Joshua Solomon reports for the Times Union Gov. Kathy Hochul let her COVID-19 state of emergency lapse on Sept. 12, even with many COVID-19 cases and the continuing announcement of deaths from the virus. The state of emergency declaration allowed for EMTs to provide vaccines under state law, and also allowed no-bid contractsfor COVID-19 issues. Hochul has been criticized recently for a multi-million dollar contract her administration granted to a campaign donor for COVID tests. Hochul also faces voters soon, and COVID-19 mandates from the state are not popular. Read more about this story in the Times Union.