Central Current is strengthening local news for CNY residents
The Crisis
Every week, two newspapers shut down across the United States. Nearly 3,000 publications have closed since 2005.
Syracuse has seen over 200 full time newspaper jobs disappear since 2010, forcing many journalists to change careers.
To boost website traffic and ad revenue, many newspapers have pulled resources away from local news reporting.
Our Impact
Central Current is the first general interest newspaper to launch in Syracuse since Eagle Newspapers formed in 1992.
Our growing newsroom is putting journalists back to work, and providing opportunities for interns and freelancers.
As a nonprofit, Central Current’s commitment to local news is the basis for earning the trust of grantmakers and individual donors.
By the numbers:
More than 20,000 unique readers access our reporting each month.
Central Current has brought over $100,000 in national grants and pledges to CNY over the past year, helping employ young journalists in our region.
Coverage Highlights
Syracuse Housing Authority residents moving out contemplate their future — and their landlord’s
Patrick McCarthy’s reporting on the redevelopment of the McKinney Manor public housing units highlighted how uncertainty around process and timeline have impacted the lives of residents.
“The best local investigative news source in the city.” – Richard / CNY resident
Syracuse Democratic leaders pick the losing candidate again
Patrick McCarthy’s analysis explored how
the Onondaga County Democratic Committee’s choice for mayor was rejected by voters for the third time in a row, highlighting a significant disconnect between party leaders and their constituents.
“Adding Central Current to your local news consumption will only serve to better understand issues facing Central New York and another set of eyes to hold our leaders accountable.” – Tim / CNY resident
A half-century after the Landmark Theatre was almost lost, Syracuse will see it again in its true colors
Sean Kirst’s column on the restoration of the historic Landmark Theater in downtown Syracuse brought readers inside the painstaking multi-year process to return the space to its former glory.
“You’re the heartbeat of Syracuse.” Mary Jane / CNY resident
Syracuse delays payroll rollout after 4 years, millions to consultants: ‘We’re not getting what we paid for’
Chris Libonati’s reporting told the story of how an 18 month, $1.9 million project by the city of Syracuse ballooned into a 5 year, $10 million debacle with no ending in sight. In the days following the publication of this investigation, the city’s Chief Administrative Officer resigned.
“I appreciate quality reporting that digs deep and provides more details than alternative news sources.” – Yona | CNY resident
City reverses decision, Syracuse police drones to be reviewed by oversight group
After Central Current reported that city officials planned to bypass a surveillance oversight process for new police drones, city officials reversed their decision.
The drones will be reviewed by the Surveillance Technology Working group created four years ago by Mayor Ben Walsh. This oversight committee will likely recommend rules that will curtail the drone use.
“You provide a critically needed independent source of news in CNY.” – Richard | CNY resident
The Onondaga Nation reclaimed 1,000 acres of land. Now it seeks restoration.
After the Onondaga Nation recovered 1,000 acres of land in Tully from Honeywell International, Reporter Patrick McCarthy joined Tadodaho Sid Hill and Nation attorney Joe Heath in exploring the territory
McCarthy weaves a story detailing the history of the area, its relationship to the Onondagas, and the conservation efforts underway to protect and restore the land from the damage caused by salt mining.
“I especially appreciate your coverage of the Onondaga Nation and the big picture coverage of political and economic aspects.“ – Suzi | CNY resident
Will Upstate University Hospital stand in the way of plans for Syracuse’s Near Eastside?
Anais Mejia used archival reporting along with shoe-leather journalism to reframe how we look at properties owned by Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse’s Near Eastside. Her analysis revealed how the hospital’s ownership of downtown real estate places it at the heart of a debate over gentrification, housing access, and economic development.
“I support the commitment [Central Current] makes to be on the ground and in the community talking with those who are making things work. I regret not knowing about you earlier! “ – Pam | CNY resident
Oswego wanted to be ‘ahead of the curve’ on public homelessness. So the city criminalized it.
Eddie Velazquez’s story on the city of Oswego criminalizing public homelessness was one of our most read stories this year and also one that shined a light on a brutal policy.
The city codified a law that allows police officers to fine residents $100 or jail them for 15 days for setting up encampments or sleeping in public places. Velazquez’s helped identify the local effect of the United States Supreme Court ruling that municipalities could enact such legislation.
“Locally based, unbiased information is crucial to a civil, democratic society.” – Lynne | CNY resident
How a Syracuse police officer crashed department cars 12 times and remained on the force
Central Current Managing Editor Chris Libonati is a part of the investigative team producing the Driving Force series along with members of USA Today/Gannet and Syracuse University.
Because of this series, the Syracuse Police Department is just now beginning to deal with the problem of police car crashes. The problem was rampant — the department had hundreds of crashes over a 10-year span that injured drivers and officers while costing taxpayers millions of dollars. They’ve bought new technology and started thinking more creatively about how to punish repeat offenders.
“I always enjoy reading the news on Central Current – I find that you often bring to light news that other news outlets do not consider “click-worthy” enough to report. Thank you for shining light in the dark places.”“ – Sharon | CNY resident
Syracuse’s South Side says goodbye to community staple Timbuk Tu African Imports after 30 years
In one of our most read stories of the year, Yolanda Stewart profiled Kwasi Owusu as he was preparing to close his business. An iconic shop with a strong following, Central Current broke the news of its closing and paid tribute to its founder and owner.
“I support Central Current for its refreshing, positive coverage of community achievements, showcasing the great things happening around Syracuse, especially in arts and culture “ – Rita | CNY resident
A study found Syracuse’s new license plate readers make frequent mistakes. Councilors didn’t know before approving them.
Patrick McCarthy’s investigation into the City of Syracuse’s new license plate reader program shone a light on how technical errors with the software could put drivers at risk for unwarranted police stops.
Support our newsroom
Central Current is able to provide high-quality journalism at no cost to our readers thanks to the generosity of our contributors, grantors, and sponsors. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, all donations are tax deductible.
Use the module below to make a contribution today. If you are a business or organization interested in helping sponsor Central Current, please visit our Sponsorship page to learn more.
Have a question? Contact our Executive Director Maximilian Eyle at meyle@centralcurrent.org
How do we define impact?
We know that “impact” is a loaded term. What do we mean when we say a story had impact? At Central Current, we measure this using the following guidelines recommended by the Solutions Journalism Network:
- Public official responds/refers to a story
- Story results in allocation of funds
- New position or department created
- Policy change, law proposed/passed
- Public discourse changes tone/focus
- Award or recognition