In this issue of Watertown NY

📅 Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

☁️ Watertown NY Weather Update

💰 Critical Funding Cuts Threaten Support for NY's Child Abuse Victims

🆘 Water, Child Care, and Emergency Services in North Country to Get $17 Million Lift

👨‍💼 New York’s Children and Family Services to Welcome DaMia Harris-Madden as Commissioner

📵 Beware: New Yorkers Hit by E-Z Pass Payment Scam Texts

🚨 Prosecutors Charge Two in Connection with Union Station Shooting During Chiefs Rally

🚓 Trial Delay for Man Accused of Orchestrating Tupac Shakur's Killing

📈 Inflation Control a Prerequisite for Fed's Anticipated Rate Cuts, Says Powell

🏀 Local High School Basketball Teams Battle for Glory on the Hardwood

Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

9-Mar-2024

Battle of the Badges 4

Watertown Wolves at Motor City Rockers

10-Mar-2024

Trio Lucente: At the Café

Manifest-March New Moon Ceremony-IN PERSON/ VIRUTAL

Critical Funding Cuts Threaten Support for NY's Child Abuse Victims

The essential funding for New York nonprofits aiding crime victims, especially child abuse cases, has drastically decreased due to reductions in the U.S. Crime Victims Fund. Established in 1984 and witnessing a severe drop in funds from $12 billion in 2016 to an estimated $1 billion in 2024, these cuts threaten the operation of vital services like the YWCA Mohawk Valley's advocacy centers. Despite this, Gov. Kathy Hochul has proposed a $120 million plan to offset federal cuts, and legislative measures like the "VOCA Fix" act aim to ensure a steady funding stream for these critical programs.

Water, Child Care, and Emergency Services in North Country to Get $17 Million Lift

Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand have announced the allocation of nearly $17 million for critical infrastructure and service improvements in New York's North Country. This funding, part of a bipartisan spending package for Fiscal Year 2024, will support projects ranging from water infrastructure upgrades to the establishment of a new child care center, enhancing the quality of life and economic prospects in the region.

New York’s Children and Family Services to Welcome DaMia Harris-Madden as Commissioner

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has nominated DaMia Harris-Madden, the Executive Director of the Westchester County Youth Bureau, as the next commissioner of the state Office of Children and Family Services. Harris-Madden is set to replace Suzanne Miles-Gustave as the acting commissioner from April 8, bringing two decades of experience in various sectors to the role. She aims to enhance service delivery and improve outcomes for New York's children, youth, and families. Her appointment is subject to confirmation by the state Senate.

Beware: New Yorkers Hit by E-Z Pass Payment Scam Texts

The New York Thruway Authority has issued a warning about a new scam targeting E-Z Pass users with fraudulent texts about overdue toll payments. This scam attempts to deceive recipients into providing personal and financial information. With Americans losing nearly $330 million to text scams in 2022, the authority emphasizes the critical need for individuals to closely monitor their accounts and verify the legitimacy of any unexpected communications.

Prosecutors Charge Two in Connection with Union Station Shooting During Chiefs Rally

Two men, Lyndell Mays and Dominic M. Miller, have been charged with second-degree felony murder following a mass shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl victory rally. The incident, which took place at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, resulted in several injuries and one fatality. The charges were announced by Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, highlighting the legal actions being taken in response to the tragedy.

Trial Delay for Man Accused of Orchestrating Tupac Shakur's Killing

In a recent development from Las Vegas, the trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, the suspect behind the murder of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur, has been pushed back by a local judge. Davis, 60, marked his initial court appearance this Tuesday, following his engagement with Carl Arnold, a private attorney based in Henderson.

Inflation Control a Prerequisite for Fed's Anticipated Rate Cuts, Says Powell

Jerome Powell has stated that the Federal Reserve is prepared to lower its key interest rate this year, pending further evidence of a steady decline in inflation towards the 2% target. His remarks during Congressional testimony reflect a careful balancing of risks associated with premature or insufficient rate cuts. Amid broader government actions against inflation and market speculation on the timing of rate reductions, Powell emphasized the Fed's cautious optimism, citing recent progress in inflation control and a strong economy as foundations for their measured approach to future monetary policy adjustments.

Local High School Basketball Teams Battle for Glory on the Hardwood

The state high school basketball playoffs featured notable games at Jefferson Community College and SUNY Potsdam, with Catholic Central defeating Indian River 50-45 and Beekmantown overcoming Malone 36-28. Meanwhile, JCC's women's basketball team celebrated receiving an at-large bid for the NJCAA tournament after a suspenseful wait, following their recent loss in the Region 3, Division III title game.