Patrick Tine reports in the Times Union that on Aug. 12 over 100 people rallied in Saratoga to reject the anti-democratic and racist messaging of the Proud Boys, who rallied in there in much smaller numbers a week before. Saratoga Peace Alliance, Veterans For Peace, and Saratoga-Warren-Washington Progressive Action sponsored the event Aug. 12. Speaking at the event Mayor Ron Kim directed a remark at Public Safety Commissioner James Montagnino, saying, "Ask every City Council member what their position is (on the Proud Boys gathering in the city).... There is one councilman who has the ability to disavow them and we have not heard a word." Montagnino said, "I’m shocked to hear that.... This is beyond incomprehensible. I've been working with our police department since I heard about the Proud Boys march and want to prosecute them for code violations." The march Aug. 12 for democracy had a permit; the Proud Boys marched on Aug. 5 quickly in masks without a permit. Lauren Gomes Atwood, attended the Aug. 12 rally with her two children and serves on the committee for Saratoga Pride, and said, "After working and living in D.C. for almost a decade, it's nice to see there's an open community here that welcomes others.... It was what actually made me feel comfortable settling in this area." Read more about this story in the Times Union.

CBS News reports that three Republican political operatives agreed to pay more than $50,000 in restitution and penalties in Ohio for their parts of a phony charity that collected money purportedly to help victims of the East Palestine train derailment. One of the three men, Luke Mahoney, is a former campaign staffer for Rep. Elise Stefanik, who represents Rensselaer County and the rest of the 21st Congressional Districts. Mahoney is barred from starting, operating, or soliciting contributions for any charity in Ohio until 2027 under the agreement. The investigation alleged the trio collected nearly $149,000 from donors after the Feb. 3 train derailment. Read the full story at the CBS News website.

Phillip Pantuso reports in the Times Union that Saugerties Police Chief Joseph Sinagra resigned this week, after being placed on paid administrative leave last month pending an Ulster County district attorney’s investigation of sexual assault and harassment allegations into another officer and the department's handling of that case. Saugerties Town Board member Mike Ivino said the investigation would continue, resignation or not. Ivino said, “I think it’s important that our department knows we’re behind them and our residents know that we’re trying to make this process as open and transparent as possible.” Complaints were made by two of a police officer's coworkers and a member of the public and Sinagra declined to refer them to the county district attorney’s office for investigation. Sinagra could not be reached for comment. Read more about this story in the Times Union.

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.

Mid-Hudson News reports that Republican Congressperson Marc Molinaro is choosing his words very carefully when talking about a three-time indicted former president leading his primary field in attempt to regain the White House. About the strongest words he would use after Donald Trump was indicted for a third time last week that it is “very troubling to me.” Trump has been indicted for illegally taking classified documents, making illegal business decisions while paying a porn star hush money, and illegally trying to stay in power after he lost an election. Molinaro does not denounce Trump, who remains very popular with Republicans, and comes close to repeating Republican talking points about the so-called weaponization of the Justice Department. Molinaro said, “We ought to be very careful that we don’t allow government to act in a way that is punitive against political opponents, it doesn’t treat people with lack of equity – and that’s true whether it’s the DOJ or a local police department – there needs to be equitable enforcement of law.... And I believe that Congress’ rightful role is to provide the appropriate oversight of the administration. That includes ensuring oversight and transparency of the enforce entities within the executive branch.” Molinaro also pointed out that there are many other capable candidates in the Republican election. Read more about this story at Mid-Hudson News.

The Troy Record reports that New York Senator Chuck Schumer and Rep. Paul Tonko recently announced a rule change that will bring increased payments to Upstate New York hospitals from the federal government. Schumer said, “This is one of the biggest shots in the arm for federal funding Upstate NY hospitals have seen in decades. This will be a monumental boost to healthcare for our families and to help our healthcare providers fix budget shortfalls, address doctor and nurse shortages and so much more. For years, our hardworking healthcare providers have faced unfairly low Medicare payments, receiving cents on the dollar for the care they provide, but now after over a decade of fighting I am proud to announce I have secured the rules change which will bring nearly $1 billion every single year to hospitals across Upstate NY.” Tonko explained, "that CMS has at last heeded our call to fix the long-broken Medicare Wage Index formula. This fix to the formula means an influx of hundreds of millions to our local hospitals — long burdened by the added strain from the COVID-19 pandemic — to address staff pay and retention, update medical equipment and technology, and further invest in patient care. In short, this MWI adjustment means improved, quality care for our region." Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson receives $8,228,068 annually from this program. Read more about this story in the Troy Record.

Lana Bellamy reports in the Times Union that New York's Department of Environmental Conservation says a Wappingers Falls park can reopen after it was temporarily closed amid reports and environmental tests for lead in nearby telecommunications cables could pose public health risks. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said tests showed “no evidence of elevated or widespread lead contamination in the area sampled” and that lead levels in the Dutchess County park met state and federal safety standards for children’s play areas. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “DEC continues to work closely with the Departments of Health and Public Service and local partners to fully assess potential risks from lead cables and take necessary actions to protect communities and the environment.” Rep. Pat Ryan has been demanding Congressional hearings and saying the telecommunications companies should be removing wires with lead after the initial Wall Street Journal report. But tests showed none of the areas “potentially influenced by lead in the telecommunications cables” showed results that differed markedly from background area readings. Temple Park was temporarily closed out of “an abundance of caution” after the initial report, but it now reopen. Read more about this story in the Times Union.

Today's audio daily news update.

The Times Union reports that while many are enjoying New York's state parks this month, others can't because the state has many inaccessible entrances and restrooms, obstacles on trails and paths, and limited parking for people with disabilities, according to an audit by the state comptroller's office. The report found that 62 percent of amenities in state parks need to be improved to enhance accessibility. Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said in a statement, “New York state strives to promote inclusivity and broad access to all the resources it has to offer, and this includes our state parks and historic sites.... The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation recognizes the importance of improving accessibility to the New York state parks system, but must do a better job incorporating this goal into its processes for maintaining and operating its sites, and improve its communications with and responsiveness to the public.” The audit also did not find required grievance procedures for when attendees find the parks do not provide accessibility. Read more about this story in the Times Union.

Joshua Solomon reports in the Times Union that state officials are spending $100 million on renovations at the Albany International Airport, and they are expected to be completed by early 2025. That includes expansion of the main terminal, and room to make security lines move faster. Gov. Kathy Hochul, at the airport on Aug. 10, said, "It will be transformational." Albany airport CEO Philip Calderone said, "It's going to give us a modern airport with modern technologies." The airport is also getting solar energy panels, additional space for concessions, new air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems, conference areas, and a children's play zone. Read more about this story in the Times Union.

Heather Bellow reports in The Berkshire Eagle that the Great Barrington Select Board will vote on taxing all home and commercial real estate sales over $1 million more than other homes. The proposal would add a one percent "real estate transfer fee" for sales of over $1 million in Great Barrington. But Select Board Vice Chair Leigh Davis said it would be year's away. First, the board needs to hold a public hearing on the issue, then the board would vote to bring the issue to town voters next May. Davis said Great Barrington needs the money to help with the affordable housing crisis locally. Davis said, “The displacement of longtime locals and our workforce continues.... If this isn’t a call to action, I don’t know what is.” A Washington Post analysis showed that last year 45 percent of homes bought in Great Barrington, Egremont, and New Marlborough were paid for with cash. If everyone locally approves the proposal, the Massachusetts governor would also have to sign off on the measure. Read more about this story in The Berkshire Eagle.

Today's daily news audio update.

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

Jammel Cutler reports for Columbia-Greene Media that Clermont officials are discussing a draft comprehensive plan focusing on agriculture, growth and development, recreation, and economic development. Mary T. Howard, vice chair of the Town of Clermont Planning Board, said, “We want the comprehensive plans to address the community’s long-range vision for the town’s growth and development.... The main thing to remember is that the Comprehensive Plan takes the citizens’ goals for the town and what they envision the town to be in 15 to 20 or even 50 years. It’s designed to shape the local ordinances to help us meet that vision.” Agriculture takes center stage in Clermont's plan. Local citizens can speak with committee members about the proposed Comprehensive Plan from noon to 5 p.m. on Aug. 19, at Clermont Firehouse No. 2 on Firehouse Road. Read more about this story in HudsonValley360.com.

Lana Bellamy reports in the Times Union that New York's Department of Environmental Conservation says a Wappingers Falls park can reopen after it was temporarily closed amid reports and environmental tests for lead in nearby telecommunications cables could pose public health risks. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said tests showed “no evidence of elevated or widespread lead contamination in the area sampled” and that lead levels in the Dutchess County park met state and federal safety standards for children’s play areas. DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “DEC continues to work closely with the Departments of Health and Public Service and local partners to fully assess potential risks from lead cables and take necessary actions to protect communities and the environment.” Rep. Pat Ryan has been demanding Congressional hearings and saying the telecommunications companies should be removing wires with lead after the initial Wall Street Journal report. But tests showed none of the areas “potentially influenced by lead in the telecommunications cables” showed results that differed markedly from background area readings. Temple Park was temporarily closed out of “an abundance of caution” after the initial report, but it now reopen. Read more about this story in the Times Union.

Kate Lisa reports for New York State of Politics that for weeks Gov. Kathy Hochul has been asking for one thing from federal officials about the influx of migrants in New York. Hochul wants the federal government to change or waive rules that don't let the migrants work right away when they enter the United States. At Albany's airport on Aug. 10, Hochul said, "I cannot tell you how many times I've requested that we get a change in work authorization... more parolees, or temporary protective status." Officials say more migrants are expected in New York, although how many is unknown, or when. Hochul wants additional shelters and those expedited work permits to reduce the cost of housing the newcomers. Read more about this story at New York State of Politics.

Today's audio daily news update.

Nancy Kern reports for Columbia-Greene Media that for the second time in a month the drinking water in the Village of Athens appears dirty and has a strange odor. Village Department of Public Works Superintendent Chris Sprague and Village Trustee Joshua Lipsman said the water discoloration is from iron. Sprague said, “There is a culmination of a few things happening.... There gets buildup on the lines. We hadn’t flushed the system because we only had one filter operational in the water plant. We rebuilt the other one and wanted to be sure it was working properly, but then the water table went down, and we felt it was not a good time to flush. When the rain last month caused turbidity of the reservoir, we started flushing with the hydrants. We did a low pressure flush, and last week we went around and flushed again.” Sprague says boiling water is unnecessary, but that residents should check the screens on the ends of their faucets for sediment. Lipsman said, “The water has an odor due to the vegetative growth on the reservoir at Hollister Lake.... The second component is the pipes that flow underground that bring the water to people’s homes. That system was initially installed at least 100 years ago and has been piecemeal replaced, maintained and upgraded over the years. With a village like Athens, we don’t have the financial wherewithal to address that in a comprehensive fashion.” Lipsman also said that Athens does not have a backup source of water for emergencies. He said, “It’s actually unclear at the moment.... There are understandings all around, but they aren’t the same understandings. The mayor is in the process of researching meeting minutes from 2016 when there was community involvement with this issue. At the moment we don’t know exactly what the situation is. I personally think it’s an important thing that needs to be resolved.” Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.

Amal Tlaige reports for News10 that COVID-19 numbers are rising again in New York. The state is seeing its highest case counts since April. But numbers are no longer in the thousands, with 789 people testing positive last month. Bryon Backenson, Director of Bureau for Communicable Disease Control at the Department of Health said, “I think we’ve become a little blasé, I don’t think we necessarily think about it as much as we used to. I think some of our defenses, we’ve let them down a little bit as time has worn on. People aren’t testing as much.” The newest COVID variant is called EG 5.1, and is a member of the Omicron family and has been more contagious. Read more about this story at News10.

Raymond Pignone reports for Columbia-Greene Media that Operation Unite's Sankofa Black Arts & Cultural Festival is back in Hudson this weekend at Henry Hudson Waterfront Park. The festival traces its roots back to 1960 when families along Columbia Street gathered with tables, food and music. The Rev. Ed Cross said, “Families living on Columbia Street from Third Street to Front Street welcomed everybody who came." On Aug. 11 the festival starts with Tanganyahu Swaby's capoeira dance performance at 5 p.m. Later Loki Anthony hosts open mic performances. Saturday a parade starts 2 p.m. from the Public Square. The parade marches down to the waterfront, where The Apollonia Schooner is taking people on the Hudson River. There are also performances Saturday from Dunnun Kan Percussion and Dance of Guinea, the Heard Jazz Band and the Kuumba Dancers. Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.

Today's daily news audio update.

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

Jammel Cutler reports for Columbia-Greene Media that Juliette Pennyman is the new superintendent of the Hudson City School District, on a unanimous vote of the school board on Aug. 8. Pennyman will be paid $189,630 and said, “I am committed to being supportive of the whole child and engaging with the community by listening and learning. Every decision will be made with the children’s best investment in mind. Hudson is a perfect example of a district that understands the importance of strong, safe, excellent schools.” Cheryl Rabinowitz continues as interim Superintendent through when Pennyman takes over Sept. 1. Then Rabinowitz will return to her permanent position as the Hudson City School District Manager of Instructional Technology and Data Protection Officer. Pennyman was previously Associate Dean of Academic Services at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania and she was interim Superintendent of the Niskayuna Central School District in 2021 and 2022. Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.