Morning News Brief
Written by Michael Baldwin on July 20, 2021
The latest New York statewide COVID report has more conflicting results. The positivity rate has lowered to 1.18% with a 7-day average rate of 1.26%. However, the last week, hospitalization have noticeably increased. On Monday, 26 new people were admitted with COVID-related illnesses. The ICU admissions remain flat. In the Finger Lakes Region, the positivity rate has been increasing since Saturday. The Western New York rate has peaked to 1.42%
A Wyoming County man has pleaded guilty to attempting to have sex with an 11-year-old girl. 42-year-old Daniel Hays of Bliss entered his plea Monday. The charge carries a minimum penalty of five years in prison, a maximum penalty of 20 years, and a $250,000 fine. In April and May of 2021, Hay allegedly engaged in sexually explicit online and text communications with an individual who he believed to be an 11-year-old girl. In reality, the child was an undercover New York State Police Investigator working with the Department of Homeland Security. On May 11 Hays traveled approximately two hours in order to have sex with the child. He was arrested upon his arrival at the meeting place. Sentencing is scheduled for October 19.
NY Congresswoman Claudia Tenney is leading 175 of her House Republican colleagues in filing an Amicus Brief to the Supreme Court defending the right to conceal carry under the Second Amendment to the Constitution for the case New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Corlett. According to a partisan press release, they say the case is slated to be the biggest Supreme Court decision regarding the Second Amendment since the District of Columbia v. Heller case that reaffirmed the right to keep and bear arms.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, announced nearly $25 million in federal funding to upgrade public water and waste management systems across five towns and villages in New York State. This funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Water and Waste Disposal Loans and Grants and will be used to reduce health and sanitary deficiencies, improve storm water management, and extend public water service to residents living without access to safe and reliable potable water. In Genesee County, the Town of Pembroke will receive more than $9 million.
Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that state investigators will be on patrol at popular summer concert venues to crack down on underage drinking and the use of fake IDs to purchase alcohol. Beginning this week and throughout the summer, Operation Prevent enforcement sweeps will be conducted at venues like Darien Lake Performing Arts Center. Operation Prevent is an ongoing effort to stop and prevent underage drinking, promote healthier choices among young New Yorkers and enhance roadway safety.
Canada announced Monday it will begin letting fully vaccinated U.S. citizens into Canada on Aug. 9, and those from the rest of the world on Sept. 7. Canadian officials said the 14-day quarantine requirement will be waived as of Aug. 9 for eligible travelers who are currently residing in the United States and have received a full course of a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Canada.
All 64 SUNY campuses across New York State plan to fully reopen with in-person classes this Fall. The Chancellor says that vaccination rates for SUNY students are outpacing the general state population. The only restrictions will be for those who remain unvaccinated, who will be required to continue masking and social distancing, as well as be subject to weekly COVID testing. They may also be barred from sports and special events.
A Genesee County Grand Jury has indicted Andre Roberts for felony assault on a deputy and resisting arrest. The incident happened last October in the Town of Alexander.
