August 3, 2024 – Urban CNY

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MoveOn Endorses John Mannion in NY-22

by Urban CNY News
August 3, 2024

Syracuse, NY – On Tuesday July 31st, MoveOn announced their official backing of Democratic nominee for New York’s 22nd Congressional District John Mannion in his bid to flip the critical swing district from red to blue. Spectrum News first reported the announcement. New York’s 22nd Congressional District is one of the most flippable seats in the country. National Journal lists Brandon Williams as the most vulnerable House Republican in the country. Cook Political Report rates this race “Lean Democrat” and Inside Elections rates it “Tilt Democratic.” National Journal also lists the race as Democrats’ top pick-up opportunity. “Less than 100 days out from Election Day, we are continuing to build local and national support to flip New York’s 22nd Congressional District. I’m grateful for MoveOn’s endorsement and look forward to working with them to deliver common sense leadership for Central New York and Mohawk Valley families,” said John Mannion. Read below for more on MoveOn’s announcement. Spectrum News: First on Spectrum News: Progressive group backs Dems in competitive N.Y. congressional seats Kevin Frey | 07.30.24 The progressive group MoveOn is formally backing Democrats in three competitive congressional elections across New York, Spectrum News NY1 has learned. Members of the organization have opted to endorse Laura Gillen in her bid to unseat Rep. Anthony D’Espostio in Nassau County, Josh Riley as he challenges Rep. Marc Molinaro, and John Mannion as he takes on Rep. Brandon Williams in the Syracuse region. All three are congressional districts Joe Biden carried in the 2020 presidential race. Democrats hope to flip them as part of their push to win back control of the U.S. House in November. Candidates awarded the MoveOn endorsement can receive field, digital and fundraising help through the group’s independent expenditures. In a statement, MoveOn Political Action spokesperson Britt Jacovich said, “Our members endorsed these candidates because they will prioritize a people-first agenda for New Yorkers that will empower our communities while ensuring our rights and freedoms do not collapse at the hands of the MAGA-run Republican Party.” […] As part of the 2024 election cycle, MoveOn has announced a $32 million nationwide election program, focused on electing a Democratic trifecta in Washington – defending the White House and Senate, while flipping the U.S. House. They are targeting more than 24 House seats. In a memo released in January, the organization said their focus is on engaging with and turning out younger “surge voters,” which the group defines as those who became politically active after the 2016 election.

Neighborhoods Syracuse - North Washington Square (north)

Firefighters Stop Fire in Pond Street Apartment

by Urban CNY News
August 3, 2024

Syracuse, NY– On Friday, August 2nd, 2024, at 2:41 p.m., Syracuse Firefighters were alerted by the Onondaga County 911 Center to a reported structure fire at 405 Pond Street on the City’s North Side. As fire units responded, Fire Control reported multiple callers indicating a fire. Syracuse Police, arriving at the scene, also reported an active fire. Firefighters from Station 2, on Lodi Street, arrived on the scene less than two minutes later and found a three-story, multiple-apartment building with heavy smoke and fire showing from the rear. A signal ‘99’ was transmitted. The initial arriving crews were familiar with the fire building, having responded there in the past for various types of other alarms. After a quick size-up of the scene, crews entered the building in teams, dragging hoses and preparing to search for any trapped occupants. The first due companies made their way to the source of the fire, as additional units arrived at the scene. More teams began systematically searching the large structure as additional hoses were moved into the building. Crews were met by searing heat and thick black smoke on the second floor as they began to apply water to the fire. Firefighters with a separate hose line were able to get to the third floor and cut off the fire spreading there. Once the initial fire was knocked down, crews began to open holes in walls and ceilings, checking for hidden fire spread. Searches of the structure were negative. All of the occupants were able to escape prior to the Fire Department’s Arrival. The fire was brought under control after approximately 10 minutes. Following an extensive overhaul operation, the fire was declared out after approximately 80 minutes. A second-floor apartment suffered severe fire, smoke, and water damage. The rest of the building also suffered smoke and water damage. Syracuse Fire Investigators were at the scene working to determine the origin and cause of the fire. That investigation is ongoing. The first floor of the building contained a convenience store, with apartments above. At least 2 people were displaced by this fire. They were being assisted by the Red Cross. There were no injuries reported to civilians or to Fire Department personnel at the scene. A total of 42 Fire Department Personnel responded to this incident, including command and support staff. Syracuse Fire Department Ambulance, Syracuse Police, American Medical Response, National Grid and the American Red Cross also responded to the scene. Image by Pixabay

Urban CNY Excellence

FOCUS Greater Syracuse announces 2024 Wisdom Keepers

by Urban CNY News
August 3, 2024

2024 Wisdom Keeper Honorees: Robert M. Simpson, President & CEO of CenterState CEO, and Sheena Solomon, Executive Director of The Gifford Foundation FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. FOCUS Greater Syracuse, Inc. has announced the 2024 Wisdom Keeper honorees are Robert M. Simpson, president & CEO of CenterState CEO, and Sheena Solomon, executive director of The Gifford Foundation. This prestigious recognition celebrates community members who demonstrate exceptional leadership, continuous care, and a clear vision for the future of Central New York. FOCUS invites the community to join in celebrating the 2024 Wisdom Keepers at Daniella’s Fresh Seafood & Pasta House (at the NYS State Fairgrounds) on Tuesday, October 22 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The theme for the 2024 Wisdom Keeper event will be “Celebrating Vision, Action, and Impact,” emphasizing the importance of the honorees’ forward-thinking leadership and community impact. The evening will be emceed by journalist Iris St. Meran, the host of “Bridge Street” on NewsChannel 9. Last year’s 2023 Wisdom Keepers were Mary Nelson, President & CEO of the Mary Nelson Youth Center, and Stan Linhorst, former editor of syracuse.com | The Post Standard. Anyone can reserve tickets for the 2024 Wisdom Keeper event by visiting focussyracuse.org. Learn about the 2024 Wisdom Keepers Robert M. Simpson, President & CEO, CenterState CEO Robert Simpson serves as president of the CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CenterState CEO). With a focus on creating a region where business thrives and all people prosper, Simpson is responsible for overseeing the organization’s administration and governance, leading and executing its vision to be an effective advocate, exceptional employer, and a force for positive outcomes for the community. Simpson is focused on improving the capacity of organizations and individuals to identify and meet their strategic objectives and is involved in a number of initiatives to build vibrant and sustainable communities in Central New York. Sheena Solomon, Executive Director, The Gifford Foundation Sheena Solomon joined the Gifford Foundation team in 2007 and was named the executive director in January 2019. Solomon has been instrumental in the design and planning of Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders, a leadership development training that focuses on increasing the diversity and inclusiveness of nonprofit boards. In her role as executive director, Solomon remains fully committed and engaged in racial justice, equity, and inclusion work. Solomon is passionate about fostering growth in others and understands the need to have patience in addressing the needs of the community. Solomon truly believes the “teaching people how to fish” concept and celebrating diversity is the best way to build and sustain strong, vibrant, and inclusive communities. Solomon looks forward to continuing her journey of being a confident, competent, courageous, and calm leader.

Cover Stories Urban CNY Money

New York State Announces $17.2 Million To Strengthen Social Services that help Vulnerable Families Achieve Financial Stability

by Urban CNY News
August 3, 2024

Governor’s Family-Centered Services Initiative Supports Local Departments That Serve Hundreds of Thousands of Low-Income Families Across New York Initiative First Announced as Part of Governor’s 2024 State of the State Governor Kathy Hochul on August 2nd, announced $17.2 million in awards through the Family-Centered Services initiative to strengthen social services that help vulnerable families achieve financial stability. This funding will help local social services departments throughout New York to hire more staff as they continue serving hundreds of thousands of low-income families statewide. “We’re strengthening the critical resources that help struggling New Yorkers meet their essential needs and transition to economic security,” Governor Hochul said. “By giving local social services departments the funding to hire more staff and bolster operations, we can bring more families out of poverty and into a brighter future.” The $17.2 million awarded today includes investments in local social services departments in regions throughout the state: Region Amount Capital Region $1,984,616 Central New York $1,653,845 Finger Lakes $1,819,235 Long Island $1,323,074 Mid-Hudson $2,480,767 Mohawk Valley $1,323,078 New York City $1,157,687 North Country $1,323,079 Southern Tier $1,653,848 Western New York $2,480,771 The Family-Centered Services initiative was first announced in the 2024 State of the State address and continues Governor Hochul’s deep commitment to strengthening the social service network and lifting families out of poverty. The initiative addresses the challenges of family poverty by ensuring local social services departments across the state will have trained staff available to provide targeted interventions that support the entire family. This includes assisting families with complex needs such as mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders and those experiencing homelessness or domestic violence. The funding will enable local departments to hire from one to seven full-time credentialed or appropriately experienced staff, depending on the size of the county’s caseload. The new staff will provide a range of case management services that could include in-depth assessments, crisis intervention, resource navigation and peer support to stabilize household conditions, among others. Local departments will tailor their initiatives to meet the unique needs of the households they serve. Some may choose to focus on the needs of homeless families or households facing mental health conditions, while others may focus more on encouraging paths to employment. Families will be referred to the program based on locally developed criteria. Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

Arrest of David Arnold for Multiple Charges of Sexual Misconduct with a Child

CNY Community Foundation to Premiere Lead Poisoning Documentary

15-Year-Old, Alexcia Lynch – Syracuse Police Release Homicide Investigation Timeline

Congressman Jim Clyburn (SC-06) Endorses John Mannion for Congress in NY-22

Van B. Robinson Common Council Chambers Weekly Schedule September 2 -6, 2024

MoveOn Endorses John Mannion in NY-22

Community Folk Art Center – August Events

Firefighters Stop Fire in Pond Street Apartment

FOCUS Greater Syracuse announces 2024 Wisdom Keepers

Childcare Provider Presented “2024 Rural Small Business of The Year” Award

New York State Announces $17.2 Million To Strengthen Social Services that help Vulnerable Families Achieve Financial Stability

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