New York State, Seneca Nation extend gaming compact; negotiations continue for long-term deal
Governor Kathy Hochul and Seneca Nations President Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr. have announced a short-term extension of the current gaming compact between New York State and the Seneca Nation. The agreement, signed in Buffalo, extends ... more
Seneca County targets housing crisis with $500,000 trust fund
In a move to bolster local housing initiatives, the Seneca County Board of Supervisors has unanimously voted to allocate $500,000 from its American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to establish a Housing Trust Fund. This ... more
Faulty drug tests lead to wrongful discipline of over 2,000 inmates
State inspectors have found that more than 2,000 incarcerated individuals in New York prisons were wrongly disciplined based on faulty drug test results. The NARK II test kits, used by the state prison system from ... more
Gillibrand proposes bill to combat AI-enhanced robocalls and scams
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is set to reintroduce the Do Not Call Act, targeting the rising threat of robocalls and AI-enabled phone scams that cost Americans billions annually. Gillibrand's announcement comes amid growing concerns over ... more
CNY Rep. Brandon Williams involved in altercation at holiday party (video)
Congressman Brandon Williams, the Republican who represents New York’s 22nd District, was involved in a heated altercation at a holiday party. The altercation, which was caught on video obtained by CitrusTV, involved Michael Gordan—the Congressman’s ... more
Lawmakers look at ending statute of limitations on human trafficking charges
In response to the increasing number of human trafficking cases in New York, state lawmakers are set to prioritize legislation in the next session to address this critical issue. The proposed measures include eliminating the ... more
What’s next for Cayuga County’s economic development arm? Legislators weigh options for 2024
At a recent meeting, the Cayuga County Legislature considered three proposals for allocating $375,000 in economic development funds in the tentative 2024 budget. The Citizen reported options include continuing to fund the Cayuga Economic Development ... more
Steuben County, Deputies Union locked in contract dispute
The contract dispute between the Deputies Association of the County of Steuben and Steuben County management has been ongoing since January 1, 2021, with no resolution in sight. The New York State Public Employee Relations ... more
While Cargill shops Cayuga Salt Mine, a Senate proposal would require new financial assurance regulations
The potential sale of Cargill’s huge salt mine under Cayuga Lake has prompted new state legislation to require the company — or a mine buyer — to provide financial security to cover any damages due ... more
Despite concerns about selection process, Ontario County appoints emergency management director
Ontario County has named John Yannotti Jr., a former area resident, as its new Director of Emergency Management, effective December 4. The appointment, made unanimously by the county Board of Supervisors on November 16, fills ... more
Another year without town tax thanks to Ontario County Landfill
Residents of the town of Seneca, home to the Ontario County Landfill, are set to benefit from a town tax waiver for the 21st consecutive year, thanks to the annual revenue generated by Casella Waste ... more
Wayne County DA to retire; Assistant DA Callanan to fill role leading prosecutors office
After a tenure spanning six years, Wayne County District Attorney Mike Calarco has announced his plans to retire by the end of the year, marking the end of his second term in office. Calarco, who ... more
DEC inspector says Ontario County Landfill landslide was non-violating
A recent soil-cap slide at the Ontario County Landfill has been thoroughly inspected by a state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) inspector, who found no violations of solid-waste regulations. The incident, which occurred on November ... more
Congressman advocates for local routing of 988 crisis hotline calls
In response to concerns about the effectiveness of the National Suicide and Crisis hotline, New York Representative Marc Molinaro is calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to implement "georouting" for 988 calls. This change ... more
Hochul ripped for vetoing retail crime task force bill as theft skyrockets
Governor Kathy Hochul is facing backlash for her decision to veto a bill aimed at creating a retail crime task force in New York. The bill, which had garnered bipartisan support, was proposed as a ... more
Advocates call for extended filing window under New York’s Adult Survivors Act
The Adult Survivors Act (ASA), signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul in November 2022, has been a significant development for sexual assault victims in New York. The law introduced a one-year "lookback window," allowing ... more
Hochul continues mulling move of local elections to presidential years
Governor Kathy Hochul is considering a significant shift in New York's electoral calendar, as she reviews a proposal to move local municipal elections to even years. The measure, passed by the Democrat-controlled Legislature and backed ... more
Steuben legislature repeals controversial resolution on Sheriff Allard’s liability insurance
The Steuben County Legislature has repealed Resolution Number 186-23, a contentious measure initially passed on September 25, which mandated Sheriff Jim Allard to obtain personal liability insurance for lawsuits related to his duties as sheriff ... more
Ontario County continues response to landfill landslide
Following the November 16 collapse of a 3½-acre section of permanent soil cap at the Ontario County Landfill, Carla Jordan, the county’s Director of Sustainability and Solid Waste Management, along with officials from Casella Waste ... more
