Western New York

President Donald Trump made his first visit to Syracuse as a sitting president, headlining a rally for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman ahead of New York's November elections. About 2,500 supporters packed the Oncenter while a roughly equal number of protesters gathered at Clinton Square before marching toward the venue; no arrests or violence were reported. Trump repeated familiar campaign themes, criticizing immigration policy, downplaying climate change, and claiming credit for the Micron Technology project despite the deal predating his second term. He urged supporters to vote as though he were on the ballot.

Notably, many local Republicans skipped the event, including Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick, reflecting lingering friction after the GOP's historic losses in Central New York last year. Trump's approval rating in New York sits at 34%, and Blakeman trails Gov. Kathy Hochul in every poll. The visit underscored the high stakes of the governor's race and down-ballot congressional contests, as both parties battle for control of Upstate districts and Congress.

The City of Buffalo has not filed its required 2026-27 winter snow plan, which was due to the Common Council by April 1 and is now roughly 150 days overdue. City officials say last year's three-tier plan, which prioritizes main roads and emergency routes before residential streets, remains the active plan while revisions are finalized, with a new version promised before winter.

Council Majority Leader Leah Halton-Pope says city charter rules require a plan to be formally filed each year rather than carried over automatically. Her larger concern is equipment: six new plows ordered under this year's budget are not expected to arrive before winter begins, despite assurances she says she received that the timeline would be met. Deputy Mayor Benjamin Swanekamp said the city front-loaded investment in new equipment but is "at the mercy of manufacturers" for delivery. The uncertainty over both the plan and equipment readiness raises questions about Buffalo's preparedness for a potentially severe winter season.