The Mid-Hudson News Network is reporting area officials are mourning the passing of U.S. Sen. John McCain, Republican of Arizona., who died August 25, at age 81, and reflecting on his life. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, Democrat from New York, said McCain’s “dedication to his country and the military were unsurpassed, and maybe most of all, he was a truth teller — never afraid to speak truth to power in an era where that has become all too rare. The Senate, the United States, and the world are lesser places without John McCain.” Schumer also announced his intention to introduce a resolution to rename the Russell Senate Office Building in McCain’s honor. Kinderhook Republican U.S. Rep. John Faso said McCain was “an American patriot, dedicated to our constitution and the ideals it represents.” Faso said “his courage as a POW in the Hanoi Hilton will be long remembered. America has lost a dedicated and loyal son.” And Gov. Andrew Cuomo said McCain “gave his life in service to this nation, exemplifying all that we admire in a hero.” Cuomo directed that state flags fly at half-mast in honor of McCain. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.