The Debrief Podcast

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.

This week on the show hosts Ted Baker and Josh Durso explore a COVID diagnosis that hit the Debrief team, as well as mixed messaging surrounding isolation and quarantine.  The rules are changing by the day.  Has that hampered public health education and opinion?  They also discuss the criticism of Governor Hochul as concerns rise on the left and right over pandemic policies.  Also, new data on criminal justice reforms in New York including bail reform.  Did it work?  Did it cause crime to rise in the state?  And finally, a new method presented for economic development.  What happens when you fund people instead of companies who make grand promises?

Josh Durso and Ted Baker discuss Black Friday and the future of shopping, the solar farm project in Waterloo getting state approval, mask mandates in Erie County and the phase approach in Monroe County, hospitals with capacity issues being told to pause elective procedures until through January 15, Chris Cuomo using his media contacts to help his brother Andrew, and the Local Journalism Sustainability Act.

On this edition of The Debrief Podcast your hosts Ted Baker and Josh Durso from the FL1 News team break down the biggest stories of the week.  Wegmans store in Auburn rolls out new security system to prevent rogue shopping carts, debate continues and community reaction pours in after the state's announcement that Willard Drug Treatment Campus would close in 2022, chaos erupts in local healthcare as staffing and capacity issues boil over in Finger Lakes, Central New York, and Southern Tier, and hedge fund makes a play for Lee Enterprises, which operates newspapers around the region and country.

Josh Durso and Ted Baker discuss the Ontario County Sheriff's Office, the vacant seat on the Auburn School Board, and masks in schools.  Also with COVID numbers on the rise in the Finger Lakes region, they talk about whether it is the Finger Lakes or Rochester portion causing that.  Plus talk of a state tourism program and staffing issues in nursing homes.