Rome, NY  – Rome Police are warning residents about an uptick in car thefts targeting Hyundai and Kia vehicles throughout the city and surrounding areas. Authorities say certain models from the two automakers lack anti-theft technology found in most modern vehicles, making them especially vulnerable to theft methods such as ignition bypassing. To help protect residents, police are urging Kia and Hyundai owners to take action: Check with your dealership:  Both companies are offering a free software upgrade for eligible vehicles to help reduce theft risks. Add extra protection:  A visible steering wheel lock, such as The Club , can discourage criminals from targeting a vehicle. Share the warning:  Police encourage residents to spread the word to friends, family, and neighbors who own affected models. In addition, officers remind all vehicle owners to lock their cars, avoid leaving valuables inside, and report any suspicious activity immediately. The Rome Police Department says the goal is to stop thefts before they happen by raising awareness and encouraging simple preventive steps. Source: Rome NY Police Department - https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1205065141661826&set=a.302652858569730

New Hartford, NY – A routine suspicious vehicle call quickly escalated into chaos Sunday afternoon when a Utica man struck a police vehicle and was later arrested on drug-related charges. On September 14, 2025, New Hartford Police were called to Stewart’s Shop at 4756 Middle Settlement Road after a citizen reported suspicious activity inside a parked vehicle. Officers arrived on scene and approached the driver, later identified as 28-year-old Tarik Muric of Utica . According to police, while officers attempted to speak with Muric, he suddenly accelerated, colliding with a marked New Hartford Police SUV in the crowded parking lot. The impact caused damage to the police vehicle, though no injuries were reported. During the investigation, officers discovered a quantity of pills in Muric’s possession. He was arrested and charged with: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 7th Degree  (Class A misdemeanor) Possession of a Controlled Substance Outside of an Original Container  (violation of Public Health Law) Moving a Stopped Vehicle Unsafely  (traffic violation) Muric was transported to the New Hartford Police Department, booked, and issued appearance tickets returnable to Town Court at a later date. Police noted that despite the busy lot, no bystanders were hurt during the incident. Sources: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1308430877979057&set=a.265416258947196

Press Release Update** Over the next several years, members of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in Auburn conducted an extensive investigation into the case. Investigators pursued numerous leads, followed up on tips received through the New York State Intelligence Center, and conducted multiple interviews with individuals connected to the suspect. Through this investigative work, the driver of the vehicle that fled the scene was identified as Rocco A. Stanley, age 41, of Port Byron, NY. Stanley was operating a black Dodge Journey SUV at the time of the crash. On September 16, 2025, Stanley turned himself in at the State Police barracks in Auburn, where he was arrested and charged with: Leaving the Scene of a Fatal Motor Vehicle Accident (D Felony) Stanley was processed and transported to the Cayuga County Jail to await centralized arraignment. On February 9, 2021, at approximately 9:45 p.m., the New York State Police were dispatched by Cayuga County 911 to a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian being struck along State Route 31 in the town of Montezuma. The preliminary investigation has determined that a vehicle traveling westbound on State Route 31 between Mentz Church Road and Old State Route 31 struck the pedestrian who appeared to be lying in the westbound lane. The victim has been identified as Donald Condes of Auburn, NY, who was pronounced deceased at the scene. At this time, the State Police are currently looking for information pertaining to a dark colored SUV that was traveling westbound and may have been involved in the accident. Anyone with information regarding the victim or the accident is asked to contact the New York State Police in Auburn at (315)255-2767 or (315)253-3103. The State Police were assisted at the scene by Cayuga County Sheriff's Department, Weedsport Police Department, Montezuma Fire Department, Throop Ambulance, and AMR.

Today, Americans across the country are observing National POW/MIA Recognition Day , a solemn occasion dedicated to honoring U.S. military service members who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action. This day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women who served our nation and never returned home. It is also an opportunity to show support for the families who continue to endure the uncertainty of their loved ones’ fates. According to the Department of Defense, around 82,000 Americans remain unaccounted for  from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Cold War, the Gulf War, and other conflicts. Each year, ceremonies are held nationwide, with the iconic black-and-white POW/MIA flag flown as a symbol of America’s commitment to bringing every service member home. National POW/MIA Recognition Day is not tied to one single location, but rather observed through events at military bases, veterans’ organizations, state capitols, and communities across the United States. It stands as a powerful reminder that our nation does not forget those who gave everything in service to freedom. Source for image: https://www.facebook.com/powmiafamilies/posts/today-is-national-powmia-recognition-day-we-pause-to-remember-the-sacrifice-of-t/10160399743409587/?_rdr

Today, President Donald J. Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed the Technology Prosperity Deal , a landmark science and technology agreement that will propel the U.S. – UK special relationship to new heights for the technological age, and deliver wins for the American people and American innovation globally. “President Trump signed another game-changing deal that furthers American technology leadership and strengthens ties to one of our closest allies.  With the TPD, the United States is exporting its world-class tech stack, accelerating scientific discovery, and advancing pro-innovation policies worldwide,” said Michael Kratsios, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. The Technology Prosperity Deal establishes joint initiatives between the two nations’ premiere research and standards institutions across artificial intelligence, nuclear energy, and quantum computing to bring transformative benefits to citizens – from accelerating breakthroughs in health care, to lowering energy costs, and supporting national security. On Artificial Intelligence: The TPD strengthens and refocuses the partnership between the U.S. Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) and the UK AI Security Institute (AISI) to exchange best practices in metrology and standards development for AI models, improve understanding of the most advanced models, and exchange talent between the institutes. The TPD establishes a flagship AI for Science research program between the U.S. Departments of Energy, Health, and the National Science Foundation and its UK counterparts geared towards cutting-edge biotechnology research and precision medicine. As part of this, we’ll collaborate on automated labs and new scientific data sets,focusing especially on cancer and chronic disease research that will improve the lives of our peoples. On Civil Nuclear Energy: The TPD aligns the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation, and the UK Environment Agency to streamline and accelerate licensing, targeting reactor design reviews within two years and site licensing within one year; The TPD also commits the UK to achieve full independence from Russian nuclear fuel by the end of 2028 – bringing the UK in alignment with U.S. statutory commitments – ensuring a secure and reliable supply chain for advanced nuclear fuels in both countries. The TPD facilitates coordination of fusion energy research and development, including through the use of artificial intelligence, with enhanced collaboration to develop harmonized, responsible, and pro-innovation policies to enable commercial development of fusion technologies. On Quantum Computing: The TPD advances trusted, interoperable standards for quantum technologies and establishes a joint benchmarking taskforce that will cover across quantum computing hardware, software, and algorithms. Additional partnerships between our top quantum institutions will lead to more a secure quantum supply chain and capability to accelerate breakthroughs in defense, finance, energy, and beyond. Sources: https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/09/president-trump-signs-technology-prosperity-deal-with-united-kingdom/

This week, the White House released a tribute video  honoring the life, legacy, and profound impact of Charlie Kirk. The three-minute tribute features excerpts from Kirk’s speeches, rallies, and personal moments with his family, alongside footage from the numerous memorial services, prayer vigils, and gatherings held across the country in his honor. Set to the words of his beloved wife, Erika — delivered with heartbreak and resolve — the video underscores the enduring fire of her husband’s mission: “You have no idea the fire you have ignited.”

These brave men put themselves in danger every day to protect people, and this is surely one of those moments we hope more people will see. These two brave men rushed in and safely pulled this injured man out of the compromised and burning vehicle swiftly and efficiently. This is the news you need to see more of. The video below shows the point of view from the officers. Two New York State Troopers are being credited with saving a man’s life following an early morning crash on the Palisades Interstate Parkway. At approximately 4:40 a.m., Troopers Derick Macaulay and Peter Pjetri responded to a report of a one-car motor vehicle crash on the northbound side of the Parkway near Exit 12 in the Town of Ramapo. When they arrived, they found a Subaru Crosstrek that had struck a tree in the center median with the engine compartment on fire. The driver was injured and unable to move. Without hesitation, Troopers Macaulay and Pjetri ran to the vehicle, pulled the operator to safety, and then re-entered the car to confirm no other occupants were inside. Moments later, the vehicle became fully engulfed in flames. The investigation determined that the driver was traveling northbound when he struck a deer, lost control, and hit a tree. He suffered two fractured ankles and facial injuries. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment. This incident remains under investigation. https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-troopers-rescue-motorist-burning-vehicle-palisades-interstate-parkway

On September 15, 2025, at about 6:40 p.m., State Police responded to State Route 49 in the town of Constantia for a reported personal injury motor vehicle accident. The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2024 Ford Expedition, operated by Kenneth M. Johnson , age 66, from Cleveland, NY, was traveling westbound on State Route 49 when it left the roadway on the north side, striking a mailbox. The vehicle then continued westbound, crossed into the eastbound lane, and struck a 2010 Toyota Prius operated by Michael J. Hritsko, age 39, from Cleveland, NY. The Ford then traveled off the south shoulder and struck a tree. Johnson  was transported to Upstate University Hospital for treatment. His passenger, Lisa A. Demarco , age 53, from Cleveland, NY, was not injured. Hritsko  was transported to Upstate University Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. State Police were assisted at the scene by the Central Square Police Department, Constantia Fire Department, and Menter Oswego County Ambulance Service. The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing. Sources: https://troopers.ny.gov/news/update-state-police-investigate-fatal-crash-constantia

The New York State Police are intensifying their search for Stephen J. Houghton , a Keeseville man who has been missing for more than two years. Authorities are now asking for the public’s help and have announced a $25,000 reward  for information leading to his whereabouts. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has joined the investigation, expanding resources and outreach as the case remains unsolved. According to State Police, the case began on August 18, 2023 , when troopers responded to the Villa Motel on State Route 9 in the Town of Ausable for a missing person report. Houghton’s family told investigators they had not seen or heard from him since February 2022 . His last confirmed sighting was at Stewart’s gas station in Port Henry, NY, on February 20, 2022 . At the time of his disappearance, Houghton was 35 years old , described as a white male, 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing about 225 pounds, with black hair and blue eyes . Law enforcement agencies at multiple levels have been contacted throughout the investigation, with family and friends continuing to cooperate in hopes of bringing Houghton home. “The involvement of the ATF shows the seriousness of this case, and the $25,000 reward is meant to encourage anyone with knowledge to come forward,” State Police officials said in a statement. Anyone with information about Stephen J. Houghton’s whereabouts is urged to call the New York State Police at 518-897-2000 . Get updates and the sources of this press release here- https://troopers.ny.gov/news/state-police-seeking-publics-assistance-ongoing-missing-person-reward-involved

The beloved Turning Stone Casino in upstate ny has released renderings of what the finished building will hopefully look like. We are so excited to see it finished and believe it will be a great addition to the area. Below is a direct copy of the press release for your reading convenience. Renderings Revealed Ahead of Doing Business with the Oneida Indian Nation, a Conference for New and Existing Vendor Partners, On September 12: Conference Registration Still Open Oneida Indian Nation Homelands (August 26, 2025)  – Turning Stone Enterprise today released the first animated renderings of the historic $370 million Turning Stone Evolution, the resort’s largest expansion in two decades. While previous photo renderings offered an early glimpse of the project, these new animated visuals bring the Evolution to life in a dynamic way, allowing guests and stakeholders to see and feel immersed in the transformation underway.  To view the new animated renderings, please click here . The Turning Stone Evolution will double the resort’s existing conference and events space with the 165,000 sq. ft. Grand Expo, a new meeting and convention facility with an outdoor courtyard, pre-function reception areas and two new ballrooms. The Evolution also includes The Crescent Hotel, a new hotel tower with 258 guest rooms and suites and indoor connectivity to The Grand Expo and the resort’s restaurants, Event Center, Showroom and the gaming floor.  The Crescent Hotel will be home to Salt Seafood & Raw Bar as well, a new fine-dining restaurant from Turning Stone’s award-winning culinary team. A new 1,600-space parking garage is also under construction to double existing indoor parking at the resort.  When complete in 2027, the Evolution will make Turning Stone the largest conference destination in Upstate New York, and one of just three venues of similar size and caliber in the entire state. All of the new amenities created by the Evolution will allow the resort and the region to compete with New York City and other major metropolitan areas for large-scale events and new business and leisure travel, attracting visitors from throughout the Northeast and across the country.  The Turning Stone Evolution will also have a generational impact on Upstate New York’s economy. Along with the Oneida Indian Nation’s historic $370 million capital investment in the expansion, the Evolution will create a more than $600 million one-time economic impact and generate over $22 million in state and local tax revenues. The massive project is also bringing new opportunities for state and local businesses. The Turning Stone Evolution will create more than 3,500 construction and related jobs, and so far, 60 New York State businesses , including numerous local firms, have been selected to support construction of The Grand Expo, The Crescent Hotel and the new parking garage. The Evolution will also continue to expand the Oneida Indian Nation’s spending with area vendors, which totaled more than $161 million in Oneida, Madison and Onondaga Counties in 2024.  The release of these new animated renderings comes as Turning Stone prepares to host its Doing Business with the Oneida Indian Nation  conference on Friday, September 12, 2025. During this event, local businesses can learn more about the opportunities being created for new and current vendors by the Turning Stone Evolution, as well as the $50 million expansion of Point Place Casino and other growth and diversification occurring across the Nation’s enterprises.  The half-day conference will include panels with top vendors, business partners, Turning Stone Enterprises leadership and other stakeholders on what makes a great partner for the Nation, opportunities to locate businesses on Nation land and hosting events with Turning Stone Enterprises. Guests can also attend a procurement fair during the event to meet with Oneida Indian Nation purchasing agents and learn more about the services and products that will be most needed as the Nation’s enterprises continue to grow.  To register for Doing Business with the Oneida Indian Nation on September 12 or for more information, please click HERE .    About Turning Stone Enterprises Turning Stone Enterprises  is the parent organization for all business operations of the Oneida Indian Nation . One of the largest employers in Central New York with more than 5,000 team members, Turning Stone Enterprises’ portfolio of hospitality, gaming and recreational destinations includes Turning Stone Resort Casino, YBR Casino & Sports Book, Point Place Casino, The Lake House at Sylvan Beach, The Cove at Sylvan Beach, Maple Leaf Market and SavOn convenience stores, an RV park, two marinas, a hunting preserve and salmon-fishing destination and Wáhta’ Maple Farm. Collectively, these properties offer guests from across the region and around the world five award-winning hotels, nearly 30 signature restaurants and dining venues, two spas, five golf courses, Las Vegas-style casino gaming, a state-of-the-art sports betting lounge, two concert venues ,  and several nightlife venues. Sources: https://www.turningstone.com/press/news/resort/turning-stone-enterprises-unveils-first-animated-renderings-of-the-370-million-turning-stone-evolution

NEWS from the Office of the New York State Comptroller September 15, 2025 A new report by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli analyzed the federal tax provisions enacted under Public Law No: 119-21 at the beginning of July and how they may impact New Yorkers. While the bill made permanent many tax changes included in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), it includes new tax breaks for seniors and the working class that are largely temporary, according to DiNapoli’s report. These minimal tax benefits, along with the significant cuts in safety net spending included in the legislation, will put a larger burden on New Yorkers trying to make ends meet. “Many of the tax benefits in the federal legislation passed in Washington this summer will continue to go to those with higher incomes,” DiNapoli said. “This was a lost opportunity to improve the tax code; instead, the new federal law adds complexity and creates inequities. Low-and middle-income New Yorkers will see few long-term benefits while bearing most of the burden of the bill’s significant spending cuts to vital programs.” Summary The TCJA included provisions, such as a higher standard deduction and increased child tax credit, that alleviated the federal tax burden for many New Yorkers. The new federal law permanently extended and enhanced many of these provisions. The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates that under the new law, over one-third of the net tax reductions in calendar year 2027 will be for those with incomes over $500,000, more than 10 percentage points higher than under the TCJA. The JCT also estimates that the enacted changes will reduce federal revenues by more than $5.1 trillion over the next ten years, which may adversely impact the distribution of vital federal funds to states and localities. The newly enacted provisions reportedly aimed at helping working class Americans are temporary and limited in scope. New deductions for seniors, tip income, overtime pay, and interest on new car loans are in effect only for tax years 2025 to 2028, and limited to taxpayers with Social Security numbers. These deductions target a small portion of the population or treat taxpayers with similar wages or even in the same business unequally. For example, approximately 6% of the jobs in New York are in occupations, such as wait staff, bartenders, personal care workers, delivery drivers and hotel staff, that regularly and customarily receive tips. As a result, parking lot and coat room attendants, who will benefit from the deduction for tipped income, could potentially have their federal tax burden eliminated while childcare workers and home health aides who generally do not receive tips will not. In 2031, when these temporary provisions expire, JCT estimates those with incomes of less than $30,000 will see their federal tax liability increase. SALT Deduction Lifted Temporarily The new federal law permanently limits the itemized deduction for state and local taxes (SALT) paid to $10,000. For tax year 2025, the limit is increased to $40,000 for taxpayers with incomes up to $500,000; the limit and income threshold are further increased by 1% annually in tax years 2026 to 2029. In 2030, the limit reverts to $10,000 for all filers. In tax year 2023, more than 1.5 million New York residents itemized deductions and included deductions for state and local taxes paid under the State personal income tax; 76% reported tax payments in excess of the $10,000 federal cap. Of these taxpayers, nearly all with incomes under $100,000 will be able to fully deduct their SALT payments under the temporary, higher limit, and over 87% of those with incomes between $100,000 and $500,000 will as well. However, for over 445,000 of these filers, the higher federal standard deduction will likely provide a larger tax benefit. Child Tax Credit Changes Taxpayers with children will also see limited relief from the increase in the child tax credit to $2,200 per child starting in tax year 2025. The credit will also be indexed to inflation after 2025. There is also a refundable portion of the tax credit, which was reduced under the new law and will no longer be indexed to inflation, reducing the benefit for lower income taxpayers. In tax year 2022, nearly 2.1 million New York taxpayers claimed $6.1 billion in federal child tax credits, $1.8 billion of which was refundable. For taxpayers who pay for childcare, the nonrefundable credit as a share of these expenses was increased for those with incomes less than $105,000. However, the maximum amount of expenses eligible for the credit remains unchanged at $3,000 for one child and $6,000 for two or more, failing to address the rising cost of childcare for most families. The average cost of childcare for one child in New York in 2023 was nearly five times the $3,000 cap allowed for the credit. In tax year 2023, nearly 310,000 resident New York taxpayers claimed the federal child and dependent care credit, just 3.3% of total filers, the largest number of claimants were those with incomes over $105,000. Report Tax Provisions Under the Federal Reconciliation Bill Sources: https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/09/dinapoli-recently-enacted-federal-tax-provisions-disproportionately-benefit-those-higher-incomes

September 17, 2025 Bethpage State Park To Host 2033 PGA Championship and Expected to Host 2028 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship Oak Hill Country Club Will Host a Fifth PGA Championship in 2035 Governor Kathy Hochul and the PGA of America today announced that New York State plans to host three landmark professional golf championships over the next decade. Bethpage State Park’s famed Black Course in Farmingdale expects to welcome the 2028 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and the 2033 PGA Championship, while Oak Hill Country Club outside Rochester will host the 2035 PGA Championship. The announcement comes as New York State prepares to host the 45th Ryder Cup next week at Bethpage State Park. “New York State is further establishing its reputation as one of the best golf destinations in the world by welcoming the PGA of America for this marquee lineup of elite golf competition,” Governor Hochul said.  “The announcement underscores the attraction of New York’s world-class venues and our ability to host major sporting events, which, in turn, boost local economies and highlight our great state. I will be particularly excited to welcome for the first time the top women golfers to Bethpage State Park and pleased that our relationship with the PGA of America will continue for years to come. We look forward to welcoming so many elite golfers, spectators, and television viewers of these world-class competitions taking place on a global stage right here in New York.” PGA of America President Don Rea Jr., PGA Master Professional and Owner/Operator of Augusta Ranch Golf Club (Arizona) said, “The PGA of America is incredibly proud to be returning to New York and two world-class venues in Bethpage Black and Oak Hill Country Club. Bringing the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship to Bethpage Black will be a significant milestone and reflects our commitment to staging this event at premier courses in major markets. The Black Course tested the strongest field in golf in 2019, delivering a memorable PGA Championship, and promises to do so again in 2033. Oak Hill has long proven itself as a premier Major Championship venue, with the East Course presenting a stern challenge that consistently produces memorable moments. These three Championships will add to our Association’s extensive history in the state of New York, and we cannot wait to see the world’s best players compete on Long Island and in Rochester.” The lineup represents the first time the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship will be held at a public golf course when it comes to Bethpage Black in the spring of 2028. The PGA Championship will return to Bethpage for the first time since 2019. State Parks and the PGA have fully agreed to terms related to the 2033 PGA Championship and are near a final agreement concerning the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. Oak Hill Country Club will host the PGA Championship for a fifth time in 2035. Bethpage State Park will host 250,000 spectators for the Ryder Cup, where the top golfers from the United States take on those from Europe in September. 26-28 on the Black Course. Sources: https://esd.ny.gov/esd-media-center/press-releases/governor-hochul-and-pga-america-announce-three-elite-golf