Morning News Briefing

Governor Andrew Cuomo Monday announced that following successful implementation of the pilot plan to open Bills Stadium to fans last week, Buffalo Bills fans can attend the team’s second home playoff game on Saturday, January 16. Approximately 6,700 fans will be allowed to attend the game only after first obtaining a negative COVID-19 test result and adhering to all public health precautions. Contact tracing will also be conducted after the game and tailgating remains prohibited. This plan was developed cooperatively between the Bills, the New York State Department of Health and BioReference Laboratories.

The New York State Bar Association has launched a historic inquiry into removing Trump Attorney Rudy Giuliani from its membership. Hours before the angry mob stormed the Capitol walls, Trump’s personal attorney, Rudolph Giuliani, addressed a crowd of thousands at the White House, reiterating claims of widespread election fraud in the presidential election and the Georgia U.S. Senate runoffs. Giuliani said, “Let’s have trial by combat.”  The decision is historic for the New York Bar, and officials say they have not made it lightly. The Association says it cannot stand idly by and allow those intent on rending the fabric of our democracy to go unchecked.

Governor Andrew Cuomo delivered a virtual State of the State address Monday in Albany. The governor outlined a seven-part plan to tackle the economic, health, and societal effects of the coronavirus pandemic. They include ramping up vaccinations, addressing health care inequalities, and combatting racism. Gov. Cuomo said one aspect of his plan is to begin re-opening the economy safely and smartly.

The City of Batavia Fire Department will be flushing fire hydrants this morning from approximately 9 to 11 a.m. in the general area of north of Main Street and west of Oak Street. Homes and businesses nearby will be affected. These tests may result in a temporary discoloration of water in that area. As in the past, please do not attempt to wash any clothing if your water appears discolored. If you do experience a discoloration of your water, run cold water for about five minutes or until clear.

NY Republican Congressman Tom Reed published an op-ed in The New York Times Monday, calling on Congress to set aside impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump in favor of other options. In the article, Reed says President Trump “must face justice” for the riot at the Capitol on January 6, but says “the manner in which President Trump and others are held accountable is a difficult question that demands more scrutiny.” The House article of impeachment introduced Monday accused the president of “Incitement of Insurrection.” In his op-ed, Reed says, “while the president’s words were unwise, intemperate and wrong, they may not qualify as incitement.” Reed goes on to write, “We cannot and should not support a rushed, divisive action simply because the emotions of the moment demand it. That is not the American way.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says additional groups of people will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine including “public-facing grocery store workers,” in-person college instructors and people living and working in homeless shelters. The initial groups of Phase 1b now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine included 75 and older, first responders, Corrections Officers, teachers and other school staff, childcare workers and public transit workers. The governor said vaccine administrations can begin at hundreds of sites and due to limited federal distribution of vaccine supply, all New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient when scheduling appointments as it could take up to 14 weeks to determine eligibility and schedule appointments with providers.