‘I Won’t Let Them Down’: New York Swears In First Female Governor

Good morning! It’s Wednesday, Aug. 25, which means we’re halfway through the workweek. To catch you up this Hump Day, here’s a selection of stories from across Patchland that we’ll be sharing with you:

• New York swears in its first female governor.
• A congressman asks Donald Trump’s permission to get married.
• When the brightest fall leaves might arrive in your town.
• Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts dies at 80.

Kathy Hochul Makes NY History

On Tuesday, Kathy Hochul became the first female governor of New York, taking control of a state government desperate to get back to business after months of distractions over sexual harassment allegations against Andrew Cuomo.

The Democrat from western New York was sworn in as governor in a brief, private ceremony.

Afterward, she told Buffalo television station WGRZ she felt "the weight of responsibility" on her shoulders.

"I'll tell New Yorkers I'm up to the task. And I'm really proud to be able to serve as their governor, and I won't let them down," she said. << Kathy Hochul Becomes New York's First Female Governor, via New York City Patch

A Dying Wish Fulfilled

Nina Heard had one dying wish: to watch her daughter walk down the aisle.

In October 2019, Nina was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She has been fighting the disease for nearly two years and recently was hospitalized for treatment. As her condition worsened, her family told the hospital that her last wish was to see her daughter, Noel, get married.

In just 24 hours, staff at Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica, California, made it happen. << A Mother's Dying Wish Comes True As Her Daughter Weds, via Santa Monica Patch

Charlie Watts Dead At 80

Charlie Watts, the self-effacing and unshakeable Rolling Stones drummer who helped anchor one of rock's greatest rhythms sections and used his "day job" to support his enduring love of jazz, has died, according to his publicist. He was 80. << Charlie Watts, Rolling Stones Drummer, Dead At 80, via Across America Patch

With Trump’s Permission, Matt Gaetz Gets Married

Matt Gaetz, a U.S. representative from Florida and an outspoken and ardent Donald Trump supporter, eloped to Southern California on Saturday, marrying his girlfriend Ginger Luckey in a small surprise ceremony on Catalina Island.

While most guys ask the girl’s father for permission, Gaetz went a different route. Instead, he asked former President Trump for his blessing. << U.S. Rep Matt Gaetz Elopes In CA, Marries Girlfriend, via Miami Patch

Fall Is Coming. So Are Gorgeous Leaves.

The autumnal equinox is still about a month away on the calendar, but it's not too early to start planning a fall leaf peering tour using the 2021 Fall Foliage Prediction Map. Using the map gives you a pretty good idea of when autumn leaves will turn their most blazing reds, vibrant oranges and sunny yellows. << 2021 Fall Foliage Peak Map: When Leaves Are Best Across America, via Across America Patch

Afghanistan Latest

President Joe Biden is standing by his pledge to draw all U.S. troops out of Afghanistan by Aug. 31. Meanwhile, the United States is beginning to reduce its military presence at the Kabul airport. Read the latest via The Washington Post

Around ‘The Patch’

• 'Widespread' Sexual Assault, Hazing Was Known To Coaches, via Plainfield, Illinois, Patch
• Mayim Bialik To Step In As Interim Host Of 'Jeopardy!', via Culver City Patch
• Firefighter Punished For Not Turning Hose On NYC Protesters: Suit, via New York City Patch
• 'Rhode Island Stands Ready To Welcome' Afghan Refugees, via Cranston Patch
• Maryland Hammers GOP Mask Bans, Welcomes Afghani Refugees, via Annapolis Patch
• Colectivo Coffee Workers Can Unionize After Ballot Recount, via Milwaukee Patch
• Disney World Reaches Union Deal Requiring COVID Vaccines, via Orlando Patch
• Herschel Walker Has GA Election On His Mind; Registers To Vote, via Buckhead Patch

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