In this issue of Watertown NY

📅 Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

☁️ Watertown NY Weather Update

🎈 U.S. Inflation Eases Slightly in January, But Concerns Remain High

🎒 Half-Day Classes in Watertown Amid Eclipse Spectacle Preparations

📺 Experience 'Lyla in the Loop' at WPBS-TV's Free Family-Friendly Screening

💵 Trump and Sons Hit with $364 Million Fraud Penalty in Landmark N.Y. Case

👮‍♂️ Local Police Crack Down on Narcotics, Massena Resident Arrested

🚨 Transfer Student Faces Arson Charges for SUNY Potsdam Dorm Fire

⚒️ Surge in Strike Activity Marks a Transformative Year for American Labor

🏀Harrisville Senior Tanner Sullivan Crowned Athlete of the Week for Stellar Basketball Season

Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

February 20th

Experience the Sound of Soul - Online Spiritual Event

February 21st

Online Game Night

February 22nd

Deeper Dive: Reframing an Empire Screening and Roundtable

February 25th

Babes Brunch @ The Lincoln Loft

February 28th

Monthly Film Discussion: The Love Witch (2016)

U.S. Inflation Eases Slightly in January, But Concerns Remain High

January saw a modest reduction in U.S. consumer inflation, with the consumer price index (CPI) increasing by 0.3% from the previous month. Although inflation rates have decreased from their mid-2022 peak, they remain above the Federal Reserve's 2% target. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, also rose slightly, reflecting persistent inflationary pressures despite some areas of improvement. The recent data underscores the Federal Reserve's cautious approach toward adjusting interest rates, as it balances efforts to mitigate inflation with the need to support economic growth.

Half-Day Classes in Watertown Amid Eclipse Spectacle Preparations

The Watertown City School District plans to conduct half-day classes during the solar eclipse on April 8 to mitigate potential traffic challenges and conserve weather days. With an expected influx of up to 174,000 visitors to Watertown for the eclipse, local officials are preparing for significant disruptions. The decision reflects efforts to balance educational commitments with the practicalities of hosting a major celestial event.

Experience 'Lyla in the Loop' at WPBS-TV's Free Family-Friendly Screening

WPBS-TV will host a free screening of "Lyla in the Loop," a new PBS Kids series, at its studio. The event aims to provide a fun viewing experience for children and their families, featuring kid-friendly snacks. The series stars Lyla, a creative and persistent 7-year-old girl, who, along with her family and friends, solves everyday problems with imaginative solutions. The show emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills, making it both entertaining and educational for its young audience.

Trump and Sons Hit with $364 Million Fraud Penalty in Landmark N.Y. Case

Donald Trump and former executives of the Trump Organization, including his sons, have been found guilty of fraud, resulting in a $364 million fine and a three-year ban from leading a New York company. This judgment by Judge Arthur Engoron represents a significant defeat for Trump's longstanding image as a key figure in New York real estate, following serious fraud claims filed by State Attorney General Tish James.

Local Police Crack Down on Narcotics, Massena Resident Arrested

In Massena, a significant arrest has unfolded as 52-year-old Robert J. Paquin finds himself facing serious allegations. The local authorities have levied against him charges that place him squarely in the midst of a drug-related controversy. Specifically, Paquin has been accused of possessing narcotics with the intent to sell and of the criminal sale of a controlled substance, both considered felonies. Additionally, he faces charges for tampering with physical evidence, further complicating his legal woes. To round off the charges, he is also accused of a misdemeanor related to the possession of a controlled substance. Following his arraignment in Town Court, Paquin was sent to the St. Lawrence County jail in Canton, where he is being held without bail, awaiting further proceedings.

Transfer Student Faces Arson Charges for SUNY Potsdam Dorm Fire

A transfer student from Buffalo, identified as Phonta Johnson, has been charged with arson after allegedly starting a fire in Van Housen Hall at SUNY Potsdam, forcing 62 students to evacuate. Johnson faces felony charges and is currently held on $25,000 bail at the St. Lawrence County Correctional Facility.

Surge in Strike Activity Marks a Transformative Year for American Labor

The U.S. experienced a significant uptick in labor strikes in 2023, with 539,000 workers participating in work stoppages, marking a 141% increase from the previous year. Major sectors, including auto, entertainment, healthcare, and education, saw high-profile strikes, driven by demands for better wages, safety, and staffing. Despite the increase in strike activity, union membership rates fell slightly to a record low of 10%, underscoring a gap between labor actions and unionization rates.

Harrisville Senior Tanner Sullivan Crowned Athlete of the Week for Stellar Basketball Season

Tanner Sullivan of Harrisville has been honored as the Watertown Savings Bank - 7 News North Country Athlete of the Week for his outstanding achievements in basketball. Averaging 22 points per game this season and with over 1,300 points in his high school career, Tanner has showcased exceptional skill. Beyond basketball, he has excelled in soccer and baseball, and academically, as a member of the National Honor Society. Sullivan represents the ideal of a multi-talented and dedicated student-athlete.