SEPTEMBER 24–$1 BILLION TO MAKE NEW YORK LECTRIC ENERGY— CLEAN. GREEN SOURCED. AIR CLEAN.

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GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES  $1 BILLION SUSTAINABLE FUTURE PROGRAM SUPPORTING CLIMATE ACTION AND JOBS

Major Investment will Advance Clean Energy, Cut Emissions, and Expand Green Infrastructure Statewide

Governor Hochul today, while participating in the U.S Climate Alliance’s roundtable, announced the next steps for her landmark $1 billion Sustainable Future Program to accelerate capital projects in New York’s transition to a cleaner, greener future.

This historic investment will create good-paying jobs, lower energy costs for New Yorkers, and slash harmful emissions in the face of federal rollbacks.

“New York is a national leader in climate action, and we’re proving that we can build a thriving green economy while protecting our planet,” Governor Hochul said. 

“While others may retreat, we are doubling down. The $1 billion investment from our Sustainable Future Program will directly benefit New Yorkers by making our homes more energy-efficient, our schools healthier, and our communities more resilient. We are creating jobs, improving public health, and ensuring a just and affordable transition for every community.”

The $1 billion Sustainable Future Program, announced in this year’s State of the State, is the largest climate investment in New York’s history.

Today’s announcement allocates funding to key areas of the state’s climate plan to help make the transition more affordable for all New Yorkers.

Empowering New Yorkers with Energy Efficiency

$50 million will be allocated to the EmPower+ program to provide low- and moderate-income residents with no-cost home energy assessments and energy efficiency upgrades.

NYSERDA will focus this funding on heat pump installations, a key technology for reducing reliance on fossil fuels in residential heating and cooling.

Greening Our Schools

$50 million will be used to help under-resourced public schools across the state decarbonize their building portfolios. This investment will improve indoor air quality for students and staff and reduce the schools’ carbon footprint.

Investing in Thermal Energy Networks

$200 million is dedicated to expanding thermal energy networks, which use a system of pipes to share heating and cooling resources among multiple buildings. This funding will support projects at municipal and State-owned buildings, and will specifically include several projects within the State University of New York (SUNY) system:

  • SUNY Purchase: $50 million to design and construct the first phase of a thermal energy network and establish a framework for future geothermal systems on campus.
  • State University of New York at Buffalo: $68 million to design and build energy hubs and thermal energy networks, phasing out fossil fuel-based systems and replacing them with on-site electrical systems.
  • State University of New York at Stony Brook: $22 million to design and construct thermal energy systems at two buildings on campus.

Making The Transition To Clean Energy More Affordable for Homeowners and Small Buildings

$150 million will support the launch of a new Green Small Buildings Program, administered by New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) to assist eligible homes with making energy-efficient upgrades, including heat pumps.

Expanding Clean Transportation Infrastructure

To accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, Governor Hochul announced several significant investments:

  • $100 million for zero-emission school buses and their supporting infrastructure.
  • At least $50 million to support medium- and heavy-duty vehicle charging, including $15 million for depot charging for fleets and $35 million for shared “charging hubs” at distribution centers and ports.
  • At least $50 million to provide rebates for EV charging stations at workplaces, multifamily buildings, and large public sector organizations, making charging more affordable and accessible.

Accelerating Renewable Energy Projects

$200 million will be provided to the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to finance multiple renewable energy generation projects. This funding will help reduce ratepayers costs as NYPA continues to build new renewables to power New York State.

Any further funding details regarding the Sustainable Future Program will be announced at a later date, as New York is committed to making strategic, high-impact investments that will benefit all New Yorkers.

New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Governor Hochul has made clear her commitment to supporting generational investments like the Sustainable Future Program to foster an improved quality of life for all New Yorkers. Cleaning the air we breathe while lowering energy costs by advancing renewable energy projects, zero-emission transportation options and energy efficient building upgrades provides communities across the state with a critical foundation for a sustainable future.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Governor Hochul is making nation-leading investments to meaningfully fight climate change and make a future truly sustainable in New York. This landmark $1 billion Sustainable Future Program is supporting New York’s transition to an affordable and accessible green future that will offer relief for homeowners, create clean energy jobs, and reduce pollution statewide.”

New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The Power Authority is advancing the largest portfolio of utility-scale, clean energy generation in decades, and the Sustainable Future Program will help us move viable projects to fruition. When we build projects, alone or in partnership, we must consider capital costs, long-term maintenance, fuels costs and financing. The Governor’s investment in renewable projects from the sustainability fund will enable us to be shovel-ready sooner on priority projects.”

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SEPTEMBER 23: TOMORROW SEP 24–GET YOUR COVID AND FLU SHOTS WITH WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE KEN JENKINS IN NEW RO WEDNESDAY AT 2 PM

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Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins to Join Stop & Shop Pharmacists in Call for Residents to Get Their Flu and COVID-19 Shots

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins will join with Stop & Shop Pharmacy experts and receive both his flu and COVID-19 vaccines along with local community members at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 24th at the New Rochelle Stop & Shop located at 2425 Palmer Avenue.

(Editor’s note: Stop & Shop in White Plains at 154 Weschester Avenue is also offering covid and flu shots by walk-in or appointment, call your favorite Stop & Shop location to call for an appointment or do a search on Stop & Shop locations in Westchester County))

Westchester County Executive Jenkins is calling on residents of his county to get their flu and COVID-19 shots as early as possible this fall. The flu vaccine helps reduce serious respiratory illness and can help protect a person throughout the entire year. Stop & Shop pharmacies have been providing more immunizations year over year to protect its community, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu vaccine has been shown to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor with flu by 40% to 60%.

“Stop & Shop Pharmacies are proud to continue our longstanding mission of caring for our communities this flu season,” said Katie Thornell, Director of Pharmacy at Stop & Shop. “We’re fully stocked and ready to provide same-day flu and COVID-19 shots, whether by appointment or walk-in. Our goal is to be a trusted wellness partner not only this fall, but throughout the year, making it simple for everyone to access the care they need to keep themselves and their loved ones healthy.”

 

Flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines are available for a fee from many area pharmacists and medical offices.

To find a vaccine near you, go to www.vaccines.gov.

Flu vaccines are also available for uninsured and underinsured adults and children covered through the Vaccines for Adults and Vaccines for Children programs at

Westchester County Department of Health clinics by appointment. Call 914-995-5800 weekdays before 4:30 p.m. to discuss eligibility.

“Book a flu and COVID-19 vaccine for you and your children,” said Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins. “Take time to prioritize your health, as I do, by scheduling these vaccines to help you fight off the worst effects of influenza and COVID-19 throughout the season. Getting sick with these viruses is no fun.”

The CDC also recommends everyone 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions, receive a flu vaccine each year to help reduce the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications. September and October remain the best times for most people to get vaccinated.

 

What: Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins joins Stop & Shop Pharmacists to receive both his flu and COVID-19 vaccines and calls on residents to get their flu shot. Local community members will also join the County Executive to receive their flu immunizations.

 

When: Wednesday, September 24th at 2 p.m.

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SEPTEMBER 23 — ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IS OUT TO GET YOU: ARE YOU A FUTURE VICTIM OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO COME? THE MOST LIKE WORKERS TO BE ELIMINATED BY CORPORATE EMBRACE OF ARITIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ANALYTICAL CAPABILITIES AND PERFORMANCE.

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WPCNR DATA AT LARGE.  Printed with permission FROM Elevate-UK https://elevate.uk/

 

Elliott Mueller, CEO of Elevate-UK  Comments,
“AI’s rapid advancement is reshaping the workforce, particularly in roles involving repetitive tasks. While automation offers efficiency, it also presents challenges for millions facing job displacement.
It’s crucial for businesses and policymakers to prioritize reskilling and create pathways that help workers transition into roles where human skills remain essential.”
  • Data entry clerks face the highest risk of complete replacement by AI by 2030, with a 95% likelihood of AI automation.
  • Clerical roles are among the most vulnerable, with six jobs facing an average AI automation risk of 80%, according to GPT-5 estimates.
  • One of the more unexpected roles facing automation is that of legal assistants, with an estimated 88% likelihood of being replaced by AI.

By 2030, up to 30% of all jobs worldwide are at risk of being transformed or replaced by AI and automation, signaling a major shift in the future of work.
A new study by Elevate analyzed 26 job titles across different sectors to identify the roles that will be fully AI-only by 2030.
The research evaluated the likelihood of a role being taken over by AI, the projected growth by 2030 to understand market availability, and risk estimations by GPT-5.
Jobs involving repetitive, rule-based tasks show higher automation risk, while those requiring creativity or human judgment appear less vulnerable.
These key factors were combined into an AI-only risk score, ranking the jobs most at risk of being fully automated in the next five years.
Here is the summary of the findings:
Job Title AI Automation RIsk Projected Job Growth (by 2030)  Risk Estimation by GPT 5 AI-Only Risk Score
Data entry clerk 95% -25.00% 95% 100
Telemarketer 94% -21.50% 85% 92
Cashiers 93% -10.60% 75% 79
Receptionist 91% -0.50% 80% 71
Billing clerk 89% 0.50% 80% 69
Legal assistant 88% 1.20% 75% 66
Admin assistant 83% -0.30% 80% 66
Proofreader 85% -3.40% 70% 65
Production workers 89% 0.60% 70% 65
Customer service representative 76% -5.00% 75% 62
Human Resources Assistants 73% -4.80% 65% 56
Data entry clerks have the highest risk of full AI replacement by 2030, with a perfect AI-only risk score of 100. Both AI automation risk and GPT-5 estimate this probability at 95%, showing clear vulnerability. The job is also set to decline the most in growth, dropping by 25% in the next five years.
Telemarketers follow in second, with an AI-only risk score of 92. The chance of automation is estimated at 94%, placing it just one percentage point behind data entry clerks. The role faces the second-largest decline in job growth, projected to fall by 21% over the next five years. GPT-5 also views the job as highly replaceable, estimating an 85% likelihood of automation.
Cashiers come in third for jobs most likely to be fully controlled by AI by 2030, with an AI automation risk of 93%. GPT-5 estimates a 75% likelihood of automation, highlighting the role’s high exposure. Job growth is expected to fall by 11% over the next five years, which ultimately contributes to its AI-only risk score of 79.
Receptionists take fourth place, carrying an AI-only risk score of 71. GPT-5 predicts an 80% chance of automation, five percentage points higher than cashiers. Other estimates put the risk even higher, at 91%, reflecting the growing AI threat. A decline in job growth is likely a factor, as it is anticipated to fall by 0.5% in the following 5 years.
Billing clerks round out the top five most vulnerable jobs to AI, with an AI-only risk score of 69. GPT-5 assigns billing clerks the same 80% automation likelihood as receptionists. Other estimates place the risk higher, predicting an 89% chance of AI takeover, nearly 10 points above GPT-5’s estimate.
Legal assistants come in sixth as the jobs most likely to be AI-only by 2030. Just one percentage point behind production workers, legal assistants face an AI automation risk of 88%. New GPT model estimates legal assistants are more vulnerable than production workers, at 75%, 5 points higher. These combined lead to an AI-only risk score of 66.
Admin assistants tie with legal assistants with an AI-only score of 66. Their automation risk stands at 83%, influenced in part by declining job growth. Based on GPT’s assessment, admin assistants are 80% likely to be replaced by AI shortly, getting a 5 percent higher chance than legal assistants.
Proofreaders stand in eighth place among roles most likely to be replaced by AI by 2030, with a final score of 65. Tools like Grammarly are increasing this shift, contributing to an automation risk of 85%. These advancements have already affected workers, with job growth falling by 3.4%, twice the decline seen for legal assistants.
Production workers tie with proofreaders, sharing an AI-only risk score of 65. Though they hold the same score, their AI automation risk is higher at 89%, four percentage points more than proofreaders. GPT-5’s evaluation places the likelihood at 70%, identical to proofreaders.
Customer service comes in tenth in the ranking of jobs most at risk of AI automation by 2030, finishing off the list with a score of 62. AI automation risk stands at 76%, closely aligned with GPT-5’s estimate of 75%, matching cashiers. Job growth is projected to fall by 5%, marking the sharpest decline after cashiers.
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SEPTEMBER 23–WESTCHESTER UNEMPLOYMENT RATE 3.8%in August

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The August 2025 unemployment rate for the Hudson Valley Region is 3.8 percent. Westchester unemployment rate was 3.7% according to the Department of Labor.

  That is up from 3.5 percent in July 2025 and up from 3.7 percent in August 2024.  In August 2025, there were 46,300 unemployed in the region, up from 43,600 in July 2025 and up from 45,000 in August 2024.  Year-over-year in August 2025, labor force increased by 700 or 0.1 percent, to 1,226,700.

 

The Hudson Valley Region’s August 2025 unemployment rate (3.8 percent) is tied with the Long Island Region for the second lowest rate among the 10 labor market regions in New York State.

  • Capital Region 3.6 percent
  • Hudson Valley 3.8 percent
  • Long Island 3.8 percent
  • Central New York 4.0 percent
  • Finger Lakes 4.0 percent
  • Southern Tier 4.1 percent
  • Mohawk Valley 4.2 percent
  • North Country 4.3 percent
  • Western New York 4.3 percent
  • New York City 5.8 percent

In August 2025, the lowest unemployment rate within the region (3.3 percent) was recorded in Putnam County.

  • Putnam County 3.3 percent
  • Rockland County 3.6 percent
  • Dutchess County 3.7 percent
  • Sullivan County 3.7 percent
  • Westchester County 3.7 percent
  • Ulster County 4.0 percent
  • Orange County 4.3 percent

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SEPTEMBER 23—FUGITIVE FROM JUSTICE, EXTRADITED TO WESTCHESTER, PLEADS GUILTY TO RAPE CHARGE AFTER ALMOST20 YEARS

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District Attorney Seal

SUSAN CACACE
WESTCHESTER COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY

 

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. – Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced that a fugitive from justice who absconded to Mexico after raping a young child over a decade ago has admitted to his criminal conduct.

Galo Herrera, 53, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of Rape in the First Degree, a class B felony, before Judge Maurice Dean Williams.

DA Cacace said:

“The defendant’s cowardly scheme to evade accountability, nearly 20 years in the making, could not outrun the long arm of the justice system. In the intervening years, this office never ceased working to secure his return to the
United States. I am hopeful this guilty plea will provide the victim with the closure she has long deserved.”

Between December 2006 and January 2007, the defendant forcibly raped a young child who was under the age of 13 years old at the time.

Herrera fled the jurisdiction before he could be apprehended on these charges.

In 2008, Herrera was indicted on one count of Predatory Sexual Assault Against a Child, a class A-II felony, two counts of Rape in the First Degree, a class B felony, and three counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class A misdemeanor.

He was extradited to Westchester earlier this year.

The case was investigated by the Mount Vernon Police Department, the Westchester DA’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Westchester County Department of Labs and Research and the New York State Police Crime Lab were utilized in the course of the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Charlotte Gudis.
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SEPTEMBER 23– YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST DR. KATELYN JETELINA THE STATE OF HEALTH

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SEPTEMBER 20–DR. KATYLIN JETELINA UPDATE ON VACCINES NOW AFTER ACIP MEETINGS

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yCovid-19 vaccine changes: What it means for you

Day 2 of ACIP

FRIDAYwas the second meeting of ACIP—the CDC’s vaccine policy advisory group. On the agenda: changes to Covid-19 vaccine recommendations. (Yesterday’s meeting covered MMRV and Hep B vaccines; catch that post here if you missed it.)

CDC staff weren’t in the room; instead, they watched from a separate livestream due to safety concerns directed at them by some ACIP members. That’s where we are right now in the U.S.

This meeting was even more heated than yesterday’s.

Nearly all ACIP members are long-time Covid-19 contrarians—many still defending hydroxychloroquine and ivermectin long after they were proven ineffective. Their views, built over the pandemic, spilled out as a firehose of falsehoods (we counted more than 50) mixed with selective science.

There were also process violations, ranging from abandoning GRADE methodology (the standard system for evaluating medical evidence quality) without explanation to multiple vote reversals and ACIP members abstaining due to confusion.

It was a mess. I’m burned out.

It’s Friday. But ultimately, today was a win for all of those pushing back on RFK Jr and a victory for patient choice. Here is what happened and what it means for you.

Decisions from the past two days

Covid-19 vaccines: Still recommended by the federal government for everyone over 6 months, but the decision should be made in partnership with their clinician. This is broader than the FDA license (which means the CDC recommends off-label use) but less wide than professional organizations. (Not everyone has a clinician, so this creates massive barriers.)

Covid-19 Recommendations as of September 19, 2025. Figure by Your Local Epidemiologist

Hepatitis B: No vote—for reasons not explained. This is highly unusual and makes me nervous for what’s ahead. For now, no changes—but we’re already hearing this is confusing newborn nurseries.

MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella combination vaccine): Removed as an option for a child’s first dose. My level of concern: “Yellow.” (See justification from yesterday’s post here.)

MMRV vaccine changes after the ACIP meeting, September 19, 2025. Figure by Your Local Epidemiologist.

What happened with Covid-19 vaccines

The Covid-19 broad recommendation is welcomed but surprising.

The science hasn’t changed: Covid-19 vaccines remain safer than the virus and continue to provide additional protection to all.

However, the questions and statements at this meeting did not reflect their broad support of the vaccine. Some points raised were reasonable (e.g., “disease is becoming less severe for some groups” → true; “uptake is low” → worth discussing). But these were folded into falsehoods:

  • Claimed: They don’t prevent infection so aren’t worthwhile. False. They prevent hospitalization and death, and they do reduce transmission, though not permanently.
  • Claimed: There’s DNA contamination of the vaccines. False. There isn’t—all DNA tested by appropriate methods is well within regulatory limits.
  • Claimed: Spike proteins appear in breastmilk. False. The mRNA vaccine can appear transiently in breastmilk, but it is not shown to have any harmful effects on nursing children, and it is eliminated by their digestive tract.
  • Claimed: Covid vaccines cause cancer, autoimmune disease, and excess deaths. False. They don’t.

We tallied more than 50 falsehoods in real time. Brandolini’s Law was on full display: it takes orders of magnitude more energy to refute lies than to spread them.

Historically, during the meeting, ACIP members ask questions and make clarifications to build a case for their vote. But today ACIP members argued Covid-19 risks outweigh benefits, and then voted the opposite.

The mismatch between the vote and the discussion tells me something is happening behind the scenes. 

RFK may be feeling the heat as they take away people’s choices and restrict access. People in the U.S. actually want vaccines—they want to have a choice. I think this is also reflective of grassroots pushback, political pressure, state actions, and strong internal voices curbing the most extreme proposals. So many people have been working incredibly hard to ensure patient access for those who want the vaccine.

What does this Covid-19 vote mean for you?

  1. You should talk to a health care provider (including pharmacists) about getting a Covid-19 vaccine. Pharmacists can provide vaccines in all 50 states using shared clinical decision-making. Now is a great time to get vaccinated to prevent getting really sick—and don’t forget to get your RSV (if you are eligible) and flu vaccines.
  2. Your Covid-19 vaccine should be covered at no out-of-pocket cost to you, based on the decision today, as well as firm commitments from insurers.
  3. You may still need a prescription, depending on where you live. Because Covid-19 vaccines remain off-label for some groups—like healthy adults and children, given the CDC and FDA aren’t aligned—some states still require a prescription at pharmacies. We’ve been tracking state actions daily, and here’s the latest landscape. Expect changes in the coming days as states review their laws and regulations.

Note: There may be supply issues, especially with kids’ vaccines, given that there are many more limited options this year. Also, many clinics have been waiting for this ACIP vote, so purchasing and ordering may be delayed.

Bottom line

Go get vaccinated, if possible.

In the past two days, your vaccine choices have slightly narrowed but not dramatically. As I said yesterday, RFK Jr. has doused the house in gasoline and lit small fires across the property. The flames haven’t reached the house yet because a number of players are holding buckets of water.

Drop your questions below in the comments, and I’ll answer your top questions in the coming days. Also, join me Monday for a webinar to unpack what’s really happening with fall vaccines. Register below!

Love, YLE

Join me and Chelsea Cipriano of the Common Health Coalition Monday for a live webinar on fall vaccines: the who, what, when, where, and why of fall vaccination. Paid subscribers can register below.

Register here! Look forward to seeing you there!

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WHITE PLAINS WEEK SATURDAY MORNING 8:30 AM JOHN BAILEY’S FRIDAY SEPT 19 REPORT ON FIOS CH 45 OR OPTIMUM CH. 76 AND www.wpcommunitymedia.org

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DR. SHERLITA AMLER WESTCHESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF HEALTH ON THE WESTCHESTER LEGIONAIRE’S DISEASE SITUATION

THE NEW YORK DOSE DR. MARISSA DONNELLY ON WHY LEGIONNAIRE’S DISEASE INFECTIONS HAS GROWN.

 

GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES $6OO MILLION QUANTUM LAB TECH CENTER AT STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK AT STONY BROOK 

GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES MTA  HAVING ITS BEST YEAR EVER. RIDERS HAVE RETURNED TO THE RAILS

CONGESTION PRICING A SUCCESS. TRAFFIC LIGHTER, MASS TRANSIT RIDERSHIP UP

 

COVID 19 CASES DOUBLE IN FIRST 2 WEEKS OF SEPTEMBER

WITH JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS

EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK

FOR 25 YEARS

 

 

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SEPTEMBER 19– GOVERNOR AWARDS MEDAL OF HONOR TO TWO STATE TROOPER HEROES

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GOVERNOR HOCUL AWARDS NEW YORK STATE POLICE TECHNICAL SERGEANT RICHARD W. ALBERT AND CORTLAND COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE CAPTAIN ANTHONY PHELPS THE STATE’S POLICE OFFICER MEDAL OF HONOR

Sergeant Albert and Captain Phelps Receive the State’s Highest Honor for Their Outstanding Bravery While Under Fire

Governor Hochul Presents Awards During Public Safety Appreciation Reception in Albany

The Governor’s Flickr Page Will Have Photos of the Event Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today at a ceremony in Albany awarded New York State Police Technical Sergeant Richard W. Albert and Cortland County Sheriff’s Office Captain Anthony Phelps the New York State Police Officer Medal of Honor for demonstrating exceptional courage and bravery. Sergeant Albert received the award for 2023 and Captain Phelps for 2024.

“Each of these officers displayed extraordinary bravery while under lethal threat by armed individuals who shot at police,” Governor Hochul said. “Their instincts and training kicked in, and their quick thinking and swift action saved their own lives while also protecting the lives of others. It is my honor to recognize and commend them for their heroism and thank them for their professionalism and dedication to public service.”

Governor Hochul presented the award, also known as the Governor’s Police Officer of the Year Award, to Sergeant Albert and Captain Phelps this morning during a Public Safety Appreciation Reception at the Executive Mansion in Albany. Family members and colleagues of the officers and approximately 200 law enforcement executives from across the state attended the reception.

Sergeant Richard W. Albert

On June 16, 2023, just after 11 a.m., Sergeant Albert, then a Trooper assigned to highway patrol, observed a Honda Pilot traveling at 112 miles per hour on Interstate 88 in Duanesburg, Schenectady County, and signaled for the driver to pull over. As he approached the driver’s side window, the passenger opened fire.

A 9mm round pierced Sergeant Albert’s left shoulder, just inches away from his heart. As a barrage of bullets continued, he took cover behind his patrol car, radioed for assistance, provided calm and clear updates, and returned fire.

The gunman attempted to flee but was blocked by a tractor trailer driver who witnessed the shooting and heroically blocked the Honda Pilot by turning into its path. The shooter then tried to carjack a pickup truck at gunpoint. Sergeant Albert, bleeding and under continued fire, reloaded his weapon, pursued his assailant and exchanged fire again. As backup and emergency responders arrived, the gunman fled into the nearby woods, where he was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Captain Anthony Phelps

On January 29, 2024, around 1 p.m., two Cortland County Sheriff’s deputies attempted to serve an eviction warrant at a home, where the tenant was found sitting on his couch holding a shotgun. A city of Cortland police officer arrived on scene, and three officers attempted to deescalate the situation, urging the man to put down his weapon.

Captain Phelps, then an investigator sergeant, arrived and climbed to the top of the stairs just as the tenant opened fire. While the other officers sought cover, Captain Phelps advanced toward the individual, striking him in the leg and ending the threat. He then secured the scene and applied a tourniquet to the tenant’s leg, saving his life.

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “Technical Sergeant Albert and Captain Phelps faced grave danger and took immediate action to protect themselves and their fellow New Yorkers. Their remarkable bravery exemplifies not only the finest traditions of law enforcement, but an enduring dedication to serve the public with honor, integrity, and humanity. On behalf of the Police Officer of the Year Award Selection Committee and the Division of Criminal Justice Services, I am honored to recognize them for their selfless service and thank them for the work they do each day to keep our communities safe.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said,

 “Sergeant Albert defines the very essence of what being a public servant is all about – dedication and selfless service. Today, we commemorate his gallant act and heroic efforts that took place on June 16, 2023. While most would run in the other direction, Sergeant Albert ran toward the gunfire despite knowing the risks. Due to his quick thinking and calm demeanor, two innocent bystanders left the scene unharmed. Thank you, Sergeant Albert, for your outstanding service and exceptional performance of duty, and for representing the New York State Police so well.”

Cortland County Sheriff Mark E. Helms said, “I am proud of all the officers who responded to this incident, but Captain Phelps stood out for his swift, decisive, and professional actions. His quick assessment and immediate response prevented what could have been a tragic outcome, protecting the lives of his fellow officers. Captain Phelps exemplifies the very best of the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office.”

Sergeant Albert, a 23-year member of the State Police, is currently assigned to the agency’s Office of Emergency Management in Albany. He is the 12th member of the State Police to receive the Medal of Valor/Governor’s Police Officer of the Year Award. Captain Phelps joined the Cortland County’s Sheriff’s Office in 2007 and was promoted to Road Patrol Captain last year. He is the first member of the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office to receive the award.

The Division of Criminal Justice Services coordinates the work of the Police Officer of the Year Award selection committee, members of which represent law enforcement agencies and police union leadership. One department nominated two individuals for the 2023 award while eight departments nominated a total of 10 individuals for the 2024 award. Those nominees receive a Certificate of Exceptional Valor from Governor Hochul.

A total of 125 officers from 22 different police departments and sheriffs’ offices have been recognized with the Medal of Valor/Governor’s Police Officer of the Year Award since its creation in 1984.

State Senator Lea Webb said, “Captain Anthony Phelps has been awarded the New York State Police Officer Medal of Honor for his service. He demonstrated extraordinary courage and quick action in the face of danger, protecting his fellow officers and our community while also preserving a life. His recognition as the first member of the Cortland County Sheriff’s Office to receive this honor is a historic moment and a testament to his dedication to public service. I congratulate Captain Phelps on this well deserved award and thank him for his unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe.”

State Senator Patricia Fahy said, “Our police officers are among the heroes of our communities and Trooper Albert and Captain Phelps represent some of the best of those who put on the uniform. Thanks to quick and decisive action from both of these officers, including here in Duanesburg in my district by Trooper Albert, New Yorkers are safer. On behalf of a grateful community and New Yorkers everywhere, I thank you for your bravery and today’s honor is more than deserved.”

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SEPTEMBER 19–GREENBURGH TOWN SUPERVISOR: RESIDENTS ANNOYED BY AIRCRAFT EAST AND WESTBOUND ACROSS GREENBURGH CENTRAL WESTCHESTER

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WPCNR THE LETTER TICKER. From Town of Greenburgh Town Supervisor, Paul Feiner. September 18, 2025

I have been receiving some complaints from residents about the apparent increase in airplanes/helicopters flying over Greenburgh and the river villages near the Hudson River.

received the following response from the Westchester County Airport that I think would be of interest.

PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor

The New York metro area has the busiest airspace in the world.  On a typical day more than 5,000 aircraft will arrive, depart or just pass through New York’s airspace.  Westchester County Airport typically accounts for about 10% of this traffic.

The county airport is a public use facility.  Like a highway, the airport is open to all users whose aircraft can be operated within the physical limitations of the airfield.  The county may not discriminate against users based on aircraft type (general aviation vs. commercial aviation).  Doing so would violate the grant assurance agreements between the county and the Federal Aviation Administration related to federal funds that have paid for improvements at the airport.

Westchester County Airport is open 24 hours a day.  Under the federal Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 (ANCA) any airport that did not have a hard restriction such as a curfew in place prior to October of 1990 cannot implement one. 

Even if ANCA or the grant assurance agreements were not in place, Westchester County is under a permanent injunction forbidding the county from implementing or enforcing any form of restriction on the operations at the airport. (United States v. County Of Westchester, 571 F. Supp. 786 (S.D.N.Y 1983)

While the airport has a Voluntary Restraint from Flying period from Midnight to 6:30 AM, the airport can only ask operators to avoid flying during that time and can take no action against those that do.

We have received your input and will keep record of your inquiry.

Kindly refer to the noise abatement website with further questions and concerns:

 

https://airport.westchestergov.com/about-us/environmental-management-system/noise-abatement

Regards,

AirportWeb

Westchester County Airport

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