Utica Phoenix

12/24/2024

Astronomers, using data from the eRosita X-ray instrument, have discovered two large cosmic tunnels extending from our solar system toward the Centaurus and Canis Major constellations, traversing the Local Hot Bubble. These tunnels' origins remain unclear, but their existence hints at a possibly larger network connecting different star regions. Speculation exists regarding a potential link to theoretical wormholes, though this remains conjecture.

Astronomers, using data from the eRosita X-ray instrument, have discovered two large cosmic tunnels extending from our solar system toward the Centaurus and Canis Major constellations, traversing the

12/23/2024

Projects Selected Will Advance Community and Economic Development Across the State, Including in Disadvantaged Communities The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced more than $29 million has been awarded through Round XIV of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative to 15 innovative projects that will reduce statewide carbon emissions. The projects, seven which are located in disadvantaged communities, were selected by NYSERDA to participate in the Building Cleaner Communities Competition or Commercial and Industrial Carbon Challenge program and will advance community and economic development across New York State....

Projects Selected Will Advance Community and Economic Development Across the State, Including in Disadvantaged Communities The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today

12/23/2024

Woodland Farm Brewery celebrates 9 years of brewing in Marcy Woodland Farm Brewery opened in Marcy in January, 2016 with the goal of brewing great beer, creating a space for community, and giving people a place to escape the craziness of the world with good company and a pint. Since opening, Woodland has added a kitchen, expanded the size of their taproom and brewing capacity, and opened a second taproom at the historic Hulbert House in Boonville bringing back to life a taproom with 210 years of history....

Woodland Farm Brewery celebrates 9 years of brewing in Marcy Woodland Farm Brewery opened in Marcy in January, 2016 with the goal of brewing great beer, creating a space for community, and giving

12/23/2024

The Justice Department filed a federal lawsuit today against the State of Louisiana and Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (LDOC) alleging that the state and LDOC maintain a pattern or practice of confining incarcerated people for weeks and months after they have fully completed their prison sentences and are legally entitled to be released, in violation of the 14th Amendment....

The Justice Department filed a federal lawsuit today against the State of Louisiana and Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections (LDOC) alleging that the state and LDOC maintain a pattern

12/23/2024

Volunteers Collected 6,200 Donated Items, To Be Distributed By Nonprofits Across New York Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of New York’s annual statewide donation drive to benefit families in need across the state. Donations of new unwrapped toys, new or gently used coats, and new school supplies were collected to assist community-based organizations during the holiday giving season....

Volunteers Collected 6,200 Donated Items, To Be Distributed By Nonprofits Across New York Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of New York’s annual statewide donation drive to b

12/23/2024

Bronx man faces multiple felony counts following Thruway traffic stop On December 18, 2024, Troop T Troopers from SP Tarrytown, arrested a Bronx man for felony drug and gun possession on the Interstate 87 in Town of Greenburgh. At approximately 1:00 pm, Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a 2018 Nissan Rogue for violations of the vehicle and traffic law on the New York State Thruway....

Bronx man faces multiple felony counts following Thruway traffic stop On December 18, 2024, Troop T Troopers from SP Tarrytown, arrested a Bronx man for felony drug and gun possession on the

12/23/2024

$197 Million Awarded to Projects Benefiting Environmental Justice Communities Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $225 million awarded to 165 projects to significantly improve water quality across the state. The grants support projects that will help protect drinking water, update aging water infrastructure, reduce contributors to harmful algal blooms, and improve aquatic habitat in communities statewide. More than $197 million of the funding will support water quality improvements for environmental justice communities that may be disproportionately impacted by environmental pollution....

$197 Million Awarded to Projects Benefiting Environmental Justice Communities Governor Kathy Hochul today announced more than $225 million awarded to 165 projects to significantly improve water

12/23/2024

Tonight at 5 pm, Part 1 of "The Year in Arts, Media, & Entertainment" on Utica Phoenix Radio 95.5 FM WUSP "Hot Seat: Media Monday" with Ron Klopfanstein. His guests will be Kim Meyer, Aubrey Campbell, and Drew Allen from Drew's Magic And Balloon Animals. Tune in to 95.5 FM or stream it live at 955TheHeat.com! 🎙📡⭐️

12/22/2024

Many people are unaware that certain provisions in the Social Security system can reduce benefits for individuals who also receive payments from certain government pensions. The Social Security Fairness Act seeks to eliminate these provisions, potentially increasing benefits for millions of Americans. The act has garnered bipartisan support and has already passed in the House of Representatives. Now, the fate of this bill rests with the Senate and President Biden....

Many people are unaware that certain provisions in the Social Security system can reduce benefits for individuals who also receive payments from certain government pensions. The Social Security

12/22/2024

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement on her office’s ongoing investigation into the death of Robert Brooks, who died on December 10, 2024 after an encounter with New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) officers at Marcy Correctional Facility in Marcy, Oneida County: “My office’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the use of force by correction officers that preceded the death of Mr....

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement on her office’s ongoing investigation into the death of Robert Brooks, who died on December 10, 2024 after an

12/22/2024

From last week's Utica Phoenix Radio 95.5 FM WUSP "Hot Seat: Media Monday," comedian Brenda Reinhardt on crafting her onstage persona. For the whole interview and show notes, go to: UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday12-16-24

12/21/2024

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Shawn Sheridan, who died on August 10, 2023 after an encounter with law enforcement in Russell, St. Lawrence County. Following a thorough investigation, which included interviews with witnesses, review of interviews with involved officers, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the New York State Police (NYSP) trooper that shot Mr....

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of Shawn Sheridan, who died on August 10, 2023 after an encounter wit

12/21/2024

U.S. Small Business Administration To Provide Low-Interest Loans to Eligible Residents and Businesses Affected by Severe Weather in Lewis County Loan Applications Available Online Here Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the U.S. Small Business Administration will offer federal assistance to New Yorkers in Lewis County who were impacted by severe weather events on August 18-19, 2024 that resulted in significant damages to businesses and homes....

U.S. Small Business Administration To Provide Low-Interest Loans to Eligible Residents and Businesses Affected by Severe Weather in Lewis County Loan Applications Available Online Here Governor Kathy

12/21/2024

New Law Will Help State Study Demographic Trends In Middle Eastern and North African Communities Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to require separate collection categories for White, Middle Eastern, and North African groups in New York State. By improving the way State agencies collect demographic data, New York will have more information on the unique challenges facing this group and ultimately additional information on appropriate policy solutions....

New Law Will Help State Study Demographic Trends In Middle Eastern and North African Communities Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation to require separate collection categories for White,

12/21/2024

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured nearly $4.4 million from a gift card company, Card Compliant LLC (Card Compliant), for knowingly helping popular fashion retailer H&M keep millions of dollars in New Yorkers’ unused gift card funds, in violation of New York law. For years, H&M withheld New Yorkers’ unused balances on their gift cards that should have been available to claim through the state’s Office of Unclaimed Funds....

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured nearly $4.4 million from a gift card company, Card Compliant LLC (Card Compliant), for knowingly helping popular fashion retailer H

12/21/2024

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced they secured a key victory for Upstate New York in the final National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) that will extend the Support Procurement of our Nation’s Stainless Steel (SPOONSS) Act, reinstating the Berry Amendment’s long-standing Department of Defense domestic sourcing requirement for stainless steel flatware and dinnerware....

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced they secured a key victory for Upstate New York in the final National Defense Authorization Act

12/21/2024

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a $1.9 million grant to EverGreen Meadow Academy to build a residential treatment center and specialized middle school for girls at risk of self-harm due to the impact of trauma. The new treatment center, located in Rock Hill, Sullivan County, will provide critical therapeutic care, education and healing for girls in grades 6-8 from across New York State. “The rise in young girls seeking emergency care due to self-harm is an alarming trend, and it’s essential that we address this issue head-on by providing specialized trauma-informed care and support right here in New York,” Governor Hochul said. “I pushed for this grant to help build the infrastructure for EverGreen Meadow Academy’s residential treatment center and middle school, giving girls in need the education and treatment they deserve, in a healing environment, and at no cost to their families.” DASNY President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, “New York is proud to support Governor Hochul’s initiative to create specialized, healing environments for girls in need of trauma-informed care. This project represents a critical step toward providing young people with the support they need to heal, thrive, and continue their education in a safe and nurturing space.” EverGreen Meadow Services founder and President Stacey Millman said, “This is a critical step forward for New York and we are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for her unwavering commitment and leadership in rebuilding New York State’s continuum of adolescent mental health. With this funding, we’ll be able to ensure that New York State girls who have experienced trauma get the support they need to recover and continue their education right here in our state, so they can build a brighter future.” The treatment center and school will be free of charge for participating families. Both residential and tuition costs will be covered by the state, ensuring that all New York State girls, regardless of their family’s financial situation, have access to the care and education they need. This $1.9 million grant administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York, will support the pre-development planning needed as part of the construction of the project. In recent years, emergency departments across the state have seen a troubling increase in young girls seeking treatment for self-harm, with many requiring extended care. Unfortunately, many of these girls are unable to return to their local schools after their discharge due to their need for specialized support. The new residential treatment center will fill a critical gap by offering trauma-informed care and education tailored specifically to meet the needs of these girls. EverGreen Meadow Academy will be located on 34 acres in the Catskills that was generously donated by The Center for Discovery, an organization known world-wide for its work with vulnerable populations. The tranquil, natural setting will serve as the backdrop for a healing environment, where girls will receive trauma-informed care and continue their education without disruption. The campus will house a residential program for 24 girls at a time, where the students will receive therapeutic treatment along with a New York State accredited education. The program will provide a specialized curriculum that addresses the unique needs of these students, helping them build resilience and regain their sense of self-worth while staying on track academically. The Governor’s announcement reaffirms New York State's commitment to ensuring that all young people have access to the mental health care and educational resources they need to overcome the effects of trauma and continues the work she started as part of her $1 billion investment in mental health statewide that was launched with the adoption of the FY 2024 State Budget. This focus on youth supports and services continued with additional investments secured in the FY 2025 State Budget. Governor Hochul took steps to expand mental health support for children across the state and ensure their voices are heard, making good on an agenda she unveiled in her State of the State address in January. Up to $20 million in start-up funding is now available for school-based mental health clinics along with a rolling application process to make it easier for interested schools to establish these satellites than through the state procurement process previously used. The FY 2025 Budget also includes an investment of more than $19 million to provide critical care to young people outside of school environments, including increasing resources for youth receiving treatment in their community or, when necessary, in residential care. Key initiatives include expanding the Youth ACT program to add 12 new teams statewide, providing support for young people struggling with mental illness so they may stay in their homes and school communities, rather than receiving treatment in residential and inpatient settings. State Senator Peter Oberacker said, “This investment in EverGreen Meadow Academy will not only transform the lives of the young girls who receive care but also drive positive change throughout Sullivan County and the surrounding region. The new facility will provide vital services to youth in need while creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and fostering community growth. By bringing specialized care and education to the Catskills, we are positioning our region as a leader in trauma-informed support for young people, paving the way for a stronger, healthier future for all.” Assemblymember Aileen M. Gunther said, “This is a project I have been advocating for many years, and I am thrilled that Governor Hochul has prioritized it as well. Mental illness is pervasive in our society, with an increasing number of children facing mental health challenges in recent years. Creating this specialized facility for middle school-aged girls addresses a critical gap in New York’s mental health infrastructure. I want to congratulate Stacey Millman on turning her vision into reality and look forward to the positive impact this project will have on my district and our state as a whole.” OCFS Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “The New York State Office of Children and Family Services recognizes the necessity of specialized programs that support the unique treatment needs of some of New York State’s most vulnerable youth. Research indicates girls report experiencing acute trauma symptoms at twice the rate of boys, underscoring the need for trauma-informed program models. I value Governor Hochul’s commitment to ensuring access to and supplementing New York State’s continuum of services and supports.”

Project Part of More Than $451 Million in Capital Investments Dedicated on the NYS Thruway System in 2024 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the substantial completion of an $18.4 million pavement