Syracuse police say building strong relationships with protest organizers is key to maintaining peaceful demonstrations, even as some groups push for more direct action and confrontational tactics.

The New York Department of Transportation hopes to maximize student safety by relocating the roundabout in an updated version of the I-81 replacement plan.

Central New York’s economy appears poised to grow in the coming year. That’s based on data reviewed by M & T Bank Vice President Peter Kneis who delivered the keynote address at Centerstate CEO’s annual economic forecast Wednesday.

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.

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.

Onondaga County officials are trying to clear up confusion about changing COVID-19 contact tracing protocols as the number of new cases continues to rise. On December 31st, the county said it would no longer be calling individuals to trace infections. The state followed suit Tuesday.

Advocates at a Syracuse agency that helps formerly incarcerated people re-integrate into society are heartened to see Governor Hochul’s state of the state proposals to improve their chances of success.

Onondaga County’s proposed $85 million aquarium project is one step closer to a vote in the legislature after getting cleared to go before the ways and means committee. But some lawmakers and others are questioning the impartiality of a feasibility study that county leaders are using to make the case for the project.

Onondaga County legislators are continuing their discussion around the viability of an $85 million aquarium proposed for Syracuse’s Inner Harbor. It’s still unclear if and when the project will advance through the legislature.

Syracuse-area health, safety, and parent advocates want the state DOT to ensure those living and attending school near the I-81 viaduct are properly protected from lead dust exposure when the bridge is torn down. They gathered in front of Martin Luther King school Wednesday, which lies in the shadow of the highway.