Author: Brian O'Neil

March 2, 2026

FROM COGRESSMAN NICK LANGWORTHY:

CENTCOM has confirmed the Iranian Regime is actively targeting civilians and has attacked more than a dozen locations including:

· Dubai International Airport
· Kuwait International Airport
· Zayed International Airport, Dubai
· Erbil International Airport, Iraq
· Fairmont Palm Hotel, Dubai
· Burj Al Arab Hotel, Dubai
· Crowne Plaza Hotel, Bahrain
· Port of Dubai
· Residential areas in Beit Shemesh, Israel
· Residential areas in Tel Aviv, Israel
· Residential area of Era Views Towers, Bahrain
· Residential areas in Qatar

February 28, 2026

“Following the U.S. military operations in Iran overnight, we are taking precautionary steps to protect New Yorkers. State Police are increasing their presence at religious, diplomatic, and cultural sites statewide in coordination with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Additionally, in advance of the Jewish holiday of Purim, State Police remain alert and have already begun outreach to religious organizations to offer support.

“While there have been no specific, credible threats to New York identified, we continue to monitor online activity for any potential threats, and we encourage New Yorkers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.”

February 28, 2026

Later on Saturday in the 5:00pm hour, Langworthy issued this statement:

“The Iranian regime is the world’s number one sponsor of terror and has the blood of thousands of Americans on its hands. Their “Death to America” chants and desire to annihilate Israel are not slogans, they are actively building the nuclear weapons and missile capabilities to make it a reality and over the last four decades have taken every opportunity to kill.
“President Trump has given them numerous chances to deescalate and has successfully built allied relationships with the rest of the Middle East region, who are supportive of the Epic Fury operation. The Gang of 8 was also briefed and has conveyed the grave importance of stopping Iran’s military capabilities. This mission is about protecting our homeland and finishing the job of blocking this murderous regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon. It should be very telling that while our strikes are isolated to military targets, Iran has begun indiscriminate bombings of civilian locations.
“May God watch over our incredible U.S. Servicemembers who are tasked with this mission and those deployed across the region. This is a moment for us to stand united for lasting peace for America, the Iranian people, and all countries across the Middle East.
“It is also a time that we must be extra vigilant on our own soil and Democrats must stop blocking funding for the Department of Homeland Security so it can immediately reopen. Time is of the essence.”

From Congresswoman Claudia Tenney, Who Is On The House Select Committee On Intelligence:

“As the Department of War brilliantly executes Operation Epic Fury against the despotic Islamist Iranian regime, I pray for the safety of all our U.S. service members and allies in the region,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “I hope the brave Iranian people will take back their country from the brutal mullahs, and the people of Iran can have a future of peace and prosperity, instead of tyranny and terrorism.”

Later in the day, Tenney issued a second statement: “The Ayatollah is dead, and the world is safer without him. Good riddance. His decades of terrorism, tyranny, and regional destabilization brought suffering to millions and threatened America and our allies. This is a great day for the United States of America and all our regional allies. May the regime of terror he built fall with him, and may the Iranian people finally have the opportunity to reclaim their country and chart a future defined by freedom and peace. Thank you to our brave servicemembers and to President Trump for executing this operation with strength and precision and for standing with the courageous people of Iran.”

February 28, 2026

From U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer: “When I talked to Secretary Rubio, I implored him to be straight with Congress and the American people about the objectives of these strikes and what comes next. Iran must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon but the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home. The administration has not provided Congress and the American people with critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat. Confronting Iran’s malign regional activities, nuclear ambitions, and harsh oppression of the Iranian people demands American strength, resolve, regional coordination, and strategic clarity. Unfortunately, President Trump’s fitful cycles of lashing out and risking wider conflict are not a viable strategy. The administration must brief Congress, including an immediate all senators classified briefing and in public testimony, to answer these vital questions. The Senate should quickly return to session and reassert its constitutional duty by passing our resolution to enforce the War Powers Act. My prayers are with our brave American service members.

From U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (A Member Of The Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Intelligence Committee: “I came to Congress in opposition to endless wars. Trump’s actions today risk exactly that again. Congress should return to session immediately to vote on a war powers resolution. The president lacks the constitutional authority – and in my opinion, the temperament and judgment – to act in such a reckless fashion. I pray for the safety and well-being of our brave service members and American families in the region. America voted for lower costs, not forever wars.”

February 28, 2026
By State Senator Tom O’Mara

The State Senate annually undertakes two programs giving state senators representing legislative districts throughout New York, including our own 58th District across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions, the opportunity to honor area citizens who have made difference-making contributions to local communities, the state, and our nation.

I’m referring to the Senate’s annual “Veterans Hall of Fame” and “Women of Distinction” tributes, and I’m glad to take the opportunity in this week’s column to share a reminder that the nomination process for each recognition is underway until Monday, March 23.

Remember that nominees must reside within the 58th Senate District, which encompasses Chemung, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates counties, and part of Allegany County (the towns of Alfred, Almond, Amity, Andover, Birdsall, Burns, Grove, Independence, Scio, Ward, Wellsville, and Willing).

On the importance of honoring the service of our veterans, America’s first President, George Washington, famously said, “The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation.”

The Senate established its online Veterans Hall of Fame in 2005. It seeks to honor New York State veterans whose service in the United States Armed Forces has been accompanied by service to the community and accomplishments as a civilian. As I mentioned, veterans representing Senate districts statewide are annually selected for induction. My colleagues and I conduct induction ceremonies within our respective legislative districts and in Albany coinciding with veteran-related observances throughout the year (this year’s statewide induction ceremony in Albany will be held in late May to coincide with Memorial Day).

So many veterans served our nation courageously and honorably and then returned home to lift the lives of their local communities. The Senate Veterans Hall of Fame is just one more way to give a local veteran a well-deserved and well-earned expression of our gratitude and admiration.

Nomination letters for the Veterans Hall of Fame should include a short biography highlighting the nominee’s military and civilian service, including awards and achievements, and be e-mailed to omara@nysenate.gov.

The same can be said for the “Women of Distinction” award. This year marks the 28th annual time the Senate has put out the call to honor local women making outstanding contributions to area communities. It’s become one of the Senate’s most meaningful recognitions and I look forward to this annual opportunity to recognize an outstanding area citizen.

The first woman appointed to serve as a United States Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O’Connor, once said, “As society sees what women can do, as women see what women can do, there will be more women out there doing things, and we’ll all be better off for it.”

We all know someone who makes an enormous difference to the community at large. Whether she is a service provider, law enforcement officer, teacher, nurse, business leader, public servant, or simply a community resident known for her good deeds, I’d like to see her recognized.

Women of Distinction nominations can be submitted online at www.omara.nysenate.gov (see the Women of Distinction banner near the top of the home page) or e-mailed to omara@nysenate.gov.

You can find out more about the Veterans Hall of Fame and the Women of Distinction tribute on my website at the address mentioned above, including the biographies of those I’ve been able to recognize over the past 15 years.

It stands as a compilation of some of the very best of those who have lived, served, worked, and volunteered among us in our communities.

It’s an enduring salute to those who have truly and remarkably made a difference to the quality, strength, and success of our region over the years.

February 27, 2026

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano says that the New York State Corrections Officers work stoppage in 2025, was significant. “We know that you were involved in discussions and negotiations,” Palmesano said to one of the top Corrections officials. “We also know that your office was involved in working to make changes to the HALT Act. We know that in order to have an impact, we have to pass it in statute. We asked the DOCCS Commissioner when he was here, why didn’t the governor include that in her budgget proposal? There are people I serve with who don’t want any changes to the HALT Act,” Palmesano explained.

The HALT Act, the Humane Alternatives To Long Term Solitary Confinement Act, went into effect in 2022. Democrats say it was a way of ending solitary confinement as a punishment to inmates. Republicans have consistently argued that there was no solitary confinement before it was passed and that the HALT Act makes it nearly impossible to discipline unruly prisoners.

February 27, 2026

Governor Kathy Hochul has created a new position in state government: the Director of National Security and Intelligence. Hochul says the focus of this work will be helping other state agencies and city, town and village halls, to protect them from what the governor says are “new and emerging threats.” The Director will be Colin Ahern, who has served previously as the state’s chief cyber officer.

See below.

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the appointment of Colin Ahern to serve as New York State’s first-ever Director of Security and Intelligence (DSI). In this role, Director Ahern, who previously served as New York State’s Chief Cyber Officer, will provide strategic direction and further unify the State’s security assets on national security and intelligence matters. The DSI will also coordinate statewide activities to better respond to global risks and seize opportunities for advancing the defense industrial base and technologies crucial to national security.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority, and the threats we face are more complex and interconnected than ever before, which is why we need to be aggressive, innovative and adaptive in the way we combat new threats and adversaries,” Governor Hochul said. “To meet these challenges and seize these opportunities, I am appointing Colin Ahern as the State’s first Director of Security and Intelligence. Colin has served New York State well as our first-ever Chief Cyber Officer combatting cyber threats, and now, he will take his work to a new level collaborating with state, local and federal government partners to ensure we are meeting this moment head on, and keeping our state and community safe from new and emerging threats.”

The Director of Security and Intelligence will report directly to Director of State Operations Jackie Bray, and will coordinate across state agencies, local governments, federal partners and the private sector to ensure a whole-of-state response to foreign malign influence, hybrid warfare and other national security issues. Furthermore, the DSI will champion and advocate for investment in New York’s defense and security industries, facilitating partnerships in key areas including the defense industrial base, drones, quantum, and other technologies crucial to national security.

Director of Security and Intelligence Colin Ahern said, “It’s an honor to be named New York State’s first Director of Security and Intelligence and to continue working to help keep New Yorkers safe. New York continues to meet today’s challenges, stepping up to strengthen our security, defense, and intelligence efforts, and I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for her continued leadership and commitment to making sure New York remains a national leader in security and intelligence.”

Director Ahern brings nearly two decades of experience in intelligence and security to this new role. He previously served as the State’s first Chief Cyber Officer. He is a decorated former U.S. Army officer, Bronze Star recipient and veteran of two tours in Afghanistan. Director Ahern has also taught hybrid warfare, intelligence, and cybersecurity at Columbia University and the George C. Marshall Center for European Security Studies, is a term member at the Council on Foreign Relations, and holds an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business.

Michaela Lee will be the Acting Chief Cyber Officer until a permanent Chief Cyber Officer is named.

February 27, 2026

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney says the end of business day on March 9Community Fu is the deadline for elected officials and non-profits to submit an application to get Community Project Funding. This program allows government officials and non- profit organizations to get federal funding for high priority community projects. Tenney says her office works closely with applicants to help them get some of the funding available for these projects.

See below.

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney has announced the launch of the Community Project Funding (CPF) process for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27). The deadline for this year’s submissions is March 9 at close of business. The CPF process is an important way for members of Congress to advocate for projects that directly benefit our communities across New York’s 24th District. It ensures transparency, accountability, and congressional oversight in the funding process rather than leaving critical decisions solely to Washington without local input. The CPF program allows eligible local governments and non-profit organizations to submit requests for federal funding for high-priority community projects. All proposals are thoroughly vetted, must demonstrate strong local support, and are subject to strict oversight requirements. All CPF applications supported by Congresswoman Tenney’s office must meet rigorous eligibility standards outlined in the appropriations guidance and include a clear, detailed plan to execute funds responsibly and efficiently. Tenney’s office works closely with applicants to ensure that any awarded funds are used appropriately and deliver meaningful results for the district. Local elected officials and non-profit organizations interested in submitting applications or seeking additional information should email: AppropriationsRequestsNY24@mail.house.gov.

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February 27, 2026

Steuben County IDA Director Jamie Johnson says LP Building Solutions in Bath is doing an expansion. Johnson says it’s an about $17 million dollar project, which will almost double the size of LP Building Solution’s production space. This is being done to provide additional production efficiencies and a redesign and layout for some of their equipment. It’s also happening so that there will be indoor storage so they can provide a continued business growth in the Town of Bath.

February 27, 2026
By Alfred State Spokesperson Paul Welker

An interdisciplinary team of Alfred State students recently placed first in the design-build division of the Associated Schools of Construction Region 1 Student Competition held in Albany.
Architecture and Design Professor William Dean advised the design-build team and preconstruction teams, along with Civil Engineering Technology Professor Erin Vitale, who also advised the open concrete team. Members of the design-build team included construction management student Kyle Battaglia (Spencerport, NY), and architecture students Jackson Eigg (Fairport, NY), Brianna Fagan (Spencerport, NY), Megan Pinzel (Grand Island, NY), Ainsley Pirotta (Lakeview, NY), and Isabelle Warfield (Schenectady, NY).
Fagan served as the team project manager and was honored that her team placed in the competition. “Our team collaborated on design leading up to the competition. Each participant was eager to fulfill their role and spent time beforehand learning new roles and how to best support each other during the competition. Our collaboration and teamwork helped us to produce a detailed schedule and a unique design.”
The competition focused on providing design and construction services for a new parking garage to support a New York Airport’s new Terminal G. The program required the development of a parking garage facility adjacent to the terminal that included 3,000 parking spaces, rideshare pickup zone, connecting roads to the adjacent major airport roadways, electric vehicle charging, freight and passenger elevators, and a dynamic facade system.
On the first day of competition weekend, teams received project documents at 8 a.m. and had sixteen hours to complete their submission to the judging team, comprised of a sponsoring firm that created the challenge. The team’s submission included conceptual design documents, an itemized estimate, a comprehensive schedule, and safety and site logistics plans.
The next day, each team gave an oral presentation to the project sponsors and judging team, Skanska, who judged the written submissions and oral presentations and ranked the top three teams.
Fagan continued, “It was a great experience, and I am proud of how each member stepped into a new situation. We were all grateful for the experience and learned a lot that we can utilize in our own work.”
The design-build category was one of five divisions (pre-construction, commercial, heavy-civil, and open concrete) at the event. Alfred State had strong showings in both the preconstruction and open concrete divisions.
Members of the preconstruction team included architecture students Jessica Budd (Fairport, NY), Fernanda Ceja (New Rochelle, NY), Selena Fullone (Webster, NY), and Connor Welsh (Staten Island, NY), and construction management student Owen Lantiegne (Lafayette, NY). The open concrete team was comprised of sophomores and juniors from both BS Construction Management and BS Civil Engineering Technology programs including Jaelyn Benjamin Wilson (Allegany, NY), Kari Annunziato (Greenwood Lake, NY), Erica Jackson (West Babylon, NY), Joshua Gradner (Saint Louis, MO), Griffin Doan (Cayuga, NY), and Alexander Grohman (Buffalo, NY).
Fullone, project manager for the preconstruction team, said that the competition was one of the most meaningful experiences she has had as an architecture student. “This fast-paced competition pushed me to think beyond design and gain hands-on experience with preconstruction services, which is something rarely learned in a traditional architecture education. It strengthened my understanding of constructability, value engineering, and teamwork under pressure. Most importantly, the competition highlighted the importance of collaboration and different perspectives in achieving a successful outcome. I am extremely proud of what our team accomplished together in the twelve short hours.”
“These types of competitions foster a more comprehensive understanding of the collaborative environment that must exist between architects and constructors,” commented Dean. By directly involving students in the construction planning process, they develop a practical skill set that empowers them to be more effective, responsible, and innovative practitioners. The intended outcome is a generation of architects and construction professionals equipped with the ability to lead and execute complex projects, making them more adaptable and relevant in the rapidly evolving construction industry.“
Dean concluded, “All of these teams moved outside of their individual comfort zones and showed a great deal of dedication and a lot of heart in their approach to the competitions.”
Dean concluded, “Both of these teams moved outside of their individual comfort zones and showed a great deal of dedication and a lot of heart in their approach to the competitions.”
Prior to the competition, the students met with professionals and Alfred State alumni to help their preparation. The professionals provided a valuable and insightful review of the students’ preliminary proposals and gave them an overview of how their firm might approach similar projects.
The design-build team met with Spencer Read, ’05, President of Mitchell Design-Build in Victor while the preconstruction team traveled to meet with a team of architects and construction managers from Buffalo Construction Consultants, including Design Manager Matthew Edwards, ’02.
For more than 20 years, Construction Management and Architecture students have been competing at the Associated Schools of Construction Competition. This competition is made possible by a LeChase Construction endowment that supports our entrance fees; this year Balfour Beatty US provided travel & lodging expenses.

February 26, 2026

“We need natural gas. People want natural gas. That is what Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R, Corning) has been arguing in the state budget hearings. The assemblyman wants to keep natural gas from being replaced by green energy projects.  “Wind and Solar do not count.  They are not dispatchable,” Palmesano said.  Also, according to the assemblyman, these green projects are largely funded by surcharges and extra fees, on utility bills, and make up 20 percent of some utility bills.  Supporters of the climate action laws say, using wind and solar reduces pollution and are more cost effective. Palmesano maintains that the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, was written in a way that would phase out natural gas. “It’s designed to dismantle the natural gas infrastructure,” Palmesano said yesterday. “It’s designed to take away consumer choice on how you heat your home, fix your food, it will control the vehicle you drive and it will jeopardize the reliability of the grid.”

February 26, 2026

FROM THE FAA: Pilots reported 10,994 laser strikes to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2025 — a 14 percent decrease from the year before but still too high.  Shining a laser at an aircraft poses a serious safety threat and is a federal crime. The FAA conducted outreach and training with local, state, and federal law enforcement throughout the year to combat laser strikes in areas with the highest numbers. “Laser strikes are decreasing, thanks to a strong pilot reporting culture that is providing the data we need for community engagement and work with local law enforcement,” said Ben Supko, Associate Administrator, Security and Intelligence Organization. “But even one laser strike is too many when pilots have hundreds of lives in their hands.”

In 2025, pilots reported the highest numbers of laser strikes in these states:
California – 1,309
Texas – 1,100
Florida – 654
Illinois – 620
Arizona – 574
Washington – 484
Tennessee – 431
Indiana – 370
New York – 369
Virginia – 353

Lasers can incapacitate pilots, many of whom are flying airplanes with hundreds of passengers. Pilots have reported 337 injuries since the FAA began tracking laser strike reports in 2010.  People who shine lasers at aircraft face FAA fines of up to $11,000 per violation. They also can face federal criminal penalties of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as state and local penalties.  The FAA strongly encourages people to report laser strikes to the FAA and local law enforcement agencies. Detailed reporting can help identify location and time trends.