WAER 88.3 News | NPR from Central New York

All Central New Yorkers are trying to cope with the risk and restrictions posed by COVID-19 and how to stay healthy. But the area’s newer refugees might have a harder time understanding or even getting the right information.

A local manufacturer is stepping up to make personal protective equipment for healthcare workers. Tessy Plastics has designed masks and partnered with Onondaga County to get them to hospitals across Central New York.

Positive cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Onondaga County, but 41 total people have recovered. This means a decrease in active cases, or people who are presently sick. County Executive Ryan McMahon says as people continue to recover, they will continue to track this number.

There will be new restrictions on working in New York State, as Governor Andrew Cuomo issues new mandatory density reductions to help control the spread of the corona virus. Meanwhile, New York is getting help from the federal government to increase hospital beds.

Central New York has no shortage of casinos, and there’s a big push this month to spot and offer help to customers who have gambling problems on slots and table games. March is National Problem Gambling Awareness Month and the theme is “Awareness + Action.” The National Council of Problem Gambling and the State Gaming Commission are implementing steps to protect players and offer ways to receive help.

Some of Central New York’s 600 American Red Cross volunteers could be heading to Tennessee to help with the recovery from tornadoes that tore through the state earlier this week. The death toll stands at 24 after the storms destroyed neighborhoods in Nashville and points east.

The Syracuse Housing Authority is re-opening its Section 8 wait list starting next week for the first time in 10 years. Thousands of low-income residents who need help paying rent are expected to apply for the Housing Choice program in hopes of getting one of the vouchers.

It’s been a little over a year since an emergency court was set up in Onondaga County to treat those addicted to opioids. WAER News checked in with the judge overseeing the cases to find out how it’s going.

The 1980s began in Syracuse with the Carrier Dome holding its first football game and a fuzzy orange is introduced as a candidate for SU’s new mascot. And while Otto and the Carrier Dome have undoubtably become a part of Syracuse’s collective history, a tragedy in 1988 holds a different and important spot.

The NAACP of Syracuse and Onondaga County shared their focal points for 2020 that include voting, health and education improvements, and justice in the community. Chapter President Linda Brown-Robinson hopes to bring the community together to improve the economy of the city of Syracuse. This year, the organization’s key focus will include improving youth health and education, expanding the chapter’s membership, and voting. They’ll be continuing their Souls to the Polls program, including voter registration and rides to the polls on election day. “Voting is the most powerful tool you have in your toolbox. It affects so much.” She adds there’s a lot at stake if another Supreme Court judge gets appointed who doesn’t share the group’s and its members’ values. The organization is also focused on creating equal opportunities for marginalized communities in the city. They aim to fight racial injustice and create ways for everyone to pursue their own version of the American dream. “We find

Central New Yorkers who were considering a trip overseas might be having second thoughts as the coronavirus continues to spread across the globe. Michelle Putnam is general manager of Group Travel at AAA of Central and Western New York . She says people have been asking if it’s safe to travel, and agents have been reviewing locations and providing other options. “We are seeing some people have concerns but we aren’t really seeing people cancel their plans unless they were planning on going to Asia. If they were planning on going to China those have been postponed or changed to alternative sites,” Putnam said. With the recent outbreak of coronavirus in parts of Italy, Putnam says some travelers might even be worried about traveling to Europe. She says AAA has been directing travelers to a website where they can access the country they’re visiting and get up to date information. But Putnam says some could choose to stay closer to home. “Some people that may have wanted to do that trip

The Founder of Syracuse Jazz Fest is eagerly awaiting the final word on whether an extension of the State Fair can revive the musical event.

There’s growing concern that the I-81 replacement will rupture the surrounding neighborhood, much like the highway did 60 years ago. The New York Department of Transportation has indicated it prefers to remove the elevated portion of the highway that runs through the old 15 th Ward in favor of a boulevard.

A nearly $1 million grant will help the City of Syracuse find innovative ways to address and transform blighted, vacant, or poorly maintained properties. It’s part of the Cities for Responsible Investment and Strategic Enforcement, or Cities RISE program.

It‘s a good time of year to sample the various flavors of restaurants in Syracuse and save a few bucks during Downtown Dining Weeks. The 16 th annual promotion aims to generate more business in what might otherwise be a slow season during the winter by offering three-course dinner specials for $30 or less and lunch specials for $10 or less.

People who struggle with poverty often have to visit multiple locations to receive the help they need. And nonprofits don’t individually have the means to accommodate each need.

Syracuse’s pending new zoning ordinance combined with the replacement for I-81 has some raising concerns about gentrification. The New York Civil Liberties Union says there’s nothing in the ReZone Syracuse project that calls for affordable housing in the corridor.

The late 60s and early 70s were rife with protest on Syracuse University's campus. It was the era of civil rights and the Vietnam War. Students demonstrated against racism, war and anti-indigenous policies and symbolism on campus and across the country.

Police officers from across Central New York graduated Friday from five days of intensive training designed to give them the tools to deescalate crisis situations. Retired Captain John Cooney is Law Enforcement Coordinator for Central New York Crisis Intervention Team Initiative.

The Central New York Community Foundation is taking the unusual step of endorsing proposed legislation that would empower Syracuse housing inspectors to test for the presence of lead paint. Their advocacy comes halfway into a four year, $2 million commitment to help end childhood lead poisoning.