Daily
Syracuse
Thursday, October 2nd, 2025
Good morning, Syracuse. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 2nd of October.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ More than 1,150 workers have returned to work at the Novelis plant in Scriba—resuming operations two weeks after a fire forced the shutdown. The company says the facility’s hot mill will be fully restored by early 2026. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Tops Friendly Markets reopened two renovated stores in Manlius and Fayetteville after spending over $4.4M on upgrades; local leaders and Tops officials cut ribbons on Oct 1 and joined in donating to nonprofits. The remodels added new food options including an expanded deli and refreshed bakery — upgrades that aim to enhance the shopping experience. CNY Central
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Syracuse jazz entrepreneur Frank Malfitano created the 'Legendary Syracuse Firsts' mural during the COVID-19 pandemic to revitalize public art and honor four basketball trailblazers known for their social justice work—Breanna Stewart, Earl Lloyd Jr., Dolph Schayes and Manny Breland—and he secured funding through community and corporate donations after a funding veto. The Daily Orange
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The new STEAM School—housed in the restored Central Tech building downtown—welcomed its first class on October 1 as partners from private, public, and nonprofit groups joined forces to boost local opportunities. STEAM School principal Dan Straub and district executive director Erin Noto discussed class progress and the school’s role in regional growth on a local podcast. WCNY
- ➤ Syracuse University announced its Center for the Creator Economy on Sept. 30, offering courses, research and industry links to help students begin careers in digital media and entrepreneurship. The center is a joint venture by the Whitman and Newhouse Schools—an advisory council and faculty will guide programs while on-campus events are planned later this fall. Syracuse University
- ➤ Over summer, Syracuse University removed over 165 words that referenced DEIA from its IDEA course description and reworded two shared competencies without faculty input—faculty are now concerned that the lack of consultation may affect discussions on social justice while the university maintains that course obligations remain unchanged. The changes were made during the summer and will not alter students’ learning outcomes. The Daily Orange
- ➤ Jennifer Gaffney, the leader of Sackets Harbor Central School District, was named Superintendent of the Year for 2026 by the state school council after her calm leadership helped her district through an ICE raid and a pandemic—she will also be New York's nominee for National Superintendent of the Year in February and be honored at a winter institute in March. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Onondaga Community College opened its $15 million cleanroom simulator to help students learn semiconductor technology for future jobs at Micron Technology and other tech firms—students in several classes are already using $5 million worth of equipment donated from Micron factories worldwide. Syracuse.com
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Fall colors are peaking in the Adirondacks and Catskills this week as observers report nearly full hues in key spots; Allegany State Park will approach prime viewing this weekend—offering a timely chance to enjoy the season. Syracuse.com
FINANCE NEWS
- ➤ The Mega Millions jackpot grew to $520 million after no grand prize winners were reported for the drawing on Tuesday, September 30—making it the largest jackpot of 2025. Tickets for the next drawing will be available for players to win lesser prizes. CNY Central
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Four mayoral candidates—Sharon Owens, Tom Babilon, Tim Rudd, and Alfonso Davis—will take part in four debates later this month before early voting starts on Oct. 25. They will present their ideas to replace incumbent Ben Walsh and give voters a chance to compare their plans. Syracuse.com
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ George Caswell Baker Jr., a 79-year-old volunteer firefighter and outdoorsman from Sullivan, died Saturday after contracting eastern equine encephalitis, a rare mosquito-borne illness that claimed its first death in Central NY in a decade. He had been preparing for races and hunting and is survived by three children and six grandsons while calling hours are held from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday and a funeral is set for 11 a.m. Tuesday in Chittenango. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Onondaga County will offer free flu shots at a drive-thru clinic at NBT Bank Stadium on Oct. 6—after first responders are served, about 100 to 150 doses will be available to the public with required online sign up. Syracuse.com
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Home builder Dan Barnaba will soon begin construction on his 38-home Glen View development in Salina — each house will use only electric heating, appliances, and stoves following the state's ban on gas equipment in new homes. Syracuse.com
-
Country Folk Art Show
5-9 p.m. — New York State Fairgrounds — $8 at the door — Experience a vibrant market showcasing unique handmade items and artisan crafts.
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Inner Harbor 5K
12:30 PM — 425 Solar St, Syracuse, NY — Registration required — Participate in a fun 5K run or the 2k Peace Run for Brexi while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
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Anella Concert
7-9:30 p.m. — Westcott Theater — Tickets starting at $75 — Experience an unforgettable performance from Anella in Syracuse.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
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