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Upstater

@upstater.bsky.social
65 followers 87 following 122 posts

Upstate NYer: into local politics, urbanism, and the past, present, and future of Central New York.

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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Having such a popular incumbent president supporting him should surely help Blakeman….. Like bro, R’s in Trump +20 seats are distancing themselves and you wanna bear hug? Guess Bruce is angling for an admin job after he loses…
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Why did @congressmannion.bsky.social join with GOP to vote for a basically meaningless, moral panicky bill (no colleges have actually implemented these policies) which would restrict academic freedom and university’s right to steer their funds how they chose?
6:01
theguardian.com
The measure would require that colleges and universities who participate in federal student aid programs not participate in boycotts of Israel and also mandates that institutions receiving federal funding for international study and foreign language programs certify annually that they do not impose restrictions on their students participating in programs in Israel, or on students from Israel participating in programs on their campuses.
House Republican leaders had brought the measure to the floor as they attempt to exploit divisions among

Democrats over hot-button issues ahead of the midterm elections, in which voters will decide control of Congress for the final two years of
Donald Trump's term.
"This legislation is about a simple principle: our colleges and universities should not discriminate against Israel, Israeli institutions or Israeli students, and federal taxpayer dollars should never support institutions that engage in such discrimination," said Tim Walberg, the Republican chair of the House education committee.6:01
theguardian.com
Bobby Scott, the top Democrat on the education committee, criticized the bill as unnecessary and potentially in conflict with first amendment protections of protest.
"No college or university has embraced the
BDS movement anyway. So, we should combat antisemitism wherever it occurs, but we should not do so by punishing protected speech or conflating a student's view with university policies," he said.
Democrats who voted for the bill typically face tough re-election contests in November, or are supporters of Israel. Josh Gottheimer, a New Jersey congressman who co-sponsored the legislation with Republican Virginia Foxx, described the proposal as "narrow and tailored" and necessary to combat antisemitism.
"No student, no professor should be shut out of research, study abroad opportunities, or academic partnerships or feel unwelcome in the classroom because of where they are from or what religion they practice. Yet that's exactly what the boycott-divest-sanction movement seeks to do - targeting one country and one religion: Israel and Judaism," he said.
The question of support for Israel has divided House Democrats in recent months. In July, more than 100 House Democrats supported a
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
This is so awesome and a testament to Mo and the folks who put the work in to make this happen. Excited to see what he is going to deliver for Central NY
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 02/07/2026
This is a good idea and hopefully successful enough to continue. public service offices should have staggered shifts to remain open when people are off work and can go
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Hell yeah @mobreezy213.bsky.social !!! Hopefully we’ll wake up to the good news tomorrow…. Looks like downstate may not be the only place to shake up the old guard!
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Oh hey- they fixed it! bsky.app/profile/syra... It’s sometimes easy to complain or make a fuss, but it’s equally important to note when things get changed as a result. This was an easy thing and a unanimous vote indicates the council thought so too
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Fuji Flim Flam Man @fujiflimflam.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
No Kings 3 Syracuse, NY Part 3/ Dogs of the resistance 😂 #nokings
A dog w a protest sign saying “dog people should know better”A dog at a protestA dog at a protestA dog at a protest
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Fuji Flim Flam Man @fujiflimflam.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
No Kings 3 Syracuse, NY Part 2/ #nokings
Protest sign that says “send Barron”Group of people at a protest singing Protester with a sign that says “sometimes you have to flush twice”Group of protesters lining a large road
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Fuji Flim Flam Man @fujiflimflam.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
No Kings 3 Syracuse, NY Part 1/ #nokings
An American flag waving over an illustration of Trump as a clown on a protest sign Someone in an frog costume and other protesters Two people chat while holding an American flag and the other holding a sign reading immigrants make America greatA photo of a busy boulevard showing many protesters and lines of cars
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Really nice to see our major institute of higher education decide to destroy humanities in favor of getting their bag from a bunch of prospective influencers on parents dime. Not surprising as SU has long chased $ and sports over academic laurels, still a shame.
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Maurice Mo Brown @mobreezy213.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
“Bernie Sanders was the first candidate I saw speak directly to what I see as one of the biggest ills in our society: a disproportionate amount of wealth concentrated in the hands of like, 14 people,” Brown said
centralcurrent.org
Mo Brown launches primary campaign against Bill Magnarelli, a fixture of Syracuse politics
The race pits Brown, an upstart progressive Onondaga County legislator, against Magnarelli, a longtime fixture of Democratic politics.
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
The permitting process described here requiring permission for *every* single live show a venue has is absolutely insane. How does this improve on just providing such permits for a given venue each year? This seems like a nightmare not just for venues, but the city permit office too! wtf?
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
“City centered priorities”. It’s only the largest population and economic driver of the entire county, why do they get such a big say? These people are insufferable and I hope voters return this Dem majority in November to really get the county moving in the right direction for 4 years
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Jim Teske @jimteskenc9.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Now official that Syracuse just had its 2nd snowiest day in history. The record of 34.0" on February 15th 1946 seems safe
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
DO IT BEN!!!! Syracuse if we re-water the Erie Canal
A futuristic silver and glass city with flying cars and beautiful green spaces
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
I’m all for making sure there aren’t env impacts, but this is the heart of downtown, this hotel is similar to all the other bldgs nearby. And sorry but who is looking out these windows to the park? The Lafayette bldg is not exactly in great shape and I can’t imagine it’s fully occupied…
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
It’s never been just about undocumented immigration- pretty clear the admin doesn’t want anyone becoming citizens if they’re not the right ‘type’ of people *wink,nod* www.timesunion.com/hudsonvalley...
timesunion.com
USCIS halts upstate naturalization ceremonies, leaving hundreds waiting
Clerks in seven counties say federal agency under Department of Homeland Security did not explain the sudden cancellations, which have left hundreds of lawful permanent residents in limbo.
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
This brings to mind our regions proud history helping people who were enslaved escaped to freedom, even when it meant ignoring the wishes of the federal govt. Hopefully we can continue to try and help as many people as possible avoid the fate of too many of our neighbors have already endured.
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
This is an insane thing to do. Why state officials would allow this even with “slashed emissions” to mine cryptocurrency?? This isn’t to provide needed energy in a local area with no other options, this is a purely unnecessary use of energy that will increase usage in the area (and drive up prices)
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Dustin Czarny @dustinczarny.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
If you are like me, visuals go a long way. Here are the changes happening in Onondaga County come January 1, 2026 in the Onondaga County Legislature and Onondaga County Town governments.
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
Imagine doing this 3 days after those election results. Only the sharpest political instincts in today’s GOP. Even Lonsberry wrote a piece yesterday telling her not to do it and I am in rare agreement- this is the end of her political career.
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Reinvent Albany @reinventalbany.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Our testimony to Onondaga IDA: No to Micron Getting $880m in New Onondaga County Sales Tax Breaks. Micron is already getting more than $21.4 billion in government subsidies for Fabs 1 and 2 in Onondaga. Check it out ⤵️
buff.ly
Testimony: No to Micron Getting $880m in New Onondaga County Sales Tax Breaks - Reinvent Albany
Reinvent Albany Testimony to Onondaga County Industrial Development AgencyWe Oppose Micron’s Request for $880 Million in Onondaga County Sales Tax Breaks Micron already getting more than $21.4…
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Rachel May @srachelmay.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Onondaga County (NY) voters flipped the County legislature from a GOP supermajority to a Dem majority. Judge races spanning 6, mostly rural, counties, went heavily to Dems in a major change from the past. The Colossus has awakened - we just need to keep it awake!
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Holy crap they did it!! Congrats to the County Dems and WFP and all the candidates on putting in the work! This is going to be a new era in this county
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Fingers still crossed!! Ryans great fish flop may have more hurdles to overcome if the legislature flips
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Well, sucks to suck I guess!!
Screenshot of Village of Liverpool Mayor election results (100% in) with Dem Stacy Finney w 67.9% of the vote, absolutely trouncing Republican Thomas Valerino, who famously appears to not even live in the village
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
If the current margins hold Dems may have flipped the Onondaga County Legislature!?! Fingers crossed 🤞🤞
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Hell yes!! Congrats to @elainemichele.bsky.social flipping Manlius’ County Leg seat
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Waiting to see Onondaga County S-Day returns start populating, but my entirely unscientific observation is Early voting definitely skewed Democrat, around 60-40 in most competitive races across all districts and towns. Will be interested to see if that holds up during E-day
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Godzillionaire @godzillionaire.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Look who’s Disgraziato now, you fool!
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
A hearty New York GFY to one Andrew Cuomo…goodbye for good 👋
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Brad in Syracuse @bradinsyracuse.bsky.social · 05/11/2025
Call it
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Lol tf? does a 100% tariff on a person mean he’d….take all their money? Okay I guess? I will stand by this- when Mamdani wins there will be no mass move from NYC because there is only one NYC in the whole world, and it’s affordances (esp for the rich) cannot be found anywhere else domestically
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Maurice Mo Brown @mobreezy213.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Sharon’s Thriving Neighborhoods vision is more than a slogan. It is a plan: safe streets, infrastructure investment, affordable housing, and support for minority businesses. See the full vision here: www.electmauricebrow... #Vision #SyracuseStrong
electmauricebrown.com
Sharon Owens for Mayor | Leadership Rooted in Community — Elect Maurice Brown
Meet Sharon Owens, candidate for Mayor of Syracuse. A proven public servant with decades of experience building stronger neighborhoods and accountable leadership.
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
It may just be a first step, but great job to all the advocates of Vision Zero making enough noise to get this across the line after being dropped from the agenda. While politicians may not always do the right thing on their own, when enough people speak up they tend to change their tune.
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Syracuse.com @syracuse.com · 27/10/2025
City council clears the way for major housing development near Syracuse zoo
syracuse.com
City council clears the way for major housing development near Syracuse zoo
The first phase of the project will bring 260 apartments and 27 townhomes to a new neighborhood near Tipp Hill.
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Not that there was ever a bad time to donate, but with the impending stop of SNAP funding on Nov 1 it’s a great time to give if you can give.foodbankcny.org/site/Donatio...
give.foodbankcny.org
Together We Can End Hunger - Food Bank of Central New York Contact Us » Food Bank of Central New York
Food Bank of Central New York
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inthesaltcity.bsky.social @inthesaltcity.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
grace for speeding car drivers graves for the people they hit
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Not that there was ever a bad time to donate, but with the impending stop of SNAP funding on Nov 1 it’s a great time to give if you can give.foodbankcny.org/site/Donatio...
give.foodbankcny.org
Together We Can End Hunger - Food Bank of Central New York Contact Us » Food Bank of Central New York
Food Bank of Central New York
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Joshua R Greenberg @joshrgreenberg.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
The Erie Canal was officially completed on this day 200 years ago, so here is a bank note from Albany where it began. It features a lovely canal vignette and portrait of DeWitt Clinton who ushered through the 363 mile project as governor of New York. Merchants Bank of Albany, NY, $1, July 3, 1862. 🗃️
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New York Focus @nysfocus.com · 23/09/2025
Hey everyone, this is @colinreports.bsky.social, New York Focus’s climate and environment reporter. I’m taking over our account for a minute to talk about something on a lot of people’s minds: energy bills. 🧵
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New York Almanack @newyorkalmanack.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
The Sewards of New York: A Biography of a Leading American Political Family shines a light on an important New York family of the 19th century.
newyorkalmanack.com
The Sewards of New York: A New Biography - New York Almanack
The Sewards of New York: A Biography of a Leading American Political Family shines a light on an important political family of the 19th century.
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Syracuse Urbanism Collective @syracuseurbanism.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Read about why the Common Council should pass the city's Vision Zero Action Plan. www.syracuse.com/opinion/2025...
syracuse.com
Syracuse Common Council should adopt Vision Zero traffic safety plan (Your Letters)
Letter writer disputes the council's view that the plan to reduce, or even eliminate traffic fatalities isn't concrete enough.
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
This is cool! Would love to see some of these from Syracuse
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Maurice Mo Brown @mobreezy213.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
Let’s talk democracy reform. Because if I’m being honest, I’m questioning the job we’re doing too. The public deserves better from all of us, and maybe putting this question to voters is the accountability moment we need. Read More -
electmauricebrown.com
Fine... Let’s Talk Term Limits and 4-Year Terms — Elect Maurice Brown
When the other side first reached out to talk about changing the structure of county government, I was skeptical.
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Phil Lewis @phillewis.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Federal immigration agents were seemingly forced to retreat from a roofing job site in Rochester, NY, after being confronted by more than 100 protesters The workers stayed on the roof and agents drove away in a Border Patrol SUV on four flat tires, which had been slashed
wxxinews.org
ICE agents in the Park Ave neighborhood spark large-scale protest
The group shouted “shame” and "Gestapo,” and applauded as agents in the ICE-led action drove a Border Patrol SUV away on four flat tires, which had been slashed.
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 08/09/2025
This is so deeply disgusting and awful that we’re having neighbors ripped from their family and communities in the name of racism and arbitrary ‘quotas’ so that some of the worst people in our society can feel they’ve accomplished something in their pitiful lives.
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Upstater @upstater.bsky.social · 05/09/2025
This is absolutely disgusting and we shouldn’t stand for the arbitrary arrest of our neighbors by masked cosplaying thugs.
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Alex Bores @alexbores.nyc · 01/09/2025
"If a man tells you he loves America, yet hates labor, he is a liar. If a man tells you he trusts America, yet fears labor, he is a fool. There is no America without labor, and to fleece the one is to rob the other." --Abraham Lincoln Happy Labor Day!
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