WAER News Round up: Sept. 19 - 23

WAER | By Yoki Tang

Published September 23, 2022 at 9:58 PM EDT

A graphic of notebook paper lists the top stories of the week of Sept. 19 to 23, 2022.

Syracuse is moving forward its efforts on automated trash collection. Onondaga COunty is seeing more COVID activity. And the New York Civil Liberties Union is fighting in court to obtain police disciplinary records, Find more of the week's news below.

1. Onondaga health department ready to shift focus from COVID

A medical professional dressed in personal protective equipment works on a computer in a medical facility.

Addressing the opioid crisis and lead poisoning will be top priorities for the Onondaga County Health Department this upcoming year.

2. Syracuse Councilors raise questions about proposed trash collection pilot program

Trash can be seen strewn about in front of this rental house on Madison Street near Thornden Park. City officials say covered trash carts would prevent spillage and litter.

Syracuse common councilors are questioning the new program as the Walsh Administration tries to move forward with the next step in overhauling its trash collection system.

3. Puerto Ricans in Syracuse ready to help island after Hurricane Fiona

The American flag flies at the top of a flag pole alongside the Puerto Rican flag. — The American flag flies at the top of a flag pole alongside the Puerto Rican flag in this undated photo.

A Syracuse Common Councilors says there are some strategies that could help support those impacted while also boosting the territory's economy.

More on Fiona aftermath: New York AG wants to know why Puerto Rico's power grid failed

4. County's older residents prepare for flu season at senior fair

A woman receives a flu shot at a Salvation Army clinic in this undated photo.

The end of September is a good time to get the shot, which can help senior citizens prepare for flu season.

5. Leaders urge precautions as Covid activity grows in Onondaga County

A magnified particle image of the COVID-19 virus shows the virus as a round-shaped cell covered with red nodules. — The coronavirus is shown in a microscopic image.

Onondaga County local officials warned the public that COVID-19 activity is starting to increase in the region due to weekly high average positivity rates.

6. The city mobile crisis response team officially starts responding to mental health calls

The City of Syracuse Department of Police sign at 511 S State St.

Staff from Liberty Resources are now being dispatched throughout Syracuse under a formal agreement to respond to mental health crisis calls.

7. NYCLU continues legal pursuit for Syracuse Police Department disciplinary records

Syracuse Police Station downtown. 2/16/2022. (Photo by Max Mimaroglu)

The Appellate Division of the New York Supreme Court heard arguments from the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and the city of Syracuse.

8. Airbnb units create new addition to annual downtown Syracuse real estate tour

The living room of the apartment is decorated with brown and beige furniture to occupy the sunny and airy space. — The living room of the apartment is decorated with furniture to occupy the sunny space located at 227 West Fayette Street.

New apartment units in downtown Syracuse were opening their doors this weekend to show off the city lifestyle.

9. CNY Farms receive state funding to reduce environmental footprint and prepare for extreme weather

James Corrigan

WAER News

More than two dozen farms in Central New York are in line to receive state funding to help them prepare for extreme weather events related to climate change.