WAER News Round up: June 20-24

WAER | By Yoki Tang

Published June 27, 2022 at 10:19 AM EDT

If you didn't have time to keep up with the news locally or across the state last week, WAER has you covered.

Governor Kathy Hochul signed new voting rights legislation and promised to protect abortion rights in New York. Meanwhile, Onondaga County continues to work on a new program that diverts 911 calls. Find out more with the WAER News Round-up:

1. Gov. Hochul vows special session to address high court's decision to end NYS concealed weapons ban

Governor Kathy Hochul signs the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York at Medgar Evers college in Brooklyn June 20, 2022.

The US Supreme Court has struck down New York’s restrictions on carrying a concealed weapon in public spaces.

2. Gov. Hochul signs voting rights act of New York into law

Governor Kathy Hochul signs Alyssa's Law to strengthen school safety June 23, 2022. The legislation is named after 14-year-old Alyssa Alhadeff, who was killed in the 2018 school shooting in Parkland, Florida. School districts would be required to consider installing silent panic alarms in classrooms. Afterwards, Governor Hochul and her chief counsel, Elizabeth Fine, discussed the latest U.S. Supreme Court ruling against New York’s current concealed carry law.

There are new protections in place for voters in New York. Governor Kathy Hochul signed the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act into law on Monday.

3. Schumer stops in Syracuse to push billion-dollar plan to better address opioid overdoses

Senator Chuck Schumer speaks to audience at Helio Health, June20, 2022. — Senator Chuck Schumer speaks to audience at Helio Health, June 20, 2022.

The rising opioid overdose deaths in Onondaga County is spurring the U.S. Senate's majority leader to call for more funding to address the issue.

4. Onondaga County launches new effort to curb low level emergencies from overwhelming 911

Ambulances parked waiting to be called for an emergency.

A new program launched a month ago to alleviate pressure on Onondaga County’s emergency medical services is seeing small signs of progress, but lawmakers are hoping to see a greater impact over the next year.

5. Regional STEAM school takes step forward in the planning process

The former Central High School will become a regional STEAM school at Syracuse Central. Officials announced their plans back in early 2019.

Plans for the regional STEAM school at Syracuse Central have taken another step forward. Syracuse Common councilors approved an agreement that spells out the roles of the city, the school district, and Onondaga County in the construction of the school.

6. How Syracuse's Parks and Rec team is overcoming staffing gaps to keep summer fun

Menage Green, 16, fills out an application at a job fair for the city of Syracuse Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs department, May 21, 2022.

The Syracuse Parks Department is struggling to staff up for the summer, its busiest time. It even cut the number of pools it plans to open this season because it can’t find enough lifeguards. Labor challenges are raging across the country and the public sector is faring worse than the private sector, especially local government agencies.

7. Syracuse’s lifeguard shortage a symptom of national employment crisis hitting local governments

Syracuse Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs Commissioner Julie LaFave sits in a chair and looks at her phone against the foreground of a "City of Syracuse" plate on a podium, May 17, 2022.

The Parks, Recreation and Youth Programs department in Syracuse was looking to add summer staff for its busiest time of year. Parks filled 22 positions from the event, but is still seeking about 60 additional lifeguards.

8. Syracuse Jazz Fest return coincides with completion of new downtown mural

A Jazz Fest performance from a prior year.

Syracuse Jazz Fest’s re-debut is well timed with the unveiling of a new mural featuring notable Syracuse athletes near Columbus Circle.

9. Gov. Hochul says New Yorkers' right to abortion is protected after Roe v. Wade overturned

Governor Kathy Hochul participates in a Planned Parenthood rally outside the State Capitol in Albany.

In New York State, Governor Kathy Hochul and the legislature took preemptive steps to protect abortion rights in anticipation of the high court’s decision. Hochul, in a statement issued moments after the ruling was announced, said “This decision is a grave injustice.”