Over the past two years, our state has had to process immeasurable loss, trauma and grief due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the most gravely affected were our older loved ones, including thousands living in nursing homes and assisted...

The season of giving is nearly upon us, and there’s no better way to spend it than lending a helping hand to your neighborhood animal shelter. With temperatures dropping, more and more stray pets will need a warm place to stay as they await their forever...

Veterans Day (Nov. 11) is approaching, a time to honor the brave men and women who have served in the armed forces to protect our country and the freedoms we hold dear. All too often, many of these heroes return home with emotional and physical scars...

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, staying connected with friends and family has become a critical part of our mental health and well-being. While we may have our loved ones’ phone numbers on speed dial, it’s also important to be familiar with the...

Fresh air, clean drinking water and a healthful environment are all everyday necessities that we often take for granted. But as the threat of climate change grows more severe, we must recognize the many ways our planet takes care of us and make changes...

During the first week of October, New York Attorney General Letitia James began a statewide tour of New York to present 10 regions of the state with funds secured from settlements with various pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors that contributed...

The leaves are turning, local farmers’ markets are filled to the brim with apples and cider donuts and kids are gearing up for Halloween. Fall is officially here, which means that Election Day (Nov. 2) is just around the corner. In addition to selecting...

There’s no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has taken an extreme toll on many aspects of our lives, including our mental health. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only one in 10 adults in the U.S. reported symptoms of depression and anxiety, but as of...

When we think of a hero, oftentimes we picture someone wearing a cape and flying around the city saving lives. But the real heroes are the ones right here in our communities who put the safety of others before their own and show a level of bravery that...

After COVID-19 forced its cancellation last year, the New York State Fair made its triumphant return and did not disappoint. From the delicious food options to various competitions, live music and shows, this beloved family tradition and tourist attraction...

When we think of education, we often tend to think of children, those who are still learning the foundational blocks of knowledge that allow us to understand and navigate the complex world around us. But often overlooked are adult students who, for various...

As the summer winds down, local farms have started to harvest their fall crops, making now a great time to visit a local farmers market. Central New York is home to a vibrant farming community and buying directly from them is a great way to support local...

Every September, we take the time to remind our kids about school safety. From properly crossing the street to confirming they have a code word in place for unexpected school pick-ups, ensuring our kids know how to stay safe when they walk out the front...

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul’s rise to the highest office in our state is a historic moment for New York as we’ll witness the first woman governor sworn into office. As the 57th governor of New York, it’s certainly overdue to have a woman leading our great...

The New York State Fair, one of the many cherished events that was sadly cancelled last year due to safety concerns during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, will finally be returning this year! The fair, which runs from Aug. 20 through Sept. 6, brings...

Central New Yorkers have never had to look far for fresh and healthy food – from our farms to our producers, our agricultural sector is one of the strongest in the state. As a member of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, I’ve always fought for...

Properly disposing of old and unwanted electronic devices is a great way to have a meaningful impact, which is why I’m hosting another electronics recycling event to make it even easier for Central New Yorkers. Electronic devices have become a staple...

At the end of a long summer’s day, many people feel there’s nothing more refreshing than enjoying one of their favorite brews. From Saratoga to Buffalo, New York is home to hundreds of small, locally sourced breweries. To further support this craft...

Last week, I participated in a roundtable event with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh to discuss the future of the Interstate 81 viaduct in Syracuse, a stretch...

Every year since 2007, I’ve partnered with the American Red Cross to host my annual Lifesavers Blood Drive to help counteract summer blood shortages and save lives. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and an increase in need as we continue to return to normalcy,...