New York Governor Kathy Hochul has launched a statewide crackdown on impaired and reckless driving, deploying extra State Police and local law enforcement patrols from October 25 through Halloween night on October 31. Funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, the initiative includes sobriety checkpoints, heightened DWI enforcement, and targets for speeding and distracted drivers amid heightened risks from trick-or-treaters and partygoers. Last year’s effort yielded over 46,000 tickets and 1,260 impaired-driving arrests; officials urge motorists to plan sober rides via the free “Have a Plan” app, citing federal data showing Halloween pedestrian deaths surge 43% and nearly one-third of fatal crashes involve drunk drivers.
Governor Hochul Announces Increased State Police and Local Law Enforcement Patrols to Combat Impaired and Reckless Driving Through Halloween
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that State Police and local law enforcement will increase patrols through Halloween, targeting impaired and reckless drivers. The enforcement period, which is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, runs from Saturday, October 25 through Friday, October 31.
“Halloween should be fun and safe for everyone, regardless of how you choose to celebrate,” Governor Hochul said. “Unfortunately, poor choices behind the wheel can lead to deadly consequences. There is no excuse to drive impaired, drive distracted or speed. The New York State Police and our local law enforcement officers will be out and looking for anyone who makes the decision to jeopardize the safety of others this Halloween.”
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “We want everyone to be safe and enjoy Halloween festivities. If your celebration includes consuming alcohol or drugs, plan to have a sober ride. Nothing will haunt you like a DWI. We all play a part in ensuring children and parents get home safely when they are out trick-or-treating. Look for pedestrians, lower your speed, put away the distractions and make sure everyone gets home safely.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Keeping our roadways safe is a shared responsibility, and that begins with making smart choices before you get behind the wheel. Our Troopers will be out in full force this Halloween to protect the public from impaired, distracted, and reckless drivers. We want everyone to enjoy the holiday, but safety must come first. Plan ahead, drive sober, and help us make sure every child and family makes it home safely.”
New York State Sheriffs’ Association President and Chautauqua County Sheriff James Quattrone said,“Law enforcement will be out to make sure everyone is safe this spooky time of year. As families are enjoying Halloween, and sometimes the days before and after, drivers need to be on the lookout for pedestrians. It is hard to see little ghouls and goblins if you are speeding or driving impaired. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to enjoy your tricks and treats safely, so obey the speed limit and drive sober.”
During last year’s initiative, law enforcement officers issued 46,212 citations, arrested 1,260 drivers for impaired driving and ticketed 9,029 drivers for speeding.
Motorists can expect several sobriety checkpoints and additional DWI patrols during the enforcement period. In addition to targeting impaired drivers, law enforcement officers will also be looking for drivers that are distracted or speeding.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports Halloween is a particularly deadly night due to the high number of impaired drivers on the roads and a significant increase in pedestrians. In 2023, 29 percent of fatal car crashes on Halloween involved impaired drivers. Studies also show that pedestrian deaths increase by 43% on Halloween compared to other nights. NHTSA data also shows that the impaired driving crisis killed more than 13,000 people for the second year in a row. Drunk driving deaths have increased 22 percent since 2019 with someone killed or injured in a drunk driving crash every 85 seconds.
For drivers who might find themselves in need of a way home after Halloween parties, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation’s “Have a Plan” mobile app is available for Apple and Android smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to report a suspected impaired driver.
New York, it’s go time! Confirm your registration by tonight’s deadline, then make a plan to vote. Early voting starts today and runs through next weekend, so pick a day, find your polling site, and be heard. Learn more and get set: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state will allocate more than $11 million to shore up food-relief operations, including over $5 million in equipment grants for 97 nonprofits and more than $6 million to support Feeding New York State and the 10 regional food banks. The funds—drawn from the Environmental Protection Fund—aim to expand storage and transportation capacity and sustain staffing as the state implements its food-donation and recycling law. Officials said the program, begun in 2018, has helped scale food recovery efforts, including 63 million pounds of edible food captured since 2022, as groups brace for uncertainty around federal SNAP benefits.
Governor Kathy Hochul Announces More Than $11 Million to Support Local Emergency Food Relief
Grant Funding Supports Food Emergency Relief Programs Operated by 97 Not-For-Profit Organizations Across the State. New York State Renews Partnership with Feeding New York State for Nation-Leading Food Donation and Collection Program
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $11 million to support emergency food relief for New Yorkers in need. More than $5 million in Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grants were awarded to nearly 100 not-for-profit organizations, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and other programs dedicated to assisting New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity across the state. In addition, more than $6 million will support a renewed partnership with Feeding New York State and the 10 regional food banks by funding critical staffing and essential operations at food banks and their local partners statewide. This action comes at a time when the Trump Administration refuses to ensure the nearly 3 million New Yorkers who rely on SNAP will have access to their benefits next month ( Editor: Democratic Party leadership refuses to accept the budget, and Trump has no authority).
“While the Trump administration continues to starve federal food assistance programs of funding, New York State is investing directly in local organizations that feed New Yorkers who are struggling with skyrocketing food prices,” Governor Hochul said. “With more than three million New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity, including more than 750,000 children under the age of 18, we are making investments in community-based food relief organizations to fight hunger and complement our wide-ranging affordability efforts.”
A total of 97 Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grants, ranging from $1,200 to $100,000, will help organizations purchase emergency generators and equipment used for cooling and transporting donated food, and expand the quantity and type of food emergency food relief organizations can provide to New Yorkers in need. The grant program is administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as part of an ongoing commitment to properly manage wasted food, prevent food from needlessly being thrown away, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, feed hungry New Yorkers and engage with communities across the state.
With funding provided by the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), DEC has awarded millions to 145 emergency food relief organizations since the program was first created in 2018 to assist with the purchase of equipment used for the cooling and transportation of donated food to New Yorkers in need.
DEC is also renewing its nation-leading partnership with Feeding New York State and the 10 regional food banks as part of the ongoing implementation of the New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law. DEC is providing more than $6 million to Feeding New York State to support the ongoing deployment of staff to grocery stores, supercenters, restaurants and other food service and food retail businesses to enhance donation activities. Funding will also be used to purchase essential equipment and supplies that support food recovery efforts at food banks and their local partners and hire additional staff at food banks. It will also enhance the Venison Donation program that supports additional processing of high-quality venison. DEC has provided $10.8 million to Feeding New York State and the 10 regional food banks through the EPF since 2018.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “New York State continues to make real progress in reducing wasted food and helping feed communities experiencing the ongoing erosion of social safety nets due to federal funding cuts. Governor Hochul’s latest $11 million to support emergency food relief organizations across the state and continuing nation-leading partnerships with Feeding New York State and regional food banks will be instrumental in providing healthy, quality food to hungry New Yorkers.”
Feeding New York State Interim Executive Director Kathleen Stress said, “Food programs are essential in the fight against hunger. Feeding New York State, in partnership with our food banks and their local programs, is expanding agency-enabled pick-ups from food generators like grocers and producers. Since launching this initiative in 2022, we’ve successfully recovered 63 million pounds of edible food for our charitable network. We’re proud to continue this impactful work with support from Governor Hochul and DEC.”
Highlights of the nearly 100 Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grant-funded projects include:
Capital Region
Food Pantries for the Capital District, $100,000: support the lease of three box trucks to help increase organizational capacity for food distribution. This equipment will directly impact and improve the organization’s Food Express pick-up and delivery of food orders from the Regional Food Bank, and their food shuttle delivery program.
Higher Horizons Development Corporation, $93,754: support the purchase of a van/box truck, blast freezer, and generator that will allow Higher Horizons Food Pantry to increase the amount of food it can offer.
Sycamore Collaborative, $98,185: support the purchase of a box truck with a lift gate, refrigerator, and a straddle stacker to help increase the amount of food available for those in need through the organization’s food pantry.
Central New York
Seven Valleys Health Coalition, $56,000: und the purchase of a pickup truck, bed topper for the truck and three insulated food storage containers. This equipment will help to expand two of their program’s Seven Valleys Food Rescue and Produce Prescription.
Westcott Community Center $1,200: support the purchase of a freezer that will allow the center to increase storage capacity at their food pantry.
Finger Lakes
House Of Mercy Inc., $50,607: support the purchase of a cargo van and insulated containers that will allow them to increase the amount of food they can distribute to those in need at their emergency shelter.
Irondequoit Community Cupboard Inc., $22,960: fund the purchase of a back-up generator which will keep their refrigeration equipment operating and continue to serve their clients during the event of a power loss.
Long Island
Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center, $63,755: support the purchase and installation of a walk-in freezer and generator. The equipment will help enhance the ability to collect, store, and distribute perishable foods.
People Loving People Inc., $56,800: support the purchase of a truck to transport more food from donors to their food pantry.
Mid-Hudson
Second Chance Foods Inc., $100,000: support the purchase of a cargo van, outdoor walk-in cooler, outdoor walk-in freezer, three reach-in refrigerators, and a reach-in freezer. These purchases will increase storage capacity for donated food set for distribution.
The Family Resource Center of Peekskill, $100,000: support the purchase of a hybrid truck, a car refrigerator, two commercial freezers, a refrigerator, and a backup, solar battery generator. The equipment will help expand outreach for their Harvest Time Food Pantry Program to serve more people.
Port Chester Carver Center, $100,000: support the purchase of a box truck with a lift gate and emergency generator to help increase their storage capacity and allow them to expand their Retail Recovery partnership.
Mohawk Valley
Feed Our Veterans, $100,000: support the purchase of a heavy-duty vehicle that will allow them to increase the amount of picked up donations. They will also purchase an emergency generator that will allow them to keep their freezers running in the event of a power outage.
Rescue Mission of Utica, $32,317: support the purchase of a walk-in cooler and walk-in freezer to help increase their capacity to store food.
New York City
Al-Madinah School Inc, $100,000: support the purchase of a refrigerated truck, a commercial walk-in cooler and commercial walk-in freezer. This equipment will enhance their emergency pantry’s ability to receive, store, and distribute fresh, perishable food to those in need.
The Connected Chef Foundation Inc., $100,000: support the purchase of two insulated walk-in refrigerated units, four refrigerators, and two freezers. The equipment purchased will help expand the Lifeline Groceries emergency food distribution program.
The Flatbush Community Fund, $100,000: support the purchase of a walk-in cooler, a walk-in freezer, an electric forklift, two coolers, a freezer, and an emergency generator. The equipment will help increase the amount of food their pantry can receive and distribute to those in need.
North Country
Essex Food Hub Inc., $81,000: support the purchase of a refrigerated van and cooler trailer to help support their Farm to Food Pantry program. The refrigerated van will allow transporting more food and the cooler trailer increases storage capacity to preserve donated food.
Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton and Franklin Counties Inc., $80,069: support the purchase of a walk-in cooler, two freezers and a box truck to help increase capacity at and transport to their Plattsburgh food pantry.
Southern Tier
Catholic Charities of Broome County, $46,496: support the purchase of a 2024 food transit cargo van and insulated food delivery cooler bags to expand the ability to deliver food to individuals, families, and unhoused individuals who are unable to visit their food pantry.
Corning Council for Assistance, $96,000: support the purchase of a backup generator, exterior walk-in refrigerator, and exterior walk-in freezer. The new equipment will increase the amount of food provided to individuals in need by improving their food pantry’s operations and expanding its storage capabilities.
Western New York
Rehoboth House of Prayer Inc., $99,262: support the purchase of a refrigerated box truck, electric pallet jack and charging station, walk-in freezer, walk-in cooler, and emergency generator. This equipment will increase capacity for food storage and distribution.
Cazenovia Recovery Systems Inc., $92,934: support the purchase of two walk-in cooler/freezer units for two of their locations, Sundram Manor and Unity House.
A full list of awardees is available on DEC’s website.
New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law
The New York State Food Donation and Food Scraps Recycling Law, which helps reduce waste and climate-altering emissions caused by landfilling, also demonstrates the State’s commitment to vulnerable New Yorkers impacted by devastating federal cuts to social programs that feed communities across the nation.
Governor Hochul recently announced a record 63 million pounds of food collected from the state’s largest food-related businesses to feed hungry New Yorkers. The milestone is a direct result of DEC funding to capture new food donations and help build stronger, healthier communities.Watch a video announcing the latest record food donation milestone held during Climate Week and Hunger Action Month: https://youtu.be/xlt4A8CNOGE
For information about how all New Yorkers can help compost and take other steps to reduce waste at homes and businesses, visit DEC’s website.
New York State Leads on Affordability, Hunger, and Food Diversion Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to bring more New York food to New York school children, with support from the Nourish New York program, the 30 Percent NYS Initiative for school meals, the Farm-to-School program, the FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative, the Food Access Expansion Grant Program, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs, the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grants Programs, and more. These investments build on the Governor’s commitment to boost demand for New York agricultural products, bolster New York’s food supply chain, and ensure all New Yorkers can access fresh, local foods. This includes the Governor’s Executive Order 32 directing State agencies to increase the percentage of food sourced from New York farmers and producers to 30 percent of their total purchases within five years. The Governor has also committed $25 million toward the New York State Grown & Certified Infrastructure, Technology, Research and Development Grant Program to assist food producers, processors, distributors, and others using New York ingredients to bring innovative NYS Grown & Certified products to market and recently announced $10 million available through Round 3 of New York’s Regional School Food Infrastructure Grant Program to bring more New York food to New York schools.
Governor Hochul also announced in June, $13.7 million in funding for 19 projects statewide through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Grant Program to provide capital and technical assistance to farmers and food businesses operating at the middle of the supply chain, helping to enhance coordination throughout the food system and improve access to markets for farmers. This investment will help connect the dots between our state’s food producers and retail operations.
Additionally, in September, Governor Hochul announced New York State’s first-ever inflation refund checks up to $400 are being sent to 8.2 million households statewide as part of her ongoing commitment to put money back into the pockets of New Yorkers. Earlier this year, the Governor also secured and enacted initiatives to cut taxes for the middle class to their lowest levels in 70 years, expand New York’s Child Tax Credit to up to $1,000 per child for the youngest children, and ensure universal free school meals to save families around $1,600 per child. Governor Hochul also announced that 1.6 million low-income children received summer food assistance totaling $194 million as part of the 2025 Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer, Summer EBT, program. The program provides $120 per child to eligible families to help pay for healthy food during the summer months when children might not have access to free school meals.
State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, “Access to nutritious food is a basic human right, not a privilege. I commend Governor Hochul for directing these critical funds to support food pantries, soup kitchens, and food banks that are on the frontlines of fighting hunger in our communities. At a time when federal uncertainty threatens SNAP benefits for millions, New York is once again stepping up to ensure that no family goes hungry. These investments strengthen not only our emergency food network but also our shared commitment to compassion and dignity for every New Yorker.”
State Senator Pete Harckham said, “With food insecurity continuing to plague our communities, New York must do everything it can to fight hunger. These new investments in Local Emergency Food Relief Equipment grants and Feeding New York will assist food banks statewide in gaining the resources necessary to carry out their vital services to our residents. I appreciate Gov. Hochul and my State Legislature colleagues for staying focused on the need to address undernourishment in this ongoing food crisis.”
Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi said, “Our federal government, under Republican party control, has decided to cut SNAP benefits for 3 million New Yorkers. At this exact same moment I want to express my gratitude to Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie, Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Deborah Glick and all of my colleagues for fighting annually to increase the New York State Environmental Protection Fund. That yearly fight pays off today for New Yorkers in need with this announcement of EPF funded emergency food relief for nearly 100 non-profit food pantries and soup kitchens as well as emergency food relief equipment grants.”
Assemblymember Steven Raga said, “Access to food should never be a luxury — it is a human right. As elected officials, it’s our responsibility to ensure that no New Yorker is left behind when it comes to access to food. Governor Hochul’s multi-million dollar investment to support emergency food relief reaffirms our state’s commitment to fighting hunger, strengthening local food networks, and uplifting the communities that need it most. Thanks to her leadership, we’re seeing that support right here in Assembly District 30, where funds are being dedicated to the Connected Chef Foundation to expand its emergency food distribution program. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues and the Governor to ensure every New Yorker has access to food.”
Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “While Trump feeds his greed and ego, New York is stepping up to feed our state. New York won’t stand by while Trump threatens our healthcare and SNAP benefits with his lengthy government shutdown. I am deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for including Al-Madinah School Inc., and the Flatbush Community Fund in her emergency funding to ensure that Brooklyn can fight back against these starvation tactics.”
New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif said, “In the face of White House’s attacks on working class New Yorkers, Governor Hochul is stepping up efforts to address food insecurity,” said Council Member Shahana Hanif. “I applaud the critical investments she is making, including supporting Al-Madinah School in my district with a refrigerated truck that will dramatically improve their emergency pantry’s operations.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the state will replace federal Medicaid reimbursements lost under H.R. 1, which bars organizations that provide abortions and received at least $800,000 in 2023 from federal Medicaid funding. Planned Parenthood’s five New York affiliates—operating 47 clinics that serve about 200,000 patients a year, including 100,000 Medicaid recipients—were designated “prohibited entities,” making them ineligible for federal funds across all services. State dollars will cover the gap to maintain access to contraception, abortion services, STI/HIV prevention, prenatal and menopausal care, mental health support, wellness visits and cancer screenings, with an emphasis on rural and medically underserved areas. The move follows broader state investments in reproductive health, including provider protections and $25 million annually through the New York State Abortion Access Program.
Governor Hochul Steps in to Protect Critical Health Care Provided by Planned Parenthood in Face of Federal Cuts
Republicans in Washington Stripped Funding for Planned Parenthood Clinics Across Nation
Governor Secures State Funding To Ensure New Yorkers Have Access to the Care They Need
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State will protect access to reproductive health care services despite Washington Republicans’ targeted attacks against Planned Parenthood health centers and the services they provide. Earlier this year, Congressional Republicans voted to end Medicaid patients’ ability to seek care at Planned Parenthood, threatening Planned Parenthood’s ability to operate in New York and compromising New Yorkers’ access to health care services, including contraception, abortion, STI and HIV prevention, prenatal and menopausal care, mental health services, and preventive care like wellness visits and cancer screenings.
”Washington Republicans have shown time and again that they’ll stop at nothing to undermine women’s health care and restrict access to reproductive rights,” Governor Hochul said. “In the face of Congressional Republicans voting to defund Planned Parenthood, I’ve directed the state to fund these vital services, protecting access to health care that thousands of New Yorkers rely on. I will always stand up for reproductive rights and the health care that New Yorkers deserve.”
Planned Parenthood is the leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services in New York State via five affiliate organizations, including Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, Planned Parenthood of Central and Western New York, Planned Parenthood of the North Country New York, and Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood. This network of affiliates currently operates 47 health centers that serve over 200,000 patients each year. This includes 100,000 Medicaid patients, totaling over $35 million in annual Gross Medicaid revenue.
Over 60 percent of Planned Parenthood health centers are in rural or medically underserved areas, and these centers are often the only option available to New Yorkers living in these rural areas. They are a critical source of affordable health care to Medicaid and non-Medicaid recipients.
What Washington Republicans Voted To Do:
H.R. 1, enacted into law on July 4, includes a one-year prohibition on federal Medicaid funding for organizations that provide abortions and that received $800,000 or more in federal Medicaid funds in 2023.
H.R. 1 classified these organizations as “prohibited entities.” Planned Parenthood’s five affiliates in New York are the only providers in the state that meet the definition of a “prohibited entity.”
Prior to the passage of H.R. 1, Medicaid claims submitted by Planned Parenthood were reimbursed with a combination of federal and State dollars, though no federal dollars are used to reimburse abortion services.
Now that they are deemed a “prohibited entity” under H.R. 1, Planned Parenthood is no longer eligible to receive federal Medicaid funds for any of the services they provide.
Governor Hochul is protecting access to reproductive health care for all New Yorkers by allocating state funds to cover lost federal funding to Planned Parenthood affiliates in New York.
Governor Hochul continues to reaffirm her commitment to keeping reproductive resources safe and accessible in New York State. The Governor has made historic investments to expand reproductive freedom for New Yorkers, including increasing funding for abortion care providers, signing legislation to protect New York doctors and securing $25 million annually to fund abortion health care services through the New York State Abortion Access Program.
Governor Kathy Hochul today visited Westchester County to highlight the state’s investment of more than $11.4 million to modernize law enforcement technology and equipment across the county’s law enforcement agencies. The visit included a demonstration featuring state-of-the-art technology purchased by the county’s Department of Public Safety through the state’s Law Enforcement Technology grant program. These technology grants and sustained, record-level funding for other public safety initiatives – including the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative – are contributing to safer communities across the state. Westchester County has seen an 18 percent decrease in index crime since last year, and the two GIVE communities in the county have experienced a 42 percent decrease in shooting incidents with injury since Governor Hochul took office.
“Public safety is my number one priority, which is why I’ve invested $127 million in technology upgrades for local police departments across the state,“ Governor Hochul said. “I’m proud to support the men and women of law enforcement, and remain committed to enhancing the resources available to fight crime, protect our communities, and keep New Yorkers safe.”
This morning, Governor Hochul visited the Westchester County Department of Public Safety’s headquarters in the hamlet of Valhalla, located within the town of Mount Pleasant. In addition to the Department of Public Safety, the Mount Pleasant Police Department and 31 other police departments in Westchester County collectively received more than $11.4 million. Statewide, 378 police departments and sheriffs’ offices received $127 million through the Law Enforcement Tech Grant program.
The Department of Public Safety and Mount Pleasant Police Department together received approximately $1.3 million from the state, with which they purchased body-worn cameras, patrol vehicle tablets and other equipment to improve agency efficiency and accountability and community and officer safety. The Department of Public Safety also purchased GPS technology that reduces dangerous, high-speed vehicle pursuits by allowing officers to safely track and apprehend suspects, and the Mount Pleasant Police Department secured a drone for search and rescue operations. A list of police departments in Westchester County and other agencies across the state that received law enforcement technology grants is online.
Public safety is my number one priority, which is why I’ve invested $127 million in technology upgrades for local police departments across the state.
Governor Kathy Hochul
Police agencies in Westchester County reported an 18 percent decrease in overall crime during the first four months of 2025 compared to the same time last year, the most current, comprehensive data available. In addition, gun violence has decreased by double-digits in Mount Vernon and Yonkers, the two communities in Westchester County that participate in the GIVE initiative, since Governor Hochul took office. Shooting incidents with injury have declined 42 percent, the number of individuals shot has decreased 46 percent, and three fewer individuals (4 vs. 7) have been killed.
New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “As a proud Westchester County resident, I thank Governor Hochul for her record investment in law enforcement technology, which is making a real difference in communities here and across the state. By providing officers with the tools and training they need, we are strengthening local partnerships, improving public safety, and helping departments work smarter and more effectively. The results speak for themselves with fewer shootings, safer streets, and stronger collaboration across agencies.”
State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “I thank Governor Hochul for her continued partnership in supporting law enforcement and helping keep our communities safe. This investment of more than $11 million in Westchester will strengthen 33 of our local police agencies as part of a $127 million statewide effort to give law enforcement the modern tools they need to prevent crime, protect officers, and build stronger community trust. These record-level investments are delivering results, crime is down and Westchester is safer because of our shared commitment to public safety.”
Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership and understanding that fighting crime and keeping our streets safe requires both innovation and investment. I’m incredibly proud of the dedicated men and women in law enforcement who work tirelessly to protect the people of Westchester County. As the son of a New York City Police Officer, I know firsthand the toll this work can take — but I also know the immense pride that comes with achieving results like these. An 18 percent decrease in index crime is no small feat — it’s a testament to your hard work, commitment, and collaboration.”
The FY26 Enacted Budget maintained $347 million in unprecedented funding secured by Governor Hochul for gun violence prevention programs, including GIVE, and supports additional initiatives to improve public safety, expand support for victims and survivors of crime and strengthen communities.
The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the state’s criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
Signed Contract with New York Power Authority for Low-Cost Hydropower includes Aluminum Manufacturer’s Commitment of $30 Million in Capital Investments. New York State Also Providing $6.2 Million in Incentives to Alcoa for Its Nearly $60M Rebuild and Modernization of a Portion of the Massena Plant.
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new power supply contract between the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and Alcoa, a leading aluminum producer and one of the North Country’s largest employers. The contract includes a commitment of $30 million in capital investments and supports 500 jobs at Alcoa’s Massena Plant for the next 10 years. In addition to the contract, Alcoa is investing nearly $60 million through 2028 to rebuild and modernize a portion of the plant. This investment is made possible by the new energy contract as well as a $5.2 million capital grant and $1 million in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits from Empire State Development (ESD). This improvement will enable process stability and operational efficiency.
“By securing good paying jobs and fostering investment, this agreement ensures Alcoa will continue to be a major presence in Massena while supporting New York families and communities,” Governor Hochul said. “The aluminum manufacturing industry has played a significant role in the nation’s economic development, and New York’s Alcoa facility has been at the forefront, driving economic growth and opportunity in the North Country.”
Today’s announcement of a signed contract by Alcoa and the Power Authority follows approval of the final contract terms by the Power Authority’s Board of Trustees and Governor Hochul. The contract includes a 240-megawatt (MW) allocation of low-cost power through its Preservation Power program to Alcoa for its Massena Plant in St. Lawrence County. This power allocation will support Alcoa’s operations through March 31, 2036, with options for two additional five-year extensions, contingent on maintaining a minimum of 500 full-time equivalent jobs and increased capital investments. Alcoa also has agreed to invest a minimum of $30 million in the plant’s operation over a period of ten years. If market conditions permit, Alcoa may extend the contract an additional ten years which would foster capital investments totaling $145 million over a 20-year period.
Key Details of the Alcoa Contract:
Power Allocation Quantity: 240 MW of low-cost NYPA hydropower to be provided through March 31, 2036.
Employment Commitment: Alcoa will maintain a minimum of 500 full-time equivalent jobs at its Massena West Plant, an increase from the previous commitment of 450 jobs.
Capital Investment: Under the agreement, Alcoa will invest at least $3 million annually at the facility, with a total minimum investment of $30 million over the initial 10-year term. Further, Alcoa will have the option to extend the contract by two additional five-year terms if it makes investments of $70 million by 2035 and an additional $60 million by 2040.
Plant Modernization: In addition to the contract, Alcoa is investing nearly $60 million through 2028 to rebuild and modernize Massena Operations’ anode bake furnace, a key component of the aluminum smelting process.
New York Power Authority Chairman John R. Koelmel said, “The New York Power Authority’s renewal of our partnership with Alcoa is a testament to our commitment to driving economic development across New York. By providing low-cost hydropower, we are ensuring that Alcoa remains competitive so that it can continue its operations, invest in its facilities, and retain family-sustaining jobs in the North Country.”
New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Alcoa has been a vital part of the North Country economy for more than 120 years. With Governor Hochul’s support, this new contract with one of the Power Authority’s oldest customers secures essential jobs and significant capital investments in the region. We are proud to continue our partnership with Alcoa and to support their growth and investment in the community.”
Alcoa President and CEO William F. Oplinger said, “We are proud to make aluminum in New York and the United States. Long-term, competitively priced energy enables Alcoa to proceed with this important investment that will help us meet the demands of today while planning for tomorrow. We are extremely pleased to have worked with NYPA and ESD to achieve this outcome for our Massena Operations, which will bring economic benefits to the region and sustain American manufacturing.”
Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knightsaid, “With its 100-plus-year history in Massena, Alcoa and its employees in the North Country have developed technologies and processes that have shaped the modern world. Thanks to support from Governor Hochul and New York State, Alcoa will continue to produce high-quality aluminum for flagship industries, supporting regional economic growth and driving innovation.”
Village of Massena Mayor Greg Paquin said, “The approval of this new contract ensures continued growth, job creation, and investment at Alcoa’s Massena Operations. Governor Hochul’s approval underscores the lasting strength of St. Lawrence County’s partnership between Alcoa and NYPA.”
Town of Massena Supervisor Susan Bellor said, “The new Alcoa contract approved today by Governor Hochul is welcome news for St. Lawrence County and the North Country. Aluminum manufacturing has been the economic bedrock of this region for generations, and this new contract signals continued economic stability for many years to come.”
St. Lawrence County Legislature Chair David Forsythe said, “This agreement represents a vital partnership between Alcoa and the New York Power Authority. One that secures 500 good-paying jobs, drives continued investment in our region, and ensures that our communities benefit from the responsible use of our local hydroelectric resources.”
The contract provisions build on a seven-year agreement approved by NYPA in 2019. The 2019 agreement provided 240 MW of low-cost St. Lawrence-FDR hydropower in return for Alcoa’s commitment to retain 450 jobs at the aluminum company’s smelting plant in Massena.
Companies like Alcoa have been pivotal in supplying materials essential for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction. This sector’s contributions have been vital for national growth and innovation. Alcoa is one of the first customers to receive power from the Power Authority’s St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project when the plant began operating in 1958. The contract signing marks another significant milestone in Governor Hochul’s commitment to foster economic development and job retention in the North Country. NYPA’s Preservation Power program uses low-cost hydroelectric power from the St. Lawrence-FDR Power Project to support businesses in St. Lawrence, Franklin and Jefferson counties. Alcoa signed its original contract with NYPA in July 1955, more than three years before the St. Lawrence-FDR project—the Power Authority’s first generating plant—began producing electricity.
At the JPMorgan Chase Tower ribbon cutting, Governor Kathy Hochul celebrated New York City’s comeback and the strength of its financial services sector, calling the new headquarters a bold investment that signals long-term confidence in the city’s economy. Praising JPMorgan Chase and CEO Jamie Dimon, Hochul highlighted Manhattan’s surging real estate market and a 28% rise in New York State FinTech jobs since 2021, crediting the project—designed by architect Norman Foster—and the 10,000 workers who built it as a symbol of resilience, ambition, and partnership. Framing the tower as a beacon of growth and energy, she urged, “Do not bet against New York City,” positioning the development as proof that the future of finance is being built here and now.
A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:
What a spectacular day this is. I could not be prouder to be a New Yorker or Governor at this moment in history because I believe that future generations will look back at this time and say, “Yes, despite a global pandemic that brought other cities to its knees, we came roaring back, because guess what? That’s what New Yorkers do.” So congratulations to JP Morgan Chase and Jamie Dimon for having the fortitude to see a path forward when others were starting to shrink back. And to all of those who say, “I don’t know about New York. Another business may be leaving to go to some other, one of the 49 states.” I guess there’s 49 other states. That’s what I’m told.
But to have this investment at this moment in time sends an extraordinary signal of confidence, and I might even add a little bit of New York audacity and boldness and ambition and audacity, because that’s who we are to our core. So when others say, “Well, financial services, I’m not sure what’s the future.” This is the future, my friends, we are living the future in this moment and relish that, feel the energy.
If we’re going to go by here and say, what the hell…? What? I’m sorry. What happened here? Mother, forgive me,the job has done this to me — but now Manhattan is the hottest real estate market since 2006. And did anyone foresee this happening? The hottest real estate market? The place where people are coming back to the offices? Because we had someone who says, “Come back to the offices and if you come back to the offices, I’ll give you a place you’re never going to want to even go home. It’s so incredible here.”
So to all your family members, explain the long hours, explain the extra time needed in the gym or in eating in one of the incredible restaurants. Because this is a sense of place. Indeed, it is a city. And to reimagine the fact that FinTech jobs in our state have grown by 28 percent, just since 2021. Coincidentally, that’s when I became governor. I will not take credit for that. That’s 14 times the national average.
So I’m making this point loud and clear. Do not bet against New York. Do not bet against New York City. Do not bet against our financial services sector because we are strong. We’re as strong as the bronze pillars you see right here that surround us with that sense of strength and endurance, because that’s what this building reflects. And I think about what went into this process and our architect – what an incredible leader he is, Norman Foster.
And I was just wondering if you have time afterward, maybe we could take a walk down to Penn Station. Just saying – the President said he’ll pay for it. They can do a new ballroom in the White House. Why not make this magnificent? I digress a little bit. I’m sorry. But to JP Morgan, the institution, we’re so proud of the history over two centuries of helping us build the infrastructure of its time, but enduring into the future. And to have the inspiration of Deepak Chopra here today, reminds us that there are visionary corporate leaders who also think about beyond the economy and corporations and business. They think about the spiritual self and how to lift up all those who consider themselves part of the JP Morgan Chase family.
And that’s what’s so extraordinary, Rob Speyer. What you have done here is magnificent. This is a testament to your company and its willingness to create a mark, a symbol of the future here. And I thank you for that as well. And Janno Lieber, thank you for putting up with all the stress that occurs when we’re trying to reimagine how we can deal with projects like these.
So I’m going to say this, anytime you feel you need inspiration, you’re just turning on the news or watching your social media feeds and saying, when will it ever stop? These days are so dark and depressing, and what is happening from Washington to here. Take a breath. Read a good book, written by a famous author, calm down and know that the sheer grandeur of this building, the sheer grandeur of this space, should be enough to just calm you down and realize, wait a minute, we’re okay because we’re New Yorkers.
Nothing ever can keep us down because we always rise up. It is our way. So embrace that sense of being a New Yorker because everybody else is envious of what we have right here, right now. You reminded me there’s no place on earth – no place on earth that has the daring and the boldest to do what we just did here.
But you are part of this story and to Gary LaBarbera and to all the 10,000 men and women who came out here and rain and shine, we saw them working day in and day out. They can come by here with their children and grandchildren and say, “I help make this building,” and it’s going to be here long after any of us. And feel that sense of pride that comes from working with your hands like my dad and my grandpa does because they were steelworkers. So embrace that as well. And to our elected officials, we have Jerry Nadler from Congress here. Guess they’re not too busy down there right now these days, Jerry, I know you want to go back to work. I know.
And all to our leaders in the State Assembly and the Senate and our city council, it is this partnership, this willingness of New Yorkers despite our differences — and we have many — we always come together. At the right moment in time, and that’s what this building symbolizes. Congratulations to everybody.
New York City has joined a nine-jurisdiction coalition led by Chicago to sue the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and FEMA, aiming to block new FY2025 “Standard Terms and Conditions” the cities call unlawful and dangerous to public safety. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, argues that federal officials exceeded their authority by conditioning counterterrorism and disaster-preparedness funds—over $100 million nationally—on certifications that recipients do not run “Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA)” programs and that they comply with all of former President Donald Trump’s executive orders. NYC warns the cuts could hinder the NYPD’s radiological/nuclear detection efforts and transit system security, including active-shooter training and daily specialized deployments. The suit contends only Congress can change grant conditions and challenges a clause that could claw back triple the grant amounts, risking critical services. Joining NYC and Chicago are Denver, New Haven, Baltimore, Boston, Minneapolis, Saint Paul, and Ramsey County, MN.
City of New York Files Lawsuit to Protect Over $100 Million in Federal Emergency and Disaster Grants to Local Governments Nationwide
– The City of New York — as part of a national coalition of nine local governments from across the country — has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), challenging the federal government’s effort to force cities and counties to agree to unlawful conditions to continue to receive over $100 million in federal funding for countering terrorism, disaster preparedness, and other public safety programs. In the lawsuit, the coalition argues that without this funding, the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) ability to detect and defend against a radiological or nuclear attack could be compromised. Additionally, funding that supports the New York City transit system’s operational security capability and capacity, including active shooter training and deploying specialized teams within the transit system every day, could be affected.
“Public safety has always been our administration’s North Star, which is why we have always fought for every penny from our state and federal counterparts to keep us safe,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “We’ve hit historic lows in crime because we’ve always been willing to make the necessary investments, so now is not the time to go backwards. We are proud to join partners from across the nation, once again, in filing this lawsuit to keep New Yorkers, and Americans from across the nation, safe.”
“Losing funding that helps the NYPD prevent terror attacks on our subways, bridges, and tunnels would be contrary to law, the intent of Congress, and put millions of New Yorkers at risk,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant.
In each of the last three fiscal years, New York City has been awarded approximately $150 million in grant funding for critical emergency management programs at the NYPD, the New York City Department of Transportation, and other city agencies. However, in Fiscal Year 2025, as part of the “Standard Terms and Conditions,” DHS adopted unlawful new conditions requiring recipients to certify that they do not “operate any programs that advance or promote ‘Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility’,” and requiring compliance with all of President Donald Trump’s executive orders to be eligible to receive the funds. The DHS grants help local governments prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters such as acts of terrorism, mass shootings, cyber incidents, and other complex emergencies, putting critical services for numerous communities, including New York, at risk.
The lawsuit — led by the City of Chicago in Illinois and filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division — states that new funding conditions added by the heads of federal agencies are unconstitutional and an overreach by the executive branch, which does not have the authority to change conditions related to federal grants without the approval of Congress.
The lawsuit resists efforts by the federal administration to coerce local governments into accepting these unlawful grant conditions, including a condition that puts at risk three times the amount of the grants based on vague and undefined requirements — further endangering critical services for New Yorkers.
Joining New York City and Chicago in filing the lawsuit are the cities of Denver, Colorado; New Haven, Connecticut; Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Saint Paul Minnesota; as well as the county of Ramsey, Minnesota.
Oct. 21, 2025—Mayor Eric Adams, Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos and MOME Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman launched the sixth annual “Battle of the Boroughs,” a Minecraft Education esports contest inviting K–12 students to reimagine Pier 6 at the MADE Bush Terminal Campus in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. The city will baseline $60,000 to support technology needs for participants and educators; team submissions are open now through Jan. 16, 2026, via the New York City Public Schools website. Top entries will advance to in-person borough qualifiers and a Mayor’s Cup Final at the 2026 New York City Video Game Festival. The program aligns with City Hall’s digital-games push as the local industry grows to roughly 380 studios, 7,900 jobs and an estimated $2.6 billion in economic impact.
Mayor Adams, Chancellor Aviles-Ramos, Commissioner Kaufman Kick Off 2026 “Battle of the Boroughs” E-Sports Competition
– New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos, and Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman today launched the first round of the sixth annual New York City Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Esports Competition (BOTB). Through BOTB, K-12 students compete to build a more inclusive, sustainable, future-ready New York City in Minecraft while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Additionally, for the first time, the Adams administration will baseline $60,000 for the annual competition to support critical technology needs for participants and educators. Submissions for student teams are open now and close on January 16, 2026. Information on how to join the challenge, as well as entry-level training courses for educators to bring digital gaming into their classrooms, is available on the New York City Public Schools website.
“We’re not just making sure our students are prepared to join the digital gaming industry but training them to lead it — that is what this competition is all about,” said Mayor Adams. “By encouraging students to learn computer science, build critical thinking skills, and explore sustainable design, we are both engaging our young people today and laying the foundation for good-paying careers after they graduate. Congratulations to last year’s winners and good luck to this year’s teams!”
“The annual Battle of the Boroughs competition showcases the incredible potential of our students when they’re given the tools and the platform to thrive,” said Public Schools Chancellor Aviles-Ramos. “The new funding set aside by New York City Public Schools to support this initiative will help us to celebrate and lift the creativity and innovation of our young people even further. I’m proud of every student who participates, and I’m grateful to the educators and partners who continue to support them every step of the way.”
“The annual Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs competition is back, with the earliest entry date yet, so that even more students across the five boroughs get an opportunity to enter and take a meaningful step towards an education and career in the city’s burgeoning digital games industry,” said MOMECommissioner Kaufman. “The Adams administration and our office are committed to supporting digital game development through the Battle of the Boroughs competition leading to the Mayor’s Cup Final and the second annual New York City Video Game Festival in the spring of 2026.”
“The Battle of the Boroughs empowers the next generation of New Yorkers to use digital gaming technology to reimagine city spaces, inspiring NYCEDC and our continuous revitalization work,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “The competition is an outstanding opportunity to engage students across the five boroughs in city planning, digital innovation, and sustainability, and NYCEDC looks forward each year to seeing the visionary concepts from our city’s young minds.”
BOTB — which was developed in partnership with Minecraft Education and builds on Mayor Adams’ Digital Gaming Initiative, the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, and PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done (GSD) — is a scholastic digital gaming competition in which elementary, middle, and high school students compete to design future-ready city spaces. Through the competition, students explore the five boroughs, learn more about New York City’s sustainability plans, and develop valuable computer science and critical thinking skills.
Mayor Adams today also announced the prompt for the first round of this year’s competition: to reimagine Pier 6 at the MADE Bush Terminal Campus in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. In August 2025, the Adams administration broke ground on a transformation of the actual Pier 6, which will create an engaging new open space for community residents and tenants of the MADE Bush Terminal Campus. The campus offers modern facilities and gathering space to promote manufacturing and business activity along the Sunset Park waterfront. In the first round of the competition, students are encouraged to create alternative designs for the project. Top submissions will compete at an in-person qualifying round in each borough. The BOTB Mayor’s Cup Final will take place during the 2nd Annual New York City Video Game Festival in the spring of 2026, presented by MOME.
As part of today’s announcement, Mayor Adams also celebrated last year’s winning student teams:
The city’s digital gaming industry has continued to grow under the Adams administration. Since 2019, the number of game development studios in New York City has increased by 90 percent, to 380 studios today; the number of industry jobs has increased by four percent, to 7,900 jobs; and the economic impact of the industry has increased by 30 percent, to $2.6 billion.
“Battle of the Boroughs has proven that, when you give students a platform like Minecraft to show their creativity and critical thinking skills, they come together in amazing ways to solve complex challenges,” said Allison Matthews, head, Minecraft Education at Mojang Studios. “In this new AI era, these skills have never been more important. We are thrilled to be part of this year’s kickoff with Microsoft and can’t wait to see what’s crafted during the competition.”
Ashley Tellis, 64, a U.S. citizen residing in Vienna, Virginia, was arrested on Oct. 11 in connection with his alleged unlawful retention of classified national defense information. Tellis appeared today in the Eastern District of Virginia for a detention hearing.
“Safeguarding our country’s national defense information is a top priority,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Sue J. Bai of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “For those entrusted with our country’s most sensitive information, protecting it is a privilege and solemn responsibility. With the hard work and dedication of our prosecutors and agents, we will hold this defendant accountable for breaching that trust and exploiting his security clearance to unlawfully retain classified information detailing our military capabilities.”
“The FBI arrested Ashley Tellis, a senior advisor at the Department of State and a contractor within the Department of Defense, for allegedly removing over a thousand pages of classified national defense information from government facilities and storing them in his home,” said Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division. “This arrest should serve as a stark warning to anyone thinking about undermining national security. The FBI and our partners will do everything within our power to find you and hold you accountable.”
“We are fully focused on protecting the American people from all threats, foreign and domestic. The charges as alleged in this case represent a grave risk to the safety and security of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Halligan for the Eastern District of Virginia. “The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”
“U.S. government security clearance holders are entrusted to keep our nation’s most sensitive secrets safe,” said Assistant Director in Charge Darren B. Cox of the FBI Washington Field Office. “By allegedly removing classified documents from government facilities and storing them in his basement, Mr. Tellis betrayed that trust. The FBI and our federal partners acted quickly to execute a court-authorized search warrant and arrest Tellis to protect our national security and prevent highly classified defense information from falling into the wrong hands.”
According to court documents, Tellis held a Top Secret security clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access. He has worked for the U.S. Department of State since 2001 and currently serves in addition as a contractor for the Department of Defense’s Office of Net Assessment. He also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
As alleged, Tellis accessed classified documents on multiple occasions from secured facilities, including a Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) at the Department of Defense and a secure computer system at the Department of State. In one instance, Tellis altered the filename of a classified document, printed portions of it under the altered title, and then deleted the re-named file. In another incident, he was observed placing classified materials into a notepad and concealing them within his personal briefcase before leaving a secured government facility.
During a court-authorized search of Tellis’s residence, investigators recovered over 1,000 pages of documents with classification markings, including materials labeled SECRET and/or TOP SECRET. These documents were found in locked filing cabinets, in a basement home office, and in trash bags stored in a basement utility area.
The FBI Washington Field Office is investigating the case, with valuable assistance from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth Schlessinger for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Leslie Esbrook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
