Author: Brian O'Neil

August 18, 2026

FROM SEN. GILLIBRAND: Today, following the official lapse of President Trump’s 60-day ceasefire deal with Iran and his threat to broaden and prolong the war even further by bombing Oman, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, released the following statement:

“Every day that Trump’s reckless war drags on is another day that working families suffer. Americans are struggling to fill up their gas tanks, pay their soaring utility bills, and put food on the table, all while their president spends billions of taxpayer dollars fighting a war he had no reason to start in the first place. Now, with no peace deal in sight and no objectives achieved, Trump is threatening to drop even more bombs in the Middle East – this time on one of our allies. His actions are an embarrassment, his war is a failure, and the American people are paying the price.

August 17, 2026

FROM SENATOR SCHUMER’S OFFICE: U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today visited Alfred State College to launch a push in support of the college’s new proposal to strengthen the regional healthcare workforce. Schumer called on the U.S. Department of Labor to deliver $6,197,191 in federal funding to expand healthcare education and training, strengthen career pathways to good-paying jobs, and prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to address critical staffing shortages in rural communities across Upstate New York, including Allegany, Steuben, and Livingston counties.

“From the classroom to the clinic, this innovative healthcare program will strengthen the regional healthcare system and help address critical staffing shortages,” said Senator Schumer. “At a time when rural healthcare systems across Upstate New York are facing significant pressures, from cuts to critical programs and federal policies creating even greater uncertainty, it is vital that we invest in preparing a pipeline of the next generation of healthcare workers. I’m proud to support Alfred State College’s proposal, in partnership with hospitals and healthcare facilities from across the region, to prepare over 500 people for healthcare careers in Western New York.”

Last month, Schumer explained in a letter to Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling that the college’s proposal, titled “Curriculum to Career: Expanding the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Western New York,” would directly address workforce shortages in nursing, radiology, healthcare management, and more. The effort will create new pathways to healthcare education and good-paying jobs while also addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals. By expanding clinical placements, paid internships, on-the-job training, healthcare program enrollment, and stackable credentials, the project will help more students move from the classroom into the healthcare workforce.

Alfred State College projects the initiative will help 543 participants start an accredited training and/or degree-seeking education. The effort comes as rural healthcare systems and communities across Upstate New York face significant pressures, from cuts to critical programs to policies creating greater uncertainty. A 2025 report examining healthcare professional shortages in 16 rural New York counties identified major healthcare gaps—including practitioners, providers, and physical facilities—in rural counties such as Allegany, Steuben, Cattaraugus, and Wyoming.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Schumer for his steadfast leadership and unwavering advocacy for Alfred State College and rural Western New York. Welcoming him alongside our vital regional partners at Jones Memorial, St. James, and Noyes Hospitals underscores our shared commitment to solving the healthcare workforce shortage in Allegany, Steuben, and Livingston counties. With the $6.2 million support from the WORC Grant, our Curriculum to Career initiative will allow us to expand clinical placements, launch hands-on training and microcredentials, and prepare the next generation of essential healthcare professionals right here in our community,” said Dr. Steven A. Mauro, President of Alfred State College.

“Developing a workforce pipeline and providing career development through education are key business and recruitment/retention focus areas for Noyes Health. This grant, and the partnership with Alfred State will significantly enhance our ability to attract, retain, and grow talent in our region to develop the healthcare workforce of the next generation. We greatly appreciate the leadership at Alfred State and Senator Schumer’s support in this coming to fruition,” said J. Chad Teeters, MD, MBA, MS, FACC, President/CEO, UR Medicine – Noyes Health.

“St. James Hospital is incredibly thankful for Senator Schumer’s dedication to addressing the unique challenges faced by rural healthcare providers. His leadership in advocating for workforce training grants will have a profound and lasting impact, allowing us to expand access to quality care, improve health outcomes, and create sustainable career pathways for individuals in our rural areas. Support of workforce investment grants is a testament to his commitment to the well-being of all constituents and our community,” said Wendy Disbrow, MBA, RN, President and CEO of St. James Hospital.

“The years following the pandemic taught us that we cannot solve gaps in the rural workforce by working in silos. It takes a joint effort by employers and educators along with resource support. The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative is vital for institutions like ours. It will allow us to fill the skilled healthcare labor gaps, leveraging the local rural workforce and in turn strengthening economic development,” said James Helms, FACHE, FHFMA, CPA, President / CEO of Jones Memorial Hospital.

Schumer explained that the proposal will help build a stronger healthcare pipeline by giving students and current healthcare workers more opportunities to gain the skills and experience needed by local employers. Alfred State College will work with three regionally significant healthcare partners: Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville, St. James Hospital in Hornell, and Noyes Memorial Hospital in Dansville. The initiative will provide on-the-job training for healthcare workers, expand the number of clinical placements, and provide paid summer internships for students enrolled in healthcare majors. These hands-on opportunities will help students and workers gain valuable experience while giving local healthcare providers a stronger and sustained pipeline of skilled talent. It will also increase enrollment in healthcare programs at Alfred State College among both traditional students and adult learners. In 2025, the incoming class at Alfred State College reached 1,493 full-time new students on census date, the largest group since 2010, for a total enrollment of 3,758, with most degree-seeking undergraduate students being in-state students from across New York.

Schumer previously delivered federal investment to support successful industry-based workforce training programs at Alfred State. In 2021, Schumer announced $1.4 million in federal funding to meet training needs like specialized welding skills for two major industrial employers in the region and support nearly 200 new jobs. Schumer explained that two of the counties—Allegany and Steuben—in the project area are part of the federally designated Appalachian region and have faced high levels of poverty, low job growth, and health disparities. Workforce Opportunity and Innovation Act (WORC) grants, through the U.S. Department of Labor, in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission, allow recipients to help their communities diversify their local economies by developing a skilled workforce and providing equitable access to marginalized communities.

Schumer’s letter to Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling can be found HERE or below:

Dear Acting Secretary Sonderling,

I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by Alfred State College of Technology to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative. SUNY Alfred’s proposal, “Curriculum to Career: Expanding the Healthcare Workforce in Rural Western New York,” will directly addresses workforce shortages in nursing, radiology, and healthcare management that impair the quality of healthcare received by rural residents.

As Western New York’s leading technical college, Alfred State is uniquely positioned to continue helping grow the region’s workforce. This collaborative effort between Alfred State College, local hospitals, and workforce development agencies will result in an increased and improved pipeline of healthcare workers across New York’s Appalachian Region. Alfred State will provide summer internships for students enrolled in healthcare majors, provide an increased number of clinical placements, and implement stackable degree pathways through micro-credential and certificate programs. The proposal will also serve current healthcare workers by providing on-the-job training, flexible course delivery, and tuition support to allow providers the opportunity to develop additional skills while working.

Quality healthcare is the bedrock for a healthy community, especially in rural areas. The Southern Tier, at the northern tip of Appalachia, continues to be one of the most economically distressed areas of the Northeast. This project offers an opportunity to reverse this trend by building on SUNY Alfred’s existing technical curriculum.

I applaud Alfred State College of Technology for its foresight, and sincerely hope their application is met with your approval. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or my Grants Director at grants@schumer.senate.gov. Thank you for your consideration.

August 17, 2026

FROM REP. TENNEY: Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) and Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) led a bipartisan letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin urging the Department to revise the Fiscal Year 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program guidance to ensure faith-based organizations and nonprofit institutions can continue relying on the program to strengthen their security. The Nonprofit Security Grant Program provides reimbursement to eligible faith-based organizations and nonprofit institutions for security improvements, including surveillance cameras, access control systems, and other protective measures. The letter expresses concern that new grant guidance would allow FEMA to terminate an approved award at will without reimbursing houses of worship for agreed upon security enhancements. Since grant recipients must pay for security projects before receiving reimbursement, this new provision could create financial uncertainty for organizations seeking to improve their security and discourage participation in the program. The letter urges DHS to remove the provision and ensure the program remains focused on protecting vulnerable communities from targeted threats. “The Nonprofit Security Grant Program is an essential resource that helps faith-based organizations and nonprofit institutions protect the people they serve,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “As threats against houses of worship and community organizations continue to rise, it is important that these institutions have confidence that the program will provide the support they were awarded. Our letter encourages DHS to provide that certainty by ensuring the program remains focused on its core mission of enhancing security for vulnerable communities.”

“American religious groups, and especially Jewish communities, have seen record increases in violent incidents and hate-filled threats,” said Congressman Schneider. “I’m grateful to partner with Rep. Tenney to push back against onerous new rules that make our synagogues, churches, and mosques less safe. We will continue to root out hate and discrimination in all forms, so everyone can observe their faith safely and without threat of harm.” “As antisemitism and threats against faith communities remain at historic levels, NSGP is more essential than ever to help at-risk communities protect themselves from threats,” said Lauren Wolman, ADL’s senior director of government relations and strategy. “We are grateful to Representatives Schneider and Tenney for their bipartisan leadership in championing this lifesaving program and ensuring organizations can access those resources quickly, with confidence, and without unnecessary delays.”

August 17, 2026

FROM ASSEMBLYMAN JOE SEMPOLINSKI: I want to invite everyone to my next town hall, which will be held Tuesday, August 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Fillmore Central School. As your voice in Albany, it’s incredibly important for us to talk face-to-face. Your advice is incredibly important to me. I want to hear your concerns and I’d like to talk about what I’ll be working on in Albany when the legislative session begins again. I hope to see you there!

August 17, 2026

FROM THE AVOCA FIRE DEPT: It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of William “Bill” Powley Jr., a past Assistant Chief of Avoca who also previously served with the South Hornell Fire Department and the Canisteo Fire Department. Bill held a degree in Fire Science and dedicated many years to protecting his communities. His knowledge, leadership, and commitment left a lasting impact on the departments and people he served. He will be deeply missed by his fellow firefighters and all who knew him. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Bill’s family and loved ones. May he rest in peace.

FROM THE BISHOP AND DESANTO FUNERAL HOME: Calling hours 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. SATURDAY (Aug. 22, 2026) at the Bishop & DeSanto funeral Home, 22 N. Main St., AVOCA where a funeral serviced will take place following calling hours at 2 p.m. Saturday. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery, Andover, NY. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Avoca Fire Dept., 7 Chase St., Avoca, NY 14809. The Bishop & Desanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Bill’s family with the arrangements.

August 17, 2026

The NYSP reports that on August 16, 2026, at approximately 2:42 p.m., the New York State Police responded to a serious personal injury motor vehicle collision on W. Naples Street (State Route 63) in the town of Wayland. The investigation determined that a 2020 Honda was traveling eastbound on W. Naples Street when it failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway. The vehicle crossed into the westbound lane, exited the roadway and struck multiple trees and a residence before coming to rest.

The operator, a 23 year old woman from Rochester, NY, was transported to Noyes Memorial Hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The passenger, a 23 year old woman of Rochester, NY, was transported directly to Strong Memorial Hospital with serious injuries.

The operator was not wearing a seat belt. The passenger was wearing a seat belt. The investigation remains ongoing. The New York State Police are investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash, including reports of reckless operation prior to the collision. No other injuries were reported.

August 17, 2026
By State Senator Tom O’Mara

Our Senate Republican conference began this year by unveiling a comprehensive legislative agenda known as “Save New York.” We hoped to set the stage for a legislative session that would prioritize affordability, improve public safety and security, and build a stronger and safer New York overall.

It has been my belief since 2019, in fact, when state government fell under complete, one-party, far-left leadership, that extreme policies enacted under one-party control have had a direct impact on the quality of life and opportunity across this state. And not for the better.

It remains my belief. That’s particularly true in several key areas of public policy and legislative decision-making, especially public safety. As part of our Republican conference “Save New York” agenda, we call for actions to prioritize victims over criminals; reverse misguided criminal justice policies and reject the further erosion of our criminal justice system; fight to end domestic and other violence against women; better protect the safety of our seniors; protect and empower our law enforcement officers; address New York’s security vulnerabilities; confront the substance use and mental health epidemics; and reduce overdose deaths and close treatment gaps, among numerous other priorities.

It follows our efforts over the past several years to push back against the rise of violent crimes and increasing criminal activity in cities and communities throughout New York resulting, in our view, from an overall pro-criminal, anti-police climate fostered under all-Democrat rule.

We’re not alone in our alarm. The latest statewide Siena Research Institute poll shows that nearly half of New Yorkers think the state is headed in the wrong direction.

Unfortunately, these concerns continue to fall on deaf ears in Albany, especially among Democrat leaders. What hasn’t changed, however, is the commitment from our Senate and Assembly Republican conferences to turn things around and stop this so-called progressive madness from continuing to spiral out of control.

Our conferences have, in fact, called and continue to call on state leaders to take numerous actions to make New York State safer. For example, we have called for a full examination of what’s impacting public safety and crime statewide, including the Albany Democrats’ so-called criminal justice “reforms,” the HALT Act, and we have proposed the PROTECT Act to allow judges in New York State to consider the dangerousness of the accused in setting bail. New York remains the only state that does not afford judges this discretion.

It’s a call that’s been backed by the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police, the New York State Sheriffs Association, and others. The Senate GOP agenda would add to our ongoing efforts to strengthen protections for law enforcement and first responders through a “Protect Those Who Protect Us” package of legislation. We have also advanced a series of parole reform measures recognizing the dangers of an out-of-control state Parole Board that continues to release cop killers, child murderers, and other violent inmates back into society – as well as Democrat legislation on the table that seeks to pave the way for the release of more and more incarcerated violent criminals.

Our commitment extends to fully addressing safety within New York’s correctional facilities, which have become powder kegs of violence threatening, on a daily basis, the safety and well-being of correctional officers and staff, as well as inmates themselves. In June at the Elmira Correctional Facility, for example, a nurse was assaulted and suffered a broken shoulder while giving out medication, while three correctional officers were injured attempting to remove the inmate from his cell.

Following that incident in Elmira, Kenny Gold, Western Region Vice President of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), said, “A simple routine of delivering medication to inmates is not a simple task anymore. At any moment, staff can be attacked by violent inmates even while performing the most mundane duties, and this is exactly what happened at Elmira.”

It’s an all-too-common occurrence and it has been exacerbated through a long series of administrative and legislative policies, carried out by successive Democrat governors and the current leadership of the State Legislature since 2019 (when Democrats obtained majority control of both houses of the Legislature), that have largely ignored the actions of violent inmates.

Our message is straightforward: Enough is enough. We need to stand up, speak out, and fight against the pro-criminal, anti-law enforcement mentality and policies that keep going too far in New York State.

While the Democrat majorities in control of the State Legislature show absolutely no sign of letting up in their push for imposing a far-left agenda that only stands to embolden society’s criminal element and, therefore, will keep making this state and our communities less safe, it is our role in the minority to keep fighting and to grow public outcry demanding
the enactment of legislation that puts crime victims and community safety first.

We need to remain focused on a criminal justice agenda geared towards restoring common sense.

Many New Yorkers are looking for a redirection of priorities and resources to begin truly addressing unmet challenges and crises, as well as charting a course for a more sane, more sensible, and more sustainable state government. It’s time to get this state back on track towards a safer and stronger future.

Now more than ever, we need commonsense New Yorkers to stand up firmly and loudly demand these important changes.

August 17, 2026

FROM CONGRESSMAN LANGWORTHY: It was an incredible week traveling across the district and celebrating several exciting developments in our communities, but none was more meaningful than our first America 250 Community Heroes Award ceremony in Olean. It was a truly special day as we honored more than 50 citizens from Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties for their dedication, service, and lasting impact on their communities. Hundreds of family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbors joined us to celebrate these remarkable individuals. Each honoree was called to the stage to receive a special commemorative medal and recognition for their service. The group represented the very best of our communities, including members of law enforcement, healthcare workers, youth mentors, U.S. servicemembers, and many others who dedicate themselves to helping those around them.

The pride and patriotism in the room were palpable. I launched the NY-23 America 250 Community Heroes Award because as we celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary, it is important to remember that America’s success has always been built by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Our nation’s story is ultimately the story of its people. By recognizing those who serve their communities today, we can also inspire the next generation of Americans to understand the importance of giving back, serving others, and doing their part to strengthen our nation. We received an overwhelming response to our call for nominations, another reminder of just how many extraordinary people live and serve throughout our district, and why I’m so proud to represent you in Congress.

I am grateful to everyone who joined us in Olean to celebrate these deserving honorees. We will continue holding regional Community Heroes ceremonies across NY-23, and I am already looking forward to recognizing even more remarkable citizens at our next event.

Sincerely,
Rep. Nicholas A. Langworthy

August 17, 2026

FROM GOV. HOCHUL: Governor Kathy Hochul issued a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary (DHS) Markwayne Mullin to reiterate her strong opposition to the termination of protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants under Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Secretary Mullin:

I am writing to follow up on a conversation I had with President Trump, and to reiterate my strong opposition to the termination of protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants under Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The callousness of abruptly ending TPS for legally-present individuals including the recent termination for Haitians and the forthcoming termination for Salvadorians will force New York State and local governments to sever the employment of hundreds of essential employees as soon as next week, putting their livelihoods – and potentially their safety – at risk. This impact is not limited to government workers and will be felt by private sector industries across our state. The sudden removal of these members of our workforce and our communities will impact critical services that New Yorkers rely on – with a particularly heavy impact on the healthcare industry, putting our seniors and other vulnerable New Yorkers at risk. For generations, New York has welcomed those fleeing disasters or persecution and seeking a better future. Through our Office for New Americans, my administration has supported thousands of New Yorkers with TPS application assistance and legal representation. New York remains committed to supporting TPS recipients and will continue to do everything in our power to prevent harm to the immigrant community.

By knowingly and cruelly forcing thousands of families to leave our country and return to their home countries, regardless of any ongoing or worsening humanitarian crises, the White House is committing a reckless and inhumane act. But it is not too late to reverse course. I once again urge you to fully restore TPS for those who cannot return due to extreme
instability, violence, and crises in TPS-designated countries. These individuals have made enormous contributions to our communities and our economy, and helped define the character of our state. TPS exists precisely because people should not be forced back into danger. No administration should knowingly send individuals back into harm’s way when the law
provides a clear path to protect them.

I eagerly await your response to this urgent matter. We, as leaders and as Americans, have a responsibility to protect and preserve the dignity, security and basic livelihood for all.

Sincerely,

Kathy Hochul
Governor

August 17, 2026

FROM SEN. GILLIBRAND: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, issued the following statement in response to multiple public reports detailing dismal conditions for sailors on the USS Abraham Lincoln from service members’ families and the administration’s callous, despicable response to the plight of America’s heroes: “There must be accountability for the reported deteriorating conditions endured by our service members serving in a reckless war started with no justification, no strategy, and no end in sight,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As our families pay sky-high prices back at home, our service members and their families are making immense sacrifices, and this administration owes them better than open disrespect. That this administration can enrich itself and spend endless taxpayer dollars on unlimited bombs and interior decorating, but cannot take care of our service members or the American people, is completely unacceptable. I demand hearings, accountability, and a clear plan to protect our service members and prioritize American families.”

August 14, 2026

FROM STEUBEN COUNTY SHERIFF JIM ALLARD: “Local police should be allowed to focus on local public safety, not forced to follow politically driven mandates from Albany. As the Governor makes statements about no county or agency being above the law, the NYS government consistently places themselves above federal law, picking and choosing which federal statute they will or will not follow, doing precisely what they are accusing local municipalities of doing. The Governor and the Attorney General both know that the Federal Government has a supremacy clause over state governments, but that counties have home rule in relation to their state government.

“The Steuben County Sheriff’s Office will follow and enforce all laws. We will coordinate and cooperate with all local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. There is no section of the Executive Law which requires “unwinding” of contracts, whatever that may mean. The Executive Law as written makes all 287-g contracts null and void as of August 25th, 2026. Again, we will follow the law.

“This is about public safety, not about creating a political platform in an election year.”

August 14, 2026

From: Thomas H. Windus, PE – Superintendent
Date: August 13, 2026
Re: Closure of Crawford Creek Road in the Town of Belfast

Please be advised that Crawford Creek Road in the Town of Belfast, approximately 3 miles southwest of State Route 19, will be closed to traffic starting on Wednesday, August 19, for approximately 12 weeks to replace the bridge. There will not be an on-site detour and motorists are urged to seek alternate routes. Thank you for your cooperation.