Hi there, Syracuse! We've got your morning read ready! Read on to stay connected. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Jay Medal Soirée and 7 more events.
Today's riddle: What is the 1 way to guarantee winning a small fortune at the casino? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Haynie backs SU's investments, says demand isn't 'problem' (dailyorange.com subscription) — Syracuse University Chancellor Mike Haynie is reassuring the campus that SU's budget deficit is manageable while doubling down on investments in top programs and new initiatives. He says demand for a Syracuse education remains strong and has tasked a 12-person committee with recommending concrete steps by November to address the shortfall and support future growth.
2. SPD staffing shortage could take years to fix (cnycentral.com) — Syracuse's police force is still short about 64 officers, and Chief Mark Rusin warns it could take several years to rebuild staffing to the 425–450 officers he believes the city needs. Despite hiring bonuses, free exams, and relaxed residency rules, most applicants are screened out, forcing SPD to reshuffle units and shift gang investigations while trying to recruit and retain experienced officers.
3. Lithium-ion battery recycling amid uptick in fires (spectrumlocalnews.com) — Syracuse fire officials are warning residents about the growing risk of lithium-ion battery fires and stressing proper disposal at local drop-off sites, including OCRRA locations within 30 minutes of downtown. Experts say nearly all New Yorkers live near recycling stations, and emphasize that everyday items like e-bikes, laptops, and vape pens can spark dangerous, long-burning chemical fires if mishandled.
4. NYS Fair souvenir stories: Syracuse attorney found a competitive outlet inside Horticulture Building (newyorkupstate.com) — A Syracuse attorney has turned his lifelong competitive streak into a winning hobby inside the New York State Fair's Horticulture Building. Growing up in the city and now living in Onondaga County, he's collected ribbons for meticulously prepared plants while building friendships and a friendly rivalry with his sister over who can grow the best blooms.
5. Rochester and Syracuse among cities sharing $20 million for youth programs (fingerlakes1.com) — Syracuse will receive $2 million in new state funding for youth programs through Project RISE, supporting mentoring, mental health services, arts, sports, and job training. The grant is part of a $20 million package for 10 New York communities, with local steering committees deciding how the money is shared among Syracuse organizations and grassroots groups.
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Ok Syracuse! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: By starting with a large fortune. (Thank you Kourtney Z. for sending it in!)
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