April 23, 2026

A Testimonial on the Importance of News Media Literacy

It was an honor and a privilege to have Mrs. Mary Miller, from the New York State News Publishers Association, present to my classes on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.  I am a teacher of Economics, as well as United States Government, and the battle against misinformation, disinformation, and "fake news" has never been more difficult to wage.

All too often, my students come to me with current events that aren't even remotely true, that they have found on unreliable websites; and even worse, on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X.

Mrs. Miller taught my students about media literacy, and how to become more media literate in this day and age.  She illustrated how the media has been fundamentally changed by the internet and various technological advances.  She painstakingly taught the students about bias; both how to recognize it, and also how to find sites and publications known for actual "fair and balanced" reporting.

She taught them about how to do things like reverse image look-ups, so that they could see if a photo attributed to a story was legitimate, or if, perhaps it was a photo from another event, or even time, that individuals and/or groups were pushing to forward a narrative.

And, if all of that was not beneficial enough, Mrs. Miller also devoted a great deal of her time to the current, and potential future impact of AI on media literacy, as well as the very lives of the students.  As a teacher, on the "front lines" of education, I can tell you that the impact of AI is monumental on the modern American classroom, and it is something that is, unfortunately, incredibly unregulated at this point.  I have commented, to any and all who will listen, that the impact of AI on the classroom is basically like the Wild West at this point with the tech far outpacing federal, state, and local laws, ethics, and norms. 

At the conclusion of her presentation, Mrs. Miller very succinctly explained the proper steps forward for "my kids."

1. 1. Check the credibility of all sources and news sites, whether traditional or digital.
2. 2.  Always look for, and spot the bias.
3. 3, Most importantly, always stay engaged

Mrs. Miller is a terrific educator.  She is one who has a vitally important message, and has the ability to convey that message in a way that is both interesting and accessible for students.  Moreover, her message should be spread further, to colleges, community groups, and senior citizen centers, just to name a few.

How do I know that Mrs. Miller's message was "spot on?"  It's quite simple.  Yesterday, the day following the presentation, the students continued the discussion with me.  They talked about their key takeaways and urged me to push them to follow her rules for the rest of the school year. In fact, one young lady in my Period 6 class talked of the importance of the presentation when she said; "all students should be able to see this, because we get to vote starting in the fall, and what if we fall for stuff that's not true, and vote that way."  I just looked at the student and said; "Amen."

This country "talks the talk" about protecting and preserving democracy, and yet we spend an awful lot of money on things that we don't need.  If we want to put our actual money where our mouth is, and we really want to protect this Grand Experiment that's about to turn 250 years old, it's programs like Mary Miller's that deserve our attention, our respect, and our funding.

Thank you for your time.

Scott Emerson,

Watervliet Junior Senior High School
Social Studies Department Chair
Student Council Advisor
National Honor Society Co-Advisor
Watervliet Teachers Association President Emeritus

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February 5, 2026

Navigating Business Challenges? Keep Your Team Strong with the New York State Department of Labor’s Shared Work Program

Article provided by Margaret Enzien, Workforce Programs Specialist | Shared Work at New York State Department of Labor

In today's dynamic business environment, temporary slowdowns are a reality for many industries. While these periods can present challenges, they also offer an opportunity to implement strategies that protect your most valuable asset: your employees. The New York State Department of Labor's Shared Work Program is a powerful tool designed to help businesses avoid layoffs, retain skilled talent, and emerge stronger when conditions improve.

What is the Shared Work Program?

The Shared Work Program offers a flexible alternative to layoffs during short-term periods of reduced business activity. Instead of cutting staff, businesses can reduce the hours of their employees. While their work hours are temporarily reduced, eligible employees can receive a portion of their unemployment insurance benefits. This helps offset lost wages, providing a crucial financial bridge for employees.

So how does it work?

Employers can apply to participate in the Shared Work Program and determine which employees are enrolled.  Once approved, the program allows employers to reduce employee hours by a certain percentage (between 20% and 60%) while the employees collect a portion of their unemployment benefits for the lost hours. This helps employers retain their trained workforce and avoid the costs associated with layoffs and rehiring. Employees, in turn, maintain their jobs, benefits, and a portion of their income.

For employers, the benefits are substantial. Participating in the Shared Work Program can lead to significant cost savings by reducing overall payroll expenses during slower periods. It also allows businesses to retain trained and experienced employees, ensuring they are ready to contribute when business picks up, and spares you the considerable expenses of recruiting, hiring, and training new staff. This program positions businesses for a quick recovery, able to ramp up operations swiftly as demand returns. The flexibility to adjust work hour reductions weekly ensures the program can adapt to a business's evolving needs. Crucially, it helps employers avoid layoffs, maintaining a stable and productive workforce and fostering a sense of security. This demonstration of commitment to employees during challenging times can  boost morale, enhance loyalty, and cultivate a positive work culture.

Employees also find considerable advantages through the Shared Work Program. It provides job security, allowing workers to remain employed and alleviating the stress and uncertainty of layoffs. Employees can maintain a more consistent paycheck through a combination of reduced wages and unemployment benefits, contributing to a stable income. The program also facilitates a better work-life balance by offering shorter work schedules during slowdowns. Employees can continue to build and maintain their expertise within the company, preserving their valuable skills. They will be ready to resume full working hours promptly when business activity increases, ensuring a quick return to normal operations. A key benefit for employees is that they are not required to actively search for other employment while on the program, and their benefits remain unchanged unless adjusted for all employees.

Don't let temporary slowdowns impact long-term success. Explore the New York State Department of Labor’s Shared Work Program today and keep teams engaged and ready for what's next. For more details, visit the New York State Department of Labor’s website, complete our GET MORE INFORMATION online form, or call (518) 457-2315.

For media inquiries, please contact the New York State Department of Labor Press Office at (518) 457-5519 or by email at PressOffice@labor.ny.gov.