Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies will increase patrols to crack down on drunk and drugged driving and other traffic infractions during the 4th of July holiday, beginning Friday, July 3, and running through Sunday, July 5. State Troopers will conduct sobriety checkpoints and target reckless and aggressive driving statewide in an effort to keep New York highways safe during one of the busiest summer holidays for travel.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced state outdoor pools across New York will open for swimming for the July 4 weekend under the standard operating schedule of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Pool-goers are reminded to practice social distancing, respect the rules, and do their part to keep the pool area safe for everyone. Pool capacity will be reduced and is expected to fill quickly. New Yorkers are urged to plan ahead by having alternate destinations ready.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center announced Thursday that it has conducted more than 5,200 tests of area residents for the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

With the Fourth of July approaching and communities across the country still battling COVID-19, the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) urges everyone to stay safe and take precautions with large gatherings and firework celebrations, but not to hesitate to go to the ER if you have an emergency.

A paper and two editorials by University at Buffalo pediatrics researchers call attention to key issues in health care that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light; they also recommend guidelines for evaluating and treating children infected with COVID-19. All were published in Progress in Pediatric Cardiology.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos urged New Yorkers to practice the utmost safety during the upcoming holiday weekend. Dry weather throughout the month of June has increased the risk of fires.

Governors in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut announced a travel advisory on June 25 that requires all individuals traveling from states with significant community transmission of COVID-19 to remain under quarantine for a period of 14 days. As of June 30, those states include Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Nevada, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.

Niagara County Legislator Dave Godfrey on Tuesday announced the Niagara County Department of Emergency Services will hold a giveaway event in Niagara Falls to provide free masks and small bottles of hand sanitizer to the general public.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced eight additional states meet the metrics to qualify for the travel advisory requiring individuals who have traveled to New York from those states - all of which have significant community spread - to quarantine for 14 days. The newly added states are California, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada and Tennessee. The quarantine applies to any person arriving from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents over a seven-day rolling average or a state with a 10% or higher positivity rate over a seven-day rolling average.

At a Monday morning press conference, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced air conditioning filters with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating capable of filtering COVID-19 particles or similar air exchange measures will be mandatory for large mall reopenings.

Just in time for grilling season, a new online virtual event, "Chillin' and Grillin,' " is set for July 28, benefiting the Community Action Organization of Western New York (CAO). "Chillin' and Grillin' " is Western New York's first virtual meat and veggie raffle. Funds raised will help CAO continue its programming during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Congressman Brian Higgins announced the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through a partnership with the Great Lakes Commission and Buffalo Urban Development Corp., in collaboration with the City of Buffalo, NYSDEC, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper and the Wilson Foundation, has authorized a request to provide $1,056,914 in federal funding toward the project transforming Buffalo's Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park.

Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center announced additional drive-thru/walk-up COVID-19 community testing dates. The expanded schedule includes dates at Memorial's downtown campus, the Summit Healthplex, Niagara University and local schools and churches. Those dates are:

The Wheatfield Town Board held a brief special meeting via Zoom on Monday. Among the announcements, the board declared an end to the town's state of emergency put in place due to the coronavirus. A request from a local softball league to utilize town playing fields was also denied.

The Town of Porter Town Board announced Thursday it has decided to cancel this year's Summerfest, which had been scheduled for Saturday, July 18, at Porter on the Lake Town Park.

Niagara County SPCA has teamed up with De Dee's Dairy in Niagara Falls on a brand-new #AdoptAPupInACup campaign to help raise funds and get shelter dogs get adopted.

As municipalities and businesses continue social distancing adjustments in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Lewiston Town Board conducted its first regular meeting open to the public on Monday at Town Hall.

Republican New York State Sen. Chris Jacobs is claiming victory in the special election to fill the seat vacated by former Congressman Chris Collins. Late Tuesday, Jacobs claimed to have an insurmountable lead over Democrat and former Town of Grand Island Supervisor Nate McMurray. Currently, his lead is more than 30,000 votes for the NY-27 seat.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo offered the following statement on Tuesday:

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced $65 million in federal CARES Act funding is available for child care providers statewide through the "New York Forward" child care expansion incentive program.

Erie County District Attorney John Flynn is reminding residents that setting off fireworks is not only dangerous and disruptive, but also an illegal activity.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Monday updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are always available at forward.ny.gov.

Testing for COVID-19 leads to quick identification of cases, medical support for those that need it, and immediate isolation of the person to prevent spread. Close contacts to positive cases are considered quarantines to further reduce spread.

With Father's Day fast approaching, I wanted to take a moment to share this message of thanks. Today, fatherhood is sometimes drily described as a craft or an occupation, something which competes with career or outside pursuits for time and attention. In our era of new pressures and strains on families, we often forget just what it is that is special about fatherhood.

Full edition: The Tribune and The Sentinel for June 19, 2020

The Town of Niagara water tower was the subject of some discussion at the regular Town Board meeting on June 16. A late agenda resolution to award the "Water Tank Exterior Painting Project" to Utility Service Co. Inc. for $1,581,600 raised some questions among board members.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Thursday announced he will issue an executive order strengthening state enforcement during the phased reopening to protect New Yorkers and ensure business compliance.

Niagara Clerk Joseph A. Jastrzemski on Thursday announced the Niagara County Department of Motor Vehicles offices in North Tonawanda and Lockport will be open for in-person transactions for Niagara County residents only beginning Monday, June 22. In-person transactions are by appointment only. Residents can begin scheduling their appointments as of 9 a.m. Friday.

Niagara County will open one playground area in each of Krull, Oppenheim and West Canal parks on Friday, and will open the rest of the playground areas next Friday, Niagara County Legislature Chairwoman Becky Wydysh said. Splash pads at Krull and Oppenheim are set to open by the end of June.

Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States, but establishing the day as a national holiday would also serve as an opportunity of intense reflection for all people dedicated to issues of freedom and social justice to recommit themselves to working toward the never-realized goals of post-Civil War reconstruction, according to Cecil Foster, a University at Buffalo professor of transnational studies.

Niagara County Legislator Dave Godfrey announced the Niagara County Department of Emergency Services has a limited supply of infrared thermometers available for businesses to help them meet the state reopening guidelines.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced hospitals and group homes will be allowed to accept visitors at their discretion. Any facility that chooses to allow visitors must follow state guidelines, including time-limited visits and requiring visitors to wear PPE and be subject to symptom and temperature checks.

New York Power Authority fishing facilities including the fishing pier at the base of the New York Power Authority's Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Plant will open for the season on Monday, June 22, weather and water levels permitting. The fish cleaning station and handicap access elevator at the dam site will also be available.

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced the state has, for the third time, renewed an order to halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to New York that has been specifically referred to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for collection for an additional 30-day period.

To further meet the needs of U.S. small businesses and nonprofits, the U.S. Small Business Administration reopened the economic injury disaster loan (EIDL) and EIDL advance program portal to all eligible applicants experiencing economic impacts due to COVID-19.

The governor announced global public health experts have cleared Western New York to enter phase three on Tuesday, while the Capital Region is still on track to enter phase three on Wednesday. Business guidance for phase three of the state's reopening plan is available here.

The University at Buffalo is planning to return to campus this fall, offering educational and research programs under a "modified in-person" format.

Attorney General Letitia James announced her office will make its "Election Protection" hotline available for the June 23 election and during New York's early voting period, which lasts from June 13-21. The hotline will be available to troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters, including voting by absentee ballot due to the COVID-19 crisis or in-person at their polling place.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Sunday announced low-risk youth sports for regions in phase three of reopening can begin on July 6, with up to two spectators allowed per child.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker on Saturday said sleepaway camps will not be permitted to operate this summer, because of the possibility the coronavirus could spread among children.