In this issue of Watertown NY

📅 Upcoming Events in Watertown NY for the Week

☁️ Somerset KY Weather Update

🔎 New Wage Data Tool Highlights Economic Challenges Across New York

🧹 New Federal Rule to Increase Drilling Costs, Enforce Cleanup on Public Lands

💰 Calling All Entrepreneurs: $3 Million Up for Grabs in Grow-NY’s Sixth Annual Business Contest

🚨 Baldwinsville Teen Arrested for Faking Principal’s Resignation via Fax

💹 Resilient Job Market: Fewer Americans Seek Unemployment Despite Tech Layoffs

🥍 IHC Boys' Lacrosse Makes a Comeback, Joins Frontier League Varsity Lineup

Upcoming Events in Somerset KY for the Week

April 14

Konstantin Soukhovetski, piano

April 19

Tommy Gunn Duo

New Wage Data Tool Highlights Economic Challenges Across New York

A new tool created by a Cornell University researcher, the Wage Atlas Tool, shows that only half of New Yorkers earn a living wage. This data is part of a broader effort to address wage disparities across various demographics in the state. The tool's findings are reflected in the operations of Bargain Grocery in Utica, where efforts are made to provide affordable groceries in under-served areas. This initiative highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring economic stability and food security across New York.

New Federal Rule to Increase Drilling Costs, Enforce Cleanup on Public Lands

The Biden administration has issued a new rule requiring oil and gas companies to pay increased royalties and adhere to stricter cleanup obligations for operations on public lands. This change raises the federal royalty rate to 16.67%, a significant hike meant to align with the charges of states and private landowners and provide better returns to taxpayers. The rule also increases the minimum bond required for drilling leases to ensure companies are financially responsible for environmental cleanup, thereby safeguarding taxpayer money against such liabilities.

Calling All Entrepreneurs: $3 Million Up for Grabs in Grow-NY’s Sixth Annual Business Contest

The Grow-NY startup competition is accepting applications for its sixth round, offering $3 million in prizes to innovative entrepreneurs in the food and agriculture sectors. Covering 22 counties, this contest supports businesses that promise job creation and local industry engagement. Past winners include Leep Foods and Craft Cannery, which have both seen significant growth and success. Applications are due by May 15, with finalists competing for major funding awards.

Baldwinsville Teen Arrested for Faking Principal’s Resignation via Fax

A 17-year-old student from Baker High School in Baldwinsville, NY, was arrested after allegedly sending a fake fax impersonating the principal's resignation and creating bogus school email accounts. This breach has raised significant concerns regarding digital security in schools.

Resilient Job Market: Fewer Americans Seek Unemployment Despite Tech Layoffs

The U.S. labor market demonstrated resilience last week, with a decline in unemployment claims to 211,000, down from 222,000, despite multiple rate hikes by the Federal Reserve. The steady job market, buoyed by strong consumer spending, contrasts with layoffs in tech and media. As of the end of March, 1.82 million Americans were receiving jobless benefits, the highest since January.

IHC Boys' Lacrosse Makes a Comeback, Joins Frontier League Varsity Lineup

The IHC Boys’ Lacrosse Team has made a notable return to the Frontier League, competing at the varsity level for the first time since the 2018-19 season under the guidance of coach Nate Jobson. With a young team composed of 16 players, including a mix of seniors, juniors, and sophomores, IHC is focused on rebuilding and regaining its status in the league. The players, led by sophomore defender Connor Laduc, are enthusiastic about their progress and the opportunity to play a pivotal role in reviving the program.