New York State’s main corrections officers union is calling on Governor Hochul for more pay and fewer staffing shortages. New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association President Chris Summers says assaults on his officers are on the rise, with over 2,000 expected this year. He blames much of the problem on fewer disciplinary options for inmates due to the HALT Act. He adds some officers have worked shifts as long as a full 24-hours because there’s not enough staff. Governor Hochul says she’s aware of recruitment issues, but says fewer officers are needed because the number of prisoners statewide is on the decline.
Eligible families across New York State are receiving money to help pay for healthy meals. Governor Hochul says each eligible family will receive $120 per child, with more than $200 million going to one-and-half-million kids across the state. It’s all part of the Summer EBT program that can be used at grocery stores or delis that accept supplemental benefits; applications must be submitted by September 3rd.
New York State has passed legislation mandating that all student IDs include the suicide prevention hotline and text line by 2025. The move comes as suicide remains the second leading cause of death for individuals aged 10-14 and 20-34, according to the CDC. The Student Lifeline Act specifically targets higher education institutions, aiming to increase awareness of mental health resources among students aged 18-24, who often face significant challenges like academic pressure, social issues, and personal struggles. The initiative is part of a broader effort to provide potentially lifesaving support to students across the state. (If you or someone you know is experiencing feelings involving self harm, please call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988.)
The Genesee County Farmer’s Market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday now through November 1st, from 9am until 4pm. Vendors offer fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheese, flowers, crafts, wine and more. They’re located in the parking lot across from O’Lacy restaurant on School Street. For more information, please call 716-560-0853.
“Heavenly Traditions and Holy Matrimony: Weddings Through Time,” is an exhibit that will take you through decades of wedding dress styles and traditions. Items from the 19th century through the 20th will be on display at the Holland Land Office Museum during normal museum hours through December 31st. For additional information, visit www.hollandlandoffice.com
The Holland Land Office Museum is extending its hours every first Wednesday of the month, which means they’ll be open until 8:00pm. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to offer personal tours that will provide you with more in depth history of Batavia and Genesee County. You’ll also have the opportunity to go upstairs if you’d like and are able to. Admission is $5 for nonmembers and $3 for members. For more information, please call 585-343-4727.
The next LeRoy-Stafford Senior Citizens Luncheon will be on Wednesday, August 21st starting at 12:30, at Our Lady of Mercy Parish Center, 44 Lake Street, LeRoy. Lunch will be provided along with dessert for $5 per person. Please bring your own beverage. Entertainment will follow lunch. For more information, please call 721-6073.
The Genesee Valley Civil War Roundtable is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, August 21st at 7pm, at the Pavilion United Methodist Church at the corner of 63 and 19. The topic on the Abolitionists of Wyoming County will be presented by Pat Meek.
The Senior Nutrition Site at Havenwood Congregate Apartments at 240 Richmond Avenue serves lunch daily starting at noon, Monday through Friday. For reservations, please call 344-1330.
Every Monday morning starting at 10:00, it’s Toddler Story Time at the Richmond Memorial Library. Join them for stories, songs and fun. For more information, please call 343-9550.
NBC News Features…
Vaccine skepticism is rising in the U.S. According to a Gallup poll, fewer American adults say it’s important to get children vaccinated today than in recent years. Just 40% of respondents said it’s “extremely important” for parents to get their kids’ shots, compared to 58% who said the same in 2019. Americans are also now much less likely to say the government should require kids to be vaccinated — down from 62% in 2019 to 51% now.
The CDC is issuing new guidelines for RSV vaccines. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has narrowed its recommendations for which older adults should be vaccinated against the respiratory virus. It now says only adults age 75 and older, or those 60 and older who are at high risk, should get the shot. Up to 160-thousand older adults in the U.S. get RSV each year, and about 10,000 people each year die of the virus.
The CDC is reporting that COVID-19 deaths are declining. It’s now listed as the tenth leading cause of death in the U.S. as opposed to the fourth leading cause in 2022. During the peak of the COVID pandemic, in 2021, COVID-19 was the 3rd biggest disease killer in America behind heart disease and cancer. The CDC says COVID-19 was cited as an underlying or contributing factor on 76-thousand death certificates last year.
A chemical that’s used in rocket fuel and fireworks has been found in multiple food products popular with babies and children. That’s according to findings published by Consumer Reports. The tests show the chemical perchlorate in two-thirds of nearly 200 samples from grocery stores and fast food chains. Food in plastic containers had the highest levels, followed by foods in plastic wrap and paperboard. Fresh fruit and vegetables also contained elevated amounts of perchlorate. The chemical has been linked to potential brain damage in infants and fetuses and thyroid issues in adults.
A third person is dead from a listeria outbreak that originated in deli meat. Boar’s Head recently recalled seven-million-pounds of meat products following two other listeria deaths, one in New Jersey and another in Illinois. On Thursday, the CDC announced a third person had died from the listeria outbreak in Virginia. The total number of sick people has risen to 43 across over a dozen states. Nearly all of them have been hospitalized from the sickness. This latest recall involves liverwurst, ham, bologna and beef salami made at a Boar’s Head plant in Virginia. More than 70 products with sell-by dates spanning July 29th to October 17th are involved.