Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Syracuse. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Micron will break ground on its $100B semiconductor plant in Clay on Jan. 16 after delays from environmental reviews and a legal dispute, with a celebration at the Syracuse University National Veterans Resource Center that officials are set to attend. The facility will create 50,000 jobs in the region. CNY Central
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Syracuse will watch local innovators in 2026 as makers like Adam Brian Kaiser, Gabrielle Lloyd, and Michael Greene launch projects in artisanal chocolates, running clubs, and venue restorations + more creative leaders set to spark change in our community. Syracuse.com
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ In August, the Syracuse Housing Authority expanded Section 8 vouchers to help Pioneer Homes residents relocate during I-81 removal and public housing redevelopment; only 5 of 34 families have signed leases & advocates warn a shortage of quality, affordable homes may slow progress. Central Current
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Syracuse hosted former Mercer quarterback Braden Atkinson for a recruiting visit Wednesday as part of its effort to find a successor after a tough season. Atkinson, winner of the Jerry Rice Award + a three-star transfer, is the fourth transfer to visit as coach Fran Brown rebuilds the quarterback room. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Returning from a month-long foot injury, Donnie Freeman scored a career-high 27 points with nine rebounds & three blocks to help Syracuse beat Georgia Tech on Tuesday night. His scoring burst and key fouls kept the win in reach as he reenergized the Orange’s offense. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Syracuse wide receiver Ja'Meer Thomas from Buffalo entered the transfer portal as one of 31 players to leave last offseason. He redshirted last year (with three years of eligibility remaining) and has not yet commented as the team prepares for the 2024 season under first-year head coach Fran Brown. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Syracuse guard Naithan George, who spent two seasons at Georgia Tech, turned boos into fuel Tuesday, Jan. 6 at McCamish Pavilion in Atlanta by scoring 17 points in an 82-72 win as his teammate Akir Souare also returned (he was also with Georgia Tech), and the duo honored their roots. Syracuse.com
- ➤ The NYSSWA released girls basketball state rankings that show five Section III teams in the top five from games played through Jan. 4; undefeated CBA is No. 4 and will face unbeaten Marcellus at home at 7:45 p.m. today. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Former Miami Ohio receiver Cole Weaver transfers to Syracuse to boost the football offense today. He played in 15 of 16 games last season, catching 45 passes for 642 yards and will add depth with two seasons of eligibility. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Heavy snowfall in December brought a record surge of visitors to Greek Peak as local ski resorts enjoyed a strong season start. The popular resort saw more skiers eager to hit safe slopes following one of the snowiest Decembers on record. CNY Central
- ➤ Former Syracuse defensive back Kaylib Singleton, who played seven games as a true freshman and recorded 16 tackles, will transfer to Mississippi State this month to pursue more playing time — he has three seasons of eligibility remaining. Syracuse.com
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Cheat Codes Concert
9 PM - 12 AM — Westcott Theatre — Tickets start at $102 — Experience an unforgettable night with Cheat Codes live in Syracuse.
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Springfield Thunderbirds vs. Syracuse Crunch
7-9 p.m. — Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling night of hockey with the Springfield Thunderbirds battling the Syracuse Crunch.
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Belleville Senators vs. Syracuse Crunch
7-9 p.m. — Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting AHL matchup as the Belleville Senators take on the Syracuse Crunch.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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