AM 1480 WLEA News

July 24, 2026

Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) is voicing his anger after there was more deadly violence inside the walls of New York State prisons. An inmate was killed during a fight inside Attica Correctional Facility, and another was killed inside Collins Correctional Facility in the past week. These deadly assaults were in addition to three previous inmate deaths at the hands of other inmates in North Country correctional facilities since April. This is the latest in a string of violent assaults, this time deadly, that have taken place inside the walls since the HALT Act was implemented.

“These are additional acts of violence, this time deadly, that could have been prevented. Inmates who are disruptive, violent and willing to murder another person do not belong among those who simply want to do their time and go home to their families. Correctional officers need the tools and the ability to segregate the most dangerous and violent inmates from the rest of the general population. Unfortunately, HALT severely restricts and sometimes eliminates their ability to do so. It is a fact that during the first three years since HALT was implemented, inmate-on-inmate assaults rose by 169%, inmate-on-staff assaults rose by 76% and the amount of contraband entering prisons rose by 32%, which is well documented as fostering violence. This is a continuing, dangerous pattern because of the failed policies of Democrats in Albany. Enough is enough; what more needs to happen before we finally fix this wrong? What’s it going to take to finally get Albany Democrats to act?” said Palmesano.

“Compounding this nightmare is a catastrophic staffing crisis caused by Albany’s total disregard for our corrections workforce. With vacancies at record highs, remaining officers are driven to extreme burnout by endless mandatory shifts. HALT has stripped these guards of critical disciplinary tools while stretching them far too thin to adequately maintain order in housing units or oversee out-of-cell programming,” continued Palmesano.

Palmesano says he will continue to push for a full repeal of HALT, and if that fails, he will push for common-sense reforms like those recommended by the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), the Governor’s Office of Employee Relations, the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), Council 82 and the Public Employees Federation (PEF).

“My Assembly and Senate Republican colleagues and I know HALT is a failure and isn’t working. Correctional officers and civilian staff know HALT isn’t working. Inmates know HALT isn’t working. The Administration and Albany Democrats know HALT isn’t working, but yet they continue to fail to take needed action to address this deadly problem. Unfortunately, it appears they would rather coddle disruptive, dangerous and violent inmates rather than make our correctional facilities safer for staff and other inmates alike,” added Palmesano.

“It is long past due for Albany to wake up and fix the problem they created; my Republican colleagues and I have been sounding the alarm about the violence HALT would create since the beginning. Albany Democrats’ failed policies have created a dangerous powder-keg environment that is safe for no one, not correctional officers, not civilian staff and not inmates. I will continue to push for either a full repeal of HALT or, at least, meaningful reform to make the prison system safer for everyone,” concluded Palmesano.

July 24, 2026

FROM THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE: Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new initiative for all current SUNY students with a valid student ID card or incoming SUNY students with an admission letter to receive free admission to the Great New York State Fair on Thursday, August 27 for Student Youth Day. The free admission opportunity for current and incoming SUNY students is part of The Great New York State Fair’s focus on providing more New Yorkers with a chance to see the exciting, informative, and fun activities available at the fair from August 26 – September 7.

“The Great New York State Fair is one of New York’s most beloved annual traditions, where New Yorkers gather to celebrate the best of our state,” Governor Hochul said. “Now, through free admission to this wonderful event, more SUNY students will be able to learn more about New York’s extensive agricultural industry, history and culture, and enjoy all that The Fair has to offer.”

Since 1841, The New York State Fair, run by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, has been a celebration of agricultural heritage and community, filled with performances, exhibits, competitions, food and family friendly fun. Through the partnership with The Great New York State Fair, all current SUNY students and all New Yorkers with an admission letter from a SUNY school will be able to attend the State Fair for free on Thursday, August 27, which is also Student Youth Day.

SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “The great State University of New York is thrilled to partner with The Great New York State Fair to provide more opportunities for current and incoming students to celebrate New York State. There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and SUNY campuses from across New York participate in the State Fair and provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about how our courses and programs can set them on a path to upward mobility. We thank The Great New York State Fair for supporting SUNY students with this free admission day, and encourage all of our students and all New Yorkers, to come on out and enjoy the fair.”

July 24, 2026

FROM THE NYS DOT: The New York State Department of Transportation is advising motorists of the following traffic pattern changes at Hornell Plaza in the Village of North Hornell, Steuben County, beginning at 6 a.m., Monday, July 27, to accommodate intersection work for a previously announced project:

Access to State Route 36 from Hornell Plaza will be limited to the southern (McDonald’s) end
The entrance into the northern end of the Plaza from State Route 36 may experience intermit closures
The work is anticipated to last 10 days and be completed by the end of the day on Friday, August 7.

Motorists should anticipate travel delays during this time and are advised to seek alternate routes if necessary. Construction activities are weather dependent and subject to change based on conditions.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive responsibly in work zones. Fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone. Convictions of two or more speeding violations in a work zone could result in the suspension of an individual’s driver license.

July 24, 2026

Assemblymen Matt Slater (R,C-Yorktown) and Phil Palmesano (R,C-Corning) were joined by members of the Assembly Republican Conference to call for an immediate public oversight hearing to assess the security, integrity and fiscal oversight of the state’s voter registration systems. The request follows the recent disclosure by the state of New Jersey that approximately 6,600 non-citizens were erroneously registered to vote. New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill blamed the issue on a software error in the state’s motor vehicle voter registration process.

Assemblymen Slater and Palmesano, the ranking Minority members on the Assembly Election Law and Ways and Means committees, respectively, noted in their letter that while there is no evidence New York has experienced a similar failure, it’s incumbent on lawmakers to ensure our voter registration system is protected. A copy of the letter can be seen here.

“New Jersey has a serious problem on its hands, and it’s incumbent upon us to make sure we don’t run into a similar issue in New York,” Minority Leader Ed Ra (R-Franklin Square) said. “It’s entirely reasonable to believe that since non-eligible voters appeared on the rolls in New Jersey, it could happen in other states. Holding an oversight hearing is a proactive step – a responsible step – to assess New York’s own system.”

“New Yorkers deserve complete confidence in the integrity and security of our elections,” said Slater. “While there is no evidence that New York has experienced the same issue as New Jersey, we have a responsibility to proactively examine our own systems. An oversight hearing will provide transparency into how voter registration information is collected, verified, and shared, identify any vulnerabilities, and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly to protect the integrity of our elections.”

“Safeguarding our elections is of the utmost importance. What happened in New Jersey is concerning and must never happen in New York. Non-citizens should never be able to vote in elections; that is why taking the step to have an oversight hearing is so important. New Yorkers deserve to know the status of the integrity of elections and holding these hearings is a crucial part of that. When election systems fail, taxpayers are ultimately left to bear the costs of investigations, administrative corrections, and restoring public confidence. Ensuring our election laws are properly enforced protects both the integrity of the ballot box and the interests of New York taxpayers,” said Palmesano.

New York’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) maintains active contracts with the implicated vendor, IDEMIA. According to Open Book New York, the vendor holds 44 contracts with state agencies totaling approximately $579.5 million. In response to Gov. Sherrill’s statement blaming the registration mishap on a software flaw, IDEMIA responded by saying that any voter registration information it compiles must be reviewed by New Jersey’s Division of Elections before being utilized.

The letter from Assembly Republicans also highlighted New York’s Green Light Law, which allows non-citizens to obtain state-issued driver’s licenses, making accurate technological safeguards between DMV transactions and voter registration critical. Voter registration services also extend to other agencies handling public assistance, Medicaid, disability services, and additional government programs.

A joint hearing would provide the opportunity to hear from multiple entities, including the state Board of Elections, Department of Motor Vehicles, Office of Information Technology, vendors with direct interaction with voter-registration information, and independent experts. Topics would include:

· Existing safeguards against erroneous voter registrations;

· Audits to detect potential system failures;

· Citizenship data collection, verification, and transmission processes;

· Vendor’s role and responsibilities, and comparison to New Jersey’s system;

· Internal controls across voter registration agencies;

· Corrective actions and planned improvements; and

· Procurement, contract oversight, performance, and fiscal impacts.

The Minority Conference stressed that the request is not an accusation of wrongdoing in New York, but rather an exercise of the Legislature’s constitutional oversight responsibility to protect election integrity, taxpayer dollars, and public trust.

July 24, 2026

FROM THE STATE PRISON GUARD UNION, NYSCOPBA: Correction officers recovered two makeshift weapons and a concealed cell phone during a search of a dormitory after an inmate who had been assaulted by multiple attackers disclosed the location of contraband hidden in the dorm where he was housed.

On Sunday, July 19, a sergeant conducting routine security rounds in one of the facility’s dormitories was notified by the desk officer that an inmate wanted to speak with him. During the interview, the inmate stated that he had been attacked by multiple inmates and punched several times in the face. The inmate had visible facial injuries and was escorted by staff to the facility infirmary for evaluation.

While being escorted, the inmate informed staff that he had hidden contraband in the dormitory bathroom and in his assigned living area.

Staff immediately searched both locations. An ice pick-type homemade weapon was recovered from a hole in the wall behind the shower area in the bathroom. A search of the inmate’s living quarters uncovered a metal shank hidden beneath his bed. Officers also searched the inmate’s locker and discovered an altered set of headphones concealing a small cell phone inside one of the earpieces. All of the contraband was secured and placed into evidence.

The inmate was treated at the facility infirmary before being transported to an outside hospital for treatment of a laceration to his face. Medical staff determined the wound was consistent with being inflicted by a weapon.

The 25-year-old inmate faces internal disciplinary charges . He is currently serving a four-year state prison sentence following his 2024 conviction in New York County for Attempted Robbery in the First Degree.

“This incident is another reminder that correction officers are working in an environment where homemade weapons and contraband are an everyday threat. Fortunately, this inmate disclosed the location of these dangerous items before they could be used to seriously injure another inmate or an officer. The recovery of two weapons and a concealed cell phone underscores the constant vigilance of our members and the critical importance of routine security searches. Every homemade weapon recovered is one less weapon that can be used in an assault, and every illicit cell phone seized helps disrupt criminal activity occurring both inside our facilities and in our communities. Our officers continue to perform this dangerous work every day despite the significant risks they face.” stated — Bryan Hluska , NYSCOPBA Central Region Vice President

July 23, 2026

FROM REP. NICK LANGWORTHY: “From the day I came to Congress, I’ve consistently championed legislation to ban Members and their spouses from trading individual stocks because we are here to serve the people we represent, not cash in on information that isn’t available to the public.
“Today, the House took an important step toward stopping this insidious practice by passing the Stop Insider Trading Act that I was proud to co-sponsor and help pass. I’m not a millionaire, and I don’t trade stocks—I came to Congress to fight for our communities who, for too long, have been forgotten by those in power. Americans deserve to know that every decision their elected officials make is guided by what’s best for the country, not their personal stock portfolios.
“We have a lot of work to do to restore Americans’ trust in Congress and getting this bill signed into law would send an important message that we are serious about reform. I urge the Senate to act quickly to get this on the President’s desk without delay.”

July 23, 2026

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) held a virtual press conference to celebrate unanimous Senate passage of her bipartisan Older Americans Act (OAA) Reauthorization Act. The OAA Reauthorization Act renews funding for the essential services provided by the OAA, including programs that provide nutrition assistance, meal deliveries, transportation services, caregiver support, long-term care, and more.

“The OAA is a lifeline for American seniors, and I am proud to have successfully led the charge for its reauthorization in the Senate,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Our seniors have spent their lives building our communities, raising families, and serving our country. They have earned the right to age with health, dignity, and independence in the settings of their choice—and OAA programs help them do just that. I am proud to see this legislation pass the Senate with unanimous support, and I am calling on the House to take up and pass this legislation immediately.”

The OAA has been a lifeline for American seniors since its passage in 1965. Every year, OAA programs deliver over 250 million meals, provide more than 14 million rides, and offer 30 million hours of caregiver support and in-home assistance with daily tasks like bathing and dressing. In total, about one in six older adults across the country rely on OAA-funded services every year.

However, authorization of the OAA expired at the end of 2024, jeopardizing OAA programs’ long-term future.

Specifically, this year’s OAA Reauthorization Act reauthorizes the following programs through fiscal year 2030:

the national eldercare locator service;
regional aging and disability resource centers;
grants to support counseling and assistance on pensions and other retirement benefits;
grants to support home-delivered nutrition services like Meals on Wheels;
programs to facilitate the delivery of supportive services to tribal organizations; and
programs to prevent elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

The bill also modifies existing programs for older individuals to promote innovation and flexibility, strengthen program integrity, and better support family caregivers and direct care workers.

July 23, 2026

FROM REP. TENNEY: Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today applauded House passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), legislation that authorizes $1.15 trillion to strengthen America’s national defense, support servicemembers, rebuild the defense industrial base, and advance President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda. The legislation also includes Congresswoman Tenney’s FORKS Made in America Permanency Act.

This bill passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 216-212.

“The world has become increasingly dangerous, and America must remain prepared to confront growing threats from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and terrorist organizations,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “The FY27 NDAA delivers the investments our military needs to remain the strongest fighting force in the world while ensuring our servicemembers receive the support they have earned. It also strengthens America’s defense industrial base, cuts wasteful spending, and reinforces President Trump’s Peace Through Strength agenda. I am especially pleased that my FORKS Made in America Act was included, which supports local manufacturing jobs in Central New York and ensures our troops have the highest-quality products that are made in New York.”

Key Provisions in the FY27 NDAA:

Provides junior enlisted servicemembers with a 7% pay raise.
Invests in our defense industrial base to Secure the United States’ place as the arsenal of democracy.
Codifies 22 of President Trump’s Executive Orders and 43 legislative proposals requested by the Trump administration.
Includes new authorities to compel our allies to pay for more of their own defense.
Increases investments in our key allies, like Israel and Taiwan, countering our adversaries like China and Iran.
Cuts billions in inefficient programs and Pentagon bureaucracy, while investing more in low-cost, mass-produced munitions and drones.
Officially renames the Department of Defense to the Department of War
Continues prohibitions on funding the DEI bureaucracy and gender transition procedures, focusing our military on lethality, meritocracy, and accountability
Includes S. 1383, the SAVE America Act to ensure noncitizens cannot vote in our elections and to require a photo identification to vote.

Background on Tenney’s Bill Included in the FY27 NDAA:

FORKS Made in America Permanency Act of 2025 – This bill requires the Department of War to only purchase domestically produced stainless steel flatware. This will help support American manufacturers of stainless-steel flatware, such as Sherrill Manufacturing. In the FY25 NDAA, Tenney secured a 3-year mandate for the purchase of domestically produced stainless steel flatware, but this year’s provision would remove the sunset clause and make this mandate permanent.

Key Tenney Amendments included in the FY27 NDAA:

Establishing a presumption of approval for qualified DoW servicemembers and civilian employees seeking authorization from their facility commander to carry personal firearms on military installations
Prohibiting gender related medical care under TRICA, including radical genital mutilation surgeries.
Prohibiting DoWEA schools from allowing males from participating in an athletic program or activity that is designated exclusively for females.
Requiring the Secretary of War and Secretary of State to use every opportunity to ensure that NATO countries and Major Non-NATO allies do not enforce ICC warrants against one another’s militaries.
Authorizing the Secretary of War to establish a school choice pilot program for members of the Armed Forces.
Requiring the Department of War to create a report identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks from acquisitions of land near U.S. military installations from countries of concern and foreign terrorist organizations.
Prohibiting FY27 Department of War funding from going to any K-12 schools with a Confucius Institute or Confucius Classroom.
Requires Taiwan to be included in RIMPAC 2028.
Cutting off security clearances for formed members of the Armed Forces who lobby for Chinese military companies.
Authorizing APEX Accelerators to assist small businesses in acquiring procurement contracts related to AUKUS.

July 23, 2026

FROM BRUCE BLAKEMAN: Kathy Hochul’s Green Energy Scam is not only a threat to your wallet; it is now a public health threat poisoning our communities. Look at East Hampton: a utility-scale battery fire dumped 2.2 million gallons of toxic runoff straight into Long Island’s groundwater, and Kathy Hochul promised the public there was no danger. She lied. Independent testing confirmed dangerous PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in our water supply. But what’s worse than a Green Energy Scam turning into a toxic chemical disaster? A Governor who covers it up—hiding the dangerous test results for over a year to protect her green narrative.

From radioactive waste in Niagara County to the botched Grumman cleanup in Bethpage, Kathy Hochul has proven she will sacrifice public health and clean water to protect her ‘Green Energy Scam.’ As Governor, I will put an immediate halt to all battery storage facilities across New York State until safety is guaranteed and state regulators are held accountable. Hochul’s Green Energy Scam ends on Day 1, and I’ll cut your utility bill in half. New Yorkers deserve a Governor who protects their wallet, their water quality, and their safety—and Kathy Hochul has failed on all levels,” Nassau County Executive and candidate for Governor of New York Bruce Blakeman said as toxic chemicals were located in East Hampton’s water following a battery energy storage facility fire – despite Kathy Hochul’s repeated claim there was no threat to public drinking water and continued support for large scale battery storage facilities.

July 22, 2026

FROM THE ALFRED POLICE DEPT: On July 21, 2026, the Alfred Police Department investigated a two-vehicle motor vehicle crash on State Route 244 involving multiple reported injuries. The investigation determined that a 2017 Hyundai, operated by Keegan M. Bradley, 32, of Hornell, New York, crossed the center line and collided head-on with another vehicle. Bradley was not injured in the crash. Several occupants of the second vehicle were transported to area hospitals with injuries that are believed to be non-life-threatening. The names of those occupants are not being released at this time.
Further investigation revealed that Bradley was allegedly impaired by the use of drugs at the time of the crash.

As a result of the investigation, Bradley was arrested and charged with:
Vehicular Assault in the First Degree (Class D Felony)
Reckless Endangerment in the First Degree (Class D Felony)
Driving While Ability Impaired by Drugs (DWAI-Drugs)

Bradley was processed by the Alfred Police Department and transported to the Allegany County Jail, where he was held pending arraignment.

July 22, 2026

FROM SENATOR GILLIBRAND: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand released the following statement on the death of Sergeant Angel S. Rampersad, 28, of Ozone Park, New York. Sergeant Rampersad is believed to have lost her life during an Iranian attack at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan. To honor Sergeant Rampersad’s service, Senator Gillibrand will request that flags be flown at half-mast over the Capitol today. “All New Yorkers mourn the tragic loss of Sergeant Angel Rampersad, who bravely served our nation. My prayers are with her family, loved ones, and unit during this time of profound grief. May her selfless service to our country and her enduring memory never be forgotten.”

FROM GOV HOCHUL: “Today, New York mourns the loss of one of our own, Sgt. Angel S. Rampersad of Ozone Park, who is believed to have been killed in action while serving our nation on July 17. “My heart is with her family, loved ones and the soldiers who stood beside her as they grieve this unimaginable loss. Sgt. Rampersad lived a life of courage and selflessness. New York, and our nation, are safer because of brave Americans like her who answer the call to serve. May we honor her memory, remember her sacrifice and keep all who loved her in our prayers.”