Against the advice of his own working group, Mayor Ben Walsh granted Flock the right to keep Syracuse drivers’ anonymized data.
Patrick McCarthy
Patrick McCarthy is a staff reporter at Central Current covering government and politics. A graduate of Syracuse University’s Maxwell and Newhouse Schools, McCarthy was born and raised in Syracuse and attended Nottingham High School.
Before joining the Central Current team, he worked as a writer at Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and wrote concert reviews for syracuse.com | The Post Standard. McCarthy also served as a contributing writer for TriplePundit, a publication focused on sustainability and corporate responsibility. In his role with Central Current, he provides access and transparency to elected officials – helping raise accountability and connecting readers to the decisions that shape Central New York.
Patrick McCarthy can be reached at pmccarthy@centralcurrent.org
Posted inPolicing
Former prosecutor says she was sexually assaulted, harassed by fellow Onondaga County prosecutors
Cayley Young, a former Onondaga County assistant district attorney, in a lawsuit accused Shaun Chase, also formerly of the office, of sexually assaulting her.
Posted inPolicing
Syracuse lawmakers cut SU’s plans for Flock readers on city property, table similar vote on police’s readers
Common Council blocks Syracuse University from using Flock license plate readers on city property, while SPD readers survive the council’s chopping block.
Posted inPolicing
Syracuse lawmakers could upend two SU-owned license plate scanners before they are installed on city property
Councilors on Monday will vote on legislation that would block Flock Safety’s privileges to operate license plate readers in Syracuse.
Posted inPolicing
Will Syracuse lawmakers end Flock’s ability to put license plate readers near city streets?
Two lawmakers proposed doing just that. Syracuse’s license plate reader provider has been embroiled in national controversies for much of 2025.
Posted inPolicing
Syracuse lawmakers again leave drone program waiting on the runway
Syracuse lawmakers have grounded the city police department’s proposed drone as first responder program by delaying for nearly a year a vote on the purchase of software.
Posted inElections 2025
Surrounded by Syracuse’s past and present, historic mayor-elect Sharon Owens looks toward future
Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens on Tuesday evening made history as Syracuse’s first Black mayor-elect. Hundreds of Syracusans helped her celebrate.
Posted inElections 2025
Sharon Owens wins, will be Syracuse’s 1st Black mayor
Owens, who has served as deputy mayor for nearly eight years, is now set to serve another four years leading Syracuse.
Posted inElections 2025
2025 election Q&A: Syracuse Common Council 3rd District candidate Corey Williams
Incumbent Democrat Corey Williams is running to be the 3rd District representative in Syracuse’s Common Council. Williams is running unopposed.
Posted inElections 2025
2025 election Q&A: Syracuse Common Council 1st District candidate Marty Nave
Incumbent Democrat Marty Nave is running to be the 1st District representative in Syracuse’s Common Council. Nave is running unopposed.