Morning News Briefing

One of two men on trial over a gun-sale deal gone bad outside the Days Inn in Batavia last year, has agreed to plead guilty on multiple charges stemming from this case and several others in exchange for a sentence cap of 10 years in prison. As part of the deal, Devon Wright will admit to attempted criminal possession of a weapon 2nd. He is also pleading guilty to assault in the third degree, a misdemeanor, attempted assault 1st, a Class C Violent Felony, and criminal sexual act, also a felony. In exchange, all other pending charges against Wright will be dropped. Wright was released under the supervision of Genesee Justice while Wright awaits sentencing.

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams formally announced his run for governor of New York on Tuesday. The 45-year-old launched his gubernatorial bid with the release of a campaign video titled “Always Moving.” Williams is the most progressive candidate in next year’s increasingly crowded Democratic primary race that already features current Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has also said he’s considering jumping into the race.

The number of active COVID-19 cases in Genesee County now stands at 326 and is nearing the heights total during the pandemic in December 2020…that’s all according to Health Department reports. Over the past few days, there have been 166 new positive COVID-19 cases reported to the county health department. There have been six recent deaths attributed to COVID-19 raising the countywide total over the course of the pandemic to 292. Of the current positive cases, 22 are hospitalized.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says New York City’s celebration in Times Square for New Year’s Eve will be coming back this year with COVID-19 vaccination requirements. All spectators five years and older will be asked to show proof of full vaccination. People who can’t be vaccinated because of a disability will have to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Just days after President Biden signed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of NY will hold a press conference this afternoon announcing at least $27 billion in direct funding to help revitalize New York State’s aging infrastructure. Several of Gillibrand’s provisions were included in the package, including measures to encourage the use of local workers in infrastructure projects, increase limo safety standards, and invest in marginalized workers and communities upended by the disruptive construction of highways. Gillibrand also fought for additional funding for infrastructure projects that will help repair bridges, airports, and roads, connect local workers to good-paying jobs, and improve New York’s water and sewage systems.

State ethics officials have moved to rescind the approval of former Gov. Andrew Cuomo‘s book about the pandemic. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics voted 12-1 Tuesday in favor of revoking its prior approval. Cuomo now has to reapply for approval of the $5.1 million book deal. A spokesman for Cuomo called the move part of a “political game,” and said the group acted outside the scope of its authority.