Mohawk Valley Voice

Home
United States
Utica, NY
Mohawk Valley Voice

Laguerre Media is a place to stay updated on news and information. We also help with you media consulting, web design and computer repairs

Mohawk Valley Voice is an independent local news outlet dedicated to covering the stories that matter in Utica, Rome, Syracuse, and the Mohawk Valley. Founded by David and Dawn LaGuerre, the platform is committed to progressive values, grassroots advocacy, and community-first journalism. David is an IT support specialist and former writer/webmaster for the Utica Phoenix. Dawn was Brooklyn’s first

Recycling Coordinator, working under Borough President Howard Golden.

✉️ Subscribe | 💬 Submit News | 🛒 Shop: www.imvshopnow.com | ☕ Buy us a coffee

12/10/2025

Historic Victory Shows Democratic Momentum as Eileen Higgins Defeats Trump-Backed Candidate in Florida Battleground
Democrat Eileen Higgins won Miami's mayoral runoff on December 9, 2025, defeating Trump-backed Republican Emilio González 59% to 40%. This victory ends nearly three decades of Republican control in Florida's second-largest city and marks a significant shift in a region where President Trump made historic gains with Hispanic voters just one year ago.

The Miami mayor election result sends a clear message. Democrats can win in Republican strongholds when they focus on local issues that matter to everyday families. Higgins ran on affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and protecting immigrant communities from federal overreach. Her victory adds to a growing list of Democratic wins nationwide that signal potential trouble for Republicans heading into the 2026 midterms.

Democrat Eileen Higgins wins Miami mayor race, ending 30-year Republican control. What this means for 2026 midterms.

12/10/2025

LIVERPOOL, NY (DECEMBER 9, 2025) - Volunteers from the Central and Northern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross provided immediate emergency aid to one person after a fire Monday night on US Route 11 in Central Square, Oswego County.

The Red Cross provided financial assistance which can be used for necessities such as shelter, food, and clothing to one adult. Volunteers also offered emotional support, comfort kits containing personal care items, and blankets.

In the coming days, Red Cross staff and volunteers will remain available to help those affected by the fire as they navigate the road to recovery.

HOW TO HELP
The Red Cross relies on the generosity of local donors to help families prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters in Eastern New York. Please visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to donate to Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters big and small.

The American Red Cross assisted one adult after a fire on US Route 11 in Central Square, providing financial aid, comfort supplies, and emotional support. Volunteers will continue helping as recovery begins. Learn how to donate or volunteer.

12/10/2025

Join Rep. Mannion for a Live Telephone Town Hall on December 10

WASHINGTON, DC: Representative John W. Mannion today invited NY-22 constituents to join him for a Telephone Town Hall. Congressman Mannion will give an update on his work in Washington, D.C. and answer questions.

Members of the media and constituents can RSVP to this event here. Please note that registration will close at 2pm ET on December 10th. The event will be livestreamed on the Congressman’s website.

WHO:
Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22)
WHAT:
Telephone Town Hall

WHEN:
Wednesday December 10, 2025
6:00-7:00PM ET

Rep. John W. Mannion invites NY-22 constituents to a Telephone Town Hall on December 10, 2025, from 6–7 PM ET. Hear updates from Washington, ask questions, and watch the livestream on his website. Registration closes at 2 PM ET on December 10.

12/09/2025

Trump’s Leadership Competence: A Contrast Between Promises and Reality
Trump insisted he could correct national problems on “day one.” But the data tells a different story—one where promises collide with policy realities, economic mechanisms, and the limits of executive power.
Donald Trump has long claimed that he alone knew what was “wrong” under President Biden and could fix those issues immediately—“on day one.” But the reality of governing, especially in areas like tariffs, border policy, energy prices, and industrial reshoring, tells a far more complicated story.
This article examines the gap between expectations and outcomes. Understanding this contrast is critical in assessing Trump’s leadership competence, particularly as the U.S. economy faces ongoing questions about manufacturing, inflation, trade relationships, and long-term national strategy.

Expectations vs.

Trump pledged to correct major national issues on “day one.” This article examines whether those promises aligned with actual outcomes, focusing on tariffs, administration, economic impact, and leadership competence.

12/09/2025

How to Stay Healthy, Energized, and Stress-Free During the 2025 Christmas Party Season
The Christmas party season in 2025 is in full swing, bringing joy and celebration but also challenges to maintaining your health. Knowing how to protect your health during Christmas party season and avoid burnout can make all the difference in enjoying the festivities stress-free.
Understanding the Risks to Your Health During the 2025 Christmas Party Season
The holiday season is a wonderful time filled with social gatherings, indulgent foods, and festive drinks. However, it's also a period when certain health risks increase, such as heightened calorie intake, alcohol consumption, stress, and fatigue. According to recent health surveys in 2025, over 65% of adults report feeling overwhelmed or exhausted during the holiday season, largely due to persistent stress and poor self-care habits. Recognizing these risks is the first step toward building effective strategies to stay healthy.

Stay healthy and avoid burnout this 2025 Christmas party season with expert tips on eating smart, managing alcohol, reducing stress, staying active, and balancing rest with celebrations. Enjoy the holidays feeling energized, mindful, and in control.

12/09/2025

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Issues Notification of Investigative Findings Regarding Investigation into the Death of Hugh Davis
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) is today issuing a Notification of Investigative Findings regarding the investigation into the death of Hugh Davis, who died on August 13, 2025 following an encounter with Cheektowaga Police Department (CPD) officers in Buffalo. Upon completion of the investigation into Mr. Davis’ death, OSI has concluded that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officer’s use of deadly physical force was justified under the law. A final Investigation Report will follow.

About the Incident
At approximately 12:35 p.m. on August 13, CPD officers arrived at Mr. Davis’ apartment in Buffalo to arrest him for an alleged previous assault in Cheektowaga.

NY Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation has released findings on the death of Hugh Davis, who was fatally shot by Cheektowaga Police in August 2025. OSI determined prosecutors could not disprove that the officer’s use of deadly force was legally justified.

12/09/2025

UTICA, NY (DECEMBER 9, 2025) - Volunteers from the Central and Northern New York Chapter of the American Red Cross are opening a reception and warming center at All Saints Parish, 801 Hickory Street in Rome. The center is currently sheltering those displaced by this morning's fire at Countryside Apartments on Rome-Oriskany Road.

About 20 families are affected by the fire. Red Cross is expecting 10-15 individuals will need overnight shelter. More details will be released as the situation develops.

In the coming days, Red Cross staff and volunteers will remain available to help those affected by the fire as they navigate the road to recovery.

HOW TO HELP
The Red Cross relies on the generosity of local donors to help families prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters in Eastern New York. Please visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to donate to Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters big and small.

The American Red Cross has opened a reception and warming center at All Saints Parish in Rome after a fire displaced about 20 families at Countryside Apartments. Up to 15 individuals are expected to need overnight shelter as volunteers assist with immediate recovery needs.

12/09/2025

AG James Urges Congress Against Using Health Care Tax Credits as Leverage to Advance a Back-Door Federal Abortion Ban
NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 20 attorneys general in urging congressional leaders to reject proposals that would tie an extension of Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits to new federal restrictions on abortion coverage. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Attorney General James and the coalition warn that conditioning vital health care subsidies on imposing new federal restrictions on abortion coverage would intrude on states’ authority to set health care policy and jeopardize access to essential health care for millions of residents across their states.

AG Letitia James and 20 attorneys general urge Congress to reject proposals tying ACA premium tax credit extensions to new federal abortion restrictions. The coalition warns such limits violate state authority, threaten health care access, and undermine reproductive rights nationwide.

12/09/2025

AG James Cracks Down on BlueSky Management After Widespread Unsafe Housing Conditions

NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James and the Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force today announced a settlement with Steven Kashanian and his real estate company, BlueSky Management NY, LLC (BlueSky), for violating the New York City construction codes and creating unsafe and unsanitary conditions for hundreds of tenants. BlueSky owns 72 buildings comprising 1,150 units, including rent stabilized units in Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. Tenants at BlueSky’s properties were subjected to dangerous living conditions, including but not limited to illegal construction and frequent interruption of essential services such as gas and water.

NY Attorney General Letitia James and the Tenant Harassment Prevention Task Force secured a $672,000 settlement from BlueSky Management for hazardous living conditions, illegal construction, rent overcharges, and widespread code violations across 72 NYC buildings.

12/09/2025

Hillview Commons Will Expand Housing Opportunities for Seniors, Replace Aging Tonawanda Housing Authority Building

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that work has started at Hillview Commons, a new 52-unit affordable housing development for seniors in the city of Tonawanda in Erie County. The $26 million project will replace the Tonawanda Housing Authority’s aging Jacob J. Guzzetta (JJG) complex. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has created or preserved more than 11,000 homes in Erie County. Hillview Commons continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

New York begins construction on Hillview Commons, a $26M affordable senior housing project in Tonawanda. The 52-unit all-electric development replaces the aging JJG complex and expands housing opportunities as part of Hochul’s statewide affordable housing plan.

12/09/2025

Governor Kathy Hochul announced today that shooting incidents with injury in the 28 communities that participate in the Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) initiative have dropped 60 percent since she took office in 2021, with the lowest number of incidents with injury reported for the first 11 months of the year since the state began tracking this data in 2006. New statistics reported to the State Division of Criminal Justice Services by those police departments also show 81 fewer shootings and 142 fewer people shot from January to November 2025 as compared to the same time last year. Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse continue to lead the way with double-digit declines in gun violence. Governor Hochul’s investment of more than $3 billion in public safety — including doubling the annual funding to combat gun violence through GIVE and expanding the communities eligible for funding through the initiative — has contributed to these dramatic reductions in gun violence.

New York reports the lowest number of shootings for the first 11 months of 2025 since 2006. GIVE communities saw 81 fewer shootings and 142 fewer victims as Governor Hochul’s doubled investment in gun-violence prevention delivers major statewide declines.

12/09/2025

Utica, N.Y. — The Half Moon Orchestra, a community chamber ensemble founded in 2022 and based in Oriskany, N.Y., will return to Munson for its third year of holiday performances. Following two consecutive sold-out concerts, the orchestra will present two enchanting programs this season, offering even more opportunities for audiences to enjoy its festive repertoire featuring a few guest vocalists. The first show will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, and the second will be a matinee show at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, both in the Museum’s Root Court in downtown Utica. featuring a captivating vocal quartet presented by Chelsea Arts Live. Tickets are available at munson.art/special-events and are $10 for Munson Members, $15 for the general public, and $5 for students.

“The Half Moon Orchestra Holiday Concert is quickly becoming one of Munson’s most anticipated traditions, and the demand has only grown,” commented Bob Mortis, Munson’s director of Performing Arts.

The Half Moon Orchestra returns to Munson with two holiday concerts on Dec. 20 and 21 after consecutive sold-out seasons. Enjoy festive performances, guest vocalists, and family-friendly programming in Utica’s Root Court.

Address

105 Barton Avenue
Utica, NY
13502

Telephone

(315) 733-0040

Website

http://www.voicemv.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mohawk Valley Voice posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Mohawk Valley Voice:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Media Company in Utica?

Mohawk Valley Voice

12/10/2025

12/10/2025

12/10/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

12/09/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category