Democratic county legislators appoint Nicole Watts chair of the legislature — but not without drama
Before the session, the Republican caucus sent out a press release accusing the Democratic appointments of signaling “far left chaos.”
CITY AND GOVERNMENT
Sean Kirst: A reflective ‘Mr. 1946,’ point man as ‘Baby Boomers’ reach their 80s, appreciates why Bills took all-or-nothing chance
Despite a cancer diagnosis that he tries to take in stride, Al Nachreiner looks back on his life and says: ‘I’m happy.’
Will New York state legislators bring New York For All to a vote?
State Democrats say New York For All could blunt parts of Trump’s deportation agenda — but in five years they’ve never brought the legislation to a vote.
Sean Kirst: Ben Walsh sometimes made choices in reverse of his mayoral ‘grampa,’ but believes higher goals bind them still
Separated by 60 years, Bill Walsh and his grandson Ben had different City Hall visions of growth and planning — but identical visions of service, the mayor says.
FEATURED STORIES
Onondaga County lawmakers approve $550M plan to upgrade wastewater treatment plant amid concerns about sewer rates
Legislators also voted to approve the issuance of up to $515 million in bonds, the most in the county’s history, according to Comptroller Marty Masterpole.
Sean Kirst: On Christmas morning, a card with our wish for longtime readers
For a gray-haired columnist, a Yuletide reflection of gratitude about renewing bonds forged over many years.
Sean Kirst: For 34 new citizens, a judge who sees their dreams given voice by the ‘Mother of Exiles’
For one couple from Iraq, young children in their arms, a gateway to new hope after a long, hard journey.
More News
Sean Kirst: In fitting gesture for last game at Highmark, Bills provide tickets for America’s first ‘Boomer’
Buffalo’s Al Nachreiner, longtime Bills fan and first ‘Baby Boomer’ to reach 80, feeling strong to be there despite treatments for lung cancer.
Sean Kirst: A ‘Resolution Run’ with New Year’s chance to light candle for young readers
A fitting opportunity to honor Eric Carle, a Syracuse-born children’s literature legend.
Syracuse Housing Authority to close on financing for second phase of East Adams redevelopment
The redevelopment of public housing, valued at $1 billion, will be stretched across several phases.
Blueprint 15 taps Sarah Walton LaFave as executive director
The interim executive director at Blueprint 15 will stay on as its leader during the redevelopment of public housing on Syracuse’s Southside.
Sean Kirst: In mist of snow, graveyard quests of “hearts and souls” lead to wreaths for veterans
At the Onondaga County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, family members used their hands to dig out tombstones, hidden by deep snow.
Why Onondaga County legislators may approve the largest bond issuance in the county’s history
For Micron to come to Central New York, it would need a significant upgrade to the Oak Orchard Wastewater Treatment Plant. A supermajority of legislators would have to vote to issue up to $515 million in bonds.
Why Flock will get to keep Syracuse drivers’ ‘anonymized’ data even if lawmakers cancel their contract
Against the advice of his own working group, Mayor Ben Walsh granted Flock the right to keep Syracuse drivers’ anonymized data.
Sean Kirst: As ‘Freedom of Espresso’ turns 30, recalling a Chuckie Holstein truth to fit the milestone
The fight against a corporate giant is the famous story, but maybe the real lesson for Syracuse is what 30 years represents.
Gov. Kathy Hochul again spikes bill meant to reform nonprofit contracting with the state
Nonprofits in Central New York and throughout the state have pushed for Hochul to sign multiple versions of the bill.
Progressive Maurice ‘Mo’ Brown exploring run against longtime state legislator Bill Magnarelli
Magnarelli has represented Syracuse in the New York State Assembly since 1999. He has not faced a primary challenge since at least 2012.
Sean Kirst: In shadow of state football playoffs, city dreams — old and new — at Roosevelt Field
Remembering a landmark game, 62 years ago, that marked changing eras on a South Side field the city school district hopes to restore.
Former city school board member to run for Charles Garland’s Onondaga County Legislature seat
Garland is not running for re-election next year, a promise he made to colleagues if they made him chair of the legislature. “I don’t have to become chair to keep a promise,” he said.
Syracuse Housing Authority could begin redevelopment of Eastwood Heights in early 2026
SHA officials say they expect to close on financing for the $25.9 million redevelopment project by the end of 2025.
Onondaga County Legislature Democrats, Republicans have spat over ‘lame duck’ appointments
Democrats argued the appointments should have waited until the party in January takes control of the legislature.
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.
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.
Sean Kirst: At 25th Adoption Day gathering, a ‘founding father’ finds a roomful of children, love and meaning
For Kevin Harrigan, there since the beginning of this annual event, every few steps led to a mom, dad or grown child saying: Thanks.
NY congressman says feds reversed cancellation of naturalization ceremonies. County clerks haven’t been updated.
The saga has caused confusion for legal experts and advocates who wondered why USCIS made the initial call to cancel the ceremonies.
Syracuse Housing Authority board elects developer as new board chair
Syracuse-based developer Ryan Benz was elected by fellow board members to serve as the board chair of Syracuse Housing Authority.
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.
Feds stop Onondaga County naturalization ceremony — and say some county courts can’t conduct them
Earlier this month, USCIS canceled a naturalization ceremony in Syracuse. Now, they say county courts don’t meet the statutory requirements to conduct them.
SHA is increasing ‘flat rent’ each of the next three years. What does it really mean?
Some residents will be able to choose between income-adjusted rent or the new flat rent, said SHA Executive Director William Simmons.
Sean Kirst: Centuries later, original wampum still evokes living truth of Canandaigua
At an annual remembrance, generational witnesses to the flesh-and-blood commitments of a treaty.
The flow of foreclosed properties to Syracuse’s land bank has slowed. The city says lawmakers bear some blame.
The slow flow of properties could harm the land bank’s financial health and make it difficult to build more affordable housing.
Onondaga County Dems put forward Nicole Watts for legislature chair after ‘a historic mandate for change’
If Democrats unanimously vote for Watts, an Onondaga County Legislature newcomer, she will be the first woman chair of the legislature in decades.
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.
Before the deportation
ICE agents came looking for a French national and the husband of a beloved Hawley-Green business owner, forcing the couple to contemplate a new, uncertain future.
Sean Kirst: On Veterans Day, Joe Watson’s family has a message for Central New York
Gratitude over love and support for a 103-year-old World War II vet., a symbol of the veterans community.
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.
Sean Kirst: Two centuries after Erie Canal transformed Syracuse, museums seek lost plaques that make the point
One of world’s leading experts on the Erie Canal recalls how an Erie Boulevard monument — now missing key plaques — ignited his childhood curiosity.
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