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New York’s Tourism Industry Generated More Than $78.6 Billion in Direct Spending and $123 Billion in Total Economic Impact in 2022 – Exceeding Previous Record From 2019 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State welcomed a record 291.5 million visitors in 2022, the largest number of visitors in New York State’s history, generating more than $78.6 billion in direct spending and $123 billion in total economic impact. These figures represent staggering increases over 2021 and surpass the previous records set in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, following the Governor’s historic investments in tourism, economic development, public safety, transportation, and other key sectors. The data, released today in a series of reports by Tourism Economics, is available here. “New York’s pandemic recovery has been one for the history books, and by welcoming an unprecedented 291 million visitors and generating billions of dollars in direct investment to our state, we’re writing the next chapter in our success story,” Governor Hochul said. “In the three years since the pandemic ground tourism to a halt, we have made transformative investments to uplift businesses, support workers in tourism and hospitality, and build a stronger, more welcoming New York. Now, from bustling New York City to the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains, visitors are confirming what we’ve known all along – New York is the place to be. Tourism continues to be an important driver behind our state’s economy, and my administration is committed to boosting the industry to make sure that visitors from around the world can see all that New York has to offer.” Last year, the statewide economic impact of tourism reached a record-high $123 billion, representing a four percent increase over the $117.6 billion impact of 2019. Direct visitor spending was also up seven percent from 2019, growing to $79 billion from the previous record-high $73.6 billion. New York State also saw a 10% bump in visitation, with 291.5 million travelers compared to 266.7 million visitors in 2019. The year-over-year increases from 2021 to 2022 were overwhelming, with a 22% increase in visitation, over 50% gain in spending, and a more than 43% jump in economic impact. Additionally, the average New York State households saved $1,300 in taxes due to state and local tax revenues generated by tourism. Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Tourism supports our small businesses and is vital to the economic sustainability of our state and regional economies. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, we continue to rebuild and grow this important industry through targeted investments and strategic efforts that invite and welcome visitors from around the world to explore and experience New York State." Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, "The fact that New York State tourism has bounced back so strongly and quickly from the devastation of COVID is a testament to the collaborative efforts between New York State government and its public and private tourism partners. Even with some regional nuances, and some travel segments still trailing their pre-pandemic levels, this shows what can be achieved through a collective focus on the state's vital tourism sector to bring back visitation and spending." State Senator Jose M. Serrano said, "New York’s tourism economy is vital to both the State and the many small businesses that welcome visitors to our communities. A strong tourism season shows New York’s resiliency from the pandemic and returned demand for visitors wanting to experience the State’s vast attractions." Assemblymember Daniel O’Donnell said, "As the Chair of the Tourism Committee, it brings me immense pride to witness the remarkable success of New York's tourism sector, which in 2022, reached unparalleled heights in visitor numbers and economic contributions. This growth does more than bolster our state's economy -- it plays a substantial role in creating jobs, boosting revenue for local businesses, and fostering local infrastructure developments across the state. It is indeed a testament to the unyielding spirit of New York, a state that ceaselessly attracts and enthralls millions worldwide." Historic Support for Tourism Industry Since taking office, Governor Hochul has made transformative investments to revive New York’s tourism industry and revitalize tourism infrastructure statewide following the COVID-19 pandemic. In late 2021, Governor Hochul launched the “Bring Back Tourism, Bring Back Jobs” recovery package, an unprecedented $450 million investment to support travel industry workers, small business support programs and bring new and unique events to New York State. Last year, the Governor announced the completion of a $104 million renovation of the Lake Placid Olympic Center, capping off a six-year, $550 million investment in New York’s winter sports infrastructure ahead of the 2023 FISU Winter World University Games. The Governor has also announced robust I LOVE NY marketing efforts to encourage travel throughout New York State, including specialized campaigns like the I LOVE NY Black travel initiative to boost Black traveler visitation and new I LOVE NY partnerships to support travel by highlighting the state's rich history and heritage in baseball and hip hop. Governor Hochul has also awarded tens of millions of dollars in direct support to tourism organizations and venues for tourism-related marketing efforts and capital projects. For more information on New York tourism or to book a New York State getaway, visit www.iloveny.com. Contact the Governor’s Press Office Contact us by phone: Albany: (518) 474-8418 New York City: (212) 681-4640 Contact us by email: Press.Office@exec.ny.gov Sources: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-celebrates-historic-tourism-milestone-more-291-million-visitors-generate

Governor Hochul on Supreme Court Order on Concealed Carry Improvement Act’s Background Check Provisions “Earlier today, Justice Sonia Sotomayor issued an order rejecting the latest attempt to halt New York's nation-leading gun safety laws taking effect tomorrow and to block a related law that has been in effect since December 2022. The Concealed Carry Improvement Act passed last year after I convened a special session of the Legislature to address the Supreme Court’s reckless overturning of gun safety regulations that had kept New York safe for more than a century. This new order from Justice Sotomayor will ensure that the legislation’s provisions related to stronger background checks for guns and ammunition, set to take effect on September 13, will continue to move full speed ahead, and the law requiring periodic onsite inspections of firearms dealers remains intact. Public safety is my top priority, and I’m committed to doing everything in my power to keep New Yorkers safe.” Contact the Governor’s Press Office Contact us by phone: Albany: (518) 474 - 8418 New York City: (212) 681 - 4640 Contact us by email: Press.Office@exec.ny.gov Sources: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/statement-governor-kathy-hochul-supreme-court-order-concealed-carry-improvement-acts

Returned Artworks Include Statues from Angkor Wat and Koh Ker Archeological and Religious Sites Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the return of 33 Khmer antiquities to the Kingdom of Cambodia, pursuant to an agreement between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the family of the late George Lindemann. The collection includes statues dating to the 10th and 12th centuries that were originally looted from religious and archeological sites in Cambodia. The antiquities were turned over to Cambodia on September 11, 2023, and a ceremony celebrating their repatriation will be held in Cambodia at a later date. The Lindemann family has voluntarily agreed to return the antiquities.[1] The antiquities returned to Cambodia include a monumental 10th-century statue of Dhrishtadyumna, stolen from Prasat Chen in Koh Ker, the ancient capital of the Khmer kingdom; statues stolen from Prasat Krachap in Koh Ker, including a 10th-century sculpture depicting Ardhanarishvara (half-male, half-female deity) and a 10th-century Anantashayana Vishnu (reclining Vishnu with Lakshmi); as well as six heads of devas (angels) and asuras (demons) removed from the gates to Angkor Thom in the Angkor Wat complex; and a kneeling figure from Banteay Srei, a 10th-century temple in Angkor Wat (photographs below). U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For decades, Cambodia suffered at the hands of unscrupulous art dealers and looters who trafficked cultural treasures to the American art market. This historic agreement sets a framework for the return of cultural patrimony in support of the Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Cambodia. We thank the Lindemann family for their cooperation and assistance in the repatriation of the antiquities to Cambodia.” Since 2012, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), has successfully investigated, identified, and repatriated 65 stolen and illegally imported Cambodian antiquities in the possession of individuals and institutions in the United States. In 2019, the art dealer Douglas Latchford was indicted in the Southern District of New York with wire fraud conspiracy and other crimes related to a multi-year scheme to sell looted Cambodian antiquities on the international art market. The Indictment was later dismissed due to Latchford’s death. The history of Koh Ker and the illicit trafficking in Cambodian cultural patrimony is described in prior forfeiture actions filed in the Southern District of New York, including United States v. A Late 12th Century Khmer Sandstone Sculpture Depicting Standing Prajnaparamita, et al., 21 Civ. 9217, and United States v. A Late 12th Century Bayon-Style Sandstone Sculpture Depicting Eight-Armed Avalokiteshvara, 22 Civ. 229. The statue of Dhrishtadyumna was looted from same temple site as the sculpture of Duryodhana, repatriated in 2014, which was the subject of the forfeiture action United States v. A 10th Century Cambodian Sandstone Sculpture, 12 Civ. 2600. Dhrishtadyumna and Duryodana are figures from the Hindu epic Mahabharata. The Ardhanarishvara and the Anantashayana Vishnu were looted from the same temple site as the Skanda on a Peacock sculpture, repatriated in 2022, which was the subject of the forfeiture action United States v. A 10th Century Cambodian Sandstone Sculpture Depicting Skanda on a Peacock, 21 Civ. 6065. This announcement supports the Memorandum of Understanding, known as the “U.S.-Cambodia Cultural Property Agreement,” first signed between the U.S. and Cambodia in 2003 and renewed on August 30, 2023. * * * Mr. Williams thanked HSI for its outstanding work to facilitate the repatriation and praised its ongoing efforts to find and repatriate stolen and looted cultural property. Mr. Williams also thanked the Kingdom of Cambodia’s Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts for its assistance. This matter is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Jessica Feinstein and Shiva Logarajah are in charge of the case. [1] The agreement between the Government and the Lindemanns should not be construed as a legal or factual determination that the members of the Lindemann family have violated any federal law. Contact: Nicholas Biase (212) 637-2600 Updated September 12, 2023 ----------------------------------------------- Component USAO - New York, Southern Press Release Number: 23-307 ----------------------------------------------- Sources: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/us-attorney-announces-return-significant-collection-antiquities-cambodia

Monday, September 11, 2023 SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Stephen Perrine, age 40, of King Ferry, New York, pled guilty today in federal court in Syracuse to stealing money orders from the United States Postal Service (USPS). United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Special Agent in Charge Matthew Modafferi, the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Northeast Area Field Office, made the announcement. In pleading guilty, Perrine admitted that while working for the USPS in Ithaca, New York, he stole ten money orders totaling $2,480, by issuing them to himself and entering fraudulent justifications in a USPS accounting system. For example, Perrine admitted that he stole and cashed a $400 money order on or about September 13, 2022, and that he documented the money order as having been issued as payment for “local transport.” Similarly, Perrine admitted that on November 15, 2022, he stole and cashed a $200 money order, which he fraudulently documented as having been issued as payment for “office supplies.” Perrine resigned his position with the USPS after he was charged criminally in this case. As part of his plea agreement, Perrine agreed to pay full restitution of $2,480 to the USPS. The charges to which Perrine pled guilty carry a maximum sentence of 1 year in prison, a fine of up to $100,000, and a term of supervised release of up to 1 year. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors. Perrine will be sentenced on December 13, 2023, by United States Magistrate Judge Thérèse Wiley Dancks, who presides over the case. USPS-OIG is the investigative agency, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry is prosecuting the case. Updated September 11, 2023 Sources: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/former-ithaca-postal-employee-pleads-guilty-stealing-money-orders

September 12, 2023 Enhances the City of Hudson by Creating a Year-Round, Multi-Use Destination, Complementing the City’s Waterfront All-Electric Heating and Cooling Systems, Energy Efficiency Upgrades, and Onsite Solar Arrays to Lower Carbon Footprint and Reduce Energy Costs Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the Red Barn in Hudson, Columbia County. This new addition to Hudson’s historic waterfront, located in close proximity to Hudson’s train station, will provide visitors with dining and shopping options and includes over $6 million in construction costs for the new Caboose, an event space, a full-service restaurant, Grapefruit Wines retail store, plus spaces for other community activities. The recently completed Red Barn site, created by South Front Street Holdings LLC, offers a dynamic year-round, multi-use space that will amplify and complement other activities on Hudson's waterfront and help to further advance waterfront revitalization for the region. “The Hudson River is one of New York State’s greatest assets and it is important to make investments that protect and preserve our natural environment while growing the economy in the surrounding communities,” Governor Hochul said. “The Red Barn in Hudson is a perfect example of sustainable construction that protects our environment, and it’s done in a way that will attract more businesses and grow the local tourism economy.” Located in Hudson's Downtown Revitalization Initiative "BRIDGE District," the site includes a 6,500 square foot historic post and beam Barn building, and the 4,000 square foot Market Building. The Market Building houses Kitty’s Market and Restaurant, which is now joined by the Caboose and Grapefruit Wines in the adjacent Barn Building to create a space that will further activate and enliven Hudson’s waterfront district year-round. The site includes an expansive garden, which serves as the site for a dynamic roster of performances and other community programming. The opening of Red Barn Hudson caps three years of construction, which transformed the two long-neglected buildings in the heart of Hudson’s waterfront. Sustainable redevelopment, utilizing comprehensive green energy measures and rigorously engineered systems to achieve 100% carbon-neutral operations for the Barn Building was a key element to the overall site planning. Renovations to the Barn Building included critical weatherization to seal the envelope using structural insulation panels (SIPs) to allow year-round, efficient energy performance with all-electric systems. Honoring the building’s past, the original structure and frame, including the beams, rafters and flooring, were preserved and meticulously restored, and were reused in the new building. Originally an unconditioned wood structure that sat on cement pilings directly above the ground, similar to residential deck construction, the renovation encompassed significant improvements to rehabilitate and re-purpose this former derelict site with innovative green design, including a completely new foundation with a frost wall and a gravel layer to allow for water flow in the case of flooding, all extensively insulated; exterior walls and roof were removed, and replaced with structural insulation panels; rigorous weatherization to fully seal the thermal enclosure; and the installation of all-electric mechanical and energy systems. Honoring the building’s past, the original structure and frame, including the beams, rafters and flooring, were preserved and meticulously restored, and were reused in the new building. The facility will be powered from clean, renewable energy from onsite solar arrays. Read the full press release here. Source shared from: https://esd.ny.gov/esd-media-center/press-releases/governor-hochul-announces-opening-red-barn-event-space-columbia-county

The Oneida County Department of Mental Health is seeking opioid response proposals and will award $1 million for prevention, treatment and recovery projects. “Oneida County is on the forefront of battling the opioid crisis,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “We continue to be a nationwide model by taking a holistic approach that attacks the issue from all points, including prevention, treatment, recovery and law enforcement. This request for proposals will strengthen our position and provide more support to those stricken with addiction and their loved ones.” Applicants can submit proposals for innovation and improvement projects that address the following areas: Treatment Treating opioid use disorder Supporting people in treatment and recovery Connecting to care Addressing the needs of criminal justice-involved persons Addressing the needs of pregnant or parenting women and their families Prevention Preventing over-prescribing and ensuring appropriate prescribing/dispending of opioids Preventing misuse of opioids Preventing overdose deaths and other harms Other Strategies First responder collaboration Leadership, planning and collaboration Training Research Post-mortem “We would like to thank NYS OASAS for this opportunity to provide further addiction services within our community,” said Oneida County Commissioner of Mental Health Ashlee Thompson. “We recognize the incredible efforts of people, providers and programs working tirelessly to reduce stigma and overdose rates within our county. The Department of Mental Health is eager to receive the innovative idea that our community creates in response to this RFP.” Oneida County’s opioid response was established to fund local projects that improve the system of behavioral health service integration to best treat co-occurring disorders, service equity and meaningful evaluation that demonstrates reduced suffering and positive impacts on the social determinants of health that have been affected by the opioid crisis. Its priority areas include harm reduction, treatment, investment across the service continuum, priority populations, housing, recovery, prevention, transportation, public awareness and research. A total of $1,000,000 in awards will be distributed through this Request for Proposals. There is no cap on the amount of funds that eligible organizations can request, nor a set limit on the number of proposals eligible organizations can submit for consideration. There will be a maximum limit of two successful awards per eligible organization and a preferred maximum proposed amount of $300,000 per proposal. All proposals will be reviewed and scored by a Technical Review Committee in accordance with the process laid out in the Scoring & Evaluation Section. Applicants are encouraged to submit collaborative/joint proposals, as well as proposals for lesser amounts ($5,000, $20,000, $100,000, etc.). RFP documents are available in the public notice section of www.ocgov.net or by contacting Mental Health Commissioner Ashlee Thompson at 315-768-3660 or mentalhealth@ocgov.net. Proposals must be submitted by 4 p.m. on November 30, 2023. A hard copy should be mailed to the Oneida County Department of Mental Health, 800 Park Avenue, 9th Floor, Utica, NY 13501, attention: Ashlee Thompson. An electronic copy should be submitted to mentalhealth@ocgov.net. Sources: https://ocgov.net/news/oneida-county-seeks-opioid-response-proposals/

Early this morning a positive identification of the individual responsible for the shooting assault at Proctor High School was developed. Members of the Utica Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, NY/NJ Regional Marshalls Taskforce comprising of members of the Utica Police Department and Oneida County Sheriff’s Warrants Units, and Utica Police Department Crime Prevention Unit began to seek the individual out during the early morning hours and continued until the suspect turned himself into the Utica Police Department later in the day. Suspect information about this party was developed through several sources, including public submissions of the videos of the shooting incident. We would like to thank the public for their support in this investigation; it could not have had a quick, successful resolution without them. Furthermore, we are very thankful to receive news that the Security Officer injured in the incident is expected to make a full recovery after an obviously difficult road to recovery. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to him and his family. Additionally, at approximately 11:30AM a livestream was held on the Utica City School District public pages to outline security and operational steps over the next several days. Please view that stream to familiarize yourself with certain changes that will occur both within, and on the exterior properties of the School District. We, as always, value the partnership we have with the District and look forward to ensuring that we can assist in keep a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff. Although an arrest has been made, the investigation into the shooting is still ongoing. We continue to attempt to identify and speak with all parties that were present on scene at the time of the incident. The suspect, at 16 year old male, is not a current student at Proctor High School, but is enrolled in an alternative educational program. Due to his age, we are unable to release his name, but will work diligently with the Oneida County District Attorney’s Office to seek the ability to prosecute the suspect as adult. As of now the following charges were levied against the juvenile: Attempted Murder in the second degree Criminal Possession of a weapon in the second degree Criminal Possession of a weapon in the third degree (School Grounds) Criminal Possession of a Firearm Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree Additional charges may be filed against this individual, and we are exploring the elements of other charges against other individuals involved in the altercation. SOURCES: City of Utica, NY Police Department

"A house in Oneida, N.Y., was destroyed by an explosion after a vehicle crashed into it Sept. 9, 2023. Pieces of the house were blowing into yards on either side of the home and across the street. Some debris landed on the roof of a house across the street. Around 3 a.m. a vehicle crashed into the home on West Elm Street and caused a “severe natural gas leak,” according to a Facebook post from the City of Oneida." - Syracuse.com youtube description For those who are wondering what the scene on W. Elm St looked like this morning, Syracuse.com has posted drone footage. We hope that by sharing this, people will understand the need to continue to avoid the area while cleanup is underway. -OneidaCityPoliceDepartmentNY

22 years ago America experienced the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil. Today, and every day, we remember and honor the victims and the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. #neverforget #PatriotDay

Press Release In the early morning of September 6th, 2023, the Oneida City Police officers were dispatched to a reported burglar alarm activation at the OQ Smokeline store in Glenwood Plaza. Upon arrival of officers, the side glass door to the building was found smashed. Initial investigation confirmed that the store had been burglarized. Clear surveillance video from the area shows a group arrived in the area by way of two vehicles: a dark-colored minivan and a white four-door sedan. Individuals from both vehicles entered the store through the smashed side door. While inside, items from the store were taken and further damage to the store occurred. The individuals then fled in the same vehicles, before the arrival of police moments later. The Oneida City Police alerted other area police agencies of the events that occurred, including the description of the vehicles involved when they became known. Police later learned, and were able to confirm, that the same group of individuals were involved in similar incidents in Onondaga County on today’s date, after leaving the City of Oneida. The Oneida City Police, along with other area police agencies, are working to identify all the involved parties. The Oneida City Police Department encourages anyone who witnesses any suspected crime occurring, or has information about a past crime, to please call (315) 363-2323 to report it. Note: Due to other circumstances, we are not posting photos right now. We already have the vehicles identified, and they are both stolen from the City of Syracuse. One has been recovered since this incident occurred. The Oneida City Police, along with other area police agencies, are working to identify all the involved parties. If you have knowledge of this incident or the individuals involved, please contact us at (315)363-2323. Oneida City Police Department https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=627891522866309&set=a.148676540787812

PRESS RELEASE On August 30, 2023, Troopers out of SP Clarence arrested Charlene Wieczorek., 57, of Clarence, NY, for Cemetery Desecration 2nd. Troopers responded to a larceny complaint at Clarence Fillmore Cemetery on Ransom Road in the town of Clarence. Wieczorek took a flag valued at $50.00 from a cemetery plot and left the area. Wieczorek was transported to SP Clarence for processing. Wieczorek was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the town of Clarence court at a later date. https://www.nyspnews.com/clarence-woman-arrested-for-cemetery-desecration.htm

PRESS RELEASE On September 3, 2023, at 7:30 P.M., Troopers out of SP Olean responded to Cheese Factory Road in the town of Allegany for a vehicle that struck multiple people. The investigation determined that a 2014 Ford Fusion operated by Peggy J. Errera, 70 of Bradford, PA, was backing out of a driveway into the roadway. Errera intended to go straight, but never straightened the wheels as she accelerated the Ford. The Ford accelerated back into the driveway and struck six people gathered on the front lawn of the residence. One of the victims, Ronald S. Piechota, 81 of Schenectady, NY was pronounced deceased at the scene. Another 66-year-old victim was airlifted and taken to Erie County Medical Center with severe injuries. The four other victims are all being treated at local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Errera was evaluated by a Drug Recognition Expert and no signs of intoxication were detected. The Collision Reconstruction Unit and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in this investigation. This is still an ongoing investigation. https://www.nyspnews.com/vehicle-strikes-multiple-people-in-fatal-collision.htm