COVID-19
COVID-19 Outbreaks At NY Prisons Lead To Renewed Calls For Clemency
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“Right now, the COVID outbreak at Elmira Prison, by far the largest yet, threatens countless lives both behind bars and in the surrounding communities.”
App NEWS
‘Floating Voters’ Reject Party Labels
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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.
News
In Fight To Preserve Ballot Line, Working Families Party Employs Big Name Progressives
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“The ballot line is under attack, and it could go away. To save it, we need as many New Yorkers as possible to vote for the Biden–Harris ticket on the WFP line this year.”
2020 election
NY-22: Candidates Debate Health Care, Policing
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Democratic incumbent Anthony Brindisi, former Republican representative Claudia Tenney and Libertarian candidate Keith Price covered an array of issues, including policing and climate change.
binghamton
NY22 Debate: Listen, Watch Here
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Voters asked candidates about their qualifications, government policies and voting records.
App NEWS
An Absentee Ballot Can Be Changed After It Has Been Filed
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Millions of absentee ballots were already returned nation-wide, but candidates are still campaigning. So, what if you change your mind?
News
Early Voting In New York Starts This Weekend
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The number of polling places vary from county to county, but each county is required to have at least one early voting polling site.
WSKG Votes 2020
Online Resources for New York and Pennsylvania Voters
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A list of links to our region’s elections offices.
App NEWS
Elections Officials Ready For Early Voting In New York
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“We’re anticipating a very big turnout in early voting, it seems easier than Election Day, but we have no idea.”
News
Glitch Sends Duplicate Mail Ballots To Some PA Voters, But Officials Say Just One Will Be Counted
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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.
Andrew Cuomo
Steuben and Chemung Co. Declared COVID-19 Cluster Zones
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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo deemed part of Chemung County an orange “warning” zone and part of Steuben County a yellow “buffer” zone.
Government
COVID-19, Criminal Justice on the Ballot this Year in NY
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After the new bail reform laws took effect in January, some areas of the state started to report a rise in crime, particularly in New York City.
Government
New York Could Replace Out-Of-State Quarantines With Targeted Tests
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“There’s new testing technology, there are rapid tests, is there a better, smarter way to handle a quarantine? None of this has been done before, so we’re figuring it out as it goes.”
cortland county
SUNY Cortland Extends Pause Of In-Person Classes
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So far, 55 students have been suspended or banned from campus because of COVID violations.
App NEWS
Nursing Homes Relied On Lawns And Patios For Visits. What Will Happen This Winter?
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“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.”
Arts & Culture
Pandemic Prompts Salvation Army To Start Holiday Fundraiser Early
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“It’s definitely a perfect storm with the increased need, stores starting to close, and the donations potentially being fewer, which is why we’re really extending this campaign.”
App NEWS
PA Health Officials Warn Against False Vaccine Claims Made By Two State Lawmakers
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Both President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden have pointed to a COVID-19 vaccine as key to ending the pandemic.
App NEWS
Oneonta Mayor Vetoes Mask Ordinance
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Oneonta’s mayor supports mask-wearing in public, but adds the vetoed ordinance wouldn’t make people any safer.
2020 election
Broome Co. Executive Candidates Talk COVID-19, Airport
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Democratic County Executive Jason Garnar and Republican challenger Karl Bernhardsen met in an online forum hosted by the Rotary Club of Binghamton.
App NEWS
Pennsylvania Qualifies for New York’s Quarantine List, But Travel Can Continue
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New York will not restrict travel from Pennsylvania because of the number of people who go back and forth for business each day.
App NEWS
Schuyler County Reports First Deaths From COVID-19
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County health officials announced in a press release the two—a woman in her 70s and a man in his 80s—were from the same household.
App NEWS
Binghamton Mayor’s Quarantine Ends
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Mayor Rich David tweeted Monday he was out of quarantine and back at City Hall.
Government
LGBTQ People Go Undocumented In New York State’s COVID-19 Health Data
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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.
App NEWS
New York State, Advocates Hope Public Will Help Enforce Plastic Bag Ban
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“It could not come a day too soon. New Yorkers use a staggering 23 billion plastic bags every year.”
Government
Cuomo: Vaccine Plan Leaves Lots Of Blanks
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Also unanswered, said Cuomo, is how the vaccine will be funded, and whether states will be reimbursed for costs.
News
Millions Of Pennsylvanians Skip Every Election. This Year Could Be Different
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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.
back the blue
Law Enforcement Does Not Intervene In Ithaca Clash Between Pro- & Anti-Trump Protestors
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The officers were on the scene briefly but left.
App NEWS
Broome County Schools Prepare For Yellow Zone COVID-19 Testing
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The district will need to test around 20 percent of those coming into the schools—including teachers, students and staff—each week.
Government
Cuomo Parses Pandemic Stats
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“We have flare-ups because in this state we have a microscope, and the other states don’t have a microscope. If you don’t have a microscope, you don’t see a lot of things.”
App NEWS
New York’s Vaccine Plan Prioritizes Essential Workers, High-Risk People
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“This is a larger operational undertaking, I would argue, than anything we have done during COVID to date. And we need the federal government to be a competent partner with this state and every state.”
Government
County Leaders Say New York State’s Failing To Help With Pandemic
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“Seven months in now, our local health departments are short-staffed. We’re working overtime, and we’re being folded into this newest initiative without any proper support, any funding or any guidance.”
App NEWS
PA Predicts ‘Overwhelming Majority Of Ballots’ Will Be Counted Three Days After Election Day
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“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.”
News
‘Naked Ballots,’ Signatures And Deadlines: What You Need To Know About Voting In PA
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Check how many mail-in ballots have been requested and returned, and get answers to important voting questions.
Anthony Brindisi
Broome Leaders Ask Congressman To Free Up CARES Act Funds In Next Relief Package
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“I don’t want to wait until after the election to do this, I think we need help now.”
2020 election
NY-19: Delgado and Van De Water Debate Mask Mandates, Health Care
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Candidates also discussed the ongoing confirmation hearings of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.
App NEWS
Steuben County’s Second COVID-19 Wave More Severe
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Health officials are now reporting up to 35 new cases per day. That is up from about 10 per day in April.
App NEWS
Dennis Craig Named Acting President Of SUNY Oneonta
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SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras also announced Barbara Jean Morris resigned.
App NEWS
When A Vaccine Comes, Cuomo Says The Nation Will Need A Clear Inoculation Plan
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The governors want to know about funding to help pay for mass vaccinations, and how a vaccine supply chain would function.
Books
Cuomo’s New Book Chronicles COVID-19 Crisis, Conflict With Trump
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The book, titled ‘American Crisis,’ is Cuomo’s attempt to convince readers that New York formed a competent response to the pandemic, while characterizing President Donald Trump and his administration as careless and dismissive to the virus.
2021 budget
Residents Criticize Broome Budget Proposal Over Jail, Sheriff Funding
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Many of the protesters who spoke during the hearing criticized the budget proposal for adding two new sheriff positions and keeping the budget for the Broome County jail at more than $29 million.
Government
Families Of Nursing Home Residents Want More Access
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“I was not only unable to see her, not even technologically through a digital device, the nursing home, when I called, was nonresponsive,”
Government
New York’s Governor Threatens To Withhold State Funds Unless Shutdown Orders Are Enforced
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“Because nothing else I have done has motivated them, maybe money works.”
Economy
Governor Points To PA’s Hemp Industry In Making Pitch For Legal Recreational Weed
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“We need the economic growth. We need the revenue and we need the restorative justice that the legalization of adult-use cannabis will provide.”
App NEWS
Schuyler Co. Legislature Passes Vote Opposing Cayuta Recycling Facility
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The vote was 7-1.
125th assembly district
NY-125th Assembly Candidates Face-Off In Virtual Debate
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Tuesday’s 90-minute debate was sponsored by local chapters of the League of Women Voters.
App NEWS
Schuyler Co. Resolution Asks DEC To Reject Recycling Facility Application
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According to the resolution, residents have expressed concerns about potential negative impacts of pollution and truck traffic from the facility on tourism, agriculture, and human health.
App NEWS
Tompkins County Reports First COVID-19 Death
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The death occurred almost seven months to the day the county announced it was closing all schools to slow the spread of the virus.
amy storey
Keuka College Moves Classes Online For Two Weeks
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Officials made the decision after a rise in cases of COVID-19 included 11 new cases in a 24-hour period.
App NEWS
Tracing Potential COVID-19 Cases In Ithaca Schools
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The Ithaca City School District began in-person classes this week.
App NEWS
Binghamton Mayor Tests Positive For COVID-19
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As of Wednesday, there were 540 active cases across the county, including 191 in Binghamton.
2020 election
Brindisi Holds Lead Over Tenney, According To Siena/Syracuse.com Poll
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The freshman Democratic incumbent held a nine-point lead over Tenney in the survey of likely voters in the district.
App NEWS
Broome County ‘Yellow Zone’ Measures To Start Friday
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“In coordination with this new cluster initiative, I am going to continue to ask people to stay home for these 14 days as well,” Garnar said.
App NEWS
Binghamton University Goes On Temporary Pause Amid Area COVID-19 Spikes
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“You want to make sure cases still aren’t growing, even if they’re underneath the 100 threshold over a two week period.”
Education
After Surge In Coronavirus Cases, Syracuse University Pauses Student Activities
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Syracuse University officials said late Tuesday that the number of students who have tested positive for COVID-19 in the last day has risen to 45. Most are associated with a off-campus parties that occurred last week.
Government
Why A Voter’s Options For Casting A Mailed Ballot Varies Across Pennsylvania
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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.
SUNY Cortland Goes Remote Due To Rise In COVID-19 Cases
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“There’s no clear issue arising from off-campus activity,” SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras said. “It’s not as if there’s one big gathering or two big gatherings. But clearly the activity is coming from off-campus.”
App NEWS
WATCH: Governor Restricts Churches, Schools, Diners In BGM “Cluster”
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“Local governments will need to provide us personnel, but the state will take over the enforcement with the local personnel.”
News
Susan B. Anthony Barbie Doll In The Works
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“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.”
Education
Cuomo Orders Some School Closures, Possible Ban On Religious Gatherings
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Cuomo said he’s taking the steps because he does not want the hot spots to spread to the rest of the state.
Education
During Pandemic, Some Pennsylvanians Say Vouchers Can Boost Learning
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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.
App NEWS
Broome County Opens Mobile Rapid Testing Site In Binghamton
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According to Garnar, the rapid test machines employed at the site can produce results in 15 minutes.
App NEWS
NYC To Close Businesses In Parts Of Brooklyn And Queens As Virus Takes Hold Again
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Facing an increase in coronavirus infections in certain neighborhoods, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Sunday that he would close all nonessential businesses, public and private schools.
App NEWS
PA Governor Begins Enforcement Of New Restaurant Dine-In Rules
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“Restaurant self-certification is just one tool in the toolbox we can use to increase customer competence, protect ourselves, and grow our businesses.”
Government
New York State Ramps Up Enforcement in COVID-19 Clusters
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The statewide infection rate, including the 20 hotspot zip codes, was 1.1% Saturday, Cuomo said. There were 14 new deaths and, after several days of increases, total hospitalizations dropped to 618, according to state data.
App NEWS
PA Democratic Lawmakers Propose Penalties For Faithless Federal Electors
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“I think…it’s now more of a concern than ever.”
covid
O’Mara, Danks Burke Face Questions on Climate Change, Homelessness
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This is the second time Danks Burke has challenged O’Mara to represent the 58th senate district. Geographically, the district is the largest in the state senate.
Government
Smartphone App Warns Of Contact With COVID Carriers
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“The COVID-Alert New York does not track your location, your movement or use GPS. It does not collect or store any personal information. It is completely anonymous.”
App NEWS
Garnar Asks Broome Residents To Stay Home For Next Week
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54 new active cases were added to the county’s COVID-19 dashboard between Wednesday and Thursday, with 8 people currently hospitalized.
App NEWS
To Contain Binghamton Cluster, Broome County Prepares to Deploy State Rapid Testing
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The majority of cases are not driven by college students, either. Garnar said just 21 of the 193 active cases are Binghamton University students.
App NEWS
Corning Center COVID-19 Deaths Not Reported To County
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“Certainly no fault that we’re placing on the facility at all,” Wheeler said. “It’s just more of a clearing up of those communication lines.”
Government
Advocates Call On Governor To End Driver’s License Suspensions For Unpaid Traffic Fines
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“People who are unemployed or underemployed, who don’t have the capacity to have $200 or $500 lying around for the fees.”
App NEWS
Poll: More Americans On Both Sides Of The Political Spectrum Want A Higher Minimum Wage
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The support for raising the federal minimum wage is higher than it was before the coronavirus pandemic took hold.
App NEWS
Corning Nursing Home Announces Four Deaths
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County Manager Jack Wheeler and Steuben Public Health Director Darlene Smith announced an uptick in cases at the nursing home Tuesday afternoon.
Government
New York Governor Acts To Contain COVID-19 Clusters
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“These are embers that are starting to catch fire in dry grass. Send all the firefighting equipment and personnel to those embers, and stamp out the embers right away.”
Featured in Category
Lawsuit Changes How New York Absentee Ballots Can Be Rejected
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Jennifer Wilson, Deputy Director of the League of Women Voters of New York State, said the success of their lawsuit makes three important changes.
Government
New York Governor Asks Governments To Reopen Homeless Shelters
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“Not only is a homeless encampment a violation of that homeless person’s dignity, it’s also a public health threat.”
App NEWS
Cuomo: Pause On Evictions Extended Through 2020
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“I want people to have fundamental stability in their lives. Nobody’s going to be evicted because of housing.”
Government
Cuomo Takes Steps To Control COVID-19 Clusters
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Some of the zip codes coincide with areas that have large Orthodox Jewish populations, and some of those communities have been cited in the past for holding large gatherings, like weddings, in violation of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
News
At PA Rally, Trump Repeats Falsehoods On Election Process, Fracking
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The president’s speech included several of the false claims that are regular parts of his stump speeches.
chemung county
Despite County Criticism, Lawyer For Lighthouse Baptist Church Defends COVID-19 Behavior
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A Buffalo lawyer who represents the church claimed it was following county guidelines, but that it can be difficult to keep track of everyone.
App NEWS
Three Candidates Confirm Participation In NY 22 Congressional Debate
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Republican and former Congresswoman Claudia Tenney agreed Monday to the forum. Democratic Incumbent Anthony Brindisi and Libertarian Challenger Keith Price earlier confirmed their participation.
Health
Latest COVID-19 Numbers In New York State “Relatively Flat”
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The numbers released on Sunday (looking at Saturday’s testing) show the Finger Lakes with a .7% infection rate, up slightly from the .4% of the previous two days.
Economy
Shifting Trump Tariffs On Aluminum Disrupt New York Businesses
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One of the reasons the Port of Oswego deals in so much aluminum is Novelis, a plant in Oswego County that prepares the metal for use in cars, cans, and other products.
Government
As New York Budget Crisis Looms, Democrats Seek Alternatives
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“If we have to close this deficit without Washington, there’s going to be no good way to do it. There’s going to be no constructive way to do it.”
Government
PA Lawmakers Propose Ban On Hair Discrimination
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“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.”
Environment
New York Begins Plastic Bag Ban Enforcement October 19th
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The COVID-19 pandemic, and an unsuccessful lawsuit brought by the plastics industry delayed its implementation.
Government
Governor Will Await Federal Relief Before Closing New York’s State Deficit
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“If we were not in this governmental structure I would sue the federal government for gross negligence.”
Education
Children Bullied For Race And Gender Now Have Broader Leeway To Sue In PA
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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.
Crime and Justice
Judge Rules New York Attorney General Must Depose By Oct. 7
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“To be clear, no entity or individual is allowed to dictate how or when our investigation will proceed or set the parameters of a lawful investigation,”
Government
Governor Says New York Will Independently Review COVID-19 Vaccine
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The state will set up a review committee, made up of scientific and health experts, to check that any coronavirus vaccine approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration is indeed safe.
Crime and Justice
Legal Observer Injured As Truck Drives Through Breonna Taylor Protest In Buffalo
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A pickup truck drove through the crowd and drove away, leaving an injured legal observer on with apparent broken bones.
Health
COVID-19 Saliva Test Developed At SUNY Upstate Approved By FDA
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration Wednesday approved a saliva test for COVID-19 developed by SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, which means the test can now be used nationwide.
Episodes
Poll Shows Fewer Than A Third Of PA’s GOP Voters Will Trust Mail-In Ballot Results
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The finding adds to concerns that the president and some Republicans are laying the groundwork to challenge the legitimacy of the election.
Crime and Justice
Activists Call For More Transparency During State Hearing On COVID-19 In Jails
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“A disturbing number were locked up due to slowdowns and failures in the assigned counsel and the public defender system.”
Economy
Reed Hopeful House Will Continue Stimulus Package Push
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When asked if the recent events might deter another stimulus bill, Reed said his goal remains unchanged.
Environment
Lupardo Calls on DEC For Further Review of Endicott LIB Recycling Plant
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“After doing months of homework, and consulting with industry experts, I am convinced that a more detailed environmental review is needed by the DEC, especially now that the project permit is on hold,” Lupardo said.
Spectrum Accusations In The Race For NY-22
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Each candidate claims the other did not do enough while in office to limit Spectrum, while still accepting its money.
Economy
Unemployment Dips Below 10% For Most Metro Areas in NY
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The unemployment rate in most of the state’s metro areas in New York dipped below 10% in August for the first time since March.
Government
Pandemic Leads To Rise in ‘Welfare Check’ Calls In Tompkins County
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“Throughout this pandemic I think mental illness, depression, anxiety has increased.”
Government
Several States Added To New York’s COVID Travel Advisory
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Of the 83,997 test results reported to New York state on Monday, 754, or 0.89 percent, were positive.
Crime and Justice
Protesters Report Menstrual Changes After Tear Gas Exposure
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In fact, there is scant research on the potential effects of tear gas exposure and reproductive health in general.
Crime and Justice
Republicans Ask Top State Court To Suspend Its Vote-By-Mail Order
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“[The ruling] jeopardizes the security and integrity of our elections and will potentially put Pennsylvania in the middle of a disastrous national crisis.”
App NEWS
SUNY-Wide Pooled COVID-19 Testing May Be More Effective, Expert Says
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“When you provide a sample for a test, it is a snapshot in time. It’s a false situation to assume it protects you going forward.”
Episodes
Key Voting Dates Approacheth In New York State
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New Yorkers who are not currently registered to vote in the November elections have until October 9th to do so.
Government
New York Governor Calls President’s Attempt To Withhold Federal Funds “More Of The Same”
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Governor Cuomo says it’s another attempt by Trump to “manipulate and distort government agencies to play politics”, to further the President’s re election efforts.
Crime and Justice
Where Pennsylvania’s US Senators Stand On Replacing Ruth Bader Ginsburg
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“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.”
App NEWS
Pandemic Spreads From Church To Chemung County Jail
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“I think when we get complacent in society after a period of time, we, you know, forget about the value of the little things that we need to do, like wearing a mask.”
It’s The Start Of The Fall Season For High School ‘Low-Risk’ Sports
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“All kids will be getting screened with their temperature check and they will fill out a five- or six-part questionnaire.”
Economy
New York To Begin Enforcing Plastic Bag Ban Oct. 19
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New York state will begin enforcing its ban on single-use carry-out plastic bags next month after a brief hiatus of the law due to a legal challenge brought earlier this year.
Government
New York Attorney General: State Policies Used To Suppress Prude Video
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“All of the emails that I have seen so far as a result of the media would suggest that they used our policies and practices as an excuse to suppress the video and that’s unfortunate.”
App NEWS
Debate Continues On Taxing New York’s Wealthiest
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Governor Cuomo had said on Sept. 10 that New York might have to raise taxes to deal with its massive budget deficit but has since walked back those comments.
Episodes
Hawkins Disappointed In Recent Rulings Removing Him From Presidential Ballot In Key States
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Judges in both Pennsylvania and Wisconsin threw Hawkins and his running mate off the ballot last week, because of technicalities.
App NEWS
COVID-19 Tanked Hotels. Workers Of Color Feel The Biggest Squeeze
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“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.”
back the blue
At A ‘Back The Blue” Rally, Ithaca Hears A Range Of Opinions On Law Enforcement
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“By showing up here today you have sent a message that is loud and clear and does not mince words. We will not be run by a mob of thugs and criminals.”
App NEWS
“What Were You Wearing?” Exhibit Recreates The Outfits Of Rape Survivors
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“There’s only one person for this crime, and so, there is nothing that a person says or does or anything that puts them to blame.”
Name Change Rejected For Tiny Town Of Swastika, NY
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“Suddenly I came to a town called Swastika, which is a symbol of the tyranny and hatred those soldiers fought and died to fight.”
App NEWS
The New York State Thruway Ends Cash Tolls In November
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“We are asking people to recognize the importance of getting an E-ZPass because it’s going to save you money.”
App NEWS
One Death Linked To Church COVID Cluster In Chemung County
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“Certainly, we are working very hard behind the scenes to make sure we can get people in contact with doctors if they need it and things like that, if they need it.”
Crime and Justice
Rochester Police Confront Protesters At City Hall
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Sixteen people were arrested Wednesday after a standoff outside City Hall between Rochester police and the protesters calling for justice in the death of Daniel Prude.
Government
Revised Assisted Care Policy Could Reunite Many New York Families
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“It’s depressing because you know that the families and the residents are lonely.”
App NEWS
PA Hasn’t Updated Science Education Standards Since 2002. New Plan’s First To Acknowledge Climate Change
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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.
Affordable Housing
Tenants Push Need For More, Safer Low-Income Housing
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“Those properties, to be honest, should really be condemned, but people have to live there because it’s the only place that they’re able to afford.”
U.S.-Canada Border Remains Closed
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“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.”
Pennsylvania Officials Stand By Pandemic Response After Judge Rules Against Orders
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The governor and health secretary want residents to guard against the virus as a federal judge calls stay-at-home and business closure orders — since lifted — unconstitutional.
No Permanent Solution In Sight For New York State’s Huge Budget Deficit
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The governor has temporarily held back 20% in aid payments to schools, local governments and others, under emergency powers granted to him by the State Legislature.
New York Lowers Coronavirus Threshold For Nursing Home Visits
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New York will begin allowing visitors to see loved ones at nursing homes that have been coronavirus-free for 14 days, down from 28 days under previous rules.
Education
Teachers Union Calls School Aid Cuts ‘Unconstitutional’ in Lawsuit Against Cuomo
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NEW YORK NOW – The state’s largest teachers union filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Division of Budget over more than $5 billion in state spending that’s expected to be withheld from school districts as the state grapples with an unprecedented budget crisis.
Food and Farms
Hemp Growers Call On Governor To Release State Regulations Before Harvest
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“We cannot continue operating our businesses in New York without a clear regulatory framework, while competing with out of state products being shipped in the state.”
Government
PA Governor Renews Calls For Election Code Changes, Criticizes Republicans Over Pandemic Response
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The governor wants the deadline to send out vote-by-mail applications moved up, among other things.
Pandemic Prompts Possible 12% Budget Cut In Tompkins County
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“The numbers are probably going to obscure some real misery, a sort of invisible misery in this community. We still have almost 10% unemployment.”
Cuomo: Halloween Trick-Or-Treating Left To Parents
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“If you want to go knock on your neighbor’s door, God bless you and I’m not going to tell you not to. If you want to go for a walk with your child through the neighborhood, I’m not going to tell you, you can’t take your child to the neighborhood. I’m not going to do that.”
App NEWS
Rochester Mayor Fire Police Chief, Suspends Two Department Heads
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“It was seemingly viewed by all concerned as an unfortunate set of circumstances, which we all know was not the case.”
App NEWS
PA Providers: Huge Budget Cuts Could Hurt People With Mental Illness
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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.
Crime and Justice
Hundreds Gather Saturday Night In Rochester For Another Protest On Behalf Of Daniel Prude
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There was a standoff, with demonstrators facing off against police. RPD says they did use pepper balls after bottles and rocks were thrown at them.
Economy
‘Worst Year Ever’ For Upstate Hotels, Some Down 60-70%
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“It is very stressful. It’s been six months now that we haven’t had the revenue in the stream. It’s been a difficult time.”
Food and Farms
‘Truly Outrageous’: Trump Administration Rejects PA Plea For Extra Food Benefits
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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.
App NEWS
“Close To Home”: Binghamton Protesters Stand With Rochester
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“When Rochester put out a call, a distress call, our neighboring cities came and we answered that call.”
New York State Says It Can’t Afford Pre-Paid Postage For Absentee Ballots
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The Let NY Vote Coalition says pre-paying postage on return envelopes for absentee ballots will reduce obstacles for voters with health risks.
App NEWS
Student Leaders Hold Virtual Town Hall On Higher Education’s Response To COVID
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Catherine Huang, a Cornell senior, said some of the work of educating students is being done by students on social media.
App NEWS
Garnar Announces “No Frills” 2021 Broome County Budget
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“We have waited long enough for the federal government to act, and we are going to come up with our own plan.”
New York City Fire Department Renames Highest Award In Light Of Namesake’s Racist Views
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Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said the FDNY was renaming the medal after Chief of Department Peter J. Ganci Jr., who was the highest-ranking member killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
A Second Delhi Official Faces Felony Charges For Theft
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The false claims amounted to 272 hours of sick and leave time, equivalent to over $6,000.
New York’s Largest Teachers Union Threatens Lawsuit Over State Funding Cuts
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“Instead of a frivolous lawsuit, NYSUT should turn its attention to Washington and work with us to get the assistance New York’s children deserve.”
App NEWS
After COVID-19 Uptick On Oswego Campus, SUNY Chancellor Says There’s ‘No Cause For Alarm’
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“We want to keep students here and operating. If there has to be some mitigation efforts taken, we will keep students here as much as we can. But, we all have to remain vigilant.”
Government
PA Senators Consider Harsher Penalties For Drivers Who Don’t Move Over For Emergency Vehicles
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“I can’t think of anything more simple than slowing down and moving over if you can.”
Cornell Limits Student Gatherings As COVID-19 Clusters Increase
|
“We just have to make sure that these early indications of some isolated misbehaviors don’t become larger.”
Food and Farms
Indoor Dining Can Resume in New York City on Sept. 30, Cuomo Says
|
Thousands of restaurants in the five boroughs have three weeks to prepare their establishments to comply with the state’s guidance for reopening.
Crime and Justice
Hundreds Continue To Protest Tuesday Night In Rochester
|
The group marched, as they have on previous nights, to the front of the Public Safety Building, which saw hundreds of people again chanting, talking, and taking part in a peaceful demonstration.
App NEWS
Cuomo: Donald Trump Caused the COVID Outbreak in New York
|
The war of words between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and President Donald Trump escalated again Monday, with both accusing the other of attempting to destroy the economic viability of New York City, and the state, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
SUNY Chancellor Calls New COVID-19 Testing A ‘Game Changer’
|
“I think that technology has really helped us. It’s an inexpensive technology. It’s a student-friendly and a faculty-friendly technology.”
Crime and Justice
Naked Protesters In Spit Hoods Demonstrate In Rochester
|
They were also wearing spit hoods, the kind of device that police put on Daniel Prude last March as they pinned him to the pavement.
Economy
New York Farms Prepare For Fall Activities With New Precautions
|
“We’ve been planning this all for a while, so the regulations were about what we thought they were gonna be.”
New York State Marks COVID-19 Milestone
|
New York State marked a milestone of progress in fighting coronavirus infections on Monday, with a full month of fewer than 1% of virus tests coming back positive.
AAA’s ‘School’s Out – Drive Carefully’ Campaign Notes Changes Motorists Need To Watch This Fall
|
“You would you think that the teenagers don’t want to be like Mom and Dad, but they will mimic your behavior. And if you’re using the phone behind the wheel, the teen drivers will too.”
Government
Gillibrand Pushes For $25 Billion In Aid For The U.S. Post Office
|
“The U.S. Postal Service is the only institution that is in the Constitution, that it’s a right for the American people to receive their mail. What he’s doing is illegal, inappropriate, unethical and wrong.”
App NEWS
PA Child Care Advocates Fear New State Policy Will Break The Industry
|
It’s the latest stress the industry has faced since COVID-19 turned the child care sector upside down in March.
DEC
Whatever It’s Called, Some Endicott Residents Still Don’t Want It
|
Critics of the facility have called it an incinerator. Under regulatory definitions set by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), it’s not.
American Graduate
Let’s Talk About Election 2020
|
The KQED Youth Media Challenge: Let’s Talk about Election 2020 gives middle and high school students an opportunity to put their persuasive skills to work and have a real audience for the issues that matter to them most.
Government
Black Lives Matter, Clergy And Politicians Clash As Daniel Prude Protests Continue
|
Thursday night was a tale of two groups with contrasting ideas on how to make change, clashing, after the death of Daniel Prude.
App NEWS
Cuomo: New York Casinos Can Reopen, But Not Indoor Dining in NYC
|
Casinos in New York will be allowed to reopen next Wednesday, Sept. 9, as long as they have a sufficient air filtration system and limit the number of people allowed in the facility at one time, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday.
Video Released Shows Clash Between Car And Ithaca Protesters
|
Myrick said police “cannot be everywhere and our safety is ultimately in our hands.”
Crime and Justice
Cuomo Calls For Swift Conclusion To Attorney General’s Probe Into Death of Daniel Prude
|
After video this week showed police in Rochester placing a bag over the head of a Black man during an arrest, and then pinning him down, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday that he wanted the state Attorney General’s Office to expedite its investigation into the incident.
Government
Wolf Administration Renews Calls To Legalize Weed, But Majority Republicans Have Other Plans
|
“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.”
Car Rams Into Black Lives Matter Protesters In New York City’s Times Square
|
One video of the attack shows a dark sedan, plowing into a crowd of people standing in front of the vehicle. The car lurches through an intersection leaving a chorus of screaming people in its wake.
SUNY Oneonta Online For Rest Of Semester, Sends Students Home
|
“We committed to do everything we could to mitigate this situation, and today, that means ending residential housing for this semester.”
COVID Cases Among Cornell Athletes Prompts Increased Restrictions
|
Student gatherings are now restricted to no more than 10 people.
Government
Fewer Pennsylvanians Are Participating In The Census Than A Decade Ago
|
With just under a month to go until counting efforts are scheduled to end, some government leaders are concerned about the lower numbers.
Episodes
After Trump Targets New York City For Federal Cuts, Cuomo Calls Him a ‘Joke’
|
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday that President Donald Trump has been the “worst president in history” from the point of New York City, and that the “best thing he did for New York City was leave.”
Legendary N.Y. Mets Pitcher Tom Seaver Dies At 75
|
Seaver became a household name after helping carry the Mets to their “improbable” 1969 World Series Championship.
Health
Poll Finds New Yorkers Bracing For A COVID Resurgence This Fall
|
Over half say they are wary of eating indoors at a restaurant, having a drink at bar, watching a movie in a theater, working out at the gym, or going bowling.
App NEWS
Efforts Underway To Recruit Poll Workers
|
“Young people can help our elections and make some extra money by becoming poll workers and relieve the pressure on our older poll workers.”
Food and Farms
Wegmans Responds To Concerns From Animal Activists Over Coconut Harvest
|
Thai officials have disputed the claims about how prevalent the situation is with monkeys being used to harvest coconuts.
Education
New York Teachers Seek Mask Mandate For Classrooms
|
Masks are strongly recommended at all other times, including in the classroom, but they are not mandatory once the student is sitting down at a socially distanced desk.
Health
New York State Health Officials Approve Saliva Diagnostic Test To Track COVID-19
|
“Now, we cannot just know what’s going on, we can help better pinpoint the virus, address the virus, contain the virus.”
Government
Governor Extends Pennsylvania’s Disaster Proclamation
|
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.
Episodes
New York Voters Can Now Request Absentee Ballots Online
|
Voters in New York can now request an absentee ballot for the November elections online, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday, with a special portal set up by the state to handle those requests statewide.
Andrew Cuomo
Hartwick College Goes Remote Amid Oneonta COVID-19 Outbreak
|
Hartwick College has reported only two positive student COVID-19 cases so far.
State Senate Republicans, Farm Owners Urge Farm Labor Board Not To Lower Overtime Threshold
|
“Our most urgent responsibility right now is to prevent further damage by delaying any decision on the 60-hour threshold until 2024.”
App NEWS
Binghamton Mayor David Begins Term As Head Of NYS Conference of Mayors
|
As the president of the Conference of Mayors, David said he will pursue increased federal funding and essential state aid.
Could More SUNY Schools Close Due To COVID-19?
|
“So you wanted a party. OK, now you have to go to remote learning, which means you basically stay in the dorm. It’s a function of discipline and compliance.”
Education
SUNY Geneseo Suspends Student Organizations For Violating COVID-19 protocols
|
The three organizations suspended include the Theta Chi and Zeta Beta Xi fraternities and the Sigma Delta Tau sorority.
Arts & Culture
Despite Pain Of Canceled New York State Fair, Allure Continues In New Ways
|
“We had a great fair planned, a really great fair. Great music. Changing things up again programmatically, we were doing everything we could to keep drawing numbers.”
Crime and Justice
Police And Prison Guards Demand Compliance, Making Matters Worse For Pennsylvanians With Serious Mental Illness
|
Use of force reports from Bucks County jail offer a glimpse into a criminal justice system unequipped to deal with people who may be having a crisis.
App NEWS
Endicott Residents, Akshar Call For Halt To Battery Recycling Facility
|
“We want the village trustees of Endicott to respect their residents, to listen to their concerns and to represent their best interest.”
With Fans Forbidden Due To COVID-19, A Noticeably Quiet U.S. Open Kicks Off In Queens
|
Tennis players are navigating the eerie stillness of a Grand Slam event known for its lively crowds. Last year’s U.S. Open set an attendance record, drawing more than 737,800 fans over two weeks.
Anthony Brindisi
Brindisi Amendment Would Double Police Funding, Tenney Calls It A Stunt
|
The amendment would be part of a federal spending bill.
Government
COVID-19 Hospitalizations, Intubations Drop To New Lows In New York
|
“Our ability to keep this deadly virus in check will be determined by what each of us does each day and by the capacity of local governments to enforce state guidance.”
Government
Cashless Tolling Takes Another Step Forward On New York State Thruway
|
Governor Andrew Cuomo says that the final of the 70 steel gantries being built as part of this system has been installed. It’s located on the Thruway at exit 42 in Geneva.
Crime and Justice
Education Advocates Consider Court Action Against 20% Cut In State Aid
|
“That constitutional right doesn’t go on hold because there are financial constraints, because the state is having financial difficulties. This is a constitutional right.”
Education
As School Begins, Looming ‘Deluge’ Of Evictions Threatens Thousands Of PA Families
|
“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?’”
App NEWS
Tompkins County Covering Some COVID-19 Testing Costs For Residents
|
Pressure on the health system multiplied when federal changes were made to the rules governing which tests insurance providers must cover.
COVID-19
After COVID-19 Spread, SUNY Oneonta Moves Online For At Least Two Weeks
|
“Any student that is ticketed will be…suspended immediately because this is serious. So we are moving very aggressively with those cases, with those parties on or off campus.”
TV
PBS Newshour Archived National Convention Coverage
|
PBS NewsHour Convention Coverage: The Republican National Convention airs Monday, August 24, 2020 to Thursday, August 27, 2020 on WSKG TV and WSKG Radio.
News
National Women’s Hall of Fame Opens New Headquarters
|
“It did take ten years to get this building to a habitable state and put in the exhibits, so this is a big, long-term, lots of people doing a lot of work celebration. So we wanted it to happen this year.”
App NEWS
Coronavirus Vaccine Researchers Recruiting People Of Color For Tests. It’s Not Easy.
|
As researchers work to test a potential novel coronavirus vaccine on a diverse set of study participants, they’re also being confronted by a history of distrust between communities of color and medical researchers.
Health
Scientists Explain Where Ticks Are Most Likely To Attach To People
|
“Almost 16% of ticks that attach to the human are in the thigh area, and the waist, stomach and groin area are the next ones.”
App NEWS
PA Governor And GOP Lawmakers At Odds Over Election Code Changes
|
“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?”
ag department
Officials: USDA Hemp Regulations Are Onerous
|
“We really are asking our farmers to be patient as we try to work this out with the federal government.”
Economy
Lawmakers Demand Release of State-Secured Child Care Funds
|
“We’re saying here are some examples of where those resources are needed, and they’re needed now.”
App NEWS
New York Sets COVID-19 Case Threshold for Closing Colleges
|
Colleges in New York will be required to return to remote learning for at least two weeks if either 100 cases of COVID-19 are diagnosed, or 5% of that institution’s population tests positive, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday.
App NEWS
New York Schools Increasingly Worried Over Deep State Budget Cuts
|
“I will be a catastrophe. Many school districts depend just about totally on state aid to get their programs running.”
Despite Governor’s Decision, Fall Season For High School Sports Uncertain
|
New York State is expected to make additional announcements about high risk winter sports like basketball, hockey, wrestling and cheerleading in the coming months.
Trump Administration Considers Civil Rights Probe Over New York Nursing Home Deaths
|
“It’s no coincidence the moment the Trump administration is caught weakening the CDC’s COVID-19 testing guidelines to artificially lower the number of positive cases, they launched this nakedly partisan deflection.”
App NEWS
Amid Back-To-School Season, PA Governor Touts Coronavirus Procedures, Family Services
|
“We want children to be in situations where they’re safe and supervised by trusted adults.”
New York’s Governor Condemns New CDC Guidelines
|
Shame on the people in the CDC. These will be indefensible actions in the light of history.”
Economy
Without Child Care Bailout, Workforce Could Lose Women
|
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.
App NEWS
New York Sues Postal Service Over Agency Cutbacks, Citing Voting Concerns
|
New York state is suing President Donald Trump and the head of the U.S. Postal Service over recent policy changes that Attorney General Letitia James said Tuesday would unconstitutionally limit access to this year’s elections for those who plan to vote by mail.
Health
Infections Expert Concerned With FDA Authorization Of Convalescent Plasma To Treat COVID-19
|
“When is the optimal time to treat them? And what’s the dose that they should receive? And how many doses should they receive or how many days should they be treated? What are some nuances of patients that could benefit from a standard course of therapy?”
Pennsylvania Governor Calls For State To Legalize Marijuana, Citing Pandemic
|
Gov. Tom Wolf calls for some of the revenue from marijuana sales to go toward “repairing the harm done to crime victims and communities as a result of marijuana criminalization.”
Education
Syracuse University Conducts 13,000 Saliva Tests , Plans Outdoor Movies, Other Events
|
“We’ve administered over 13,000 saliva tests just in the last eight days alone,” Haynie said.
mental health
Mental Health Association Expands School Wellness Resources
|
Amy Molloy with the association said mental health and social-emotional learning should be top priorities for schools as they reopen.
App NEWS
Cuomo Tweaks New Rules For Absentee Voting
|
Eventhough the new law essentially allows universal mail-in balloting, the Governor says New Yorkers might still be confused about how to actually request the absentee voting forms.
Musicians Urge Governor To Allow Live, Ticketed, Advertised Music Play Again
|
Under state guidelines released last week, ticketed live music is not permitted inside bars, restaurants and clubs.
Ithaca Teaching Aides Call For Option To Work Virtually
|
Teachers have been given the choice of returning to in-person teaching or teaching virtually. Teaching aides have not been given the same option.
App NEWS
Steuben Legislator Facing Charges For “Patronizing A Prostitute”
|
Steve Maio is scheduled to appear in court Aug. 27.
New State Law Allows New York Voters To Request Absentee Ballots For November
|
Voters can begin requesting absentee ballots right away from their local elections boards, citing the reason that they fear risks of contracting the coronavirus or any other contagious illness.
Education
Syracuse University Suspends 23 Students After Large Campus Gathering
|
“Make no mistake, there was not a single student who gathered on the Quad [Wednesday] night who did not know and understand that it was wrong to do so.”
App NEWS
Update: Cornell Resident Advisors Suspend Strike Threat
|
Resident Advisors cite positive dialogue with Cornell officials.
Cuomo Warns Coronavirus Is Far From Over
|
The New York Governor predicted that the flu season will put an added strain on the overburdened disease-testing system in the state and could lead to a further slowdown for obtaining timely results of coronavirus tests.
New York Teachers Union ‘Prepared To Strike’ If Safety Demands Are Not Met
|
The president of the city’s United Federation of Teachers called for testing every student and staff member before the start of school, set for Sept. 10.
App NEWS
NIH Vaccine Testing Underway In Binghamton
|
The study is scheduled to last two years, but a vaccine might be ready for the public sooner.
Government
Bipartisan Coalition Pushes New Probe Into Nursing Home Deaths
|
Republicans in the state Legislature are hoping that support from a handful of Democrats on a bill to establish an independent probe into the state’s handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 crisis will garner momentum for the measure.
App NEWS
Ahead Of 2020 Election, New York Scrambles For Solutions
|
In a rush to find answers, lawmakers and election officials alike are proposing a number of changes.
Government
A Decades-Old Law Shielding The Wolf Administration From Scrutiny Of Its Coronavirus Response
|
Officials are routinely citing the law to deny public records requests, but legal experts say the state can be more transparent — if it wants.
Local Leaders Unhappy With Trump’s Pardon Of Susan B. Anthony
|
New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul said if Anthony were alive today, she would decline the president’s offer.
App NEWS
New York’s GOP Leaders Defend Law Enforcement In Southern Tier
|
“Having a conversation about inequities or injustices is not mutually exclusive from supporting the men and women of law enforcement.”
App NEWS
Cuomo Book On COVID-19 Response Out In October
|
Cuomo’s “American Crisis” will be released Oct. 13, three weeks before Election Day, when Trump is expected to face Democratic nominee Joe Biden.
App NEWS
Ithaca College Changes Plan, Moves All Classes Online For Fall
|
Earlier this month the college stepped back it’s initial plans and announced that students in states on the New York travel advisory list could not return to campus this fall.
App NEWS
New York Gyms Get The Green Light To Reopen, But Not Movie Theaters
|
“It is congregate, it’s one ventilation system, you’re seated there for a long period of time. Even if you are at 50% capacity, with one seat between the two of you, two seats between the two of you, this is a risky situation.”
Education
New Study Says Pennsylvania’s Child Care Industry Needs Millions More To Survive
|
“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.”
To Stay In Business, New York City Restaurants Spill Out Onto The Asphalt
|
Many of New York’s streets have come alive with fenced-in dining areas with tables and umbrellas and decorated with flower boxes and hanging plants.
App NEWS
Mitrano Takes Campaign Outside
|
“We have legislators in office that aren’t representing the people and don’t necessarily care about certain precautions.”
Government
Cuomo Rails Against Federal COVID-19 Response at DNC
|
Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who’s risen to national fame in recent months through daily televised briefings on New York’s response to the coronavirus, delivered a speech to Democrats in Wisconsin Monday intended to both unite the party and condemn the federal government.
Amid USPS Slowdown, Two State Lawmakers Support Absentee Ballot Drop Off Boxes
|
“If in fact we brought the boxes to them, and they had the ability to vote right at senior centers, right at community centers, then I think that’s the recipe for success.”
Bowling Alleys Open Today At 50% Capacity
|
“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.”
Episodes
Cuomo Speaks On First Night Of Democratic National Convention
|
“From the governor’s point of view, he’s riding high right now with his New York constituents, and this is chance to show himself off on the national stage,”
App NEWS
Are Antigen Tests The Silver Bullet To PA‘s Coronavirus Testing Delays? Not So Fast.
|
Here’s everything you need to know about the different coronavirus tests and what they can — and can’t — tell you.
children with disabiities
Online Learning Hasn’t Worked For Some Students with Special Needs
|
“It’s, it’s awful. And it’s not for a lack of the teachers doing an amazing job. And it’s not for a lack of everyone trying their hardest and their best.”
App NEWS
New York’s Governor Takes Steps To Reopen Bowling Alleys, Gyms
|
There is no set date for gyms to reopen, but the governor says rules will be released on how they can do so safely.
U.S.-Canada Border Closure Extended Another Month
|
“We know that those numbers are suffering, especially on the tourism side. We live in an area that’s built on tourism, so you hate to see it.”
ACLU
Lawyer For Trans Woman Hopeful Settlement Will Impact Jail Policies
|
“This is a policy that addresses housing placement, safety, access to medical care, name and pronoun use, search procedures.”
Government
New York State Announces Health Insurance Rates For Next Year
|
The New York State Department of Financial Services says that overall, rates in the individual market for 2021 will increase by only 1.8%.
App NEWS
New York Senator Calls For Emergency $25 Billion For U.S. Postal Service
|
“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.”
App NEWS
New York Gym Owners Want Specifics. Why Can’t They Reopen?
|
“We are willing to go by any guideline the governor is willing to tell us. The problem is there has been no communication. He has gone radio silent.”
Addiction
Inside Some PA Rehabs, ‘It’s Like COVID Doesn’t Exist’
|
When treatment facilities ignore coronavirus protocols, patients are forced to choose between recovery and safety.
App NEWS
Schumer: Schools Can’t Reopen Without Federal Aid
|
“Teachers are always paying for things out of the goodness of their hearts, and they’re not paid that much, but this one is so expensive we’ve got to get federal help.”
Binghamton School District
Teacher Weighs The Risk Of Going Back Into The Classroom
|
“Before this whole thing, I thought I would’ve thrown my life in front of kids to save them. Now it’s like asking us to go in and risk our lives.”
Can West Point And Annapolis Offer A Road Map For Reopening Colleges?
|
Mandatory masks, strict discipline and rigorous testing have helped the academies, including West Point and Annapolis, welcome students back to campus. Can other schools learn from their example?
Government
Relatives Of Nursing Home Residents Speak Out At Hearing
|
“I would have pulled my mom out of that facility. She would be alive today, actually, had we actually been informed.”
Government
Public Record Or Trade Secret? Battle Over Number Of Liquor Licenses Could Go To PA’s High Court
|
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.
Mockingbirds Catch A Break As New York Judge Strikes Down Trump Bird Opinion
|
In 2017, the Trump administration scaled back protections of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. A federal judge has now struck down the rule change — and cited To Kill a Mockingbird in so doing.
App NEWS
Tenney Calls Spectrum A Monopoly, Faces Protestors In Binghamton
|
Tenney said Rep. Anthony Brindisi is not doing enough to fight Spectrum’s business practices, Brindisi’s campaign disagrees.
Government
New York Adds 2 States To COVID-19 Travel Advisory; Removes 4 Others
|
The newly-added states are Hawaii and South Dakota. Alaska, New Mexico, Ohio and Rhode Island have been removed.
U.S. Puts Kodak Deal On Hold Amid Scrutiny Of Its Finances
|
The decision to entrust $765 million of taxpayer money to the former maker of photographic equipment raises several questions about the Trump administration’s due diligence of Kodak.
App NEWS
New York Lawmakers Ask State Board of Elections If It Will Be Ready For November
|
“A significant portion of our elections will be administered by an entity over which the Board of Elections have no control.”
Economy
‘Making A Souffle On A BBQ Grill’: PA Scrambles After Trump Goes Solo On Unemployment Relief
|
“It’s technically doable, I guess.”
PA Congressional Candidate Endorses Additional Federal Aid For Workers, Business Owners And Schools
|
“It can’t just fall on the teachers to figure it out, or even the local school districts,” said Griffin.
broome county
County Executives Call For Immediate Pandemic Disaster Relief
|
“It is really, really going to hurt this community if we don’t get some type of assistance.”
Cremations Preferred Over Burials For Form Of Final Disposition
|
In the U.S., cremation has outpaced burials since 2015, and the gap continues to widen.
Upstate NY Poison Center Warns Of Serious Side Effects From Certain Hand Sanitizers
|
“You could go blind, you could go into a coma, you could have seizures. If anyone even thinks there’s a possibility they got into this product, they would want to call the poison center right away.”
Cuomo Recruits Kentucky’s Governor In Fight Against Trump’s Unemployment Payment
|
Kentucky is also the home state of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. McConnell earlier this year suggested that states that lost revenue due to the pandemic should declare bankruptcy.
binghamton
Cuomo: Over 100 New York School Districts Have Not Filed Reopening Plans
|
The school district plans must include procedures and protocols for instruction, health screenings, and social distancing measures.
Crime and Justice
Can One Support Black Lives Matter And Still Prosecute Marijuana Cases? This PA Prosecutor Says Yes.
|
Months of protests urged prosecutors and police to support criminal justice reform. But court records show a different path.
Economy
While Probe Continues, Federal Agency Halts Kodak Loan
|
“Recent allegations of wrongdoing raise serious concerns. We will not proceed any further unless these allegations are cleared.”
App NEWS
PA Legislature’s Delays Could Prompt Election Chaos In November
|
“If they get too far into the weeds or attempt to drop in other fixes now, my fear is nothing will get done.”
Education
New York Schools Will Reopen In The Fall, Cuomo Says
|
Gov. Andrew Cuomo formally gave schools the green light to reopen on Friday, saying the coronavirus infection rate was low enough in New York for students to return to class in the coming weeks.
Government
Cuomo Calls Trump’s Executive Unemployment Boost ‘Laughable’
|
Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday said a provision of the President’s measure that requires states to foot part of the bill was unworkable.
Business Group Names Governor, Legislature and Attorney General In Lawsuit
|
“The constitutions of the State of New York and the United States of America are not abandoned or thrown to the side during times of emergency. But that’s exactly what our government has done.”
Health
‘It’s Not Just Dying’: Doctors Warn About COVID’s Dangerous Complications
|
“You could have a clot that forms in the heart artery and leads to a heart attack, or you could have a blood clot that forms inside the heart itself that breaks off and leads to a stroke.”
App NEWS
Penn State To Play In Empty Stadium, But There’s A Plan Should The Rules Change
|
Athletic Director Sandy Barbour left open the possibility that the football team won’t play at all.
New York State Fitness Alliance Submits Plan, Tells Governor Gyms Can Open Safely
|
“We touch people’s lives every day. Every day, we love our jobs. But you’re not giving us a chance to help people where they need it the most.”
COVID-19
NY Lt. Governor On School Reopening, Flu Season Complications
|
“If parents are going to have to go to work and the kids are at home, that’s just an absolute nightmare.”
After Fraud Investigation, New York Attorney General Moves To Dissolve The NRA
|
New York’s attorney general announced civil action to dissolve the National Rifle Association after an investigation found millions of dollars in alleged fraud by CEO Wayne LaPierre and others.
Cuomo Named Head Of National Governors Association
|
“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.”
App NEWS
New York Landlords Expect Increased Evictions In Coming Months
|
“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.”
Government
Frustration Mounts As New York’s Gyms Remain Closed. How Risky Is It For Them To Reopen?
|
“We have been losing members without new members joining. Our expenses are piling up. Our revenue is nonexistent.”
News
How Tropical Storm Isaias Is Connected To Climate Change
|
‘Attribution science’ uses modeling to assess role of warming in weather events
New York And Connecticut Call For Probes Into Utility Companies’ Response To Isaias
|
Govs. Andrew Cuomo and Ned Lamont are seeking investigations as thousands of customers remain without power in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaias.
PA Professor: Not Realistic To Expect A COVID-19 Vaccine In 2020
|
Dr. Paul Offit, who serves on the Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine advisory board, says he doesn’t think an effective vaccine that’s undergone adequate testing can be ready this year.
New York City Sets Up Quarantine Checkpoints For Travelers From COVID-19 Hot Spots
|
Checkpoints at major bridges, tunnels and other sites are meant to drive home the message that 14-day quarantine rules are mandatory for people returning from states with high infection rates.
Government
New York Rolls Back Legal Protections for Nursing Homes, Health Care Facilities
|
A series of legal protections granted during the COVID-19 pandemic to nursing homes and health care facilities as part of the state budget was partially rolled back on Monday.
Education
Participants Sought To Help New York Rate Creeks, Streams
|
“And the really cool thing is when you fill out a survey on your smartphone, it geolocates you. We’re able to go back to that exact same spot and we’ll do the water quality testing.”
Crime and Justice
Report: SEC To Look At Government Loan To Kodak
|
U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, (D-Massachusetts) said she sent a letter to the SEC Chairman asking that agency to look at the potential for insider trading.
Cuomo Comments About Coronavirus Testing Confuse School Leaders
|
“Districts must have a plan in place for testing related to symptomatic or exposed individuals, whether in school or through the local health department.”
App NEWS
Cornell Students From States With Climbing COVID-19 Cases Told To Stay Home
|
“We’d really encourage you to stay at your permanent residence until your state is lifted from the New York State advisory. We’re not going to dictate what you do but that’s our strong encouragement.”
Episodes
PA Election Officials Urge Swift Legislative Action On Voting Reforms
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Changes to state law need to be effective by early September if counties are to implement them in time for the general election.
COVID-19
Oneonta Schools To Reopen Remotely
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“We have no idea what impact such a large influx of students during this time will have on the collective health of our community.”
App NEWS
Gender X Policy In New York State To Change Health Data Reporting
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“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.”
Government
Lawmakers Question New York’s Health Commissioner On Nursing Home Policy
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“It is unfortunate. It is sad. But it is true. 98% of nursing homes already had COVID in their nursing homes, and those are the facts.”
Economy
Tax Collections Rebound With Pent-Up Shopper Demand, But PA Still Faces Huge Budget Deficit
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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.
Economy
How A Black-Owned Farm In Windsor Is Building Generational Wealth
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“We’re promoting the message of black is beautiful and black excellence and being able to pass this down to generations to come.”
App NEWS
Governor Says New York Schools Must Convince Parents Their Students Will Be Safe
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“I don’t care what any bureaucrat says,” said Cuomo. “If they don’t have a good plan for reopening, no kids are going to come and no teaches are going to come.”
Environment
New York Adopts Drinking Water Standards For Three Emerging Contaminants
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“I think these are still historic and appropriate and protective drinking water standards that will protect New Yorkers for decades to come.”
Education
Schumer Calls On New York To Lobby For More School Money In Coronavirus Relief Bill
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“Please, if you’re in central New York, some of you have kids that have moved away, some have parents that have moved away, call them and ask them to call their senator and say ‘this is needed everywhere.'”
App NEWS
‘I’d Be Nuts Not To Be Anxious’: PA College Administrators Prepare For Unpredictable Fall Semester
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Coronavirus testing, online instruction, and the ability to turn on a dime are central to reopening plans
Education
Cuomo To Issue School Reopening Guidance This Week
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“If you have the virus under control, reopen. If you don’t have the virus under control, then you can’t reopen,”
App NEWS
Rochester Airport Could Be Named For Frederick Douglass
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“There is potentially no greater symbol of our image than our airport, which serves as the front door to our community.”
Education
Over 40 Leaders Join Finger Lakes Task Force To Safely Reopen Schools
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“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.”
App NEWS
Minority-Owned Small Businesses Were Largely Shut Out Of PA’s First Coronavirus Loan Program
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State officials are trying again, this time with a grant program targeted at the smallest and most vulnerable operations.
Environment
Cuomo Scraps $3 Billion Environmental Bond Act
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New York, fearing the financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, has decided to pull an item from this year’s ballot to decide if the state should borrow $3 billion to fund a series of environmental projects related to climate change.
Crime and Justice
Protesters Demand Police Accountability, Attract Counter Demonstration
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“You’re locking my friends in cages when they need to be in hospital rooms.”
COVID Concerns Delay Weekend Series For Toronto (Buffalo) Blue Jays
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Members of the Phillies roster were reported to test positive for COVID-19.
binghamton university
Instead Of Tossing Them, Researchers Suspect N-95 Masks Could Be Sanitized And Reused
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One of the grant-funded projects at Binghamton University looks at how to best disinfect and reuse N-95 masks.
Government
Lack Of Guidance On Face Masks Leaves Doctors To Decide On Exemptions
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“It’s really a person-by-person, case-by-case situation. Doctors know their patients. And if it’s a new person, doctors should take some time. Get to know them. It can be hard, but it’s important.”
Education
Space, Staffing Figure Into Plans For Reopening New York Schools
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Classroom capacity ranges from about 19-21 students. But with social distancing, the capacity can drop to around 16 or 17 students.
Government
Cuomo Makes Last-Minute Plea To Congress For Federal Funds
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The governor says the state faces a $14 billion deficit in the current fiscal year, and $16 billion next year, and without federal funds, he’ll have to slash schools, hospitals and local government aid by 20%.
Education
To Safely Reopen, School Boards Say More Money’s Needed
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“Our school board members, really their heart is in opening up the school, but they know it’s going to cost a lot of extra money this year.”
Government
How The Pandemic Affects New York’s Census Count
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The coronavirus pandemic couldn’t have come at a worse time for those involved in the 2020 Census. The pandemic wreaked havoc on plans for the every-ten-year population count.
Health
PA Health Secretary Denounces Transphobic Attacks: ‘Our Children Are Watching’
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As the face of the state’s COVID-19 response, Health Secretary Rachel Levine has been the subject of numerous personal attacks.
Video Of Audience At Chainsmokers Concert Prompts New York To Investigate
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The Safe & Sound fundraiser, held Saturday in Southampton, drew rebukes after video emerged showing audience members dancing close together. Gov. Andrew Cuomo tweeted, “I am appalled.”
New York Police Draw Anger After Plainclothes Officers Throw Woman Into Unmarked Van
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Online video shows men grabbing a woman during a demonstration and hauling her away in an unmarked van. Police said they arrested the woman on suspicion of damaging police cameras.
Economy
Eastman Kodak: “One Of The Greatest 2nd Acts” In US Industrial History
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Eastman Kodak will help produce components needed to manufacture generic pharmaceuticals with the help of a substantial federal loan.
Government
GAO Report Calls For Better Communication Efforts By Great Lakes Commission
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“They’re not being transparent enough, they’re not engaging the stakeholders and the shoreline communities and they’re not getting the data they need from the appropriate sources like the shoreline communities.”
App NEWS
Business Owners To PA’s Governor: Please Police Mask Requirement So We Don’t Have To
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“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.”
Government
Over 2/3rd Of States Now On New York’s Quarantine List
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People traveling to New York from more than two-thirds of the country will now have to quarantine for at least two weeks upon entering the state, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday, after infection rates in three more states exceeded New York’s threshold.
Reed Pushes Child Care Grants Act, Hopes For Federal Stimulus Passage
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“From my perspective, they’ll cobble together 218 votes in the House, and they will get 60 to 70 votes in the Senate, and this will be given to the President’s desk within the next week to 10 days.”
App NEWS
Ithaca School Superintendent Discusses School Reopening Plans
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“And across the country we prioritize bars and restaurants over young people. How dare we do that.”
Governor Warns GOP’s Federal Stimulus Plan Would Harm New York State
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“Mitch McConnell, Rand Paul are federal ‘bag men,’ to use a different expression. They’ve been taking New Yorkers’ money for years, putting it in a bag in Washington and bringing it home to their state.”
Calling All COVID survivors: The Red Cross Wants Your Plasma
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“Someone who has recovered from coronavirus has antibodies in their blood that may be able to help someone else fight that infection.”
Blue Jays’ First Buffalo Opponent Bitten By COVID Outbreak
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“The moment we left Canada, there was concern. We’ve got to follow the guidelines. It’s not gonna be easy.”
Why New York State Is Releasing So Few Inmates During The Pandemic
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“There are men just like me in there. They should have been walking out with me. But instead they’ll probably die in prison.”
Government
Cuomo: Next Two Weeks Will Determine State Budget Cuts
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“They had been promising, promising, promising. It’s not that I was waiting without them suggesting possibility. They have been saying we’re going to do it. Then they didn’t.”
Economy
Staffs Have Doubled At PA Unemployment Offices, But Thousands Still Await Benefits
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“I’ve been doing this since April 4th, and I have received zero money. The problem is you cannot get through on the phone.”
activism
Long-Term Activists Say Self Care Is Essential
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“Stepping back for a moment does not mean you’ve lost interest in the cause.”
department of environmental protection
Endicott Residents Protest Proposed Lithium-Ion Battery Recycling Facility
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Protest organizers NoBurnBroome said they will continue to build support and fight the opening of the lithium-ion battery recycling facility.
Coronavirus Hot Spots: Could New York And Pennsylvania See A COVID-19 Rebound?
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As modelers look at national trends, they’re concerned about case jumps in areas that had previously managed largely to squelch the virus.
Binghamton Police
Southern Tier Activists Form Coalition For ‘People’s Protection’
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The coalition comes after a push by NY law enforcement to add protections for police.
App NEWS
Five Closely Watched Bills Passed by State Lawmakers in Albany This Week
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Democrats, who hold the majority in both chambers of the Legislature, returned to Albany this week to wrap up some loose ends
Government
Gillibrand Pushes For Federally Mandated Paid Leave, Sick Days
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The bill would require upwards of three months of leave at 66 percent of a person’s salary.
App NEWS
Pediatricians Struggle During Pandemic; ‘We need help’
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“The pediatric infrastructure, the people who care for your children are struggling to stay afloat, stay available, and we need help.”
Government
New York Offers Rent Relief To Low-Income Residents. Activists Call For Canceling Rent
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The COVID Rent Relief Program provides a one-time rent subsidy, paid directly to landlords, based on the amount of income lost in the past four months.
Health
Disability Community Still Fighting For Independent Living
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Here’s something you may not know: People with disabilities are not guaranteed the right to live in the community.
App NEWS
Four Months After The Shutdown, Thousands Await Unemployment Compensation
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8 percent of claims needed to be reviewed manually.
‘I Could Not Allow That To Stand’: Ocasio-Cortez Rebukes Republican For Vulgar Insult
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., addressed a public confrontation she had with Rep. Ted Yoho, R-Fla., earlier this week. She said her family “did not raise me to accept abuse from men.”
App NEWS
Anti Housing Discrimination Bill Advances In New York Legislature
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“Should you be a broker that is involved in illegal steering, you will have your license pulled.”
‘Buffalo’ Blue Jays? Upstate Park A Possible Venue For Canadian Team
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If the Blue Jays can’t find a major league park, Sahlen Field, home of their Triple-A affiliate, would be a likely site for home games.
New York Yankees ‘Play Ball!’ But For How Long? A Nervous 2020 Season Begins
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Major League Baseball’s delayed and shortened regular season gets underway Thursday. There will be no fans in the stands and plenty of health and safety protections for the players and team officials.
2020 New York Legislative Session Winds Down; No Budget Resolution In Sight
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“Democrats are not providing any oversight of the governor’s decisions throughout this pandemic. And that is a real problem that I think should concern all New Yorkers.”
Food and Farms
New York Farm Bureau: ‘No Farm Untouched By Pandemic’
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65% of farmers in New York state say their business has been negatively or very negatively affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
App NEWS
Brindisi, Katko Hope Congress Can Reach Deal On Latest COVID-19 Relief Bill
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In the spirit of bipartisanship, Rep. John Katko (R-Camillus) and Rep. Anthony Brindisi (D-Utica) got together for a virtual town hall on Facebook this week, the first time they’ve ever done such a joint meeting.
App NEWS
Using Emergency Powers, Governor Withheld Millions From PA County. Now It’s Suing
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The lawsuit represents yet another test of Wolf’s emergency powers, which have been unsuccessfully challenged several times.
Education
Reopening Schools Brace for Mid-Year Aid Cuts
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“Now more than ever, school districts need more funding in order to make this work in this environment.”
New York State Bids For Large-Scale Renewable Energy Projects
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Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul tweeted it is “the largest ever combined solicitations for renewable energy ever issued in the U.S.”
Health
Some Deafblind Residents Lose Services — And Socialization — During Pandemic
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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.