Tuesday February 24th: A Utica Anime-Fest Preview

Utica Anime-Fest returns to the Delta by Marriott Utica on Saturday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring vendors, artists, panels, special guests, and a 5:30 p.m. Sailor Moon concert, with $20 admission.

Monday February 23rd: Two Cousins Pinball’s Monthly Marketplace

Two Cousins Pinball in Marcy has launched the CNY Pop Culture Monthly Marketplace, a once-a-month event bringing vendors selling comics, toys, cards, and other collectibles to the same building on River Road.

Friday February 20th: Chesterfield’s Tavolo in Bon Appétit

Bon Appétit’s February issue spotlighted Chesterfield’s Tavolo in Utica for its iconic Utica greens as part of a feature on upstate New York’s Italian American “Littler Italies.”

Thursday February 19th: Utica Calls for Stronger Child Care Support

In Utica, Citizen Action of New York rallied with parents and child care providers urging lawmakers to fund higher wages and key investments to address shortages and build a path to universal child care statewide.

Wednesday February 18th: Firefighters and Pastor Hurt in Boonville Explosion

A suspected propane leak at "Abundant Life Fellowship Church" in Boonville triggered an explosion and fire on Tuesday, critically injuring four firefighters and the pastor while crews investigated the gas odor.

Tuesday February 17th: The Battle Over Utica’s Outdated Fees

Utica’s mayor and Common Council are battling over whether the city must keep charging outdated charter-set fees—highlighted by 1964 ski rates at Val Bialas—until the council formally updates them, with broader implications for funding and access to other youth and recreation programs.

Monday February 16th: Students Send Love to Local Vets

Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon’s annual “Valentines for Vets” program brought hundreds of student-made cards to local veterans across the 119th Assembly District to show gratitude and connect generations.

Friday February 13th: Utica’s $93.3M Budget Heads to the Common Council

Utica’s Board of Estimate and Apportionment has approved Mayor Michael Galime’s proposed $93.3 million city budget, including a 2.9% property tax increase and major funding for public safety. Next, the Utica Common Council will hold departmental hearings Feb. 23–25 before a final vote due by March …

Thursday February 12th: Utica Zoo Mourns MeiLin

The Utica Zoo is mourning MeiLin, a red panda born at the zoo in 2019 who became a beloved ambassador for her endangered species. She was found dead on February 5 after recent veterinary treatment, and Cornell University is conducting testing to determine the cause. MeiLin leaves behind two healthy…

February 11th: Val Bialas Pricing Dispute

Utica’s Val Bialas Ski Center is set to reopen after major upgrades, but a dispute over outdated pricing versus affordability threatens its long-term future.