Hundreds of people witnessed a ceremony to swear in 10 new citizens on July 4.
On a site where freedom was secured for all nearly 250 years ago, 10 people swore allegiance to the United States in a citizenship ceremony at the Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater.
The ceremony took place on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence going into effect. The 10 people sworn in hailed from Bangladesh, Canada, China, Guyana and India. The ceremony was witnessed by a crowd of hundreds who filled out the tents, sidewalks, and grasses surrounding the ceremony.
The ceremony featured a performance of the Star Spangled Banner and other traditional American patriotic songs by the Racing City Chorus and a reading of the Declaration of Independence by a park volunteer clad in period accurate regalia.
The citizenship oath was administered by Citizenship and Immigration Services Albany Field Office Director Gwynne Dinolfo. Other speakers included Park Superintendent Leslie Morlock and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner who spoke about her own family’s experience coming the United States from Germany and finding their own version of the American Dream.
Woerner also commended the citizens on their journey, noting the hardship of leaving behind the familiar to seek a better life.
“You came here with your talents your hopes, your dreams, and your energies to join us in making sure that this nation remains a place of opportunity, that the values of liberty and justice for all, freedom, and the pursuit of happiness remain values that future generations hold here,” Woerner said.
The 2026 ceremony marks the 23rd annual ceremony held at Saratoga National Historical Park. Over that time 400 citizens have been sworn in.
Saratoga Springs Police Chief Tyler McIntosh speaks during a press conference announcing the results of Operation Fast Track ( Courtesy of the Department of Justice)
The US Department of Justice has announced a major drug bust that led to the arrest of 83 individuals across Washington, Warren and Saratoga Counties.
The bust, dubbed “Operation Fast Track” seized 2,100 counterfeit pills, 1,100 fentanyl pills, 125 grams of methamphetamine, 510 grams of crack cocaine, 569 grams of cocaine, 2,00 grams of fentanyl & heroin, more than 500 lbs. of marijuana and 8 firearms across three counties.
Of the 83 defendants, 18 are being charged at the federal level while 65 are being prosecuted at the county level. The operation was carried out by several agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration New York Enforcement Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, New York State Police, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Warren County Sheriff’s Office and the Saratoga Springs Police Department.
In Saratoga Springs alone, investigators were able to seize 60 grams of fentanyl, 47 grams of crack cocaine, 123 grams of powder cocaine, 600 pills containing analog benzodiazepines and methamphetamine, 300 pressed pills containing fentanyl, counterfeit Adderall, Ecstasy pills, and crystal methamphetamine, according to a press release put out by the Saratoga Springs Police Department.
In addition, Saratoga Springs Police arrested six people on felony drug charges, 14 on drug positions, and two individuals on outstanding warrants.
“The Saratoga Springs Police Department remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to identify, investigate, and hold accountable those who seek to profit from the distribution of dangerous narcotics,” Saratoga Springs Police Chief Tyler McIntosh said in a statement. “Together, we will continue to disrupt drug trafficking networks and protect the communities we serve.”
Of the 18 defendants being charged at the federal level, court records show that at least six of the individuals were charged for actions that took place in Saratoga County. Those six are as follows:
• Joshua Allen: three counts of distribution of controlled substance.
• Kelly Jacobs and Christopher Belle: conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
• Shamik Miley: Distribution of controlled substance.
• Sean Phillips: Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
• Patricio Tornez-Solano: illegal reentry of an alien.
Of the five cases, court records show that at least three of them emerged from investigations or arrests by the Saratoga Springs Police Department. The documents also gave some insight into how police uncovered the various alleged illegal acts.
In the case of Jacobs and Belle, the two were arrested after New York State Police stopped their vehicle on a traffic infraction on I-87 and allegedly found over two pounds of fentanyl in the back seat of the car.
In the case of Miley, the court documents state that the evidence came from a confidential informant who was provided by police with recording equipment and marked bills to facilitate a drug buy. That case recovered over 27 grams of cocaine. Video of his arrest was later posted online by the Saratoga Police Department.
Phillips, meanwhile, was arrested by the DEA after he allegedly used the dark web to purchase illegal drugs in the Town of Greenfield. According to court documents, the DEA executed a search warrant and found 400 bromazepam pills and crystal meth.
“The arrests of 83 individuals, removal of eight firearms, and the seizure of two kilos of fentanyl and heroin, along with thousands of counterfeit pills, some of which contained fentanyl and bromazepam, and other dangerous narcotics represent far more than enforcement statistics. They represent lives protected and communities made safer,” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “The growing presence of counterfeit pills containing substances like bromazepam, often mixed with fentanyl, continues to pose an extraordinary threat to public safety, potentially turning a single pill into a fatal dose. Every pill removed from our streets is one less opportunity for tragedy. This operation demonstrates the power of partnership and our unwavering commitment to identifying, targeting, and dismantling those individuals and drug trafficking organizations that profit from poisoning our communities.”
The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services recently announced Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons are available to qualifying seniors. Coupons can be picked up at the Department of Aging and Youth Services at 152 West High Street in Ballston Spa from 9AM-5PM, Monday-Friday.
Coupon booklets include five $5 coupons ($25 value) that are good for fresh fruits and vegetables at local participating Farmers Market vendors.
The Department will also distribute its Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupons to those who qualify at the following locations:
July 8th: 12:30pm-1:30pm Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd, Clifton Park
July 13th: 12:00pm-1:00pm Mechanicville Senior Center, 178 N Main St, Mechanicville
July 14th: 11:00pm-12:00pm Wilton Senior Center, 22 Traver Rd, Gansevoort
July 15th: 11:30am-12:30pm Halfmoon Senior Center, 287 Lower Newtown Rd, Waterford
July 15th: 3:00pm-5:00pm Saratoga Springs Farmer’s Market, 112 High Rock Ave, Saratoga Springs
July 16th: 11:00am-12:00pm Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Rd, Ballston Spa
July 17th: 11:00pm-12:00pm Town of Greenfield (Park), 428 Middle Grove Rd, Middle Grove
July 20th: 2:00pm-5:00pm Clifton Park Farmer’s Market, 971 Route 146, Clifton Park
July 22nd: 12:00pm-1:00pm Moreau Community Center, 144 Main Street, South Glens Falls
July 23rd: 11:00am-12:00pm Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, 6 S Main St, Mechanicville
July 28th: 3:00pm-5:00pm Stillwater Farmer’s Market, 662 Hudson Ave, Stillwater
July 29th: 12:00pm-1:00pm Corinth Senior Center, 22 Hamilton Ave, Corinth
August 5th: 12:00pm-1:00pm Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Ave Suite 1, Saratoga Springs
August 6th: 12:30pm-1:30pm Town of Galway, 5910 Sacandaga Rd, Galway
August 11th: 12:00pm-1:00pm Waterford Senior Center, 125 Second St, Waterford
August 19th: 10:30am-11:30am Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, 6 S Main St, Mechanicville
Department of Aging and Youth Services representative will be present at distribution sites to discuss services and resources available for seniors.
Qualifications for Farmers Market Coupons:
Qualified individuals are those who are aged 60 or older and earn a monthly income of no more than $2461.00 per month for a one-person household or no more than $3337.00 per month for a two-person household. One coupon booklet is available per eligible individual. No change can be given for any unused amount on a coupon.
Albany International Airport is preparing for a busy Fourth of July travel period, as passenger traffic at ALB continues to trend at or near record-setting levels during the nation’s 250th anniversary year.
In 2025, nearly 3.2 million travelers passed through the terminal at Albany International Airport, making it the busiest year in the airport’s history. Early passenger data shows that momentum has continued into 2026. Through May, ALB recorded 628,200 enplanements and 638,131 deplanements, putting the airport ahead of its 2025 pace through the same point in the year.
According to AAA, 72.2 million Americans are expected to travel during the Fourth of July holiday period this year, including 5.84 million by air. At ALB, more than 98,000 passengers are expected to pass through the terminal between Sunday, June 28 and Monday, July 6, making it one of the busiest travel periods of the summer.
“This is shaping up to be another very strong year for Albany International Airport, and that continued growth reflects the confidence travelers have in ALB,” said Sam Fresina, Chair of the Albany County Airport Authority. “We are proud of the progress being made across the airport, from the complete revitalization of Concourse A to the ongoing transformation of our main terminal. These investments are all focused on creating a more enjoyable and efficient experience for local travelers.”
As passenger traffic continues to grow, ALB is also making significant progress on several major improvements designed to enhance the travel experience. Concourse A has been fully remodeled, providing updated gate areas, improved seating, and a more modern experience for passengers. In the main terminal, approximately 40 percent of the new Departure Hall opened to the public in April, creating additional space and a more comfortable experience for travelers waiting in line at the TSA security checkpoint.
New passenger amenities have also opened over the past year, including a Children’s Play Area, Sensory Room, Business Center, and Nursing Mothers’ Room.
“Fourth of July is one of the great travel weekends of the summer, and we’re looking forward to welcoming thousands of passengers through Albany International Airport,” said Peter Stuto, Chief Executive Officer of the Albany County Airport Authority. “Our team is ready, and with a little planning, travelers can help make their airport experience smooth and stress-free. We encourage passengers to arrive early, give themselves extra time, and follow the guidance of airport staff as we continue making improvements throughout the terminal.”
To accommodate the busy holiday travel period, ALB is working closely with its airline partners, TSA, parking and ground transportation teams, concessionaires, and airport staff to help maintain a smooth and efficient experience for travelers.
Passengers flying out of ALB are encouraged to plan ahead and follow these important travel tips:
• Arrive at least two hours before your scheduled departure to allow time for parking, check-in, security screening, and reaching your gate.
• Travelers using the Economy Lot should allow at least 20 additional minutes beyond the recommended two-hour airport arrival window.
• Extra shuttle service is operating to and from the Economy Lot during the holiday travel period.
• Check in early using your airline’s website or mobile app
• Review TSA travel guidelines at www.tsa.gov before packing to avoid bringing prohibited items in carry-on or checked luggage.
• Have your ID and boarding pass ready before reaching the TSA checkpoint.
• Make sure you are REAL ID compliant. Travelers can learn more at tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.
• Consider enrolling in TSA Precheck for a faster and more convenient screening process.
As construction continues at ALB, passengers and those picking up or dropping off travelers should also keep the following in mind:
• Construction is active in front of the terminal. Some traffic lanes and vestibules are temporarily closed.
• Curbside parking is not permitted. Follow instructions from security personnel for all drop-off and pick-up activity.
• Use the free cell phone/observation lot on Albany Shaker Road to wait until your passenger is ready for pickup.
The first hour in all parking areas is free, allowing convenient drop-off without curbside congestion.
The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum will host A Bastille Day Celebration on July 14, 2026, from 6 to 8 PM. This ticketed gathering will be a celebration of the French national day, featuring creative, themed activities and French vibes.
Guests will enjoy a cheese plate featuring fine French cheeses, and can sample a variety of sweets, including French macarons. Throughout the night, attendees will have the opportunity to make their own lavender sachets, browse travel guides and photo books about France, and learn about French history and traditions. The event will also feature the sounds and songs of a Parisian cafe, including classic chansons by Edith Piaf, Charles Aznavour, and more. At the end of the night, guests can select a sticker or postcard to commemorate their trip to France, all without leaving Brookside!
Tickets are $12 for non-members and $8 for members at SCHC, and are available on their website at brooksidemuseum.org.
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) today announced the opening of a renovated Peerless Pool complex at Saratoga Spa State Park. The $3.6 million renovation has transformed the “kiddie pool” area utilizing specialized designs to emphasize the park’s natural beauty and promote mental and physical wellness of young park goers.
“The Peerless Pool at Saratoga Spa State Park has welcomed generations of people seeking wellness, recreation and an escape from the summer heat,” OPRHP Commissioner Kathy Moser said “This renovation expands the park’s excellent pool offerings and adds new creative amenities and experiences for thousands of parents and their children. The nature-inspired design has transformed the complex into an accessible, vibrant space where young New Yorkers can get offline and get outside.”
The newly renovated kiddie pool reduces the amount of concrete and introduces nature-inspired design elements, including a replica of the park’s famous natural Geyser Island Spouter. This replica spouter flows into a stream which leads into the kiddie pool. Encompassing the children’s area are a new garden, sitting area, and gazebos. Additional improvements include an ADA-accessible zero-entry kiddie pool and multiple spray features for children, as well as refurbished and reconfigured water slides and plunge pool. Basic pool infrastructure such as circulation pumps and disinfection systems has also been upgraded.
“Public pools are a staple of summer, but they can be incredibly frustrating to navigate if you use a wheelchair or have mobility challenges,” Kimberly H. Ridley, New York State Chief Disability Officer, said, “An ADA-accessible, zero-entry wading pool means kids can just focus on being kids, without the physical barriers. I’m thrilled to see New York State prioritizing this kind of thoughtful, accessible design so that all families can enjoy Saratoga Spa State Park together safely and independently.”
The Peerless Pool complex at Saratoga Spa State Park, originally built in 1962, hosts on average 75,000 people from June to September every year. The kiddie pool and waterslides were last renovated 30 years ago in 1996. The complex also includes an Olympic-size pool.
The park also offers the historic Victoria Pool, a smaller pool surrounded by arched promenades located near the Saratoga Spa State Park Golf Course.
The Peerless Pool renovation builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to expanding green spaces across New York State to provide children and families opportunities to be outside, unplug and play, and spend time with loved ones. The FY 2026-27 Enacted Budget includes $340 million for OPRHP to invest in enhancing and improving state parks and historic sites. This substantial level of funding will aid the ongoing transformation of New York’s flagship parks and support critical infrastructure projects throughout the park system. The budget also includes $20 million for NY SWIMS, the governor’s initiative to expand access to safe swimming and invest in State parks and pools.
The Peerless and Victoria Pools are open daily from 10am-6pm through September 7, 2026. Entry to the Peerless Pool is free. The vehicle use fee for this section of the park is $10 between the hours of 8:30am and 4:30pm through September 7. Both pool areas include food and beverage services, showers, locker rooms and restrooms.
The United States’ 250th anniversary is next weekend on July 4th, and there are events commemorating the special holiday across Saratoga County. From firework displays, history lessons, and family fun, there is something for everybody to celebrate our independence. From the shores of Corinth, to the Locks of Waterford, here is a compiled list of events around Saratoga County on July 4th weekend.
Town of Ballston:
• “America 250: The Ballston Connection” – free movie by local director can be viewed by scanning the QR code.
• Be sure to check out the informational kiosk at the corner of Route 67 and Middleline Road in Trieble Park. It tells the story of the Raid on Ballston in 1780, the attack on the citizens and rebel soldiers of Milton and Ballston. Open 24 hours!
Town of Clifton Park:
• Saturday, July 4: 12:00 pm – 4th of July Parade, traveling from Shenendehowa Campus to Clifton Common.
• 12:00 pm – dusk – Family-Friendly activities at Clifton Common, including carnival rides, pony rides, a petting zoo, and a craft fair,
• 5:30 pm & 8:30 pm – Live Music
• 9:30 pm – Fireworks from Clifton Common (visible from many spots around town)
Town of Hadley:
• Commemorative planting of a Liberty Tree in Col. Benjamin Butler Pavilion Park on July 4th.
Town of Halfmoon:
• Thursday, July 2 from 6 pm-9:30p30m rock climbing, bounce house, live music, fireworks, and complimentary food and drink at the town of Halfmoon complex
City of Saratoga Springs:
• National museum of racing and hall of fame has special exhibit about horse racing in colonial times.
• Saratoga Springs will be going all day for the 4th of July.
• 9:00 am – Firecracker 4 Road Race
• 7:00 pm – Family-friendly concert with Soul Session on Ellsworth Jones Place, outside the City Center
• 7:00 pm – Block party concert with Jukebox Rebellion on Caroline Street
• 9:00 pm – Fireworks from the top of the City Center Parking Garage, visible throughout downtown.
• On July 1, at 7 pm, at Saratoga Arts, eight area poets will present their responses in a program called “FREEdom Verse,” a free Laureate Poetry Series event hosted by Saratoga Springs poet laureate Jay Rogoff
• NYRA July 4th weekend
o $17.76 3 day ticket for July 3-5 including a seat in the grand stand.
o 1 dollar Carnegie hot dogs only on July 4th,
o Fans attending Opening Weekend will receive a commemorative Stars and Stripes themed Saratoga tumbler presented by Saratoga 250
Town of Stillwater:
• Friday, July 3 at dusk, fireworks at browns beach
Town of Waterford:
• 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM – 4th of July Celebration at the Hurst Harbor Visitor Center
• Dark – Fireworks
Village of Corinth:
• Friday, July 3rd: 4:00 pm – Kids Activities, Food Vendors & Music at the Beach / 5:00 pm – Sandcastle Contest at the Beach / 9:20 pm – Fireworks at dusk from the bridge.
• Saturday, July 4th: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Car Wash at the CCSD Bus Garage, benefiting Adirondack Center Stage
• 9:30 am – Firecracker 5K Run/Walk at Pagenstecher Park
• 11:00 am – 3 pm – Freedom Rock prize pick-up at Corinth Squad Building
• 1:00 pm – Parade begins at Palmer/Fifth St.
Grant Cottage:
• July 2, 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.- Women & Children in the American Revolution. Join Anne Clothier as she explores the experiences of women and children during the fight for American independence. Discover the lives of those on the homefront during the American Revolution through stories from women and children who lived in the Saratoga area during the 1770s, as well as images, maps, documents and hands-on 18th century activities.
Saratoga National Historical Park
• July 2, 1:00 p.m.- Declaring Independence. On the 250th anniversary of Congress’s vote to declare independence, join Ranger Garrett in investigating the first half of 1776. It was during those critical months that declaring Independence went from being a position held only by the most radical colonial leaders to a reality.
• July 2, 2:30 p.m.- 1776 the Musical- Celebrate the day on which Congress voted for independence with the classic TV musical, 1776! Rated G, runtime 141 minutes.
• July 4, 10:00 a.m.- Fourth of July Concert & Citizenship Ceremony. Celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by helping us welcome ten new citizens of the United States! The event will include a special musical program featuring members of the Racing City Chorus. Please carpool with family or friends if possible and be prepared to walk some distance from overflow parking areas.
• July 4, 2:00 p.m. Public reading of the declaration of Independence. Many Americans first heard the stirring words of the Declaration of Independence in a public, community setting. Join us as we recreate that experience on the document’s 250th birthday!
Six members of a family have been found dead after a welfare check in the City of Mechanicville.
The deaths were discovered on June 23, 2026, on Harris Avenue in the City of Mechanicville. Police said that they were dispatched to the residence around 6:20 p.m. to conduct a welfare check after neighbors said they hadn’t seen the residents for days. Inside, officers discovered four children and two adults dead inside the home.
“Based on the information currently available, we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the public,” a statement by the Mechanicville Police Department said.
The six people who died were identified as
• Amy Steadman 64
• Sarah Myers, 44
• Haper Harmon, 13
• Hudson Harmon, 11
• Gavin Harmon, 10
• Gracelynn Harmon, 10
Steadman was the mother of Myers and the grandmother of the four children who died. The bodies were found in her apartment. Myers and her children are reported to have lived in the same complex but in a different unit.
Police said that they are treating this as a criminal investigation pending the completion of the autopsies. There is no indication that additional individuals were involved in the incident, nor is there any known threat to the public at this time. Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Mechanicville Police Department.
“This is a tragic incident that has deeply affected our community,” The Police Department said. “Our thoughts are with the family members, friends, and all those impacted by this loss.”
In response to the incident, the Mechanicville City School District announced that counseling services would be made available to any students who needed them.
This is a developing story; additional updates will be made in the online version of this story.
A homeless man arrested in April in the death of homeless man has pleaded not guilty to 2nd degree murder and two charges of tampering with evidence.
Kyle Baker, 52, was arrested on April 14, 2026, on West Avenue in Saratoga Springs after allegedly stabbing John C. “Clay” Williamson to death. Police said at the time that the stabbing was the result of an argument the two men had over $100.
According to Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby, Baker is alleged to have repeatedly stabbed Williamson in the back and neck, severing Williamson’s carotid artery. After the incident, Baker allegedly attempted to hide blood-stained clothing behind a nearby Stewart’s Shop, leading to the additional charges.
Baker was indicted by a grand jury on the three charges and arraigned in Saratoga County Court on June 22. Bail was denied the judge and Baker was remanded back into custody. He is next due in court on July 13.
“This indictment reflects the extensive work performed by law enforcement and prosecutors during the investigation of these allegations,” Eby said in a statement. “My office will continue to work diligently as we prepare for trial, with a steadfast focus on seeking justice for John Williamson and his family. We are grateful for the professionalism and dedication shown by our law enforcement partners throughout this investigation.”
State Police said that they seized 300 pounds of cannabis in traffic stop in the Town of Malta (Courtesy of NYSP)
On June 17, 2026, State Police assigned to the Trooper G Community Stabilization Unit, in partnership with the United States Border Patrol, arrested Tyler Thompson, 41, of Schenectady, NY, for Criminal Possession of Cannabis 1st, a class “D” felony, and vehicle and traffic law violations.
On June 17, 2026, at about 10:53 a.m. Troopers stopped a vehicle on Interstate 87 Northway in Malta for a vehicle and traffic law violation. The driver was identified as Thompson.During the investigation and with the assistance of State Police K9 “J,” approximately 300 pounds of cannabis were located in the vehicle.
Thompsonwas arrested and transported to SP Saratoga for processing. He was arraigned at the Malta Town Court and released on his own recognizance.
