Local News

Syracuse drug addiction prevention experts are optimistic about being able to help those struggling with substance abuse under Governor Hochul’s plan to increase spending by $400 million. One of the agencies on the front lines is Prevention Network.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul, in office for less than half a year, is looking to be a strong favorite in the 2022 race for election. Capitol Correspondent Karen DeWitt takes a look at how far the governor has come in a short time, and what could still trip her up.

The Double Up Food Bucks program offers a dollar-for-dollar match on purchases of fresh produce for SNAP recipients. It just launched at the Syracuse Cooperative Market and Brady Market. There's a 20-dollar-a-day limit, but advocates say it can lead to more fruits and vegetables, and better health.

Governor Kathy Hochul attached some numbers to what she calls her bold agenda to recover from the pandemic and push the state forward. Hochul has the rare advantage of entering the budget season with a surplus due to better tax collections and generous federal aid packages.

Bolstered by pandemic relief funds from Washington and higher tax collections, New York's budget situation is in better shape than in recent years. That will help Governor Kathy Hochul fund some of the pledges she made in her State of the State address on childcare, health care pay, tax breaks and more. The budget address is Tuesday.

Syracuse University will hold its 37th annual MLK celebration with Martin Luther King III as keynote speaker. The event will be held virtually due to COVID concerns and will include elements of past celebrations, such as the naming of unsung heroes. It will be January 30th and is free.

The Gifford Foundation is giving Syracuse youth an opportunity to make a change in their community through their own community outreach ideas.

Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh says he’s confident the law is on the city’s side as the future of the Columbus monument awaits a judge’s decision. Supporters of relocating the monument held a vigil Thursday ahead of a court hearing. Walsh says the city has been very careful to follow the process to legally relocate the monument.

Republican John Katko announced Friday that he will not run for re-election in 2022 because he wants to spend more time with his family. He is the 3rd GOP representative who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump to retire.

Survivors of sexual harassment urged legislators to pass a bill that gives victims more time to take their abusers to court.