Category: Local News

September 10, 2026
By Alfred State Spokesperson Paul Welker

The Alfred State University Police Department will host the International Save a Life Tour on Wednesday, September 16. The safe driving program that includes hands-on virtual reality impaired and distracted driving simulators will take place from 10 AM to 2 PM in the Small Event Space in the Student Leadership Center. “We are pleased to welcome the Save a Life Tour back to campus,” said Chief of Police Jeff Wilcox. “Distracted and impaired driving can have serious, life-changing consequences. This program provides students with an engaging way to reinforce the importance of making safe, responsible decisions behind the wheel. I encourage our students to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.” The Save A Life Tour provides safe driving educational services to The Department of Defense, Connecticut D.O.T., New Hampshire Highway Safety, New York STOP-DWI, Missouri D.O.T., Michigan Highway Safety, Tennessee Highway Safety and more to inform students on the dangers of driving impaired and distracted.

The Save A Life Tour is a comprehensive high impact safe driving awareness program that informs, educates, and demonstrates the potentially deadly consequences resulting from poor choices and decisions made by the operator of a motor vehicle. The program specifically places emphasis on the following driving situations: Distracted Driving, Impaired Driving, Driver Experience, Improper Driver Behavior and Seat Belt Usage. The Save A Life Tour utilizes several methods for education including video presentation, speaking presentation, interactive demonstration with simulators, pre and post surveys and take-a-ways including a pledge card and a wristband. The University Police Dept. is working on a date to bring The Save a Life Tour to the Wellsville campus later this school year.

An Alfred State degree gets results!

At Alfred State College, hands-on experience leads to career success. An emphasis on applied learning enables students to reach goals and develop the skills needed to thrive at in-demand jobs. With over 80 majors, over 100 clubs and civic groups, and 18 NCAA Division III sports, Alfred State prepares students to become leaders, achievers, and Pioneers who are ready to Hit the Ground Running.

September 9, 2026

FROM GOVERNOR KATHYH HOCHUL: “When the people building the world’s most powerful AI systems are sounding the alarm about potentially catastrophic risks, we have a responsibility to listen and act.

“Artificial intelligence is here today, advancing at extraordinary speed, and the risks raised by leading researchers demand serious action from government. The Trump Administration has failed to meet this moment, advancing frameworks that lack critical transparency, public incident reporting and accountability.

“Here in New York, we’ve stepped up, setting a national standard for transparency and accountability for frontier AI models. But states cannot solve this problem alone. The federal government must establish strong national standards that put public safety ahead of the race to develop ever more powerful technology.

“We have a collective obligation to ensure technological progress does not come at our own peril. Washington must act now.”

September 9, 2026

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is applauding a court decision which struck down a plan to make energy producers pay $75 billion to combat climate change. The court said New York was overstepping its responsibility and intruding into an area where the federal government has authority. The federal court ruling came in response to a challenge to the law brought by the EPA, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and a coalition of state attorneys general.

“Penalizing businesses retroactively that followed all of the laws, rules and regulations would send a terrible message to the business community and just discourage more private-sector investment and job creation in New York’s economy at a time when New York already faces one of the worst tax, regulatory, competitive and business climates in the country. My Senate and Assembly Republican colleagues and I will continue to support a common-sense energy policy that promotes and protects energy affordability, reliability, feasibility, fuel diversity and energy choice, because New Yorkers deserve nothing less,” said Palmesano.

Assemblyman Palmesano represents the 132nd District, which includes Schuyler County, Yates County and Parts of Chemung County, Seneca County and Steuben County. For more information about Assemblyman Palmesano, please follow him on Facebook.

September 9, 2026

FROM ASSEMBLYMAN PHIL PALMESANO: Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is sending his “September Grant Action News Update” to residents, organizations and local governments regarding a series of grants available from the state, federal government and private entities. Each month, the Assembly provides an updated list of grants for a variety of categories.

“During a time of economic recovery, grants can play an integral part in helping our local communities complete needed infrastructure repairs or support underfunded projects,” said Palmesano. “Many people don’t realize the scope of available opportunities because they aren’t sure where to look. The ‘Grants Action News’ bulletin makes finding these grants much easier by consolidating the information and making it available to everyone. I hope residents, organizations and local governments throughout the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions will be able to use this resource to find much-needed support to strengthen communities in our rural area.”

All not-for-profit applicants must now pre-qualify on the New York State Grants Management website at grantsreform.ny.gov/grantees in order to apply for certain New York state grant solicitations. Potential not-for-profit applicants are strongly encouraged to begin the process of registering and prequalifying immediately, as this is a lengthy process.

The Grant Action News bulletin is updated at the beginning of each month with newly available grants and information on how to apply.

The update can be accessed here: https://nyassembly.gov/gan/?sec=story&story=116024

Federal Grants:

U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI)

PEI is one of several initiatives of the FHIP and provides competitive awards to eligible private, nonprofit fair housing enforcement organizations to conduct testing and other investigative activities to enforce the rights granted under the Fair Housing Act and state or local laws with equivalent rights and remedies.

■ Deadline: November 2, 2026, 11:59 p,m,

■ Eligible Applicants: private, tax-exempt, nonprofit, charitable 501(c) (3) organizations currently engaged in complaint intake, complaint investigation, testing for fair housing violations and enforcement of meritorious claims; and either a: Qualified Fair Housing \ Enforcement Organization (QFHO) with at least two years of experience in all of the following fair housing enforcement related activities in the three years before filing the application hereunder: complaint intake, complaint investigation, testing for fair housing violations and enforcement of meritorious claims experience; or a Fair Housing Enforcement Organization (FHO) with at least one year of experience in all of the following fair housing enforcement related activities: complaint intake, complaint investigation, testing for fair housing violations and enforcement of meritorious claims experience. See 42 U.S.C. §3616a (b) and (h). Applicants must complete Appendix B, Certification for PEI Applicants, to certify QFHO or FHO status. If the organization does not currently qualify as a QFHO or FHO (see 24 CFR §§ 125.103 and 125.401), the organization may be eligible to apply under the FHIP Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI) or Fair Housing Organizations Initiative (FHOI) NOFOs. Please see each NOFO for specific eligibility requirements. If an applicant applies for both a PEI and FHOI Continuing Development Component grant and receives awards for both, HUD will rescind funding for the FHOI award if the activities for both awards are substantially similar. Co-applicants or members of a consortium are not eligible applicants under this NOFO. Individuals, foreign entities and sole proprietorship organizations are not eligible to compete for, or receive, awards made under this announcement

■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $13.5million

■ Award Ceiling: $1.5million

■ Award Floor: $500,000

■ Expected Number of Awards: 13

■ Email:katherine.vasilopoulos@hud.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:
♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362827
♦ https://www.hud.gov/stat/fheo/initiatives-program
♦https://files.simpler.grants.gov/opportunities/b1a490a3-f0c4-4734-b8b8-7cdf6cada9cf/attachments/c47131b7- 4679-48b0-910a-bc96f0319c80/Foa_Content_of_OFH-2600-DC-021C.pdf

U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services (HHS), National Cancer Institute (NCI), Advanced Development and Validation of Emerging Technologies for Basic and Clinical Cancer Research Funding

NCI invites grant applications proposing exploratory research projects focused on further development and technical validation of emerging technologies offering novel capabilities for the molecular or cellular characterization of cancer or for improved handling and quality control of biospecimens used for basic, clinical or epidemiological cancer research.

■ Deadline: November 10, 2026

■ Eligible Applicants: State governments; city or township governments; others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification); independent school districts; Native American tribal governments (federally recognized); nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; county governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; small businesses; special district governments; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; for profit organizations other than small businesses; public and state controlled institutions of higher education

■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $5.9 million

■ Award Ceiling: $300,000

■ Expected Number of Awards: 13

■ Email: NCI-IMAT@nih.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360534

♦https://files.simpler.grants.gov/opportunities/24e288b3-ec28-4135-b845-37ace28563e3/attachments/d4d01981-1043-473b-9053-5ea6770cb7f0/RFA-CA-27-002-Full-Announcement.html

♦ https://www.cancer.gov/about-nci/organization/cssi/research/imat

National Science Foundation (NSF), Translation to Practice (TTP)

NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) partners across sectors to advance three primary focus areas–accelerating technology translation and development, fostering regional innovation and economic growth and preparing the American workforce for future high-wage jobs in STEM fields. The translation of research to practice ensures that the insights and innovations developed through scientific study and experimentation have tangible, positive impacts for the nation. These impacts include improving the quality of life, promoting economic and job growth, ensuring national security and maintaining global competitiveness.

■ Deadline: November 17, 2026

■ Eligible Applicants: Non-profit, non-academic organizations: independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities; institutions of higher education (IHEs): two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of subawards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus. *Who May Serve as PI: By the submission deadline, a PI must hold either:

♦ a tenured or tenure-track position or

♦ a primary, full-time, paid appointment in a research or teaching position (with exceptions granted for family or medical leave), as determined by the submitting institution

■ Estimated Total Program Funding: $30 million

■ Award Ceiling: $2 million

■ Award Floor: $600,000

■ Email: translation@nsf.gov

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/01db6b26-98f3-43cc-ba54-f38ee97aefdb

♦ https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/nsf-ttp-national-science-foundation-translation-practice

Private Grants:

Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF), Community-

Based Culinary Training Grant Programs

JPF supports nonprofit, community-based culinary training programs that provide free culinary and life-skills training to people facing barriers to employment. These grants help support organizations that use culinary education to build confidence, improve health outcomes and create pathways to sustainable employment in the food industry.

■ Deadline: October 2, 2026, 11:59 p.m.

■ Eligible Organizations:

♦ are U.S.-based nonprofits that operate community-based culinary training programs

♦ provide training at no cost to participants

♦ serve individuals who are unemployed or underemployed

♦ provide wraparound support such as case management, job placement or social services

■ Principal Grant:

♦ for organizations that have never received a JPF grant

♦ for organizations that have applied but were not previously funded

■ Award Amounts: Up to $10,000

■ Partnership Circle Grant: For organizations that have already received JPF grant funding

■ Award Amounts: Unrestricted grants of $25,000 per year for two consecutive years ($50,000 total) to help programs launch new pilots or initiatives, expand or strengthen programs, increase enrollments, increase staff capacity, develop employer partnerships or add a social enterprise

■ Email: grants@jp.foundation

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://jp.foundation/news/jpf-grant-applications-are-open

♦ https://jp.foundation/programs/

The Lawrence Foundation, Grants to Support Environmental, Human Services and Other Causes

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation focused on making grants to support environmental, human services and other causes.

■ Deadline: October 31, 2026

■ Eligible Applicants: U.S. based charitable organizations that qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or public schools and libraries eligible for contributions or grants

■ Award Amounts: $5,000- $10,000

■ Contact Link: https://thelawrencefoundation.org/contact-us

■ Link to Additional Information:

♦ https://thelawrencefoundation.org/application-process/

♦ https://thelawrencefoundation.org/apply-for-a-grant

Toshiba American Foundation, Elevating STEM Education in Middle & High School Grants

These grants are for teachers with groundbreaking ideas to transform STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education in their classrooms and looking to implement project-based learning with measurable outcomes and make STEM subjects a thrilling experience for their students.

♦ 11/1 – for teachers applying for grants greater than $5,000

♦ 12/1 – for teachers applying for grants less than $5,000

■ Eligible Applicants: Teachers from 6th to 12th grade

■ Award Amounts: Up to $5,000/Over $5,000

■ Contact Link: https://toshiba.com/taf/contact/

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://toshiba.com/taf/612-2/

♦ https://toshiba.com/taf/

♦ https://toshiba.com/taf/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/taf_message_to_teachers.pdf

Elizabeth Greenshields Foundation, Artist Grants

These grants support young artists working at the forefront of representational art. The grants empower emerging talents to refine their craft through time-honored artistic traditions and to pursue creative freedom as they begin their professional careers.

■ Deadline: November 27, 2026

■ Eligible Applicants Must:

♦ be between 18-41 years old when submitting a first grant application. Former grant recipients may apply beyond age 41 if they meet all other eligibility criteria

♦ be a student or emerging artist in the process of launching a career or developing a practice. Grants are not intended for amateur artists or mature, established artists

♦ apply solely on your behalf and not as part of a collective, group or organization

**grants are available to citizens worldwide

■ Eligible Artists/Artwork Must:

♦ be applying to study or produce representational or figurative art

♦ be studying or working in one or more of these disciplines: painting, sculpture, printmaking or drawing.

♦ be produced by hand using traditional tools and techniques; any work that uses photography or digital imagery as the primary medium (including photo-based prints or image transfers) or that is produced using computer software or robotics (including 3D printing) is not eligible

♦ use grant funds for expenses related to studying or practicing art, such as tuition, studio rental, model wages, art materials, travel & living expenses (see FAQ for ineligible expenses)

♦ apply in advance of the start of the project or the school term; the grant may only be used for future expenses

** The following types of work are not eligible for funding: abstract or non-representational art; installation art; public art; murals; textile art; illustration; graphic design; photography; animation; video art; film; performance art; digital art; crafts; decorative arts.

■ Project Eligibility: Artists may apply for a grant for one of the following purposes:

♦ to develop their work as an artist through studio practice, production of a new body of work, exhibition of their work and/or participation in a residency (proof of acceptance is required)

♦ to study art in a fine arts or studio arts program in which the artist has been accepted or is currently enrolled at a university, college, studio/atelier or apprenticeship program (proof of acceptance or enrollment is required)

■ Award Amount: $17,000 to $20,000 for second- and third-time recipients

■ Email: info@greenshieldsfoundation.ca

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.elizabethgreenshieldsfoundation.ca/en

♦ https://www.elizabethgreenshieldsfoundation.ca/en/apply

♦ https://www.elizabethgreenshieldsfoundation.ca/en/faq

Dental Trade Alliance Foundation, Supporting Innovative Oral Health Projects

This funding will help expand oral health care to underserved populations, with a focus on ideas that are innovative, sustainable and scalable. Proposals will be evaluated by the foundation’s grants committee based on three primary criteria:

♦ innovation

♦ sustainability and scalability

♦ impact on access to oral healthcare for underserved populations

While applications are open to projects serving any underserved group, the foundation has identified children’s oral health as a key focus for 2026 and encourages applicants to highlight how their proposed project supports this priority.

■ Deadline: November 30, 2026

■ Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations

■ Award Amounts: $25,000

■ Email: jackiemichaels@dentaltradealliance.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦https://dtafoundation.org/2026/05/04/dental-trade-alliance-foundation-opens-applications-for-25000-grants-tosupport-innovative-oral-health-projects/

♦ https://dtafoundation.submittable.com/submit/352429/new-grant-proposals-spring-nov-2026

Overwatch Alliance, Military Charities Funding

These grants are awarded to non-profit organizations with total annual revenues of $500,000 or LESS who provide services to active military, veterans and their families.

■ Deadline: December 31, 2026

■ Eligibility: Non-profit organizations designated as tax-exempt by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3), and are not considered a private foundation as described in Section 509(a), with total annual revenues of $500,000 or less

■ Requirements:

♦ completed application for assistance – click here to download the pdf form. The application is NOT

uploadable. The application must be downloaded, completed, dated and signed, and either mailed to:

Overwatch Alliance, 1000 NorthChase Drive, Suite 220, Goodlettsville, TN 37072 or emailed to: info@asmba.com.

Please note: INCOMPLETE APPLICATION PACKAGES WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED

♦ cover letter on the organization’s letterhead with a brief history and statement of purpose of the organization, as well as a brief outline of the nature and scope of programs and services provided. The letter should also include some information on projected intermediate and long-term outcomes surrounding the project or program

♦ a board of directors roster, and whether they have contributed to the organization

♦ a copy of the organization’s Internal Revenue Service Determination Letter, as well as an Affirmation

Letter, signed by an officer of the organization, stating that the IRS determination letter has not been revoked

♦ a copy of the current operating budget and financial statements, including the salaries of key personnel

♦ a copy of the most recent financial audit and IRS Form 990, including all attachments. If the organization has not had an audit, please provide a copy of the most recent full year’s Income & Expense Statement.

NOTE: If the organization has been in existence for less than two years, a detailed business plan with a

proposed budget will be required

♦ a brief (less than 1,000 words) description of the request, including who the organization wishes to help and explaining the project/program and its current needs. Applicants need to demonstrate that their program/ project will address the root causes of the specific program and lead to sustained improvement in (or have a positive impact on) the lives of veterans, military members and their families

♦ a description of the organization’s overall mission and services with an explanation of how this project or program fits that mission. Please communicate clearly how community needs cannot be met by other nonprofit organizations and why the applicant is uniquely qualified to get the job done. A clear statement of expected results should be included and how the efficiency, quality and effectiveness of the project/program will be evaluated

♦ a description of the organization’s fundraising goal and the current status of fundraising for this project

♦ a detailed budget for the request, including a list of all funding commitments received for this project

■ Award Amounts: Up to $15,000

■ Email: info@asmba.com

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://overwatchalliance.org/

♦ https://overwatchalliance.org/applying-for-a-grant

Scholar Awards

Newcombe Doctoral Dissertation Fellowships

These fellowships support doctoral candidates in the final year of dissertation writing whose work engages significant questions of religion, ethics, morals and values.

■ Deadline: November 1, 2026

■ Eligible Applicants Must:

♦ be candidates for Ph.D. degrees in any field of study in the humanities and social sciences at accredited graduate schools in the U,S. Candidates working on D.Min., JD, Psy.D., Ed.D. and other professional degrees are not eligible. Students in science, technology, engineering and math fields may apply provided questions of religious understanding, ethics or values are central to the dissertation

♦ be “all but dissertation” (ABD) and have completed all pre-dissertation requirements fulfilled by the application deadline, including approval of the dissertation proposal

♦ be in the writing stage of the dissertation. Usually, this means that fieldwork or other research is complete and writing has begun by the time of the award

♦ expect to complete the dissertation between April 1 and August 31, the year of the tenure of the award

♦ have never held a similar national award for the final year of dissertation writing

■ The Program of Study Must:

♦ be campus-based at the institution. This fellowship program does not provide funding for distance learning or online programs, or for degrees heavily dependent on distance learning components (research travel excluded)

■ Additional Eligibility Notes:

♦ the Dissertation Fellowship is intended for applicants who are completing their first doctoral degree

♦ fellows are not required to live in the U.S. during the tenure of the award

♦ the fellowship uses a two-phase review process. All applicants complete the Phase 1 application. A smaller group of finalists is then invited to submit additional materials for Phase 2 review

■ Phase 1

Applicants submit materials that help reviewers understand:

♦ the dissertation project (dissertation overview)

♦ the project’s relationship to religion, ethics, morals and values

♦ the current status of the dissertation and the work to be completed during the fellowship year

♦ the applicant’s scholarly preparation for the project

♦ supporting materials, including a curriculum vitae, transcript and two brief recommendation rubrics Applicants selected as finalists are invited to participate in Phase 2.

■ Phase 2 (Finalists Only)

Finalists submit materials that allow reviewers to evaluate the project in greater depth, including:

♦ a full dissertation proposal

♦ a statement of Intellectual Commitments

♦ a statement on Future Contributions

♦ two full letters of recommendation

■ Scholarship Value: $33,500

■ Email: Fellowships@newcombefoundation.org

infor@newcombefoundation.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://newcombefoundation.org/fellowships/

♦ Guidebook Start Here – Charlotte W. Newcombe Foundation

Overseas Press Club Foundation, Scholar Awards

Graduate and undergraduate students at North American colleges and universities or American students studying abroad are invited to apply for the Overseas Press Club Foundation Scholar Awards. An applicant must be a college junior, senior or graduate student enrolled in a degree program on the application deadline and have demonstrated an interest in international journalism. This program aims to help students of any nationality who wish to pursue international journalism, rather than returning to their countries of origin and becoming local reporters. This program is also heavily oriented toward helping journalists launch their careers rather than assisting mid-career professionals.

■ Deadline: November 15, 2026

■ Eligibility: An applicant must be a college junior, senior or graduate student enrolled at a North American college or university, or an American student studying abroad in a degree program at the application deadline and have demonstrated an interest in international journalism

■ Scholarship Value: $3,000

■ Number of Awards: 18

■ Email: foundation@opcofamerica.org

katri@opcofamerica.org

■ Link to Additional Information: https://www.overseaspressclubfoundation.org/scholar-awards-program

The James Alan Cox Foundation for Student Photojournalist Awards

These awards aim to provide financial support to high school and college-age student photographers. Through a variety of funding, including equipment purchases and scholarships for college and technical school classes, the foundation’s mission is to expand educational and developmental opportunities for student photographers who demonstrate interest, talent and financial need.

■ Deadline: November 15, 2026, 12 a.m.

■ Eligiblity: U.S. citizens (applicant’s school must be located in the U.S.); U.S. citizens attending U.S. government schools outside the U.S. may apply

■ Types of Awards:

♦ five $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to five college or technical school students, payable to their school. Four awards will be for video work and one will be for still photography

♦ one $2,500 scholarship to one graduate student, payable to their school, for video work

♦ five digital SLR cameras will be awarded to five high school students (high school applicants should only submit still photographs.) The video awards are for college and graduate students only

■ Requirements: Applicants must complete and submit

♦ an application

♦ a brief essay

♦ two letters of reference

♦ school transcript

♦ financial data

♦ portfolio:

♦ high school applicants should only submit still photographs—the video awards are for college and graduate students only

♦ digital images for still photography submissions or two videos, with a maximum duration of three minutes each, for video submissions

♦ Parental Release Form for applicants under 18—completed in the application after the Uploads step

■ Email: info@jamesalancoxfoundation.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.jamesalancoxfoundation.org/apply

♦ https://www.jamesalancoxfoundation.org/apply/start

Merck Animal Health Scholarships

These scholarships are provided to second- and third-year veterinary students attending accredited veterinary schools in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean.

■ Deadline: November 30, 2026

■ Eligibility:

♦ 2nd- or 3rd-year veterinary student in good standing at an American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) accredited school in the U.S., Canada, or the Caribbean

♦ demonstration of academic excellence

♦ involvement in university-affiliated organizations including leadership responsibilities

♦ leadership and participation in non-university activities

♦ financial need

■ Scholarship Value:

♦ first place – $10,000

♦ second place – $5,000

♦ third place – $3,000

■ Email: scholarships@avma.org

info@avmf.org

■ Links to Additional Information:

♦ https://www.avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/merck-animal-health-scholarship/

♦ https://www.avmf.org/grants-and-scholarships/scholarships/

Assemblyman Palmesano represents the 132nd District, which includes Schuyler County, Yates County and parts of Chemung County, Seneca County and Steuben County. For more information about Assemblyman Palmesano, please follow him on Facebook.

September 9, 2026

FROM REP. NICK LANGWORTHY: Congressman Nick Langworthy today announced that the City of Hornell has been awarded $500,000 in federal funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to advance a major regional wastewater infrastructure project serving the Hornell area municipalities including Hornell, North Hornell, and Hornellsville. The ARC grant will support the engineering and design phase of the Hornell Intermunicipal Sewer Improvement Project, a collaborative effort between the City of Hornell, Village of North Hornell and Town of Hornellsville. The project has a total cost of $1,082,700, with an additional $582,700 in state funding. The federal investment will fund field surveys, subsurface investigations, hydraulic evaluations, environmental reviews, regulatory coordination and the development of preliminary and final engineering documents needed to move the project toward construction. The engineering work will focus on developing construction-ready plans and specifications to replace or rehabilitate eight aging sewer pump stations and associated trunk sewer infrastructure that have exceeded their useful life and are experiencing capacity, reliability and resiliency deficiencies.

“Reliable infrastructure is the foundation for strong communities and a growing economy, and this federal investment will help Hornell and its neighboring communities address critical wastewater needs while laying the groundwork for future growth,” said Congressman Langworthy. “I’m proud to see federal resources coming back to the Southern Tier to support infrastructure that protects public health, strengthens our communities, and helps create an environment where businesses can invest and jobs can grow.”

Hornell Mayor John Buckley said, “We are grateful to Congressman Langworthy for his continued efforts to bring federal dollars home to Hornell and the Southern Tier. These investments make a real difference for our communities, allowing us to tackle critical infrastructure needs while minimizing the burden on local taxpayers. This $500,000 grant will help us move an important regional sewer project forward and position our municipalities for the additional funding needed to complete this work. We appreciate Congressman Langworthy’s partnership and his commitment to making sure communities like ours have a strong advocate in Washington.”

The Appalachian Regional Commission is a federal-state partnership serving 423 counties across the Appalachian region. Its mission is to strengthen economic growth and build community capacity throughout Appalachia.

September 9, 2026

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent urging a formal review of the United Kingdom’s announced trade restrictions targeting Israel and related efforts by other Western countries under Section 999 of the Internal Revenue Code. The letter follows the United Kingdom’s announcement that it would ban imports of goods produced in Israeli-controlled areas of Judea and Samaria and sanction companies involved in expanding housing and communities in the region. According to the announcement cited in the letter, France and Canada would join the effort, while Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Portugal, and Sweden pledged support for the ban. These actions build on similar measures in Spain, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Norway that Congresswoman Tenney has previously raised with the Treasury Department. The letter warns that these policies align with the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, promote economic discrimination against Israel, and create legal uncertainty for American companies operating abroad.

“Foreign governments seeking to economically isolate Israel must understand that their actions carry consequences,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The United Kingdom’s announced restrictions and the growing support for similar measures advance the BDS movement’s discriminatory campaign against one of America’s closest allies. American businesses should not be caught between foreign boycott policies and their obligations under U.S. law. I am urging Secretary Bessent to promptly review these measures and add countries to Treasury’s international boycott list if they meet the statutory criteria. We must stand firmly with Israel and enforce our laws designed to combat this discrimination.”

Section 999 requires the Treasury Department to publish a list of countries that require or may require participation in, or cooperation with, an unsanctioned international boycott. The letter calls for an expedited review of whether these policies meet the criteria for inclusion and urges Treasury to act without delay if they do, ensuring American businesses understand their reporting obligations and potential legal exposure.

See the letter below:

Secretary of the Treasury
U.S. Department of the Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20220

Dear Secretary Bessent,

I write to express my grave concerns regarding the recent decision by a new group of Western countries,
led by the United Kingdom, to boycott Israel and to urge the Department to examine the implications of
the proposal under U.S. law.
As I have previously written to you, Section 999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 – commonly
referred to as the Ribicoff Amendment – reflects the United States’ bipartisan commitment to opposing
foreign boycotts against friendly nations, particularly those aimed at Israel.
Under this law, the Treasury Department is required to maintain a list of countries that condition
commercial participation on compliance with an unsanctioned international boycott. Inclusion on this
list imposes specific tax reporting requirements and potential penalties for U.S. individuals and
businesses engaged in certain activities in those countries.
Yesterday, the United Kingdom announced it would ban the importation of goods made in Israeli controlled
areas of Judea and Samaria, and sanction companies involved in expanding housing and
growing communities in the region. United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced that the
UK would not be acting alone, claiming that France and Canada would join this effort. Additionally,
Secretary Miliband announced that Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Portugal, and Sweden have pledged to
provide support for the ban.
This measure builds on other similar recent measures in Spain, Ireland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and
Norway that I have raised with you with great concern. All of these efforts are part of a broader effort
aligned with the global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which seeks to
economically isolate Israel. Such policies not only promote economic discrimination, but also create
legal uncertainty for U.S. companies operating in these countries.
I urge you to examine expeditiously whether these growing policies by European countries require or
may require participation in or encouragement of an international boycott within the meaning of Section
999(a)(3). If the criteria are met, then these countries should be added to the boycott list without delay to
ensure that U.S. companies are informed of their reporting obligations and protected from unintended
legal exposure.

The United States must send a clear signal that efforts to economically isolate Israel will carry
consequences, and that U.S. law designed to combat such discrimination will be enforced.
I appreciate your attention to this matter and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Claudia Tenney
Member of Congress
CC. The Honorable Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State
CC. The Honorable Sir Christian Turney KCMG, British Ambassador to the United States
CC. The Honorable Laurent Bili, French Ambassador to the United States
CC. The Honorable Mark D. Wiseman, Canadian Ambassador to the United States
CC. The Honorable Jesper

September 9, 2026

FROM THE WHITE HOUSE: ILLEGAL ALIEN DRIVING ON THE ROAD? Help save American lives and make our roads safer by calling ICE’s NEW CDL FRAUD TIPLINE 📲 866-347-2423.
Too many American lives have been lost to a reckless illegal alien behind the wheel of a semi-truck. Enough is enough.

This follows news, which was announced on July 24, that the NYS OAG and Gov. Hochul, issued the following statement: New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the new Office of Immigrant Trust (OIT), a first-of-its-kind statewide bureau within the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), sent letters to the 12 local law enforcement agencies in New York that currently have 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), informing them that state law requires they unwind the agreements by August 25, 2026. Created as part of a legislative package championed and signed by Governor Hochul on May 27, 2026, OIT is dedicated to enforcing New York laws that protect immigrant communities, strengthen public trust, and limit the use of state and local resources for federal civil immigration enforcement. As part of its duties, OIT will receive complaints, provide guidance to state and local agencies, conduct investigations, and take legal action when necessary to ensure compliance with state law.

September 9, 2026

Steuben County Public Health is investigating an additional confirmed case of measles in unvaccinated resident. The total number of cases in the county is ten. This case is a contact of a previously reported case. Steuben County Public Health was notified of the positive results on September 8, 2026. The case began showing symptoms on September 4th and is safely isolating until no longer considered contagious. To protect resident/patient privacy, additional details will not be released. Potential exposure site(s) have been identified, and the Health Department is reaching out to those who
may have come into contact with the case.

Potential Exposures & Contact Tracing
Because measles is a highly contagious airborne virus, public health officials conduct thorough contact
tracing of the confirmed cased. The Steuben County Public Health Department is working closely with
NYSDOH and health care provider(s), to identify and directly contact all individuals known to have
been exposed. Information and guidance is being provided to direct contacts.

Risk to the Public
The overall risk of measles to the general public still remains low, particularly for individuals who are fully
vaccinated against the disease. However, measles is extremely contagious, and anyone unvaccinated,
pregnant, under 12 months of age, or immuno-compromised is at a higher risk and should talk with their
health care provider.

For questions regarding this public notice or measles vaccination, contact the Steuben County Public
Health at 607-664-2438 or visit https://www.steubencountyny.gov/273/Public-Health or
www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/measles/.

September 8, 2026

FROM THE BRUCE BLAKEMAN CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR: A new statewide survey conducted by McLaughlin & Associates confirms that Kathy Hochul’s reign in Albany is on the brink of collapse. Despite an 18-point Democratic voter registration advantage statewide, the race for Governor of New York is locked within the statistical margin of error, with Bruce Blakeman within striking distance of unseating the vulnerable incumbent this November.

The survey of 800 likely New York voters, conducted August 27–31, 2026, reveals Hochul mired deep in danger territory:

Stuck Below 50%: In the general election matchup, Hochul registers a disastrous 49.6% to Blakeman’s 45.7%, with 4.7% undecided. Any incumbent polling under the 50% threshold two months before Election Day is facing near-certain defeat.

Familiarity Means Rejection: Among the 80% of voters who know both candidates, Bruce Blakeman leads Kathy Hochul by eight points, 52% to 44%. The more voters learn about Blakeman’s record of cutting taxes and standing up for public safety, the faster they abandon Hochul.

Overwhelming Mandate for Change: A staggering 56% of voters believe it is time for someone new to take over, while an anemic 38% think Hochul deserves re-election.

Underwater Favorability: Hochul’s net rating sits at -13 points (42% favorable / 55% unfavorable). By contrast, Blakeman boasts a +10 net positive rating (40% favorable / 30% unfavorable), with 30% of the electorate still to be introduced to his record.

Bleeding the Democratic Base: Blakeman is dominating his base with 87% of Republicans, while Hochul secures just 78% of Democrats. More critically, 34% of current Hochul voters and undecideds actively state they are willing to vote for a Republican for governor.

Blakeman issued the following statement: “Kathy Hochul’s New York is a disaster: taxes are up, rents are up, utility bills are up, crime is up, and families are fleeing the state. The Worst Governor in America is on the ropes, and New Yorkers have had enough. This November, they’re going to fire Kathy Hochul and elect me to make New York affordable again, keep families here, and build a new era where everyone has the opportunity to prosper.”

September 9, 2026

FROM THE GOVERNOR: Governor Hochul has announced a 9/11 Memorial Flag will be flown over the New York State Capitol and Empire State Plaza beginning Tuesday, September 8, through Friday, September 11 in remembrance of those who lost their lives during the 9/11 terror attacks 25 years ago, including 84 employees of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and 40 state employees from the Department of Tax and Finance. Governor Hochul also directed flags on state buildings to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on September 11, and 17 landmarks across New York State to be illuminated red, white, and blue that evening. “As our country marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terror attacks, New Yorkers continue to carry the weight of this unimaginable tragedy,” Governor Hochul said. “Flying the 9/11 memorial flag is a reminder that we must ‘never forget’ to honor the lives lost, pay tribute to our brave first responders and ensure future generations understand the courage and sacrifice New Yorkers showed in our darkest hour.”

September 8, 2026
By Steuben Co Spokesman Eddie VanStine

Hammondsport, NY — Steuben County Department of Public Works Commissioner Eric Rose announced that the scheduled closure of County Route 76 (Hammondsport-South Pulteney Road) in the Town of Urbana has been revised. The closure is now scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, and Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day for pipe replacement work.
The affected section of County Route 76 will extend from Sanford Road to Middle Road. There will be no onsite detour during the closure. Motorists are advised to plan accordingly and use an alternate route while the work is underway.
The closure is expected to be in effect only during the scheduled work hours. This is a revision to the previously announced closure dates.

September 8, 2026

FROM SENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND: Today, in response to new reports underscoring that New Yorkers were misled about dangerous air quality after the terror attack in New York City on September 11, 2001, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement: “In the aftermath of 9/11, our first responders and survivors were told the same thing over and over: prove it. Prove that the dust and smoke you breathed for months at Ground Zero made you sick. Prove that your cancer, your lung disease, your colleague’s death was connected to the cleanup. Dying heroes had to travel to Washington to beg members of Congress to look them in the eye, believe them, and help them. I have spent my Senate career fighting for these families: passing the Zadroga Act to establish the World Trade Center Health Program, permanently funding the Victim Compensation Fund, and fixing the health program’s funding shortfall. Together, we had to fight to prove what we already knew, and what it appears some officials knew from the very beginning. I want to thank Mayor Mamdani and his administration for releasing these initial public records regarding the toxins present during and after the attacks, and for their commitment to fully review and publicize more records over the next year.

“These documents suggest officials had evidence of dangerous conditions – benzene and asbestos spiking in November 2001, and carcinogens present the following summer – while assuring the public there was little long-term risk. Firefighters worked that site for months breathing air the city claimed was safe, but apparently knew was harmful. There must be accountability. These records must be released in full. The 9/11 community and New York deserve the truth about what was known and when. We already know the cost: last week, the FDNY released a report that over 9,000 people – including 600 firefighters – have died from illnesses tied to Ground Zero. Overall, more than 12,000 FDNY members have at least one World Trade Center-related condition, and nearly a quarter of those have been diagnosed with cancer.

“This is also why our fight for the World Trade Center Health Program is not finished. Securing funding was essential, but I will keep pressing the program to fix delays in certifying new conditions, clinical staffing shortages, and administrative backlogs. Nobody who breathed that air should be denied care or have to wait years for it. Twenty-five years after one of the darkest days in our nation’s history, we cannot forget the sacrifices and heroism of our first responders and ordinary New Yorkers who ran through flame, rubble, and toxic soot to save lives. Who cleaned up the aftermath and then fought to rebuild New York City stronger than ever. In our nation’s darkest hour, they put on the armor of light. We must never forget their courage, nor can we ignore the toll that that courage took on their health and their families.”

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) was established in 2011 as part of the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act and was originally funded for five years at $1.6 billion. The program was reauthorized in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support. In 2022, Senator Gillibrand led lawmakers in passing $1 billion for the WTCHP in the end-of-year spending bill, and in 2023, Senator Gillibrand helped secure an additional $676 million for the program. Earlier this year, she successfully secured full funding for the program, continuing her commitment to ensuring 9/11 responders and survivors receive the care they need, now and in the years ahead.