Governor Andrew Cuomo says he backs a pay commission’s recommendation that he and the legislature receive a more than 60 percent pay increase over the next three years, which would make Cuomo the highest paid governor in the nation.

The Romaine lettuce recall from three weeks ago, right before Thanksgiving, is probably still fresh in the minds of many Central New Yorkers.  The shelves were bare at just about every supermarket and salads weren’t available at restaurants for at least a week due to e-coli contamination. 

Teams at the college basketball level can find success running a number of different styles of offense. Infact even the Syracuse Men's Baskteball team has had a few different offensive styles that have found success. But this week on The Best of WAER Sports Podcast, Jonathon Hoppe explains there has always been a strong correlation between success and three point shooting for Jim Boeheim's squads. 

Women’s rights advocates in Central New York are trying to rally opposition to proposed changes to the laws that govern sexual assault and harassment in schools. They say a victim’s ability to report an assault, and have it investigated, would be stifled if the amendments become law. 

The state Board of Regents recommends that an additional $2.1 billion be spent on schools next year, and that a 12 year old court order to fully fund schools be phased in over a the next three years. The proposal is being applauded by school funding advocacy groups.

Syracuse and Onondaga County are teaming up on a joint effort to offer work experience to the community’s homeless population.  The pilot program “Hire Ground Workforce Development” is aimed at the estimated 40 panhandlers and others living outside. 

Congress Member John Katko knows things will be different when he returns to Washington for his third term representing the 24th district that includes Syracuse.  Last week we told you, he’s optimistic about getting making some progress on issues such as health care and infrastructure improvements … at least for one year before the 2020 presidential campaign heats up.