Sentinel Today

New York State awarded $20 million to Rome, Utica, and Morris to support downtown revitalization projects that local and state leaders say will strengthen economic growth, public spaces, and quality of life across the Mohawk Valley. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rome has received a second $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant from New York State to transform Bellamy Harbor Park and better connect its waterfront with downtown. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bunker Sports Bar and Golf Lounge is opening a new indoor golf, dining, and entertainment venue near Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, expanding its Central New York presence. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rome police have charged 47-year-old Gregory Mignot Junior with second-degree murder in the death of 31-year-old Michael Brown, whose body was found with a chest wound on April 1st. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica was the site of this year’s regional National Civics Bee, where a dozen middle school students from across the area put their knowledge of government, citizenship, and civic engagement to the test. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FX Matt Brewing Company in Utica will host a Prohibition Party from April 8th to 11th celebrating Utica Club’s historic role as the first beer legally sold after Prohibition. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rome police say 31-year-old Michael J. Brown was found dead Wednesday morning, April 1, in a wooded area near Railroad Street with a puncture wound to the chest, and his death has been ruled a homicide. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to contact police or Mohawk Valley Crime Stoppers. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listen...

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and in Oneida County, local leaders are using the moment to push a simple message: protecting children takes an entire community. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A jury in Utica has not yet reached a verdict in the Jonah Levi murder trial and is continuing to review key testimony, body camera footage, and legal instructions before resuming deliberations today. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica police are testing Flock Safety’s new gunfire detection system alongside ShotSpotter to see whether it can improve gunfire response without expanding surveillance. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over the weekend, hundreds of people across New York’s Mohawk Valley turned out for a new round of “No Kings” protests, joining a wider national movement focused on defending democratic norms and pushing back against what organizers describe as authoritarian leadership. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Urtz, the former town supervisor of Lee, is being remembered as a deeply committed public servant whose impact on the community stretched across more than half a century. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Utica Comets rallied from a third-period deficit to beat Laval 2 to 1 in a shootout, with Nico Daws making 33 saves and setting the franchise wins record to keep Utica’s playoff hopes alive. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica’s downtown peregrine falcons have officially kicked off the 2026 breeding season, and for local bird watchers, it’s a big moment. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rome’s Common Council is heading into a busy meeting this Wednesday, March 25th, and the biggest item on the agenda is a major sewer planning effort tied to the future Chobani plant. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica’s restaurant scene is growing with six new eateries now open and a seventh expected to open soon. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica’s Common Council approved a 2026–27 budget with no property tax increase after revising the plan with new state aid, but the vote exposed sharp disagreements over paving, firefighter gear, and the council’s limits on the mayor’s spending flexibility. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recovery Sports Grill in Verona has closed after 17 years, leaving longtime patrons mourning the loss of a beloved community gathering place known as much for its friendships and staff as for its food. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A month after the Boonville church explosion, the community has raised more than $40,000 to support the five injured victims as most recover at home and one continues to fight through a long recovery. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Utica’s police union is condemning Mayor Michael Galime’s interim appointment of James Holt as deputy chief, warning it could worsen morale and retention. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shook, a new healthy eatery in Ilion founded by young entrepreneur Madison Conigliaro, offers quick customizable meals while supporting local community programs. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A small fire at Utica’s long-vacant historic Kempf Building was quickly contained Thursday morning, with officials saying squatters likely started it while trying to strip wire for scrap. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At a tense Lee Town Board meeting, officials debated sensitive town records being kept at a deputy supervisor’s home instead of town hall. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CAVA plans to open its first upstate New York location later this year in New Hartford’s Consumer Square. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Worthington Steel is marking 70 years in business and looking ahead to the Rome plant’s 100th anniversary in 2026, while highlighting its local impact, its push into electrical steel, and its plans for continued growth. Support the show: http://URSentinel.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.