Governor Hochul Announces Chobani to Make the Nation’s Largest Investment Ever in a Natural Food Production Facility in the Mohawk Valley

$1.2 Billion Facility Will Bring More Than 1,000 Good Paying Jobs to Rome’s Griffiss Business and Technology Park; Shovel-Ready Site Supported by FAST NY

Chobani Will Work With State To Create Workforce Development Plan Aimed at Providing Job Opportunities to Underserved Populations

Cements New York State as the No. 1 Yogurt Producer in the Nation

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that Chobani — a next generation food and beverage company originally known for its high-quality Greek yogurt — has chosen New York State's Mohawk Valley as the location for the nation’s largest investment in natural food manufacturing after a competitive nationwide search. Chobani, which opened its first U.S. plant in 2005 in New York, will build a 1.4 million square foot, $1.2 billion facility in Rome, Oneida County, capable of producing over one-billion pounds of high-quality dairy products per year. The expansion will add more than 1,000 jobs to the region and nearly double Chobani's total New York State workforce.

“Through this partnership with Chobani, we're revitalizing Upstate New York's manufacturing sector one spoonful at a time,” Governor Hochul said. “Chobani has been a major employer in the Mohawk Valley for decades, and this massive new $1.2 billion investment will bring more than 1,000 good-paying jobs to Oneida County — the largest natural food manufacturing investment in American history. When I took office I pledged to make New York the most worker-friendly and business-friendly state in the nation, and projects like this one show our strategy is working.”

Chobani Founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya said, "New York is where Chobani’s journey began. It was the perfect spot to start Chobani 20 years ago, and it’s the perfect place to continue our story. Working with dedicated dairy farmers and the resilient community, we built something truly special — something bigger than the food we make. We ignited a movement toward better food made with heart, passion, and only the highest-quality ingredients. With our new plant in Rome and our original home in South Edmeston, we’re entering a new dimension, partnering with hard working people across the heartland of New York to build an ecosystem of natural food production and nourish families throughout the country. When you invest in people, in local communities, you’re not just building a business — you’re building a future."

Chobani’s latest facility will be built at the Triangle parcel located at Griffiss Business and Technology Park, which was awarded more than $23 million from FAST NY last year to complete infrastructure and transportation improvements. When at full capacity, Chobani will process over 12 million pounds of milk per day, representing a large economic opportunity for the state’s dairy farms.

Chobani has selected Rome, New York for this project based on:

• A skilled local workforce, including a high concentration of military veterans living in the area, as well as graduates from nearby colleges
• Easy access to the major population of the East Coast
• Availability of affordable housing in the area as well as Governor Hochul’s ongoing commitment to building affordable homes in New York State
• Additional resources coming from the state to support the creation of new jobs

To help facilitate the company's investment and expansion in the Mohawk Valley, Empire State Development (ESD) has agreed to provide Chobani up to $73 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits to support the creation of more than 1,000 jobs at the Rome location. Additionally, the company has pledged to collaborate with ESD to develop workforce training that aims to train and provide job opportunities at Chobani to underserved populations.

The dairy industry is the largest single segment of New York's $8 billion agricultural industry. The state has nearly 3,000 dairy farms that produce 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the fifth largest dairy state in the United States. New York is the largest producer of yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese and cottage cheese and the fifth largest producer of milk. The dairy community in New York includes both large dairy operations and small, family run farms. It also boasts approximately 200 dairy processing facilities of various types and sizes, from major global processing companies to small artisanal dairy product makers.

About Chobani

Chobani is a food maker with a mission of making high-quality and nutritious food accessible to more people, while elevating our communities and making the world a healthier place. In short: making good food for all. In support of this mission, Chobani is a purpose-driven, people-first, food-and-wellness-focused company, and has been since its founding in 2005 by Hamdi Ulukaya, an immigrant to the U.S. The Company manufactures yogurt, oat milk and creamers — Chobani yogurt is America's No.1 yogurt brand, made with natural ingredients without artificial preservatives. Following the 2023 acquisition of La Colombe, a leading coffee roaster with a shared commitment to quality, craftmanship and impact, the Company began selling cold-pressed espresso and lattes on tap at cafés nationwide, as well as Ready to Drink (RTD) coffee beverages at retail.

Chobani uses food as a force for good in the world — putting humanity first in everything it does. The company's philanthropic efforts prioritize giving back to its communities and beyond: working to eradicate child hunger, supporting immigrants, refugees and underrepresented people, honoring veterans, and protecting the planet. Chobani manufactures its products in New York, Idaho, Michigan and Australia, and its products are available throughout North America and distributed in Australia and other select markets.

For more information, please visit www.chobani.com and www.lacolombe.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

U.S. Online Marketplace Operator Charged with Trafficking Deadly Synthetic Opioids Stronger Than Fentanyl

 

Today, an indictment was unsealed in the District of Columbia charging eWorldTrade LLC (eWorldTrade), a U.S. company, with conspiracy to distribute synthetic opioids for unlawful importation into the United States. Law enforcement authorities also seized eWorldTrade’s website domain, which was allegedly used to operate an online business-to-business marketplace that facilitated the distribution of synthetic opioids such as isotonitazene and carfentanyl, both significantly more potent than fentanyl.

According to the indictment, from March 2024 through March 2025, eWorldTrade conspired with others to distribute isotonitazene, a Schedule I controlled substance, and carfentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, knowing that the controlled substances would be imported into the United States.

eWorldTrade is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances for unlawful importation into the United States. If convicted, the company faces a maximum fine of $50,000,000.

On the same day of the unsealing of the indictment, law enforcement authorities seized eWorldTrade’s website and shut down its operation. The website now displays the following warning messages to the public.

Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Special Agent in Charge Rana Saoud of the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville Office made the announcement.

The HSI Knoxville Office, in partnership with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s Chattanooga Office, investigated the case.

Trial Attorney Jayce Born of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section is prosecuting the case. Former Trial Attorney Ann Daniels and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee provided valuable support.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MAYOR ADAMS AND NYCEM COMMISSIONER ISCOL ANNOUNCE NEW WAY TO ENROLL IN NOTIFY NYC AND RECEIVE NEIGHBORHOOD-SPECIFIC TEXT MESSAGE ALERTS

 

New Yorkers Will Gain Hyperlocal Emergency Information Via Text Sign-Up 

  

Notify NYC Has Provided Real-Time Information to Over 1.2 Million New Yorkers Since 2009

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) Commissioner Zach Iscol today announced a new, easier way for New Yorkers to enroll in Notify NYC — New York City’s essential emergency information service that provides updates to subscribers via text, email, social media, RSS feed, and the NOTIFY NYC mobile application. Additionally, the city is launching a $430,000 marketing campaign through NYCEM to highlight the benefits of the Notify NYC system. 

  

Notify NYC has long been New Yorkers' most trusted source of local, customizable emergency alert information, and it is now easier than ever to get local text alerts without registering online for a Notify NYC account or downloading the mobile app. By texting “NOTIFYNYC” to 692-692, New Yorkers can sign up for citywide SMS text alerts, and for the first time ever, by providing their zip code when prompted, they'll be able to sign up for neighborhood-based SMS text alerts in English. 

  

"We are committed to making New York City safer every day, but we cannot do that without providing New Yorkers with the most effective and accessible information when an emergency occurs," said Mayor Adams. "By upgrading Notify NYC to more easily push out citywide alerts and now sending zip code-specific alerts, we’re ensuring residents receive both broad and localized updates, all through one simple text subscription, making it easier than ever to stay informed." 

  

"New Yorkers can now sign up for emergency alerts more easily than ever," said NYCEM Commissioner Iscol. "By texting ‘NOTIFYNYC’ TO 692-692, residents can receive citywide alerts, and by providing their zip code when prompted, they can get neighborhood-based alerts — all through a single, streamlined SMS text system. This enhancement reflects our administration’s commitment to keeping every New Yorker informed with timely, relevant updates and information to keep them, their loved ones, and their communities safe." 

  

Building upon the recently announced citywide SMS text opt-in, Notify NYC now integrates zip code-specific alerts in the SMS text subscription service, delivering hyperlocal, timely information to residents. With no mobile application download or email setup, this new capability makes it easier than ever for New Yorkers to stay informed and safe. New Yorkers who already receive Notify NYC text messages do not need to sign up again and will still receive timely, specific notifications according to their settings. This upgrade allows those who have not previously created an account to sign up for local SMS text alerts without using a web browser. 

  

The updated Notify NYC service leverages Nixle — a dynamic SMS text platform — to deliver targeted, neighborhood-specific alerts. Residents can effortlessly sign up for these localized updates by simply texting their zip code to 692-692. Those who wish to receive alerts for multiple locations, such as their workplace or children's schools, can easily add additional zip codes by texting them to the same number (692-692). Managing these subscriptions is straightforward: Users can view and modify all their subscribed zip codes and alert preferences through their Nixle.com account, specifically within the “Settings” tab. 

  

The alerts themselves encompass a wide range of critical information, including traffic delays, road closures and reopenings, service disruptions and restorations from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, power outage information from Con Edison and Public Service Electric and Gas Company, fires, water condition updates, ferry disruptions, school opening and closure notifications, planned flyovers, and other emergency activities. Residents retain full control over their subscriptions, with the ability to opt out of specific zip codes by texting “STOP” followed by the zip code at issue to 692-692, or to unsubscribe from all alerts by texting “STOP ALL.” 

  

For added convenience, users can also opt-in to receive email notifications by replying with their email address after subscribing to a zip code. Nixle prioritizes user privacy, ensuring that no location tracking occurs, and that personal information is never shared with the city or third parties.  

 

In the coming months, a $430,000 marketing campaign will launch to inform New Yorkers about the importance of receiving emergency alerts through Notify NYC. The campaign will focus on the practical, everyday notifications sent by the service, featuring 20-second spots of real New Yorkers receiving SMS messages about transit and traffic delays, flood and basement safety warnings, and blackout notifications. This approach aims to demonstrate the daily relevance of Notify NYC, encouraging residents to sign up for timely alerts. 

  

The campaign will utilize a variety of platforms, including social media, YouTube commercials, Google ads and ad searches, traditional, ethnic, and community media, and posters on subways, bus shelters, and other physical locations. Materials will be available in English, Arabic, Bengali, Traditional Chinese, French, Russian, and Spanish, ensuring broad accessibility. 

  

Notify NYC started as a pilot program in December 2007 to communicate localized emergency information quickly to city residents. Since its citywide rollout in 2009, Notify NYC has been the city’s go-to source for emergency information, keeping over 1.2 million New Yorkers informed in real-time, in 14 languages, including American Sign Language. In Fiscal Year 2024, the service issued 2,750 unique messages — an increase from 2,215 messages in Fiscal Year 2023. Notify NYC’s average response time from incident onset to message issuance is only roughly six minutes. 

  

In July 2024, under the Adams administration, NYCEM announced the launch of a ground-breaking emergency preparedness campaign, marked by the introduction of the agency’s first-ever citywide multilingual mailer. This initiative aims to empower every New Yorker with the knowledge and tools needed to prepare for emergencies and stay informed through the Notify NYC alert system.  

 

Notify NYC is just one way the City of New York seeks to communicate urgent information to city residents. In addition to sending e-mails, text messages, tweets, and phone calls, NYCEM can activate New York City's Emergency Alert System, which sends information immediately via television and radio, as well as issue Wireless Emergency Alerts, which are critical emergency updates issued to all equipped cell phones in New York City. To learn more about the Notify NYC program, visit the NotifyNYC website or call 311. 

A Leader of Notorious Philadelphia ‘10th and O Crew’ Sentenced to Six Years for Opioid Drug Conspiracy

 

A South Philadelphia man was sentenced in the District of New Jersey to six years in prison for conspiracy to distribute oxycodone, a highly addictive controlled substance. 

According to court documents, between January 2022 and February 2024, Michael Procopio, 50, coordinated the unlawful sale of prescription oxycodone pills as a leader of South Philadelphia’s notorious “10th and O Crew.” Procopio obtained the pills from doctors’ offices in the area. He then unlawfully distributed them through a network of intermediaries. In February 2024, during a search of Procopio’s residence pursuant to a search warrant, law enforcement found oxycodone, Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine), and other drugs stored in a safe concealed in a hollowed-out dictionary. During the execution of the search warrant, Procopio stated, “take me to jail” and “I f***ed up.”

Pursuant to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, one gram of actual oxycodone is equivalent to 6,700 grams of converted drug weight. Procopio admitted to distributing approximately 14,925 milligrams of oxycodone, which equates to between 80 and 100 kilograms of opioids by converted drug weight.

“The defendant led a criminal ‘crew’ that diverted addictive prescription drugs to sell on the streets of Philadelphia,” said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The unlawful distribution of opioids ravages communities, whether it’s fentanyl from overseas or prescription oxycodone obtained from a doctor. The Department of Justice is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to eradicate the illegal sale of these dangerous drugs.” 

In June 2024, Procopio pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. Court documents show that Procopio was previously convicted of sexual assault in Pennsylvania.  

Special Agent in Charge Wayne Jacobs of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Philadelphia Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Field Division joined the announcement.

The FBI, DEA, and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Paul J. Koob and Nicholas K. Peone of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary March 2025 Area Unemployment Rates

 

The New York State Department of Labor today released preliminary local area unemployment rates for March 2025. Rates are calculated using methods prescribed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The State’s area unemployment rates rely in part on the results of the Current Population Survey, which contacts approximately 2,800 households in New York State each month. To recap last week’s statewide press release, New York State’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined from 4.3% in February to 4.2% in March 2025.

Local Area Unemployment Rates* (%)

March 2024 and March 2025

(Not seasonally adjusted)

The data in the preceding table are not seasonally adjusted, which means they reflect seasonal influences (e.g., holiday and summer hires). Therefore, the most valid comparisons with this type of data are year-to-year comparisons of the same month, for example, March 2024 versus March 2025. Labor force data for the current month are preliminary and subject to revision as more information becomes available the following month. Revised estimates for prior months are available at: https://dol.ny.gov/local-area-unemployment-statistics

Labor force statistics, including the unemployment rate, for New York and every other state are based on statistical regression models specified by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These are the most up-to-date estimates of persons employed and unemployed by place of residence. Estimates are available for New York State, labor market regions, metropolitan areas, counties and municipalities with population of at least 25,000.

Unemployment Rates by County,

New York State,

March 2025

Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release. State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advantage of Regression Model Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities). Benchmarking of Estimates Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.” Changes in Methodology Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates. In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others. Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem. Jobs Data Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, samples establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available. The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Enforcement Surge in Portland Targets Honduran Nationals Trafficking Fentanyl in Open- Air Drug Markets

 

Multi-Agency Enforcement Results in 46 Arrests, Drug and Cash Seizures in Multnomah County

The Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division announced a multi agency fentanyl enforcement operation resulting in dozens of arrests, and the seizure of drugs, firearms, and cash in Portland, Oregon. 

Honduran drug traffickers working for the Sinaloa Cartel infiltrated Portland flooding the area with deadly fentanyl and other drugs.  The focus of this investigation was to interrupt the open -air drug market in Multnomah County.

In a coordinated effort to protect the public from the deadly impact of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs, the DEA Portland District Office, in collaboration with the Portland Police Bureau,  Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program, conducted a series of drug enforcement missions in the first quarter of 2025 that led to significant results. In addition to numerous arrests, law enforcement partners seized substantial amounts of fentanyl powder and pills, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. Firearms and cash were seized, as well. 

Driven by a shared commitment to community safety, these joint missions resulted in:

• 46 arrests
• 20 firearms seized
• $204,007 in cash seized
• 44 pounds of fentanyl powder seized
• 2,507 fentanyl pills seized
• 22 pounds of methamphetamine seized
• 9 pounds of cocaine seized
• 2 pounds of heroin seized

According to the DEA lab, two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a potentially deadly dose.  Nearly 70 percent of all drug poisonings and overdose deaths involve fentanyl.

“The fentanyl seized by our team in this case could have yielded over 1.5 million lethal doses – enough to kill everyone in Portland twice,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division.  “I am proud that DEA could help our partners bring this surge to a successful conclusion, saving lives here in Portland and throughout Oregon.

“Fentanyl has no place in our city. Our partnership with local, state, and federal agencies makes our collective response stronger,” Portland Police Chief Bob Day said. “This operation was a success, but it is only one step in a larger, sustained effort to keep Portland safe.”

DEA would like to thank its partners for their commitment to public safety and public health, including Oregon-Idaho High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).  The HIDTA Interdiction Team (HIT) is a multi-jurisdictional narcotics task force that identifies, disrupts, and dismantles local, multi-state, and international drug trafficking organizations using intelligence-driven, multi-agency, prosecutor-supported approach. 

GrowNYC - Join us at Union Square Greenmarket: April 25 for Earth Month Extravaganza

 

Greetings Friends and Earth Enthusiast, get ready to celebrate and honor Mother Earth, local farmers, and environmental sustainability at the GrowNYC Earth Month Extravaganza at Union Square Greenmarket on Friday, April 25th! 

Read on for more details below…

 GrowNYC Earth Month Extravaganza at Union Square Greenmarket

One fun thing: It's our birthday month! 55 years ago on the first Earth Day in 1970, our founders marched and took action by coming together to connect and explore strategies for a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable NYC.

We're ending the month with a small party on the Union Square plaza to honor their legacy. Come for an afternoon of activities and opportunities to take action! 

Where: Union Square Greenmarket

When: Friday, April 25, 10 AM - 2 PM

Free & open to the public

Come join us for earthy excitement:

• Seasonal Cooking Demos: Watch and learn how to whip up delicious dishes using the freshest, in-season goodies in the Northeast. Try a free sample, your taste buds will thank you! 

• Compost Trivia Challenge: Are you a compost connoisseur or a newbie? Test your knowledge, win Greenmarket Bucks to spend at the market, and take home free compost. 

• Behind-the-Scenes Market Tours: Take a stroll with us at 11am or 1pm and learn about the amazing farmers who nourish our community and acres of farmland in our region. Limited to 10 people per tour. Sign-up here!

• Greenmarket Games & Seed Giveaway: Learn about the wonderful world of seeds from stages of growth, how they germinate, and how to save seeds. Take a free seed packet home with you!  Take a step further, and play our market-themed trivia for a chance to win a free kitchen-friendly gift.

• Green Giveaways & Raffles: We'll be showering you with earth-friendly goodies and offering chances to win some fantastic prizes. It's our way of saying "thanks for being so green!"

• Connect & Get Involved with GrowNYC: If you’re interested in learning about how to support GrowNYC’s work in regional agriculture, food access, green space, and environmental education swing by and chat with our team.

• Shop Local: While you’re at it, shop at the oldest and largest Greenmarket in the city! From just-picked fresh fruits and vegetables, to heritage meats and award-winning farmstead cheeses, artisan breads, jams, pickles, a profusion of cut flowers and plants, wine, ciders, maple syrup and much more.

Come celebrate the bounty of our earth and support your local farmers! We can't wait to see you there. 

Sustain Our Work 

Love GrowNYC? Our work depends on the generosity of supporters like you. As a 501(c)(3), we rely on donations to keep our programs thriving—your support is more crucial than ever.

Help sustain green spaces, food access, and education in our communities by making a one time tax-deductible donation or becoming a monthly sustaining member today. Every contribution makes a difference! 

Or visit grownyc.org/donate