It feels like winter is finally over as temperatures this week reached the 70s and 80s, but as it heats up and more people head outdoors, be sure to keep an eye out for disease-carrying ticks. The tiny critters are present more than you may think. This week also saw the passing of the city's next spending plan, state officials calling to put dollars behind abortion access and the welcoming of a local community college's first Black president. We also pay tribute to a fixture in the local journalism scene, who died on Wednesday.
1. Syracuse Common Councilors approve $294 million budget
The new budget includes $300,000 added by the council for a police staffing study. Mayor Ben Walsh says Chief Joe Cecile is on board, and the timing is right.
2. New Americans liaison, CRB staffer among positions added by Syracuse Common Councilors in new budget
Counselors also approved additional positions for Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today, or TNT, an assessment/property manager, and DPW road reconstruction manager.
3. Long-time Syracuse journalist Walt Shepperd dies at 81
He made a name for himself as a fixture at the Syracuse New Times for over 35 years. He also founded and served as executive producer of the teen performance group The Media Unit, which ran for 43 years.
4. OCC's first Black president to focus on boosting enrollment
Warren Hilton most recently managed enrollment at a four-year public institution in Pennsylvania.
5. CNY town outlaws marijuana smoking at its parks
The town already had a similar law on the books that bans tobacco smoking, but the new ordinance explicitly bans marijuana, which the state legalized for adult use last year.
6. Hochul establishes $35M fund to help people seeking abortions in New York
Gov. Kathy Hochul is freeing up the funds to help out-of-state patients seeking abortions in New York, should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade.
7. Attorney General James backs fund to aid those from other states who seek abortion in New York
New York's attorney general wants a fund to pay for people from other states seeking abortions here, if the US Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade.
8. Supporters of the Adult Survivors Act grow frustrated with inaction
Supporters of a bill to allow adult survivors of sexual abuse their day in court have gown impatient with the New York state Assembly, and Speaker Carl Heastie, where the measure is stalled.
9. Heading outside for the nice weather? Be sure to keep an eye out for ticks
Thousands of New Yorkers contract Lyme disease each year.
10. Redhouse helps prepare kids for the spotlight onstage and offstage
The Redhouse Arts Center's arts education programs help local Syracuse students regain skills lost during the pandemic.
11. Quidditch levels the playing field for all genders
The game of Quidditch, originally a fictional sport from Harry Potter, makes strides in gender inclusivity through its Title IX and 3/4 rule.