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🌱 Patch AM: How upcoming I-81 and I-690 work could snarl your commute

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Sunday September 20th Patch AM
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Greetings Syracuse! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • How upcoming I-81 and I-690 work could snarl your commute
  • Where Syracuse kids can now read while getting a haircut
  • How Syracuse police and runners teamed up for suicide prevention support

Also on today's calendar: First-Time Homebuyers Webinar with Tompkins Bank & Trust and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What do an island and the letter "t" have in common? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Sunday: Periods of rain, with a high of 65 and low of 47 degrees.
  • Monday: Clouds and breaks of sun, temps: high: 65, low: 46.
  • Tuesday: Intervals of clouds and sun, with a high of 66 and low of 44 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. TRAFFIC: Upcoming construction will close parts of I-81 and reduce lanes on I-690 (localsyr.com) — Drivers in Syracuse should prepare for significant changes on I-81 and I-690 next week, including an overnight closure of the I-81 northbound off-ramp to the Thruway in Salina and daytime lane reductions on I-690 through the city. Detours will route traffic through Mattydale and South Bay Road, and officials urge slower speeds and extra caution in these active work zones.
   

2. "Barbershop Books" launches new literacy initiative in Syracuse (cnycentral.com) — Syracuse kids can now grab a book with their haircut, thanks to a new Barbershop Books literacy program bringing children's titles into local barbershops and salons. Coordinated with Onondaga Community College, libraries, and schools, the initiative launched at Betts Branch Library and aims to create neighborhood "literacy bubbles" that make reading easy and inviting in everyday community spaces.
   

3. Community and police step out for first-ever Suicide Prevention Awareness 5k (cnycentral.com) — Syracuse residents joined city police and the Syracuse Run Club on the Onondaga Creekwalk for the first Suicide Prevention Awareness 5K, held during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. Officers and runners stressed checking in on struggling friends, the mental health benefits of running, and shared how to find future club runs and 24/7 crisis support through the 988 hotline.
   

4. Honor Flight brings emotional welcome home for Vietnam veterans returning to Syracuse (cnycentral.com) — More than 80 Central New York veterans, many from the Vietnam era, received an emotional welcome home at Syracuse Hancock International Airport after an Honor Flight Syracuse day trip to Washington, D.C. Families, friends, and supporters lined the terminal with signs and flags, giving veterans long-overdue recognition, heartfelt letters, and a true hometown celebration they say contrasts sharply with their return from war decades ago.
   

5. SU formally inaugurates Mike Haynie as 13th chancellor (dailyorange.com) — Syracuse University formally installed Mike Haynie as its 13th chancellor at the JMA Wireless Dome, marking a major leadership moment for the city's largest institution. Local leaders, faculty, staff, students, and Syracuse's mayor highlighted his long campus history, veteran-focused initiatives, and plans to guide SU through rapid global and higher-ed changes.
   

📸 Around Syracuse

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Going to try this again.
    Look people if you are going to have an outdoor cat please spay or neuter them. It's not fair to the mother cat and for sure not fair to the babies… (Nextdoor South Valley)
  • Looking for help to rehome kittens found behind our house in Tipp Hill.
    On a waiting list for help with cat coalition and wayward paws. (Nextdoor Tipperary Hill)
  • Lucky Strike Entertainment posted a job opening for Porter in Syracuse. Apply here.
  • Target posted a job opening for Seasonal: 4am Inbound (Stocking) (T2324) in Syracuse. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Syracuse here.

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: They are both in the middle of water. (Thank you Curt K. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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