John Smith

1 month ago | waer.org | John Smith |JOhn Smith

Researchers at Upstate Medical University in Syracuse say cancer mortality rates are on the decline but, over a dozen types of cancers continue to rise for those under 50 years-old. Professor of urology and associate research director Dr. Lezek said it’s partly because better diagnostic methods are helping researchers diagnose cancer earlier in younger people.

1 month ago | waer.org | John Smith |JOhn Smith

With spring underway, construction season is intensifying across Central New York. Contractors are racing with the weather to meet rapid I-81 redevelopment deadlines for reshaping the highway. It’s currently moving from ‘the outer edges of Syracuse’ - inward - toward the heart of downtown. Drivers continue to deal with frequent lane shutdowns and traffic shifts in all directions. State DOT regional director David Smith said the road work is changing on a daily basis.

1 month ago | waer.org | John Smith |JOhn Smith

A team of Cornell University environmental engineering researchers have developed a learning-based model to determine how much severe wildfire smoke will block the sun’s rays for solar power generation. The research found New York’s power systems operator severely underpredicted how much impact 2023’s wildfire smoke event would have on solar production. Professor Max Zhang says researchers used atmospheric data and forecasting technologies from NOAA.

1 month ago | waer.org | Chris Bolt |John Smith |JOhn Smith |Holliday Moore

Voters in many Central New York school districts will decide on school budgets next week. Central Square Schools’ Superintendent wants to clarify some things about challenges the district faces and what it means for the community. (This story includes corrections on tax and salary information we previously reported.)Residents of the Central Square School District, like those in other small districts, will be voting on school budgets that deal with shifting state aid and other uncertainties.

1 month ago | waer.org | John Smith |JOhn Smith

Hundreds of people filled Bethany Baptist Church earlier this week to say a final goodbye to former Syracuse Common Council President and civil rights advocate Van Robinson. Robinson was remembered for his tireless efforts to undo the wrongs of the past when black neighborhoods were destroyed in Syracuse to build Interstate 81. Gov. Kathy Hochul said Robinson was brave enough to question “Why?” and pushed for it to be removed throughout his life. She wants his legacy remembered.