Shalon Stevens

2 weeks ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Shalon Stevens

Starting this week, nationals from 19 countries are either barred or restricted from entering the United States. “Many of the countries listed in the travel ban are countries that we have historically received refugees from,” said Shelly Callahan, executive director of The Center, a nonprofit organization in Utica that provides refugees with resources to integrate into communities.

3 weeks ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Shalon Stevens

Two correctional officers charged in the death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility argued for their cases to be dismissed in Oneida County Court Tuesday morning. Matthew Galliher, Nicholas Kieffer and David Kingsley face charges stemming from a Dec. 9 incident at Marcy that was caught on body-worn cameras and triggered widespread outrage. Footage released by the New York attorney general’s office shows correctional officers hitting Brooks while he was restrained.

1 month ago | baynews9.com | Shalon Stevens

Remember that feeling when you were a kid, going outside to play when the weather was warm? Now, things have changed somewhat as we all seem addicted to screens. That's why New York state has launched the "Unplug and Play" initiative. State officials say it's also about keeping kids healthy. Shaila Singh is a mom of three children ages 10, 7 and 3. Keeping her kids active is a full-time job. “It’s nice to keep your kids off the screen and in the environment,” said Singh.

1 month ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Shalon Stevens

Youth gun violence is an epidemic in New York state and across the nation. But why is it happening and how does the U.S. fix it? “Utica is, unfortunately, like many cities across New York like Rochester, Syracuse and so forth and around the country, dealing with this youth gun violence issue,” said Ralph Eannace, a retired Utica City Court judge. He’s seen firsthand the impact violence can have on young people’s lives.

1 month ago | ny1.com | Dennis Yusko |Shalon Stevens

Another three correction officers charged in the beating death of Robert Brooks at Marcy Correctional Facility rejected plea deals Wednesday, while one accepted a misdemeanor charge in the case for cleaning up blood from the incident in an attempt to conceal what happened. Michael Mashaw, Michael Fisher and David Walters, who face second-degree manslaughter charges, declined plea offers in Oneida County Court, while Nicholas Gentile pleaded guilty to attempted tampering with physical evidence.