It almost seems a cliche -- a politician handing out checks.

But there was Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, traveling to the Mohawk Valley and Niagara County to hand-deliver checks to flood victims. In separate media events, the governor gave out thousands of dollars in state relief to families whose property damage wasn't covered by federal emergency aid.

The Cuomo administration says it will dole out 1,206 checks in all, worth a total of $13.6 million.

To be sure, it's welcome relief to homeowners who have been waiting two months for financial help.

It also fits Cuomo's summer strategy of barnstorming upstate -- wine tours, fishing tournaments, white-water rafting, to name a few events -- in places where his approval ratings are lowest.

-- Yancey Roy

A brave young patriot receives a burial 83 years after being lost in war. Volunteers restore a Revolutionary War cemetery. A Gold Star mom makes it her mission to honor her son’s sacrifice. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie shares three stories in honor of Memorial Day. Credit: Randee Daddona; Photo credits: Anthony Veneziano, Cathy Heighter

Memorial Day 2026: NewsdayTV honors those we've lost A brave young patriot receives a burial 83 years after being lost in war. Volunteers restore a Revolutionary War cemetery. A Gold Star mom makes it her mission to honor her son's sacrifice. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie shares three stories in honor of Memorial Day.

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