NEW YORK—Oct. 5, 2025—Mayor Eric Adams signed Emergency Executive Order 867, extending a key provision of Order 865 for five days to address persistent crises in the city’s Department of Correction, including at Rikers Island. The move prioritizes compliance with the federal Nunez use-of-force case and the 2022 Nunez Action Plan, citing ongoing attrition-driven staffing shortages that threaten sanitation, showers, meals, visitation, religious services, commissary, and recreation. The jail system’s state of emergency, first declared in 2021, remains in effect; the extension is effective immediately and may be modified or terminated earlier.
Emergency Executive Order 867
WHEREAS, on September 2, 2021, the federal monitor in the Nunez use-of-force class action stated that steps must be taken immediately to address the conditions in the New York City jails; and
WHEREAS, on June 14, 2022, the federal court in Nunez approved the Nunez Action Plan, which “represents a way to move forward with concrete measures now to address the ongoing crisis at Rikers Island”; and
WHEREAS, although there has been improvement in excessive staff absenteeism, extraordinarily high rates of attrition due to staff retirements and other departures continue to seriously affect the Department of Correction’s (DOC’s) staffing levels and create a serious risk to DOC’s ability to carry out the safety and security measures required for the maintenance of sanitary conditions; and access to basic services, including showers, meals, visitation, religious services, commissary, and recreation; and
WHEREAS, this Order is given to prioritize compliance with the Nunez Action Plan and to address the effects of DOC’s staffing levels, the conditions at DOC facilities, and health operations; and
WHEREAS, additional reasons for requiring the measures continued in this Order are set forth in Emergency Executive Order No. 140 of 2022, Emergency Executive Order No. 579 of 2024, and Emergency Executive Order 623 of 2024; and
WHEREAS, the state of emergency existing within DOC facilities, first declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 241, dated September 15, 2021, and extended by subsequent orders, remains in effect;
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the laws of the State of New York and the City of New York, including but not limited to the New York Executive Law, the New York City Charter and the Administrative Code of the City of New York, and the common law authority to protect the public in the event of an emergency:
Section 1. I hereby direct that section 1 of Emergency Executive Order No. 865, dated September 30, 2025, is extended for five (5) days.
§ 2. This Emergency Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect for five (5) days unless it is terminated or modified at an earlier date.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Oct. 5 issued Executive Order 868, extending Section 1 of Executive Order 866 for five days as the city manages an influx of asylum seekers arriving from the southern border. The order, effective immediately, keeps in place emergency measures first declared Oct. 7, 2022, to expand shelter capacity and services across the DHS system while maintaining support for existing clients. Citing authority under New York Executive Law, the City Charter and Administrative Code, the mayor said the extension may be modified or terminated sooner.
Emergency Executive Order 868
WHEREAS, over the past several months, thousands of asylum seekers have been arriving in New York City, from the Southern border, without having any immediate plans for shelter; and
WHEREAS, the City now faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that requires it to take extraordinary measures to meet the immediate needs of the asylum seekers while continuing to serve the tens of thousands of people who are currently using the DHS Shelter System; and
WHEREAS, additional reasons for requiring the measures continued in this Order are set forth in Emergency Executive Order No. 224, dated October 7, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the state of emergency based on the arrival of thousands of individuals and families seeking asylum, first declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 224, dated October 7, 2022, and extended by subsequent orders, remains in effect;
NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the laws of the State of New York and the City of New York, including but not limited to the New York Executive Law, the New York City Charter and the Administrative Code of the City of New York, and the common law authority to protect the public in the event of an emergency:
Section 1. I hereby order that section 1 of Emergency Executive Order No. 866, dated September 30, 2025, is extended for five (5) days.
§ 2. This Emergency Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect for five (5) days unless it is terminated or modified at an earlier date.
At the 2025 Great Lakes St. Lawrence Governors & Premiers Leadership Summit, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Québec Premier François Legault signed a Declaration of Intent to expand New York–Québec cooperation in clean energy, trade, innovation and research—despite a federal shutdown in Washington. Hochul cited progress on the Champlain Hudson Power Express with Hydro-Québec, the MicroBird takeover in Plattsburgh that preserved 300 jobs after Nova Bus’s exit, and $11 million to bolster border security. She spotlighted tourism and cross-border commerce recovery, MTA-linked manufacturing, New York’s $500 million Empire AI initiative, the Micron megaproject in Syracuse and collaboration on critical minerals to reduce reliance on China. The governor also noted renewed momentum for offshore wind serving New York City. The message: state-to-province ties remain durable and growth-focused, anchoring regional competitiveness in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence corridor.
A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:
Bonjour, good to see everyone this morning. Thank you David and a reminder, this is my 10th anniversary of attending these events and knowing that there’s turnover among Governors and certainly Premiers — I may be the longest standing person who’s been at these events and want to welcome all of you and thank particularly Premier Legault and his entire team for the incredible gracious and warm welcome.
This is described as a magical city, and we were having the most wonderful time to reconnect with friends and as I’m going to say often, reset relationships. I want to give a shout out to my American friend, a great leader of this organization serving as Chair, Gretchen Whitmer and her team for keeping the spotlight on the shared opportunities, but also the shared challenges. And pointing out that we still have some of the same problems we talked about over the last decade as I was attending these meetings earlier, but keeping a focus on it – never giving up on what we can do together. So I’m going to thank Gretchen Whitmer again for her support.
And it goes without saying for centuries, literally centuries, we have been the best of friends supporting each other in trade deals and sharing culture–sharing well not sharing, but having some sports rivalries. Anybody from Ontario here? Do not talk about baseball today until four o’clock today and everything’s going to change.
I know that wasn’t the friendliest thing to say, but I am a New Yorker — so you have to forgive that. But we’ve done so much together. And I know that there’s been a sense of betrayal because I’ve spent a lot of time in Canada and its proud people. Spent a lot of time in Ontario as a Buffalonian, a lot of our newscasters and coverage of sports overlapped dramatically.
So we knew the same hockey heroes and celebrated them as well. So I understand it’s had a ripple effect on how people have been behaving. Not just on companies and governments, but just individuals. And the numbers are showing that our border crossings have declined since January of this year, February — in a way that is not sustainable for friends to thrive and we are vested in each other’s success.
We need to continue finding a path to change that dynamic. And it has had a negative effect on trade. We’ve got our largest trading partner in Canada. New York shares over 400 mile border with Ontario and Québec, something that we think is really special. The opportunities that we’ve had to do so much together. So I’m committed as Governor to restoring our previous relationship to perhaps January 19th. Let’s call it Project January 19 and get that over the line.
Because I feel the effects of what is happening with the hostile rhetoric, the tariffs. I do roundtables with businesses in what we call the North Country. I know Canada believes it’s the North Country, but we have our own little North Country in New York as described as that triangle part of our state that touches particularly on the Québec boundaries here. And the businesses there are feeling it. People are not coming to the little tourist towns and the ski resorts last winter and the summer places like Clayton, which are always so robust with Canadians coming across and the synergy there. It’s been missing and I feel like there’s kind of a hole in our heart as a state — when we don’t have that vibrancy and that friendship that’s long defined us. We have built partnerships that are enduring beyond this temporary blip in our relationship, and please know that I view it that way, especially in the energy space. And I just had a fabulous meeting with the president of Hydro Québec — to talk about what we’re doing next year.
I mean this is something—the Champlain Hudson Power Express line, that first came to my attention as Lieutenant Governor about a decade ago. And I didn’t sense that there was as much interest in our entire administration in this project, but I saw the promise of this.
And even when we weren’t talking about an energy crisis or shortages or resiliency at that time. Leaders are called upon to be forward thinking and see what the landscape could possibly be 10 or 20 years down the road. And that’s required of all of us. So at the time, even in that secondary role I wanted to continue those conversations, but it gave me great pleasure when I became Governor — unexpectedly August of 2021 to literally a few months later announce that we would strike an agreement with Hydro Québec and bring clean, renewable power to over 1 million New York homes. I mean, this is something that we’re going to hit a major milestone next spring. I’ll be there, I’m sure our Premier will be there as well. We’ll celebrate that in an incredible way. But that’s just one project that has not wavered or gone offline because of what is happening, and I want to continue looking for those collaborations.
But also, I had the most wonderful experience a few weeks ago to go to a ribbon cutting at a facility in Plattsburgh. MicroBird was literally assuming a facility that had been shutdown just literally the day before, and this is the beautiful transition. When Nova Bus left, MicroBird was right there to step in, saving over 300 good paying jobs. And again, further cementing that despite what’s happening in Washington, our business relationships continue because that mutuality of interest is not going to change.
So we’re going to continue leaning into the opportunities of being a hub for transportation infrastructure. Particularly between Québec and our northern part of our State. And what’s so fabulous about this is I’ve done what I can to ensure that the money is there ensuring that our MTA, the transportation leadership in New York City that oversees the purchasing of trains and our expansion that they’re going to have the money they need to continue those contracts that’ll affect businesses in Québec and in upstate New York. So that’s committed, the money’s there, the work is there, the jobs are there.
So that’s just a continued example of not just in the energy space, but in that space where we are tuning out the noise. You’re tuning out the noise and we’re continuing to work together.
I’m also committed to ensuring security at the border. I’ve committed $11 million to ensuring that our border with Québec in particular and actually Ontario from Western New York are secure.
And there’s been a lot of effort and mass migration, the largest mass migration of humanity since World War II has occurred in our country, had been occurring up in over the last few years, and It’s taken a toll. There’s a lot of impacts on that, but we’re also concerned about making sure that people don’t seize an opportunity to see more avenues for human trafficking or gun trafficking or drug trafficking.
And so we’re committed to securing our borders there as well, and I want to make sure we do that. I will say when it comes to tourism and trade and fostering energy alliances that we as New York, and I’m speaking for New York State alone here, but we’re going to continue to operate more independently of Washington.
So I want to get that message out to your businesses who are trying to decide whether we make that investment or not. We’re going to commit the dollars they’re not. And say “you know what we can work with that out. We know we got Prime Minister Carney’s meeting with the President on Tuesday, and we’ll see what happens there. But at least we know we can count on places like New York and Michigan and Wisconsin and other states who are part of this alliance, who have had the long-term relationships that have been tested and strengthened over time.” That does not change, I’m just trying to nail that point home hard. And as we talked about, I’ve had a lot of conversations about other opportunities and certainly when it comes to the rare earth opportunities and your Premier is so focused on this here in Québec.
I see unlimited potential here. I truly do because it’s also about our nation’s security, both of our nation’s security, against other actors out there who have other political agendas. So what I rather see the deals made for the acquisition and extraction of rare earth minerals between the U.S. and Canada, yes. Because the alternative is China, and I think we should all be aware of that. We have to protect ourselves, not just in this short term blip of history, which we all know is going to be over sometime soon. I’m just trying to be as diplomatic as I can here. Am I succeeding? I don’t know. I’m a little restrained if you see what I usually say in New York.
But I want to make sure that we don’t miss an opportunity right now that’s before us to do something smart that’s going to continue bolstering our innovation economies that we’ve all have. We understand that AI is not going anywhere, It is the future. And to ensure that we have not just the power, the clean power, to ensure that those facilities can go on, not because they themselves create so many jobs, but because of the businesses that’ll come in those regions and be benefited from that artificial intelligence, we’ve leaned into it in New York State with something called Empire AI. We are building a New York State with $500 million of a joint partnership with private sector, public sector, and academia. The largest supercomputer in the entire United States of America, outside a private company to use for public good.
Accessing that power to researchers in medical areas and areas where we’re trying to solve climate issues and be better forecasters of storms and impacts. We’re doing that in New York. So we are true believers in artificial intelligence and how we can harness that, put a lot of money up there. But I also have, I know that I need the rare earth minerals.
To help places like Micron. The largest private sector investment in American history is happening right now in upstate New York in Syracuse. It happened to work out during my first year as Governor made the deal happen. But they have such demand now for supply chain actors and commodities and products like rare earth minerals that the marketplace is literally across the border, and I see that opportunity.
So we need to talk to investors and find out how we can explore and try to get a piece of the action because otherwise we are going to lose out and nothing New Yorkers hate worse than losing. We’re very competitive people.
So I wanted to say we’re going to keep our investments. We admire what you’re also doing in wind and solar. You know people think Hydro Québec is a lot of wind and solar. And we’re going to continue our efforts despite the fact that an offshore wind project that had been in the works for literally a decade, $5 billion investment off the coast of Long Island is almost ready to come online, powering half a million homes in Brooklyn, New York with clean offshore wind. That was shut down back in March because the federal government does not believe in wind and solar.
It’s another whole topic. But we got it going back on and I’m committed to doing this despite the loss in tax incentives, which I think are still important. But we want the industries to know that we are going to continue leaning into this even after this strange period is over.
So I’m just going to say this, I have a lot of notes here. My team writes nice speeches, they really do. But let me just be real, talk straight to you. I propose we settle our differences on the ice, in the ballpark and on the fields, okay? That’s how we can do it. And beyond that, never forget that our destinies are intertwined by geography.
You’ve heard a lot of good remarks this morning that I support about the flow of water from the Great Lakes, the St. Lawrence Seaway. And I’m a boater, I love these waterways, they bring me such joy. It’s the only place I can clear my head when I’m floating on a boat out in the middle of Lake Erie
It is extraordinary that we have these precious resources up to all of us at this moment in time to protect as others have before, and entrusted us for future generations. So our destinies are intertwined. We are neighbors by geographic destiny, but we are friends by choice and we’ll continue to be friends by choice long after this era is over.
So thank you very much my friends, and look forward to continuing our relationship. Merci beaucoup!
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul extended Executive Order 52 for at least 30 days, keeping pharmacists authorized to administer Covid-19 vaccines while the state pursues a long-term legislative fix. Hochul urged the federal government to add Covid-19 shots to the Vaccines for Children program and directed the Health Department to explore options to ensure uninsured children can be vaccinated. Health Commissioner James McDonald said a standing order remains in effect for pharmacies. The administration also cited ongoing coordination with Northeast states on vaccination, surveillance and emergency preparedness.
Governor Hochul Extends Executive Order Ensuring All New Yorkers Can Receive the Updated 2025–26 COVID Shot
As the Trump administration continues to attack access to health care, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an extension of Executive Order 52, which allows pharmacists to continue administering COVID vaccines, providing access for all New Yorkers who wish to be vaccinated. The Executive Order will be in place for at least another 30 days while work continues on a long-term legislative solution to protect the immunization and health care rights of New Yorkers.
Additionally, Governor Hochul is calling on the federal government to make the COVID-19 vaccine available through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. As of now, the Trump administration has yet to make COVID-19 vaccines available for states to order through its VFC program. This inaction is causing unnecessary disorder while putting the health of millions of children at risk. In the interim, out of an abundance of caution, Governor Hochul has directed the Department of Health to explore additional solutions to make sure all children, including uninsured kids, have access to the vaccines they need to stay safe and healthy.
“I’ve been clear with New Yorkers that even as Washington continues its misguided campaign against science, I will always do what I can to ensure New Yorkers have access to the vaccines and information families need to make decisions about their health care — with no exceptions,” Governor Hochul said. “I will sign as many extensions of this executive order as I need to. We will always let science lead the way — not politics.”
New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Governor Hochul’s swift action ensures that every eligible New Yorker will continue to have access to the updated COVID-19 vaccine. As we call on the federal government to make this vaccine available through the Vaccines for Children program, the Department will keep working to remove barriers and protect families’ access to lifesaving immunization. Vaccines save lives, and we will always stand with New Yorkers to safeguard their health.”
The Executive Order is part of Governor Hochul’s long-term strategy to protect access to vaccinations in New York. The Governor will begin working with the Legislature on a legislative solution to ensure permanent and continuing access to vaccines, including administration of vaccines by health care professionals and insurance coverage of vaccines.
New York is also working in coordination with — and helping to lead — a regional multi-state public health collaboration among Northeast states, which brings together public health leaders across the region to develop evidence-based recommendations and approaches on vaccination, disease surveillance and emergency preparedness. The collaborative also supports state public health laboratories in sharing resources and expertise to strengthen regional readiness.
Last month, Commissioner McDonald issued a standing order for the COVID vaccine that is still in effect, ensuring that pharmacists statewide can continue to provide timely and convenient access. Commissioner McDonald and the Department of Health will continue to issue detailed guidance to support pharmacies, clinicians and other vaccine administrators.
Donald Trump began by celebrating the Navy and the military, asserting that the United States possesses the greatest military in the world, which was largely rebuilt during his first term
Trump Touts Military, Claims Middle East Breakthrough, Blames Democrats for Crime and Layoffs
Trump Touts Military, Claims Middle East Breakthrough, Blames Democrats for Crime and Layoffs
In prepared remarks, Donald Trump praised the U.S. Navy and military as “the greatest,” saying he rebuilt them and that current operations have curbed Caribbean cartel drug routes by sea. He claimed to be advancing a swift hostage-and-cease-fire deal involving Hamas that he called a “great deal for Israel” and the Arab and Muslim world—framing it as a potential first in “3,000 years.” Domestically, he painted cities as gripped by unrest, saying Portland is “burning,” citing high violence in Chicago, and asserting Washington, D.C., went from “a hell hole to a safe place” in 12 days. He described the economy as “record setting,” labeled recent job cuts “Democrat layoffs,” called Obamacare a “disaster” needing fixes, and criticized a judge he said he appointed.
—New York completed the final phase of the 34-mile Adirondack Rail Trail linking Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake, and finished upgrades at the Adirondack Railroad’s Tupper Lake station. The free, year-round trail features a shallow grade and firm surface for hikers, cyclists, skiers and snowmobilers, with accessibility built in. State agencies DEC and OGS led design and construction, backed by nearly $40 million, including $13.1 million from the 2022 Environmental Bond Act. NYSDOT’s $13.5 million station project added a 550-foot platform with canopy, wheelchair lifts, baggage space for bikes and kayaks, and a new maintenance shed, complementing earlier rehabilitation of the 84-mile Remsen-to-Tupper rail segment. The package is pitched to boost Adirondack tourism, improve passenger rail connectivity and support New York’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign.
Governor Hochul Announces Completion of Recreation and Transportation Projects Supporting Year-Round Tourism in the Heart of the Adirondacks
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of two major recreation and transportation projects that help showcase the beauty, accessibility and adventures available in the Adirondacks. Construction is complete on the third and final phase of the Adirondack Rail Trail, making the 34-mile, multi-use recreational corridor between Lake Placid and Tupper Lake available for all-season enjoyment. In addition, the train platform and maintenance shed project at the Adirondack Scenic Railroad’s Tupper Lake Rail Station is now complete. These transformational projects offer outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking improved passenger rail connectivity more opportunities to experience the Adirondacks.
“The Adirondack Rail Trail and Tupper Lake Rail Station are linked by their long history and their even brighter future in welcoming New Yorkers and tourists to one of our country’s premier natural landscapes,” Governor Hochul said. “The completion of these recreational assets enables visitors to experience the awe of the Adirondacks, connect to nature, boost local economies, and ‘Get Offline, Get Outside’ with year-round activities for all ages and abilities.”
The Adirondack Rail Trail is now open year-round, free of charge, for hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers and snowmobile enthusiasts and connect the communities of Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake. The route provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy the unique charm and amenities of the surrounding villages, hamlets, and communities while providing access to miles of breathtaking trails, remote natural habitats, numerous campsites, and abundant waterways in the center of the Adirondack Park. The 34-mile trail corridor has a shallow grade, wide tread, and a firm surface to make it accessible to people with disabilities.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) manages and maintains the trail and the Office of General Services (OGS) led the trail design and construction throughout all three phases. Funding for the almost $40 million rail trail included $13.1 million from the 2022 Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act, in addition to capital investments from New York Works and the State’s Environmental Protection Fund. The Adirondack Rail Trail Association (ARTA) also assists DEC with trail maintenance, amenities, and stewardship through a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement with DEC.
In 2020, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) and DEC adopted a revised Unit Management Plan, which divided the Remsen to Lake Placid Travel Corridor into two segments – the rail trail and the rail corridor. As part of this plan, NYSDOT completed the track rehabilitation project in 2022 along the 84-mile Remsen to Tupper Lake segment for improved passenger rail service on the Adirondack Railroad.
Work to transform the Rail Trail started in October 2020 when NYSDOT began work to remove rail infrastructure from the Tupper Lake to Lake Placid segment of the corridor. In March 2022, DEC and NYSDOT announced the transfer of jurisdiction to DEC, marking the formal completion of the rail removal phase and the start of the formal trail design and construction phase. The entire corridor remains open to winter snowmobiling managed under the New York State Snowmobile Association.
Complementing the Rail Trail, the Adirondack Railroad is one of the longest active scenic railroads in the continental United States, providing visitors with stops in Old Forge/Thendara and Tupper Lake, where they can explore the scenic wonders of the Adirondacks from the comfort of a train, and disembark to explore the Adirondacks and the newly constructed trail sections including Tupper Lake. In 2023, the Adirondack Railroad provided the first passenger train service to Tupper Lake since the 1980 Winter Olympics. NYSDOT’s $13.5 million upgrade to the Tupper Lake Station, which began in February of 2024, included an 18-foot-wide by 550-foot-long low-level platform with a canopy and wheelchair lifts for accessibility and a baggage platform for loading bicycles and kayaks. A new maintenance shed will facilitate year-round maintenance of the locomotives and improved railroad operations well into the future.
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “The Adirondack Rail Trail is an amazing resource built from collaboration and creativity that is connecting all people to nature in all seasons for unique natural experiences. Through Governor Hochul’s leadership and investment, and through collaboration with our partner agencies, this project delivers for the Adirondack region as a whole, transforming communities, boosting tourism, and providing new connections with the treasures of the Adirondacks like never before.”
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “For walkers, hikers, bikers, snowmobilers, and cross-country skiers, the Adirondack Rail Trail is truly a one-of-a-kind, accessible recreational space. With this completion, New Yorkers and visitors to our state will have unparalleled opportunities to enjoy the stunning Adirondacks, from Lake Placid to Tupper Lake, year-round. OGS is proud to have worked with DEC and DOT under Governor Hochul’s leadership in designing and constructing this trail that connects communities, stimulating local economies, and fostering appreciation for New York’s natural beauty.”
New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “With breathtaking scenery and unrivaled landscapes, the Adirondack Region is one of the great natural treasures of New York State that everyone should experience as often as possible. The completion of the Adirondack Rail Trail and the Tupper Lake Rail Station makes it easier to explore this wondrous region, and allows people to do so while leaving the car at home and taking the train or walking! Thanks to Governor Hochul’s steadfast support, the vision to connect New Yorkers to the outdoors is now a reality. The NYS Department of Transportation is proud to have played a role along with our state agency partners in bringing these landmark projects to completion for all to enjoy.”
Adirondack Rail Trail Association Executive Director Julia Goren said, “The opening of the Adirondack Rail Trail marks the realization of a vision over a decade in the making. It connects our communities, drives our local economies, and provides a gateway for residents and visitors alike to experience the beauty and history of the region. We are grateful to Governor Hochul, the leadership of DEC, DOT, OGS, and the local municipal leaders who have believed in and supported this project. Together, we celebrate a dream realized, and a new chapter for our communities.”
Adirondack Railway Preservation Society Board President Luke Irvine said, “The Adirondack Railroad is pleased to be the recipient of the wonderful new rail facility at Tupper Lake. This project has been several years in the making and it has been an amazing process to see it come off of paper and into reality. This is truly a modern well equipped facility which will greatly enhance the railroad operations on this line between Tupper Lake and Utica. Through this project our Governor and New York State Department of Transportation have shown their commitment to the success of this railroad and the communities in which it serves. The Adirondack Railroad also takes this opportunity to acknowledge its own commitment to be good stewards of this facility by offering unique rail experiences to Tupper Lake and the surrounding region whether it be on our trains or railbikes. We sincerely thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her support and determination to undertake this project, as well as our many partners at New York State Department of Transportation for their continued dedication in making it a reality.”
Village of Tupper Lake Mayor Mary Fontana said, “The completion of the Rail Trail and the station is a milestone for Tupper Lake and the North Country. It connects our families and neighbors, draws visitors into our community, and strengthens our downtown and local businesses. This project celebrates our history while opening the door to new opportunities for recreation, tourism, and connection. We are proud to see Tupper Lake at the heart of it.”
DEC is also continuing to restore the Saranac Lake Union Depot for public use and access at the site. The project is helping preserve the historic structure to offer historic interpretation and include a welcoming outdoor experience for the public and operations that complement the Adirondack Rail Trail. In addition, rail trail users should anticipate temporary detours, limited access, or obstructions at certain points of the trail through the month of October for truck and equipment access and signage placement. Up-to-date information on corridor conditions and a public use map are available on I Love New York’s website.
These projects support Governor Hochul’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” campaign, encouraging New York State’s kids and families to put down their phones and computers, take a break from social media, enjoy recreation and outdoor social gatherings, and put their mental and physical health first. The trail and upgraded station provide an opportunity to participate in the newly announced Get Offline, Get Outside Challenge by providing a tool to inspire youth to engage in outdoor activities.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said $187 million in law-enforcement and counterterrorism funding will be restored after President Trump reversed planned cuts. The governor said the move ensures the state has resources to support police, first responders and public-safety operations. “Because of our efforts, $187 million in critical funding will be restored,” she said, calling it a win for public safety and New Yorkers who rely on law enforcement to keep the state secure.
Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul
“From the moment these devastating cuts were announced, I made it clear that New York would not stand by while our law enforcement and counterterrorism operations were defunded. I’m glad President Trump heard our call and reversed course, ensuring our state has the resources necessary to support law enforcement and keep our families safe.
“Because of our efforts, $187 million in critical funding will be restored — a victory for public safety and for every New Yorker who depends on our brave law enforcement and first responders to keep our state secure.”
Democrats’ “free healthcare for illegal immigrants” demand has, according to critics, forced a government shutdown that’s rippling across the country: essential workers—from TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and military personnel to VA staff—are working without pay; families face threats to WIC and SNAP benefits; airports warn of longer lines and delays; and national parks, monuments, museums, and historic sites from Arizona to Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, and beyond are shuttered or scaling back services. Local economies are feeling the pinch as SBA loans stall, federal grants and inspections pause, and tourism-heavy regions lose access to parks and visitor centers. Veterans and low-income families are bracing for disruptions, nonprofits and food banks are preparing for increased demand, and analysts warn of broader economic losses each week the shutdown persists.
Democrat Shutdown Hurts Families, Veterans, Workers Across the Country
Democrats’ reckless push to hold the government hostage over free healthcare for illegal aliens has forced a crippling shutdown — making essential workers and servicemembers go unpaid, pushing vital programs like WIC to the brink, and leaving key services unfunded.
Across the country, the Radical Left’s political stunt is inflicting pain:
Arizona
KVOA-TV: “The VA will stop transition program assistance and career counseling, close GI Bill and National Cemetery hotlines and shut down benefits regional offices… Visitor services will be reduced, with park roads and trails generally remaining open but without regular maintenance. Special events requiring permits will be halted, and no new permits will be issued. Parks with insufficient funds will cease operations, suspending all non-essential activities.”
Axios Phoenix: “The effects of the shutdown could lead to backups at Phoenix Sky Harbor and will force the furlough of thousands of local federal employees… More than 34,000 federal employees were working in Arizona as of last year… Although airport employees, including security officers and air traffic controllers, will be forced to continue working throughout the shutdown, airport operations could be affected.”
KVOA-TV: Shutdown impacts Tucson: Saguaro Park East closed to cars
Arizona PBS: Montezuma Castle National Monument turns away tourists after government shutdown
KTAR Radio: National monument in Arizona turns away tourists after federal government shutdown
Georgia
WRDW-TV: “Thousands of federal workers in Georgia, including many airport employees, are already starting to feel the strain of the federal government shutdown. Essential federal employees like TSA agents or air traffic controllers still have to come to work — but right now, they aren’t being paid.”
WMAZ-TV: “The Museum of Aviation in Warner Robins is closing due to the government shutdown. The Museum of Aviation is run by the Department of Defense, which has lost funding as Congress negotiates a budget deal. In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the Museum of Aviation says that the closure will last until further notice… The Ocmulgee Mounds in Macon is also closed during the tenure of the government shutdown.”
WXIA-TV: “For travelers, even though flights are still taking off, the U.S. Travel Association is warning them that longer lines, staffing issues, and delays could grow the longer the shutdown lasts. The shutdown is impacting more than 100,000 federal workers in Georgia, like TSA agents and air traffic controllers at the Hartsfield-Jackson airport.”
WXIA-TV: “More than 111,000 federal workers in Georgia are affected — including TSA agents, air traffic controllers, military members, correctional officers, and furloughed staff from agencies like the Department of Education, EPA, HHS, National Park Service, and IRS.”
WXIA-TV: Amid the government shutdown, visitors were turned away from the Martin Luther King historic site
WMAZ-TV: Central Georgia gears up as federal shutdown threatens Robins Air Force Base
WILX-TV: Federal shutdown leaves Michigan in limbo
Detroit Free Press: “Expect more and more services to be curtailed (or even stopped), more and more federal grants, payments and contracts to be delayed or cut, and federal workers showing up at their jobs without pay (including military families, law enforcement, border patrol and the like) to feel more and more strain.”
Detroit Free Press: “Hiring and training of new employees stops. Funding for SNAP and WIC programs stops. New Head Start grants will not be available. Many food, health and clean water inspections from the FDA, OSHA and the EPA would stop. The Small Business Administration stops reviewing or approving loans.”
Michigan Farm Bureau: “More than 42,000 USDA employees will also be furloughed (put on leave), per Reuters reporting, with significant disruptions expected for the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service.”
Minnesota
Minnesota Star Tribune: “Federal employees in Minnesota ‘will not only be without temporary income as a result of a shutdown, but it is threatened that they will be without their federal careers permanently.’”
Minnesota Star Tribune: “A sprawling mass of other federal functions ground to a halt…. The shutdown, the first in nearly seven years, furloughed hundreds of thousands of workers and disrupted services across the government, including federal court cases, assistance for veterans, grants for education, cleanup at Superfund sites and economic analysis for reports like the jobs data.”
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal: “Minnesota is home to roughly 20,000 federal employees, or 35,000 if you include military personnel. Many of those will be expected to keep working during the federal government shutdown that began last night — but paychecks could be interrupted.”
KAAL-TV: “Minnesotans will feel it as there are roughly 20,000 federal workers in the state, and 35,000 if you count postal workers and the military. About a third of those workers are at VA hospitals like custodial and cafeteria workers, and then 13,000 Minnesota National Guard members also face furloughs, remaining on active duty without pay.”
KMSP-TV: “The lights are out at St. Paul’s Mississippi River Visitor Center as the National Park Service went dark during this government shutdown. Its employees are among about 750,000 furloughed across the country…”
KIMT-TV: “[A]s part of the shutdown union members in the TSA, federal prison security and Social Security are all currently working without pay, while members in the National Parks service are furloughed.”
WDIO-TV: “Due to the federal government shutdown, the Minnesota National Guard will be initiating the process of an orderly shutdown. Essential personnel and active-duty members will continue working, while full-time staff members are furloughed.”
MinnPost: Low-income Minnesotans likely to be the first to feel impact of government shutdown
KSTP-TV: Minnesota National Guard members not getting paid during government shutdown
Nevada
Reno Gazette: “Air travel continues during a shutdown… But workers don’t get paid during the shutdown, which can lead to delays when workers don’t show up for shifts.”
KVVU-TV: “The Small Business Administration says the shutdown is stopping an estimated 320 small businesses from accessing $170 million in SBA-guaranteed funding. Officials say only programs deemed essential for protecting life and property will be operational. Programs that will close include loans and grant services. Those include federal loans to small businesses under the SBA.”
KRXI-TV: “Military personnel will continue their duties without pay until Congress passes a continuing resolution or appropriations are signed into law. Civilian personnel not involved in essential activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status. The War Department has provided documents to assist its workforce during the government shutdown.”
The Nevada Independent: “Nevadans should brace for potential delays to air travel and reduced access to national parks.”
KSNV-TV: Las Vegas locals and tourists voice frustration over ongoing government shutdown
KSNV-TV: Nevada Conservation League warns shutdown could harm outdoor industry
KSNV-TV: Government shutdown puts Nevadans’ health, education, and recreation on hold
KRNV-TV: Government shutdown impacts 22,000 federal workers in Nevada
KOLO-TV: Nevadans express concerns amid Government shutdown
KOLO-TV: Government shutdown threatens food stamps, jobs, national security
New Hampshire
Portsmouth Herald: “During a government shutdown, hundreds of thousands of federal workers deemed nonessential are furloughed until funding is passed, meaning they won’t work and won’t be paid. In New Hampshire, there are 5,208 federal civilian employees.”
WMUR-TV: “New Hampshire officials said about 6,000 federal employees are working without pay… The 500 full-time military personnel, over 400 federal civilian employees – everyone came to work today and will work without pay.”
WMUR-TV: “Federal facilities like the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard are now in limbo, with essential workers forced to stay on the job without pay… Around 500 full-time soldiers and Airmen still need to report to work throughout the shutdown, but they will not be getting paid.”
New York has climbed to No. 1 in Mental Health America’s “State of Mental Health in America” report, which analyzed 17 measures using 2022–2023 data, the period when Gov. Kathy Hochul launched a $1 billion overhaul of the state’s behavioral-health system. The state advanced from No. 8 (2023) to No. 4 (2024) and now leads both overall and in adult rankings, driven by gains in reducing youth suicidal ideation, lowering major depressive episodes among youth, and shrinking the share of uninsured adults with mental illness. New York added 985 psychiatric beds, expanded state-operated capacity, funded 39 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics that have served 77,000-plus people in 2025, scaled Critical Time Intervention and INSET teams, grew ACT and Youth ACT teams, and increased specialized housing and school-based clinics. Albany also advanced youth protections—with distraction-free K–12 classrooms, the Safe for Kids Act and the New York Child Data Protection Act—positioning the state as a national model for accessible, community-based mental-health care.
Governor Hochul Highlights State’s Ranking as National Leader in Mental Health
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State has been recognized as a national leader in mental health based on a new report compiled with publicly available federal data. ‘The State of Mental Health in America’ ranked New York number one nationally when analyzing data from 17 common mental health measures using the data gathered in 2022 and 2023 – the year Governor Hochul launched her multi-billion-dollar investment to strengthen the state’s system of care.
“These findings demonstrate that we remain on the right track in our concerted efforts to address the mental health crisis among children and adults,” Governor Hochul said. “While our work is far from finished, New York has become a national model when it comes to providing a range of support, care and treatment that residents need. By strengthening our mental health care system, we are giving people and families renewed hope and helping them onto the path to recovery so they can live and thrive in their communities.”
New York’s combined scores in 17 categories ranked the state first nationally in the report, which is compiled annually by Mental Health America, a leading national nonprofit dedicated to the promotion of mental health. Previously, the state was ranked fourth in the nation in 2024 and eighth in 2023.
The measures that had the largest effect on New York’s overall ranking were the state’s percentage of youth with serious thoughts of suicide; youth with a major depressive episode in the past year; and uninsured adults living with mental illness. Aside from being ranked first overall, New York also topped all other states in the report’s adult rankings, which include eight measures gauging the prevalence of mental illness and access to care among individuals over the age of 18.
The data considered in the report coincide with the launch of Governor Hochul’s landmark initiative into strengthening New York State’s mental health care system. Her $1 billion plan in FY 2024 and investments made in subsequent budgets doubled down on improvements in suicide prevention, youth services, and other areas highlighted in the report.
From adding inpatient capacity to dramatically expanding outpatient programs to creating thousands of new units of specialized housing and more, the state has taken bold measures to ensure all New Yorkers have access to these critical services — especially those individuals and families from previously underserved populations. Governor Hochul has particularly committed to improving youth mental health, as evidenced by her legislative initiatives to address the harmful impacts of social media and to eliminate the use of smartphones by students in K-12 public schools.
New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “The Mental Health in America report reflects the bold commitment Governor Hochul has made into mental health and the fantastic work that our state and provider workforce have undertaken to dramatically expand access to high-quality care. We are proud partners together and look forward to continuing as both an innovator and a national leader in mental health care.”
Since Governor Hochul took office, New York State has added 985 psychiatric beds, including 610 beds that were brought back online at community-based hospitals. The Governor has also overseen the largest expansion of inpatient capacity at state-operated psychiatric centers, adding 375 new beds and 275 others in development.
New York State now funds 39 Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which make it easier for New Yorkers to get into treatment and can help them avoid unnecessary hospital visits. These clinics provide mental health and substance use disorder services to anyone who walks in the door –regardless of whether they have insurance –and have served more than 77,000 recipients so far in 2025.
OMH is also establishing 50 Critical Time Intervention teams in all areas of the state to provide care management services and support to help individuals during transitions in care, such as leaving inpatient settings. With the first 36 now funded, these teams will have the capacity to serve 3,630 New Yorkers.
The state is also expanding Intensive and Sustained Engagement or ‘INSET’ teams, a voluntary, peer-led engagement approach to support individuals on their recovery journey at times and places that are convenient to them. OMH now funds five teams –including one focusing on the forensic population –operating in New York City, the Rochester area, Westchester, and on Long Island, with the capacity to collectively serve more than 300 individuals.
The state has also aggressively expanded the Safe Options Support program, which has now helped permanently house 1,407 individuals, including nearly 180 in OMH-licensed housing. With the first teams launched in Spring 2022, the SOS program now has 31 teams, including ones canvassing all five boroughs of New York City, both counties on Long Island, and 19 additional counties across the state.
New York State has also made regulatory changes to improve mental health, adopting new hospital admission and discharge regulations to provide a clear path toward ensuring the quality of care given to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis, and that thoughtful plans are crafted to connect those leaving emergency and inpatient care with community-based support. CTI teams are now in place to connect with individuals leaving inpatient care and ensure that their immediate needs are met and that they remain connected to community support.
The state also adopted new network adequacy regulations to ensure New Yorkers with qualifying health insurance plans are provided timely access to critical behavioral health care. These changes are providing important consumer protections, including a requirement that plans post up-to-date and accurate lists of in-network providers on their websites, which will help to eliminate inaccurate or misleading directories.
OMH has also aggressively expanded specialized housing, including 1,276 new units associated with Governor Hochul’s mental health initiative, with an additional 2,224 housing units that are under development. The units under development include community residence-single room occupancy units, supportive housing-single room occupancy units and short term transitional residential units –all designed to help New Yorkers living with mental illness to reside safely within their community.
OMH has also expanded its Assertive Community Treatment or ‘ACT’ program, which now operates 112 teams with 30 additional ones in development, and the capacity to provide services to 9,584 individuals living with mental illness. These teams provide coverage in all counties statewide, allowing these New Yorkers to receive treatment within their community rather than more restrictive hospital settings.
Governor Hochul also made a nation-leading commitment to protect youth mental health and promote student success in the digital age. As part of the FY 2026 State Budget, she secured a landmark agreement to create a statewide standard for distraction-free schools and eliminate smartphone use in all K-12 classrooms.
In addition, Governor Hochul signed into law the Safe for Kids Act last year, requiring social media companies to restrict addictive feeds on their platforms for users under 18. She also signed the New York Child Data Protection Act, prohibiting online sites and connected devices from collecting, using, sharing, or selling personal data of anyone under the age of 18, unless they receive informed consent or unless doing so is strictly necessary for the purpose of the website.
Governor Hochul’s focus on youth mental health also led to the creation of 10 new Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams to support young people with serious emotional disturbances who are either at risk of entering, or are returning home from high intensity services, such as inpatient settings or residential services. Youth ACT teams now total 20 –with 19 in development –and will operate in 31 counties, providing youth and family therapy, medication management, family and peer support, and skill-building.
Governor Hochul also expanded school-based mental health clinics, which help students get a licensed mental health care provider in a familiar stigma-free setting on their school campus. Since funding this expansion last year, the state has added 255 new clinic satellites — including 84 in high-needs districts —to 1,265 that now exist statewide.
New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Many individuals affected by mental health disorders are also impacted by co-occurring substance use disorders. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York has made great strides in expanding services across the state for all aspects of behavioral health, helping thousands of New Yorkers access the help and support that they need. This report is great recognition of the strides we are making, and we look forward to collaborating with our partners on continued expansions to these services as we build a healthier New York State for all.”
State Senator Samra G. Brouk said, “As Chair of the Senate Mental Health Committee, I am proud to see that New York State has been ranked as a leader in the “State of Mental Health in America” report. This is further evidence that voluntary services, such as INSET teams, Critical Time Intervention teams; Safe Options Support programs, and other impactful programs have the power to help individuals with serious mental health needs. By continuing this momentum and investing in Daniel’s Law funding, we can reach more individuals experiencing mental health crises and keep our communities safe. I applaud Governor Hochul for investing in mental health initiatives in New York State to ensure that our residents receive the care they deserve.”
Assemblymember JoAnn Simon said, “It’s great to see New York recognized as a national leader in mental health, reflecting the progress we have made investing in our families and communities and expanding care. I look forward to working with Governor Hochul to expand these investments and build on this momentum to ensure that every New Yorker can get the help they need, when they need it.”
Mental Health Association of New York Chief Executive Officer Glenn Liebman said, “Our national organization, Mental Health America, confirms what we already know –that New York State is a leader in mental health services and support. Under Governor Hochul and Commissioner Sullivan’s leadership, New York leads the way in school and teen mental health, prevention, crisis services, innovative programming, suicide prevention and mental health parity. While there is always more that needs to be done, we are very lucky in New York to have the commitment, leadership, and vision to make life better for those with mental health issues and their loved ones.”
During the weekend of October 3, OMNY will undergo a planned system upgrade that will improve performance and enhance the experience for all of our tap-and-ride customers using either bank cards or OMNY cards. The upgrade is being made in preparation for absorbing all remaining MetroCard users as they transition over to the tap-and-ride system and will prevent future trip and charge processing delays like those experienced over the summer.
How this impacts you
The upgrade is expected to take place between 10 p.m. on Friday, October 3 and 7 p.m. on Sunday, October 5. During this upgrade window, you can still tap at all OMNY readers on subways and buses to pay the fare.
However, during the upgrade window, certain features and services will not be available, so please be aware of the following:
For customers tapping with an OMNY card
You will not be able to buy or reload OMNY cards during the upgrade window. This means there will be no sales or value loads through OMNY vending machines, at retail locations, online at OMNY.info, over the phone or in-person at Customer Service Centers in stations. Please plan ahead by loading your OMNY card for the weekend before 7 p.m. on Friday.
While your taps will still be accepted during the upgrade window, the actual associated charges to your OMNY card will not be processed right away. Charges will be processed after the upgrade is completed. If you use up your stored value prior to completion of the upgrade, you will need to load more value after the upgrade is completed in order to continue traveling with your card. Please allow an additional day or two for the charges to your OMNY card to settle.
As an alternative, you can tap and ride with your bank card in your mobile wallet or a physical credit or debit card. Learn how here.
For customers tapping with a mobile wallet or physical credit/debit card
While your taps will still be accepted during the upgrade window, you will not see the actual associated charges for your fare right away, even if they appear in your mobile wallet app. Charges will be processed after the upgrade is completed. Please allow an additional day or two for the charges to your bank card to settle.
For all customers
Other services unavailable during the upgrade window include online trip and charge history information, access to your online OMNY account, and some in-person services for Reduced-Fare customers at MTA Customer Service Centers.
Please rest assured that you will not be overcharged while the system catches up after the upgrade is completed. Your free transfers will be free, along with any free rides earned during your 7-day fare cap period.
Please allow an additional day or two for all taps and fare payments from the upgrade window to be fully processed. If after the upgrade is completed you are unsure you’ve been charged correctly, or simply wish to review your taps, you can do so at omny.info/trip-history or by signing into your OMNY account.
If you still have concerns after checking your trip and charge history online, agents will be standing by at the OMNY Call Center at 877-789-6669.
