Syracuse police to pitch lawmakers on switching license plate reader provider
Police department officials plan to pitch Syracuse lawmakers on buying license plate readers from Axon, a longtime provider of police technology. Like Flock Safety, Axon has strong ties to the federal government.
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LATEST REPORTING
Onondaga County Legislature rejects $1M settlement to end decades-long legal saga
Lawyers for the estate of Hector Rivas, who was accused of killing his ex-girlfriend in 1987, sued the county and alleged DA William Fitzpatrick used faulty evidence to convict Rivas.
How Syracuse lawmakers say they’re going to vote on ‘good cause’
Syracuse lawmakers are split on ‘good cause’ without about half saying they will vote for the legislation.
Mayor Sharon Owens is committed to the Children Rising Center project. Can Syracuse make it happen?
Almost a year after the development of the Children Rising Center came to a standstill, Mayor Sharon Owens’ 2026 State of the City address provided a glimmer of hope to restarting the project.
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I-81 AND PUBLIC HOUSING COVERAGE
The I-81 viaduct removal could create 12 acres of valuable land. Stakeholders still disagree on who should own it Â
City and state officials have disagreed for about two years who should own the land. The state has declined to identify where the land under I-81 will be.
Mayor Sharon Owens appoints new ally to SHA board to replace administration officialÂ
Douglas Reicher was appointed to the Syracuse Housing Authority board after Stephanie Pasquale’s hiring by the city disqualified her from serving on the board.
New Syracuse Housing Authority board member — at least temporarily — cannot serve
New city Chief Strategy Officer Stephanie Pasquale cannot serve on SHA’s board. It’s unclear whether the city will move to replace her.
CULTURE
Sean Kirst: In Minneapolis shootings, a Lyncourt native wounded at Kent State hears familiar echoes
Tom Grace, one of 13 people shot by the Ohio National Guard in 1970 at Kent State, sees haunting parallels unwinding now.
Sean Kirst: As Sean McDermott leaves Bills, two families he helped amid great loss offer their thanks
“This was just a very kind human being,” says Veronica Borjon — a witness to how McDermott quietly showed up, at the hardest time, to offer comfort.
Sean Kirst: For Dr. King’s Day, a voice of witness and a reminder to ‘stand when you’ve got to stand’
Pastor Ester Daniels, mother of new Mayor Sharon Owens, offered a civic message that is preface to everything we remember today.
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: For fervent ‘Mama J,’ legendary Bills fan from Camillus, a victory hug with Josh Allen’s mom
Amid jubilation in Jacksonville — Joanie DeKoker’s 259th straight Bills game — an unexpected moment with parents of beloved QB.
Sean Kirst: Straight from Camillus, ‘Mama J’ earns her place among greatest Bills fans of them all
Joanie Podkowinski DeKoker will mark her 259th straight Bills game in Jacksonville — while sharing the playoff dream every Bills fan knows so well.
Sean Kirst: Through a ‘year in quotes,’ a columnist reflects on struggle, love and inspiration in 2025, from Syracuse and beyond
A courageous parks commissioner, after great loss. A new mayor inspired by the sheer resilience of her mother. The passing of a selfless humanitarian legend, in Buffalo: Words put to heart and soul, in 2025.
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