Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025
Good morning, Syracuse. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 3rd of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ National Grid employees volunteered on Tuesday to decorate the Samaritan Center’s dining area (an interfaith center that fights hunger) and brighten the space for about 250 patrons. The decorations, provided for over five years (helping to spark the holiday season), underscored a long-standing community connection. CNY Central
- ➤ Charlotte 'Chuckie' Holstein, a 100-year-old civic leader who co-founded Leadership Greater Syracuse and FOCUS Greater Syracuse, died Tuesday at her home after a lifetime of public service to the community. Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 8 at Temple Concord—visitation is scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. with burial to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Registration for Salvation Army’s Christmas Bureau Distribution Day is underway for families and individuals who meet income guidelines and must register before the event. The distribution will take place on Wednesday December 17 at The Oncenter — registrants need to bring personal ID and income documents or a Benefits Summary Sheet. CNY Central
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Actors Gavin Lampert, Jojo Harper-McNeal and Kenley Sample talked with Youth Actor Supervisor Joe McCurdy about the play A Christmas Story now playing at Syracuse Stage, offering a festive holiday experience for local viewers. WCNY
- ➤ The beloved Broadway musical Wicked is taking the stage at Landmark Theatre today—promising a cinematic twist on the classic Land of Oz. Company Manager Steve Quinn said the setup worked well despite heavy snow and the show will run through Dec. 14 with tickets available online, by phone, or at the box office. CNY Central
- ➤ Professor Robert Thompson, a trustee at the Newhouse School, analyzed eight classic TV shows for The CW Network’s new series TV We Love—filmed in one day at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown. The series concluded recently and featured discussions on shows like I Love Lucy and Happy Days that highlighted the impact of American television on culture. Syracuse University
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Americans set a record with $11.8 billion spent on Black Friday, and Adobe Analytics estimated Cyber Monday spending would hit $14.2 billion—more than a six percent rise from last year—while small businesses reported pressure to offer steep discounts to keep up with big retailers. CitrusTV
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Child literacy remains a challenge in Syracuse as only 22% of SCSD third graders are reading on grade level based on 2019 data from the Early Childhood Alliance. On December 2, guest experts Laurie Black of the United Way and Dr. Maria Murray of The Reading League discussed efforts to boost literacy through the Book Buddies program and teacher training—measures aimed at improving student outcomes. WCNY
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Syracuse had two notable snowfalls this winter on Black Friday and Tuesday, Dec. 2—several inches fell across the area. The CNY Central Weather Authority Team released its Winter Weather Outlook in late October and expects more snow as meteorological winter continues. CNY Central
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Monday, Onondaga Civic Development Corp approved a $1 million grant to Friends of Onondaga County Aquarium so it can begin acquiring species such as sea dragons for the $100 million facility set to open next summer—this grant covers part of the $4.2 million startup cost while the nonprofit secures other funds through donations and finalizes permits. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Governor Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday that the design phase for a $450M hospital annex at SUNY Upstate will begin soon—upgrading emergency, burn, and operating rooms to improve patient care. Cannon Design will lead the project with several MWBE and SDVOB-certified subconsultants. CNY Central
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Older Central New Yorkers with HIV/AIDS face extra health issues like heart disease, diabetes, bone loss, and cognitive decline from long-term medication use—making it hard for rural providers to know if these problems come from aging or treatment. ACR Health provides care management and insurance help and is hosting World AIDS Day events today in Syracuse and December 4 in Utica. WAER
- ➤ Bernard Appiah received the prestigious K. Everett M. Rogers Award on Nov. 3 at the APHA conference in Washington, D.C. for his work in using radio shows to spread health information in low- and middle-income communities — he now teaches at Syracuse University and his innovative methods have helped increase timely vaccinations in places like Ethiopia. Syracuse University
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Anime Night Before Christmas
7-11 p.m. — The Song & Dance — Ticketed event — Experience the blend of anime culture with live music, vendors, and cosplay fun.
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Syracuse City Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Cost TBD — Enjoy the annual holiday favorite as Syracuse City Ballet brings The Nutcracker to life.
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Syracuse City Ballet's The Nutcracker
2:00 – 3:30 PM — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the magic of the holiday season with the annual presentation of The Nutcracker by the Syracuse City Ballet.
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The Bog Brothers Live
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Tickets starting at $13.07 — Experience a lively evening of Americana music with The Bog Brothers, a local favorite blending roots and folk styles.
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Guys and Dolls
7-10 p.m. — Redhouse Arts Center — Check website for ticket pricing — A classic musical filled with charm and wit set in New York City.
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Twelve Twenty Four: Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute
6-9:30 p.m. — Westcott Theater — $— Experience an electrifying holiday spectacle with the nation's original TSO tribute band featuring soaring guitars and dazzling lights.
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Christmas Candlelight Classics
7 PM — Inspiration Hall — Sold out — Experience traditional holiday favorites performed in an intimate setting with family-friendly charm.
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Open Mic Night Featuring J. Heathen
8:30-11:30 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — 18+ — Enjoy an evening of Americana vibes with local talents at this open mic night.
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Grateful Upstate Toodeloo
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Age 18+ — Celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead with talented local jam bands.
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Guys and Dolls Musical Performance
7 p.m. — Redhouse Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the charm of New York City through the engaging romantic comedy of gambling and love.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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