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Author: Aidan Cahill

No Phone Zone: Saratoga Springs Implements State Mandated Phone Ban

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

No cell phone sign. Vector illustration.

In a July 24 meeting, the Saratoga Springs School Board approved a state-mandated restriction on cell phones and other internet connected devices. 

The policy — which is new for this school year — bans all personal internet connected electronic devices during school hours and on school property except those supplied by the school for learning purposes. 

Under the policy, students would not be allowed to access the device during any portion of the day — including during down periods such as lunch or study hall. Under the policy, students are discouraged from bringing devices into schools’ but if they do there are guidelines on how the device is stored. 

For elementary school students, they’re required to keep the device in their assigned cubby on silent while students in middle and high school are required to keep the device on silent in their lockers. 

Some exceptions to the ban were carved out for students who need the device for medical reasons or for those who need it for translations. Other students whose Individual Education Plan or section 504 plan require personal devices will be allowed to use them. 

The ban is a state requirement that came into effect as a part of the budget for the 2026 fiscal year.  Under the law, each school district, charter school, and board of cooperative educational services are required to implement a policy by Aug. 1, 2025. It also mandated that each school assemble an annual report on the enforcement of the policy due for first release on Sept. 1, 2026. 

Cell phone bans have a long history in New York. In New York City, pagers and beepers were banned in 1988 with cell phones explicitly banned in 2005. This ban survived legal challenges and petitions calling for it to be rescinded, mostly by parents who were concerned about not being able to contact their kids during the day or in times of emergency. 

These concerns won out in 2015 when the Mayor de Blasio lifted the ban in February of that year.

10 years later, Governor Cathy Hochul pushed for a new statewide ban, citing safety concerns as well as a desire to see more kids develop better face to face communications skills. 

“I want laughter in the hallways again,” Governor Hochul said in an op-ed published on both Fox News and the state of New York Website. “I want to hear real voices in gym class. I want our kids to make eye contact and talk to each other face-to-face. I want teachers to feel free to teach again. And I want to create an environment where kids can actually learn and just be kids again.”

As for concerns about not being able to contact kids, especially in times of emergency,  Governor Hochul argued that cell phones could distract students from getting to safety. This sentiment was echoed in the policy implemented in Saratoga Springs. 

“In an emergency, the use of personal electronic devices can distract students from following the directions of staff or emergency responders, contribute to the spread of misinformation, create congestion in the emergency response system, and interfere with the district’s emergency response protocols,” The policy stated in its introduction. 

Students who violate the policy will have their device confiscated and placed in the office. For the first offence, their parent or guardian will be notified, however the student will be able to retrieve the device themselves. Subsequent offences will result in the parent being required to pick up the device as well as the potential for the device to be held for a longer period of time.

While the policy explicitly states that it alone can’t be used as justification for out of school suspension, it did list other consequences for violators. 

“The district may utilize consequences under the district’s Code of Conduct, including detention, in school suspension, and exclusion from extracurricular activities,” The Policy States. “The district may also utilize assignments on the detrimental impact of social media on mental health, smartphones in school, or other relevant topics.”

Hazy Shade of Summer: Air Quality Hits Unhealthy Levels

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

Air quality index. Educational scheme with excessive quantities of substances or gases in environment. Vector stock illustration

For the first time this year, summer got a little bit hazy as air quality levels in Saratoga County hit unhealthy levels. 

On July 26 and 27, a monitoring station in Albany County — the closest to Saratoga County that reports to the EPA — air quality index levels above 101 for the first time this year, making the air unhealthy for sensitive groups. 

These reports were backed up by private air quality monitors from the company IQAir which has seven monitors in Saratoga County. All of their monitors in the county showed air quality index levels hitting 101 or more in that time frame. 

The drop in air quality comes as fire crews across North America battle several wildfires. In the US, there are currently 33 large fires being fought while Canada is seeing 109 fires, of which 56 are out of control, according to the National Interagency Fire Center and Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre as of July 30. In total forest fires have burned 15,357,733 acres in Canada and 3,141,850 acres in the US. 

These fires have sent smoke plumes across the continent, leading to air quality alerts hundreds of miles from the origin of the smoke. The latest air quality alert advised sensitive groups — listed as those who are children, pregnant, have an underlying medical condition and/or work outside — to take frequent breaks, lower the intensity of work and to watch for symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing. 

Saratoga County wasn’t the worst place in New York to be affected by the drop in air quality. A monitoring station on White Mountain in the Adirondacks reported an air quality index of 160, a level dangerous to everyone outside. 

The drop in air quality was compounded by extreme heat advisories which saw temperatures as high as the 90s. 

This Week in History 

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, History, News.


A photo of the train derailed during a railroad Strike in Ballston Lake (Courtesy of North East Rails)

Walking the streets of Saratoga Springs, it’s almost impossible not to notice the history all around you. 

From having one of the oldest sporting venues in the country to being next store to one of the most important battles in American history, the spa city is no stranger to influence and importance. 

It’s this history that inspired Saratoga TODAY to look back at some of the events and notable happenings that took place this week in history. 

Grant visits Saratoga Springs 

July 27, 1865, saw famed general and future president Ulysses S. Grant and his family visit Saratoga Springs briefly before traveling to Nova Scotia via Boston. According to media reports at the time, Grant — who was only three months removed from winning the Civil War — was met with cheering but mostly well-behaved crowds. While in the city, Grant attended parties at Congress Hall, Union Hall and Lake Saratoga. He reportedly left in the early hours of July 29 to avoid crowds of onlookers. Later that day, General Joeseph Hooker and Rueben Fenton would arrive in the city for vacations.

Child Abducted in Saratoga Found in New York City 

July 28, 1874 saw a child who was abducted from his father in Saratoga was found 12 years after he was kidnapped. The finding came after his abductor made a deathbed confession admitting to the kidnapping. Upon hearing the news, the father went to New York City to retrieve the now young man. 

Train Derailed as Part of Strike 

The night of July 31, 1910, saw eight rail workers purposefully derail a passenger train carrying 400 people in Ballston Lake. The derailment lead to the Sherriff to intervene in the strike and prevent further violence. Local reports indicate that the strikers were look for a 25 cent — about $8.50 today — increase in pay. The eight men were later caught and tried for the derailment. 

Flights between Saratoga and New York City Begin 

On July 27, 1929, it was announced that there would be regular flights between Saratoga Springs and New York City during track season to start July 29. The flights took place during track season and transported passengers via seaplane from Queens to Saratoga Springs with an additional stop in Lake George. Media reports said the schedule meant that someone could work in the morning, go to the track and be back in time for dinner. 

In addition, on July 31, a short-wave radio station between Roosevelt Field in New York City and Saratoga Springs was implemented to give pilots up-to-date weather information. 

Anti-Gambling advocates Home Bombed

On July 28, 1934, the home of Emma St. John was bombed by two men who reportedly broke the front windows of her home and tossed in the bombs. St. John was treated by a local doctor for shock. The bombing came after she had submitted a petition to then New York Governor Herbert Lehman to remove three county and city officials in Saratoga for failing to curb gambling in the city ahead of the race season. Lehman refused. 

Measles Case Leads to Mask Requirements at Saratoga Hospital

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.


Saratoga Hospital. File photo

A measles case in Saratoga triggered a five day mask requirement at Saratoga Hospital. 

The masking requirement went into effect July 18 and lasted until July 22. The notice came after someone who was later confirmed to have measles sought treatment at the hospital on July 14. 

According to the New York State Health Department, the individual is an adult from Vermont who has a recent history of international travel. They first sought treatment at Saratoga Hospital before seeking treatment at Albany Medical Center on July 16. 

“Our Emergency Department is fully prepared for serious illnesses that may present at our doors,” said 
Dr. Jason Mouzakes, Albany Medical Center Executive Vice President, and Hospital General Director. “Our team acted immediately and appropriately to minimize exposure. The patient arrived masked and was immediately isolated at the hospital. The Department of Health was notified, per protocol, and we are continuing to monitor the situation.”

notice wear a face mask sign vector

The Health Department said that although the risk of infection is low, individuals who were at the Saratoga Hospital emergency department are encouraged to contact the hospital while those at Albany Med have already been identified and contacted. 

Measles is a highly contagious respiratory illness that causes rashes and fever. It is spread by coughing and sneezing into the air and can be contracted by breathing in the virus or by touching a surface and later touching your eyes, mouth or nose, according to the Health Department. The illness can survive in the air or on a surface for two hours. Someone with the disease can spread it for four days before the onset of symptoms.

So far in 2025, the US has seen 1309 confirmed cases of measles — the worst since 1992, according to the Centers for Disease Control. These cases have resulted in 164 hospitalizations and three deaths in the US. 

In April, the Department of Health issued a travel advisory advising those traveling to areas with outbreaks to ensure that they’re vaccinated against the disease and monitor for symptoms three weeks after they return. 

The advisory listed several countries where major outbreaks have occurred. One of the countries listed was Canada which has seen 3,822 cases of measles, according to Health Canada. Looking specifically at the two provinces New York shares a border with, there have been 2,245 cases in Ontario and 36 cases in Quebec. 

Both the CDC and Department of Health have advised those who aren’t already vaccinated to get vaccinated. 

“Measles remains a threat to public health and exposure during travel is something we need to consider. It’s important that New Yorkers ensure they are immunized against measles,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “Protect yourself and your family against measles and make sure you are up to date on immunization with the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.”

In the US, 92% of measles cases have occurred in individuals whose vaccination status was listed unknown or unvaccinated according to the CDC. Prior to the introduction of the vaccine, it is estimated that three to four million people a year were infected with the disease with 48,000 requiring hospitalization and 400-500 dying yearly. 

RISE on Finley Clears Design Board: Construction Run-Down 

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

It’s been a busy week for the three boards responsible for the look and feel of Saratoga Springs. 

Over the last week, all three boards held meetings to discuss various projects up for consideration in the spa city. While some projects got green lights after repeated meetings, others are still stuck in limbo. Here is a rundown of some of the major updates from the three boards. 

Finley Project Clears Design Review Board

A proposed RISE shelter at 3/26 Finley Street received multiple approvals from the Design Review Board. In a previous meeting, the proposed affordable housing site received push back from those who lived in the vicinity of the site who claimed it would take down too many trees, not fit in with the neighborhood and be too unsightly. 

In response to these concerns, project managers said they met with local residents multiple times and made changes to the site that would address their concerns. During the July 16 meeting, the managers presented an updated view of the site which included a computer-generated model of the neighborhood and showed what residents would see from the two streets affected. 

While in the previous meeting, there had been multiple people who spoke out against the project, this meeting saw no one comment on the matter — something noted by board members. These measures lead to the board’s approval for the mass and scale of the building. 

In addition to the footprint of the building, the design review board was also able to give their okay for the project to demolish existing structures on the site. In previous meetings, there had been some concern over increased traffic at the site. While board members had initially thought that the site would increase traffic, the determination was made that the zoning of the site already had traffic considered. This determination allowed the board to allow the demolition. 

Outside of the Design Review Board, the project also got a boost from the Saratoga Springs City Council who wrote and approved a letter in support of the project and their efforts to secure funding from the New York State Office of Mental Health’s Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.

Stewarts Fails to get Zoning Variance. 

An attempt to put a Stewarts shop on Marion Avenue near the intersection of Marion and NY-29 Truck has hit another roadblock as the Zoning Board of Appeals denied a variance requiring a certain distance between a fueling station and residential zone. There had been a previous zoning variance at the site since the current fueling station predates modern zoning laws, however a review of the site found this didn’t apply due to lack of continued operation at the site. 

Site Plan for 30 ½ Caroline Street Approved by Planning Board. 

The site plan for the proposed building at 30 ½ Caroline Street was approved by the Planning Review Board. The architect had gone before the board with new designs for the patio and green spaces on the site. While there had been discussions over whether the patio area would be open to the public to allow traffic between Caroline Street and the Library it was decided to keep it enclosed for residents. 

Spent Nuclear Fuel Rolls Through Ballston Spa

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.


A convoy carrying the container, similar to this one from 2018, crawled through Saratoga County on it’s way to a train yard for shipment to Idaho (Courtesy of Naval Nuclear Laboratory)

Residents in Ballston Spa and Milton may have noticed an usual site rolling through town recently as a large container filled with nuclear fuel rolled through town on it’s way to Idaho. 

The fuel came from the Kenneth A. Kesselring Site in West Milton and represented the first part of the dismantling of a nuclear reactor which had been shutdown in 2019. While most of the work took place at the site itself, given the lack of a direct rail connection to the site, a special container had to be loaded onto the back of a heavy lift truck and driven to and from the facility. 

Residents had no reason to be concerned about this transportation. Since 1957, there have been 457 defueling and refueling operations conducted by the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program including 12 at the Kesselring site itself. In it’s history, there hasn’t been any injuries to the public or dangerous releases. 

“Each shipment is made in compliance with applicable Department of Transportation (DOT), Department of Energy (DOE), Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), and state regulations and poses no danger to the public,” The Naval Nuclear Laboratory said in a press release. “The containers are very robust and were rigorously analyzed and tested to demonstrate performance in a range of situations. From the first shipment of Naval spent nuclear fuel in 1957, the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program has safely shipped 924 containers of Naval spent nuclear fuel without a single injury to a member of the public or any release of radioactivity.”

The press release also said that even if one were to stand six feet away from the container for a full day, they would only receive 10 millirems of radiation — about the same as a chest x ray and much lower than the 300 millirems typically seen in a year. 

Once the shipment leaves New York, it will be shipped to the Idaho National Laboratory. Planning for the project has taken place since 2023. The container itself arrived in West Milton back in April 2024. 

The Kenneth A. Kesselring site is a training and research facility that has been open since the 1950. It’s named after Kenneth A. Kesselring, the former general manager of the nearby Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory. Since 1950, over 55,000 sailors and officers have trained there including future US President Jimmy Carter. In 1952, then Lt. Carter helped set up the training program for enlisted sailors who would serve on the Nuclear Submarine USS Seawolf. 

In its history, there haven’t been any incidents of releases or major security breaches at the Kesselring Site.  The only one of note coming in 2009 when a truck containing debris from the site crashed outside Wilks Barree, PA. Even then, the amount of radioactivity in the debris was so small that the truck didn’t require warning placards while soil and water in the area didn’t show any increase in radioactivity. 

The remaining reactor at the site consists of a “pressurized-water nuclear reactor, auxiliary equipment, and propulsion systems necessary for the training of naval personnel and for the testing and evaluation of design concepts,” according to the latest environmental report on the cite. 

Speed, Building Sales and Horses: City Council Run Down 

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Featured, News.

Speed, building sales and horses were all up for discussion this week at the latest Saratoga Springs City Council meeting. 

While it may not have been as lively as the previous one, there were many issues brought up during the meeting that will have an effect on Residents both in and out of Saratoga Springs. Here is a rundown of what was talked about and the issues facing Saratoga residents. 

Concern over ICE raids

Much of the public comment part of the meeting was dedicated to concern of ICE raids taking place within the city. The concern comes after multiple social media posts show masked agents in unmarked detaining individuals near Congress Plaza in Saratoga Springs. 

Speakers including representatives from the Saratoga Springs Democratic Party spoke about the raids, expressing concerns about the raids and calling on the city to do more to protect the undocumented population. 

In response to these concerns, Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll reiterated that the city doesn’t participate in ICE raids and doesn’t have the authority to arrest people for immigration reasons. However, Coll said the city has asked ICE to give prior notice whenever they’re operating in Saratoga Springs to ensure there aren’t “blue on blue” incidents. He also encouraged residents to reach out to ICE or to their congressman if they have concerns over the raids as there is legally nothing they can do. 

Concerns over the raids were also expressed by Accounts Commissioner Dillon Moran and Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi.

Speed 

While horses may be flying on the track, for cars on the road it’s a different story. A public hearing was set for Aug. 5 at 6:30 over a proposed ordinance that would reduce the city’s default speed limit from 30 miles per hour to 25 miles per hour — with certain exceptions such as for school zones, arterial roads and roads with shared responsibility. 

The proposed ordinance comes after an engineering study recommended the change. It wasn’t until recently that Saratoga Sprins had the power to reduce its speed limit to 25 miles per hour. Prior to 2022, the minimum speed limit was 30 miles per hour statewide. However, a bill passed that year allowed municipalities to make the change citing its effectiveness in reducing traffic fatalities in New York City and Boston.

The Aug. 5 hearing will start with a presentation on that matter and allow residents the opportunity to speak on the matter. 

More Police Horse News 

The Saratoga Springs Police Department is seeing further changes with its equestrian unit. During the City Council meeting, the city approved the transfer of outgoing police horse Apollo to Patricia Heneke who will take care of the 19 year old as he enjoys his retirement. Apollo did his last patrol with the department during the Silks and Satins 5k on July 12. 

As Apollo retires, his old coworkers Brady and Sly will be welcoming a new partner to their team. City Council approved the donation of Bella to the Police Equestrian unit. Bella is a 10-year-old black Shire mare who is 19 hands tall. Bella comes by way of Creekview Manor Farm in Saratoga Springs. 

Building Sale

Discussions have begun on the potential sale of a city owned building at 5 Williams Street in Saratoga Springs. The building, which was the former cite of the Saratoga Senior Center had previously been proposed as the site of a homeless shelter however concerns over it’s proximity to Saratoga Central Catholic School lead that plan to be abandoned. 

During the preliminary meeting on July 14, Public Works Commissioner Chuck Marshall brought up the idea of a sale for discussion, saying that the money could potentially be used to help address the unhoused in Saratoga Springs. 

While all members were open to the idea, concerns were raised about the potential of using a capital asset in order to fund operational expenses. Commissioners Moran and Sanghvi both said they would need to see the plan for how to allocate the property funds before they supported the sale. No vote was taken on the matter. 

High School Graduates Score Top Marks 

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in Education, Featured.


Saratoga Central Catholic valedictorian Raphael Sanok, left, will be attending The Rochester Institute of Technology for physics. Salutatorian David Mattes, right will be attending Catholic University for mechanical engineering (Courtesy of Saratoga Central Catholic School) 

Ballston Spa valedictorian Audrey Bedell will be going for her degree in biomedical engineering this fall. (Courtesy of Ballston Spa High School) 

Ballston Spa salutatorian Christine Jiang will be going for a degree in political science this fall. (Courtesy of Ballston Spa High School)

While summer in Saratoga is typically ushered in with horse races and tourists, it also marks the end of a long journey for many young Saratoga Springs area residents — High School graduation. 

With the sound of Pomp and Circumstance fading in the distance, here is a brief look at the achievements of local graduates. 

Ballston Spa 

Ballston Spa High School Valedictorian for the class of 2025 is Audrey Bedell. Bedell has a GPA of 99.508 and graduated with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation and Honors with Mastery in Mathematics and Science. During her time at Ballston Spa High School, Bedell was enrolled in sixteen college and honors level courses. 

Outside of the classroom, Bedell was a three-time medalist for the Science Olympiad, a member of National Honor Society, Tri-M Honor Society, and played viola in symphonic orchestra, pit orchestra, All County Orchestra and New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Orchestra. Bedell plans on pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering in college. 

Ballston Spa’s Salutatorian for the 2025 class is Christine Jiang. Jiang has a GPA of 99.23 and 508 and graduated with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation and Honors with Mastery in Mathematics and Science. During her time at Ballston Spa High School Jiang was enrolled in 20 college level, AP, honors and International Baccalaureate classes and is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program Candidate. 

Outside the classroom, Jiang was a member of the cross country and track teams, was secretary of the National Honor Society chapter and was a member of the Tri-M Music Honor Society as well as the Students Helping Students and True Crime Club. Jiang will be pursuing a degree in political science in the fall. 

Students also receiving honors for being in the top 10 of their class include Noland Schmitt, Tucker Cornell, Collin Flynn, Kayleigh Cassels, Jacqueline Horsch, Mia Collins, Jessica Bowens, and Ethan Norris.

Schuylerville High School 

The Valedictorian for Schuylerville High School Class of 2025 is Holly Price. Price is heavily involved in her community — both in and out of the classroom. In her time at Schuylerville, Price was involved in 11 clubs — achieving leadership roles in two of them — played on the JV girls basketball team and varsity tennis team and was volunteered throughout her community which included being a weekly volunteer at the library, assisting with the Middle School Drama Club and caroling at nursing homes. She has received the Rensselaer Medal Award, the CASDA Capitol Region Students and Teachers who Make a Difference Award and the Black Horse Excellence Award   — among many others. 

This fall, Price will be attending Colgate University studying neuroscience and French. 

The Salutatorian for Schuylerville High School Class of 2025 is Grace Lail. In her time at Schuylerville, Lail was involved with 10 different clubs and organizations on campus, participating in unified basketball and was involved with five different community service organizations. Some of her awards include the St. Michael’s Book Award, Black Horses Excellence Award and National Rural and Small-Town Recognition Award — among others.

This fall, Lail will be attending William and Mary College studying music and French. 

Zooming out to the rest of the class: 21 Schuylerville students ended their high school career with a GPA of 96 or higher, 16 received Advanced Regents Diplomas with Honors, 44 received Advanced Regents Diplomas, 54 received Regents Diplomas, 25 received CDOS Commencement Credentials and 17 students received a technical endorsement on their Diploma. 

As for next steps, 68 students will be entering a four-year college or university, 20 will be entering a two-year college, 15 will be entering the workforce, 3 will be entering trade school, 1 student will be going to Belgium for an exchange program and one student will be entering flight training. 

Saratoga Central Catholic School

The Valedictorian for Saratoga Central Catholic School Class of 2025 is Raphael Sanok. Sanok has spent his entire education thus far in the Catholic Education system as he’s an alumnus of St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls. Sanok will be attending the Rochester Institute of Technology with the intent to major in physics. 

The Salutatorian for Saratoga Central Catholic School class of 2025 is David Mattes. Mattes is an alumnus of St. Mary’s School in Ballston Spa — having spent his entire education in the Catholic System— and will continue in Catholic education for college. Sanok will be attending The Catholic University of America this fall with the intent to major in mechanical engineering. 

Zooming out, of the 30 students, close to 70% will be attending college for a STEM field and close to 30% will be going for business related majors. The class received over $9.7 million in scholarships and were accepted to over 100 colleges. Five students will be participating in collegiate athletics — four of them from the legendary baseball team that won a state championship. 

TSA Says ‘Keep your Shoes on’ 

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

It’s been a hallmark of travel for years now. You get to the checkpoint, empty your pockets, take off your shoes and prepare to be scrutinized by the Transportation Safety Administration. 

Well part of that process is about to change. On July 8, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) announced that passengers at domestic airports — including Albany International Airport — will no longer have to take off their shoes when going through checkpoints. 

In a press release, the US Secretary of Homeland Security said the change was designed to make passengers’ lives easier when traveling. 

“Ending the ‘Shoes-Off’ policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation’s airports,” said Secretary Noem. “We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience.” 

This isn’t the first time this measure has been relaxed. Starting in December 2013, passengers could enroll in ‘TSA Pre-Check’ which allowed passengers to forego some of the security screenings, such as having to take off their shoes, after they paid a fee, got fingerprinted and passed a background check, according to TSA’. 

TSA has required passengers to remove their shoes since 2006. The policy was made due to an incident that occurred about three months after 9/11. On December 22, 2001, a passenger on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami attempted to detonate an explosive device located in the bottom of his shoes, according to the FBI. 

The attempt was unsuccessful as the would-be bomber couldn’t light the fuse on the explosive and was subsequently restrained by passengers and crew. Five years later, TSA required passengers to remove their shoes and have them x-rayed. 

The change is one of several impacting travelers this summer. In May, passengers had to obtain a ‘Real ID’ in order to travel on all domestic flights. 

Earlier this month, TSA unveiled several policy changes designed to make the lives of military passengers easier. Earlier this month, TSA announced that Gold Star Families would get their fee waved when applying for TSA Precheck. In addition, service members and their spouses would receive a $25 discount on the program as well as having their dependents fall under the program when booked on the same reservation. 

Saratoga County Teen Arrested on Terrorism Charges

Written by Aidan Cahill on . Posted in News.

A Halfmoon teen has been arrested by New York State Police on several terrorism related charges.

The 17-year-old was arrested on the morning of July 3 in Halfmoon, according to a State Police Information Report issued on July 4. The report said the teen was arrested on three counts related to terrorism.

In a statement issued on July 7, State Police said the teen was initially arrested on June 17 for making a threat of mass harm and released into custody of a guardian. After further review of the evidence, the teen was arrested July 3 on the two felonies and arraigned at the Saratoga County Youth Part Court. They’re currently being held at the Capital District Juvenile Secure Detention Center in Albany.

The investigation started after State Police received information that the teen had been making concerning statements online. During a search of the teen’s Halfmoon home, police discovered and seized “incendiary device-making material, instruction manuals on how to make incendiary devices, and other weapons.” They also found written and electronic media supporting acts of terrorism.

The teen is being charged with two felonies. The first of these, PL 490.45, deals with criminal possession of a chemical or biological weapon. The teen is specifically accused of violating section two of the law which bans possession of “any select chemical agent, with intent to use such agent to cause serious physical injury to, or the death of, more than two other persons”

The other felony count was PL 490.10, a class D, second degree felony. This law targets those who provide or seek material support or resources for an act of terror. The misdemeanor, PL 240.78, is for making a threat of mass harm. Someone can be charged with the crime even if they don’t have to capacity or intent to carry out an attack.

Police said the investigation was conducted with the assistance of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and that it is still on going.  

Publishing note: In the print edition of this week’s Saratoga TODAY, there is an earlier version of the story. At the time of printing, New York State Police had not issued a statement on the arrest and the story was written based information available at the time. The online version has been updated with new information.