Episode: 14 Air Date: March 25th, 2026
Editor’s Note: This podcast reflects the opinions and perspectives of the host and guests and is not a product of our editorial staff, including Central Current’s editors and reporters. The program may be edited in post-production for length and clarity.
In Nov. 2025, the Onondaga County Legislature flipped from Republican to Democrat control for the first time in half a century. At the same time, a shift to the election calendar meant that the new majority would face reelection again in Nov. 2026 – just 10 months after being sworn in.
As members from each party learn to operate in these new roles, they are also tasked with managing some of the most significant economic development and infrastructure challenges in county history. In this episode of It’s Happening Here, Central Current’s Onondaga County Reporter Laura Robertson speaks to how this new power dynamic is unfolding under the shortened timeline, and the competing visions each side is pitching to county residents.
Read more of Central Current’s coverage
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.
Onondaga County lawmaker proposes buffer zone for protests outside houses of worship; civil liberties expert calls it ‘flatly unconstitutional’
Republican legislator Tim Burtis’ effort to create safe spaces outside places of worship met skepticism from Democratic legislators — and the promise of a lawsuit from a First Amendment expert.
Democrats flipped control of the Onondaga County Legislature in 2025. Will they keep it?
Voter registration trends and even-year elections may benefit Democrats. But they have just 10 months to convince voters they deserve four more years.
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.
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.
