After months of quarantine, lockdown, and isolation, children with serious illnesses will have an exciting summer to look forward to thanks to Chai Lifeline’s new Camp Simcha Without Borders initiative. Camp Simcha and Camp Simcha Special, Chai Lifeline’s flagship summer programs for children with cancer, blood disorders, and all forms of chronic illness, will bring the magic of Simcha to communities across the country. “Over these past few months, our kids have had their worlds turned upside down as they have adjusted to life during COVID-19 while simultaneously confronting their own medical issues,” said Rabbi Simcha Scholar, CEO of Chai Lifeline.

One person was reportedly killed in a serious crash on Route 17, Friday afternoon. It happened at around 12:30PM on Route 17 Westbound between Exit 116 an Exit 117, when a vehicle overturned and erupted into flames. Emergency personally from multiple agencies including Catskill Hatzolah were on the scene. A chopper landed on the highway to airlift at least one person from the wreck. Tragically, sources confirm to YWN that one victim has been pronounced dead. It was unknown how many other victims were being treated for injuries. As of 1:40PM, the eastbound direction was reopened. Westbound will be shut for some time – expect heavy delays in the area, and alternate routes should be utilized. The cause of the crash was under investigation by the NY State Police.

(By Sandy Eller) With more than ten years of experience in the Sullivan County District Attorney’s office, Meagan Galligan’s reputation as being tough on crime and extremely community minded has been hard won. Galligan, who has been serving as Sullivan County’s acting district attorney since January, comes from a family whose history of public service spans four generations. Having worked her way up the ranks from assistant district attorney to executive assistant district attorney to chief assistant district attorney to the position she holds today, Galligan hopes to emerge victorious from Tuesday’s Republican primary, positioning her one step closer to winning the highest elected position in the county.

The Association of Jewish Camp Operators, whose members run dozens of summer camps, has just filed a lawsuit against NY Governor Cuomo following his decision to forbid overnight summer camps from opening this season.

A reporter questioned NY Governor Cuomo about Kiryas Joel at the Monday morning press conference, but it seemed from his response, that he really doesn’t mind what is going on. REPORTER: “We have video of dozens of kids going into buses with backpacks…. there is also another video we got of a huge wedding in K.J. last week with hundreds in attendance… Orange County says the Ny State Police has the jurisdiction — why isn’t the State Police enforcing your executive order?” CUOMO: “Well first, local governments, have the primary responsibility for enforcement. That is the law. And I’ve said a number of times, local governments have to do their job.” Watch the full response in the video below.

Overnight camps will not be allowed for the summer of 2020, Cuomo announced Saturday at his Third Avenue office in Manhattan. While children’s day camps have gotten the go-ahead, overnight camps will not be permitted this summer because they have been deemed to be at a higher risk of spreading the virus, said state Health Commissioner Howard Zucker, M.D. Since the beginning of the health crisis, the state has made decisions “based on science and facts,” Dr. Zucker said. “The facts are that this is a congregate setting,” Zucker said. “There are many children together in a bunk, sleeping together. They are eating in the same common area, they are sharing a bathroom, so social distancing is just not possible.

Statement from New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker on Overnight Summer Camps: Throughout this entire public health response, there isn’t a single decision we have not made based on data and science, rather than emotion. Using the best currently available science and data, I have reached a decision to prohibit overnight children’s camps from operating this season in New York State. Unlike day camps, which are approved to open June 29, overnight camps are a difficult setting to manage social distancing and face covering and infection control practices. Overnight camps have congregate settings and sleeping arrangements in close quarters that present too many risks.

The New York State Police says it will crack down on reckless driving for one week beginning June 11. The traffic-enforcement initiative is called “Speed Week” and ends on June 17. During this time, state police say troopers actively patrol highway work zones and target driver’s violating the “Move Over” law. New York State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said, “Speeding is a significant safety hazard on our highways, which often results in tragic consequences. We urge all motorists to obey posted speed limits and eliminate distractions while behind the wheel.

With camps in limbo if they will be allowed to open, NY Governor Cuimo says a decision on whether sleep away camps can open this summer in New York is yet to be made. In an interview this morning, Cuomo told Long Island News Radio that the issue is the inflammatory illness believed to be related to the cronavirus that has been affecting children, and concerns over spreading it. Cuomo reiterated that as the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths decline, summer day camps can start to open at the end of the month. He said no decision has been made on sleepaway camps. So, he added, “Summer day camps are going to open on June 29. We’re still reviewing the situation with sleepaway camps.” “I’m making that decision like it’s my own daughter.

Nearly a month after Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein called for summer camps to be allowed to open this year, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that day camps will be allowed to operate this summer, albeit under strict safety guidelines. After weeks of Assemblyman Eichenstein leading the negotiations with the senior staff of Governor Andrew Cuomo, this is wonderful news for all New Yorkers, and especially for families with children who are yearning to enjoy a real summer camp experience with their peers. “I’m delighted that Governor Cuomo recognizes the tremendous significance of this decision for so many New Yorkers,” said Assemblyman Simcha Eichenstein, “Summer camp provides an outlet for children and much needed break for their parents.