The Debrief Podcast

Today on the show hosts Jackie and Josh are talking about Geneva’s Community Engagement Coordinator position, which was eliminated with a lot of community concern, the closure of Wells College in Aurora, an update on the sale of two prominent properties in Seneca Falls, and Ontario County’s housing plan. They also discuss the down-ballot ramifications of the breaking news late-Sunday that President Joe Biden was ending his re-election bid.

On this episode of The Debrief Podcast hosts Josh Durso and Jackie Augustine talk about recent headlines across the Finger Lakes region - including the closure of the Geneva Movieplex, development of a Dunkin' franchise on a high-profile city corner, assessment concerns across the region, and continued housing access issues for low- and middle-income residents across the state.

What happens now that elections are over in the Finger Lakes region? Josh Durso and Jackie Augustine are here to break the results down following intense and close contests in Cayuga, Ontario, Seneca, and Wayne counties. They also talk about the recent election news in Wayne County where results were delayed by nearly an entire day due to a technical glitch. They also discuss recent headlines about Cayuga County Clerk-elect Brian Scanlan being ticketed for leaving the scene of an accident, the unexpected passing of Sodus Point Village Councilor-elect John Nesbitt, and Ontario Town Supervisor Frank Robusto Jr. being found with a loaded firearm attempting to go through TSA.

This week on the podcast Jackie Augustine and Josh Durso break down the biggest races across the Finger Lakes, the issues driving candidates and voters, as well as the undercurrents that have brought communities to present day. The two talk about competitive elections in Canandaigua, Geneva, and Seneca Falls, as well as county races in Cayuga and Ontario. Unprecedented housing issues, a desire from voters to see more economic development in communities across the region, and environmental issues like HABs and landfilling.

It's time for another episode of The Debrief Podcast! Today on the show Josh Durso and Jackie Augustine break down an array of stories including a new report on the aging population and lack of health care infrastructure here in the Finger Lakes; the future of rural communities in the region as they battle rising costs and shrinking populations in light of that report; the latest on Seneca Meadows; as well as a pair of economic development related stories out of Geneva and Cayuga County.

In this edition of The Debrief Podcast we're joined by Peter Mantius from The Water Front Online. The longtime environmental reporter has been busy publishing a number of high-profile pieces on the Finger Lakes over the last two weeks; and we needed to catch up with him to break down the headlines.

First up, the shocking news that was originally broke by The Deal, about Cargill seeking to sell its salt mine under Cayuga Lake. The company is one of the region's largest employers, and while advocates have been critical of safety surrounding the mine under Cayuga, a potential sale raises even more questions.

Next, the latest with the town of Thurston moving toward banning field spreading of sewage sludge. It's a common, albeit odd practice for those who aren't familiar with agriculture, but the local ban could really complicate things for Casella. Advocates have pushed back against spreading sewage sludge on fields because of 'forever chemicals' that have been found in the matter.

And finally, we talk about Greenidge Generation's plans to sell its South Carolina bitcoin operation. The company has had a rough stretch, but shortly after we finished recording - news broke that a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit against Greenidge over warm water discharges into Seneca Lake.

On this edition of The Debrief Podcast we're answering YOUR questions! The latest on Seneca Meadows proposed expansion and what that would mean for town taxpayers, as well as a new report on casino performance in Upstate New York.

On today's episode of the show, Josh Durso and Jackie Augustine break down the latest in local and state politics. They look at a bill awaiting Gov. Hochul's signature to move local elections to even-numbered years, discuss the biggest takeaways from primaries in Geneva and Seneca Falls, and talk housing, zoning, and more!

- State regulators punt a decision on bitcoin mining: For environmental advocates it was another disappointing week, as state leaders from the DEC punted a decision on bitcoin mining. Advocates say there’s an environmental cost to the kind of data mining that’s taking place at a plant along Seneca Lake in Dresden, Yates County. However, the DEC said no decision would be made until after June’s primary elections. Does this give us a clue about the decision coming in a couple months?   - Sheriff Povero says staffers actions ‘heroic’: On Friday, a student brought a loaded handgun with extra ammunition to the Red Jacket High School in Shortsville. Sheriff Phil Povero says the quick action of staffers inside the building were ‘heroic’ and likely prevented a tragedy. A 15-year-old was taken into custody, but little more is known about what led up to Friday’s lockdown. As expected, reaction from the community was swift — with support for law enforcement and staff — and questions about how something like this can be prevented in the future. What steps can/should schools take to mitigate the possibility of incidents that are statistically unlikely?  - Officer involved shooting: Sheriff Rob Milby said after an officer involved shooting in the town of Ontario that the deputy who responded to the scene retreated a significant distance before firing his sidearm. The deputy was responding to a call from New York State Office of Mental Health for a person who was said to be unstable, off his medication, and possibly intoxicated while operating a vehicle. The person became aggressive, and when deploying a taser didn’t work — the deputy fired his weapon. No life threatening injuries were reported, but the debate on social media played out as expected. Some arguing that no force should have been used, while other applauded the deputy. Others were left asking: How can these situations be handled safely and adequately for all involved?  - Another shopping mall in flux: Great Northern Mall in the Syracuse area has fallen into disrepair, but county officials don’t want it to be another ShoppingTown Mall. They purchased that one two years ago. So, with that scenario unlikely — big questions remain. As shopping malls disappear — vast structures remain — so how should they be repurposed?  - Hiring struggles come to life: Thompson Health in Canandaigua has more than 250 openings right now. Last week a job fair was held and just 40 people showed up. Around half were hirable, according to reporting from the job fair. Unemployment numbers continue declining — which begs a fundamental question about economic viability: First off, how does healthcare in rural communities survive these massive labor gaps? Second, looking outside healthcare — how does an economy keep the wheels turning with virtually every business facing the same problem?  - Gas tax holiday debated further: Lawmakers at the state and federal level are trying to find ways to hold back fuel prices. One story focused on the price of gasoline, and the need for relief at the pump. Another on home energy prices, as sky high utility bills are reported throughout Upstate New York. Is it time for major action to reduce the cost of gas?  What do you think? We want to hear your opinion! Share your thoughts on any of these stories — or questions — by emailing [email protected].

Josh Durso and Ted Baker return to the studio for a special edition of The Debrief, as Debrief co-creator Jackie Augustine joins the show for its Six Year Anniversary.  Josh, Ted and Jackie discuss: 

- An update out of Geneva, including a new Ward 6 representative, but no new manager, comptroller, or legislative clarity for the year.

- Redistricting and the Congressional maps that have been released so far. 

- Rent prices becoming more expensive for a 1–3-bedroom apartment in Upstate New York.

- In Cayuga County, the Acting District Attorney say local Democrats and Governor Kathy Hochul's office are effectively colluding to appoint a Democrat to the temporary position they hold until an election happens.