Daily
Syracuse
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Syracuse. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Rotary Club of Syracuse held its annual Christmas party at Drumlins Country Club on Dec. 17. The event featured gift-giving and festive activities for local children from the city school district, continuing a 100-year tradition of holiday cheer. CNY Central
- ➤ On Wednesday, the Salvation Army distributed holiday gifts and food at the Oncenter to nearly 2,200 families (about 5,000 children) during its annual Christmas Bureau Distribution Day. The event involved community partners and hundreds of volunteers to brighten the season for local residents. CNY Central
- ➤ Sarah Walton LaFave has been named the permanent executive director of Blueprint 15 (a nonprofit helping public housing residents on the Southside) as redevelopment continues. She served as interim director since September and will formally begin her tenure in January 2026. Central Current
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Wendy’s is coming to Destiny USA (the largest mall) near Dick’s Sporting Goods. Officials say an opening date will be announced soon. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Wendy's will open this winter in Destiny USA's expansion on Level 2 near DICK'S Sporting Goods. The fast-food chain will offer its popular Baconators to mall guests (final dates pending). CNY Central
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ College of Visual and Performing Arts students partnered with former players Brian Tarrant ’96 and Rob Konrad ’02 to bring the Legend of 44 exhibition to life — honoring Syracuse football’s legacy with artifacts, including helmets and cleats — outside Club 44 at Gate C in the JMA Wireless Dome. Syracuse University
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday at Onondaga Community College, Undersheriff Jeffrey Passino earned his Criminal Justice degree after completing required courses over two decades of full-time work; he retired (January 2022) and now serves as a School Resource Officer at Oswego City High School. CNY Central
- ➤ Exalt is launching a program in Syracuse to help at-risk youth aged 13-19 go back to school or enter work; the nonprofit will begin with 10 students in four and a half months training plus 2 years of alumni support, with $1.5 million from criminal justice services and private funds. CNY Central
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ CNY Central answered eight questions (covering amendments, insurance coverage, recording procedures, and eligibility rules) about Governor Hochul’s plan to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act Wednesday to allow terminally ill patients to end their lives with medical assistance. CNY Central
- ➤ Syracuse will welcome a new mayor in the coming year as Mayor Ben Walsh reaches his term limit. Deputy mayor Sharon Owens will assume the role starting in 2026 during discussions hosted by CenterState CEO Rob Simpson on regional growth and future plans. WCNY
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ SUNY is launching a new LPN training program at the Educational Opportunity Center on the South Side; the program will enroll 20 students in 2026 and double in its second year following a $30 million renovation near East Adams & is backed by a $270,000 grant. Syracuse.com
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Oneida Lake has been ranked the second-best ice fishing destination in America by FishingBooker. The lake, located 30 minutes northeast of Syracuse, is known for its quick-freeze conditions for walleye and yellow perch while scientists warn that its ice cover may shrink in future winters. Syracuse.com
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A Tom Petty Christmas by Hard Promises
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Middle Ages Brewing Company — $ — Celebrate the holidays with classic rock tunes performed by a talented local band.
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Syracuse Speed Dating Event for Singles Aged 36-49
2-4 p.m. — P.F. Chang's — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and efficient speed dating format.
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World Ballet Company - The Nutcracker
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Tickets from $86 — Experience the magic of holiday ballet with the World Ballet Company's enchanting performance of The Nutcracker.
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Disney On Ice - Mickey's Search Party
4:00-5:30 p.m. — Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical journey with Mickey and friends in this enchanting ice show.
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Open Mic Night with ATTAMIZK & Friends
8:30-11 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Tickets starting at $7.17 — Enjoy a night of live Americana music at Syracuse's vibrant open mic event.
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Disney On Ice: Mickey's Search Party
4:00 – 5:30 PM — The Oncenter Civic Center Theaters — Ticket prices vary — Experience an enchanting ice show featuring Mickey and friends on a thrilling adventure.
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New Year’s Eve Party with Sophistafunk and Special Guests
8:30 PM - 1:00 AM — Funk 'n Waffles — Tickets starting at $29.30 — Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a night of funk, hip hop, and special guests including sax legend Sam Kininger.
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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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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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