Latest news with #Polansky
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
State Senate set to vote on packaging bill that Republicans, business community say will raise grocery prices
May 27—ALBANY — The state Senate is on track to approve a packaging reduction and recycling reform act that could drastically change the way food manufacturers can package the things they sell in New York grocery stores. The "Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act" would require that manufacturers move toward making all packaging recyclable, requiring that within two years almost all commercial packaging be specifically recyclable. Supporters say that the bill would make massive and meaningful changes to the recycling system, by ensuring that a majority of items most New Yorkers buy from the grocery store are sold in packaging they can actually recycle. For years, criticism over the low participation rate for recycling has mounted, and the market today allows for very few items to actually be recycled. According to Beyond Plastics, a lobbying group focused on environmental and recycling reforms, a majority of New Yorkers report that they want to see a bill with the goals of this bill passed. "None of us voted for more plastic, and New Yorkers across the political spectrum have made it resoundingly clear that we don't want it," Judith Enck, president of Beyond Plastics, said in a statement in late April. "No wonder — taxpayers are forced to spend hundreds of millions every year just to bury and burn waste at polluting landfills and incinerators." Enck and the bill's supporters project passing it could net $1.3 billion in savings over 10 years by reducing hauling and landfill costs — although even the bill's supporters acknowledge it's likely to increase consumer costs at least in the short term. The plan faces steep criticism from legislative Republicans, business groups and manufacturers in New York, who say the timeline laid out in the bill is too aggressive and isn't feasible. Ken Polansky, vice president of The Business Council of New York, said the bill under review is very worrying to the New York business community. Polansky said that most states have looked at passing programs that increase recyclability without increasing costs for businesses or consumers significantly. "The bill ... that we're talking about today goes in the absolute opposite direction, very different from legislation most recently seen in Minnesota, Maryland and the state of Washington," he said. Polansky said the bill in New York bans specific types of packaging material altogether, and enacts soft bans on other materials by setting wide requirements that those materials just can't meet. The bill requires that all materials sold in New York be recyclable within two years, something Polansky said is not achievable. New York's Republican lawmakers argue the bill will just drive costs up, ultimately for the consumer. By requiring smaller, recyclable packaging for all foodstuffs, the Republican senators argued that manufacturers will either choose to leave the New York market or lean on smaller, faster-degrading packaging that will lead to increased spoilage and increased shipping costs. Referencing a study conducted in Ontario in 2021, Sen. Daniel G. Stec, R-Queensbury, said the anticipated extra costs for an average household would reach nearly $730. "For those of you paying attention, that's twice the governor's gimmicky rebate checks that were just approved by the legislature," Stec said. Assemblyman Kenneth D. Blankenbush, R-Black River, has raised alarms in the past and this year over the potential impact the bill could have on the Kraft-Heinz manufacturing plant in Lowville, which employs hundreds of Lewis County residents and would have to change the packaging for the cream cheese and string cheese made at the facility. "I worry about that packing bill, it can be very tough on businesses like Kraft-Heinz, which employs over 1,000 employees across the state," Blankenbush said. "I met with Kraft-Heinz, and they are concerned." The Republicans agreed that some semblance of a packaging reform act is doable in New York, pointing toward other bills that make less sweeping mandates with longer turnaround times. Sen. Pam A. Helming, R-Canandaigua, said there are more feasible solutions like a bill introduced by Sen. Monica R. Martinez, D-Suffolk, which is modeled after the program in Minnesota and collects fees from product manufacturers to upgrade recycling infrastructure and invest in making the system more efficient. "I urge the Senate and Assembly Democrats to oppose this (PRRIA) legislation and look at the Martinez legislation as a better place to start for a more workable solution," she said. The Senate is likely to vote on, and pass, the PIRRA bill again this year, but with less than two weeks of voting days left in the legislature, it's not clear if there's a path for final passage, as the Assembly has not yet moved the bill out of committee.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Not Just Lyme: Two other tick-borne illnesses quickly spreading in CNY
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV) — After a classic Central New York winter and a wet start to spring, most of us are eager to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. But we're not the only ones. As temperatures rise, ticks become more active, and this year is no exception. So, what is different? It's not just Lyme Disease you have to watch out for. Two other tick-borne illnesses are quickly spreading in Central New York, and there's a good chance you've never heard their names. 'Over the past four, five years is where I've started to notice a pretty drastic increase in Anaplasma,' Dr. Kris Paolino, an infectious disease specialist at Upstate University Hospital, said. Dr. Paolino explained that Anaplasma can lead to severe health complications if not caught early. 'I've seen patients end up in the ICU. And every year, you hear about one or two cases that end in an unfortunate death,' Dr. Paolino said. The data tells the same story. In 2019, roughly 2% of the ticks tested at the Upstate Tick Testing Lab carried Anaplasma. In the first few months of 2025, that number jumped to 18%. It's not just infected ticks, as more people are getting sick, too. Between 2016 and 2020, Dr. Paolino treated just two confirmed cases of Anaplasmosis. In 2024 alone, he had 19 confirmed cases. There's no bullseye rash here — with Anaplasmosis, he's on the lookout for other symptoms. 'Really high fevers, severe headaches, lab abnormalities like low white blood cells, or liver abnormalities,' Dr. Paolino said. And there's another disease gaining ground in Central New York: Babesia, a parasite that can cause Babesiosis. Both illnesses can be dangerous, especially for young children and older adults. It's important to note that not all tick bites make you sick, but knowing what the tick is carrying can make a difference. NewsChannel 9's Rachel Polansky learned about it firsthand when she found a tick on her daughter's head. The tick, which she later learned was an engorged female deer tick, had likely been on her daughter's scalp for two days, which is more than enough time to transmit disease. Polansky brought it to the Upstate Tick Testing Lab. The next day, she got the results. The tick carried Anaplasma. Once the pediatrician learned about the testing results, he started Polansky's daughter on a two-week course of antibiotics. 'If it is treated, it's not going to come back again,' said Dr. Saravanan Thangamni, who runs the Upstate Tick Testing Lab. Dr. Thangamani and his team have tested more than 35,000 ticks since 2019. Over one-third of them carried at least one dangerous pathogen. Based on the number of tick submissions this spring, he expects a very busy season ahead. 'Everybody wants to get out. It's the same thing with the ticks. As soon as the ground thaws, ticks come out looking for a host,' Dr. Thangamani added. Thus, how can you protect yourself? Don't let fear keep you indoors. But know the risks — and make tick checks a daily habit. 'We put a seat belt on every time we get in a car, or at least we should. It's a natural thing we do. We should be doing the same thing with tick checks in upstate New York,' Dr. Paolino added. It cost Polansky $20 to get the tick tested. Fees range from $10 to $80, depending on where you live and what pathogens you are testing for. Those in Onondaga County get a discount because of an agreement with the Onondaga County Health Department. Click here to read more about tick testing fees. Insurance doesn't cover tick testing, but it gave Polansky answers, and it helped her daughter's doctor make a quick decision to put her on antibiotics. You can mail ticks to the Upstate Tick Testing Lab or drop them off in person. Click here for more information. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Khaleej Times
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
'He wanted to take walks with me': Lady Gaga reveals wholesome quality she found in fiance Michael Polansky
Lady Gaga has spoken up about what she liked about her fiance Michael Polansky. The Abracadabra hitmaker revealed that it was his 'wholesome quality' that drew her to the businessman. "From the moment that I met Michael, he had the most warm and kind disposition of maybe anyone that I had met in my whole life," said Gaga, adding, "Yes, he was impressive, but the thing I cared about the most was he wanted to know about my family." "I guess what I'm trying to say is, I knew Michael was genuine because he wanted to be my friend," added Gaga. "He didn't want to do any of the things that the other people wanted to do. He wanted to take walks with me. He took me rock climbing." She shared that Polansky "inspired" her to "have more hope" about her pain condition. "I guess I know Michael is genuine because he's my friend," said Gaga. She was "glad" she found a "friend" in Polansky. "It was really hard not having it," said Gaga. "It's not a good feeling to have so much trouble making friends. Being actually friends with somebody is a very specific thing. You can sit in a room together and not talk. You can take long walks and talk about your family. You can obsess over a new recipe and make it." Gaga continued, "I don't think it should be transactional, but I was around a lot of that all the time. So it's a big blessing that I met someone that was not like that. It's a new world for me," as per the outlet. Gaga and Polansky were seen arriving hand-in-hand at an SNL afterparty at L'Avenue after the show's recording in New York City, according to People. She wore an eye-catching black rhinestone bodysuit with a matching wide-brimmed hat, while Polansky kept his look casual in a black trucker jacket, jeans and sneakers. Gaga and Polansky were first romantically linked in 2020, making their public debut during the Super Bowl in Miami. At that time, Gaga shared a photo on Instagram of the couple enjoying their time together on a yacht, captioning it, "We had so much fun in Miami." Polansky is known for his work running various charities and businesses associated with Facebook co-founder Sean Parker. Gaga introduced Polanksy as "my fiance" to French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, whom Lady Gaga met while attending an Olympic swimming competition. Ahead of Gaga's performance on the March 8 episode of Saturday Night Live, she spoke to Good Morning America's Michael Strahan about why she was so direct about addressing the topic of marriage and kids when she met Polansky for the first time. "Michael flew to Vegas when I was doing my show to take me on our first date and before we even sat down, I said, 'Do you want marriage and kids?' And he goes, 'Yeah, I do.' And I said, 'Okay, great, do you want something to drink?' And he said, 'Sure,'" she recalled.
Express Tribune
08-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
'It took me out of life': Lady Gaga opens up about mental health challenges
In a candid conversation on The Interview podcast by The New York Times, Lady Gaga discussed her battle with mental health, revealing that five years ago she experienced psychosis, which caused her to lose touch with reality. Reflecting on this challenging period, the 38-year-old singer shared how it took a significant toll on her life but expressed gratitude for the hard work she put into regaining her well-being. "It took me out of life in a big way," Gaga said. "After a lot of years of hard work, I got myself back." She also touched on how this experience led to a pivotal moment in her relationship with her fiancé, Michael Polansky. Gaga recounted that, despite being in a better mental space when they first met, Polansky made a remark that struck her deeply. 'I know you could be a lot happier than you are,' he told her early in their relationship. Although the comment was difficult to hear, Gaga appreciated his honesty and the caring nature he displayed. The singer also discussed the challenges of talking about her mental health publicly, admitting it's something she finds increasingly difficult. 'I hate feeling defined by it,' she explained. 'But I don't think that we should feel ashamed if we go through times like that. I mostly just wish to say, it can get better. It did for me, and I'm grateful for that.' In a 2025 interview with ELLE, Polansky also opened up about the difficulties of dating someone as famous as Lady Gaga. He emphasized the challenge of managing their privacy and how crucial it is for them to maintain close personal relationships. Despite the public scrutiny, Polansky expressed admiration for Gaga's patience and comfort with their unique lifestyle. The couple got engaged in July 2024, after publicly dating since 2019.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Lady Gaga Says Michael Polansky Inspired Her Song Blade of Grass
revealed in a recent interview how her fiance Michael Polansky inspired one of the tracks in her latest album Mayhem, 'Blade of Grass.' Blade of Grass is the 13th track of her new album. This is not the first time Gaga spoke of Polansky's impact on her work. Last year in an interview, the 38-year-old musician mentioned that Polansky had convinced her to make pop music. Mayhem is currently scheduled for release on March 7, 2025. This new album is expected to have 14 songs. The album's lead single, Disease, dropped in October 2024, while its second track, Abracadabra, arrived in February 2025. Lady Gaga recently gave an interview with Zane Lowe for Apple Music, where she discussed the development of her latest album. Here, she also discussed other aspects of her career and life. During this interview, she spoke of Michael Polansky's influence on her song Blade of Grass. 'As a songwriter, you need life to inspire your writing,' The Poker Face artist told Lowe in the Apple Music interview. 'And if everything is promotion, then I'll write about promotion, and I won't write about that special moment I shared with you where Michael asked me how I would want to propose to me one day.' Gaga then explained the special proposal interaction between her and Polansky. The couple were at their backyard, and she asked him to take a blade of grass and wrap it around her finger. The House of Gucci star then noted how she wrote Blade of Grass, because she remembered Polansky's facial expression and the grass in the backyard. She also recalled how her fiance had to use the long grass situated in the center of their backyard. Polansky proposed to Gaga shortly after her birthday in 2024, which the latter confirmed in an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The Joker: Folie a Deux actress also revealed how Polansky once gave her an incredible and touching compliment. Lady Gaga quoted Polansky saying 'You who you are is that you're an artist. That's the thing that makes you most happy, so we need to nurture that part of you.' Moreover, she recalled how he sparked a realization in her that other things in her life were bothersome and difficult and how it kept her away from her passion. The post Lady Gaga Says Michael Polansky Inspired Her Song Blade of Grass appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
