Weekend News Brief
Written by Dan Fischer on August 16, 2024
Governor Hochul is announcing a deal to provide discounted broadband service to low-income New Yorkers. It’s due to a settlement reached between the state’s Public Service Commission and Charter Communications, which operates under the name Spectrum, in 58 of the state’s 62 counties. Charter will now be required to re-establish the low-income broadband program at $15 a month for four years to New Yorkers in the National Free School Lunch Program or receiving SSI benefits.
The University of Rochester Medical Center is receiving $27 million to conduct a heart failure medication study. Researchers will use those funds to look at two beta-blockers to see which one provides the best long-term results for people with cardiovascular issues. The hope is their findings can provide a boost to cardiac care in the United States and globally. The study likely won’t be complete until late 2030.
A brand-new pilot program is being launched to help low-income utility customers in New York State. This initiative will provide Empower Plus participants with bill assistance to ensure they’re not paying more than 6% of their yearly household income toward electricity costs. To be eligible, customers must meet certain income guidelines. Funding for this program comes from the state budget.
The start of classes is coming up soon, and the state Division of Consumer Protection is alerting college students about scams. The agency says people need to be weary of scams involving fake scholarships, grants and loans. Also, students should ignore calls saying they’ll be dropped from classes immediately if they don’t agree to pay their tuition over the phone. And, scam artists also have a history of setting up fake websites promising low-cost textbooks but never delivering what was purchased.
Drivers in New York are falling for a toll scam. Many New Yorkers have been getting texts from an unfamiliar phone number saying they’re contacting them as an official member of the New York State Thruway Authority. This has become a problem since the state started the Tolls By Mail initiative, which has now put drivers who use the toll road at risk of being scammed. The initiative saves time by eliminating the need to stop and wait in line to pay cash tolls. One of the scam texts says that records show there are outstanding toll charges and say it must be paid to avoid more fees, and it includes a link to an unofficial website. Three ways to check if a text like this is a scam is to compare the link provided to the Tolls by Mail New York website, checking if your plate number shows any tolls when you search it, and checking for an answering system or voicemail feature that’s connected to the number.
Wegmans has announced the recall of one of the products that can be found on store shelves. The supermarket chain says its brand of ultra pasteurized half and half is being recalled due to concerns involving improper testing. The half and half has a best-by date of October 2024 and so far no illnesses have been reported due to this issue. Anyone who has this product can throw it out or return it for a full refund.
An Intergenerational Fishing Clinic will be held on Tuesday, August 27th from 10:00am until 1:00pm at DeWitt Park in Batavia. It’s open to Genesee County residents age 60 or over, accompanied by a child or youth. You’ll learn fishing skills, how to be a responsible angler, fish identification, and all fishing on this day is free to participants. Fishing poles and bait will be provided; however, registration is required. Call the Office for the Aging at 585-343-1611 or visit their office at 2 Bank Street.
The Genesee County Farmer’s Market is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday now through November 1st, from 9am until 4pm. Vendors offer fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheese, flowers, crafts, wine and more. They’re located in the parking lot across from O’Lacy restaurant on School Street. For more information, please call 716-560-0853.
“Heavenly Traditions and Holy Matrimony: Weddings Through Time,” is an exhibit that will take you through decades of wedding dress styles and traditions. Items from the 19th century through the 20th will be on display at the Holland Land Office Museum during normal museum hours through December 31st. For additional information, visit www.hollandlandoffice.com
NBC News features…
New vehicle prices fell 1% in July compared to a year ago. According to Consumer Price Index data out this week. The average price of a new car sold in July was $48,400, down from the all-time high of $49,900 in December 2022. The average price of a used vehicle is just over $27,000. And according to the Kelley Blue Book, incentives are back, averaging $3,300 per vehicle, up 59% from a year ago.
Governor Hochul is putting nearly $650 million into New York’s healthcare workforce. The governor says the money will be distributed over the next three years and used to recruit and train thousands of more health, mental health, and social care workers. Health care facilities across the state have been hemorrhaging workers since the coronavirus pandemic, so Governor Hochul says the latest investment allows New York to retain and grow its healthcare workforce while delivering the highest quality of care. The latest announcement includes new career advancement opportunities for current workers and follows the state’s latest payment of more than two-billion-dollars in bonuses to more than 800-thousand healthcare workers.
The CDC is warning of a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to cucumbers. The outbreak has affected over 440 people across 31 states, leading to 125 hospitalizations but no reported deaths. The CDC believes the actual number of people affected is likely higher, as many recover without medical care and are not tested for Salmonella. The CDC has assured the public that there is likely no ongoing risk as the cucumber growing and harvesting season for these farms is over, and there is no product from these farms on the market. Two Florida growers have been identified as likely sources.
