonwealth’s parks. CLICK HERE.
App NEWS
State Lawmakers Revisit Ethics Reform After Cuomo Resignation
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“We have an unfortunate history here in New York state that continues, and we need to turn that around.”
Government
Hearings In PA’s Election ‘Investigation’ Begin This Week, Senate President Says
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Jake Corman maintains the Senate’s aim is not to turn Trump’s defeat into victory, but to “getting to the bottom of everything that went on.”
Government
New State Senator In Charge Of PA’s ‘Election Integrity’ Plan
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“It’s not been demonstrated that there’s a need for this audit, and other folks have rejected the notion that something needs to be done as well.”
Crime and Justice
F&M Poll Shows Most Conservative Pennsylvanians View 1/6 Insurrection Negatively
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“Do you think it would be good or bad for our democracy if the events that took place at the capitol on January sixth happened after every election?”
albany
In Cortland, Heastie Takes Wait-And-See Approach On Special Session
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I want to kind of let governor-to-be Hochul kind of get her sea legs and we’ll go from there.”
Arts & Culture
Experts Offer Tips On Staying COVID-Safe At The New York State Fair
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“You can transmit to other people. The odds are you’re going to do fine if you’re vaccinated and infected, but the person you infect may not do fine.”
Health
‘Born Protected’: The Benefits Of Getting Vaccinated While Pregnant
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“When mom gets the vaccine, she develops antibodies that do cross the placenta and provide a degree of protection to the newborn.”
Government
New York’s Vaccine Mandate Raises Questions For Healthcare Workers
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“We literally created a vaccine within a year, and that’s like unheard of. The fact that it’s new, played a role in me not wanting to get the vaccine.”
Energy
When It Comes To Electricity, Pennsylvanians Have Lots Of Options. Experts Say Do Your Homework
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Pa. adopted rules intended to protect people from market volatility like what Texas saw last winter
Education
Wolf Administration Offers Free COVID-19 Testing For PA Schools
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“It’s clear that everyone wants to keep kids in the classroom and keep extra curricular activities going.”
App NEWS
New Businesses Surge Amid Pandemic Recovery
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As of July 23, 2021, 1,242 new business certificates were filed with the Onondaga County Clerk this year. That’s over two times as many as this time last year.
Education
With No State Guidance, New York Schools Roll Out Reopening Plans
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Syracuse will require masks regardless of vaccination status and require proof of vaccination for all employees or regular testing.
Crime and Justice
Hochul Takes No Position On Impeachment Proceedings
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“I’ve been in this business long enough to know that it’s not in the purview of the New York State governor to dictate to the New York State Assembly.”
App NEWS
Despite Cuomo Resignation, Ranking Impeachment Committee Member Wants To Continue
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“There is a lot there. You know, we didn’t just investigate sexual misconduct allegations like the Attorney General. We have investigations in several other areas that are pending.”
Education
PA Governor Promotes Vaccinations For Some State Employees, But Nixes A School Mask Mandate
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Nine states, including New York, have implemented new mandates aimed at curbing the spread of the more contagious variant indoors.
Health
Early Detection Is The Best Prevention–The Importance Of Cervical Screenings
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“It was a shock at first, then it went from shock to being flat, to a little anger, but now I’m at, ‘Let’s just get this over with.’”
Finger Lakes Campaign Hopes To Increase Vaccine Confidence
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To better understand the concerns of Black, Hispanic and rural residents, the group conducted a series of interviews and focus groups.
Health
Canada Opens Border To Non-Essential Travelers, But It’s Complicated
|
While Canada has taken a major step in reopening its border, the U.S. has not yet offered the same welcome to Canadian travelers.
Environment
Endangered Birds Spark Debate Along Lake Ontario
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“I mean, they’re adorable, but unfortunately… these two tiny birds [could] cause the livelihoods and the property values of a lot of people.”
Health
PA Trying Fairs, Texts And Door-Knocking To Raise Vaccination Rate. Success Is Slow Coming.
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Nearly 64% of Pennsylvania adults are fully vaccinated, a small increase compared to July
App NEWS
PA’s Taxpayer-Funded System For Lawmaker Perks Is Ripe For Abuse
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Despite warnings from good-government advocates and even some inside the Capitol that the state’s reimbursement systems are ripe for abuse.
Crime and Justice
Sheriff Confirms Investigation Into “Executive Assistant #1” Allegation Against Cuomo
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“We will cooperate fully with the Albany sheriff and turn over all evidence related to this complainant.”
App NEWS
‘A Complete Surprise’: State Health Department Has No Reopening Guidance For New York Schools
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“There is an urgent need for timely advice and supervision flowing from the State Department of Health to local and school officials.”
Government
9 States Have Transgender School Sports Bans. Now They’re Under Discussion In PA
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“We can’t avoid those difficult subjects. We have to be able to talk about them, and the only way that we’re going to create good policy is to better understand it.”
Crime and Justice
In Light Of The AG’s Report, Will Cuomo Be Impeached?
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Democrats will decide whether to move forward with impeachment charges against the governor. They’ve been building their own report to determine whether that’s the right move.
App NEWS
Federal Guidance Poses Yet Another Problem For The GOP-Backed Effort To Review PA’s 2020 Election
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Federal officials said turning over things like ballots or hard drives to anyone who isn’t an election official could violate the Civil Rights Act.
App NEWS
New York Senator Works To Increase SNAP Benefits For College Students
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“Students who are parents prioritize feeding their children over getting their own meal in order to make their tuition payments.”
Environment
Steuben County Forest Ranger Battles Western Wildfires
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“Our team of wildland firefighting experts are some of the best in the country. I commend them for their bravery and willingness to support ongoing efforts to contain these devastating wildfires.”
App NEWS
Cornell Researchers Tackle Global Bee Population Problem
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A pollen-sized microparticle can be fed to bees in pollen patties or a sugar syrup to help their bodies safely manage exposure to harmful pesticides.
App NEWS
Researchers Identify Battery Alternative To Slow Climate Change
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“If these batteries are really big, can we use elements, can we use materials that are not very dangerous, that are Earth abundant, that are readily available?”
While Canada To Reopen Border Aug. 9, Cannabis Is Not Invited
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Niezgoda said that smaller infractions, and unintended smuggling, are another matter for travelers to keep in mind.
Education
University Chancellor Floats $75 million Plan For One-Time State Money At PA Senate Panel
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The system’s Board of Governors voted to proceed with those mergers in a unanimous vote last week, and plan to launch the new “integrated” western and northeast university systems next July.
Government
New York Public Health Law Prompts Changes At Summer Camps
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“Parents can rest assured that sending their child to camp will not mean sending them away from expert mental health care should they need it.”
Government
Despite Public Support, Watertown Bans Marijuana Dispensaries
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“It’s just crazy. It’s here. It’s already here. People are already smoking it. Let us just go and get a legal substance from a safe provider.”
Economy
GlobalFoundries Announces Further Expansion in Saratoga County
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“Why is this so important? Because whether you know it or not, almost every device, every machine you own, depends on a chip.”
Economy
Visitors Return To Theme Parks By The Thousands, But Finding Good Help Is Hard
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“The market certainly is much tighter than it has been in the past. There’s no doubt about it.”
App NEWS
Police Firing Records Now Included In Pennsylvania-wide Personnel Database
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The move is part of the police accountability law passed by the General Assembly last July in response to the murder of George Floyd by former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
News
Despite Fundraising Gap, Astorino’s Run For New York Governor Pushes On
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“My case is gonna be made with 3 million registered Republicans who are gonna decide who they feel is their most electable, conservative Republican to take on the Democratic machine.”
Government
Extra Monthly Checks Heading To Millions Of New Yorkers
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“It’s going to have an enormous impact within this community just helping families make ends meet.”
App NEWS
Partners Celebrate Milestone In Sturgeon Restoration Effort
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Sturgeon are native to Lake Ontario and the Genesee River, but habitat loss and overfishing decimated the population, causing it to dwindle to almost nothing by the early 1900s.
App NEWS
PA May See The Nation’s Strongest Post-Pandemic Sales Tax Boost
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Forecasters predict Pennsylvania will rake in nearly 15 percent more this year than last. That would be the largest increase of any state.
Education
Pennsylvania State University System Merges Six Schools Into Two
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“We know that significant change must occur if we are going to ensure that accessible, affordable public higher education remains available and attractive to students.”
Crime and Justice
Abuse Allegation Against Buffalo Auxiliary Bishop Stems From Confirmation Ceremony
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The Diocese has acknowledged more than 100 of its priests as being credibly accused of abuse. Nine are currently on leave pending investigations.
App NEWS
Environmental Advocates Call for Changes To Proposed Federal Climate Legislation
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“We would like him to remove all dirty fossil fuel solutions, including, for example, the combined heat and power plants, which run on fracked gas. That, under Mr. Tonko’s definition, is clean energy,”
App NEWS
Van De Water To Run For Congress Again After 2020 Defeat
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Although the Congressional maps for 2022 aren’t determined yet, 2020 candidate Kyle Van De Water says he is running again.
Government
Effort Underway To Make Expanded Child Tax Credit Permanent
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“Sixty-three percent of Earned Income Tax Credit recipients spent some, or all of their payment on paying down debt.”
Education
Federal Probe Into Indian Boarding School Grave Sites Seeks To Bring Healing
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“We must shed light on the unspoken traumas of the past. No matter how hard it will be.”
Health
Common Ground Health Report Reveals Racism At Center Of Public Health Crisis
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Black people in the Finger Lakes region face stark health disparities as a result of racism and the way it manifests, a problem magnified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
abuse
An Uncertain Future For The Adult Survivors Act
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The Adult Survivors Act would create a one-year look back window for cases of adult sexual abuse. That’s similar to the Child Victims Act, legislation passed in 2019 targeted at victims of child sex abuse.
App NEWS
College Athletic Departments Gear Up For Student Endorsement Deals
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“This new era of intercollegiate athletics is upon us. We have some of the brightest young adults in the world…who now can capitalize on their name, image and likeness.”
Crime and Justice
New York Attorney General, Local Law Enforcement Take Down Two Major Drug Rings
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This comes as opioid overdoses and gun violence surge across the state.
Energy
State Report: PA Extracted More Natural Gas Than Ever During Pandemic
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Unconventional wells produced 7.1 trillion cubic feet of gas last year, even as national and regional natural gas prices dipped in response to the pandemic.
App NEWS
Senate Majority Leader Calls For Unilateral Opening Of Border With Canada
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On Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that fully vaccinated Canadians returning to the country from the U.S. would no longer need to quarantine.
Government
As Gun Violence Intensifies, New York Congress Member Wants To Roll Back Firearm Regs
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Claudia Tenney is among 168 other members of the House of Representatives in presenting a brief to the Supreme Court pushing for loosened restrictions on who can receive a concealed carry permit.
Government
After Contact Tracing Data Breach, PA Sidesteps Scrutiny On Proposed $34M Contract
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The state’s Department of Health is working to hire a new company under an even pricier contract to take over its contact tracing program. The previous company was fired for a massive data breach.
american rescue plan
PA Plans To Spend $1 Billion In American Rescue Plan Money. Some Similar States Plan To Spend More.
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The money is supposed to make up for what states missed out on during the pandemic in taxes and fees — and help pay for the recovery effort over the next five years.
App NEWS
‘Honesty Was In Short Supply’: New York Trial Starts With Arguments Against Opioid Makers
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Opening statements began Tuesday in a landmark opioid trial against pharmaceutical companies who are being sued by the state of New York.
News
Lee Zeldin Becomes Presumptive GOP Gubernatorial Nominee
|
“I think we’re the favorite, I think it’s early in the game. To take an analogy, I think it’s in the second inning, it’s good to be up a couple runs in the second inning.”
App NEWS
Summer Camp Teaches Social Skills That Remote Learning Could Never Offer
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Socializing can be challenging for children with Autism, it’s especially hard during a pandemic. But a summer program aims to help.
App NEWS
PA Immigrants Skeptical That Dems In D.C. Will Create A Path To Citizenship
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Immigration groups around Pennsylvania and the country want to keep pressure on Washington to include a path to citizenship in the final package.
App NEWS
PA Budget Deal Inches Closer To Finish Line
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Lawmakers are working with at least two new piles of money: $2.9 billion in unanticipated income and sales tax revenue and $7.29 billion from the federal government.
Government
Fiscal Watchdog Seeks COVID-19 Data From State Health Department
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They seek a detailed list of data about the deaths of New Yorkers from COVID-19, including those tracked by the date, county and ZIP code, as well as confirmed cases of coronavirus by age group, race, and ethnicity.
Supreme Court Rules PA Cheerleader’s F-Bombs Are Protected Speech
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The case involved a teenage cheerleader who dropped F-bombs on Snapchat. At issue was whether schools may punish students for speech that occurs online and off-campus but that may be disruptive.
Economy
Senator Gillibrand Pushes For New Union Protections
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“The best way to get our economy back and to rebuild our middle class is to support our unions and our workers.”
Education
Experts Discuss Controversy Around Critical Race Theory
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The theory — which explores narratives of American History from all perspectives — has been a common practice in higher education for decades.
Government
How A PA Lawmaker Billed Taxpayers $1.8 Million In Expenses
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Western Pennsylvania Democrat Chris Sainato spent or has been reimbursed personally for more than $1.8 million in mileage, meals, lodging, travel, and office-related costs.
Government
New York Lawmakers Discuss Mental Health And Addiction
|
Members of the Assembly held an hours-long meeting, speaking with stakeholders in the healthcare industry on what can be done to save the lives of people dealing with addiction and mental illness.
News
Key PA State Senator Backs Arizona-Style Election Audit
|
Sen. David Argall (R., Schuylkill) told Spotlight PA he does not see the “damage in doing it one more time to try to answer the concerns that people have.”
App NEWS
Lawmakers, Advocates Urge New York’s Governor To Sign Child Poverty Reduction Act
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“This isn’t rocket science. It’s public policies that are the biggest lever to lift families out of poverty.”
App NEWS
Experts Urge Caution During Deadly Driving Season For Teens
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Research from AAA shows that from 2010-2019 in New York state, 196 people were killed in crashes involving teens between those dates.
App NEWS
Poll Shows A Job Rating Drop For PA’s Governor And Support For Controversial Voting Law Changes
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“If you add in the fact that we have had this crisis, and the governor has taken some heat for it, and the fact that people aren’t feeling better economically, I think that all comes together to produce these lower ratings.”
Environment
‘Left At The Altar’: New York Climate Activists Lament Unapproved Bills
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The Students for Solar Act passed with unanimous support in the state Senate, but never reached the floor of the Assembly for a vote.
App NEWS
PA Celebrates New Unemployment System, But Advocates Say Problems Remain
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The official launch of a new state unemployment benefits portal last Tuesday was riddled with technical hiccups.
Crime and Justice
PA Congressman’s Letter Surfaces In U.S. House Investigation Into Jan. 6 Insurrection
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The effort supported a wider goal of overturning or invalidating election results in several swing states, including Pennsylvania.
App NEWS
Cuomo: New York State Fair To Open At 100% Capacity This Summer
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In May, the governor announced the fair would be open at 50% capacity, but with record low infection rates and an almost 70% vaccination rate, Cuomo said it’s time to open the gates all the way.
App NEWS
House Republican Sponsor Tees Up Fight With Governor Over PA’s Voting Law Changes
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Republicans have described it as “comprehensive,” and the product of witness and expert testimony during a series of committee meetings earlier this year.
News
Public Meetings This Week On Low Water Levels On Lake Ontario
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The last 12 months over Lake Ontario have been the driest since 1966, according to the International Lake Ontario-St. Lawrence River Board.
News
Afghans Who Aided US Troops Plea For The Evacuation Of Their Families
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The United States is withdrawing from Afghanistan after 20 years since invading after Sept. 11, 2001. Local Afghans who assisted American troops are pleading for the U.S. to evacuate their families.
Government
PA Counties Fear Desired Election Law Changes Will Get Lost In Sprawling GOP Bill
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Many aspects of the proposal may not address actual problems, one expert said.
Government
PA GOP Proposes Major Election Overhaul, Including Stricter Voter ID And In-Person Early Voting
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Pennsylvania Republicans lawmakers are calling for stricter voter identification requirements, in-person early voting, signature verification of mail ballots, and other major changes.
Economy
New State Grant Program To Help Struggling Small Businesses In New York
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“Business owners have seen their work and their dreams just disappear. I don’t know how many thousands of businesses have closed permanently, but it’s thousands, and that’s just a tragedy.”
Health
Baseball Hall Of Fame Hosts In-Person Ceremony Sept. 8
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The limited ticket event will honor Class of 2020 inductees Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, Marvin Miller and Ted Simmons after the coronavirus pandemic scrapped last year’s ceremony for the first time since 1960.
Government
New York Lawmakers Approve More Monitoring Of Contaminants In Drinking Water
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“We all take water for granted. We bathe in it. We cook with it. We drink it. It’s not until something goes wrong with the water that we realize how dependent we are on it.”
Crime and Justice
Advocates Demand Assembly Action On The Adult Survivors Act
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“With a 62 to nothing vote in the senate just last week, I don’t know what else they need to know or learn about the bill, I think they just need to bring it to the floor.”
Dunkirk unveils 7 Possible Re-uses For Former NRG Power Plant
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Originally known as the Niagara Mohawk Power Plant, the facility operated from the 1950s until 2015. Decommissioning began last year.
Economy
Jobs Report Sparks Confusion Over New York’s Labor Shortage
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“If you have a shortage of something, it’s because the price is too low. So, if you have a shortage of labor, maybe you should consider paying them more”
App NEWS
PA Sprays For Gypsy Moths In 19 Counties, Hoping To Reduce Spike In Leaf-Rating Insect
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Pennsylvania hopes to bring down a boom in the gypsy moth population, spraying for the invasive species of caterpillar in 19 counties, including northwest Pennsylvania.
Crime and Justice
New York Lawmakers Reach Deal On Criminal Justice Measures
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The two bills would, respectively, allow people who’ve served their full sentence to have records sealed in most cases, and reduce the likelihood that technical parole violations will land them back in prison.
News
Haudenosaunee Boarding School Survivors Seek Justice
|
Hundreds of Native American children’s remains were recently found in a mass grave at a residential school site in Canada. The U.S. also sent Native children to such schools and local Haudenosaunee people are still seeking justice.
App NEWS
Parole Changes In The Spotlight As New York’s Legislative Session Ends
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The Elder Parole measure would require a person who is 55 or older to be considered for release by the parole board if they’ve served at least 15 years of their sentence.
Health
Historically Black Sorority Work To Eliminate COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy
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“There’s still a segment of the population who are apprehensive, who are on the fence, and that’s why this event is going to be critical.”
App NEWS
Anti-Harassment Groups Call Out New York’s General Assembly
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“The Senate passing it is fantastic. That the assembly hasn’t passed it is mystifying, unless you look at it as part of a pattern.”
binghamton
Despite Border Closure, Thousand Islands’ Tourism Persists
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SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – When Corey Fram looks out of his window at work he sees both the American and Canadian flags flying high. “It’s on my property in the United States, but we carry two flags here, a lot of places and that means something to us,” said Fram, the director of the Thousand Islands International Tourism Council. The US-Canadian border remains closed until June 21, when it will be readdressed. Fram said the lack of communication between the two countries throughout the pandemic has really hurt border towns within the Thousand Islands. “There just seems to be no international discussion between the United States on what easing these border restrictions are going to look like,” he said.
Education
Penn State’s Beaver Stadium Set For Full Capacity This Football Season
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After June 28, only unvaccinated people will need to wear masks on Penn State’s campus.
Crime and Justice
A Last-Minute Push For Clean Slate In New York
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“I’m the manager at a bank, I’m looking to hire somebody. I can’t know if this person stole money in his previous job, or her previous job.”
Clock Ticking For New York Municipalities To Opt Out Of Marijuana Sales
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“The local law has to be adopted on or before Dec. 31, 2021. That’s coming up really quickly. It’s like a one or done shot. If you adopt it on Jan. 1, it has no effect.”
Government
Bill Would Force PA To Post Online How Lawmakers Spend Millions In Tax Dollars Each Year
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The bipartisan measure comes in response to an ongoing investigation by Spotlight PA and The Caucus
Government
New York Dems Push For New Abortion Access Fund
|
“It is not just sufficient to say that abortion is a right that everybody has access to. We have to also make it accessible.”
News
AAA Warns Of ‘100 Deadliest Days’ For Teen Drivers
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“Teens are faced with more distractions than ever before, leading to deadly mistakes, and parents are the best line of defense.”
Government
Tenney Wants More Federal Funds For New York-Based Veterans Groups
|
“So many of these local governments have not had the resources to give the proper recognition posthumously to these people and remember them.”
Economy
Schumer Requests Funds For ‘Video Game Accelerator’ Program
|
“Gaming is one of the hottest, and fastest growing industries and companies close to home. More people do video games than watch movies. Look at Hollywood. We can become the Hollywood of gaming.”
Energy
Climate Bill Before New York Senate Could Lead To Higher Prices At The Pump
|
“The car is a way of life here. It is not just for recreational purposes. People need this to go to work. People need this to take care of business.”
Government
PA Probe Finds No Intentional Act To Derail Sex-Abuse Vote
|
“I still have a hard time believing that it wasn’t intentional, even with what was reported today.”
News
New York Campgrounds Poised For A Record Year
|
From state parks to independently owned, campgrounds across New York State are seeing record numbers of advance reservations.
Crime and Justice
A Year After Floyd Murder, Black PA Lawmakers Double Down On Push For Police Accountability
|
After weeks of widespread demonstrations, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a number of measures last July that he said “[made] progress in keeping every Pennsylvanian safe.”
App NEWS
After Backlash, New York State Changes COVID-19 Child Care Guidance
|
“Trying to get ten toddlers to keep a mask on is a feat that’s impossible. It’s very, very difficult. We can barely get them to keep their shoes on, let alone a mask on their face.”
Food and Farms
Should To-Go Alcohol be Made Permanent in New York After COVID-19? Restaurants Say Yes
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78% of New Yorkers want the option, implemented during the pandemic, to be made permanent in New York.
Health
Experts Urge Vigilance In Fighting Tick Bites
|
“Ticks are part of our landscape now, and they’re part of our lives, so if we like to be outside and enjoy all of what the outdoors has to offer, we need to be prepared to protect ourselves.”
App NEWS
New York Attorney General Seeks Statewide Use of Force Standard for Police
|
“This has rekindled a flame of righteousness, and righteous indignation that has been smoldering for centuries. We are in the midst of a racial reckoning in this country.”
App NEWS
PA Citizens Groups Will Review State Police Use-Of-Force And Racial Bias Incidents
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The Critical Incident Committee will look at police shootings. Another, called the Use of Force Committee, will review incidents when police hurt or killed someone and a gun wasn’t involved.
Government
In A Win For GOP Lawmakers, PA Voters Curtail Governor’s Emergency Powers
|
The ballot questions were widely seen as a referendum on the Wolf administration’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Government
New York Promotes Summer Tourism, Responsibility At State Parks
|
The “Love Our NY Lands” campaign will include in-person education at trailheads in the Adirondacks and Catskills during the hiking season.
App NEWS
Still Awaiting Results From PA Judicial Races, Ballot Questions
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Ballots are still being counted. The process will likely continue for at least another day.
News
Lou Barletta To Enter Pennsylvania’s GOP Stakes For Governor
|
Barletta, a former Hazleton mayor and four-term member of Congress, has far more electoral experience than any other potential challenger for the GOP nomination.
Crime and Justice
New York Lawmakers, Advocates Push “End Predatory Court Fees Act”
|
“Marginalized New Yorkers who can’t pay the arbitrary fees baked into nearly every step of our state’s legal process deserve a justice system that doesn’t pick their pockets and jeopardize their freedom.”
New York State Begins Pfizer Vaccinations For Younger Teens
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The Governor also announced that beaches and pools will operate with 6′ social distancing, with the goal to reopen them to 100% capacity by July 4.
Arts
Former Inmates And Cornell Students Premiere “Confinements”
|
“There’s a great value in using theater as a transformative process through which people can explore their own lives.”
News
Increase In Violence Hits Close To Home For Asian Americans
|
“For instance, I had an elderly Asian man tell me he went out on the street, and he was spat upon by somebody.”
App NEWS
Two PA Congress Members Share Why They Voted Liz Cheney Out Of GOP Leadership
|
“I’m still a Republican, but I’m hanging on by the skin of my teeth because how quickly the party has divorced itself from truth and reason.”
Education
Bridging A Digital Divide, Subsidized Internet Program Enrollment Begins
|
A new federal program will provide low-income residents with a monthly stipend to help pay for internet service.
Government
When It Comes To Ballot Questions, It May Not Be What You Say, But How You Say It
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A few different versions of one of the ballot questions were designed and then randomly assigned each of the voters to answer one.
Underground Railroad Statue Stolen From Western New York Town
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The missing statue is that of “Tom,” a runaway slave in torn clothing, his hand outstretched toward another statue, that of Catherine Harris. Harris and her father were the first “colored” people in Jamestown.
Government
New York’s Updated Trout Fishing Regulations May Lure Amateur Anglers
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“I think it’s going to be excellent trout fishing, especially for beginners because the stocked trout are hungry and not too bright.”
Environment
Spotted Lanternflies Due To Hatch. Learn How To Make A Trap For This Invasive Insect
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There are strict orders in quarantine counties aimed at stopping the invasive pest’s spread westward or even between municipalities within a county.
Government
NYDOH Suffers Backlash At The Hands Of A Disability Advocacy Group
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“We really feel that our population of loved ones is just being completely disregarded.”
App NEWS
Working Families Party Wins Court Case In Syracuse
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The suit was filed by eight Republicans hoping to keep or earn county legislature seats. It was one of multiple similar lawsuits filed across the state.
Government
As PA’s Primary Nears, Wolf Administration Campaigns Against Limits On Emergency Powers
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“Many of these disasters, while often short-lived, have long and complex recovery periods lasting weeks, months, and in some cases, years or decades.”
App NEWS
New York Lawmakers Hear Testimony On ‘Clean Slate’ Legislation
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“If passed, this legislation would pose a serious threat to public safety. Day care providers would have no way to ensure the people they hire to look after your children are not violent criminals.”
Environment
DEC Commissioner Says Funding Necessary for New York’s Environmental Projects
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“We do need to find a way to pay for all the transportation, housing, industrial changes that the state will undertake.”
Education
Gov. Wolf Squares Off With GOP By Firing Charter School Appeals Board Members
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The CAB exists as a place where charter schools can challenge decisions made by their local school boards.
App NEWS
No Prizes, Few Rules. To Crush The Commonwealth, Just Bicycle Across PA
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The rules of the Crush the Commonwealth ride are simple, yet extreme: Meet at Point State Park in Pittsburgh, be there for a 5 a.m. start, and then “ride yer damn bike.”
Snarl Of Cannabis Regulations Could Halt New York’s 2021 Growing Season
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“These are growing pains. And the people that can navigate the growing pains, both with patience, intelligence and capital, they could come out in the next 3-5 years being pretty successful.”
App NEWS
SUNY Campuses Allow Fully Vaccinated Folks To Go Mask-Free Outdoors
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“As we set our sights on the fall semester and reopening our campuses, we hope to be able to lift many more COVID-related restrictions in the weeks and months to come.”
App NEWS
As Budget Grows, New York Comptroller Urges Lawmakers To Set Aside Money
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DiNapoli believes there is an opportunity to set aside the new revenues to make sure the state is in a good position in case of an emergency, such as another lockdown.
App NEWS
Emergency Powers Ballot Questions Set The Stage For A Balance-Of-Power Showdown In PA
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“This does not kneecap the governor such that the governor isn’t able to operate as an executive.”
App NEWS
AAA To Motorists: Don’t Use Pot And Drive
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“Whether you smoke, vape, take edibles — getting behind the wheel when you are under the influence poses a risk to everyone on the road.”
App NEWS
PA Moves Forward On Merger Of Six State Universities Into Two Regional Schools
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The proposed northeastern entity would consist of Lock Haven, Mansfield, and Bloomsburg Universities.
Representatives Tenney And Stefanik Likely Targets For Redistricting
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The Legislature could place Stefanik and Tenney in the same district. Both are outspoken conservative women.
Health
Nonprofits Pick Up Slack In Vaccinating PA’s Communities Of Color
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Organizations meet new needs of people they have already built trust with.
Economy
New York Senate to Act On Pandemic Rules, Like ‘Cuomo Chips’ Requirement
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“It is time to begin removing certain restrictions and regulations that are no longer necessary, so we can safely reopen and rebuild our state’s economy,”
Economy
Republicans Claim Proposed New York Climate Bill Will Hurt Consumers
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Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said he was concerned about a proposed fee in the legislation that would charge fossil fuel companies $55 per ton of greenhouse gases.
Arts & Culture
Governor: New York State Fair Will Happen This Summer
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“The fair will be open, mark it on your calendar, start to plan to buy tickets and vendors start to get ready.”
Arts & Culture
New Book Explores Private Land, Public Good And Fracking In PA
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Fracking caused upheaval over the disruption and environmental degradation in the rural communities surrounding Williamsport, and challenged the rural values of independence and sovereignty over private property.
App NEWS
Schumer Seeks To Boost Semiconductor Industry, Targeting New York
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“While we, the United States, and our genius created the chips, and we are the leader in creating the most advanced chips, we don’t make them here as much as we should.”
Education
AutismUp’s Facebook Group Supports Caregivers
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“I’ll go inside the bathroom, just for a quick second, and I’ll cry. But then I’m like, you know what, let me get myself together, everything’s going to be OK.”
Government
$3.5 Million Tenant Defense Fund Announced
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“All of this money, the $3.5 million in housing relief ultimately goes to landlords, we are helping them out.”
Education
$2.3 Billion: How The ‘Historic’ New York State Budget Reboots Child Care
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“It could really change the whole way that child care is done, it could change the child care system going forward.”
App NEWS
After Months Of Study, PA Lawmakers Face Election Law Decisions
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“Right now we’re looking to negotiate.”
Crime and Justice
Democrats Seek To Build On Recent Criminal Justice Changes
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“We know that real justice is not found in a single conviction. Real justice is transformative, systemic change.”
Education
A Year Without Play: Parents And Experts Worry About Loss Of Social Skills During Pandemic
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“School is not just a place where they learn academics. It’s how they learn to get along with other kids their same age — how to navigate and negotiate all that.”
Energy
New York Invests $400 Million of Pension Fund Into Renewable Sources
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“New York State’s pension fund is at the leading edge of investors addressing climate risk, because investing for the low-carbon future is essential to protect the fund’s long-term value.”
Poll: New Yorkers On The Fence About Cuomo
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60% approve the Democrat’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic and about half (51%) do not believe Cuomo should resign.
Education
Boost In State Aid Gives New York School Districts Much Needed Help
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“We know this has been a really hard year and a half. We are going to put resources behind education to prop the kids back up, give them time to maneuver through these changes and then get back on track with their education.”
News
Election Experts Recommend What PA Counties Long Wanted: More Ballot Pre-Canvassing Time
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“Pennsylvania would increase security of its election, lighten the burden on election officials, and ensure that all voters have an opportunity to return their ballot and ensure that it’s counted.”
App NEWS
New York Medical Expert To Grand Fury: ‘Police Didn’t Kill Daniel Prude’
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“(M)y opinion is that none of the officers, their impact, individually or collectively, would have caused or contributed to that cardiac arrest.”
New York Announces Agreement To Decommission Indian Point Nuclear Plant
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New York state leaders say an agreement has been reached concerning the decommissioning and cleanup of the Indian Point nuclear power plant in the lower Hudson Valley.
App NEWS
PA’s House Speaker Tests Positive For COVID-19
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While some of his Republican colleagues have said otherwise, the speaker is touting mask-wearing and vaccinations as “important to reducing the spread of the virus.”
App NEWS
Veterans Administration Halts One-Shot Vaccine Clinics
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The Finger Lakes VA system administered nearly 1,000 J&J vaccines. That included pop-up clinics in Rochester for veterans at risk of homelessness.
App NEWS
Long Legal Fight Ends, Cariol Horne To Receive Her Police Pension
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Horne had been dismissed after a November 2006 incident in which she has maintained she tried to stop a fellow officer from choking a man during an arrest.
Economy
PA Launches Improved Unemployment System In June. Expect Hiccups.
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The final phases have been on hold since late last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but all workers have to do now is some fine-tuning and system tests.
Environment
Aboard The Lake Guardian, Scientists Fish For The Story Of Lake Ontario
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When the ice melts each spring, the ship visits each of the five lakes to measure basic water quality and sample the “lower food web” — the tiny animals, plants, and algae that support fish and other aquatic life.
Government
New FEMA Program Helps With COVID-Related Funeral Expenses
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The assistance covers things like transportation, transfer of remains, a casket or urn, clergy or officiant services, ceremony arrangement, burial plot or cremation, and headstone markers.
Education
Colleges, Universities Adjust To New Graduation Guidelines
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“You have to respect what’s happening with COVID, and make sure not only the students are safe but the family and friends that would come on to campus.”
App NEWS
Some Powerful Pennsylvanians Still Angry The State Supreme Court Ruled On Election Law. Here’s Why It Matters
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“There’s nothing extraordinary in what the Supreme Court did in interpreting these [election] statutes. It’s what they do every day.”
Government
New York State Faces Big Drop In One-Shot Vaccine Supply
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In the Finger Lakes region, 97% of vaccine doses received have been administered, according to the state.
Economy
Unemployment Rate In New York Remains Higher Than National Average
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The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that the national unemployment rate for March was around 6%. Meanwhile, that number for New York State was still at around 8.8% as of February.
Trenton Home For This Year’s Bisons, As Jays Return To Buffalo
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Buffalo’s ballpark underwent several capital projects and adjustments – paid for by the Jays organization – to help it meet Major League Baseball facility standards.
Government
A Growing Number Of PA Municipalities Adopt Stormwater Fees
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“A lot of these storm pipes are undersized. So they become overwhelmed with stormwater particularly after significant rain events and flooding.”
App NEWS
Two Republicans Announce Their Run For New York Governor
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The two new candidates come after Republican Southern Tier Rep. Tom Reed announced he will not seek elected office again.
Health
Is It Allergies Or COVID-19?
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“Now, do I go take a COVID test every time I get symptomatic with my allergies? What do I do?”
News
A Voter Guide To Pennsylvania’s 2021 Judicial Elections
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Voters will elect a slew of new judges to Pennsylvania’s three statewide appellate courts — judges who will no doubt shape important policy in the state for at least the next decade.
App NEWS
Over 300 Sex Abuse Claims Against The Roman Catholic Diocese Of Rochester
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“Out of respect for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court process and the claimants, the Diocese declines comment.”
