Shalon Stevens

1 week 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.

2 weeks 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.

3 weeks 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.

1 month ago | spectrumlocalnews.com | Shalon Stevens

The late George Foreman, famously known for his skills inside the boxing ring, still has his fists on Central New York. “George was beloved by everybody. He was a great fighter in the ring and a great human out of the ring. He did so much for the sport, heavyweight champion, he fought around the world, everybody loved his style, he was dedicated,” said Ed Brophy, executive director of the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota.

2 months ago | mynews13.com | Shalon Stevens |Emily Kenny

Canada controls the majority of the world’s maple syrup supply and manufactures much of the equipment, raising concern among New York producers that U.S. tariffs and retaliatory Canadian action will raise costs.  “As far as wholesale prices, which is what most of ours is, it’s basically set by Canada. The tariffs, it’s a good question on how this is going to affect it,” said Tim Custer, who owns Custer’s Maple in Cuyler. “We’re kind of hopeful that it will actually help us.