City Auditor Alex Marion researched all 25 fires at vacant structures that happened in Syracuse in 2024.
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 inNews
Syracuse lawmakers delay vote on ‘drone as first responder’ software
Common Councilors told Deputy Police Chief Richard Shoff they still needed to read the Syracuse Police Department’s drone policy.
Posted inPolicing
Syracuse police received historic pushback on drone technology. Lawmakers could soon vote to approve it.
About 67% of people who gave the city feedback on Syracuse police’s proposed drone program opposed the program, the most pushback ever for a proposed surveillance technology.
Posted inCity of Syracuse
Syracuse police try for 3rd time to convince Common Council to approve drone program
Similar drone programs are proliferating across the country, alarming civil rights advocates, privacy activists, and surveillance technology watchdogs.
Posted inCity of Syracuse
Syracuse drivers who park in bike lanes could soon be fined $60
The Common Council is considering legislation written by Councilor Corey Williams to help stop drivers form parking in bike lanes.
Posted inPolicing
A simple step by Syracuse police exposed drivers’ data to millions of searches, deputy chief says
Syracuse lawmakers questioned Deputy Chief Richard Shoff and other police officials how police exposed driver data to millions of searches.
Posted inPolicing
Madison County’s agreement with ICE to enforce immigration law is official, county lawmaker says
Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood had the authority to allow county deputies to work with ICE, said Madison County Board of Supervisors Chairman James Cunningham.
Posted inNews
Could Donald Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ doom New York’s energy efforts?
As New Yorkers stare down increasing energy rates and demand, OBBB will make it harder for New York to build renewable energy, experts told Central Current.
Posted inNews
ICE rattled a Central New York village. Then, its police chief partnered with ICE.
Seven days after ICE took a beloved Camden restaurant owner, Police Chief Sean Redden signed an agreement with ICE to allow Camden police officers to enforce immigration law.
Posted inNews
Madison County Sheriff’s Office may become immigration enforcers through new ICE pact
Madison County could be the first Central New York county to sign an agreement that would allow some of its deputies to serve immigration warrants.
