Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 19th of December.
Good morning, Syracuse.
🏘️ Community
Thirty-four people from 19 nations became U.S. citizens at the James M.
Hanley Federal Building on Thursday morning. U.S. Army specialist Vincent Mugisha’s platoon from Fort Drum and families cheered as Judge Mitchell Katz delivered a moving address plus patriotic notes were sung.
The Student Government Association office at Schine Student Center has been renovated to honor Sandy Phillips, a student leader who died on Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988.
German Nolivos spearheaded the project to display Phillips’ photo, plaques, and a poetry quote to inspire current students.
💼 Business
Found Things Plant Shop in East Syracuse offers rare, fresh plants, decorative planters, and seasonal gifts to help visitors create a perfect green space.
The nursery (2937 Erie Boulevard) is open Tuesday to Sunday.
🎓 Education
Fei Wang, an associate teaching professor at the School of Architecture who built global design bridges for students, died in London on Dec.
8 in a traffic accident. A memorial service in Syracuse will be planned in January to honor his lasting legacy.
SUNY Upstate University Hospital staff visited McKinley Brighton Elementary School on Dec.
18 to adopt a classroom and deliver over 100 holiday gift bags to students in partnership with Syracuse City Schools. The event featured Mrs. Claus, elves — and the Grinch handing out gifts.
Real Chemistry founder Jim Weiss established The Agency, Home of the Weiss Center at the Newhouse School in November to ready students for AI-driven health and strategic communications.
He donated $1.75 million, including $500,000 to support Syracuse Athletics’ programs.
Chancellor Kent Syverud told the Senate on Dec.
18 that Syracuse University’s FY26 budget remains balanced and highlighted fall successes including launching Falk College of Sport, opening the Center for the Creator of Economy, Claude AI adoption, and starting construction on new residence halls and a hotel (opening fall 2027).
🌲 Environment
Governor Kathy Hochul endorsed a plan to plant 25 million trees by 2033 to lower emissions; SUNY ESF Professor Colin Beier said it will take years for the trees to grow and filter air.
The plan faces challenges with funding and seed stock as it aims to combat climate change.
🏛️ Government
New mileage-based exit numbers were installed on Tuesday, Dec.
16 in Syracuse; changes include the Business Loop now marked exit 81 and the Thruway sign showing exit 90, linking mile markers to exit numbers.
🏥 Health
The Medical Aid in Dying Act passed this spring and will go to Governor Hochul for signature after next month’s amendments vote.
The law allows qualifying terminally ill patients to access a prescribed life-ending medication with multiple physicians’ approvals (a process mirroring practices in 12 other states and D.C.).
On Dec. 5, the Onondaga County Health Department inspected Xiong China Garden (Clay) and found critical food safety violations; the restaurant corrected issues with food storage and hand hygiene and expects a reinspection in two weeks.
Over 100 healthcare workers rallied Thursday outside Central Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center as contract talks stalled after employees worked without a contract since Sept.
30 — union representatives said negotiations began in July with each side holding distinct positions.
🎉 Syracuse Events
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🏠 Syracuse Real Estate
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📣 Syracuse Announcements
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