Legislative redistricting changes in the North Country
Warren County would be kept whole in a common state Senate district, the Post-Star says, but split from Washington County. The Congressional districts held currently by Elise Stefanik and Paul Tonko would remain, under a draft plan from state Democrats, the story says. The Daily Gazette is also running a story that covers more of what were the possible Congressional changes and the split of Schenectady that almost occurred. The committee that is running this has put forward two drafts because they cannot agree on one, the story says.
Marijuana sales and dispensary decisions, statewide
The Albany Business Journal has a list, compiled by Rockefeller Institute of Government, that shows which municipalities will, or will not, allow marijuana sales and on-site consumption in New York.
Ex-Gov Cuomo off-the-hook, for now, legally speaking
The Albany County district attorney's office will likely drop a forcible touching complaint against then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo, according to the Times Union. Cuomo was scheduled to make an appearance in court Friday afternoon to face the misdemeanor charge. Two other district attorneys have already announced they would not pursue criminal charges against the governor. The latest dropped charge comes from a filing the Albany County Sheriff’s office made without the knowledge of the DA’s office, the story says. This does not get the ex-governor completely off the hook.
Rachael Ray’s Adk’s picks are in Warren County
Asked on Instagram where a couple should take their RV on a trip through the Adirondacks, Rachael Ray told them to come to Warren County. She actually gave shout-outs to the Algonquin restaurant on Lake George, The Harvest Restaurant in Queensbury for pizza, and Oscar’s Smokehouse in Warrensburg among other Warren County eateries, a story on her website says. She lives in Lake Luzerne with her husband.
Classic Blackberry is retiring
The classic BlackBerry, that phone with a screen and physical buttons, is being forced to retire, today, says the Washington Post. Its turn at the rocking chair is partially forced by the 5G wireless technology changes moving forward in the cell-technology infrastructure, the story says. Also, the company’s refusal years ago to make the phone a true touch-screen smartphone, forced it to go the way of the dodo.
Adk Explorer gets funding
A statement about fundraising from the nonprofit Adirondack Explorer, says in part: "We asked for your help reaching a goal of $110,000 and you came through. You've proven once again that there is great value in the work we do. The gifts you sent us over these two months are essential to funding our investigative, enterprise and community reporting and conversations around the issues raised. You're helping to grow an audience that will value and protect this place we all love."