Adam Penale reports for New York State of Politics that New York is getting $13.5 million in federal funding for urban and community forestry, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Oct. 13. Hochul said in a statement, “New York’s urban and community forests play an extremely important role in our environment and ensuring that all neighborhoods and communities have access to the benefits that trees provide, including in addressing the threats of our changing climate.... Thanks to this historic level of funding announced under President Biden and his Administration, we take another major step towards investing in and improving our environment and enhancing community green space for the next generations.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program is providing the money to New York's Department of Environmental Conservation for grant opportunities through New York’s Urban and Community Forestry Program. Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.

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Brendan J. Lyons reports in the Times Union that the Catskill police officers who ran away after a man burst into flames when a village officer ignited him with a Taser, will not face criminal charges, the attorney general's office announced on Oct. 13. In 2021, 29-year-old Catskill High graduate Jason Jones came into the Catskill Village police station and doused himself with flammable hand sanitizer that was there because of the COVID-19 pandemic. When he was unresponsive with police, they Tasered him, and he caught on fire. A video recording shows all of this, and police running from the scene instead of aiding Jones. He died after spending more than 40 days in a coma in a Syracuse burn unit. The attorney general’s investigation said that the police officers ran out of the room to look for a fire extinguisher and that they could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was any criminal wrongdoing. The attorney general's office said, “When the officers told Mr. Jones that they would take him into custody, his actions indicated that he would not comply, so one officer deployed a Taser to temporarily disable him, with the objective of putting him in handcuffs," and that, "prosecuting reckless manslaughter would require proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers were aware of and consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk. Prosecuting criminally negligent homicide would require proving beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers failed to perceive that risk. For both charges, the prosecution must also prove that the officers demonstrated a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would observe.” This past January, the family of Jones filed a federal civil lawsuit, saying that Jones had “exhibited signs of emotional distress” and had not been charged with any crime when he walked into the police station. Jones spoke with the officers in the lobby for about eight minutes without any violence before he was shot with a Taser. The three police officers involved were Mark Nazi, who fired the Taser, Daniel Goldpaugh, and Nicholas J. Craig. The attorney general's office questioned the need for more officer training with Tasers, saying, “In an effort to prevent future incidents, (the attorney general’s office) recommends that (the Office of Public Safety) ‘formulate and oversee training on Tasers and similar devices in the Basic Course for police officers, comprehensively study all flammable substances that such weapons could ignite, list those substances in the training materials, and send updates promptly to all departments that have such weapons in use.’" Read more about this story in the Times Union.

Adam Penale and Spectrum News report at New York State of Politics that on Oct. 14 Gov. Kathy Hochul legalized stores selling beer on Sundays and allowed liquor and wine stores to open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Hochul said, "Across New York, breweries, distilleries and other alcoholic beverage businesses are creating jobs and expanding economic opportunity.... I'm proud to sign this legislation that will modernize the laws governing the sales of alcoholic beverages in New York.” Long ago New York banned all alcohol sales on Sundays, but lately the law let bars and restaurants begin serving alcohol at 10 a.m. on Sundays, and liquor stores could not open until noon. Now they will be allowed to start sales earlier. Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.

Here is this week's WGXC Congressional Report, tracking the votes, statements, positions, and campaigns of the representatives and candidates for the 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st Congressional seats in New York. Democrat Pat Ryan is representing the 18th Congressional District, Republican Marc Molinaro represents the 19th Congressional District, Democrat Rep. Paul Tonko represents the 20th District, and Republican Elise Stefanik represents the 21st District. Click here to listen to this report.

Patrick Tine reports in the Times Union that the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York is hosting a rally for Israel at 7 p.m. Oct. 9 at Congregation Beth Emeth. They say it will be a “community-wide rally to show support for Israel and pray for peace and aid to those injured and in mourning.” This weekend the Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israel, which then declared war on Hamas, and many civilians were killed. At Temple Israel in Albany on Oct. 7, Gov. Kathy Hochul said: “There is no justification. There never has been. There never will be for such cowardly heinous acts by this terrorist organization known as Hamas. And tonight, we grieve for the families. We pray for the families of those who’ve lost a loved one or are separated tonight living in the unknown, to those who are injured, and those who’ve been kidnapped.” Hochul also said security will be increased near Jewish places of worship and community centers around the state and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said their police department would also be increasing their presence locally around Jewish houses of worship. Mid-Hudson News reports on the reactions from two local Congressional representatives. Democrat Pat Ryan, who represents the 18th District, said, “I stand united with the State of Israel and unequivocally condemn the brutal attacks carried out by Hamas and other terrorist groups this morning. My heart is with the innocent Israeli civilians ruthlessly murdered, and all of those living in fear from these continued terrorist attacks.” Republican Marc Molinaro, who represents the 19th District, said, “The savage attack by Hamas on Israel is disgusting and cannot be tolerated. The United States stands with our ally, Israel, and against these brutal terrorists. We must swiftly and unequivocally condemn Hamas, and always stand with Israel. And, we pray for her people.” Read more about this story in the Times Union and at Mid-Hudson News.

Paul Kirby reports in the Daily Freeman that Democrat Rep. Pat Ryan wants House Republicans to join Democrats to make Democrat Hakeem Jeffries the new House speaker. Republicans are in disarray, with eight ultra-conservative members ousting Kevin McCarthy last week. That has effectively halted the federal government, as the House cannot take any action without a speaker. Ryan said, “I am calling on five Republicans to transcend the partisanship and really operate as patriots and join what has been the most functionally unified coalition and now the plurality of the House, which is the Democratic coalition, to unify with us so we can get back to governing.” Ryan said “a vote for Hakeem Jeffries is a vote to “move from the chaos of the last nine months and get us back to a place of civility delivering results.” Virtually no political analysts believe Republicans will work with Democrats to back a Democrat for House speaker. But Ryan said, “We are in uncharted territory and that calls for an extraordinary and unusual approach.... I think there is a real chance and I hope that we will see a few folks step forward, a few who have the courage, and more will join.” So far, local Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro has not decided who he will support for Speaker. Ryan voted for Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s ouster while Molinaro voted against it. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.

Kate Lisa reports at New York State of Politics that there have been rallies and protests around New York State for Israeli and Palestinian people caught in a new war between their governments. On Oct. 9, Gov. Kathy Hochul attended a Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York event in Albany at Congregation Beth Emeth reform synagogue. Hochul said, "I assure you as the governor I will make sure that we leave no stone unturned to find out how we can make sure that every single one of you is safe when you gather, because that is your God-given right to exercise your belief, your religion, your true identity." Rep. Paul Tonko, Assemblymembers Pat Fahy, John McDonald III and Phil Steck, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, and Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple also attended that event. A local Palestinian Rights Committee has scheduled a rally in support of Palestinians on Oct. 10 at 4 p.m. in Townsend Park in Albany. Ulster County Assemblyperson Sarahana Shrestha said that "the devastating violence in Israel and Palestine must come to an end.... For as long as I can remember, this conflict has shown how violence begets violence, and the only way to end the cycle is to end Israeli occupation and let Palestinians live and move freely.” The days-old war in the Middle East has been brutal so far, with the Palestinian Hamas group taking senior citizens and children hostage and killing many others, and Israel bombing buildings with civilians, and cutting off supplies to trapped Palestinians. Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.

Mid-Hudson News reports that Alison Esposito announced on Oct. 10 that she would run for the Republican nomination for Congress in New York’s 18th District next year. That seat is currently held by Democrat Pat Ryan. Esposito lost in a bid for lieutenant governor last year with the also unsuccessful Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin. Until recently Esposito listed her address as New York City, but now says she is a resident of Goshen. She was born in Highland Mills. She had a 25-year career with New York Police Department before her recent efforts in politics. Esposito sounded familiar conservative Republican themes in her opening statement, saying, “President Biden and his allies in Congress have left our nation a shell of its former self.... Our southern border is non-existent, inflation has left families choosing between gas and groceries, and we have relinquished our standing on the world stage. Right now, the Hudson Valley is represented by a defender of President Biden’s failed policies. Instead of fighting for everyday hardworking families, our representative is fighting for his own self-interest.” Read more about this story in Mid-Hudson News.

Mid-Hudson News reports that Republican Rep. Marc Molinaro was back in Dutchess County on Oct. 10 celebrating the new jail there that he helped get built. Molinaro campaigned for his former role as Dutchess County Executive on building a better county jail. Molinaro said, “Today, the goal we set 11 years ago has been met. Dutchess County now has a modern facility with the needed space to expand the county’s nationally renowned alternatives to incarceration and restorative justice programs, increasing public safety and delivering savings to taxpayers.” The new jail has 328 beds, far more than at the new Greene County Jail. Read more about this story in Mid-Hudson News.

Republicans removing Republicans is in the news again. First, eight ultra-conservative House Republicans voted to vacate Kevin McCarthy from the role of House Speaker, and now Alex Gault at Johnson News Service reports Rep. Marc Molinaro and other Republicans want to expel Rep. George Santos. The Long Island Republican was charged Oct. 10 with another slate of campaign finance crimes. While House Republicans complained they could not trust McCarthy, Santos is widely considered the most accomplished liar in American politics. On Oct. 11 Molinaro and four other New York House Republicans introduced a resolution to expel Santos from Congress. Molinaro said, “George Santos is a liar and a fraud with a growing rap sheet.... I have said and continue to say he should resign. Since he won’t, I’m supporting a resolution to expel him from Congress.” Rep. Elise Stefanik, who backed Santos in his campaign for Congress, is silent so far about expelling the Long Island representative, and did not answer a request for a comment. Stefanik represents Rensselaer County and the rest of the 21st Congressional District. Molinaro represents the 19th Congressional District, and recently moved to Leeds. Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.

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H. Rose Schneider reports in the Times Union that deputy Rensselaer County Republican election commissioner Corine Sheldon has resigned, and she leaves Oct. 31 in the midst of voting. Republican Board of Elections Commissioner Jason Schofield resigned from the post just before pleading guilty to 12 counts of voter fraud charges in January. So the county has neither Republican election post filled. Rensselaer County Democratic Minority Leader Peter Grimm has criticized Republicans for not appointing a replacement for Schofield. Rensselaer County is breaking the rules, as State election law requires nominations to fill a vacant election commissioner seat be filed no later than 45 days after the vacancy. Director of Public Information Kathleen McGrath said, “We anticipate the staff of the county’s Board of Elections will continue to do its work diligently throughout this election season.... The state Board stands ready and remains committed to working with the Rensselaer County Board of Elections, and all county boards, to ensure the integrity of the voting process.” Voters go to the polls in New York this year from Oct. 28 until Nov. 7. Read more about this story in the Times Union.

Paul Kirby reports for the Daily Freeman that as Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. tries to raise its prices to consumers, they are also saying electric supply costs fell by more than a penny this month compared to September and less than half of what it was last year. October’s supply costs fell to 7.6 cents per kilowatt hour from 9.1 centers in September. Before that, electricity prices had risen for four consecutive months. Central Hudson also reported that, for the ninth month in a row, gas supply costs also were lower. Gas supply prices are now at 37.8 cents per hundred cubic feet, down from 40.6 cents per hundred cubic feet in September and less than half what prices were a year ago. The announcement comes as Central Hudson is currently asking the Public Service Commission for rate increases. The Public Service Commission is holding public hearings about the proposed rate increases, including one at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 17, at the Robert Antonelli Senior Center 15 Academy St. in Catskill. Central Hudson claims the new rates would add roughly $1 a day to the typical electric customer and $1 a day to most natural gas customers. Read more about this story in the Daily Freeman.

Courtney Ward reports for News10 that a coalition including gas and construction companies and labor unions filed a federal lawsuit on Oct. 12 to overturn New York's ban on natural gas lines in new buildings. This year’s New York state budget prohibits gas lines in new construction in smaller buildings by 2026 and in larger buildings by 2029 with some exceptions. Those filing the lawsuit say the new law is pre-empted by federal law, while supporters say it will help combat global warming. Read more about this story at the News10 website.

Today's daily news audio update.

Click above to download or play the "Better Weather." Produced by Joe Demanso of the Catskill Makers Syndicate.

Republicans removing Republicans is in the news again. First, eight ultra-conservative House Republicans voted to vacate Kevin McCarthy from the role of House Speaker, and now Alex Gault at Johnson News Service reports Rep. Marc Molinaro and other Republicans want to expel Rep. George Santos. The Long Island Republican was charged Oct. 10 with another slate of campaign finance crimes. While House Republicans complained they could not trust McCarthy, Santos is widely considered the most accomplished liar in American politics. On Oct. 11 Molinaro and four other New York House Republicans introduced a resolution to expel Santos from Congress. Molinaro said, “George Santos is a liar and a fraud with a growing rap sheet.... I have said and continue to say he should resign. Since he won’t, I’m supporting a resolution to expel him from Congress.” Rep. Elise Stefanik, who backed Santos in his campaign for Congress, is silent so far about expelling the Long Island representative, and did not answer a request for a comment. Stefanik represents Rensselaer County and the rest of the 21st Congressional District. Molinaro represents the 19th Congressional District, and recently moved to Leeds. Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.

Larry Rulison reports for the Times Union that the National Grid utility is predicting that home heating costs could drop 18.3 percent this winter compared to last year. The prediction is based on expected weather patterns, wholesale natural gas prices, and other factors. If so, that would mean $143 in savings for an average National Grid customer over the five-month winter period. National Grid officials also bragged about setting aside $6 million to offset bills for low-income families not covered by federal winter heating assistance programs. Melanie Littlejohn, National Grid’s New York vice president for customer and community engagement, said, “While reduced heating costs is certainly welcome news for our customers, we recognize that energy prices can still add to the financial burden for those who are struggling with higher costs at the grocery store, gas pump and elsewhere.” Read more about this story in the Times Union.

New York's foliage report says local leaves are getting closer to peak colors. The report says, "In Greene County, reports from above 1200’ in the town of Windham expect a mix of peak and past-peak foliage with at least 90 percent color change and orange, yellow, brown and green leaves of average brilliance. Some areas still have good color but some trees, especially maples, have lost lots of leaves. There is less foliage change in the lower elevations, with midpoint to near-peak color in the valley, including lots of yellow, while areas along the river are mostly green with some trees just starting to turn.... In Albany County, spotters at Thacher State Park in Voorheesville predict near-peak foliage with at least 55 percent change and varying shades of orange and yellow, plus some browns, reds and greens.... In the Hudson Valley, Columbia County volunteers in Hudson expect near-peak foliage with 60 percent color change and average to bright shades of gold and yellow, along with some shades of red. Color progression varies throughout Columbia County, with some areas still very green and other parts at peak. In Dutchess County, reports from the town of Beacon expect foliage will be at midpoint of change with 40 percent transition and some yellows and splashes of red leaves, while spotters in Poughkeepsie predict 40 percent color change with mostly yellow leaves, plus some reds and oranges shining through." Go to New York's foliage report for more information.

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Diane Valden reports in The Upstater that Copake on Sept. 5 passed “A Local Law to Promote Affordable Housing in the Town of Copake." Everyone from the governor to a host of Hudson Valley officials have identified an affordable housing crisis locally. Copake town attorney Ken Dow said, “This action would amend Chapter 232 of the Code of the Town of Copake (Zoning) to streamline certain processes for applicants proposing to add certain types of affordable housing and would require provisions and set-asides for affordable housing in connection with major subdivisions.” The law also allows more locations where small multifamily dwellings could be built. Developers of major subdivisions must now set aside 20 percent of the residential capacity of the subdivision and development for affordable housing. Copake, and almost all other towns and villages in the Hudson Valley, is not building new affordable housing, but, like many of those other towns, are tweaking the regulations in hope someone else does. Read more about this story in The Upstater.

Michael Hill reports for ABC News that two and a half years after legalization, and more than nine months after sales started, only about two dozen state-sanctioned cannabis dispensaries are open for business. At the same time, many illegal sellers have opened retail cannabis stores without a license. Meanwhile, farmers are stuck with a crop that is going bad, and the anticipated revenues for the state and municipalities with stores has not materialized in most places. Now state regulators have opened a 60-day general application window to grow, process, distribute, or sell marijuana, and say they expect to issue more than 1,000 new licenses soon. Reginald Fluellen, senior consultant with the Cannabis Social Equity Coalition, blames the state bureaucracy for a botched rollout. He said, “They’ve failed miserably in providing the justice-involved individuals the kind of head start, the kind of foothold, in the market that they promised." Joseph Calderone of Grateful Valley Farm, near the Pennsylvania border, says New York is favoring giant corporations instead of family farms. He said, “We were given a fair chance to grow. We were asked to do that.... We kept our promise. The state did not keep their promise.” Read more about this story at ABC News.

Jammel Cutler reports for Columbia-Greene Media that the Hudson Conservation Advisory Council has planted three dozen trees in Hudson, paid for by a grant from the Hudson Development Corporation. Mayoral Aide Michael Hofmann said, “Most of our street trees have been at the request of property owners.... We are finding that people are very appreciative and enjoy having more trees in the neighborhood.” The Advisory Council is asking the Common Council for money next year so that it can plant roughly an equivalent amount of trees. Rich Volo, chair of the Hudson Conservation Advisory Council, said, “Street trees show how the city can help combat climate change, and bring shade to an urban landscape.... To help continue the success of the CAC in 2024, the CAC is asking for about $23,000 from the city’s $12 million annual budget, representing approximately 0.2% of the city’s budget. These funds will be used for more street trees and conservation efforts.” Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.

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