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Peter Chin-Hong: We’ve made huge advances against COVID. Why is it still killing so many people?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:58 GMT

Many immunocompromised and older people are still terrified of COVID. As a transplant infectious disease doctor on the front lines, I understand why.In the first five months of 2023, COVID caused more than 37,000 deaths in the U.S., a typical toll from the flu in an entire year. Scientists estimate an annual U.S. COVID death rate of at least 100,000, dwarfing other infectious diseases. And the virus continues to evolve: The highly transmissible XBB.1.16 subvariant (Arcturus), currently making up about 15% of cases nationally, is expected to be the dominant strain by summer. Wastewater surveillance is also showing an uptick in the virus in New York City and elsewhere.Meanwhile, the federal public health emergency ended last month, and across the country the pandemic has moved to back of mind. It’s not surprising that the most vulnerable feel left behind.Yet at the same time, health professionals are optimistic about today’s anti-COVID arsenal.Biomedical advances have revo...

Loons abuzz at prospect of playing against Lionel Messi next season

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:58 GMT

Lionel Messi has pulled off his latest stunning feat: He is joining Inter Miami of Major League Soccer.“I still haven’t closed it 100 percent,’ Messi said in an interviews with Spanish news outlets Mundo Deportivo and Sport. “I’m still missing some things, but we decided to continue the path.”MLS confirmed a deal is being brokered with the Argentine great after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The league said they are “pleased” to be working toward a formal agreement. The Athletic said the contract might include Messi receiving revenue sharing from new Apple TV subscriptions and profit sharing from Adidas merchandise increases.Minnesota United does not play against Inter Miami this season, given MLS’ imbalanced schedule between Eastern and Western Conference clubs. MNUFC played at Miami in 2022, and might face Messi in Minnesota next year.The Loons’ training on Wednesday morning was abuzz over Messi’s blockbuster move.“I would like to be saying he was joining Minnesota United,...

St. Paul: Grand Old Day drew up to 175,000. Some businesses took part, others closed up

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:58 GMT

The wiener dog races were thronged with onlookers. A family fun run drew 160 participants, far surpassing the goal. And live music was performed on the avenue. Those and other aspects of Grand Old Day’s come-back celebration attracted an estimated 150,000 to 175,000 visitors to Grand Avenue on Sunday, likely netting the Grand Avenue Business Association at least a small profit toward its year-round promotion of the three-mile business corridor.But shortly before last weekend’s 51st anniversary revival of Grand Old Day  — which hadn’t been held since 2019 — Dan Marshall took a quick survey of fellow shopkeepers within a two-block radius of Grand and Victoria avenues, the location of his toy store, Mischief Toys.J.W. Hulme leather goods would be closed for the day-long celebration. Ditto for Freewheel Bike. And the Bread and Chocolate eatery. And Golden Fig Fine Foods. And InVision Distinctive Eyewear. And Pottery Barn home decor. And the Lovesac furnitur...

Hochul gives update on air quality

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:58 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — Gov. Kathy Hochul is speaking on the air quality across New York State. Far and wide, a smoky smell is pervading the Empire State due to Canadian wildfires. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Visibility is also very low in New York, with Hochul urging schools to cancel programs earlier on Wednesday.

Experience a family movie night at Long Pond Beach

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:58 GMT

GRAFTON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- On June 23, the Grafton Lakes State Park is hosting a free family movie night on Long Pond Beach. The kid-friendly, PG-rated movie will be shown on a 16' big screen starting at 9 p.m. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket and chairs or seats. No registration is required for the event. The movie is being kept under wraps, but according to the park, it involves a blocky group of heroes banding together to stop an evil villain from conquering their colorful world.

Districts, athletic orgs postpone outdoor activities due to air quality

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:58 GMT

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The poor air quality impacting the Capital Region comes at a time when there are spring sports championships and outdoor school activities on the calendar. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! “This is a phenomenon that we literally didn’t see coming,” said Joseph Hochreiter, Albany City School District Superintendent.His district, like most others in the area have rescheduled outdoor field trips and moved physical education classes and recess indoors Wednesday."We believe we’ll be able to resume tomorrow, but we’re going to keep a close eye on it. Certainly, our schools have field days and outside activities, but we are building contingent plans to make sure that students don’t lose out on those opportunities,“ Hochreiter said.NYSPHSAA postponed the boys' lacrosse semifinals. Niskayuna was supposed to take on Garden City Wednesday afternoon. The team from Long Island already made the trip up to...

Officials urge New Yorkers to renew Medicaid eligibility

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:58 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (WTEN) -- Experts say during the Covid era, Medicaid enrollment increased by nearly 30%. Now that the public health crisis is over, officials are urging New Yorkers to renew their eligibility or shop around for coverage if they’re no longer eligible. During Covid, Congress prohibited states from dropping anyone from Medicaid regardless of eligibility.  This protected health coverage for many people over the past three years. But with the pandemic over, that process has changed. Some people are eligible for auto renewal, but not all.  2023 Juneteenth events in the Capital Region "We’re finding that across the country that many people are not aware that what used to be a routine thing every year has restarted and people are missing the mail and not responding," said Dan Tsai, Deputy Administrator and Director of the Center for Medicaid. He said there are 93 million Americans who are enrolled in Medicaid; it’s important you update your contact information, to ensure you ...

Capital Region seniors battling the hazy condition caused by Canadian wild fires

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:58 GMT

MECHANICVILLE, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The unhealthy advisories are not keeping the seniors at the Mechanicville Senior Center from getting the vital services they need. Folks are still coming out for the much-needed necessities like prepared meals and free food. Self-admitted arsonist arrested for setting fires in Colonie “We had about the same number, we had about 40 in today. they each bring in bags and take home all the food they want,” said Mechanicville Commissioner of Public Safety, Fred Hosley.  Ehtel Baisley, secretary for the center says seniors need places like this.“People just won't eat if they don't have some place to go, you know. And there are a lot of people that get their box of food from the community center, also,” said Baisley.Locations like this are places for seniors to feel safe and cared for. It’s a place to socialize and get out of the house. They have time to sit with friends as they are served in a safe friendly environment. New eatery opening at Amsterdam’s ...

Special Olympics torch run wraps up in Albany

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:58 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." That's the motto for Special Olympics athletes—but on Wednesday, it took on a separate meaning. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! More than 150 officers from around the Capital Region ran from Schenectady to Albany. "[They were] befriending our athletes, and changing the future for people with intellectual disabilities, one step at a time," exclaimed Stacey Hengsterman, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York. Hengsterman was amazed, even smoke-filled air couldn't stop them. "We did ask, 'are you sure you want to run?'," she recalled. "And people said yes. You guys did it! 'Air quality shmair quality,' I guess. Not for these guys." Local students take part in unified PE with Special Olympics NY Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan remembered when her cousin competed. "He still proudly displays the medals that he earned over the course ...

Herkimer police arrest man on missing person investigation

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 10:56:58 GMT

HERKIMER, N.Y. (WUTR) — Police arrested a Herkimer man after an investigation into a missing child out of Sullivan County. At about 9:30 p.m. on June 5, Herkimer police found out from state police that a 13-year-old girl—from Herkimer but placed by court order in Swan Lake in Sullivan County—was missing. Get the latest, news, weather, sports and community events delivered right to your inbox! (Herkimer Police photo)Police said an investigation uncovered that she was picked up in Swan Lake and brought back to Herkimer. Police surveilled two locations there on June 6, and allegedly spotted the girl with Darius “Max” Richards, 38, on North Washington Street in Herkimer.Police immediately stopped and questioned them, and got a search warrant for the North Washington Street residence with the help of the County District Attorney’s Office. On Tuesday night, police executed the warrant and arrested Richards. His charges are misdemeanor endangering the welfare of a child and felony posses...