Cuomo offers to allow most information on illegal immigrants who obtain driver's licenses to feds...
New York's governor is offering to allow federal officials access to the state's motor vehicle database but not to drivers' Social Security numbers. It's part of an effort to persuade the Trump administration to let state residents back into Global Entry and other frequent traveler programs. The proposal is the latest compromise that Gov. Andrew Cuomo is publicly floating in hopes President Trump's administration will reverse its decision announced earlier this month to prevents New Yorkers from enrolling or re-enrolling in programs that let them skip long security lines at airports. But Cuomo says the Trump administration rejected the idea when he proposed it privately weeks ago.
----
The nation's top immigration enforcement official says that New York's new law allowing people who are in the U.S. illegally to get driver's licenses goes far beyond other states' measures in restricting his agency's access to motor vehicle records. In response to that law... the Department of Homeland Security blocked New York residents from enrolling or re-enrolling in Global Entry and other "trusted traveler" programs. Acting Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Matthew Albence says the new law's restrictions could hinder his officers from assisting in ongoing criminal investigations and running license plate searches.
Jamestown woman arrested after falling through ceiling trying to avoid arrest...
A city woman allegedly trying to hide from police in an apartment ceiling in Jamestown... and, was arrested after she fell through Thursday afternoon. Officers responded to a reported Order of Protection violation at a residence on Charles Street about 3:30 p.m., and, determined 31 year-old Ashley Inserra was unlawfully in the home of the victim. Police say Inserra had climbed into the ceiling when she learned of their arrival... and, was later taken into custody without further incident.
Jamestown BPU warns of new telephone scam...
Another phone scam has surfaced that the Jamestown Board of Public Utilities is warning customers about. BPU Spokeswoman Becky Robbins says... in this case... a caller claims to be from the BPU, and says the customer was overcharged. Robbins says the caller is checking to be sure the money was refunded to the customer's bank account... but, Robbins says customers are asked for bank account numbers and other personal financial information. She says never give out those numbers... and adds the BPU is not making such calls. Robbins says hang up if you receive such a call.
Schumer calls on federal government to provide better coverages for Vietnam veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange...
New York's senior U.S. Senator is calling on the federal government to approve the addition of four health conditions to a benefits list that would help give coverage to Vietnam veterans who suffer from conditions linked to the chemical Agent Orange. Democrat Charles Schumer made an appearance Thursday at Memorial Park in Dunkirk and was joined by local Vietnam veterans. Schumer says there are more than 240,000 Vietnam veterans in New York State, with approximately 32,000 of them from Western New York. Schumer says there are 82,000 nationally who have confirmed Agent Orange-related illnesses now. He is demanding to know why the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Veterans Affairs is continuing to block billions of dollars in health care coverage and benefits for thousands of Vietnam-era veterans.
Mitrano says it does not appear there will be a Democratic Primary this year for 23rd Congressional District race...
At the moment... it appears there won't be a Democratic Primary for the nomination to run against incumbant Republican Tom Reed for the 23rd Congressional District seat. That from Penn Yan Democrat Tracy Mitrano... who says the only other person who has announced is Tompkins County Oral Surgeon, Dr. Scott Noren. However... Mitrano says he's had a minimal campaign... and, tends to run against Democratic women. She says he ran against incumbant U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand the last time she ran for re-election. But, she says he doesn't campaign, has no election team, nor does he fund raise. Noren has also never been put on a ballot, either. Mitrano says her campaign has looked, and Noren has very little campaign finances. Conversely... Mitrano says she's been able to raise almost half-a-million dollars for the campaign after raising about $1.8-million in her first run against Reed. Reed announced shortly after defeating Mitrano in November of 2018 that he would be running for another two-year term this year. On his website... Noren makes his case that health care is a "basic human right..." and offers other views.
