WNYT reports that several Capital Region arts venues have banded together, and are all mandating that anyone attending their live events wears a mask. The Delta variant of COVID-19 is spreading locally and nationally, and in some places cases are more widespread than last summer when there were no vaccines available. Hudson Hall, commonly known as the Hudson Opera House, is one of the venues with the mask mandate. The Palace Theatre, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, and Cohoes Music Hall are also on the list. “While we have been pleased, in recent months, to begin reopening our doors to audiences, we must all acknowledge that the pandemic continues. Patron, artist, and staff safety is our top priority, and we have collectively decided, given the recent increased virus caseload in our region, to follow guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and require that patrons wear masks at indoor events at our venues, effective immediately,” a statement from the venues read. Other local venues are following their own policies. In Catskill, The Avalon Lounge website now says, "Entry to events in the performance space will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test from the past 72 hours." The Colony Cafe in Woodstock is holding many events outside, but has a similar policy for indoor shows. Their website says, "Due to the current and developing COVID situation, all Colony indoor events will allow vaccinated persons only and masks will be required." Other local music stages are more vague about their policy. Basilica Hudson is hosting local singer-songwriter Emily Ritz Sept. 2, but the webpage for the event has no reference to any COVID-19-related rules. Read more about this story at the WNYT website.

Today's daily news update.

Joshua Solomon reports in the Times Union that since Gov. Andrew Cuomo resigned one of the unanswered questions is whether the legislature will continue with impeachment proceedings and vote against Cuomo holding office again. One educator believes that is not possible. "According to our constitution, they can continue to investigate because they started that process, but they can't impeach him because he's resigned," said Leonard Cutler, Siena College political science chair and an expert in constitutional law. State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said she is continuing to prepare for a potential impeachment trial, but did admit that more research is being done. "I think we'll know more in the next few days," said Stewart-Cousins on Aug. 10. There is some precedent on this issue that might be relevant since the impeachment investigation against Cuomo has begun. In 1913 Assemblymember Aaron J. Levy, said he was "not empowered" to drop the impeachment in exchange for a resignation. He is quoted as being asked whether to let Gov. William Sulzer resign to "save himself the indignity and humiliation of a needless trial." He said, "No, I wouldn't." Read more about this story in the Times Union.

Emilia Teasdale reports in The Columbia Paper that while Kinderhook is beginning the process, there is little or no information yet about cannabis retail sales being allowed there. Kinderhook Town Supervisor Patsy Leader is forming a committee, the first step in deciding if the town will vote to opt-out of retail sales. When New York legalized cannabis March 31, they gave all towns and villages until Dec. 31 to opt-out, otherwise retail sales are allowed. Leader is not revealing her opinion, and says she can't get much information from state officials and police, as they are still writing the regulations. “I’ll keep you guys posted as much as I can,” Leader told her board Aug. 2. And Leader even seemed unclear about her town's zoning. “This is the biggest thing—nobody knows where [the dispensaries] can go,” she told the board meeting. Read more about this story in The Columbia Paper.

William J. Kemble writes in the Daily Freeman that Rhinebeck's Town Board has a new report on the murals inside the Rhinebeck Post Office by painter Olin Dows with design input from then-President Franklin Roosevelt. The mural depicts slaves and postal officials have discussed covering them. Myra Young Armstead, a professor of historical studies for Bard College, reported for the town that the images “correctly – yet disturbingly –” show an elite vision of people of color in subservient roles in a way that is narrow and incomplete. She suggests adding interpretive signs instead of removing the 12-panel painting that goes around the post office lobby. “The objection is that in all of these scenes, African Americans are shown in servile and enslaved roles,” Armstead wrote. “Indeed, the Black people in the murals are farm hands, coachmen, haulers, loggers, and brickmakers. They are generally in crouched, kneeling, seated, or bending positions in stark contrast to the upright, white male figures – enslavers, supervisors, taskmasters – who engage in conversation with each other or simply observe while the Black figures perform various tasks.” Kemble reports that U.S. Post Office officials "last year had expected to cover up the murals in response to public concerns." But they are currently still visible, and on Aug. 11 the Rhinebeck postmaster said he has not been updated on the issue. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.

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Steve Hughes reports in the Times Union that while Gov. Andrew Cuomo has resigned, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple says the criminal investigation into executive assistant Brittany Commisso's allegation Cuomo groped her at the Executive Mansion last year continues. “It was never about his office although I appreciate him putting the people of New York first and stepping aside,” Apple said. The sheriff said he met with Albany County District Attorney David Soares about the investigation on Aug. 10, and expects to meet with him almost every day. Cecilia Walsh, a spokesperson for the district attorney's office would not comment. "We will not be making a comment about the resignation at this time. The inquiry into criminal conduct in our jurisdiction remains open and pending,” she said. There are also several other criminal investigations in other parts of New York of Cuomo's sexual harassment accusations. Meanwhile, it is unclear if the legislature will continue with its impeachment investigation, which might end with a vote on whether Cuomo can hold office again. For instance Didi Barrett, a Democrat who represents much of Columbia County in the Assembly, released a statement welcoming Cuomo's resignation, but not mentioning if she wants the impeachment process to continue. Read more about this story in the Times Union.

Sam Raudins is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Hudson Common Council will introduce a local law August 17, that would allow some businesses to operate in an area currently zoned for residential use. The law would amend the law controlling the R-4 District, or the “three-story multiple residence district” west of 3rd Street, to allow eating and drinking establishments to apply for conditional-use permits in the area. The city code currently prohibits such businesses in the district, restricting restaurants and bars to Warren Street. The measure requires an environmental assessment report, approval by the planning board and the county planning agency, a public hearing and approval by the council, and a mayor's public hearing before the final vote of the full council. If passed, the law would allow businesses to apply for a conditional-use permit from the planning board, which would then require a "heightened" board review of the application as well as a mandated public hearing to allow residents to weigh in. Considerations for project approval include noise, odors, lights, vibration, the impacts of the project and limitations of the property under review, Attorney Jeff Baker said. Common Council President Tom DePietro said he saw the expansion of the current zoning law worthy of consideration. “I see it as part of trying to extend and get rid of this kind of strict residential zoning that we have, and to extend things beyond Warren Street, not everything, obviously, but certain kinds of businesses,” he said. Note: DePietro is an active WGXC volunteer on-air programmer. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.

William J. Kemble is reporting for the Daily Freeman with less than a month before schools reopen, the state Education Department August 10, told local school districts it will issue guidance for COVID-19 protection. In a memo sent to school leaders statewide, Commissioner Betty A. Rosa accused state health officials and the governor’s office of failing to sufficiently assist with plans for the 2021-22 school year. Rosa said the document, "...will be based on Center for Disease Control guidelines and guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics. This is necessary in light of the continued absence of health-related school opening direction and assistance from the governor’s office and the state Department of Health.” Rosa did acknowledge that her department does not have jurisdiction over public health, but does "possess oversight authority for schools." The letter appears to be a response to the August 5, announcement by the state Department of Health that further guidance was not coming to school districts. “Schools and school districts should develop plans to open in-person in the fall as safely as possible,” announced state Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Columbia-Greene Media is reporting distinguished local historian Ruth Piwonka died August 2, at the age of 81. The Kinderhook resident was born Edith Ruth Johnson in Chicago. Piwonka received her undergraduate degree from DePauw University, where she was a DJ and jazz enthusiast, and her MA from Indiana University. She moved to Kinderhook in 1969, where she became an expert in local and regional history, specifically around the Dutch colonization of New York. Piwonka served as Executive Director of the Columbia County Historical Society, a consulting curator for “Dutch Colonial Arts and Material Culture,’’ and was the first Executive Director of the Columbia County Land Conservancy. She was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, most recently the 2020 Martha Washington Woman of History. At the time of her death, she was Trustee Emeritus of the Board of the Jacob Leisler Institute, a Hudson-based research and study center focused on the English colonial period in New York and New Jersey. Piwonka served as the unofficial and official historian of the town of Kinderhook for more than a generation. In that role, she led a group of residents to restore the Persons of Color Cemetery in Kinderhook's Rothermel Park in 2017. Piwonka spoke with WGXC's Rob Gelles about the project in 2020, and that interview can be found in the WGXC archives. Piwonka is survived by her two daughters and two grandchildren. Read more at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.

Today's daily news update.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Aug. 10 that he is resigning in 14 days, after the New York Attorney General released a report last week outlining 11 allegations of sexual harassment against him. First, Cuomo's attorney came on the state webstream to attack those making allegations against Cuomo, and then Cuomo himself spent ten minutes doing the same before resigning. Click here to hear an excerpt from Cuomo's resignation speech. Kathy Hochul, a former member of Congress from western New York who has served as Cuomo's lieutenant governor since 2015, becomes the first woman governor of New York. In fact, New York is now being led by three women: Hochul, New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins who becomes temporary Lt. Gov., and Attorney General Letitia James. Hochul Tweeted that, "I agree with Governor Cuomo's decision to step down. It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers. As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in the line of succession, I am prepared to lead as New York State’s 57th Governor." Cuomo denies the allegations. Cuomo could still run for governor again, unless the legislature continues with impeachment and votes to bar him from future office. James said Cuomo's resignation "closes a sad chapter for all of New York, but it’s an important step towards justice." But the Cuomo case may not be closed, as several district attorney's throughout the state have ongoing investigations into Cuomo's sexual harassment, and there are also investigations of other Cuomo scandals, such as COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes.

Andrea Macko reports at Porcupine Soup that another Greene County resident has died from COVID-19. Greene County Public Health would only say the person passed away over the weekend, but did not release any information about the person’s town of residence, age, or vaccination status. It was the 76th death from COVID-19 in Greene County. At the moment Greene County is rated by the CDC with a “substantial” risk of virus transmission. Ulster, Schoharie, and Delaware counties. are also at substantial risk while Albany County is considered at “high” risk, and Columbia County maintains a “moderate” risk as of Aug. 9. Read more about this story at Porcupine Soup.

Steven Cook reports in the Daily Gazette that the National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Aug. 11 and an excessive heat watch on Aug. 12, and may put up another heat warning for Aug. 13. Highs in the Capital Region are expected to be in the low 90s later this week, with heat index values that factor in humidity of up to 105 degrees expected. The Aug. 11 heat advisory is on from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. “Extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities,” the National Weather Service warns. Officials recommend drinking plenty of fluids, staying in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun, and checking on relatives and neighbors. Read more about this story in the Daily Gazette.

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Joshua Solomon reports in the Times Union that state Assembly leaders won't be drafting articles of impeachment against Gov. Andrew Cuomo until at least mid-September. Last week, the attorney general issued a report outlining 11 sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo, and virtually every state politician has called for his resignation and/or impeachment. But those elected leaders are taking their time to remove Cuomo. "If we are not in a position to present our best case, he could very well win in the court of impeachment," Judiciary Committee Chair Charles D. Lavine said. "For everyone who's concerned about him being in office now, if he wins, and he returns to office unfettered, that is another danger. So it's a matter of balance." A majority in the state Assembly would have to vote for a trial in September, then there is a 30-day waiting period before the Senate trial begins. If the Assembly votes for a trial, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul takes Cuomo's place atop the state government during the impeachment proceedings. "We had a historic moment in our state's modern history," Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie said after the Aug. 9 meeting of the Judiciary Committee. "For the first time in more than 100 years, the Assembly is undertaking an impeachment investigation of a sitting governor." Heastie said the committee's investigation, led by the law firm Davis Polk & Wardwell, has cost "millions" so far. Cuomo has until 5 p.m. Aug. 13 to provide written evidence and responses to the Judiciary Committee's investigation. The committee is scheduled to meet Aug. 16 and Aug. 23, and may move impeachment closer to an Assembly vote, which might come after Labor Day and Yom Kippur in September. "I think we'll probably head in for some sort of vote right after that time period is over," said Assemblyperson Phil Steck, a Democrat from Colonie, and a member of the committee. Read more about this story in the Times Union.

Bethany Bump is reporting for the Times Union most hospitals in the immediate Capital Region have now announced they will be requiring employees to get vaccinated against coronavirus or else face possible disciplinary action. Ellis Medicine and Saratoga Hospital confirmed August 9, they will be requiring the shots. The policy is being instituted as daily cases and hospitalizations from the virus have tripled in two weeks as the result of the fast-spreading delta variant. The region is currently averaging 155 new daily infections and 55 daily hospitalizations, up from 52 infections and 17 hospitalizations two weeks ago. Saratoga Hospital's new vaccination policy allows those who do not get the shot to undergo weekly testing instead. Anyone who fails to comply with those requirements by September 7, will be placed on administrative leave for 90 days, hospital spokesperson Peter Hopper said. Albany Medical Center and Glens Falls Hospital announced last week they will require vaccination or employees could face potential termination. St. Peter’s Health Partners announced a similar policy in July. And Ellis spokesperson Philip Schwartz confirmed that the Schenectady-based hospital will follow that policy as well. Columbia Memorial Health, the Hudson-based hospital affiliated with Albany Med, is still considering its options when it comes to staff vaccinations, according to a report from HudsonValley360 [dot] com. Hospital spokesperson Bill Van Slyke said management is currently reviewing its data and policies before making a decision. Most counties in the Capital Region are currently experiencing high levels of community transmission, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So far, more than 90 hospitals and health systems nationwide have mandated employee vaccinations against the coronavirus. Read the full story in the Times Union.

Harrison Grubb is reporting for News10 fully vaccinated Americans can once again travel across the Canadian border. Travelers must show their ArriveCAN receipt, original proof of full vaccination and a completed pre-arrival COVID test “It’s really encouraging that we’re going to be able to see our American neighbors, friends and in many cases, family members come back to our community,” said Wayne Redekop, the mayor of Fort Erie, Ontario. New York State Senator Dan Stec said, "... I think it’s a great step forward, but it’s certainly frustrating knowing that there still can’t be a uniform flow across the border.” And while fully vaccinated Americans can resume non-essential travel north of the border, vaccinated Canadians still cannot cross into the United States. Stec says that policy continues to impact businesses and tourist destinations from the Capital Region through the North Country. The U.S. will continue to ban non-essential travel from Canada through at least August 21. Travel restrictions at the U.S.-Mexico border have been extended through August 21. Read the full story at news10 [dot] com.