CNY Decides 2026
Central Current and WAER Syracuse Public Media are joining forces to demystify the political process, bringing you the stories and information you’ll remember in the voting booth in 2026.
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LATEST REPORTING
2026 Primary Election Q&A: Onondaga County Legislature 15th District candidate Bill Kinne
Democrat Bill Kinne is running to represent the legislature’s 15th District. He faces Jo Bennett in the Democratic primary for the seat.
2026 Primary Election Q&A: Onondaga County Legislature 15th District candidate Jo Bennett
Democrat Jo Bennett is running to represent the legislature’s 15th District. They face Bill Kinne in the Democratic primary for the seat.
2026 Primary Election Q&A: Onondaga County Legislature 8th District candidate Tammy Honeywell
Democrat Tammy Honeywell is running to represent the legislature’s 8th District. She faces Chad Ryan in the Democratic primary for the seat.
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I-81 AND PUBLIC HOUSING COVERAGE
Inside the disagreement over a $7M commitment from Onondaga County to SHA’s redevelopment of public housing
County executive’s office said they have long made clear that they want to donate $7 million as an in-kind contribution. Developer McCormack Baron Salazar says that won’t work for them.
Syracuse Housing Authority board elects new vice chair; Simmons resolute as Owens’ appointees take majority
Rickey Brown, a close ally of Mayor Sharon Owens, was voted in as the vice chair of the board of commissioners at Syracuse Housing Authority on Thursday.
Mayor set to appoint key ally to Syracuse Housing Authority board
Mayor Sharon Owens is set to appoint Monica Williams to serve as a board commissioner. Williams replaces longtime board member Christopher Montgomery.
CULTURE
Sean Kirst: At Brighton Academy, Alfonzo Whitehurst’s gutsiest coaching move was sharing his own story
An emotional team meeting offered lessons that will resonate far beyond one flag football season.
Watch Sean Kirst’s TEDx talk at Syracuse University
The speaker series featured Syracuse University alumni, students, and faculty along with community residents who explored the theme “What matters next?”
Sean Kirst: Services Friday for Bob Menotti, civic giant and leader of Syracuse Deaf community
An historian describes Bob’s life as “a moving example of how access to community, inclusion, and acceptance can break down barriers around disability.”
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EDITOR’S PICKS
Federal immigration agents accessed Syracuse drivers’ data through secret Flock Safety deal
Privacy and civil rights watchdogs have called on Syracuse to terminate its Flock contract. SPD says it’s comfortable contracting with the company, which is facing Congressional investigation.
‘From Snob Hill to Slob Hill’: Tenants say conditions at once luxurious apartments forced them to sue owner
Ten tenants have sued the owners of Nob Hill to push for repairs of the apartment complex, which has 48 open code violations.
A herd, a hide and a 50-year friendship: How the Onondaga Nation brought the buffalo back
A gift 50 years ago has allowed the Onondaga Nation to raise a herd of about 70 buffalo in southern Onondaga County.
SEAN KIRST’S UPSTATE JOURNAL
Sean Kirst: Saturday’s literacy parade ‘lights a candle’ for new dream for Hayden home
Light A Candle For Literacy organizers envision a community literacy center in revered Midland Avenue house.
Sean Kirst: For John Kucko, envoy of woodlands and waterfalls, hard new journey for guy whose work unveils the nature of a region
Shortly after witnessing a moment at Letchworth that Kucko describes as intensely beautiful, a seizure and the great challenge of his life.
Sean Kirst: Early on Memorial Day, old friends, a rain-soaked monument and a solemn downtown task
Kevin Kane, who designed the Onondaga County Korea-Vietnam Veterans Memorial, lost a brother in Vietnam — and infused every inch of that monument with meaning.
