TOP LOCAL STORIES: SYRACUSE, N.Y. — WEEK IN REVIEW

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Central New York saw a week of major weather disruptions, shifting broadcast access, surprise sports news, and a high-profile upset win that energized the Syracuse University community. Here’s a roundup of the top local stories from the past week.

Rapper Toosii, a Syracuse native, Announced He Will Join Syracuse University Football Program

CBS5 Programming Shifts to New Channel, Prompting Viewer Frustrations

A major broadcast realignment took effect on Dec. 1 as CBS5 programming in the Syracuse market moved from WTVH to WKOF. The change was intended to be seamless, but many viewers across Central New York reported black screens, missing channels, and program-guide errors on Monday and Tuesday.

Cable and streaming providers, including Spectrum and FiOS, said the technical issues stemmed from a combination of signal remapping and outdated set-top boxes still in circulation. Engineering teams are working to restore services and correct schedule listings.

The shift comes at the start of the winter severe-weather season, raising concerns that viewers may struggle to access local news updates if the problems persist.

Winter Storm Closes Schools, Highlights Snow-Plowing Concerns

A winter weather system rolling across Central New York forced the Syracuse City School District — along with neighboring Ithaca — to close on Tuesday. The early-season snowfall renewed community concerns about the city’s snow-removal capacity.

A recent audit by the Syracuse City Auditor’s Office found that relatively few private snow-plow contractors operating in the city are properly licensed. The finding has sparked frustration in neighborhoods that historically see slower plow response times, including parts of the South Side and Eastwood.

City officials say they are reviewing contractor compliance and staffing levels ahead of heavier winter storms expected later this month.

Rapper Toosii Announces He Will Join Syracuse University Football Program

Multi-platinum rap artist Toosii, a former Syracuse resident known for hits such as “Favorite Song,” announced that he will pause his music career to play football at Syracuse University. SU head coach Fran Brown extended the opportunity, which Toosii called “a sign from God.”

The 25-year-old said he is committed to pursuing a degree while attempting a return to competitive football. It remains unclear whether he will join as a scholarship player or walk-on, but the news has drawn national attention, generating significant buzz on social media and sports platforms.

The move adds star power and visibility to a Syracuse program looking to rebuild after a disappointing season.

Syracuse Men’s Basketball Stuns No. 13 Tennessee in Last-Second Upset

In one of the biggest moments of the early college basketball season, the Syracuse Orange upset No. 13 Tennessee on Tuesday night at the JMA Wireless Dome, winning 62–60 in a dramatic ACC/SEC Challenge matchup.

The game featured 12 ties and 16 lead changes before William Kyle III hit a free throw with 13.8 seconds remaining, followed by another clutch foul shot from freshman Sadiq White Jr. with 0.7 seconds left. Tennessee’s desperate full-court toss at the buzzer missed, securing the Orange’s first win over the Volunteers since 1993.

The victory marked a significant morale boost for a program that finished last season 3–9 and has faced questions about offensive consistency and depth. Fans flooded social media calling the win a “statement” heading into conference play.

Looking Ahead

Central New York expects more winter weather over the next week as city officials work to address plowing and contractor licensing concerns. Meanwhile, the broadcast shift to WKOF continues to generate viewer feedback, and Syracuse University athletics will look to build on the momentum from this week’s surprising developments.