App NEWS
Report: Ithaca’s police staffing levels ‘sufficient’ to handle calls
|
The findings are contrary to messaging from the Ithaca Police Department and its labor union, the Ithaca Police Benevolent Association.
Cooperatively owned broadband project in Dryden delayed by supply chain issues
|
“We actually intended to be working currently, like this fall. But because of supply chain issues, fiber is one of the things that was hit particularly hard.”
Economy
At a key PA port complex, long-term problems and short-term staffing issues collide
|
The Port is on track to process 740,000 containers by year’s end — up 15 percent from last year.
App NEWS
NY homeowners, facing foreclosure due to pandemic, could be eligible for aid
|
Federal funding is on the way to New York homeowners who are at risk of foreclosure.
App NEWS
First trucks leave Amazon ‘last-mile’ delivery center in Broome County
|
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said the facility will bring a couple hundred jobs to the area.
App NEWS
Lawmakers promote broadband funding in federal infrastructure package
|
Funding from the $1.2 trillion federal infrastructure package signed into law last week, will soon start making its way down to local projects, including broadband internet access.
Economy
Governor Hochul rallies NYC business leaders
|
“How about this New Year’s resolution- that in the days after New Year’s that we say ‘everybody’ back in the office.”
Economy
Excluded Workers Fund provided relief…for people who actually received funds
|
“It was just such a stressful day-to-day struggle to figure out how how to make it through the week and how to put food on the table.”
App NEWS
Criminal justice advocates applaud Southport prison closure, others worry
|
The Southport Correctional Facility near Elmira is one of six prisons throughout New York state that will close.
App NEWS
Price Chopper/Market 32 & Tops complete merger
|
Among the Tops stores being sold to C&S are shops located in Cooperstown, Cortland, Norwich, and Owego.
App NEWS
Governor pledges $450m to boost tourism industry
|
“The only way we are going to say that New York is truly back, is when the tourism industry is back as well. I believe they are interconnected.”
Crime and Justice
Prisons in Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, set to close
|
The Southport Correctional Facility in Chemung County and the Willard Drug Treatment Campus in Seneca County are among six prisons closing.
App NEWS
David, Kraham outline transition for new Binghamton City administration
|
The transition comes as several city departments have vacancies or are currently led by individuals looking to retire in the near future.
App NEWS
Binghamton mayor proposes special entity to manage Water Street development
|
“We have put a lot of thought from the very beginning on how this is going to be structured in an effort to advance this project and protect the city.”
App NEWS
Kraham declares victory in Binghamton mayor race
|
Republicans appear poised to maintain control of the mayor’s office for another four years.
Addie Jenne
NY Assembly Holds Hearings on Cryptocurrency Mining
|
“Is it or is it not an energy hog. If it is? If it’s undermining our climate goals then we need to take a really really careful look at it, including saying no.”
App NEWS
Gov. Hochul Lauds Unveiled BU Nursing Facility, Receives Booster Shot
|
While plans for the new Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences facility pre-date the pandemic by several years, its opening comes at a time when many hospitals face nursing shortages.
2021 Election
Policing, Sewage Contentious Points During Binghamton Mayoral Debate
|
The candidates strongly differed over the management of the Binghamton-Johnson City Joint Sewage Treatment Plant.
Education
Even With Federal COVID Relief Dollars, Schools Still Face Hiring Difficulties
|
Many school district leaders have a dilemma — they have all this federal money, but they can’t use it to hire the teachers and staff they need.
Economy
Consumer Confidence Nose-Dives Amid Inflation And Supply Chain Problems
|
“They’re worried about inflation, they’re worried about jobs, they’re worried about all sorts of things. world affairs.”
Addie Jenne
Public Weighs Greenidge Air Permits At DEC Hearings
|
The IBEW’s now outspoken support of Greenidge indicates that opponents may face a broader front in their efforts to pass legislation implementing a moratorium on cryptocurrency mining.
App NEWS
Amid Supply Chain Troubles, New York Retailers Prep For Another Tough Holiday Season
|
“They’re trying to figure out how to make their inventory as accessible to their customers as they can.”
App NEWS
Federal Infrastructure Bill Could Bring $13.5 Billion For Bridge Repairs, Jobs To Southern Tier
|
Schumer said the $1 trillion bill would create thousands of union jobs to complete federally-funded infrastructure projects.
App NEWS
Not Last Year’s Toilet Paper Shortage, But Supply Chain Troubles Hit Grocery Stores
|
A combined shortage of labor, material, and transportation has made it difficult for stores like Tops and Wegmans to keep many items in stock.
App NEWS
DEC’s Cryptocurrency Mining Decision To Test New York’s Climate Law
|
“All eyes are on what happens with this particular facility.”
Economy
Labor Crisis In Veterinary Medicine Leaves Pets At Risk
|
A shortage of veterinarians in New York State is making it difficult for people to find care for their pets.
anna kelles
NYSEG Calls Off Bell Station Auction
|
“If the auction proceeded, the opportunity to preserve the land for conservation and public access could have been lost forever.”
Economy
Governor Promises To Intensify Economic Development
|
Later, speaking to reporters, the governor said she wanted to intensify the focus on reviving downtown areas in struggling cities.
Andrew Zepp
NYSEG Faces Backlash Over Proposed Auction Of 470-Acre Lakefront Property
|
“There has to be some level of ‘Wow, this property is something that we would like to open to the public.'”
Economy
Comptroller Seeks Alternatives To Pay Down New York’s Unemployment Fund Deficit
|
The pandemic caused an unprecedented number of temporary and permanent job losses, with over 4.7 million New Yorkers collecting benefits.
App NEWS
Many Unemployment Benefits Ended Amid Ongoing Labor Shortage
|
“There’s clearly something going on in households where people still feel they can get by.”
App NEWS
NYS Fair To Return To 13 Days In 2022
|
Average daily attendance at this year’s State Fair was down by more than 50% from the 2019 fair, primarily because of the pandemic.
allan gandelman
New York Cannabis Rollout Moves Ahead, But Roadblocks Remain
|
“These are people that wrote the bill. They should’ve had these people in mind when they wrote those statutes.”
binghamton
Zeldin Visits Binghamton On Upstate Campaign Tour
|
“A policy that I don’t subscribe to is the idea that a local government would be getting tens of millions of dollars and providing what amounts to corporate welfare.”
App NEWS
10 Years After Lee Businesses Still Cope With An Unpredictable River
|
“They lost it once and they knew what it was like and they didn’t want to lose it again.”
App NEWS
Binghamton City Council To Continue ARPA Discussions
|
Last week, council moved to hold over several resolutions to next week’s meeting where they may receive a vote.
App NEWS
Public Comment Ending Soon On Endicott Battery Manufacturer’s Draft Air Permits
|
“I believe that the benefit, risk ratio is an order of magnitude better for IM3 than it was for SungEel.”
App NEWS
New Businesses Surge Amid Pandemic Recovery
|
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.
Economy
Short Handed Employers Hesitant Over Vaccine Mandates
|
“They want to have safety in their workforce, they want to provide a safe environment for their customers, but they also want to be adequately staffed.”
App NEWS
EPA Soliciting Comment On Vapor Intrusion Plan In Elmira Heights
|
Testing has shown some homes in Elmira Heights to have indoor air concentrations as high as 37 micrograms per cubic meter, over seventeen times the EPA’s maximum for homes.
App NEWS
June Unemployment Rate Proves Stagnant, NY Labor Shortage Remains
|
While New York reportedly added 9,800 jobs in June, there continues to be a labor shortage across the state.
While Canada To Reopen Border Aug. 9, Cannabis Is Not Invited
|
Niezgoda said that smaller infractions, and unintended smuggling, are another matter for travelers to keep in mind.
App NEWS
NYS Says It’s Targeting Jobs As Alternative To Gun Violence
|
“Many employers are begging for assistance and what we can do is pair up these individuals and get them the training they need, through state-run programs, with willing employers to help eradicate the spectre of violence by giving them an alternative.”
Economy
GlobalFoundries Announces Further Expansion in Saratoga County
|
“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
|
“The market certainly is much tighter than it has been in the past. There’s no doubt about it.”
App NEWS
PA May See The Nation’s Strongest Post-Pandemic Sales Tax Boost
|
Forecasters predict Pennsylvania will rake in nearly 15 percent more this year than last. That would be the largest increase of any state.
App NEWS
In Ithaca, Chain Works Site Remediation Amendment Is Clearing Way For Development
|
Contaminants were regularly used at the plant, especially in metal finishing processes.
broadband
Sherburne Officials Seek Funding To Get Municipal Broadband Off The Ground
|
“Getting these costs nailed down is really the next step.”
App NEWS
Tucked Into New PA State Budget, Millions In Sales Tax Breaks For Server Farms
|
Under the tax code section of last month’s budget agreement, any company that builds a center in the Keystone State won’t have to pay sales tax on the thousands of pieces of equipment needed.
App NEWS
Schuyler County Farmer Tries Chickpea Farming, A Potentially Lucrative Crop For NY
|
“Because of the climate or the soil, there was a number of reasons that a number of people made assumptions it wouldn’t work, but no one had actually tried it.”
App NEWS
Greenlight Networks To Invest $25M in Binghamton Broadband
|
“I think this will be a magnet for small businesses to locate within the city of Binghamton because I think there’s going to be more choice for them.”
Wall Street Bosses Want Their Workers Back. That’s Good For The King Of Falafel
|
Wall Street executives are pushing vaccinated workers to return to work, and that’s good news for vendors and other small businesses in New York that depend on workers from finance.
App NEWS
For Activists, Felony Disenfranchisement Remains A Fight For Civil Rights
|
A majority of those incarcerated will rejoin the community outside of prison at some point.
Economy
Senator Gillibrand Pushes For New Union Protections
|
“The best way to get our economy back and to rebuild our middle class is to support our unions and our workers.”
App NEWS
Lawmakers, Advocates Urge New York’s Governor To Sign Child Poverty Reduction Act
|
“This isn’t rocket science. It’s public policies that are the biggest lever to lift families out of poverty.”
Crime and Justice
Wegmans Says Customers’ Personal Data May Have Been Exposed
|
Wegmans recently notified customers that two databases used for the company’s internal business purposes were inadvertently left open to potential outside access.
Economy
More Than 400 Broome County Residents Apply For NY Rental Assistance Program
|
The legislation that created the program dictated that a minimum of 35 percent of the funds are reserved for applicants outside of New York City, but only through its first 30 days.
Economy
New Phase Of “I LOVE NY” Campaign Features Upstate Communities Dependent On Tourism
|
The tourism industry claims 70% of a $900 million industry in central New York, was lost in the past year.
Economy
New State Grant Program To Help Struggling Small Businesses In New York
|
“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.”
Economy
Jobs Report Sparks Confusion Over New York’s Labor Shortage
|
“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”
anna kelles
NY Senate Passes Crypto Moratorium, Assembly Prospects Remain Unclear
|
Among those in opposition are union groups.
Amid Pandemic Recovery, A Push For A “Living Wage” In Tompkins Co.
|
“The best reason to pay people a living wage, from an employer’s point of view, is that you’re garnering a sense of loyalty from those workers.”
Andrew Cuomo
Cuomo Addresses Bitcoin Mining: “There Are Serious Concerns”
|
Any bills passed would require Cuomo’s signature.
Clock Ticking For New York Municipalities To Opt Out Of Marijuana Sales
|
“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.”
Crime and Justice
New York AG Asks Court To Order Kodak CEO To Testify
|
The Attorney General’s Office filed a petition with the New York State Supreme Court to force Continenza to publicly testify about his purchase of more than 46,000 shares of Kodak stock last summer.
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.”
American Jobs Plan
Schumer Talks Broadband With Chenango Leaders
|
“We’re going to try to make sure that it’s really good broadband.”
App NEWS
NY COVID Rental Assistance Applications Open Tuesday
|
During the first 30 days, the program will prioritize those who are unemployed, those with income at or below 50 percent of area median income and other vulnerable populations at risk of homelessness.
Antonio Delgado
Otsego Officials Say Federal Aid Won’t Completely Cover Pandemic Budget Losses
|
“When our sales tax is cut by that much it affects us, when other counties weren’t nearly as affected because the majority of their revenue comes from tax revenue.”
App NEWS
Tenney, Chenango Leaders Discuss Broadband Expansion Plan
|
“The school district has trouble with their teachers getting access to the students. Some of the hospitals and medical units have trouble getting access to people in the rural areas.”
Economy
New York Comptroller To Challenge Amazon’s Racial Justice Practices
|
DiNapoli is asking that Amazon to review its impacts on civil rights, equity, diversity and inclusion, and the impacts of those issues on its business.
Small Business Owners Are Scoring Dream Spots In The Most Cutthroat Market: Manhattan
|
There’s a silver lining to all those empty storefronts in New York City: Some business owners are snagging prime Manhattan locations ahead of the Great Reopening.
Featured in Category
Binghamton Residents Discuss What $46 Million Can Do For City
|
“I think it’s important for the money to be for all the different points that address human needs.”
Economy
Charter Spectrum To Raise Some Monthly Fees
|
The rate increases include a $1.54 a month increase in the Broadcast TV Surcharge, which Spectrum said reflects the costs incurred from local broadcast TV stations.
I Came Close To Dying: Wall Street’s Most Photographed Man Is Ready For Normalcy
|
If 100% of a firm’s traders are fully vaccinated, they can start sending more to the stock exchange floor. They can eat lunch in their booths again. Masks will be optional in some parts of the floor.
App NEWS
On The Road, There Are Few Options For Truck Drivers To Get The Vaccine
|
“I’m surprised they’re not sending vans to weigh stations or rest areas and putting up signs to say, ‘Truck drivers, stop here and get your one-shot vaccine. One-shot and go.’”
anna kelles
Amid Environmental Concerns, Lawmaker Calls For Cryptocurrency Mining Moratorium
|
If passed, a moratorium would be the first statewide restriction on cryptocurrency mining in the U.S.
App NEWS
In Corning, Schumer Says Child Tax Credit Will Help Families Long After Stimulus Checks
|
Roughly a quarter of Steuben County residents experiencing poverty are under the age of 18.
Economy
New York Senate to Act On Pandemic Rules, Like ‘Cuomo Chips’ Requirement
|
“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
|
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.
App NEWS
Schumer Seeks To Boost Semiconductor Industry, Targeting New York
|
“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.”
Economy
PA Launches Improved Unemployment System In June. Expect Hiccups.
|
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.
Economy
Siena Survey: Upstate New York CEOs Pessimistic
|
About 40% of the CEOs surveyed believe economic conditions in upstate NY will improve this year.
Economy
Unemployment Rate In New York Remains Higher Than National Average
|
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.
App NEWS
Day 1 Of New York’s New Fiscal Year Passes With No Budget
|
If the budget is not adopted by Monday, 39,000 state workers, many in health care and correctional facilities, may see their April 8 paychecks delayed.
App NEWS
Cuomo, Lawmakers Yet To Reach Budget Agreement
|
The legislature is proposing $7 billion dollars in new taxes on the wealthy and corporations, and $4 billion dollars more in school aid.
App NEWS
NYS Legislature Votes To Legalize Marijuana
|
An estimated $350 million in annual revenue is expected from the 13 percent sales tax on the drug, with 40 percent of the revenue going to a community reinvestment fund.
App NEWS
Marijuana Legalization Opponents Make Last-Ditch Effort to Stall NY Legislation
|
“I’m not talking about stopping a guy from sitting in his backyard and smoking a joint. Honestly, I really don’t care. But I know people are going to get in traffic crashes and they’re going to die.”
App NEWS
Vote To Legalize Cannabis In New York Could Come Tuesday
|
By late 2022, adults in the state would be able to buy cannabis in retail stores, and could also sample the drug in tasting rooms.
App NEWS
Essential, Unemployed, Overstretched: How The COVID Economy Crashed On Women
|
As the coronavirus pandemic turns one, researchers have found women have lost decades of economic progress, but some have also found a new voice in advocating for better family and work policies.
App NEWS
Genesee Brewery Invests To Accommodate Growth In Seagram’s ‘Escapes’
|
“Beer industry growth is coming from flavored malt beverages, seltzers and through innovation. We’re investing behind that while our beer business also grows share but in declining or flat categories.”
Arts & Culture
Couples Navigate New York’s Rules For Weddings
|
New York now allows the resumption of weddings. But wedding planners have a list of COVID-19 safety measures to follow.
Economy
Medical Marijuana Companies Say They Could Jump-Start Recreational Market
|
Rather than wait for new cannabis cultivators to build from the ground up, medical cannabis companies say they could use their existing infrastructure to give the new market a boost.
Restaurant Capacity Increased To 75% Outside Of NYC, Starting March 19
|
The data have shown that restaurants can operate safely and in accordance with strict health protocols at 75% capacity. New York City restaurant capacity will remain at 35% capacity.
Economy
With Federal Aid, Tax Hikes On The Rich Still On The Table, Cuomo Says
|
That money would be used to fill the state’s budget deficit, which Cuomo’s office has projected to be about $15 billion over two years.
The Movie Industry Holds Its Breath As New York Reopens Theaters
|
Movie theaters in New York City are reopening after nearly a year. And the decisions has consequences for the entire globaly output of Hollywood.
Economy
Advocates, Opponents Skeptical Of Governor’s Marijuana Plan
|
“What we’ve seen in other states like Colorado — less taxes and lower barrier to entry — means more revenue. More revenue means more money for community reinvestment.”
App NEWS
PA Bars And Restaurants Can Apply For New State Grants Starting This Month
|
Restaurant and bar owners have pressured state lawmakers for months to give their struggling businesses more help.
anna kelles
Legislature, Cuomo, Still Far Apart On Marijuana Legalization
|
Legislative Democrats’ qualms don’t stop at the social equity funding, there are additional concerns as well with the taxation structure, criminal penalties and oversight of the Governor’s proposed Office of Cannabis Management.
Economy
Gas Industry Hasn’t Delivered On Its Economic Promises, Report Says
|
Industry rejects report, calls gas development a ‘game-changer for local economies’
Economy
Cuomo Changes Marijuana Legalization Proposal, Outlining Plan for Revenue and Delivery
|
Cuomo’s proposal would set aside $100 million of the state tax revenue generated by the cannabis industry to be reinvested for purposes of social equity, targeting communities disproportionately impacted by the state’s drug laws.
As They Merge, Tops And Price Chopper To Retain Their Identities
|
“We’re both happy with what we do and none of that will change. And there’ll be no attempt to close any stores.”
App NEWS
Schumer Unveils $25 Billion COVID-Relief Fund To Help Restaurants
|
“Thousands of restaurants throughout New York state will close if we don’t get them some immediate relief.”
Economy
New York Expands List Of Late Closing Establishments
|
“With the holiday surge now in our rear-view mirror, we must keep taking steps to further re-open the economy safely and responsibly.”
App NEWS
Binghamton Pantry Expands Outreach Amid Winter Obstacles
|
“Transportation’s a huge problem for them to get here. The winter’s been harder.”
Economy
Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets Merging
|
Officials with the two companies say it will nearly double their collective footprint in the Northeast.
Economy
Closer Analysis Of December Finds 100% Of Net Jobs Lost Were Held By Women
|
The latest government figures show a net loss of 140,000 jobs in December. What may be surprising is that all those jobs were held by women, especially women of color.
Economy
As COVID-19 Raged On, State Sales Tax Collections Last Year Took A Dive
|
The steepest decline in sales tax collections happened during the peak of the pandemic, when sales tax collections dropped by about 27% statewide.
Featured in Category
Delgado and Gillibrand Push For $50B In Rural Funding In Next COVID-19 Relief Package
|
“The Rebuild Rural America Act would transform the federal government away from being a complicated, siloed and top-down enterprise or bureaucracy, into a more responsive, effective partner for our rural communities.”
App NEWS
Senate Republicans Propose COVID-19 Relief Package for New York Restaurants
|
“The state needs to step up and help us ensure that this industry is able to continue on and prosper. It is the lifeblood of New York state.”
App NEWS
Restaurant Owners In Orange Zones Relieved After New York State Allows Indoor Dining
|
“We were waiting for this for a long time and everything. It’s like a big sigh of relief for me.”
New York City Cancels Contracts With Trump Organization
|
Mayor Bill de Blasio said that President Trump “incited a rebellion” and that New York City “will not be associated with those unforgivable acts in any shape, way or form.”
Democrats, Unions Seek Workplace Protections Against Infectious Diseases through NY HERO Act
|
“We saw in the first big wave here in New York that the people who bore the brunt, the sacrifice and health problems, were the people who had to go to work.”
Economy
New Paid Leave Law Could Help New York Slow Spread Of COVID-19
|
“This is really a very important step forward in fighting COVID and in fighting any other kind of illness.’
In New York, Waiting For A COVID-19 Test Is A Business Opportunity
|
A business that traditionally provided line standers for Broadway shows and other events, now serves people who don’t want to wait hours outside a health clinic.
Minimum Wage Up Again, While Tip Credits Change
|
There are several new tip credit rates covering various employees who typically receive a tip as part of their service.
Economy
Despite Virus Spike, Governor Says 2021 Could Bring Reopenings
|
“2021 is going to be literally what we make of it. We’re coming out of probably the most traumatic year that we’ve had in decades.”
App NEWS
In 2021, New York Workers Will Earn More Sick Leave And A Higher Minimum Wage
|
Large and medium businesses must pay their employees if they are out because of their own illness, or to care for sick family member.
New York Employers Could Mandate COVID-19 Vaccine, According To Updated Federal Guidelines
|
“I don’t think an anti-vaxxer would have a good claim if they were fired for refusing to take a vaccine.”
Economy
Unemployment Benefits And One-Time Checks: What To Know About The New Stimulus In PA
|
If you’re wondering when your check will arrive, what’s up with your unemployment, or what else taxpayers should expect from the new program, here’s what you need to know.
App NEWS
Jobless aid at end for hundreds of thousands in Pennsylvania
|
More than 300,000 people in Pennsylvania have been filing for continuing claims, according to federal data.
ambulance
Pandemic is straining ambulance providers
|
SYRACUSE, NY (WRVO) – The federal government is directing more than $1 billion worth of COVID relief funding passed earlier this year to offset losses incurred by ambulance providers. It’s welcome news in New York. “Emergency medical service providers across the U.S. have been struggling to stay afloat as the COVID-19 health crisis has raged on. Nowhere is that more true than here in New York, one of the hardest-hit states during the pandemic,” said Jeff Endler, a spokesperson for the United New York Ambulance Network. Lon Fricano, director of operations at TLC Emergency Medical Services that covers Auburn and Onondaga and Cortland counties, said every year in this business is tough, but COVID has doubled down on difficulties they face.
Andrew Cuomo
Assembly Speaker Says Agreement On Rent Protections Is Close
|
Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said it’s still possible that a session will be held before 2020 ends on more substantive issues.
App NEWS
Schumer: New York Will Get $54 Billion In New COVID Bill
|
“It’s not a stimulus bill. It’s an emergency survival bill and we’re going to fight for more dollars later,.”
App NEWS
Food Pantries Worry About Getting Food To Clients After Winter Storm
|
“Over 85 families are depending on this food for their Christmas dinners, so we are very concerned about being able to get the plowing done.”
Economy
Spectrum To Double Internet Speeds In Multiple New York Markets
|
Expansion includes Elmira, Rochester, Syracuse, Albany, and Buffalo in New York state.
Economy
Cuomo Warns of Total Shutdown if Virus Rate is Not Controlled
|
“If we do not change the trajectory, we could very well be headed to shutdown, and shutdown is something to worry about.”
App NEWS
Reed’s ‘Problem Solvers’ On the Verge of Major Victory With COVID Relief Bill
|
A separate bill for $160 billion links state, local and tribal aid to an agreement on liability provisions.
Economy
New York Sets Net Zero Carbon Target for State Retirement Fund
|
“This is an important step in the worldwide campaign to stop investments in fossil fuels in order to prevent the worst of global warming.”
App NEWS
Some Workers Don’t Want The COVID-19 Vaccine, But Employers Could Mandate It
|
U.S. employers will be able to require their employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine unless the employee has reasonable medical or religious objections.
App NEWS
New Restrictions On Indoor Dining Likely Next Week, Cuomo Says
|
“Overwhelming the hospital system means people die on a gurney in a hallway, and the life you could’ve saved you can’t save because you don’t have the staff, you don’t have the doctors, you don’t have the nurses.”
Economy
Report: Watchdogs Find No Wrongdoing In Proposed Kodak Loan
|
The proposed $765 million loan to Kodak was announced last July as part of the company’s plans to make ingredients used in generic pharmaceuticals.
App NEWS
Barbers, Salons In Orange Zones Petition New York State To Reopen
|
“Nobody’s giving us any direction. We don’t have the unemployment thing in place, we don’t have the other supports that were in place the last time they shut us down, they’re just like, ‘You gotta close.’ ”
App NEWS
State Senate Dems Offer $4 Billion Pandemic Relief Plan
|
“We know that we can’t depend upon the federal government, given the fact that we’ve been waiting for them to respond to this crisis for months now.”
Economy
Restaurants In New York Struggle As Pandemic, And The Cold Weather, Intensifies
|
“I would consider it shameful that our federally elected representatives have not been able to come together to provide some type of meaningful assistance.”
Economy
Families And Advocates Criticize PA’s Fracking Health Studies
|
State announced $3.9 M studies after pressure from families of rare cancer patients in SW PA
App NEWS
After Touring So. Tier DRI Projects, Hochul Pushes For Continued Funding
|
“They need to continue because the money for those has already been allocated which is important, but also those are supporting downtowns and small businesses and jobs.”
Economy
Unemployment Ticks Down Statewide, But Up Outside New York City
|
While the unemployment rate in the five boroughs dropped to 13.2% in October, the rate outside New York City went up from 6.6% in September to 6.9% in October.
Economy
Businesses Plead With New York Officials To Avoid Wider Economic Shutdowns
|
“Let’s not do these massive shutdowns of gyms or shopping malls or restaurants. That will just crush the economy more.”
Economy
$1 Billion In Relief Aid Is Tied Up In Harrisburg As PA Businesses Face More COVID-19 Pain
|
As coronavirus cases soar in Pennsylvania, state lawmakers face a looming deadline to spend $1.3 billion in federal pandemic relief that the commonwealth received in early spring, but still hasn’t used.
budget
Tompkins Co. Legislature Passes $52 Million 2021 Budget
|
The budget is about a 6 percent decrease from 2020.
Economy
Supermarkets Ration Some Purchases
|
There may not be the same level of shelf-clearing seen last spring, but supermarkets, like Wegmans and Tops, continue to limit purchases of certain items.
Economy
Governor Orders New Restrictions On New York Bars, Restaurants, Gyms, Home Gatherings
|
Social dining, whether indoors or outdoors, is one of three “main spreaders of COVID.” He urged local authorities to enforce the new rules.
covid
“It’s The Right Thing To Do”: GOP Congressman Recognizes Biden As President-Elect
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“Joe Biden has rightfully earned the title of being the projected president-elect and that should be recognized,” Rep. Reed said.
App NEWS
In Ithaca, A Call To Action By Biden Supporters
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“We also need to do a whole lot of work in the coming years to make sure we are building a truly equitable and just democracy,” said one of the rally organizers, Joanna Green.
ACA
WATCH: In Their Only Debate, NY-23 Challenger Calls GOP Congressman Liar, Untrustworthy
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“I do not believe you can be trusted on this question, Mr. Reed,” said Democratic challenger Tracy Mitrano.
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.
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.”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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
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
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
Economy
New York Farms Prepare For Fall Activities With New Precautions
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“We’ve been planning this all for a while, so the regulations were about what we thought they were gonna be.”
App NEWS
Binghamton Mayor David Begins Term As Head Of NYS Conference of Mayors
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As the president of the Conference of Mayors, David said he will pursue increased federal funding and essential state aid.
App NEWS
Endicott Residents, Akshar Call For Halt To Battery Recycling Facility
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“We want the village trustees of Endicott to respect their residents, to listen to their concerns and to represent their best interest.”
ag department
Officials: USDA Hemp Regulations Are Onerous
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“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
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“We’re saying here are some examples of where those resources are needed, and they’re needed now.”
Economy
Without Child Care Bailout, Workforce Could Lose Women
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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
Schumer: Schools Can’t Reopen Without Federal Aid
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“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.”
U.S. Puts Kodak Deal On Hold Amid Scrutiny Of Its Finances
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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.
Economy
‘Making A Souffle On A BBQ Grill’: PA Scrambles After Trump Goes Solo On Unemployment Relief
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“It’s technically doable, I guess.”
PA Congressional Candidate Endorses Additional Federal Aid For Workers, Business Owners And Schools
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“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
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“It is really, really going to hurt this community if we don’t get some type of assistance.”
Cuomo Recruits Kentucky’s Governor In Fight Against Trump’s Unemployment Payment
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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.
Economy
While Probe Continues, Federal Agency Halts Kodak Loan
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“Recent allegations of wrongdoing raise serious concerns. We will not proceed any further unless these allegations are cleared.”
COVID-19
NY Lt. Governor On School Reopening, Flu Season Complications
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“If parents are going to have to go to work and the kids are at home, that’s just an absolute nightmare.”
Crime and Justice
Report: SEC To Look At Government Loan To Kodak
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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.
