This week the Syracuse Rescue Mission started to prepare for an increase in homeless shelter intakes due to wind and drops in weather. Syracuse Common Councilors are getting closer to the finish line with ReZone Syracuse, but in other official news, the 50th Senate District race has yet to be called and may take up to two weeks for results as a hand recount occurs.
Find out more of this week's news below.
1. Hand recount of ballots begins in New York's 50th Senate District race
![Sen. Mannion's 50th district doesn't change in number, but does cover different territory, heading north and east of Syracuse. He lives in Geddes.](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/4d9588b/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1531x963+0+0/resize/880x554!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F78%2F5b%2Fdb035708487693658de404630d16%2Fny-senate-maps-final.png)
With only a 51 vote difference, the New York 50th Senate District candidates are waiting up to two weeks for a hand recount to determine the winner.
2. ReZone Syracuse takes another step toward the finish line
![](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/8f6443d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3872x2592+0+0/resize/880x589!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fsites%2Fwaer%2Ffiles%2F201811%2FSyracuse_NY.jpg)
Common councilors discussed the final steps of the state's environmental review process.
3. Can Native American programs on universities make indigenous students feel welcome?
![Syracuse University has made efforts to acknowledge native American culture, such as this Onondaga art exhibit by Brandon “Ganyada•kda” Lazore](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/c302e9d/2147483647/strip/true/crop/858x761+0+0/resize/880x781!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F87%2F53%2Fc0535ce2417e992ab2153842b1e7%2Findigenous-art-cu.jpg)
Akwesasne Mohawk Kateleen Ellis recently graduated from Syracuse University and reflects back on how indigenous student programs help make Native American students feel welcome, while cultural ignorance in faculty, staff and other students remains.
4. They've been living with HIV for decades, and want you to know it's no longer a death sentence
![Multiple table booths line the inside of a room, with each table covered in a blue or black tablecloth.](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/61b0165/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1327x810+0+0/resize/880x537!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fb1%2F27%2Fb398d3474d52b8a383d1010ff28b%2Fthumbnail-2.jpg)
Local residents are on a mission to reduce the stigma around the disease.
5. Outgoing Rep. John Katko to reflects on his eight years serving CNY's 24th district
![Rep. John Katko, left, speaks with SU Maxwell School Professor Grant Reeher Monday, Nov. 28, 2022 at the National Veterans Resource Center.](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/afdde40/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x960+0+0/resize/880x660!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F21%2F21%2F7847dd1c4908935de7938950a10b%2Fkatko-farewell.jpg)
The four-term Republican made brief remarks and took questions for about an hour at a forum presented by Syracuse University's Maxwell School.
6. Why NY's new cryptocurrency mining moratorium doesn't apply to Seneca Lake facility
![A group of people stand outside with signs that read: "Hochul: No fracked gas for Bitcoin mining."](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/843ef29/2147483647/strip/true/crop/4400x2933+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fd0%2F3c%2F01168d324ba39ce766de5f4cd300%2Fenvironmentalists-in-albany-earlier-in-nov-call-gov-to-sign-crypto-moratorium-cr-carol-andrews.jpg)
The legislation only prevented the opening of new operations.
7. Upcoming hazardous weather has Rescue Mission preparing for increased shelter demand
![A shelter is set up with beds for new people.](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/b1ba211/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1280x720+0+0/resize/880x495!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe6%2F3d%2F746a1a9f4c7099c24b5fefaa9534%2Fshelter-beds.jpg)
The Syracuse Rescue Mission is got ready for colder weather and a higher population in their emergency shelter.
8. NYS Legislation gives ratepayers voice in utility increases
![](https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/fe76986/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3000x2000+0+0/resize/880x587!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Flegacy%2Fsites%2Fwaer%2Ffiles%2F202105%2FNew_York_State_Senate_chamber.jpg)
The new bill would give ratepayers a say in rate increases, such as energy and heating, and dispute the increasing costs with utility companies.