ANDREW CUOMO, governor of New York (MTA photo).

Andrew Cuomo, once considered a possible viable presidential candidate, is facing accusations of sexual harassment and calls for his resignation.

Cuomo, son of another Democratic governor, Mario Cuomo, has been the Empire State’s top elected official since January 2011.

The coronavirus pandemic brought him generally positive attention for his leadership but he recently came under criticism for undercounting the number of COVID-19 related deaths in nursing homes in what critics say was an effort to hide the toll of fatalities on his watch.

More recently, several women have come forth accusing him of aggressive touching, suggestive comments and questions. On Sunday Cuomo released a statement of apology which included acknowledgment that some of his remarks “have been interpreted as an unwanted flirtation, To the extent that anyone felt that way, I am truly sorry about that.”

News:  Coronavirus numbers looking better

CORONAVIRUS (Shutterstock).

The coronavirus pandemic may not be over, but encouraging signs are pointing the way toward at least a partial return to “normal. “ Vaccinations are increasing with – according to The New York Times – at least 15 percent of American adults having received at least one dose, and 7.7 percent being fully vaccinated. New cases over a 14-day period have declined 26 percent and deaths by 21 percent.

Worldwide, over 114.3 million cases have been reported and 2.5 million deaths. In the U.S., there have been over 28.6 confirmed cases and 514,333 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Business: Bulls have a very, very big day

WALL STREET was bullish on Monday (Shutterstock).

A brightening economic picture sent Wall Street soaring on Monday. All three major stock indexes posted healthy gains. The Dow Jones Average rose 602.14 points to 31,535.52. The S&P 500 increased by 90.67 points to 3,901.82, and Nasdaq leaped 396.48 points to 13,588.82. It was the best day for American stocks in nine months.

The prospect of lower interest rates was part of the big rally, as well as the prospect of a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill becoming law. It has been approved by the House of Representatives and will be considered next by the Senate.

Sports:  J.J. Watt is now an A.C. (Arizona Cardinal)

One of the top defensive players in the NFL is trading one uniform for another. J.J. Watt, 31, is leaving the Houston Texans for a two-year, $23 million guaranteed deal with the Arizona Cardinals. A defensive end, he has been named Al-Pro five times.

The Texans were 4-12 last season and the Cardinals 8-8 and Watt expressed a desire to play for a year with the potential to play for a Super Bowl title.

Weather: Some rain on the way

March is said to come in like a lion, and that will likely mean from rain in the West Orange County area this week. The forecast is for sunny skies on Tuesday with a daytime high of 74 (48 overnight), giving way to rain on Wednesday and a high of 62 (low of 47). Sunny skies will return on Thursday with a chilly daytime temp of 64 (47) and mostly sunny conditions of Friday (72/48). However, rain should return in the evening on Saturday (64/48).