WAER News Round Up: Dec.19 - 23

WAER | By Yoki Tang

Published December 23, 2022 at 7:26 PM EST

A graphic of notebook paper lists the top stories of the week of Dec. 19-23, 2022.

The holidays are bringing a sharp increase in travelers to the Syracuse airport, while the entire region is under hazardous and freezing winter conditions. Also this week the county reported more than a dozen fentanyl-related overdoses in 36 hours.

Catch up on more of the week's news below:

1.Flash freeze may impact holiday travel for Central New Yorkers

A satellite image of the United State shows large white clouds swirling over most of the country except for parts of the southwest.

An incoming winter storm and rare weather event known as a flash freeze may impact holiday travel in the Central New York region.

2. Syracuse airport bracing for record number of holiday travelers

A decorated Christmas tree with red and gold ornaments sits in front of two escalators. — A decorated Christmas tree decorates the Syracuse Hancock International Airport for the holidays.

The Syracuse airport was expecting one of the biggest volumes of holiday travelers this season.

3. 14 overdoses in 36 hours alarm Onondaga County officials

Fentanyl is an extremely potent and lethal opioid. As of late, it has been found in other illicit substances, leaving those who use drugs at high risk of accidentally overdosing on fentanyl.

4. NY lawmakers raise their pay to $142K, making them highest-paid state legislators in US

Democrats who lead the New York State Senate and Assembly voted to raise their pay by $32,000 a year to an annual base salary of $142,000.

5. Syracuse's creative sector is growing, but still needs support

Barbara Floch creates a variety of items with upcycled materials at Delavan Studios. November 29, 2022.

Syracuse local artists may get a spotlight during the holiday season, but they still need the report from local leaders to recognize the arts key role in future economic development.

6. Indigenous college students get help coping and belonging from a Native American healer at Syracuse University

Syracuse University started the Haudenosaunee Promise Scholarship, along with a Native student Program and the Indigenous Students at Syracuse student group. Other changes are happening to assist, including hiring Diane Shenandoah as a Native American healer.

Diane Shenandoah was hired by Syracuse University to help with indigenous students' wellness and sense of belonging, part of changes to campus that serve and acknowledge Native American culture.

7. New county plan deters sale of farmland to developers

A booklet that says "Onondaga County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan" lies on a table. — The Onondaga County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan pamphlet lies on a table.

The new Onondaga County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan was designed to protect the county's best soil, especially when a farmer decides to retire and make big money selling to a developer.

8. Holiday season isn't the only time for giving, CNY Diaper Bank says

Diapers sit on racks at the CNY Diaper Bank at their former Shoppingtown Mall location.

As the holiday shopping season comes to an end, some people in Central New York were looking for those last-minute presents, but other families were struggling to buy diapers and other necessities for their infants.