WAER News Round up: Oct. 10 - 14

WAER | By Yoki Tang

Published October 14, 2022 at 3:51 PM EDT

A graphic of notebook paper lists the top stories of the week of Oct. 10-14, 2022.

This week, some Central New Yorkers continued Columbus Day celebrations, while others honored Indigenous Peoples Day. Also, workforce development efforts will need to scale up before Micron brings thousands of new jobs to the area. Additionally, two teenagers were shot outside Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin's home, causing eyes to turn to New York's crime rates.

Find more of the week's news below:

1.CNY workforce needs a boost before Micron opportunities can be accessible to all

Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Chuck Schumer, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra announce 100 billion private investment in mega-complex of computer chip plants in Central New York, creating 9,000 jobs over 20 years.

Micron’s $100 billion plans to open up shop in Clay is the largest private investment in state history. The company will bring thousands of new jobs to the area. But the current workforce needs training and support in order for the area to meet this opportunity fully.

2. Onondaga County approves new budget, transfers $25 million to support Micron chip plant

Onondaga County legislators approved a slightly modified $1.4 billion budget for 2023. The final vote for the 2023 budget was approved shortly after the county executive submitted it to lawmakers for review.

3. Baldwinsville school board puts superintendent on leave after DWI arrest

After his recent arrest for driving under the influence, Baldwinsville school board announces its Superintendent Jason Thomson is now on administrative leave.

4. Crime rate focus of NY governor's race after drive-by shooting outside GOP candidate Zeldin's home

zeldin stands in front of his home — GOP candidate for Governor Lee Zeldin stands outside his home with his family Sunday evening following the drive-by shooting earlier that afternoon.

The crime rate in New York is once again a concerning topic in the New York governor's race after two teenagers were shot Sunday outside Republican candidate Lee Zeldin's home.

5.Crime and abortion dominate NY governor's race

GOP candidate for Gov. Lee Zeldin and others protest the state's parole laws at a campaign stop Wednesday in White Plains, and Gov. Kathy Hochul announces a second round of funding for abortion providers.

Crime and abortion are priority issues in the New York governor's race. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is seeking re-election, highlighted abortion rights, while Republican candidate and Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin focused on fighting crime.

6. A US Navy Admiral from Camillus stresses importance of cybersecurity in global conflicts

John Okon smiles as he stands next to the WAER 88.3 sign at the WAER radio station. — John Okon, a U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, deputy chief of naval operations and director of information warfare, visits the WAER station on Oct. 13.

A Camillus native, who is now a high-ranking official with the U.S. Navy, described how cyberspace has become part of the battlefield in conflicts such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

7. State lawmakers want to boost earning limits for retired officers

New York Sen. John Mannion is a state representative of the 50th Senate District and the state Chairman of the Disabilities Committee.

Two Central New York state legislators want to increase the earning limitations for retired law enforcement officers.

8.Syracuse celebrates Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day

A crowd of multiple people stands together and surrounds the Columbus Monument which stands in the center of a fountain. — A crowd of people gathers in downtown Syracuse at the Columbus Monument to celebrate Columbus day on Oct. 10, 2020.

Only a couple of months after a judge ruled to keep the Christopher Columbus monument downtown, many gathered Monday to celebrate Columbus Day with traditional Italian songs and dances and a wreath laying.