Morning News Brief
Written by Tom Tharp on April 25, 2022
Once again the Democrats of New York State are taking their map of voting districts to court. The State Court of Appeals, the highest court in the state, could hear oral arguments as soon as tomorrow, on whether or not to strike down the state’s redistricting changes after two lower courts have found the new districts violate the state constitution. State Supreme Court in Rochester decided last Thursday by a 3-2 margin that New York Democrats engaged in gerrymandering when they drew new boundary lines for congressional seats. The judges determined that the maps were drawn to discourage competition and favor Democrats. Critics of the map say that Democrats ignored all bipartisan and traditional methods of drawing the districts and instead created a map very much biased towards Democrats.
The husband of former Rochester Mayor Warren, Timothy Granison, pleaded guilty Monday of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Granison, 43, was one of seven arrested in May of 2021 after a 7-month-long narcotics wiretap investigation by the District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. McGrath, who handled the case, said Granison was a member of a drug trafficking organization led by Jason Siplin that distributed large quantities of cocaine and crack cocaine out of a Glenwood Avenue drug house. According to McGrath, Granison regularly obtained bulk quantities of cocaine from Siplin which he then sold to his own customers. Granison’s sentencing is scheduled for September 6 at 2 p.m.
Storms Monday night brought with them winds of up to 65 miles per hour and caused trees and power lines to come down across the region. Alexander experienced a power outage in the Sandpit Road area. Alexander Fire responded to the report of downed power lines. National Grid and RG and E mobilized to help hundreds who were without power.
Air Fryers sold by Best Buy may overheat and cause fires according to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Insignia brand air fryers with the serial numbers starting in NS-AF 32, 50, 53, 55, and 06 are at risk of overheating and hundreds already have, some causing fires and injuries. Customers are advised to stop using these products immediately and to return them to Best Buy for a refund in the form of a $50 store credit. No receipt is needed.
A new Siena College Poll which was released Monday shows 2 things, that New Yorkers don’t want the state to spend tax dollars on the Buffalo Bills Stadium, and that they are liking Governor Hochul less and less. Researchers found the funding for the stadium is opposed by at least 55% of every demographic group, and upstate New Yorkers approve less than voters downstate. Hochul is down 10 points in approval since just last month and 19 points from the beginning of the year. 45 percent of respondents say they would vote for someone else if Hochul was on the ballot. Only 29 percent say she has fulfilled promises to make people trust the Albany government.
