radioNOVO News NY News Roundup for 05-15-26

Good morning,We begin with a major "last call" for residents across the Empire State. New York’s annual spring burn ban officially expires at the end of the day today. The DEC reports that while the ground is finally starting to green up, the risk of brush fires remains. Local officials, including those in Greene and Steuben Counties, say that while you can resume backyard burning tomorrow, you must keep fires small and never leave them unattended.Downstate, the clock is ticking on a massive transportation crisis. Governor Hochul says the state is "preparing for the worst" as a potential Long Island Rail Road strike looms for this Saturday. Contract negotiations between the MTA and rail unions remain at a standstill, threatening to leave over 300-thousand daily commuters scrambling for alternatives.In Albany, a massive 2026 budget deal is coming into focus. Governor Hochul and legislative leaders have reached a tentative agreement on a new "Pied-à-Terre" tax. It would target luxury second homes in New York City worth more than five-million dollars. While Mayor Zohran Mamdani is calling it a victory for housing affordability, some lawmakers warn the deal doesn't go far enough to fill the city's multi-billion dollar budget deficit.Turning to the Hudson Valley, Congressman Mike Lawler says he was the target of a verbal attack at a Washington D.C. bar this week. Lawler, a Republican, alleges that the son of Kentucky Senator Rand Paul approached him with antisemitic and homophobic remarks. The Congressman says the encounter involved assumptions about his heritage and threats regarding future election outcomes. William Paul has since issued an apology for the incident.In Kingston, mental health care is getting a major boost with the opening of the new Ulster County Center for Well-being. The multi-service hub features a 24/7 crisis support center on the first floor to provide immediate stabilization and evaluation for residents of all ages. This comes as the state grants Kingston nearly two-million dollars to overhaul T-R Gallo Park, with plans to make the popular festival site more accessible.And finally, if you're looking for some summer fun, the City of Newburgh is letting you play movie critic. Voting is now open for the Summer Movies Series at Safe Harbors Green. Residents can choose from over a dozen films—including "Wicked" and "Space Jam"—with the top six favorites hitting the big screen starting next month.More news on our radioNOVO app -- Codi Gaboff, radioNOVO News, a service of Seven Mountains Media.