Auburn budget battle intensifies as police union pushes back on proposed layoffs
A looming budget shortfall in Auburn is setting up a high-stakes fight between city leaders and police union advocates, with proposed layoffs becoming the flashpoint in a broader debate over taxes, spending, and public safety ... more
Audit reveals city of Ithaca’s financial failures
Millions in missing records and years of incomplete reporting left Ithaca officials without a clear financial picture, according to The Ithaca Voice, after a state audit uncovered widespread issues. Auditors found delayed transactions, unreconciled bank ... more
Judge says he had to report Canandaigua justice’s remarks after removal
A longtime judge says he felt obligated to act after hearing troubling complaints about a colleague, according to RochesterFirst, citing concerns about courtroom behavior and public trust. Former Justice Craig Doran said he referred the ... more
CONNECTIONS: Does the world need an AI pause? (podcast)
On a recent episode of Connections with Evan Dawson, the emerging debate over artificial intelligence takes center stage as some experts argue rapid development poses serious economic and existential risks. PauseAI US founder Holly Elmore ... more
Cayuga County sheriff warns against public safety cuts
The Cayuga County sheriff is urging officials to avoid reducing public safety resources as budget pressures increase. Sheriff Brian Schenck said rising costs, particularly at the county jail, are straining the county’s law enforcement budget ... more
‘No Kings’ protest hits Watkins Glen streets
More than 400 people lined Franklin Street in Watkins Glen on Saturday, rallying against federal policies as part of a nationwide “No Kings” movement, according to local organizers. Protesters gathered outside the Schuyler County Courthouse, ... more
Democrat drops out of North Country race, blames system
A grassroots congressional campaign has ended after months of trying to compete without big funding, according to the Times Union. Democrat Dylan Hewitt exited the North Country House race, saying he lacked the money to ... more
Lawmakers clash over climate delays
New York’s climate goals are facing a possible slowdown as officials weigh cost concerns, according to the Times Union. Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to delay parts of the state’s Climate Act, warning rapid changes could ... more
Snow can’t stop ‘No Kings’ protest in Canandaigua
Snow and cold didn’t stop hundreds from rallying in Canandaigua for a “No Kings” protest, according to the Democrat and Chronicle. Demonstrators lined the area with signs criticizing federal leadership and calling for democracy-focused reforms ... more
Thousands flood Ithaca streets in ‘No Kings’ protest
A wave of protesters filled downtown Ithaca streets Saturday as part of a nationwide “No Kings” movement, according to The Ithaca Voice. More than 2,000 people marched from the Ithaca Commons through city streets, criticizing ... more
Vacant rentals get new life in Auburn: How will it happen?
Empty apartments in Auburn could soon get a second life, according to The Citizen, as city officials roll out a new rehabilitation program backed by state funding. City Manager Jenny Haines announced the grant will ... more
Poll finds steady concern over U.S. energy
A Gallup poll found that concern about energy availability and affordability has not increased during the early stages of a U.S. conflict with Iran. About 35% of U.S. adults said they worry “a great deal” ... more
Activists blast Seneca Meadows court decision
A local environmental group says a court ruling won’t stop its fight against Seneca Meadows, according to the Finger Lakes Times. Seneca Lake Guardian argues the decision ignores strong public opposition to the landfill. Leaders ... more
Ontario County pushes plan before landfill shutdown
Ontario County wants residents to weigh in again on how it will handle trash for the next decade, according to the Finger Lakes Times . Officials opened a second public comment period as they plan ... more
Tompkins lawmaker under fire over legal aid controversy
A state senator took free legal help from a group she funded with taxpayer money, raising conflict concerns, according to The Ithaca Voice. Watchdog group Reinvent Albany says the arrangement creates an appearance problem. Sen ... more
Budget standoff could boost Hochul’s power
A stalled state budget could actually help Gov. Kathy Hochul politically, strategists told Spectrum News. Talks in Albany appear unlikely to meet the April 1 deadline as leaders clash over affordability measures. Hochul is pushing ... more
Seneca County rejects sheriff’s hiring push
A sharp clash over public safety erupted in Seneca County, according to the Finger Lakes Times, after officials rejected a request to fill two sheriff’s office jobs. Undersheriff Melinda Marquart pushed to hire an investigator ... more
CONNECTIONS: NYSEG president talks billing (podcast)
Leaders from Rochester Gas and Electric and NYSEG joined WXXI’s “Connections with Evan Dawson” to discuss recent billing concerns and rising energy costs affecting customers across the region. CEO Trish Nilsen and regional manager Chris ... more
Seneca supervisors advance infrastructure contracts, watershed recognition and public safety funding
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors’ standing committees met this week, advancing a series of resolutions on infrastructure contracts, environmental policy, staffing actions and public safety funding, with several items moving forward to the full ... more
