Author: Robert Kinney

Livingston County has declared a local State of Emergency in response to the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). County Administrator Ian Coyle announced that the declaration took effect at 5 p.m. on March 14, 2020, citing growing public health concerns and the increasing impact of the virus on daily life across the state and nation. COVID-19, which has been classified as a global pandemic, has spread throughout the United States and New York State, prompting unprecedented public health measures. New York State previously declared a statewide State of Emergency to support coordinated response efforts and allocate resources as needed.…

The Assembly Minority Conference is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to immediately convene the state’s Reimagining Long-Term Care Task Force, citing growing concerns over the well-being of residents in New York’s long-term care facilities. Members of the conference sent a letter urging action, noting that the task force was created by law to examine the state’s long-term care system and develop recommendations for the governor and the Legislature. Although the task force was signed into law on Dec. 22, 2021, and officially took effect on Oct. 27, 2022, it has yet to meet or begin its work. “Considering the many…

The New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors announced it will once again offer a free summer educational program designed to help students strengthen their math and science skills through hands-on, outdoor learning. Building on the success of last year’s initiative, the association is continuing its Get Kids into Survey program, which provides structured lesson plans aimed at keeping students engaged in STEM education during summer vacation. The program is open to students across New York State at no cost and encourages learning beyond the classroom while promoting physical activity and exploration. “After a year of virtual learning and…

Geneseo Police have arrested a man in connection with an alleged series of sexual offenses involving a minor. According to a press release issued by the Geneseo Police Department, Fernando Alvarado-Perez, 37, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree rape, second-degree criminal sexual act, second-degree rape, and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, all stemming from incidents reported to have occurred over an extended period. Police said the investigation began after the victim disclosed the alleged abuse to a family member, who then contacted authorities. “This is a grave case,” said Geneseo Police Chief Michael Osganian.…

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello announced major employment gains across several critical county support departments, citing recent investments in wages, benefits, and recruitment efforts as key drivers of progress. According to the county, staffing levels have improved significantly in Child Protective Services (CPS), public benefits examination, and youth detention facilities. County officials said years of underinvestment by prior administrations, combined with pandemic-related workforce disruptions, had led to severe staffing shortages in these essential services. Over the past year, the Bello administration increased wages for employees in these roles by an average of 11.5 percent. In addition, the county implemented a…

State Police and local emergency responders carried out a water rescue Tuesday afternoon after two individuals fell through the ice at Brisco Cove in Sodus Point. At approximately 12:15 p.m., State Police responded to reports of two people breaking through the ice. Troopers, assisted by officers from Environmental Conservation and members of the Alton Fire Department, located one individual in the water about 30 feet from shore, clinging to the ice in freezing conditions. First responders, along with a civilian, entered the water in an initial attempt to rescue the adult male, later identified as Jason Brudz of Amherst. Those…

Creed III marks the return of Adonis Creed and brings the popular boxing franchise to its third installment, with Michael B. Jordan stepping into a new role behind the camera while reprising his lead performance. Jordan once again stars as Adonis “Donnie” Creed, the son of legendary boxer Apollo Creed. After stepping away from the ring to focus on family life with his wife Bianca, played by Tessa Thompson, Donnie’s carefully built peace is disrupted when Damian Anderson, a former childhood friend and once-promising boxing prodigy, reenters his life following a lengthy prison sentence. Damian, portrayed by Jonathan Majors, challenges…

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced her nomination of Ava Ayers to serve on the New York Commission on Ethics in Lobbying and Government. Ayers is an associate professor at Albany Law School and brings extensive experience in government, ethics, and public service. Her professional background includes prior work with the New York State Office of the Attorney General and service as a federal judicial law clerk. “A strong, independent body dedicated to ensuring ethical conduct in New York state government requires commissioners who uphold the ideals of public service,” James said in a statement. “That is why I…

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced today that she has nominated Ava Ayers to serve on the New York Commission on Ethics in Lobbying and Government. Ayers is an associate professor at Albany Law School and brings significant experience in government ethics, public service, and legal education. Her background includes prior service with the New York State Office of the Attorney General as well as clerkships in the federal judiciary. “A strong, independent body dedicated to ensuring ethical conduct in New York state government requires commissioners who uphold the ideals of public service,” James said. “That is why I…

A New York State Supreme Court judge has ruled that the state’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers is invalid, determining that the policy is no longer enforceable. In a decision filed this week, Justice Gerard Neri held that the vaccine mandate imposed by the New York State Department of Health is “null, void, and of no effect.” The ruling found that the Department of Health did not have the legal authority to issue such a mandate, stating that the power to impose requirements of that nature rests with the state Legislature. The court also concluded that the mandate…