Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
Good morning, Syracuse.
🎭 Culture
MJ: The Musical premieres (Jan.
6 to 11) at the Landmark Theatre downtown with eight performances showcasing Michael Jackson's hits and creative choreography. The Tony Award-winning show lets fans see his role in planning the Dangerous World Tour.
On Dec. 31, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo hosted a kid-friendly Noon Year's Eve party where children danced and enjoyed themed face painting before a noon countdown.
Although the zoo was closed on New Year's Day, discounted ticket sales for Winter Discount Days will start Jan. 2 until Feb. 28.
🎓 Education
Caprice Hibbler leads The Arts Project Syracuse where she mentors 1,000+ youth in art at after-school programs with the Boys + Girls Club and YWCA Syracuse.
She earned her communications degree at Syracuse University and is pursuing a master’s degree at SU while expanding her Get Up, Girl storytelling platform.
🏛️ Government
Central New York gears up for change in (2026) as Micron in Clay begins tree-cutting for a chip plant, Interstate 81 viaduct is set for removal starting this spring, and Syracuse’s new mayor will address budget deficits and water infrastructure.
Elections and college leadership updates add to the news preview.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced more than $17 million in grants to expand safe swim access across Central New York and the Southern Tier.
Projects in Cortland, Fulton, Ithaca (and Horseheads) will upgrade pools and facilities to improve safety and accessibility for local families.
Onondaga County will distribute about 4,000 cases of bottled water from Fayetteville-Manlius High School on Friday, Jan.
2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drivers must approach from North Eagle Village Road (turning onto Pride Lane and exiting via East Seneca Turnpike) as alternate routes will be redirected.
🏥 Health
Salt Restaurant & Bar at 1060 E.
Genesee St in Syracuse was cited for critical food safety violations plus mouse droppings and sanitation issues during its Dec. 17 inspection, part of a series conducted from Dec. 14-20, 2025.
Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation — a Syracuse nursing home — was added to the federal Special Focus Facility list for having deficiencies identified during recent inspections after Congressman Mannion requested improved care.
The facility was penalized with a $12M fine in August.
📰 Lifestyle
A lake-effect system dumped deep snow on Dec.
31, letting local dogs enjoy a winter wonderland in Syracuse; pet owners were invited to share photos of their pups online + capture the joyful scene.
🎉 Syracuse Events
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Scars N’ Stripes Holiday Hangover
8 PM - 12 AM — Middle Ages Brewing Company — Check event page for ticket pricing — Rock out with Scars N’ Stripes as they bring high energy to chase away the holiday blues.
Stanford Cardinal at Syracuse Orange Women's Basketball
2-4 p.m. — JMA Wireless Dome — Ticket prices vary — Witness the exciting women's basketball rivalry between Stanford and Syracuse.
SAFe® 5.1 Lean Portfolio Management Training
Jan 22-23 — North Syracuse, NY — Early Bird Price: $1299 — Gain essential tools for implementing Lean Portfolio Management in this hands-on workshop.
New York Sportsman's Expo
12 PM – 5 PM — New York State Fairgrounds — Entry fee varies — Explore all things outdoors and meet over 200 vendors at the NY Sportsman's Expo.
Brahms & Debussy
6-7:30 p.m. — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — $50 — Experience a unique blend of orchestral music with a video game twist while enjoying exclusive pre-concert snacks.
21st Annual Cazenovia Children's House Chilly Chili 5K
11:30 a.m. — 31 Emory Ave, Cazenovia, NY — Registration fee applies — Get ready to run or walk in this chilly 5K event followed by a fun party.
Cheat Codes Concert
9 PM - 12 AM — Westcott Theatre — Tickets start at $102 — Experience an unforgettable night with Cheat Codes live in Syracuse.
🏠 Syracuse Real Estate
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💼 Syracuse Job Board
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📣 Syracuse Announcements
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