Good morning, Syracuse.

GameStop will close more locations in New York state this month as part of its store portfolio optimization review (noted in its Dec.

9 Q3 earnings) following over 20 Upstate closures last year, and some Syracuse-area stores remain open.

The Erie Canal remains a symbol of innovation and community legacy in Syracuse as its history is celebrated through interactive displays at the Erie Canal Museum (located in the historic Weighlock Building) along with narrated boat rides available from May to early October at Dave Beebe Camillus Erie Canal Park.

The nonprofit Hiawatha Institute for Indigenous Knowledge signed an agreement to purchase the Wells College campus in Aurora for $12.5 million and plans to reopen it as a two-year college with courses in business, agriculture and environmental sciences, pending due diligence and regulatory approvals.

Fayetteville-Manlius School District in Onondaga County ranked among New York’s top 30 for math and English language arts when state tests from the 2024–2025 school year showed 84 percent and 78 percent proficiency, respectively — the highest scores in the county.

The state Department of Education released the assessments in December.

Upstate University Hospital in Syracuse remained the only Central NY facility to earn Magnet recognition – its 2025 renewal highlighted programs like Meds to Beds pharmacy, a food bank for patients, and Hospital at Home.

The Onondaga County Health Department inspected local restaurants during the week of Dec.

21-27; one establishment in Mattydale received an unsatisfactory rating for critical safety issues, one restaurant corrected previous violations, and 20 facilities met standards.

At JMA Wireless Dome on New Year's Eve, 6-year-old David from Baldwinsville enjoyed a courtside visit where Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony signed his foam finger with a personal note — a comforting moment amid his chemotherapy.

He will begin another treatment round on Monday, Jan. 12.

Onondaga County Health Department warned that hospitals such as Upstate University, St. Joseph's, and Crouse are overwhelmed by flu cases and Health Commissioner Dr. Kathryn Anderson advised residents to seek care only if they have severe symptoms (including chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or vomiting) or belong to high-risk groups.

Syracuse’s Limp Lizard Bar & Grill — located on Onondaga Blvd — offers three-way smoked meat platters and smoked chicken wings in a busy, family-friendly spot that rebuilt its rustic look after a 2016 remodel.

Diners can enjoy cold beer and friendly service all day.

Georgia transfer linebacker Kris Jones (a four-star prospect) is set to visit Syracuse today as head coach Fran Brown continues recruiting former UGA players.

He has also visited Kentucky and plans to visit Boston College.

Marcellus held CBA to a season-low 31 points in Thursday night's game, winning 49-31 as Cece Powell scored 17 and nears 2,000 career points.

The team will try to extend its unbeaten streak when it hosts Homer at 5 p.m. Saturday.

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.

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.

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.

Jazz Jam

3–5 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live jazz music in a cozy atmosphere.