Columnists
09/30/2026 · Schenectady County
The Three-Second Pause That Protects Your Day
Before you answer that text, accept that favor, or volunteer for one more thing, try a tiny pause. It can keep an automatic “sure” from becoming an afternoon of resentment.
The Trick That Makes Shakespeare’s Summer Last Forever
Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18” begins as a compliment and ends as a dare to time itself. Its secret is not that summer is beautiful—it’s that summer is unreliable.
09/28/2026
The Most Radical Kind of Help Is Paying Attention
Simone Weil’s famous line about attention is often served as a gentler synonym for focus. It is stranger—and more useful—than that: she believed attention was a form of moral generosity.
09/28/2026
Washington’s Loudest Week Has a Quiet Bill
The White House keeps selling speed, Congress keeps selling certainty, and households keep paying for the gap between them. The week’s biggest story sits where tariffs, budget cuts, and shaky consumer confidence meet.
09/28/2026
The Giant Van Gogh Screensaver Has Gone Too Far
I have nothing against Van Gogh. I have something against being trapped inside a screensaver while a DJ whispers about “healing.” The immersive art craze deserves a little less reverence and a lot more fluorescent lighting.
09/28/2026
Lanesboro, Minnesota: The Bike Trail Town That Forgot to Be Boring
Follow the Root River into southeastern Minnesota for limestone bluffs, a walkable main street, and a breakfast plate that justifies the entire drive. Lanesboro is small enough to understand in one afternoon and strange enough to keep you poking around until dinner.
09/30/2026
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Announcements
View allExecutive Order No 62: Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers in New York While the State Develops Higher Standards for Data Center Development and Benefits Blueprint to Support Localities
Executive Order No 62: Establishing a Temporary Moratorium on Data Centers in New York While the State Develops Higher Standards for Data Center Development and Benefits Blueprint to Support Localities. Jul 14, 2026 | 10:02 AM EDT. DOWNLOAD EXECUTIVE ORDER.
Governor Cuomo Announces State's Continued Response to Novel Coronavirus as Three More Individuals are Identified for Testing in New York State
Governor Cuomo Announces State's Continued Response to Novel Coronavirus as Three More Individuals are Identified for Testing in New York State Seven Individuals Total Have Been Identified for Testing, CDC Determines Three Cases were Negative, Four Results Still Pending, No Confirmed Cases in New York State New York State Department of Health and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Directed to Post Multi-lingual Airport Signage Outlining Travel Precautions Health Department Launches Informational Web Page Department Provides Guidance to New York's College and Universities on how to Identify the Virus, Update Students and Promote Prevention Measures Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced New York State's latest efforts to prepare and respond to the outbreak of a novel coronavirus in China, after the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now confirms three cases in the United States. While there have been no confirmed cases in New York State, as of today, the New York State Department of Health has sent seven total cases to CDC for testing. Three of those cases have been proven negative, while four results are still pending. Those four individuals remain in isolation as their cases are tested at CDC. "While the experts still believe the risk of catching this novel coronavirus is currently low in New York, I want all New Yorkers to know we are prepared and continue to take all necessary steps to keep people informed and safe," Governor Cuomo said. "I have directed the Department of Health and other state agencies to continue working closely with the CDC, the World Health Organization, our local and federal government partners, and New York's healthcare providers to ensure we stay ahead of this situation." With travelers expected to begin returning to the US this week from Lunar New Year celebrations in China, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) has begun working with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to post multilingual signage about the virus at all four Port Authority international airports. DOH is also working with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to place informational signage on subways and busses. Information about the novel coronavirus is available here. On Friday, the State Department of Health held an informational webinar on the coronavirus with over 400 participants from New York's colleges and universities, many of which have international students and faculty. DOH will circulate guidance this week on messaging to students about the virus, how to prevent it and how it spreads. This is in addition to a series of informational webinars DOH has already held for hospitals and local healthcare providers. Last week the Department of Health issued guidance to healthcare providers, healthcare facilities, clinical laboratories and local health departments providing updated information about the outbreak, and ensuring proper protocols are in place if a patient is experiencing symptoms consistent with the novel coronavirus, had a travel history to Wuhan, China, where the novel coronavirus originated, or had come in contact with an individual who was under investigation for this novel coronavirus. Last week's health guidance coincided with the start of a CDC-led airport entry screening program at John F. Kennedy International Airport for passengers arriving from Wuhan, China. Chinese officials have since closed transport in and out of Wuhan and other cities in the province, including their international airports. DOH, Port Authority and the New York City Health Department will continue to work collaboratively with CDC as their travel screening process evolves. To date, no passenger has required further evaluation as a result of the CDC-led passenger screening program at JFK. To raise further awareness for all international travel, Governor Cuomo has directed the Port Authority to post informational signs at all four Port Authority international airports. New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "We encourage all New Yorkers to take normal precautions against sickness, such as regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. We will continue to work with our partners at the CDC and are prepared to assist in any way necessary to ensure the health of New Yorkers." Symptoms of the novel coronavirus may include: Runny nose Headache Cough Sore throat Fever The CDC recommends that individuals avoid all nonessential travel to Wuhan, China, but has provided specific information for those who are still planning a trip to Wuhan and for individuals who have recently returned from that city and may be experiencing the above symptoms. While there is currently no vaccine for this novel coronavirus, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses, including: Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern, or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas, should call ahead to their healthcare provider before presenting for treatment.
Damage Self-Reporting Tool for Severe Storms
New Yorkers impacted by recent severe storms should fill out the Damage Self-Reporting Tool. If your home or business sustained damage, please complete this form to help the State and counties potentially request federal aid. Please note this is not an application for relief programs.
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