Morning News Briefing
Written by Michael Baldwin on August 25, 2021
New York’s new Governor Kathy Hochul held a ceremonial swearing-in event in Albany after she officially became the state’s first female governor. She ascended to the role after former governor Andrew Cuomo resigned following the state attorney general’s report released earlier this month that found evidence, he had sexually harassed 11 women while in office. Following the brief ceremony, Hochul says her administration will focus on helping New Yorkers gain confidence in their elected officials.
City of Batavia Police Department members raised $1,500.00 among their ranks to support the Challenger Sports program run by the Batavia Y and supported by the Arc of Genesee Orleans. Challenger sports benefits children with intellectual, developmental or physical disabilities and has offered them the opportunity to swim, bowl, dance, play baseball, soccer, basketball and tennis. It was Police Sergeant Lawrence’s idea to target their fundraising proceeds to Challenger Baseball and said this is a great cause to encourage officers get involved in the community.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has lost his Emmy award for his 2020 daily COVID-19 daily briefings after a firestorm of sexual harassment allegations and his subsequent resignation. The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences released a statement Tuesday saying that in light of the New York Attorney General’s report, and Andrew Cuomo’s subsequent resignation as Governor, it is rescinding his special 2020 International Emmy® Award. His name and any reference to his receiving the award will be eliminated from International Academy materials going forward.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Genesee and Orleans counties. Heat index values could reach 100 degrees. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.
Hours after being sworn in as New York’s 57th governor, Kathy Hochul said she will require COVID vaccinations for all school staff, or weekly testing. Gov. Hochul’s vaccine mandate comes just two weeks before the start of school, and she promised more COVID policies are coming. The governor’s announcement comes as school leaders are finalizing reopening plans for the start of the school year.
New York’s COVID positivity rate is now 3.60%. 86 more people have been hospitalized and nine others have been admitted to the ICU. The state reports 11 additional deaths, bringing the statewide COVID death toll to more than 43,000 people. The positivity rate in the Finger Lakes region has slowly declined over the past three days. The WNY rate has been increasing.
