Each week, syracuse.com will look back at some of our most important and valuable journalism from the previous week. Here are six stories for the week of Aug. 17, 2025.
Crime is dropping fast in Syracuse. Police chief says it’s a snowball effect
Crime in Syracuse has fallen in 2025, with total crimes down 27% compared to last year. Police Chief Joe Cecile credits its network of “credible messengers” who intervene after shootings to prevent retaliation. The approach includes officers spending time walking their beats instead of remaining in vehicles, allowing for community engagement in crime hotspots. While Syracuse’s improvements outpace national trends — with homicides down 33% locally compared to 17% nationally — Mayor Ben Walsh emphasizes they’re “not taking a victory lap” and that “one murder is one too many.”
What will Business Loop 81 look like as drivers approach Syracuse? See new drawing
The state transportation department has started digging under the elevated Interstate 81 in downtown Syracuse, marking the first steps toward replacing the highway with a street-level “Business Loop 81.” The project includes a new roundabout at Van Buren Street, relocated from its originally planned position after community protests. Construction has already begun near Van Buren Street, with dirt piles visible along the former Renwick Avenue. The project aims to slow traffic and improve pedestrian access while monitoring environmental impacts on nearby neighborhoods.
Whose fault is the big National Grid rate hike? Let the finger-pointing begin
Governor Kathy Hochul criticized the Public Service Commission for not cutting enough from National Grid’s rate increase, despite the PSC’s claims that they significantly reduced the utility’s initial request. The approved three-year rate plan, effective September, will add about $600 annually to the average household’s bill by the end of the term. Hochul, who has made affordability a cornerstone of her administration, stated “it’s still not enough” and directed utilities to “make ratepayer affordability the priority.” National Grid officials noted that infrastructure replacement costs are driving rate increases, suggesting state and federal funding may be needed to prevent further customer bill increases…