Syracuse-Utica Corridor

Happy Tuesday! I hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend! In this episode I start off by chatting about the news that historical land is being transferred back to Onondaga Nation. Then I dive into what I think the idea Fourth of July BBQ plate is. After I talk about what eating competitions I might be good at. Finally, I end with roadmapping the next few pod episode topics over the coming week. Thanks so much for listening!

Happy Thursday! In this episode I begin by talking about the NYS primary results that happened on Tuesday. Then I dive into two news stories that occurred earlier in the year but never had a chance to chat about (New Syracuse Police Chief and Utica School District's Transformational Budget). Finally, I end with a ranking of my favorite orders to place at ice cream shops in the summer. Enjoy!

Happy Tuesday! In this episode I chat about what primaries are and why people should vote in them. I then briefly cover the candidates running in the primaries for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. After I provide my review of the Syracuse Airport and then dive into how Syracuse players did on NBA draft night. I then close with an update on the Syracuse Mets season. Enjoy!

Happy Thursday! In this episode I provide a brief introductory overview of the candidates running to be our Congressional Representative in NY-22. Then I give some brief analysis on the type of candidate that I think can be successful in this district. Then I provide an update on the CNY stock group and end with some fun topics and rankings heading into the weekend. Enjoy!

Welcome back! After our brief hiatus that turned into a de facto break between pod seasons, I am back with a brand new Syracuse Utica Corridor pod episode! In this episode, I dive into the outline of the pod going forward, talk about the biggest stories that have happened since we last chatted, and then end with some public transit policy talk. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Friday! In this episode, I rank the days of the week and the months of the year! Also, as mentioned in the pod, this will be the last episode for a week or two. I'll be back in either 1-2 weeks with more news coverage, ideas, and fun topics! As always, thank you for listening!

Happy Wednesday! Instead of a traditional Idea Wednesday episode, I instead do a combination of all three of our pod episode themes. I briefly talk about an idea for the area before diving into news stories from the last 48 hours in the region. Finally, I end with ranking my favorite holidays as the Fun segment. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Monday! In this News Monday, I dive into Syracuse University ending the Dome naming rights with Carrier and selling the new rights to JMA Wireless. I then talk about the unfortunate violence in Syracuse this past weekend. I then end talking about the hospital merger story in Syracuse and the continued progress of the I-81 transformation project. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Friday! In this episode, I power rank the top summer activities! From camping to going to baseball games to mini golf I give my thoughts and rank them 1 to 16! Thanks as always for listening and have a great weekend!

Happy Wednesday! Due to the news stories from the past 48 hours, I've decided to do a bonus News pod episode. In this episode, I talk about how the NYS Budget included $1.1 billion for the I-81 transformation in Syracuse. I then talk about Mayor Walsh's proposed budget for the City of Syracuse and dive into some of the headlines. Finally, I chat about Lt Gov Benjamin being indicted and his resignation. Thanks for listening!

Happy Monday! This News Monday is longer than the typical one due to the busy week of news related to our region! First, I dive into County Executive Picente's State of the County Address and talk about the various initiatives announced in it. Then I dive into the NYS Budget and highlight the headline items and some parts of it that directly affect our region. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Friday! In this episode, I begin with a brief update on how the CNY stocks are doing since we first started monitoring them in mid February. Then I dive into a way too early projection of the Syracuse Men's Basketball lineup for next year. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Wednesday! This isn't quite the typical Idea Wednesday episode! It's instead a special edition episode that blends our news, ideas, and fun themes all into one. I went to the Syracuse Mets opening day and report back with what happened, how much of a blast it was, and I bring back some ideas from previous Idea Wednesday episodes that are relevant to the Syracuse Mets. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Monday! In this episode I cover a variety of stories related to our region including Lockheed Martin's big Air Force contract, the end of the Utica Hospital project eminent domain battle, the battle over the NYS budget, the potential legal issues with NYS's new congressional districts, and a brief chat about the governor's race. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Friday! In this episode I talk about my two favorite things: comic book characters and basketball! In the first half I compare Final Four Men's Teams to Batman characters. Then I compare NBA playoff teams to Marvel characters. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Wednesday! In this episode I dive into ideas to boost the agriculture/agritourism industry in our region. First, I talk about how the state should develop a SUNY A&M to spur on agricultural innovation and train the next generation to advance the agricultural industry. I then talk specifically about agritourism and how we can help boost it in our corridor. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Monday! In this episode I discuss Syracuse University hiring Coach Legette-Jack to be its next head basketball coach for the women's team. I then dive into a recap of County Executive McMahon's State of the County Address. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Friday! I hope you've have a great week! In this episode I build a Presidential administration out of Cuse men's basketball players from the past 20 years. In total I selected a president, VP, secretary of defense, Secretary of State, treasury secretary, Attorney General, and a general advisor. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Wednesday! In this week's Idea Wednesday episode I dive into innovating K-12 education. In the first half, I talk about how we could potentially change how school districts are funded to make it equitable and to encourage successful results in more districts. Then, in the second half, I talk about how grading should be changed to attain better learning outcomes. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Monday! In this episode, I provide an update on how the CNY schools did in the NCAA Tournament. I then chat about Utica's newest Common Councilmember and Utica's approved budget. Finally, I wrap up talking about New Hartford boys' basketball run coming to an end in the state championship.

Happy Friday! In this episode, I recap the first day of the NCAA men's tournament and chat about which games to look forward to in both the men's and women's brackets this weekend. Then, I go through and reveal which US presidents I would have in my basketball starting lineup to save the world. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Wednesday! In this episode I borrow from Massachusetts to propose ideas to better improve citizens' abilities to interact with and have a role in their local governments. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Monday! In this episode I start off with diving into the TWO Wall Street Journal articles published last week that related to our area (Chobani delaying IPO and staffing/budgeting issues at St. Luke's Hospital). I then chat about New Hartford boys basketball continuing their magical run and I end with the Utica OD story detailing the sexual harassment incident between a teacher and student (and how the administration has handled it poorly according to the article). Thanks as always and have a great day!

Happy Friday! In this episode I chat about Colgate Men's Basketball winning their conference tournament. I then dive into both the men's and women's teams at Syracuse. After I talk a little about New Hartford boy's basketball success. Finally, I end with a discussion about the new Batman movie. Thanks as always for tuning in!

Happy Wednesday! This Idea Wednesday pod is a little different this week. Instead of diving into a specific solution, I instead use this time to highlight 3 areas ripe for innovation and solutions but which I don't have an idea for yet. I chat about how road maintenance and road construction needs to become cheaper, faster, and last longer. I then talk about how I wish there was a way to invest in communities besides buying local, buying real estate, or buying small businesses. Finally, I end with talking diving into how I wish citizens had more levers to interact with government besides voting, posting on social media, or calling into government officials' offices. Thanks as always for listening!

In this week's News Monday I cover the high profile crime incidents last week at Destiny USA (and talk generally about public safety a little bit). Then I mention the Section 3 basketball championship games this past weekend. Finally, I end with an update on the CNY connected stocks.

Happy Friday! In this episode I dive into who I would like to see be the next head coach of the Syracuse Men's Basketball team. Carmelo Anthony? Ed Cooley? Gerry McNamara? And so many more! Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Happy Wednesday! This Idea Wednesday centers around flipping the academic calendar for colleges and universities in our area (and the entire North East region). Instead of the academic year break being in the summer, let's move it to the winter. I talk about why this change would be beneficial for students and then I address some potential hurdles in the way of this becoming reality. Finally, I wrap with briefly talking about another school timing idea. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Monday! In this episode, I chat about Gov. Hochul changing the state wide mask mandate for schools. I then talk about how local govts and the state are expressing solidarity for Ukraine. Finally, I dive into a SU Men's Basketball update as their season comes to a close and give some parting updates on the Ukrainian defense from Russian invasion.

No Fun Friday pod today after the development of the last few days internationally. Instead I use this time to acknowledge the horror of what's going on and share a powerful story from the first day of the invasion that exemplifies the Ukrainian people's spirit and character. God Bless Ukraine, give ‘em hell.

Happy Wednesday! The overarching theme of this episode is envisioning creative ways to use large facilities across CNY. The headliner idea I lead off with is turning the Dome (and Manley Field House) into indoor parks available to students and the general community. Next, I dive into how we can redevelop Malls in our area. Thanks as always for listening!

Happy Monday! In this News Monday I lead off with various updates to pod topics and stories covered in previous episodes. Then I go over some new news stories across the region. Finally, I end with introducing a new pod segment: following publicly traded stocks connected to CNY. Enjoy!

Happy Friday! This is a special double feature Fun Friday episode! In the first half, I rank the 6 best places for pizza in the Utica area. Then, in the second half I rank the best foods to get from the Wegmans cafe/sit down food section. Thanks as always for listening and have a wonderful weekend!

In this episode I talk about a topic I've researched and written extensively about: community safety in our cities and towns. I propose that cities and towns form a new class of first responders (either via a new city agency or by contracting with a nonprofit) to relieve police officers of nonviolent and nonemergency incidents. I dive into why this is needed, how it should be popular and well received by all stakeholders, and what this new public safety system could look like. If you'd like to read more in depth about this issue, I've linked my academic paper from law school that's been published on Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/expanding-the-public-safety-toolbox/id1608599790 Enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day and I hope you had a great Super Bowl weekend! I lead off by discussing the budget proposed by Mayor Palmieri for fiscal year 2022/2023. I then dive into Governor Hochul's change in the statewide mask mandate, the developing legal situation involving Utica Councilmember Delvin Moody, and the news that Acrop pizza on Marshall St is closing (and what is replacing it). As always, thanks for listening and I'll see you back here on Wednesday!

In this episode I power rank the 10 best Syracuse men's basketball players after 2003 (not counting Melo and GMac!). I dive into some honorable mentions to begin then go into the rankings while providing a quick summary and memory for each player. While ranking I also remember some players who deserved to be honorably mentioned so please pardon the live corrections! Thanks as always for listening and I'll see you back here on this feed on Monday for News Monday!

This week's Idea Wednesday focuses on how our region can better improve the transportation options both between Utica and Syracuse and within them. I first chat about why this would be great to do (safer, more economical, and encourages economic exchange between cities) and how I dream of one day being able to travel a sporting event in one of the cities without having to drive. Next, I dive into what is needed to make this happen (ex: collaboration and coordination between Amtrak and Centro). Finally, I chat about a spin off idea of also building a train station at Turning Stone. Thanks as always for listening!

Don't be scared off by the title - this is an optimistic episode! I first dive into the covid numbers for Oneida and Onondaga counties (spoiler: most metrics are trending down!). I then try to project out how our Spring and Summer could look. After the numbers talk, I chat about some pandemic prevention policies for the future and what I would like to see happen. Enjoy!

Happy Friday! First I round up this week's episodes and past Fun Friday topics. Then I dive into talking about one of our region's strengths: Italian food! I chat about the best restaurants and dishes from both the Utica and Syracuse areas. Enjoy!

Our big idea this week revolves around an idea that will help the community, the university, and students. Syracuse University should buy the Syracuse Mets (and other real businesses) in order to ensure the Mets never leave and to differentiate the university from others by offering an unmatched student experience. Imagine if seniors could complete their capstone/thesis as members of a real minor league front office? After discussing this idea I then chat about how, in a similar vein, SU should also expand its clinic offerings beyond just legal services to the community. Enjoy!

Big news Monday! The NYS legislature released its soon to be passed Redistricting maps for the state. Utica goes from NY22 to NY19 in name and Rep. Delgado is the incumbent! Syracuse goes from NY24 to NY22 in name and adds Ithaca to its district! Utica and Rome split! All that and so much more as I train to explain via words (pretty hard to do when talking about a map) what this new map looks like and what it's implications will be. Enjoy!

Happy Friday! Before diving in I recap this week's episodes and last week's Fun Friday topic! I then power rank 8 places to eat on Marshall Street. After that I talk about a recent addition to that area before chatting about places I used to love but have since closed on Marshall Street. Finally I wrap up with a thank you to you all for your support and for listening! Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Utica has many great surrounding colleges. But it would be awesome economically and for boosting area name recognition if Utica College formed a law school and became Utica University. I first recap last week's Utica Airport idea and address some feedback. Then I dive into why a law school could have a huge impact on our area, why Utica College is a great place to form one, and I detail the vision I would have for a Utica Law School. Thanks as always for listening and enjoy!

News stories across the region! I discuss Utica's Common Council approving a citizen led police advisory board and also the proposal to add UPD officers to address rising violence in the city. Then I dive into the City of Syracuse's plan to overhaul public housing along I-81 with a $800 million investment. Thanks to the great reporting from Syracuse.com, I cover the plan and it's potential pros and cons. Enjoy!

In the not too distant future the Carrier Dome will likely have its naming rights auctioned off to a different company. I talk about why this will likely happen, why it's beneficial to the university and then power rank four potential companies in the running to claim the Dome name. Enjoy and have a good weekend!

Utica once had a commercial passenger airport up until 2007 and now, with the rapid growth of remote work, it is a perfect time to bring it back. Listen in to here about the history of the airport, what the current airport does, why and airport would be great for the area, and how feasible this is to happen. Enjoy!

Re-cap last week's big political news that John Katko was not running for re-election in NY-24. Then discuss maybe why he isn't running, who could replace him, and what redistricting will mean for this congressional seat in the fall. Enjoy!