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(WNY News Now) – Governor Hochul Celebrates Record Ridership, Rebounding Faster Than Pre-Pandemic Levels.Governor Kathy Hochul announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority hit one billion trips on the New York City subway in 2024. The billionth customer was identified as Sir Michael Carrasquillo from Prospect Heights, Brooklyn who tapped into the subway system at Atlantic Av–Barclays Ctr 2 3 4 5 B D N R Q Station at 1:45 p.m. Mr. Carrasquillo received four weeks of unlimited rides on an OMNY card, and an OMNY hat and T-shirt. This milestone follows the busiest Sunday since the pandemic with the subway carrying 2.6 million riders during the New York City Marathon and comes nearly two months earlier than in 2022. October was the busiest October for New York City Transit since the...

(WNY News Now) – Governor’s Program Boosts Climate Resilience with New Round of Support for Homeowners in Flood-Prone Areas.Governor Kathy Hochul announced up to $20 million is available for eligible homeowners in flood prone areas to make proactive flood mitigation and energy-efficiency improvements to their homes as part of a new round of funding for the Resilient Retrofits Program. This latest round of funding builds upon the program’s initial $10 million allocation as part of a pilot phase in 2023.“We are committed to building resilient communities and ensuring more New Yorkers are protected from extreme weather before it occurs,” Governor Hochul said. “By expanding our successful Resilient Retrofits program, eligible homeowners have access to additional resources that can help keep th...

(WNY News Now) – JAMESTOWN, N.Y. – As the weather begins to change, Jamestown Public Schools may need to delay or close schools due to weather conditions. If schools are closed or have a delayed opening, JPS will make an announcement on area radio and television stations, and post on the JPS Facebook Page (@JamestownPublicSchools) and JPS Twitter/X feed (@JamestownSchool). The district will also communicate with families and staff using its direct messaging system. Parents and students can expect to receive telephone, email and text messages on delayed openings or school closings, as long as their contact information is up-to-date in the district’s system. The district encourages families to contact their child’s main office to update their contact information. School closing decisions are...

(WNY News Now) – Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the successful completion of a significant infrastructure project: the replacement of the Cauterskill Road Bridge over I-87 in Greene County.Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of a $4.4 million bridge replacement project over I-87 in Greene County. The Cauterskill Road bridge (milepost 112.57) in the Town of Catskill was replaced with a modern structure. The bridge carries Cauterskill Road (County Road 47) over the Thruway (I-87).“The completion of the Cauterskill Road Bridge represents New York’s continued commitment to enhancing our transportation system and ensuring that our motorists commute on safe and reliable roads,” Governor Hochul said. “This bridge replacement will not only improve the quality of our roadways,...

(WNY News Now) – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and Senator Kirsten Gillibrand have announced a significant boost in federal funding, totaling $360,185,996, for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in New York.New York, NY – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced that New York will receive $360,185,996 in federal funding through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This money will help thousands of low-income households across the state afford their energy bills and make cost-effective repairs to their heating systems this winter.“Everyone in New York should be able to come home to warmth in the winter. I’m proud to deliver $360+ million in Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program fu...

(WNY News Now) – Attorney General Michelle Henry has addressed recent allegations of fraudulent voter registration forms detected in several Pennsylvania counties, affirming the state’s commitment to a secure electoral process.HARRISBURG – Attorney General Michelle Henry is sharing the following information and assurance regarding allegations of fraudulent voter registration forms surfacing in multiple Pennsylvania counties:“Apparent attempts to submit fraudulent voter registration forms in Berks, Lancaster, Monroe, and York counties have been defeated. The Office of Attorney General is working with the respective county officials to investigate those responsible for this conduct. Our office shares jurisdiction with county district attorneys to investigate violations of the state Election ...

(WNY News Now) – Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) has introduced two significant bipartisan bills designed to enhance health care standards and accessibility for America’s seniors.WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced two bipartisan bills focused on improving health outcomes and transparency in long-term care settings. H.R. 10072, the Long-Term Care Transparency Act, and H.R. 10071, the Evidence-Informed Health Promotion Act, aim to address critical gaps in senior care and public health programs across the United States.The Long-Term Care Transparency Act, co-led by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), will ensure that Congress has access to crucial information about the quality and safety of care in long-term care facilities like nursing homes. Right now, st...

(WNY News Now) – The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is launching a free education program aimed at empowering caregivers of individuals living with dementia.BUFFALO, N.Y.  — The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will offer a free education program on understanding the role of caregiver for people living with dementia at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, at the Allegany County Office for the Aging, 6085 NY-19, Belmont, N.Y.“Understanding the key aspects of caregiving can help to ensure the delivery of person-centered care while managing your own emotional and physical well-being,” says Andrea Koch, director of community engagement for the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.The program, part of the Association’s new “Empowered Caregiver” e...

(WNY News Now) – New Master Teacher and Counselor Programs Aim to Strengthen STEM Education Across New York.Governor Kathy Hochul announced the selection of 144 STEM teachers for the New York State Master Teacher Program, a professional network of more than 1,700 public-school teachers with a passion for inspiring the next generation of educational leaders. Twenty-six counselors were also selected as part of the inaugural Master Counselor Program.“Here in New York, we are incredibly grateful for our teachers’ and counselors’ dedication to inspiring and shaping the minds of our students – the next generation of leaders in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “Through the New York State Master Teacher Program, we’re recognizing the hardworking educational leaders who are helping us build a worl...

(WNY News Now) – New York residents can now access Pawfect Journey, a free online platform dedicated to enhancing pet care and strengthening the bond between pets and their families.New York residents can now explore Pawfect Journey, a website offering FREE resources to support the best care possible for pets. With a large range of articles covering everything from essential safety tips to nutritional advice and fun pet name ideas, this platform caters to new and experienced pet owners alike.Pawfect Journey’s resources include helpful guides such as Can Cats Eat Plantains, recommendations for Dog Toys for High Energy Dogs, and How to Trim a Guinea Pig’s Nails. Pawfect Journey aims to foster strong, lasting bonds between pets and their families.In addition to valuable content, Pawfect Journ...