🌱 Hochul State Of The State Address + Merrick Hospital Capacity

Good morning, neighbors! Patch apologizes that the Merrick Daily has been absent from your inbox over the past few days. After a slight change, we are back in action! My name is Sean Peek, filling in as your temporary source for everything happening around town. Special thanks to Jackie for her great work on the Merrick Daily!

First, today's weather:

Some sun, then clouds. High: 39 Low: 33.

Here are the top stories today in Merrick:

1. Assemblyman Dave McDonough, a local lawmaker, has reacted to Gov. Kathy Hochul's first State of the State address. During the address, Hochul outlined plans to rebuild healthcare and work on public safety, while putting much of her focus on the coronavirus. Of the address, McDonough stated the State of the State address "lacked urgency, focus and spirit to address some of the pressing issues that New Yorkers actually care about." (Merrick Patch)
2. On Jan. 4, New York state health officials reported to the federal government that roughly 76 percent of inpatient beds and 72 percent of intensive care unit beds in hospitals across the state were occupied. They also reported around 25 percent of inpatient beds and 29 percent of ICU beds statewide were filled by COVID-19 patients. (Merrick Patch)
3. On Tuesday, New Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he’ll push state lawmakers to ax a controversial law that eliminated cash bail for certain crimes. During his inaugural address, Blakeman said he will join with new District Attorney Annie Donnelly and law enforcement officials to put pressure on Democrats who control the state Legislature to repeal the Bail Reform Act. (New York Post)

From our sponsor:

Hey Merrick, are you looking to buy a house, refinance or just explore your options? Check out the new Patch Mortgage Center for all your home financing needs!

Today in Merrick:

• The NYC Winter Lantern Festival Presents A Bug's Night: A Drive-Thru Adventure
  At Nassau County Museum Of Art Roslyn (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Commissioner Ryder announced the Nassau County Police Department has made three arrests for a Robbery Pattern. (Facebook)
• Teens at the Merrick Library created over 100 beautiful cards which will be distributed to children's hospitals across the country! (Facebook)
• Would you like your child to be more independent? The Merrick Library is hosting an event that can help. Lisa Finn, “The Feelings Teacher” can help your child strengthen self-esteem and build independence to help them manage their daily tasks. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Kids After School Bowling at Levittown Lanes (January 7)
• Add your event

Announcements:

• Behind The Scoreboard – Horses Can Guide The Blind (Details)
• Add your announcement

Gigs & services:

• Home Alterations & REPAIRS (Details)
• Add your gig or service

Loving the Merrick Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers

That's it for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.