How tuition-free college programs have spread across the country
Tuition-free college programs have been introduced in Tennessee and Oregon, and more states — including New York — are following suit with their own grant programs. Read more »
State
New York state Senate passes bill making revenge porn a crime
Non-consensual dissemination of sexually explicit images — commonly referred to as revenge porn — is now a class A misdemeanor. Read more »
What Uber’s arrival to central New York could mean for local taxi companies
Uber’s arrival to the area in about two months will likely create ripples through the transportation industry and agitate the local taxi cab market. Read more »
Ride-hailing services to begin operating in upstate New York by June 29
New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation Monday night allowing ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft to operate in upstate New York before Fourth of July weekend. Read more »
John Katko supports community grant program that may be phased out by Trump
The Community Development Block Grant is a competitive grant available to municipalities that can be used to encourage residential and economic growth and fund social programs. For the current fiscal year, the city of Syracuse has received $4.6 million in funds through the CDBG. Read more »
New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo reaffirms New York's commitment to the Paris Agreement
New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order Thursday maintaining New York’s commitment to upholding its climate and clean-energy goals. Read more »
New York state pledges $25 million to help reduce risk of hate crimes
New York ADL is working to fight racism and hate by strengthening ties between communities, working with elected officials and partnering with law enforcement. Read more »
NY attorney general wants Trump to keep U.S. in Paris Climate Agreement
On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump said he would “cancel” the agreement, potentially removing the U.S. from it. He may be changing his mind, however. Read more »
Syracuse University alumni continue to pursue careers outside central New York, emulating statewide trend
City officials say they would like to see more Syracuse University graduates stay in the area, as they are beneficial to Syracuse’s vitality. Read more »
Central New York to receive state funding to fight heroin, opioid crisis
The state will be investing $200 million to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic in New York state. Read more »
New York to provide free legal aid to immigrants facing deportation
The project began as a pilot program in New York City, but a $10 million expansion will bring it to the rest of the state. Read more »
Syracuse Police Department awarded funds to curb gun violence
In total, the state awarded about $13 million to different law enforcement agencies on Tuesday. Onondaga County was the only county in central New York to receive funds. Read more »
Some SUNY-ESF students are concerned about the effects of free college tuition
While some SUNY-ESF students are celebrating the governor’s free SUNY tuition plan, others have expressed doubt about some of its requirements and concerns about how it might affect admissions. Read more »
New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo discusses central New York highlights of 2018 budget
During his speech, Cuomo discussed his initiatives to reduce taxes on the middle class, invest money in the Syracuse airport and transform the State Fair in Syracuse. Read more »
Gov. Cuomo signs legislation enacting free public college tuition program
The Excelsior Scholarship was passed earlier this week as part of the state’s fiscal year 2018 budget. Students from families making up to $125,000 attending SUNY and CUNY schools will be eligible to apply for the scholarship. Read more »
New York state Assembly passes bill banning conversion therapy on minors for 3rd time
The last two times the Assembly passed a bill banning conversion therapy, a highly controversial practice, the Senate has failed to vote on it. It is again up to the Senate to vote on it. Read more »
Cities RISE program to prioritize areas with high poverty rates for funding
The Cities for Responsible Investment and Strategic Enforcement program will award money to municipalities from 2017-19 to help fund housing improvement and blight elimination efforts. Read more »
Uber’s legalization in New York state was years in the making
Ride-hailing services will be authorized to operate throughout New York state in about three months. Here’s a look at how the state arrived at this point. Read more »
Agreement on fiscal year 2018 budget reached, approving ride-hailing services in upstate New York
The $153 billion budget gives a green light for ride-hailing service companies to operate in upstate New York. Read more »
New York expands medical marijuana program to include patients with chronic pain
Doctors can now prescribe medical marijuana for chronic pain, but some advocates say that is not enough. Read more »
New York lawmakers pass extension on budget deadline amid stalled negotiations
Facing a government shutdown over a stalemate on the budget, New York state lawmakers voted on Monday to extend the deadline for passing a budget for two months. Read more »
Cuomo announces new funding for New York state airports
Cuomo said that $20 million in new funding is available for improvements to airports in the state. This comes after he announced in January that the state will make renovations to the airport in Syracuse. Read more »
SUNY-ESF and Nature Conservancy partner to ensure forest is ‘climate-resilient’
The Tug Hill Plateau, a unified forest spanning 150,000 acres about 70 miles north of Syracuse, will be the site of the project, which aims to increase ecological resistance to climate change. Read more »
Schumer wants to stop health care plan 'before it’s too late'
Reconciliation rules should give pause to Republicans still hesitant on the proposed health care bill that would replace the Affordable Care Act, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) stressed on the Senate floor Wednesday. Read more »
