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CNY Decides is a limited series that will take readers inside real-time shifts in the local political landscape, with a focus on how the upcoming elections will impact our region. This new collaboration between Central Current and public radio station WAER Syracuse Public Media is focused on breaking down the decisions that shape life here, budgets, infrastructure, education, and more. It has an easy-to-follow structure that also educates the community on civic engagement.
We’re not just reporting on politics. We’re explaining the decisions that are voted on and what they mean for the people and businesses in this region.
The program will run through May and June 2026. You can listen to CNY Decides on 88.3 FM and waer.org every Friday through June during All Things Considered and again on Monday mornings during Morning Edition. Extended episodes are available on YouTube.
Support for CNY Decides is brought to you in part from The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. More information about our policies on support and transparency can be found here.
Latest from CNY Decides
CNY Decides podcast: Breaking down the closest primary races
Listen to takeaways, results and more from Central New York’s primary election cycle.
Meet the 3 Democrats vying for the party line in the race for an at-large seat on the Syracuse Common Council
Councilor Helen Hudson faces two progressive challengers: Cjala Surratt, a longtime community organizer, Moise Laub, a city schools budget analyst.
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s case for re-election is intrinsically tied to Micron and housing, local leaders say
While Hochul is not facing a primary challenge, she is gearing up for Republican opponent Bruce Blakeman after the tightest gubernatorial election in nearly 30 years.
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.
Residents of Clay will elect their new town supervisor this year. The result could have an outsized effect on Micron
Two Clay town board members are vying to become supervisor. Democrats are bullish they can flip the seat and eventually gain control of the town board.
President Donald Trump has been pushing Congress to pass the SAVE Act. What would its passage mean?
As Democrats campaign to flip control of the U.S. Congress, Republicans hope to heed Trump’s calls to pass a controversial voter ID law before the upcoming midterm elections.
Is Central New York becoming a blue bunker for Congressional Democrats?
National and local experts expect New York’s 22nd Congressional District to stay blue. Candidates say different.
Candidate Q&As
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.
2026 Primary Election Q&A: Onondaga County Legislature 8th District candidate Chad Ryan
Democrat Chad Ryan is running to represent the legislature’s 8th District. He faces Tammy Honeywell in the Democratic primary.
2026 Primary Election Q&A: Onondaga County Legislature 16th District candidate Nyatwa Bullock
Democrat Nyatwa Bullock is running to represent the legislature’s 16th District. She faces Charlene Tarver in the Democratic primary.
2026 Primary Election Q&A: Onondaga County Legislature 16th District candidate Charlene Tarver
Democrat Charlene Tarver is running to represent the legislature’s 16th District. She faces Nyatwa Bullock in the Democratic primary.