Nicole Gaudiano at USA Today reports that Rep. John Faso (R-Kinderhook) voted May 17 to block a vote on legislation to create an independent commission to investigate Russian interference in the 2016 election. Only one Republican voted against the measure blocking the bill from reaching a vote. The legislation, which was blocked 229-188, would have created a 12-member, bipartisan commission to interview witnesses, obtain documents, issue subpoenas, and receive public testimony about Russia’s attempts to influence the election. The bill was co-sponsored by two Republicans, and one of them voted against the bill. Read the full story at USA Today.

The Daily Freeman reports that Greene Couty added 600 nonfarm jobs, or 4.3 percent growth, from April 2016 to April 2017. In Columbia County job growth was more modest, with 300 new nonfarm jobs, or 1.4 percent growth. There was small job growth throughout the Hudson Valley in the same period: Ulster County gained one percent, the Dutchess-Putnam area gained 1.6 percent, while Delaware County’s nonfarm job total fell 0.6 percent. The statewide unemployment rate is now 4.3 percent, down from 4.8 percent in April 2016, the Department of Labor reported. Read the full story in The Daily Freeman.

Lance Wheeler recorded and uploaded this video with city of Hudson and state police announcing the arrest of 19-year-old Matthew Sackett from Hudson in recent arsons at large buildings in Hudson and Livingston. Sackett and other youth are alleged to have set the fire in the Kite's Nest building on the Hudson waterfront Jan. 18, and in another large building in Livingston.

Dan Freedman in The Albany Times Union reports that Rep. John Faso (R-Kinderhook) does not have much to say about the constant deluge of negative stories about President Donald Trump. Last week Faso wanted a new FBI director acceptable to Republicans and Democrats, and if that could not be agreed upon, than a special prosecutor. Now that the Deputy Attorney General has appointed a special counsel to investigate possible Russian involvement in the recent election, Faso released a statement saying: "Facts are more important than Washington political games. Let the appropriate committees do their oversight work and collect the facts." Read the full story in The Albany Times Union.

Amanda Fries in The Albany Times Union begins a series about family members in local government, reporting that, "at least ten people in Albany County or local government positions have personal connections to Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy." New Albany County Department of Public Works Commissioner Lisa Ramundo is, for instance, the sister of McCoy's brother-in-law. McCoy told the paper he has no "family relationship" with Ramundo and that is was right for the $94,717-a-year job. "If you look at Lisa's qualifications, she is an engineer and very highly qualified," he said. "She's the first female DPW commissioner (for Albany County) and the fourth in the state of New York." While his sister and two brothers are among his relatives in local government, McCoy says, "There are people who unfortunately are related to me that I will not hire for that reason — the nepotism, or whatever you want to call it," he said. "I don't hire family. And mind you, there's been a lot of them who have been qualified, but I choose not to for this reason here. It doesn't look right to the public." Amanda Fries in The Albany Times Union

Local weather forecast:
TODAY: A slight chance of rain between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mostly sunny. High near 78. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 46.

FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS
SATURDAY: Sunny. High near 68. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 44.
SUNDAY: Partly sunny. High near 68. Sunday night, showers likely. Mostly cloudy. Low around 51.

Sunrise today: 5:29 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:14 p.m.
LENGTH OF THE DAY: 14:45 hrs.

PUBLIC MEETINGS
Today is the third Friday of the month.

WGXC is unaware of any recurring public meetings scheduled for today.

POLITICAL EVENTS
Weekly event:
Faso Friday, 12 p.m., every Friday at U.S. Rep. John Faso's District Office, 2 Hudson Street, Kinderhook. Information at erinpersists@gmail.com.

The Hill reports that the Federal Communications Commission voted 2-1 May 18 to begin the process of ending net neutrality rules which currently make the internet an even playing field. FCC chief Ajit Pai’s proposal "Restoring Internet Freedom" would allow corporations to give higher paying customers better internet access, creating so-called "fast lanes" for the rich and "slow lanes" for everyone else. Protesters made FCC commissioners clear they were angry about the vote, and FCC plainclothes security guards manhandled a journalist for CQ Roll. The New York Daily News reported that, "Reporter John Donnelly said he asked FCC Commissioner Michael O’Rielly questions when the official was not in front of the podium — causing security guards to allegedly shadow him, wait for him outside a men’s room and pin him against a wall as the commissioner passed by, according to a release from the National Press Club."

DOWNLOAD or PLAY the audio version of the local news headlines for Thu., May 18 (8:01). (Produced by Philip Grant.)

Amanda Purcell is reporting in The Daily Mail two newly elected board of education members in Greene and Columbia counties are the youngest people ever to win a seat in their respective districts. Andrew Varone, 22, of Catskill, and Brendan Caluneo, 19, of Valatie were chosen by voters to fill open seats on the Catskill and Ichabod Crane boards, Tue., May 16. Varone graduated from Catskill High School five years ago, and received a degree in finance from Siena College in 2016. Caluneo is a 2016 graduate of Ichabod Crane. He is currently enrolled in the criminal justice program at Hudson Valley Community College. Caluneo was elected to replace a member of the Ichabod Crane board who resigned. He will serve for one year, and will likely run for a full term in 2018. "I was very excited to hear the news," Caluneo said. Varone was one of eight candidates that competed for five seats on the Catskill board. "Catskill has some of the best faculty and staff," he said. "I think Catskill did a great job preparing me for my future...." Varone said more young people should feel encouraged to run for school board. Read the full story in The Daily Mail.

Rick Karlin is reporting at Capitol Confidential the New York State Assembly Wed., May 17, approved a bill that would establish a statewide ban on the use of electronic cigarettes in public places. Vaping opponents fear unwanted exposure to e-cigarette emissions, and believe the practice can create another type of addiction. Karlin writes that it is unclear what will happen to the legislation next. The action taken by the Assembly Wednesday adds electronic cigarettes to the state's Clean Indoor Air Act and prohibits their use in schools, workplaces, bars, restaurants, public transportation vehicles and facilities, healthcare buildings, all public and private higher education institutions and sports areas. Assembly leaders cited recent findings by the Food and Drug Administration that users are at risk of inhaling various chemical toxins, including diethyleneglycol, a key ingredient in antifreeze. The Clean Indoor Air Act imposes penalties up to $2,000 for violations assessed by the state Department of Health, and a maximum fine of $1,000 for judgments made by county or city enforcement officers. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential.

The New York Times reported that on May 17 U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein appointed Robert S. Mueller III, the former F.B.I. director, to serve as a special counsel for an investigation into Russian meddling in the election, and local representatives on both sides of the aisle applauded the decision. Rep. John Faso, or someone using Twitter for the Kinderhook Republican, wrote, "Mr. Mueller has unquestioned integrity and is a wise choice to lead the FBI investigation as Special Counsel." Sen. Chuck Schumer's Twitter feed read: "Former Director Mueller is exactly the right kind of individual to serve as special counsel in the Russia investigation. I now have significantly greater confidence that the investigation will follow the facts wherever they lead."

Matthew Hamilton reports in Capitol Confidential that Sue Sullivan, a strategic planning consultant from Ulster County, is the latest Democrat to file paperwork to run in the 19th Congressional District, where John Faso (R-Kinderhook) is now the representative. “People have asked why I’m doing this,” Sullivan said in a statement. “They say, ‘don’t bother, nothing is going to change.’ But that’s not how I was raised. Through my work across these communities I’ve seen directly how working together and listening we can get things done.” Sullivan is a former executive at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh who says she has worked with Sen. Charles Schumer, former Sen. Hillary Clinton, and former Rep. Maurice Hinchey to change the Medicare reimbursement rate. She has since founded the Greater Newburgh Partnership, raising millions to promote development in Newburgh. Other official candidates so far include Antonio Delgado of Dutchess County, Brian Flynn of Greene County, Steven Brisee of Ulster County, and Gareth Rhodes of Ulster County. A Woodstock teacher Jeff Beal has also announced an intention to run against Faso in 2018. Read the full story in Capitol Confidential.

Emily Masters in The Albany Times Union reports that a white 15-year-old was arrested May 16 for allegedly painting racist graffiti on a black family's garage and setting the building on fire May 14. The teen, whose identity will not be revealed because he is a minor, is charged with 10 felonies including arson, burglary, criminal mischief, and seven counts of reckless endangerment. Homeowner Laquan Madison and his family of seven were not injured. Police say they are still investigating and there could be other arrests. Read the full story in The Albany Times Union.

Emily Masters in the Albany Times Union reports that state police are warning that someone in Rensselaer County identified himself as a National Grid worker to gain entry into local homes May 16. Someone called at least one home in Brunswick, but the homeowner hung up and called National Grid, who said no employees made any calls to the address. State Police advise Rensselaer County residents to call National Grid if they are confused about service, and National Grid said all contractors carry proper identification. Read the full story in the Albany Times Union.

The Troy Record reports that Deputy Rensselaer County Executive Christopher Meyer announced May 16 that he wants to take over for the retiring Kathleen Jimino. “Having worked with Kathy side-by-side these past years, I can tell you that being county executive is not easy,” said Meyer. “In no way is it a stepping stone to higher office. … The title of the office is nice, but the responsibility is awesome.” Assemblymember Steven McLaughlin (R-Schaghticoke) has set up a Facebook page to run for the position, and has received the endorsement of Thomas S. Connolly Jr., chairman of the county’s Independence Party and vice chairman of the state Independence Party. Jimino is endorsing Meyer. Read the full story in The Troy Record.

Click here to download or play the May 17 Catskill town meeting, recorded from a live WGXC webstream.

Local weather forecast:
TODAY: Mostly sunny. High near 92. Thursday night, isolated to scattered thunderstorms are possible well ahead of a cold front. The storms are not expected to become severe, but will be capable of producing gusty winds. Partly cloudy. Low around 64.

FORECAST FOR THE NEXT TWO DAYS
FRIDAY: Isolated showers. Mostly sunny. High near 75. Friday night, partly cloudy. Low around 45.
SATURDAY: Sunny. High near 68. Saturday night, partly cloudy. Low around 46.

Sunrise today: 5:30 a.m.
Sunset today: 8:13 p.m.
LENGTH OF THE DAY: 14:43 hrs.

PUBLIC MEETINGS
Today is the third Thursday of the month.

WGXC suggests calling ahead to confirm time and location.
All numbers are in the 518 area code unless otherwise noted.

ANCRAM Town Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 1416 County Route 7, Ancram (329-6512).
AUSTERLITZ Town Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 812 Route 203, Spencertown (392-3260).
CAIRO-DURHAM Board of Education special meeting, 7 p.m. at high school, 1301 Route 145, Durham (622-8543).
COXSACKIE-ATHENS Board of Education meeting, 6:30 p.m. at middle school, 24 Sunset Boulevard, Coxsackie (731-1850).
GHENT Town Board meeting, 7 p.m., at Town Hall, 2306 State Route 66, Ghent (392-4644).
GREENE County Fire Advisory Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Greene County Emergency Control and Training Center, 25 Volunteer Drive, Cairo (622-3548).
GREENE County Industrial Development Agency meeting, 8 a.m. at IDA Office, 270 Mansion Street, Coxsackie (731-5500).
HUDSON Common Council Economic Development Committee meeting, 6 p.m. at City Hall, 520 Warren St., Hudson (828-1030).
KINDERHOOK Planning Board meeting, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 3211 Church St., Kinderhook (784-2233).
QUESTAR III BOCES Board of Education meeting, 6:30 at central office, 10 Empire State Boulevard, Castleton (477-8771).
STUYVESANT Joint Zoning Law workshop, 7 p.m. at Town Hall, 5 Sunset Dr., Stuyvesant (758-6248).
TACONIC HILLS Board of Education meeting, 6:30 p.m. at high school, Board of Education Room, 73 County Route 11A, Craryville (325-0390).
WINDHAM Planning Board public hearing on site plan review application for Crown Fuels, 7:10 p.m. at Town Hall, Main St., Hensonville (734-4170).
WINDHAM-ASHLAND-JEWETT Board of Education meeting, 7 p.m. in school library, 5411 State Route 23, Windham (734-3400).

POLITICAL EVENTS
Weekly event:
Faso Friday, 12 p.m., every Friday at U.S. Rep. John Faso's District Office, 2 Hudson Street, Kinderhook. Information at erinpersists@gmail.com.

DOWNLOAD or play the audio version of the local news update for Wednesday, May 17 (3:11). (Produced by Alanna Medlock.)