WCDO Radio News

P.M. NEWS TUESDAY 9-14-21

Chenango County Sheriff's Office responded to a fatal 2-car motor vehicle accident on County Road 36 in the Town of Guilford Monday.  Investigators reported that 22-year-old Dominique Brissett of Walkill was traveling north bound on County Road 36 and collided with an SUV operated by 23-year-old Rachel Feyh of Sidney.  Brissett was pronounced dead on the scene, Feyh was air lifted by Life Net to SUNY Upstate Medical in Syracuse, where she was listed in critical but stable condition. The investigation into the cause of the motor vehicle accident is still ongoing.

The state has made progress in making high-speed connections available to New Yorkers, ranking 2nd in the U.S. in the percentage of the population with broadband available in their neighborhood, but more than one million, or 13.8%, of households do not have access or a subscription to home broadband services, according to a report released today by State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli.  The report finds that predominantly rural areas remain underserved by broadband infrastructure, approximately 1 in 3 New York households with income less than $20,000 lacked access to broadband at home.   The entire report can be found at osc.state.ny.us.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced significant progress with the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the Excluded Workers Program. The amount of pandemic-related emergency rental assistance paid out has nearly doubled in the past 3 weeks, up to $399 million, enabling tenants at risk for eviction to stay in their homes and helping struggling landlords to receive unpaid rent. Starting tomorrow, middle-income renters previously ineligible for assistance can begin applying for funding through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, also Governor Hochul announced that over $1 billion in Excluded Workers Program funds have been approved for distribution to date.   More information is available at otda.ny.gov.

A Ribbon Cutting will be held tomorrow morning at the Leilani Way Community Center in Norwich at 105 Leilani Lane, for the Roots & Wings new location.  Robin Cotter of the Roots & Wings Program told WCDO News about the event tomorrow:

(Robin Cotter 9-14-21)

Cotter said that the event is open to the public, more information about their programs can be found at the Facebook page.

Catholic Charities in Sidney is looking for volunteers to assist them in their next community mass food distribution on September 28th, spokesperson Penny McKnight explains:

(Penny McKnight 9-14-21)

McKnight said that they need about 40 to 50 volunteers to help set & then distribute the food to those who show up on the 28th; McKnight said that they have averaged between 9 & 12 tons of food at the previous distributions.

A.M. NEWS Tuesday 9-14-21

Delaware County Public Health reported 101 new cases of COVID 19 in the last week, bringing their total of active cases to 184, with 4 hospitalized & 266 quarantined.  49.6% of the total population is vaccinated, 80% of the positive cases are unvaccinated, and Delaware County residents can find vaccine clinic sites at covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov or vaccines.gov

The State Department of Health today announced that New York State's youth smoking rate has reached an all-time low. As of 2020, less than 3% of high school students smoke cigarettes, down from 27.1% in 2000.  The Youth Tobacco Survey found that youth tobacco use was down across all tobacco product categories, including a drop in e-cigarette use for the first time.  New Yorkers of all ages can contact the New York State Smokers’ Quitline at 1-866-NYQUITS or visit nysmokefree.com.

CDO Workforce is partnering with Otsego County Chamber of Commerce, Commerce Chenango, and Delaware County Chamber of Commerce for the 2nd Virtual Career Fair, today, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. The free event will allow local companies and job seekers to connect one-on-one for immediate placement opportunities, especially in industries that are in high demand including Healthcare, Hospitality, Tourism, & Manufacturing, more information is available at 432-4800.

After a year and a half hiatus, due to the Covid-19 Virus, the Mid York Concert Band is looking forward to beginning rehearsals today for the 40 plus piece ensemble made up of professionals, educators, students and dedicated amateurs from Chenango and surrounding counties.   Spokesman Mark Sands told WCDO News about the musicians they are recruiting:

(Mark Sands 9-14-21)

Sands said that the rehearsals are every other Tuesday evening, with the 1st rehearsal tonight from 7:00 to 9:30 in the Norwich Middle School band room. There are 2 scheduled concerts, December 14, 2021 and May 22, 2022.More information is available at 334-4307 or by email: midyorkcb@gmail.com

Gabriel Truitt of Oneonta was sentenced to life in prison without parole in Otsego County Court this morning.  Truitt was convicted earlier this year on charges of 1st & 2nd degree murder plus arson, for setting a fire at Walling Avenue in Oneonta, former Oneonta Firefighter John Heller died in the fire while helping to evacuate people from the burning building.

David Thomas of Oneonta was sentenced to 8 years in prison today for attempted murder.  Thomas pleaded guilty to attempted murder earlier this year in connection with a domestic dispute on a woman where she suffered a neck injury; an order of protection was also filed for the victim.

Governor Cuomo announced that Hospitalizations from the Coronavirus Dropped to 765 on Thursday, the Lowest Daily Total since March 18th.  there were 776 new cases of the virus yesterday, about 1% of all of those tested, bringing the total number of cases since March up to 405,551.  10 COVID-19 Deaths were reported Thursday the number of ICU patients on ventilators was down to 98.

Chenango County Public Health announced their latest Coronavirus Numbers today, they have had a total of 178 confirmed cases, 131 are quarantined, no one is hospitalized, there have been 6 deaths, 149 recoveries and over 13,800 tests have been performed.

Employees at UHS Primary Care Norwich coordinated a food and personal care product drive at UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital and its outpatient office locations, in order to donate the items to the Catholic Charities Roots & Wings program.    Items such as diapers, formula and hygiene products were donated, 5 collection bins with over 80 items were donated & were distributed to those in need.

State Police identified the 2 women who died after a one-vehicle crash in the town of Pittsfield Wednesday as 21 year old Tehya Gonzalez of Bainbridge and 21 year old Cheyenn Aubry of Treadwell.  The driver is a 26-year-old male who is facing criminal charges; his name will be released after he is formally charged.   Police responded early Wednesday to a report of a vehicle that went off of County Route 13 in the town of Pittsfield.

Otsego County Department of Health announced 4 new cases with 2 people hospitalized, there have been 85 total confirmed cases, with 7 active cases, 73 have recovered, there have been 5 deaths, and 41 people are on quarantine & 35 individuals being monitored after travel from a state with high incidence of infection

The New York State Sheriff’s Association is presenting State legislators with 10 proposals to protect law enforcement and civilians in the area.  Sheriff's held press conferences throughout the state this week, they are seeking Increasing Resisting Arrest to a Class E felony, Making Failure to Retreat a Class D felony, Increasing the levels for assaulting a police officer by one degree, and making them crimes that require bail & Deem crimes against police officers as hate crimes.  They also are asking for May 15th to become a state holiday to honor police officers who have died in New York State.  The full list is available at nysheriffs.org.

Governor Cuomo today announced the state's moratorium on COVID-related residential or commercial evictions through the end of June will be extended:

(Cuomo rent)

Governor Cuomo also announced the state's $25 million Nourish New York Initiative:

(Cuomo food)

The Governor said that the state is also asking any philanthropies or foundations that would like to help the state's food banks to contact COVIDPhilanthropies@exec.ny.gov.

The Chenango County Department of Public Works announced changes to the solid waste department schedules effective May 12th.  The Brisben and North Norwich Transfer Facilities will both be Open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8AM to 4PM for residents only; the Landfill in the Town of Pharsalia will remain Open Monday through Friday from 8AM to 4PM to Residents and Haulers.  Saturday the landfill will be open from 8AM to 4PM for residential bagged garbage only, also they will be collecting clean items for recycling at all 3 facilities.  More information is available at 337-1792

Binghamton city officials announced a new partnership with UHS, for a new COVID-19 testing work station that allows for same day coronavirus testing for up to 200 tests a day.    Officials plan to purchase a 2nd one shortly.

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer announced that the Trump administration approved New York State’s request to operate the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer program authorized under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.  The program would permit New York State to provide benefits similar to SNAP benefits to more than 1.4 million children in the state who normally receive free or reduced price school meals and those who attend schools that offer free meals to all students.

Chenango County Public Health announced they have 102 Confirmed COVID 19 cases, with 42 quarantined, 4 Hospitalized, 79 recoveries & 4 deaths.

New York State Empire State Development has updated their guidance on automotive sales, to allow for in-person showing of vehicles, by appointment only.  More information is available at esd.ny.gov/guidance-executive-order-2026.

The State Department of Labor announced that over $5.8 billion in unemployment benefits have been paid to 1.5 million New Yorkers since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, they also identified over 470,000 New Yorkers who have completed claims, but did not receive some of their benefits in previous weeks because they did not submit weekly certifications, which are required by Federal law.  The Labor Department is launching a new, streamlined process to submit backdated certifications and get their back pay faster and easier.

Cornell Cooperative Extension and Roots & Wings of Catholic Charities & the SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus will be holding 3 separate dairy and Ag product drive-thru events Today, May 21st and June 4th at the Chenango County Fairgrounds.  A variety of dairy products, including Chobani yogurt, perishable and non-perishable products will be donated to those families in-need beginning at 2:00 p.m. until supplies are gone.   All products will be purchased from local grocers and Ag producers whenever possible.  More information about charitable donations can be found at givecampus.com.

Local High School Seniors will be missing out on proms & graduation ceremonies this year due to the Coronavirus issue, but Sierra Boice of Sierra Rain Photography has decided to take free pictures at the senior’s homes, free of charge, in exchange for a food donations:

(Sierra Boice 5-6-20)

Boice said that she will start with Sidney High School Seniors first & then to other local districts, she can be contacted at 287-5976 or by instant message on her Sierra rain Photography Facebook page.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced a $300,000 EPA grant has been awarded to Broome County Industrial Development Agency, the grant funds will be used to conduct more than a dozen environmental site assessments and develop 2 site reuse plans for brownfields. Grant funds also will be used to conduct 4 public meetings & 3 public open houses.

Delaware County Public Health is reporting 1 new case of COVID-19 Wednesday, giving the County 9 active cases.  To date there have been 74 confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Delaware County, 21 people are under mandatory quarantine,  12 confirmed cases have been transferred out of the county, 3 are isolated in a hospital, 6 are recovering at home, 4 people are deceased and 49 have fully recovered.

Governor Cuomo today announced that the number of Coronavirus cases in New York State went up to 222,000 people; Hospitalizations remained at over 17,000, with an average of 2000 new cases discovered daily on average.  The Governor said that the key to restarting the economy and sending people back to work is a lot more testing, with federal financial support;

(Cuomo 4-17-20)

State Budget Director Robert Mujica said that 70% of the state taxpayers filed by the usual April 15th filing date, most of those were getting refunds, those who have to pay, will wait until the July 15th extension, causing a cash flow problem:

(Robert Mujica 4-17-20)

Governor Cuomo said that another 606 people died from the Coronavirus Thursday, bringing the total to 12,858, about 60% of the deaths are male, and 50% of the deaths are age 70 and up.

Governor Cuomo signed an Executive Order announcing that New Yorkers MUST wear masks or face coverings on public transportation systems and while taking private transportation or riding in for-hire vehicles. Additionally, all operators of public systems, private carriers and for-hire vehicles must wear a mask or face covering at all times while working. The Executive Order is also requiring everyone in New York to wear a mask or a face covering when out in public and in situations where social distancing cannot be maintained. The order will go into effect tonight at 8:00 PM.  Governor Cuomo is also signing an Executive Order directing all public and private labs to coordinate with the State Department of Health to ensure prioritizing diagnostic testing for public health and for restarting the economy.

Delaware County Sheriff's Deputies responded Thursday to a report of an unresponsive man in a parked vehicle at the Franklin Mirabito convenience store, the vehicle's operator regained consciousness and fled the scene at a high rate of speed.  Deputies stopped that vehicle on County Highway 21 in the Town of Walton after observing the driver pass another vehicle in a no passing zone.   Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as 29 year-old Casey Killian of Walton, he was charged with passing in a no passing zone, unlicensed operator, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle & driving while ability impaired by drugs, he was released & will appear in the Town of Walton Court at a later date.

The Catholic Charities of Chenango County Roots & Wings program is delivering meals to those who cannot get out, Spokesperson Robin Cotter explains:

(Robin Cotter 4-17-20)

Those who would like more information can call 334-8244.

Chenango County Health Department announced today that they have 73 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus.  9 people are hospitalized, 39 people have recovered & 189 are quarantined, after conducting 435 tests.

The Otsego County Health department announced that they had 3 more positive cases of the Coronavirus today, they have 50 positive cases, 4 are hospitalized, 4 have died, 25 have recovered, 30 people are quarantined & 157 have been released from quarantine.

State Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Cuomo announced that the state has renewed a previous order from March 17th that halted the collection for another 30 days, of medical and student debt owed to the State and that was specifically referred to the Office of the Attorney General for collection, in response to growing financial impairments resulting from the spread of coronavirus.  The new order took effect this morning and will run for an additional 30-day period, at that time, the Office of the Attorney General will reassess the needs of state residents for another possible extension.

State Senator Jen Metzger to Join Congressman Antonio Delgado’s Telephone Town Hall regarding the Coronavirus this afternoon.  The call can be accessed by calling 855-905-3295 at 4:40 PM.

Delaware County received 1 new positive test result for the Coronavirus Thursday, there are 59 confirmed positive cases, with an additional 73 people under mandatory quarantine and 1 person under precautionary quarantine, 7 confirmed cases have been transferred out of the county to the patients home county. Of the 52 confirmed positive cases in Delaware County, 6 are in a hospital, 24 are recovering at home, 3 people are deceased and 18 have fully recovered.

Broome County Department of Health reported Thursday that they have 171 coronavirus cases, with 39 recoveries, 8 deaths, & 282 people are quarantined.

The Binghamton Devils, & other American Hockey League Teams have joined forces for the New York Hockey Gives Blood initiative, today from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM.  The teams have partnered with the American Red Cross.  Appointments are requested at 1-800-Red-Cross or redcrossblood.org, or with the Blood Donor app, the Binghamton Devils Blood drive will be at the Christ Episcopal Church at 10 Henry Street in Binghamton,

The Oneonta Police Department is investigating the death of State University student Daniel Michaels of Dix Hills Saturday, preliminary reports suggest that a combination of drugs & alcohol led to a cardiac arrest, which led to the death the 18-year-old. Michaels was found passed out at a fraternity at 34 Academy Street in Oneonta early Saturday, he was taken to Fox Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The full toxicology report is not expected for another 4 weeks, the investigation is ongoing. State University of Oneonta announced that they are offering additional counseling services to students affected by the Michael's death.

Tri Town Regional Hospital in Sidney will have a new name as of January 1st, following the recent decision to have the hospital affiliated with Fox Hospital in Oneonta, rather than Bassett hospital in Cooperstown. State regulations stipulate that a satellite emergency department must be within 35 miles of an acute care facility, Fox is about 23 miles from the Sidney facility. The new name will be A.O. Fox Hospital- Tri Town Regional Campus; services that are available will be unchanged with the new name.

New York Farm Bureau & the Food Bank Association of New York State announced that New York farmers donated 9 million pounds of fresh food and farm products this year through the month of November. 7 million meals were provided to New Yorkers in need, and with less than a month to go in 2017, the number is expected to climb even more during the holiday season.

NYSEG reported that 1,193 customers without power in Delaware County, due to a utility pole that caught fire in Delancey this morning. The majority of the power outages were reported in Delancey, Delhi and Hamden areas. NYSEG reported that crews have restored power to those affected in Delaware & Otsego Counties.

Governor Cuomo announced the 76West Clean Energy Competition is now accepting applications from clean energy companies for its 3rd round of funding. 76West is part of the "Southern Tier Soaring," strategy to generate economic development & NYSERDA administers the 76West Competition, which will accept applications through April 16th. 20 finalists will be selected and brought to the Southern Tier next spring to meet with prospective local partners, industry leaders, potential sources of funding, and other resources within the region. 6 winners will receive a total of $2.5 million in prizes; the Winners will be announced later next year.

Delaware County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 37-year-old Tabatha Pusen of Kirkwood Sunday, on charges of DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana & various traffic violations following a traffic stop in the Town of Walton. Pusen was additionally charged with speeding at 70 miles an hour in s 55 zone, operating with an out headlight, She was released on tickets returnable to Walton Town Court at a later date.

Long time Otsego County Area entrepreneur Eugene Bettiol Sr. passed away at the age of 85. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 10 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. at Foothills Performing Arts Center in Oneonta. Contributions may be made to the Foothills Performing Arts Center.

The Commerce Chenango Business After Hours Holiday Celebration will be held today at the Norwich NBT Bank. Participants are asked to help Catholic Charities "Roots and Wings" food pantry by bringing a non-perishable food item, NBT is also accepting new, unwrapped toys for the local Toys-for-Tots Program.

The Unadilla Chamber of Commerce will have a regular meeting on today, beginning at 5:30 pm at The Meeting Place, 187 Main Street, Unadilla. All directors and members urged to attend.

The “Bands, Brews & Barbecue” event will be held tomorrow at the Chenango county fair grounds, the help raise funds for the Chenango county catholic charities “Roots & Wings” Program. Program director Robin Beckwith explains:

(Robin Beckwith 9-27-13)

The event runs form 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM tomorrow, with various local bands, microbreweries & restaurants participating.

The Delaware county department of emergency services is continuing with their plans to upgrade the counties antiquated communications system.  County EMS director Richard Bell explains:

(Richard Bell 9-27-13)

Bell said that the upgrades should be completed by spring of 2016.

The Greater Greene Chamber of commerce announces the 27th annual Greene apple fest put on by the First United Methodist Church of Greene. The event will take place Saturday between 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM.  More information is available at fumcgreene.com/applefest.

New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli today announced his office completed the audit of the Laurens Central School District.  DiNapoli’s report said that the district has accumulated reserve balances in excess of the district’s average needs and has accumulated significant total fund balance, including reserves. For the fiscal years 2007-08 through 2011-12, the district’s total fund balance increased to $3.6 million, with reserves at nearly $3 million, or 82 percent of the fund balance.  Copies of the audit are available at openbooknewyork.com.

Governor Cuomo announced more than $900,000 in federal funding, provided by the USDA, to support research projects ranging from improving the resiliency of New York's crops, to expanding the reach of the state's agriculture sector.  The funding includes $154,000 to support the state's wine and grape industry.  The funding will provide state assistance for specialty crop programs including research, promotion, food safety, and nutrition. Several of the grants were awarded to Cornell University in Ithaca.  For more information go to govenor.ny.gov

US senator Charles Schumer urged the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to review their mental-heath protocols. Schumer will recommend the VA to set up a Joint Emergency Psychiatric Response Center that will work with the Department of Defense, local and state law enforcement. The call follows the Washington D.C. Navy Yard shootings earlier this month by former Navy reservist Aaron Alexis. There are 8 VA Medical Centers and 35 community-based outpatient clinics in upstate New York. Schumer will recommend the national response centers be open 24 hours a day to help identify vets that need help.

The American Red Cross of the Southern Tier will host a babysitters training class for youth ages  11 to 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Red Cross office at 620 E. Main St, Endicott. To register visit redcross.org.

“50 SHADES! THE MUSICAL” is coming the toe Broome County Forum in Binghamton for 1 performance only on Wednesday November 13th at 7:30 PM.   Tickets went on sale today at the Arena Box Office, Ticketmaster 1-800-745-3000 and BroadwayInBinghamton.com.   The Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy of books has shattered sales records & tickets for this show are expected to sell out briskly.

Broome County Judge Joseph Cawley this morning found 25-year-old Jaclyn Wesley of Binghamton guilty of vehicular manslaughter.  Wesley was accused of driving with a blood-alcohol content of .13 percent when her SUV left I- 88 in the Town of Fenton on May 20th 2011, and plunged into the Chenango River. Her passengers, 25 year old Rob Moorehead of Port Crane, and Binghamton residents 45-year-old Rob Marshall and 39 year old Carri Michalski were killed in the crash. Sentencing will be at a later date.

Governor Cuomo aims to reduce distracted driving by unveiling special "Texting Zones" along the New York State Thruway and State Highways.  The new zones will give motorists a pull-off area to park and use their mobile devices, in many cases, Existing rest stops and parking areas will serve as Texting Zones, and signage will be placed along the highway to inform drivers where the Zones are located.  New Texting locally will be located on I-81 in Whitney Point, New York route 17 at East Branch & Roscoe, & I-88 at Unadilla & East Worcester

Catholic Charities Of Chenango County will host “Bands, Brew & Barbecue” at the Chenango county fairgrounds in Norwich this Saturday.  Executive Director Robin Beckwith explains:

(Robin Beckwith 9-24-13)

Several area bands will perform throughout the day, many micro breweries in the region will feature their products, and many area food services companies will being in their barbecue items, money raised helps out the “Roots & Wings” program.

State Police at Norwich arrested 24-year-old Patrice Ray of Plymouth for DWI and other vehicle and traffic law violations following an accident investigation in which Ray struck a parked and unoccupied vehicle on State Route 12 in Oxford.  She will appear in town of Oxford court September 30th

September of Prostate Cancer awareness month, statistics show that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.  State Senator Tom Libous has been battling the disease for a couple of years, he said that his experience with cancer led to the partnership with Lourdes and UHS to create I Turned Pro, a Proactive program on Prostate Cancer. Details are available at ITurnedPro.com

FEMA has approved Otsego County’s Hazard Mitigation Action Plan 5-year update.  The next step in the process is the adoption by resolution of the plan by all 35 municipalities and the Otsego County Government for it to be officially in-place.  County officials said that having a FEMA-approved Hazard Mitigation plan allows the County, municipalities, and identified stakeholders to be eligible for annual, and disaster declaration funding rounds. More information is available at the County Planning Department website available located at otsegocounty.com (http://www.otsegocounty.com/depts/pln/).

State Police are investigating a strong-armed robbery, which occurred last Thursday afternoon on Main Street in Johnson City.  Police reported that an unidentified woman was getting into her vehicle when a male subject grabbed her purse and fled on foot. The woman chased the suspect and observed him getting into the passenger seat of a dark colored Pontiac and drive towards Endwell. The suspect is further described as being a black male in his early to mid 20’s, average build, wearing a dark shirt and pants and a black head covering. Anyone with information is asked to call State Police BCI at 754-3854.

Jury selection is scheduled to begin Tuesday for the 2nd degree murder trial of Anthony Taglianetti of Virginia.  Taglianetti is charged with fatally shooting 51-year-old Keith Reed Jr. in Chautauqua County last September. U.S. Marshals arrested Taglianetti in Virginia 8 days after Reed’s murder. Reed previously served as a principal in Sherburne-Earlville Central School District prior to becoming superintendent of the Clymer Central School District.

Delaware County Deputies responded to Sherman Hill Rd in the Town of Franklin regarding a domestic incident complaint.  Deputies arrested 27-year-old Danielle Lister of Walton for Criminal Mischief, Harassment and Endangering the welfare of a child. Lister was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Town of Franklin Court at a later time.

Catholic Charities will hold a fundraiser on September 28th from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, at the Chenango County fair grounds, to benefit their “Roots & Wings” program.  Executive director Robin Beckwith explains:

(Robin Beckwith)

The event is called “Bands, Brew & Barbecue", as local musical acts, micro-breweries and barbecue business will be on hand to help raise funds, over 14,400 households have been assisted by the “Roots & Wings Program.  More information is available at 334-8244.

State senator Jim Seward co-sponsored a proposal called "The Funding Emergency Relief Now” bill, to assist property owners when FEMA or other funding is denied, with a refundable state income tax credit against property taxes paid where properties have suffered value-reducing damage.  The bill calls for a state task force on flood prevention and mitigation, enhanced funding through the Environmental Protection Fund for soil and water conservation districts, National Guard directed and supported construction assistance in communities where flood mitigation measures have been identified, and requiring a simplified and expedited process for the state share of any reimbursable flood-related costs by local governments. The legislation is expected to be voted on next year.

Governor Cuomo signed legislation that will expand the ban on the type of chemicals used to make dangerous bath salts. The law comes after several high-profile deaths in New York City this summer involving the synthetic drugs.  The state Legislature in June passed a bill that adds new compounds used to make synthetic drugs to the state’s banned substance list.  The governor last year issued an executive order to ban the sale and possession of synthetic drugs under the state’s public health law.