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Maria M. Silva

@mariamsilva.bsky.social
244 followers 78 following 18 posts

Periolista 🗞️ Hudson Valley reporter @timesunion. Local journalism matters. Tips? maria.silva@timesunion.com

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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Casey Seiler @caseyseiler.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Several Catskills resorts have over the past four decades claimed to be the inspiration for the sylvan summer setting of "Dirty Dancing," but @mariamsilva.bsky.social settles the matter once and for all: “It was Grossinger’s,” screenwriter Eleanor Bergstein says. “Only ever and always.”
timesunion.com
Grossinger’s, ‘Dirty Dancing’ and the real story behind the connection
As Grossinger’s Catskill Resort moves toward redevelopment, new interest is reviving an old question: How much did it actually inspire “Dirty Dancing”?
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Casey Seiler @caseyseiler.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Crippled by an ugly family feud, Levon Helm Studios owes ticket holders refunds for numerous canceled shows. Current management is blaming Helm’s daughter for the delay. @mariamsilva.bsky.social reports.
timesunion.com
After mass show cancellations, Levon Helm Studios lacks funds to reimburse ticket holders
Levon Helm Studios says it can’t reimburse fans affected by a wave of show cancellations because the funds set aside had been spent by prior management.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Tyler A. McNeil @tyleramcneil.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
A lot of people remember Aug. 15, 1969 for Woodstock (or don't for ... reasons). But something also happened in Delaware County. A very young Dolly Parton took the stage with Porter Wagoner in a moment that folks have remembered for a lifetime. www.timesunion.com/history/arti...
timesunion.com
When Dolly Parton came to the Catskills
Before she became a superstar, Dolly Parton played the Delaware County Fair. For some who were there, the Aug. 15, 1969, show remains unforgettable.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 26/08/2026
Mindy Brugger was killed in an act of domestic violence. Her friends and family want to remember her for more than that.
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‘She deserved more’: Friends remember Mindy Brugger for service, kindness and humor
Mindy Brugger was killed in an act of domestic violence. Her friends and family want to remember her for more than that.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 12/07/2026
The state has given local law enforcement agencies until Aug. 25 to end ICE partnerships. Not everyone plans to.
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As ICE cooperation ban nears, some New York law enforcement agencies prepare to defy it
The state has given local law enforcement agencies until Aug. 25 to end ICE partnerships. Not everyone plans to.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 26/05/2026
A developer that sought to build two warehouses appears to be considering a data center instead, surprising residents and town officials.
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Data center proposal sparks backlash in East Fishkill
A developer that sought to build two warehouses appears to be considering a data center instead, surprising residents and town officials.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Phillip Pantuso @phillippantuso.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
The finale of Long Buried is out now. This series began like all investigate forays: an effort to find out what happened and who’s responsible. But it became a larger exploration about justice, memory and the stories we tell. I hope you’ll listen! www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
timesunion.com
‘Long Buried’: Inside a cold case hidden for 44 years
After human remains were found during the construction of a new home in April 2024, it took investigators nearly two months to identify them. When they did, the mystery only deepened.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 12/05/2026
The congressman gave $42,800 to Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, which will launch a new fund to support nonprofits that serve immigrants.
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Pat Ryan donates ICE contractor funds to Hudson Valley nonprofit
The congressman gave $42,800 to Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, which will launch a new fund to support nonprofits that serve immigrants.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 10/05/2026
A state Supreme Court justice said Cairo officials failed to take a “hard look” at the Blackhead Mountain resort’s potential environmental impacts.
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Judge halts controversial Cairo resort project over environmental review
A state Supreme Court justice said Cairo officials failed to take a “hard look” at the Blackhead Mountain resort’s potential environmental impacts.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Casey Seiler @caseyseiler.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
If you believe in Hell as a physical place, surely people who scam desperate immigrants with fake offers of legal services belong there. @mariamsilva.bsky.social reports. www.timesunion.com/state/articl...
timesunion.com
Scams targeting immigrants are surging amid shortage of legal services
Scams targeting people looking for immigration legal help are increasing and becoming more elaborate thanks to AI and social media.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 29/04/2026
International Missionary Community Shining Light is raising funds to help cover a $46,000 debt the church claims isn’t theirs.
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Saugerties church faces closure amid billing battle with Central Hudson
International Missionary Community Shining Light is raising funds to help cover a $46,000 debt the church claims isn’t theirs.
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Maria M. Silva @mariamsilva.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
Ali Faqirzada, the Afghan refugee living in Ulster County who was arrested by ICE at a credible fear interview last year and whose case became a rallying point in the Hudson Valley, was released from detention www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
timesunion.com
Afghan refugee Ali Faqirzada released from ICE custody
Ali Faqirzada is back with his family in New Paltz after being detained six months ago following an arrest after an interview in his asylum case.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 13/03/2026
A long-delayed project at Williams Lake is moving forward again with an eco-friendly luxury hotel partner, outdoor amenities and single-family homes.
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Long-stalled Rosendale lake resort project moves forward with new hotel partner
A long-delayed project at Williams Lake is moving forward again with an eco-friendly luxury hotel partner, outdoor amenities and single-family homes.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 11/03/2026
State Sen. Michelle Hinchey introduced legislation to allow localities in some upstate counties to pass a property tax exemption for full‑time residents.
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Bill proposes tax break opt-in for full-time homeowners in some upstate counties
State Sen. Michelle Hinchey introduced legislation to allow localities in some upstate counties to pass a property tax exemption for full‑time residents.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Casey Seiler @caseyseiler.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Recorded phone calls and stonewalling local officials: Wild story from Nora Mishanec on the mystery of who, exactly, gave the green light for Flock to install surveillance cameras in Pine Plains?
timesunion.com
A Hudson Valley town tried to secretly install surveillance cameras. An uproar ensued.
Pine Plains’ town supervisor said he had not approved the Flock cameras and license plate readers, but reporting by a local website proved otherwise.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Casey Seiler @caseyseiler.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
“It’s an existential crisis because (Botstein) really is Bard at this point,” said James Cox “Fergie” Chambers Jr., whose billionaire father chairs the college’s board of trustees. (Note: If the success of your institution depends on one person, your institution has a poor management structure.)
timesunion.com
Epstein casts shadow over Bard College president’s billion-dollar legacy
Leon Botstein has remade Bard in his image over the past 50 years. But his ties to Jeffrey Epstein have plunged the college into an “existential crisis.”
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Maria M. Silva @mariamsilva.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
We need positive stories more than ever. Here’s a cool seniors group I got to hang out with a few days ago
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 26/02/2026
After nearly 100 years in business and five decades under Tom and Faye Sit, Eng’s has capped its resurgence with one of the nation’s top hospitality honors.
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Eng’s Chinese restaurant in Kingston wins James Beard America’s Classic award
After nearly 100 years in business and five decades under Tom and Faye Sit, Eng’s has capped its resurgence with one of the nation’s top hospitality honors.
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Maria M. Silva @mariamsilva.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Just in from my colleague Nora Mishanec: ICE officials said Tuesday they had made a “mistake” after falsely claiming to have bought a Hudson Valley warehouse for a detention center. On Friday, after multiple outlets ran with ICE’s claims, we reported that county officials had no record of a sale.
timesunion.com
ICE retracts false claim that it purchased Hudson Valley warehouse
The federal agency said its statement that it bought a former Pep Boys building in Chester to use as a detention center was a “mistake.”
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Casey Seiler @caseyseiler.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
“I don’t think they get just how furious people are,” said one Bard student, who described a recent Q&A with Botstein at the president's house — where he had previously hosted Epstein — as “a shitshow. ... By the end, people were shouting ‘resign.’” Sarah Trafton and Nora Mishanec report.
timesunion.com
‘S___show’: Bard students protest Botstein’s ties to Epstein as trustees meet
Anger on campus is mounting amid Bard College’s silence about President Leon Botstein’s relationship with the convicted sex predator.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 13/02/2026
Orange County officials said they have no filings indicating that ICE has purchased the property where it wants to build a new detention center.
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ICE says it bought Hudson Valley warehouse, but county has no record yet
Orange County officials said they have no filings indicating that ICE has purchased the property where it wants to build a new detention center.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 03/02/2026
New York’s governor signaled her ban on local law enforcement being deputized by ICE could be rolled into an omnibus immigration bill.
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Hochul signals fast-track on New York immigration bills
New York’s governor signaled her ban on local law enforcement being deputized by ICE could be rolled into an omnibus immigration bill.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Casey Seiler @caseyseiler.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
An Albany Law School student has filed a federal lawsuit alleging he faced retaliation when administrators took steps to formally discipline him after he accused a Black professor of directing racist remarks at him for appearing to be a “white conservative.” Brendan Lyons reports.
timesunion.com
Albany Law School student accuses school, professor of discrimination
Lawsuits accuse Albany Law School and a Black professor of retaliation after 'white conservative' student filed complaint alleging he was singled out in class.
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Maria M. Silva @mariamsilva.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Many call him a dedicated community member. Others say he is ripping families apart. A community in upstate New York is split over a school trustee’s job with ICE. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
timesunion.com
Should an ICE officer serve on a school board? Some Putnam County residents say no.
Many call him a dedicated community member. Others say he is ripping families apart. In Putnam County, residents are split over a school trustee’s job with ICE.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Casey Seiler @caseyseiler.bsky.social · 01/02/2026
An excellent, lucid profile of one young man’s journey through the digestive system of an ICE detainment. Maria Silva reports.
timesunion.com
Guatemalan migrant rebuilds life after judge finds ICE detention illegal
A Guatemalan man living in Dutchess County recounted his two weeks in detention. His experience highlights an ongoing legal battle over who can be detained.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 01/02/2026
A Guatemalan man living in Dutchess County recounted his two weeks in detention. His experience highlights an ongoing legal battle over who can be detained.
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Guatemalan migrant rebuilds life after judge finds ICE detention illegal
A Guatemalan man living in Dutchess County recounted his two weeks in detention. His experience highlights an ongoing legal battle over who can be detained.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Emilie Munson @emiliemunson.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
The upstate New York's largest immigration raid since President Trump returned to office was on Sept. 4. That was just the beginning. Lawsuits and long fights for freedom are underway. www.timesunion.com/state/articl...
timesunion.com
Fear, scrutiny linger months after upstate NY ICE raid
The upstate New York's largest immigration raid since President Trump returned to office was on Sept. 4. That was just the beginning. Lawsuits and long fights for freedom are underway.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 08/12/2025
Fernando Isaias Carranza Chuqui had federal humanitarian protection and long-standing work authorization when he was detained in July.
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Albany teen with special immigrant protections caught in ICE ‘collateral arrest’
Fernando Isaias Carranza Chuqui had federal humanitarian protection and long-standing work authorization when he was detained in July.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Casey Seiler @caseyseiler.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Less than three days after Maria Silva reported on the cancellation of naturalization ceremonies across upstate, an apparent reversal by USCIS. Journalism, amirite?
timesunion.com
USCIS reverses course, reinstates halted naturalization ceremonies across New York
The move comes days after the Times Union revealed abrupt cancellations in at least seven counties, sparking bipartisan criticism and demands for answers.
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Maria M. Silva @mariamsilva.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
BREAKING: USCIS is reinstating halted naturalization ceremonies in several New York counties, per U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler. The move comes days after a @timesunion.com report revealed abrupt cancellations in at least seven counties. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
timesunion.com
USCIS reverses course, reinstates halted naturalization ceremonies across New York
The move comes days after the Times Union revealed abrupt cancellations in at least seven counties, sparking bipartisan criticism and demands for answers.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 12/11/2025
In other food news: Local businesses are helping SNAP recipients, two new bars open in Kingston, and Little Rye Bakehouse is launching an events program.
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Ollie’s Slice Shop in Kingston is closing after costs ‘outpaced’ revenue
In other food news: Local businesses are helping SNAP recipients, two new bars open in Kingston, and Little Rye Bakehouse is launching an events program.
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Maria M. Silva @mariamsilva.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
🧶 Trump’s tariffs are impacting many industries, even unexpected ones. I recently spoke with several New York fiber business owners, who said they are running low on inventory, being hit with surprise levies and seeing delayed shipments www.timesunion.com/business/art...
timesunion.com
Trump’s tariffs are tying knots in New York’s yarn industry
For the vibrant upstate fiber industry, which heavily relies on imported yarn and tools, the local infrastructure can’t keep up with rising costs and uncertainty.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 04/11/2025
For the vibrant upstate fiber industry, which heavily relies on imported yarn and tools, the local infrastructure can’t keep up with rising costs and uncertainty.
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Trump’s tariffs are tying knots in New York’s yarn industry
For the vibrant upstate fiber industry, which heavily relies on imported yarn and tools, the local infrastructure can’t keep up with rising costs and uncertainty.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Phillip Pantuso @phillippantuso.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
BREAKING: An Afghan refugee whose family resettled in New York after fleeing Taliban persecution was detained by ICE agents following a routine asylum interview on Tuesday. @mariamsilva.bsky.social has the story www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
timesunion.com
ICE arrests Afghan refugee living in New Paltz after asylum hearing
Ali Sajad Faqirzada, who resettled with his family in Ulster County in 2022, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Tuesday.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Emilie Munson @emiliemunson.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Where ICE arrested thousands of immigrants in New York this year. @timesunion.com mapped the arrests so you can see the enforcement action by county, court house and jail www.timesunion.com/news/article...
timesunion.com
Here's where ICE is arresting immigrants in New York
Immigration arrests in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and Saratoga have dominated upstate New York. In New York City, arrests skyrocketed at Federal Plaza.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Emilie Munson @emiliemunson.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
Important story by my colleague @mariamsilva.bsky.social: the federal government has stopped paying for new citizen naturalization ceremonies www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
timesunion.com
USCIS stops paying New York clerks for swearing in new citizens
For decades, county clerks have been reimbursed for administering the Oath of Allegiance. This summer, the federal agency quietly ended the practice.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Emilie Munson @emiliemunson.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
SCOOP: Homeless people said they were paid to be listed as donors for a NY Senate candidate. Others told the @timesunion.com the candidate paid them with pre-paid cash gift cards worth 2x the value of their donation www.timesunion.com/capitol/arti...
timesunion.com
Homeless people say they got paid to be donors in Senate campaign
Law enforcement are investigating whether Caleb Slater allegedly paid people in exchange for donations to get money from the New York State Public Campaign Finance Program during the 2024 election.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
H. R. Schneider @schneidlee.bsky.social · 11/08/2025
Back in June, my partner and I found an injured, fledgling robin in our yard. A Google search and some text messages later and we were driving up the Northway with a robin in a shoebox to a rehabilitator for passerine birds --- one of the few people who knew how to care for them, we'd soon learn
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
H. R. Schneider @schneidlee.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
Plans are up in smoke
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Casey Seiler @caseyseiler.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Beginning in September, the new rates will add roughly $14.29 to an average customer’s monthly electric bill and $7.66 to the customer’s monthly gas bill. National Grid provides utility service to 2.3 million customers in upstate New York.
timesunion.com
National Grid bills going up after PSC approves rate hike
The new rates will take effect in September, increasing the typical monthly gas and electric bill by about $22.
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Maria M. Silva @mariamsilva.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
Central Hudson admitted it did not provide safe and adequate service in the lead-up to a gas explosion in Wappingers Falls that hospitalized eight people, including children, two years ago. The company will also pay a $5 million penalty. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
timesunion.com
Central Hudson admits ‘regulatory violation’ in Wappingers Falls gas explosion
The utility, which separately got a rate increase Thursday, will pay a $5 million penalty as part of a settlement with the state Public Service Commission.
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Maria M. Silva @mariamsilva.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
A federal judge denied a Honduran immigrant’s petition to halt his deportation, but extended his restraining order by two days to give him time to appeal. Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcio’s arrest July 18 prompted an outcry in Rhinebeck, where locals have raised $75,270 to support his legal defense.
timesunion.com
Judge rejects Rhinebeck immigrant’s petition to halt deportation
A judge denied Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcios’ petition to halt his deportation but gave him a two-day extension to appeal.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 30/07/2025
“Community concierge” Janet Nuñez is the link between social services and residents who can’t access them.
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Meet the woman bringing Ulster County services to rural residents
“Community concierge” Janet Nuñez is the link between social services and residents who can’t access them.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Dan Clark @danclarkreports.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
New York is suing Trump for states' rights, Tish says. Monday CapCon: www.capitolconfidential.com/p/letitia-ja... - Texas AG is suing the acting Ulster County clerk in NY - Former NYDEC commissioners pen letter over emissions - Hochul and the politics of MAID - & more
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Letitia James says she's suing Trump over states' rights
And Texas AG Ken Paxton is suing the acting clerk of Ulster County.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 23/07/2025
A Manhattan judge declined to pause deportation proceedings against Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcios, whose arrest prompted outcry.
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Honduran immigrant detained by ICE in Rhinebeck to face deportation
A Manhattan judge declined to pause deportation proceedings against Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcios, whose arrest prompted outcry.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Casey Seiler @caseyseiler.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan: "Trump said he’d focus on violent criminals; instead, he’s snatching law-abiding small-business owners off our streets, which is a betrayal of our country and our values.” @mariamsilva.bsky.social reports. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
timesunion.com
‘One of our own’: Rhinebeck rallies for Honduran immigrant detained by ICE
Rhinebeck locals and celebrities raised $55,000 for Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcios and are sending a bus with supporters to his immigration hearing.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 22/07/2025
A retired city police officer was allegedly involved in a shooting at a home on Rombout Avenue on Monday night.
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Retired police officer involved in fatal home shooting in Beacon
A retired city police officer was allegedly involved in a shooting at a home on Rombout Avenue on Monday night.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Times Union @timesunion.com · 22/07/2025
The Office of Rent Administration said tenants at Stony Run still deserve rental protections.
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Kingston apartment complex cannot be exempted from rent regulation, state finds
The Office of Rent Administration said tenants at Stony Run still deserve rental protections.
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Maria M. Silva @mariamsilva.bsky.social · 22/07/2025
Rhinebeck locals are coming together to rally behind a Honduran man arrested by ICE last week. They’ve raised $55,000 in two days to fund his legal defense. “He’s one of our own, he’s not ‘other,’” a woman who employed him said. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
timesunion.com
‘One of our own’: ICE arrest of Honduran immigrant causes stir in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck locals and celebrities raised $55,000 for Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcios and are sending a bus with supporters to his immigration hearing.
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Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Dan Clark @danclarkreports.bsky.social · 10/07/2025
New York is expecting a $3 billion loss in annual revenue because of the 'Big Beautiful Bill,' Budget Director Blake Washington said Thursday. CapCon: www.capitolconfidential.com/p/new-york-e... - NY gun law upheld - Enviros launch ad campaign on 100-ft. rule - An AI ad of Stefanik - & more
capitolconfidential.com
New York expects a $3 billion gap next year from the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
And a federal appellate court has upheld a big New York gun law.
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