Francis Conole will run for Congress in attempt to unseat incumbent John Katko
The Democrat will challenge John Katko for the NY-24 seat, joining Steven Holden in the race. Read more »
State
Growing algae blooms in Skaneateles Lake pose threat to 140,000 residents
The lake is usually considered one of the cleanest Finger Lakes, but recently indicated an emergence of the neurotoxin microcystis. Read more »
Cuomo resigns, SU alumna Kathy Hochul to take over as NY governor
Cuomo's resignation comes after months of sexual assault allegations and calls from New York leaders for him to step down. Read more »
NY leaders call on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign over sexual harassment report
The investigators interviewed 179 people including complainants, current and former members of the state’s executive chamber, state troopers, state employees and others who interacted regularly with Cuomo. Read more »
New York will mandate COVID-19 vaccines or weekly testing for state workers
New York state employees and patient-facing health care workers at state-run hospitals and facilities will be required to get vaccinated by Labor Day or take mandatory COVID-19 tests each week. Read more »
NY College Republicans secede from national committee following investigation
The New York Federation of College Republicans alleged multiple instances of misappropriation of funds and violations of the organization’s bylaws in a report titled "CRNC Dossier." Read more »
Almost all SU students, faculty on campus fully vaccinated as NY emergency ends
90% of students on Syracuse University's campus this summer and 97% of faculty and benefit-eligible staff have been fully vaccinated, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo announces an end to New York state's 15-month long COVID-19 emergency. Read more »
New York State Fair to return at 100% capacity
Attendees will be required to follow the state’s COVID-19 guidelines. Indoor spaces will have limited capacity to allow social distancing. Read more »
NYS extends moratorium to prevent companies from disconnecting utilities
The moratorium requires utility services to offer a “deferred payment agreement" and will expire either 180 days after New York state lifts the COVID-19 state of emergency or 180 days after Dec. 31. Read more »
Syracuse Police Department will crack down on fireworks, dirt bikes
The street racing detail has been working with the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police and the DeWitt Police Department. Read more »
NY to launch large-scale renewable energy projects
Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on April 22 that the projects will create more than 2,000 jobs and generate renewable energy. Read more »
New York extends moratorium on evictions until end of August
The moratorium, which was previously extended until May 1, was initially put in place at the beginning of the pandemic. Read more »
New York businesses can open at full capacity starting May 19
Businesses may open at full capacity beginning May 19 if they can accommodate 6 feet of distance between patrons. Read more »
SU political scientists weigh in on what U.S. census results mean for New York
The U.S. Census Bureau announced the change Monday, stating that the House seat instead went to Minnesota, which also came close to losing the seat. Read more »
New York will lift curfew for bars, restaurants on May 31
The state will lift the curfew, currently set at midnight, on May 17 for outdoor dining areas and on May 31 for indoor dining areas. Read more »
Inside vaccine efforts in NY prisons: Eligibility expanded, concerns remain
New York’s incarcerated population is disproportionately Black and Latino, two groups where distrust of the vaccine is rooted in a history of medical malpractice, including experimentation. Read more »
New York will allow walk-ins at mass vaccination sites starting Thursday
Residents who come for walk-in appointments may experience slight wait times and should still bring all proof of identity and insurance information. Read more »
New York State Fair will return this summer at reduced capacity
The fair will operate from Aug. 20 until Sep. 6 at 50% capacity. The state will continue to update plans for the fair and may increase the capacity. Read more »
NY budget includes financial assistance for undocumented workers
The $212 billion budget deal, 10% higher than last year, seeks to rectify numerous issues posed by the coronavirus pandemic. Read more »
NY expands tax credits, lowers health insurance premiums for residents
In addition to the expansion of tax credits, the plan covers a wide variety of other measures, such as stimulus payments to individual citizens and financial support for colleges and universities. Read more »
When you can smoke, grow and buy marijuana in New York
Now that marijuana is legal in the state, residents can smoke marijuana in public spaces where cigarette smoking is allowed. Read more »
Lawmakers continue calls for Cuomo to resign following harassment allegations
State and national lawmakers have called for Cuomo’s resignation, and some key Democrats are calling for his impeachment. Read more »
NY legalizes recreational marijuana, expunges past convictions
Cuomo and New York state lawmakers recently reached an agreement for recreational marijuana legislation, and the state Senate and Assembly both voted to approve the bill on Tuesday. Read more »
New York will open vaccine eligibility to residents over 16 next week
The state will allow all residents 30 years old and older to become eligible on Tuesday and residents 16 years old and over to become eligible on April 6. Read more »
