AGP Executive Report

Immigration Enforcement Clash: DHS says ICE arrested 2,197 immigrants in New York during “Operation Rotten Apple,” while Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani dispute the framing and accuse federal officials of undermining public safety. Counterterror Funding Fight: Hochul and Mamdani also pressed DHS to release $87 million in counterterrorism money they say is owed, with FEMA pushing back that New York has more unspent homeland security funds. Climate Ruling: A federal judge blocked New York’s Climate Change Superfund Act, striking down the state’s plan to require major oil and gas companies to pay for emissions impacts. Local Public Safety: New York State Police report a bicyclist died after being struck by three vehicles in Auburn; in White Plains, a ShopRite worker is in custody after a newborn was found abandoned in a restroom. Health Watch: Ontario County Public Health is investigating two confirmed measles cases in unvaccinated residents, stressing the overall risk is low for vaccinated people. Education & Training: A new New York cosmetology law expands required training to cover all hair types and textures. Sports: The Seahawks face a tough AFC East opener path, while the Guardians beat the Blue Jays 6-1 behind Gavin Williams’ 13 strikeouts.

Public Safety Funding Fight: Gov. Kathy Hochul and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani renewed pressure on the Trump administration to release $87 million in promised counterterrorism money, warning cuts could hit bomb squads and emergency operations. Local Construction & Childcare: Norwich is moving fast on “The Beginning Place,” a $1 million early learning center expected to open late this year or early 2027 to ease Chenango County’s childcare shortage. Crime & Courts: A Norwich man was charged after allegedly setting multiple dumpsters on fire; he was released on an appearance ticket. Albany Revitalization: Hochul announced $18.6M for 10 downtown Albany projects under the $400M CAP initiative, plus more streetscape funding. Health Policy: A federal judge paused a lawsuit seeking to restrict access to the abortion pill mifepristone while the FDA completes its review. Community & Culture: The Arc New York received $22.8M in tax-exempt financing from DASNY for equipment statewide, and the Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration returns to CMAC tonight.

Bills & Buffalo Community: Josh Allen will wear custom “Billustration” hats at every home game this season, made by children at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo, with proceeds benefiting the Patricia Allen Fund. Local Business & Food: Medita Kitchen launched chef-made, high-protein Mediterranean meal delivery across NJ and select NY. Community & Culture: The 9/11 Memorial & Museum announced a new Sept. 12 exhibit, “In Their Honor: 25 Years of 9/11-Inspired Service,” focused on the next generation of first-responder families. Public Safety: State police are investigating a deadly Sparrowbush house fire after a person was found dead inside. Housing/Development: DEC held a crowded public meeting in Sag Harbor over developer Adam Potter’s cleanup plan tied to a proposed large project at Bridge Street. Courts & Cannabis: A New York appellate ruling says towns can’t add cannabis dispensary location rules that conflict with state law. Health Watch: FDA recalls include mangoes sold at Walmart over possible salmonella contamination. Sports & Entertainment: “Hell’s Kitchen” (Alicia Keys music) is headed to Rochester Broadway Theatre League in November.

State Funding & Community Health: Gov. Kathy Hochul launched the second round of NY BRICKS, putting $75 million toward building, renovating, and modernizing community centers statewide, with grants from $250,000 to $15 million and a required 20% match. Public Health: Chautauqua County reported its first lab-confirmed measles case in over 30 years, urging residents to stay up to date on vaccinations as New York tallies dozens of cases statewide this year. Overdose Response: Ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day, Hochul said overdose deaths are down about 45% since 2022, while a Rye officer used Narcan to save a man suspected of an opioid overdose. Local Politics & Immigration: Upstate backlash continues after an upstate county executive canceled a DHS job fair over ICE participation. Courts & Policy: A federal judge vacated a Trump administration policy that suspended processing immigrant visas from 75 countries. Business & Banking: Jeffersonville’s Jeff Bank completed its conversion to a national charter, effective Sept. 1. Sports: NFL teams began practice-squad moves after the 53-man roster deadline, with AFC East transactions highlighted. Food Safety: Multiple recalls hit New York, including frozen buffalo chicken products and certain white rice packages.

NFL Roster Shake-Up: Titans waived QB Will Levis while the Giants brought back Odell Beckham Jr., as the league set initial 53-man rosters and more than 1,000 players learned their fate. Local Schools Watch: New York State Education Department enrollment reports show shifting student demographics across NYC schools, including Public School 153 Helen Keller (31 Asian/Pacific Islander), Public School 10 (42 Asian/Pacific Islander), and Public School 583 (29 Black students). Public Health Alert: DEC issued a rabies-scare advisory after a potentially infected fox bit a visitor at Staten Island’s Mount Loretto Unique Area, urging people to avoid contact with animals. Politics & Courts: A New York prosecutor says Letitia James’ office ordered him to target Trump allies, while federal judges continue weighing Trump hush-money case bids. Weather & Safety: Two tornadoes were confirmed in Saratoga County during severe storms, and officials continue monitoring storm impacts. Sports & Local Interest: Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. hit a 40-steal milestone, and NFL cutdown fallout continues to ripple into the season. Lake Ontario Naming Fight: Google updated US maps to show “Lake America” after Trump’s order, sparking backlash in Canada.

Local Public Safety: A newborn was abandoned inside a ShopRite women’s restroom in White Plains and rushed to the hospital; police are investigating and urging tips under New York’s Safe Haven law. Housing & Fire Safety: A lithium-ion battery is blamed for a deadly NYC Housing Authority fire at Albany Houses in Crown Heights that killed a teenager; FDNY fire marshals are investigating. Upstate Crime/Hardship: A longtime Albany school janitor was caught secretly living in Hackett Middle School, even bringing his kids for weekend stays, saying he had “nowhere else to go.” State Politics/Immigration: Gov. Kathy Hochul and AG Letitia James sued the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office over alleged failure to end ICE-related agreements under the Local Cops, Local Crimes Act. Great Lakes Naming Fight: Google Maps in the U.S. now shows Lake Ontario as “Lake America” after Trump’s order, while New York officials say they won’t use the new name. Education Data: NYSED enrollment reports highlight shifting demographics at multiple NYC schools, including Public School 70 and Public School 81. Health Watch: West Nile Virus was detected in Orange County mosquitoes for the first time this year. Weather: A heat dome is driving severe storm and flooding risk toward the Northeast.

Lake Ontario Rename Fallout: President Trump signed an order to have the federal government use “Lake America” for Lake Ontario within 30 days, but New York officials say it’s absurd and Canada won’t be required to follow; indigenous leaders are protesting the move as disrespectful to Indigenous language and history. Public Health & Safety: A boil-water advisory for the South Otselic Municipal Water System in Chenango County has been lifted after monitoring showed the water meets state standards; NYC also has four beaches under swimming advisories for water quality concerns. Local Incidents: A tractor-trailer crash in the town of Ava killed two people, and investigators are working to determine what happened; a person died after an Orange County house fire in Sparrowbush, with cause still under investigation. Health Watch: Steuben County reported two new measles cases tied to unvaccinated residents, and officials say risk to vaccinated people remains low. Community & Culture: A pediatrician, Dr. Emerita Abdon Pizarro, joined FHP Health Center, and a local history Q&A at Comsewogue Library brought residents’ questions to longtime historian Jack Smith. Sports: NFL cutdown day is underway as teams trim to 53 players, with former Bills edge rusher Boogie Basham released by the Commanders and other roster moves rolling out.

Public Health: New York has now logged over 1,000 cyclosporiasis cases this year, with the state reporting 1,014 cases from Jan. 1 through Aug. 24—about double 2024 and 2025 totals—after 41 more cases were added in the past week. Health & Safety Outdoors: Two upstate parks are among the nation’s top tick hotspots, with Green Lakes State Park ranking No. 2 and Harriman State Park No. 3, as tick-borne illness concerns keep rising. Local Government & Housing: Geneva’s Industrial Development Agency approved $1.5 million in tax breaks for a 64-unit downtown project, Litheo Flats, despite one member voting no over concerns about developer subsidies. Immigration Enforcement: Gov. Kathy Hochul says New York will increase security for synagogues and Jewish communities ahead of the High Holidays, while also defending the state’s anti-ICE cooperation law as local cops lose power to pursue deportations. Environment & Health: West Nile virus has turned up in Onondaga County, with mosquito pools testing positive across multiple upstate areas, prompting fresh bite-prevention reminders. Sports: The Marcus Whitman/Bloomfield football program is leaning on a familiar coaching setup as it navigates a tough 2026 schedule.

Courts & Politics: A federal judge again blocked President Trump’s bid to move his New York hush-money case to federal court, saying his arguments are “neither new nor legally sufficient,” keeping the Stormy Daniels conviction on track for appeal. Great Lakes Clash: Trump’s executive order renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America” is drawing pushback from New York leaders and lawmakers, while Canada and others say they don’t have to adopt the new name. Immigration Enforcement: New York’s ban on 287(g) ICE agreements is taking heat as DHS warns it will mean more federal agents in communities, with sheriffs challenging the law in court. Local Public Safety: An Albany woman was arrested after police say she used a tire iron to attack multiple vehicles in the Capital Region, including with children inside. Maritime & Defense: SUNY Maritime says its training ship Empire State has been activated for temporary federal service starting around Sept. 1. Sports (NYC): The Giants closed the preseason with a 23-6 win over the Jets at MetLife.

Lake Ontario “Lake America” Backlash: President Trump signed an order renaming Lake Ontario, but many New Yorkers and local officials say it won’t stick—locals insist it’s still Lake Ontario. Courts: A federal judge again blocked Trump’s bid to move his New York hush-money case to federal court, rejecting presidential-immunity arguments. Immigration Enforcement: New York’s ban on local police cooperating with ICE took effect, and sheriffs immediately sued to challenge it. Local Government/Housing: Albany progressives are pushing “State of Yes” zoning reforms, including “fair share” housing proposals and tougher tenant protections. Nightlife Policy: Gov. Hochul announced the state will drop outdated rules requiring liquor-license applicants to disclose whether patrons can dance—Kevin Bacon helped celebrate. Public Health: A boil-water notice was issued for the South Otselic Water District, and Chautauqua County urged measles vaccinations as cases rise. Weather: The NWS confirmed a tornado near Wilton during Thursday’s severe storms. Sports: Bills and Steelers wrap up preseason action, with TV/streaming details driving tonight’s viewing.

Great Lakes Politics: President Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America,” a move tied to the U.S.-Canada trade fight; Canada and New York leaders say they won’t follow suit, and locals in the Rochester area are pushing back. Severe Weather: Storms are threatening the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic with flash flooding, hail, damaging winds, and possible tornadoes; hundreds of flights were canceled, including at LaGuardia and JFK, and NYC-area flood alerts remain in play. Local Development: Queens’ Metropolitan Park Casino plan faced sharp criticism from the City’s Public Design Commission over public-space shortcomings and an extra hotel tower. Public Safety & Community: Western New York agencies are joining the statewide STOP-DWI push through Sept. 7, while a Breaking Bread reentry dinner series is connecting formerly incarcerated people with local services. Sports: Buffalo closed the preseason with a win over Pittsburgh, and the NFL cutdown/waiver process is now the big countdown for teams. Weekend Picks (WNY): Wing Fest at Sahlen Field, the Buffalo German Fest, and the Lewiston Jazz Festival headline a busy weekend.

Great Lakes Politics: President Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” for U.S. federal use, a fresh jab in the Canada trade fight that updates U.S. maps and documents but doesn’t force Canada to change. Weather & Safety: Gov. Hochul warned of scattered thunderstorms across New York, with a flood watch for parts of NYC and the Mid-Hudson region as heavy rain, damaging winds, and an isolated tornado are possible. Public Accountability: NY Attorney General Letitia James released body-worn camera footage tied to the April 11 death of Anthony Griffin during an NYPD encounter at Grand Central. Consumer Protection: NYS Division of Consumer Protection flagged a surge in AI-driven investment scams, warning New Yorkers to be wary of “too good to be true” offers. Wildlife & Environment: DEC is continuing a lead-free ammunition rebate program for deer hunters, while volunteers are hand-removing invasive water chestnuts on Oneida Lake. Local Notes: Rye police urged residents to stay clear of reported bobcat sightings; and Excelsior University opened applications for its first doctoral program, a Doctor of Business Administration.

Local Politics & Courts: A New York judge ruled former NYC Mayor Eric Adams and successor Zohran Mamdani violated the city charter by missing deadlines for a citywide racial equity plan, ordering the city to cooperate with reimbursing attorney fees. Immigration Enforcement: Fifteen New York sheriffs and others keep challenging the state’s ban on local ICE cooperation, arguing agencies won’t comply and immigrants could lose freedom. Tech & Teens: Meta agreed to pay nearly $17B in a child-safety settlement with 47 states, including New York, with new teen restrictions like age verification and tighter nighttime limits. Public Health: NYC issued swimming advisories at South Beach (Staten Island) and Schuyler Hill (Bronx) due to water-quality concerns. Environment & Utilities: A watchdog flagged possible shared authorship on “heat island” maps used to decide utility shutoff protections. Western New York Schools: Here are the 2026 school start dates across Western New York, with many districts beginning Sept. 2–3. Sports: Steelers and Bills meet in the final NFL preseason tune-up tonight.

Traffic Safety: New York State Police issued 62 citations during an I-81 southbound restraint checkpoint at Exit 16 in Chenango—26 for seat belts, 6 for child/youth restraints, and 23 for texting. Local Housing: Construction has started on Parkway Gardens in Utica, a $33 million, 71-unit public housing redevelopment replacing three older buildings. State Fair Buzz: Gov. Hochul kicked off the 2026 Great New York State Fair, including a new FFA Building, while the signature butter sculpture unveiled “Milk. Memories. Tradition. Rooted in New York” with 800 pounds of butter. Immigration Clash: Fifteen county sheriffs sued Hochul and AG Letitia James over New York’s new ban on ICE cooperation agreements. Public Health: A bat tested positive for rabies in New Bremen; three people are receiving post-exposure treatment. Sports & Tech: IBM completed its HRL Laboratories buyout to speed its quantum roadmap, and the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes will sit out the preseason finale vs. Seattle.

ICE Crackdown in New York: Gov. Kathy Hochul’s “Local Cops, Local Crimes” Act took effect Tuesday, ending local police cooperation with ICE and forcing agencies with existing agreements to unwind them. Legal Fight Over ICE: Rensselaer County and other sheriffs are already lining up lawsuits, arguing the ban has loopholes and hurts public safety. Great Lakes Branding Clash: Trump is floating renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America,” and Canadians are pushing back as the U.S.-Canada trade war escalates. Local Hate Crime Case: Two Hornell brothers face hate-crime charges after allegedly stealing and burning an Israeli flag. Workplace Safety Deadline: New York’s workplace violence prevention law for hospitals and nursing homes is set to start rolling out in coming months, with general hospitals facing key requirements beginning in 2027. Education Watch: New state enrollment reports highlight shifting demographics across NYC schools as the new school year approaches. Community & Culture: Times Square hosted “Saree Goes Global,” celebrating Indian textile heritage with diaspora women and families.

Local Immigration Policy: Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Local Cops, Local Crimes Act took effect, barring most local police and jails from helping ICE with civil enforcement and ending 287(g) agreements. Rikers Update: NYC DOC reported its seventh in-custody death this year after Clarence Woodward died following a medical emergency at Rikers. Trade & Naming Fight: As Canada retaliates with tariffs up to 50% starting Sept. 8, Trump again floated renaming Lake Ontario to “Lake America,” drawing quick pushback. Public Health: Albany County issued an order banning the sale of all kratom products starting Sept. 1. Housing: Construction began on Parkway Gardens, a $33M, 71-unit affordable housing redevelopment in Utica. Education & Jobs: Hochul opened applications for Workforce Pell, expanding Pell grants to short-term training credentials. Arts & Culture: The Buffalo AKG highlighted artist Ali Banisadr’s “Temple of the Mind.” Community & Safety: Oswego issued a boil-water order for part of the city after a water main break.