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Baby turkeys trapped in NY storm drain rescued and reunited with mother

Baby turkeys trapped in NY storm drain rescued and reunited with mother

A New York environmental conservation police officer climbed into a storm drain to rescue trapped baby turkeys and reunite them with their mother.
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New York State Emphasizes Childhood Immunizations for Back-to-School Season

New York State Emphasizes Childhood Immunizations for Back-to-School Season

As the back-to-school season approaches, Schuyler County Public Health in New York is reminding parents about the critical importance of childhood immunizations. Vaccines are essential for strengthening a child's immune system, protecting them from serious diseases such as measles, polio, and meningitis. In New York State, all children attending public, private, and religious schools, including pre-kindergarten and daycare facilities, are required to receive specific vaccinations. The only exception to this mandate is a valid medical exemption. Parents are encouraged to contact their child's doctor to determine which vaccines are due and to schedule necessary appointments to ensure their children are fully protected before school begins. This initiative aligns with broader public health efforts to maintain community immunity and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
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U.S. Policy Shifts and Funding Cuts Threaten Global Polio Eradication Efforts

U.S. Policy Shifts and Funding Cuts Threaten Global Polio Eradication Efforts

Recent policy changes and funding cuts by the U.S. government are jeopardizing global polio eradication efforts, according to a report by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Independent Monitoring Board (IMB). In 2025, the Trump administration announced its intention to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and defund it, along with dismantling USAID and withdrawing from parts of the United Nations. These actions led to the evaporation of approximately $230 million dedicated to fighting global polio. Nicholas Enrich, then acting assistant administrator for global health at USAID, warned in a March 2025 memo that these cuts could lead to an additional 200,000 severe polio cases annually in the U.S., especially amid rising anti-vaccine sentiment. The Congressional Budget in April proposed nearly halving global health funding, specifically targeting Gavi, a key polio vaccine supplier. Although the State Department reinstated Gavi's funding in July 2025 due to bipartisan pushback, expert...
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Man accused of stealing $9,600 in Pokémon cards at New York convention

Man accused of stealing $9,600 in Pokémon cards at New York convention

New York State Police said Joseph Quach was arrested after investigators identified him as the suspect in the theft from a vendor at the convention.
Westchester County Journal News Westchester County Journal News
Can't afford a hospital bill in New York? You may qualify for free or discounted care

Can't afford a hospital bill in New York? You may qualify for free or discounted care

New York law requires hospitals to offer financial assistance to eligible patients. Here's who qualifies for free or discounted care and how to apply.
1Weather 1Weather
Waterspout Funnels Off Long Island Amid Severe Northeast Storms

Waterspout Funnels Off Long Island Amid Severe Northeast Storms

A powerful line of storms swept through the Northeast late Thursday, bringing destructive tornadoes, significant flooding, and a rare waterspout off the south shore of Long Island. Nassau County, New York, declared a state of emergency and activated its Emergency Operations Center in response to the severe weather. The storms dumped up to two inches of rain in just three hours across northern New Jersey and southern New York, causing widespread damage. The mid-Atlantic region, including parts of Pennsylvania and Delaware, also reported storm-related impacts. The event underscores the intensity of the weather system that affected the region.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
New York AI data center fight comes to Geneva, Seneca Lake Monday

New York AI data center fight comes to Geneva, Seneca Lake Monday

State Sen. Kristen Gonzalez will visit the Finger Lakes Monday as part of a statewide tour urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign legislation regulating large data centers.
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
5 New York state park beaches closed to swimming. See where

5 New York state park beaches closed to swimming. See where

Five state park beaches are closed to swimming because of harmful algal blooms, elevated bacteria levels or a lack of lifeguards.
AP News AP News
Alfalfa sprout linked to food-poisoning outbreak in 15 states, health officials say

Alfalfa sprout linked to food-poisoning outbreak in 15 states, health officials say

U.S. health officials say a food-poisoning outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has sickened people in 15 states
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New Yorkers Grapple with Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Amid Food Safety Concerns

New Yorkers Grapple with Cyclosporiasis Outbreak Amid Food Safety Concerns

New York City is experiencing a surge in cyclosporiasis cases this summer, a severe form of food poisoning caused by a tiny parasite transmitted through fresh fruits and vegetables. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cyclosporiasis can cause weeks of gastrointestinal symptoms, including explosive diarrhea. Over 800 cases have been reported in New York state and more than 500 in the five boroughs since May. While the number of lab-confirmed cases has been trending down since mid-July, health officials in New York City and state have yet to identify the specific foods responsible for the outbreak. This uncertainty has led to varied responses among New Yorkers, with some continuing their usual eating habits, while others are taking precautions such as avoiding leafy greens, cooking vegetables, or opting for local produce. Outbreaks in other states have been linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico, which has since been recalled, though New York was not initially on t...
Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Tornado confirmed in New York: See where it touched down

Tornado confirmed in New York: See where it touched down

The NWS confirmed a waterspout moved ashore as a tornado during Thursday's severe storms. See where it hit.
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Governor Hochul Launches Multi-Million Dollar Ad Campaign Linking Rival Blakeman to President Trump

Governor Hochul Launches Multi-Million Dollar Ad Campaign Linking Rival Blakeman to President Trump

Governor Kathy Hochul has initiated a multi-million-dollar advertising campaign aimed at bolstering her re-election bid while simultaneously connecting her Republican opponent, Bruce Blakeman, to President Trump. One 30-second ad features Hochul in a pizzeria, highlighting her record on middle-class tax cuts, free school meals, and efforts against utility companies. A second ad, however, focuses entirely on portraying Blakeman as aligned with President Trump and his policies on groceries, utilities, and healthcare, asserting that Blakeman would prioritize President Trump over New Yorkers. This ad blitz follows a Siena University poll indicating a tightening gubernatorial race, with Hochul leading Blakeman 49% to 39% among likely voters. Blakeman's campaign has criticized these ads as deceptive, arguing that Hochul's claims about tax cuts and utility accountability are misleading given alleged tax hikes and rate increases during her tenure.