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4 fall food festivals you should visit in New York

4 fall food festivals you should visit in New York

From the Feast of San Gennaro to apple festivals, here are four great food celebrations in New York this fall.
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Richmond Mayor Danny Avula to Reevaluate City's Relationship with Flock Safety Technology Amid Privacy Concerns

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula to Reevaluate City's Relationship with Flock Safety Technology Amid Privacy Concerns

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula announced a reevaluation of the city's use of Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, specifically cameras provided by Flock Safety. This decision comes in response to a significant shift in public sentiment and growing privacy concerns surrounding the technology. Mayor Avula, who previously supported Flock's use for public safety benefits, stated that the issue is not closed and he remains open to community feedback. He acknowledged that the recent increase in public criticism signals a need to reassess the city's engagement with Flock. At least 20 other localities in Virginia, including Goochland County, have indicated they will cease using Flock technology, while Richmond, Henrico, and Chesterfield counties currently maintain active contracts. The Mayor's statement was delivered in a nearly four-minute video posted on the city's Instagram page.
Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
When do corn mazes open in New York? 15 popular places to get lost this fall

When do corn mazes open in New York? 15 popular places to get lost this fall

From Buffalo Bills-themed mazes to haunted nighttime adventures, here are corn mazes to explore across New York this fall.
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Islamic Relief Worldwide Seeks Development Coordinator in Long Island, New York to Strengthen Community Engagement

Islamic Relief Worldwide Seeks Development Coordinator in Long Island, New York to Strengthen Community Engagement

Islamic Relief Worldwide, operating under the name Islamic Development & Empowerment in America (IDEA), is actively seeking a Development Coordinator for its Long Island, New York office. This part-time position within the Fund Development division is crucial for building and maintaining relationships with masjids, businesses, donors, and the broader community. The Development Coordinator will report to the Regional Manager and be responsible for managing an assigned portfolio, securing fundraising and outreach opportunities, and supporting regional events and campaigns. The role requires the individual to represent IDEA throughout the assigned area, working closely with regional staff, volunteers, community partners, and cross-functional departments to enhance donor engagement and expand the organization's regional presence. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to IDEA's faith-inspired values and principles, as well as its vision and mission. The position emphasizes community engagement, fundraising e...
Westchester County Journal NewsWestchester County Journal News
New York fall foliage report shows early color changes

New York fall foliage report shows early color changes

New York has released its first fall foliage report of the year, with early color changes appearing in the Adirondacks.
Westchester County Journal NewsWestchester County Journal News
This new NY law increases AI protections as Hochul eyes 'kill switch'

This new NY law increases AI protections as Hochul eyes 'kill switch'

Ahead of the enactment of the RAISE Act, Gov. Kathy Hochul says the state is exploring ways to expand New York's artificial intelligence protections.
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Former Kenosha County Sheriff's Deputy Faces Felony Charges for Misusing Tracking Technology

Former Kenosha County Sheriff's Deputy Faces Felony Charges for Misusing Tracking Technology

Frank McGrath, a former Kenosha County sheriff's deputy, made his initial court appearance on two felony misconduct-in-office charges. The charges stem from allegations that McGrath misused departmental tracking tools. Specifically, he is accused of improperly using the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department's Flock Safety license plate-reading technology and a separate police GPS tool designed to track squad vehicles. Prosecutors allege that McGrath utilized both of these systems to monitor the movements of an ex-girlfriend, who is also a deputy within the Kenosha County Sheriff's Department. This case highlights concerns about the potential for abuse of surveillance technologies by law enforcement personnel. The court proceedings will determine the extent of McGrath's alleged misconduct and the legal consequences he may face for these actions. The incident has drawn attention to the protocols and oversight mechanisms in place for the use of such sensitive tracking equipment within police departments.
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Massachusetts Municipalities Discontinue Use of Flock Safety Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

Massachusetts Municipalities Discontinue Use of Flock Safety Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

A growing number of municipalities across Massachusetts, including Barre, Stoughton, Barnstable, and Acushnet, have decided to end, suspend, or decline to renew contracts with Flock Safety, a company providing automatic license plate reader technology. This action follows increasing concerns regarding surveillance, data privacy, and government oversight. Wilmington recently canceled its contract, while Waltham has temporarily covered its cameras awaiting removal. Other communities such as Dartmouth, Ayer, and New Bedford have also terminated or opted not to renew agreements in 2026. Boston previously ended its pilot program in late 2025 due to a security lapse that exposed data. The American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLU) has highlighted that Flock's nationwide data-sharing network poses privacy risks by allowing law enforcement and private entities to access location information without warrants or reasonable suspicion. The ACLU also cited criticisms against Flock concerning cybersecurity p...
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Massachusetts Woman Loses $340,000 in Gold and Bitcoin to Alleged Federal Agent Impersonator

Massachusetts Woman Loses $340,000 in Gold and Bitcoin to Alleged Federal Agent Impersonator

A Massachusetts woman reportedly lost approximately $340,000 in gold bars and Bitcoin after falling victim to a government impersonation scheme. The perpetrator, identified as Amritpal Singh, allegedly posed as a federal agent and convinced the woman that her assets were needed to 'stop the Russians.' The victim reported the incident to Rochester police on May 26 after a transaction occurred in Raynham. Rochester Detective Paul Douglas and Raynham Detective Patrick Leahy utilized automated license plate reader data, surveillance footage, and other investigative resources to identify Singh. Authorities subsequently traced Singh to New York, where U.S. Marshals took him into custody and returned him to Massachusetts. Singh appeared in Taunton District Court on September 17. The investigation expanded beyond Massachusetts, involving assistance from the FBI Metro Boston Gang Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service, Massachusetts State Po...
Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
Robert Brooks family to discuss settlement at Rochester news conference

Robert Brooks family to discuss settlement at Rochester news conference

The settlement follows the 2024 death of Brooks, who was beaten by correction officers at Marcy Correctional Facility. The amount was not disclosed.
ReutersReuters
ICE agent pleads not guilty to lying about Minneapolis shooting

ICE agent pleads not guilty to lying about Minneapolis shooting

By Jonathan Allen Sept 18 (Reuters) - A US immigration agent pleaded not guilty on Friday to federal charges of lying to the FBI that he was attacked before shooting a Venezuelan man in the leg in Minneapolis at the height of President Donald Trump's deportation sweeps in January.
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Target to Open New Store in Bridgehampton, New York, Expanding East Coast Presence

Target to Open New Store in Bridgehampton, New York, Expanding East Coast Presence

Target to Open New Store in Bridgehampton, New York, Expanding East Coast Presence