NEW YORK STATE HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICES CORPORATION ANNOUNCES OPENING OF THE 2026-27 APPLICATION FOR THE SENATOR PATRICIA K. MCGEE NURSING FACULTY SCHOLARSHIP TO TRAIN FUTURE HEALTHCARE EDUCATORS

Scholarship Provides Up To $20,000 Annually for Registered Nurses Licensed in New York Pursuing Graduate Degrees to Advance Their Careers in Nursing Education

The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) announced that the 2026-27 application opened for the Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship. This program provides critical financial assistance to registered nurses seeking to advance their education and become nursing faculty, helping ensure the state can effectively train the next generation of healthcare professionals.

The McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program provides up to $20,000 per year or the average cost of attendance for a graduate program at a state-operated SUNY, whichever is less.

The scholarship highlights the critical need for qualified nursing instructors in both clinical and academic settings. By removing financial barriers for those seeking advanced degrees, New York State aims to increase enrollment capacity at nursing schools. Last year, the program awarded $2.1 million to over 100 nurses looking to transition their career to become nursing or adjunct clinical faculty.  As part of the scholarship agreement, recipients are required to live in New York State and serve as nursing faculty or adjunct faculty for four years.

To be eligible for the McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program, applicants must also:

• Enroll full-time or part-time at an approved, accredited college in NYS in a master’s or doctoral level program in nursing or related program
• Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher if the applicant has already completed a semester in a graduate program that will qualify them as nursing faculty or adjunct clinical faculty.

Eligible applicants have until June 18, 2026, to apply.

For more information, eligibility requirements, and to apply for the Senator Patricia K. McGee Nursing Faculty Scholarship Program and other New York State financial aid programs, visit the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) website.

HESC is New York State’s student financial aid agency and a national leader in providing need-based grant and scholarship award money to college-going students. At HESC’s core are more than two dozen grant, scholarship, and loan forgiveness programs, including the NYS Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Excelsior Scholarship. HESC puts college within the reach of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers each year through programs like these and through the guidance it provides to students, families, and counselors. HESC helps nearly 300,000 students achieve their college dreams each year by providing more than $900M in grants, scholarships, and loan forgiveness benefits.

OFFICE OF GENERAL SERVICES ANNOUNCES HISTORIC FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION AND NEW REVOLUTIONARY EXHIBIT AS PART OF THE CAPITAL REGION’S AMERICA 250 COMMEMORATIONS

 

Multi-Platinum Band Sugar Ray to Headline New York State’s Annual Independence Day Celebration Presented by Market 32 and Price Chopper at the Empire State Plaza 

‘Battlefields of Liberty’ Revolutionary Exhibit Now Open at the State Capitol to Honor New York’s Foundational History 

New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy announced the New York State Fourth of July Celebration presented by Market 32 and Price Chopper at the Empire State Plaza, a free, family-friendly event featuring live music, spectacular fireworks, and activities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence. Multi-platinum rock band Sugar Ray will headline the celebration as part of the evening’s entertainment lineup. 

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Moy said, “New York did not just witness the birth of our nation — it helped shape the ideals, leadership, and resolve that defined America. Team OGS is proud to commemorate New York’s enduring role in our nation’s history by celebrating the people, progress, and spirit that continue to drive us forward.” 

Market 32 and Price Chopper President Blaine Bringhurst said, “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of New York State’s July 4th Celebration, Market 32 and Price Chopper are incredibly proud to have presented this cherished tradition since the very beginning in 1976. For five decades, this event has brought people together in a spirit of patriotism, pride, and community. This milestone is especially meaningful as our nation commemorates 250 years since its founding, and we’re honored to support a tradition that means so much to families across the Capital Region and beyond.” 

Empire State Plaza July Fourth Celebration 

New York State’s annual Independence Day celebration will take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Empire State Plaza. The free event features activities for the whole family, an exhibit by New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, a costume contest, American Revolution reenactors, and more. 

This year’s headliner is the multi-platinum American band Sugar Ray. With over 10 million records sold, over a billion streams, and hits including “Fly,” “Every Morning,” “Someday,” and “When It’s Over,” the band will bring their signature sound to the Plaza before the evening ends with a massive fireworks display by Santore’s World Famous Fireworks. This sensational event is proudly sponsored by Schenectady-based grocer Market 32 and Price Chopper, celebrating 50 years of historic collaboration with OGS that has upheld this beloved Capital Region tradition. 

Market 32 and Price Chopper operate 128 supermarkets, employing over 15,500 teammates in New York, Vermont, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. The American-owned company, founded by the Golub family in 1932, prides itself on longstanding traditions of innovative food merchandising, cutting-edge brand development and store design, leadership in community service, and cooperative employee relations. For additional information, please visit www.pricechopper.com. 

Honoring Our History: ‘Battlefields of Liberty’ Exhibit 

As the cornerstone of these commemorations, the state has unveiled a new exhibit, “Battlefields of Liberty: Revolutionary War Sites in New York,” now on display at the State Street Tunnel entrance to the State Capitol. To ground the upcoming celebrations in New York's rich heritage, the exhibit showcases the state's pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War. Featuring historic paintings, images, and maps, it explores significant local moments — from the Battle of Golden Hill in New York City to the Capture of Fort Ticonderoga in the North Country. 

This historic celebration is made possible through the generous support of our community partners and sponsors, including Market 32 and Price Chopper, I LOVE NY, CDTA, Miller Lite, 99.5 The River, Fly 92.3, the Renaissance Albany Hotel, and B95.5 FM. 

For the 2026 July Fourth celebration, the public can text ESPJ4 to 888777 or sign up online here for safety alerts.   

For event updates, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov, on Facebook, and on Instagram, or call (518) 474-4759. 

About the New York State Office of General Services 

For 65 years, the New York State Office of General Services (OGS) has proudly served as the operational engine of New York State. The agency provides the essential foundation for government to function seamlessly, managing and leasing real property, designing modern facilities, streamlining procurement, and overseeing world-class cultural assets. Through its commitment to efficiency, innovation, and environmental sustainability, OGS handles the complex logistics of government so that its partners can dedicate their full focus to what matters most: advancing their missions to serve the people of New York. Discover how OGS continues to support New York at ogs.ny.gov and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

CBP Seizes More Than 100 Million Fentanyl Doses Along Southwest Border in 2026

 

Now that our border is secure, it’s harder than ever for drug traffickers to bring their poison into our communities

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reached a critical milestone by seizing more than 100 million lethal doses of fentanyl along the southwest border in Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26).

This month, officers in CBP’s San Diego Field Office seized almost 10 pounds of fentanyl powder. With this, the total amount of illicit fentanyl seized along the southwest border in FY26 could have killed more than 100 million Americans.

Illicit drugs smuggled inside a battery

Illicit drugs being weighed

“Thanks to the hard work of the brave men and women of CBP, in fiscal year 2026 alone we have seized enough doses of fentanyl to kill more than 100 million Americans,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Now that our border is secure, it’s harder than ever for cartels, gangs, and other drug-traffickers to bring their poison into our country. These seizures have saved countless American lives.”

In addition to fentanyl seizures, CBP has seized tens of thousands of pounds of other deadly drugs as well. In FY26, CBP officers seized 152,000 pounds of methamphetamine, surpassing all of fiscal year 2025, and over 28,000 pounds of cocaine, surpassing fiscal year 2025 to date.

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Meet the Honorees Helping Shape the Park’s Future

 

This year’s Springtime Shindig is extra special.

 

As of January 2026, Van Cortlandt Park Alliance is officially the licensed nonprofit partner of Van Cortlandt Park. It’s a huge milestone for the park and our community!

 

Join us as we celebrate this exciting new chapter, honor the incredible people and partners who helped make it happen, and launch our brand-new Bench Adoption Program.

 

Betty Campbell-Adams Park Angel Award

Honoring Christopher Rizzo, L. Casey Spitzer, and NYC Parks current and past leadership for helping secure VCPA’s official partnership with NYC Parks. Christopher is a longtime advocate for parks and public open space and a founding member of Riverdale Main Streets Alliance, while Casey provided years of dedicated pro bono legal guidance to help make this milestone possible.

 

Cultivating the Bronx Award

Honoring Riverdale Main Streets Alliance, a network of residents, civic groups, nonprofits, and local businesses dedicated to strengthening and beautifying the Riverdale community. Through volunteer stewardship, neighborhood beautification, and support of public green spaces — including work in and around Van Cortlandt Park. RMSA has helped cultivate a stronger, more connected Bronx community.

 

Come celebrate the people helping Van Cortlandt Park thrive — and enjoy a joyful evening of community, connection, and support for the park we love.

 

Get your tickets here!

 

We hope to celebrate with you!

Buy Tickets!

Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park Draft Comprehensive Plan Public Meetings Scheduled

 

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) is pleased to announce completion of the Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park Draft Comprehensive Plan. The Draft Plan proposes improvements at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park (FDRSP), located in Yorktown Heights, Westchester County.

OPRHP invites all interested parties to attend a public meeting and take the opportunity to provide feedback on the FDRSP Draft Comprehensive Plan. Two virtual public meetings will be held on Thursday, May 21, from 2:30 p.m.-4 p.m. and from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. OPRHP will give a presentation that provides an overview of the Draft Plan content, followed by an opportunity for public comments and questions. The content will be the same at both meetings.

Free registration is required to attend the online meetings. To participate, please register online or send an e-mail with your name to: FDR.Plan@parks.ny.gov no later than noon on May 21.

The public meetings are accessible to people with disabilities. Anyone who requires a reasonable accommodation for effective communications should contact Owen Gilbo at Owen.Gilbo@parks.ny.gov or (518) 402-2648, preferably within 14 days of the meeting date on which that the requestor will need such auxiliary aid or service.

OPRHP welcomes all input and hopes that your schedule will allow you to participate. However, if you are unable to join at either time, a recording will be available on the OPRHP website (parks.ny.gov/plans). In addition, questions and comments on the Draft Plan may be submitted by Thursday, June 18, to: FDR.Plan@parks.ny.gov or mailed to: Tana Bigelow, Park Planner, Division of Environmental Stewardship and Planning, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Albany, NY 12238.

Thank you in advance for your interest. If you have any questions, please email us at FDR.Plan@parks.ny.gov or contact Linda Cooper, Regional Director for the Taconic Region at: Linda.Cooper@parks.ny.gov.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, and welcomes over 86 million visitors annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer app or call 518.474.0456. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), the OPRHP Blog or via the OPRHP Newsroom.