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Weather
High: 18. Low: 12. Arctic blast hits CNY; see 5-day forecast.
Photo of the day
Workers begin clearing trees at the Micron construction site on Caughdenoy Rd in the town of Clay. January 19, 2026. Glenn Coin| gcoin@syracuse.comglenn coin | gcoin@syracuse.com
Three days after the ceremonial groundbreaking, real construction began Monday on Micron Technology’s massive chipmaking complex in Clay. Tree-felling machines started clearing 436 acres of forest on Caughdenoy Road. The initial site preparation contract is valued at $1 billion, with crews racing to complete tree removal before March 31 when work must pause to protect endangered bat species. (Dennis Nett photo)
The latest
Closing part of Syracuse’s elevated viaduct forever: At the end of 2026, New York state plans to close forever part of the elevated Interstate 81 through downtown Syracuse.Here’s what to expect on the I-81 project this year, before the rest of the viaduct comes down in 2027 and 2028.
What’s trending
OCWA completes water main repair, lifts restrictions: Mandatory water restrictions that affected 27,000 customers in six Central New York towns have been lifted after nearly a month. The Onondaga County Water Authority has completed repairs to the ruptured transmission main that caused the crisis on Dec. 20. While the line is now pressurized and the water is safe to drink, OCWA is asking residents to continue voluntary conservation until the Eastern Reservoir returns to normal levels later this week. The repair costs are expected to be “in the millions,” according to the OCWA’s executive director, but will be covered by the agency’s $5 million reserve fund.
State labor investigator charged with defrauding taxpayers: A New York State Labor Department investigator whose job was to investigate wage theft has been charged with stealing from taxpayers. Matthew Bolen, 43, allegedly worked a second job with the Gardner Group while falsely claiming he was performing his state duties in Syracuse. Bolen, who earned $94,277 in 2024, faces four felony charges, including grand larceny and filing false instruments with intent to defraud. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in Syracuse City Court on Wednesday.
2 men die, 6-year-old boy survives after snowmobile goes through ice: Two men died this weekend when their snowmobile broke through the ice on the Oswegatchie River during an ice fishing trip in the Adirondacks. A 6-year-old boy who was with them survived the accident and managed to walk to safety. Michael Booth, 48, and Bryan LaPlante, 33, were found unresponsive in the water after Patrick LaPlante, 51, attempted a rescue but fell through the ice himself. Despite emergency responders’ efforts to resuscitate them, both men were later pronounced dead.
Looking ahead
Beloved Syracuse winter tradition is back: Green Beer Sunday, one of Central New York’s most joyful winter traditions, returns to Coleman’s Authentic Irish Pub on Feb. 22. The celebration transforms Tipperary Hill with green pilsner flowing from a tanker truck, live music and a neighborhood parade that draws thousands. The festivities continue with the Tipperary Hill Shamrock Run on March 7, followed by the ceremonial painting of the green stripe on March 13, and culminating with Syracuse’s 44th annual St. Patrick’s Parade on March 14.
NYS Fairgrounds to host state’s biggest sportsman’s show this weekendRapper drops out of music festival that’s coming to Upstate NYSports
Frankfort Schuyler vs Faith Heritage boys basketball at Faith Heritage High School Monday January 19, 2026 in Syracuse, NY (Robert Grossman | Contributing Photographer)Robert Grossman | Contributing Photographer
Frankfort-Schuyler’s boys basketball team beat Faith Heritage, 83-75, on Monday to improve to 11-1 this season. The Maroon Knights have won seven games in a row. Story, more photos (Robert Grossman photo)
After playoff struggles, Bills dismiss head coach: The Buffalo Bills made a surprising move on Monday, firing head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons. Owner Terry Pegula said the team needs “a new structure within our leadership” to reach “the next level,” acknowledging McDermott was “instrumental in the Bills becoming a perennial playoff team.” Several players expressed surprise at the decision, with defensive tackle DaQuan Jones writing it “don’t make sense.”
Fran Brown wants to make sure history doesn’t repeat itself: Syracuse football coach Fran Brown learned from last season’s quarterback catastrophe, adding three experienced transfer QBs to the roster. Former five-star recruit Malachi Nelson joins the Orange despite previous stops at USC, Boise State and UTEP. Amari Odom brings impressive credentials after throwing for 2,594 yards and 26 total touchdowns at Kennesaw State. Georgetown transfer Danny Lauter rounds out the additions to a quarterback room that now features four signal-callers with starting experience. The influx of talent creates genuine competition for Steve Angeli, who remains QB1 while recovering from a torn Achilles.
MORE SPORTS
In brief
Upstate NY congresswoman accused of misusing campaign funds on tennis trips, swag
Where do Americans live the longest? See rankings of life expectancy by state (map)
Man dies after helping others escape Upstate NY house fire
Former corrections officer avoids prison for planting evidence after inmate death
Bar, health building, fast food: See 24 latest business, apartment, land sales
Today’s obituary: James Harriff, 77, was a local pastor and real estate agent
Today’s obituaries
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