Maria M. Silva
@mariamsilva.bsky.social
Periolista 🗞️ Hudson Valley reporter @timesunion. Local journalism matters. Tips? maria.silva@timesunion.com
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Less than three days after Maria Silva reported on the cancellation of naturalization ceremonies across upstate, an apparent reversal by USCIS.
Journalism, amirite?
Journalism, amirite?
USCIS reverses course, reinstates halted naturalization ceremonies across New York
The move comes days after the Times Union revealed abrupt cancellations in at least seven counties, sparking bipartisan criticism and demands for answers.
www.timesunion.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Less than three days after Maria Silva reported on the cancellation of naturalization ceremonies across upstate, an apparent reversal by USCIS.
Journalism, amirite?
Journalism, amirite?
BREAKING: USCIS is reinstating halted naturalization ceremonies in several New York counties, per U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler. The move comes days after a @timesunion.com report revealed abrupt cancellations in at least seven counties. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
USCIS reverses course, reinstates halted naturalization ceremonies across New York
The move comes days after the Times Union revealed abrupt cancellations in at least seven counties, sparking bipartisan criticism and demands for answers.
www.timesunion.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:41 PM
BREAKING: USCIS is reinstating halted naturalization ceremonies in several New York counties, per U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler. The move comes days after a @timesunion.com report revealed abrupt cancellations in at least seven counties. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
In other food news: Local businesses are helping SNAP recipients, two new bars open in Kingston, and Little Rye Bakehouse is launching an events program.
Ollie’s Slice Shop in Kingston is closing after costs ‘outpaced’ revenue
In other food news: Local businesses are helping SNAP recipients, two new bars open in Kingston, and Little Rye Bakehouse is launching an events program.
bit.ly
November 12, 2025 at 8:10 PM
In other food news: Local businesses are helping SNAP recipients, two new bars open in Kingston, and Little Rye Bakehouse is launching an events program.
🧶 Trump’s tariffs are impacting many industries, even unexpected ones. I recently spoke with several New York fiber business owners, who said they are running low on inventory, being hit with surprise levies and seeing delayed shipments www.timesunion.com/business/art...
Trump’s tariffs are tying knots in New York’s yarn industry
For the vibrant upstate fiber industry, which heavily relies on imported yarn and tools, the local infrastructure can’t keep up with rising costs and uncertainty.
www.timesunion.com
November 4, 2025 at 5:22 PM
🧶 Trump’s tariffs are impacting many industries, even unexpected ones. I recently spoke with several New York fiber business owners, who said they are running low on inventory, being hit with surprise levies and seeing delayed shipments www.timesunion.com/business/art...
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
For the vibrant upstate fiber industry, which heavily relies on imported yarn and tools, the local infrastructure can’t keep up with rising costs and uncertainty.
Trump’s tariffs are tying knots in New York’s yarn industry
For the vibrant upstate fiber industry, which heavily relies on imported yarn and tools, the local infrastructure can’t keep up with rising costs and uncertainty.
bit.ly
November 4, 2025 at 12:40 PM
For the vibrant upstate fiber industry, which heavily relies on imported yarn and tools, the local infrastructure can’t keep up with rising costs and uncertainty.
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
BREAKING: An Afghan refugee whose family resettled in New York after fleeing Taliban persecution was detained by ICE agents following a routine asylum interview on Tuesday.
@mariamsilva.bsky.social has the story www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
@mariamsilva.bsky.social has the story www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
ICE arrests Afghan refugee living in New Paltz after asylum hearing
Ali Sajad Faqirzada, who resettled with his family in Ulster County in 2022, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on Tuesday.
www.timesunion.com
October 15, 2025 at 10:26 PM
BREAKING: An Afghan refugee whose family resettled in New York after fleeing Taliban persecution was detained by ICE agents following a routine asylum interview on Tuesday.
@mariamsilva.bsky.social has the story www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
@mariamsilva.bsky.social has the story www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Where ICE arrested thousands of immigrants in New York this year. @timesunion.com mapped the arrests so you can see the enforcement action by county, court house and jail
www.timesunion.com/news/article...
www.timesunion.com/news/article...
Here's where ICE is arresting immigrants in New York
Immigration arrests in Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and Saratoga have dominated upstate New York. In New York City, arrests skyrocketed at Federal Plaza.
www.timesunion.com
September 26, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Where ICE arrested thousands of immigrants in New York this year. @timesunion.com mapped the arrests so you can see the enforcement action by county, court house and jail
www.timesunion.com/news/article...
www.timesunion.com/news/article...
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Important story by my colleague @mariamsilva.bsky.social: the federal government has stopped paying for new citizen naturalization ceremonies
www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
USCIS stops paying New York clerks for swearing in new citizens
For decades, county clerks have been reimbursed for administering the Oath of Allegiance. This summer, the federal agency quietly ended the practice.
www.timesunion.com
September 26, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Important story by my colleague @mariamsilva.bsky.social: the federal government has stopped paying for new citizen naturalization ceremonies
www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
SCOOP: Homeless people said they were paid to be listed as donors for a NY Senate candidate. Others told the @timesunion.com the candidate paid them with pre-paid cash gift cards worth 2x the value of their donation
www.timesunion.com/capitol/arti...
www.timesunion.com/capitol/arti...
Homeless people say they got paid to be donors in Senate campaign
Law enforcement are investigating whether Caleb Slater allegedly paid people in exchange for donations to get money from the New York State Public Campaign Finance Program during the 2024 election.
www.timesunion.com
August 15, 2025 at 11:49 AM
SCOOP: Homeless people said they were paid to be listed as donors for a NY Senate candidate. Others told the @timesunion.com the candidate paid them with pre-paid cash gift cards worth 2x the value of their donation
www.timesunion.com/capitol/arti...
www.timesunion.com/capitol/arti...
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Back in June, my partner and I found an injured, fledgling robin in our yard. A Google search and some text messages later and we were driving up the Northway with a robin in a shoebox to a rehabilitator for passerine birds --- one of the few people who knew how to care for them, we'd soon learn
New York is seeing more and more licensed wildlife rehabilitators, but that has not translated to a diminished workload for many, some observers say.
New York wildlife rehabilitators struggle to keep up with demand
New York is seeing more and more licensed wildlife rehabilitators, but that has not translated to a diminished workload for many, some observers say.
bit.ly
August 11, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Back in June, my partner and I found an injured, fledgling robin in our yard. A Google search and some text messages later and we were driving up the Northway with a robin in a shoebox to a rehabilitator for passerine birds --- one of the few people who knew how to care for them, we'd soon learn
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Plans are up in smoke
A project that sparked outrage due to its proximity to a school will not move forward.
Facing stiff opposition, developer withdraws Highland pet crematorium application
A project that sparked outrage due to its proximity to a school will not move forward.
bit.ly
August 12, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Plans are up in smoke
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Beginning in September, the new rates will add roughly $14.29 to an average customer’s monthly electric bill and $7.66 to the customer’s monthly gas bill. National Grid provides utility service to 2.3 million customers in upstate New York.
National Grid bills going up after PSC approves rate hike
The new rates will take effect in September, increasing the typical monthly gas and electric bill by about $22.
www.timesunion.com
August 14, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Beginning in September, the new rates will add roughly $14.29 to an average customer’s monthly electric bill and $7.66 to the customer’s monthly gas bill. National Grid provides utility service to 2.3 million customers in upstate New York.
Central Hudson admitted it did not provide safe and adequate service in the lead-up to a gas explosion in Wappingers Falls that hospitalized eight people, including children, two years ago.
The company will also pay a $5 million penalty. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
The company will also pay a $5 million penalty. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
Central Hudson admits ‘regulatory violation’ in Wappingers Falls gas explosion
The utility, which separately got a rate increase Thursday, will pay a $5 million penalty as part of a settlement with the state Public Service Commission.
www.timesunion.com
August 14, 2025 at 8:04 PM
Central Hudson admitted it did not provide safe and adequate service in the lead-up to a gas explosion in Wappingers Falls that hospitalized eight people, including children, two years ago.
The company will also pay a $5 million penalty. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
The company will also pay a $5 million penalty. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
A federal judge denied a Honduran immigrant’s petition to halt his deportation, but extended his restraining order by two days to give him time to appeal.
Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcio’s arrest July 18 prompted an outcry in Rhinebeck, where locals have raised $75,270 to support his legal defense.
Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcio’s arrest July 18 prompted an outcry in Rhinebeck, where locals have raised $75,270 to support his legal defense.
Judge rejects Rhinebeck immigrant’s petition to halt deportation
A judge denied Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcios’ petition to halt his deportation but gave him a two-day extension to appeal.
www.timesunion.com
July 30, 2025 at 3:15 PM
A federal judge denied a Honduran immigrant’s petition to halt his deportation, but extended his restraining order by two days to give him time to appeal.
Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcio’s arrest July 18 prompted an outcry in Rhinebeck, where locals have raised $75,270 to support his legal defense.
Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcio’s arrest July 18 prompted an outcry in Rhinebeck, where locals have raised $75,270 to support his legal defense.
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
“Community concierge” Janet Nuñez is the link between social services and residents who can’t access them.
Meet the woman bringing Ulster County services to rural residents
“Community concierge” Janet Nuñez is the link between social services and residents who can’t access them.
bit.ly
July 30, 2025 at 1:20 PM
“Community concierge” Janet Nuñez is the link between social services and residents who can’t access them.
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
New York is suing Trump for states' rights, Tish says. Monday CapCon: www.capitolconfidential.com/p/letitia-ja...
- Texas AG is suing the acting Ulster County clerk in NY
- Former NYDEC commissioners pen letter over emissions
- Hochul and the politics of MAID
- & more
- Texas AG is suing the acting Ulster County clerk in NY
- Former NYDEC commissioners pen letter over emissions
- Hochul and the politics of MAID
- & more
Letitia James says she's suing Trump over states' rights
And Texas AG Ken Paxton is suing the acting clerk of Ulster County.
www.capitolconfidential.com
July 28, 2025 at 8:55 PM
New York is suing Trump for states' rights, Tish says. Monday CapCon: www.capitolconfidential.com/p/letitia-ja...
- Texas AG is suing the acting Ulster County clerk in NY
- Former NYDEC commissioners pen letter over emissions
- Hochul and the politics of MAID
- & more
- Texas AG is suing the acting Ulster County clerk in NY
- Former NYDEC commissioners pen letter over emissions
- Hochul and the politics of MAID
- & more
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
A Manhattan judge declined to pause deportation proceedings against Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcios, whose arrest prompted outcry.
Honduran immigrant detained by ICE in Rhinebeck to face deportation
A Manhattan judge declined to pause deportation proceedings against Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcios, whose arrest prompted outcry.
bit.ly
July 23, 2025 at 8:00 PM
A Manhattan judge declined to pause deportation proceedings against Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcios, whose arrest prompted outcry.
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan: "Trump said he’d focus on violent criminals; instead, he’s snatching law-abiding small-business owners off our streets, which is a betrayal of our country and our values.” @mariamsilva.bsky.social reports. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
‘One of our own’: Rhinebeck rallies for Honduran immigrant detained by ICE
Rhinebeck locals and celebrities raised $55,000 for Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcios and are sending a bus with supporters to his immigration hearing.
www.timesunion.com
July 22, 2025 at 9:39 PM
U.S. Rep. Pat Ryan: "Trump said he’d focus on violent criminals; instead, he’s snatching law-abiding small-business owners off our streets, which is a betrayal of our country and our values.” @mariamsilva.bsky.social reports. www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
A retired city police officer was allegedly involved in a shooting at a home on Rombout Avenue on Monday night.
Retired police officer involved in fatal home shooting in Beacon
A retired city police officer was allegedly involved in a shooting at a home on Rombout Avenue on Monday night.
bit.ly
July 22, 2025 at 2:10 PM
A retired city police officer was allegedly involved in a shooting at a home on Rombout Avenue on Monday night.
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
The Office of Rent Administration said tenants at Stony Run still deserve rental protections.
Kingston apartment complex cannot be exempted from rent regulation, state finds
The Office of Rent Administration said tenants at Stony Run still deserve rental protections.
bit.ly
July 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The Office of Rent Administration said tenants at Stony Run still deserve rental protections.
Rhinebeck locals are coming together to rally behind a Honduran man arrested by ICE last week. They’ve raised $55,000 in two days to fund his legal defense.
“He’s one of our own, he’s not ‘other,’” a woman who employed him said.
www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
“He’s one of our own, he’s not ‘other,’” a woman who employed him said.
www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
‘One of our own’: ICE arrest of Honduran immigrant causes stir in Rhinebeck
Rhinebeck locals and celebrities raised $55,000 for Gerson Josué Santamaría Turcios and are sending a bus with supporters to his immigration hearing.
www.timesunion.com
July 22, 2025 at 6:44 PM
Rhinebeck locals are coming together to rally behind a Honduran man arrested by ICE last week. They’ve raised $55,000 in two days to fund his legal defense.
“He’s one of our own, he’s not ‘other,’” a woman who employed him said.
www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
“He’s one of our own, he’s not ‘other,’” a woman who employed him said.
www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
New York is expecting a $3 billion loss in annual revenue because of the 'Big Beautiful Bill,' Budget Director Blake Washington said Thursday. CapCon: www.capitolconfidential.com/p/new-york-e...
- NY gun law upheld
- Enviros launch ad campaign on 100-ft. rule
- An AI ad of Stefanik
- & more
- NY gun law upheld
- Enviros launch ad campaign on 100-ft. rule
- An AI ad of Stefanik
- & more
New York expects a $3 billion gap next year from the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
And a federal appellate court has upheld a big New York gun law.
www.capitolconfidential.com
July 10, 2025 at 8:27 PM
New York is expecting a $3 billion loss in annual revenue because of the 'Big Beautiful Bill,' Budget Director Blake Washington said Thursday. CapCon: www.capitolconfidential.com/p/new-york-e...
- NY gun law upheld
- Enviros launch ad campaign on 100-ft. rule
- An AI ad of Stefanik
- & more
- NY gun law upheld
- Enviros launch ad campaign on 100-ft. rule
- An AI ad of Stefanik
- & more
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
A state-appointed arbitrator awarded a contract to workers at Porpiglia Farms in Ulster County after the farm’s owners refused to acknowledge the union.
Hudson Valley farm refuses to recognize state-imposed union contract
A state-appointed arbitrator awarded a contract to workers at Porpiglia Farms in Ulster County after the farm’s owners refused to acknowledge the union.
bit.ly
July 3, 2025 at 12:30 PM
A state-appointed arbitrator awarded a contract to workers at Porpiglia Farms in Ulster County after the farm’s owners refused to acknowledge the union.
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Contrary to how it’s operated previously, ICE did not contact Kingston Police before a “targeted enforcement action” on Tuesday.
ICE returns to Kingston without contacting local police
Contrary to how it’s operated previously, ICE did not contact Kingston Police before a “targeted enforcement action” on Tuesday.
bit.ly
June 19, 2025 at 8:50 PM
Contrary to how it’s operated previously, ICE did not contact Kingston Police before a “targeted enforcement action” on Tuesday.
Reposted by Maria M. Silva
Play Airlines, the low-cost Icelandic airline that is one of the only commercial carriers at New York Stewart International Airport, has canceled North American flights starting this fall amid a takeover that will see it cease operations on the continent.
Play Airlines cancels North American flights starting this fall
The Icelandic budget carrier is a major draw to Stewart International Airport and one of its only airlines.
www.timesunion.com
June 12, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Play Airlines, the low-cost Icelandic airline that is one of the only commercial carriers at New York Stewart International Airport, has canceled North American flights starting this fall amid a takeover that will see it cease operations on the continent.