Watchdog/Public Affairs Journalist for edu @syracusedotcom | formerly @sfchronicle @VOAnews | @StanfordJourn alum | tips or to say hi! - mnewcomb@syracuse.com
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Articles by Melissa Newcomb
Poster: The Internet Quality Barometer Framework
arXiv:2509.19034 (cs) View PDF HTML (experimental) Comments: Subjects: Networking and Internet Architecture (cs.NI); Computers and Society (cs.CY) Cite as: arXiv:2509.19034 [cs.NI] (or arXiv:2509.19034v1 [cs.NI] for this version) https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2509.19034 Submission history From: Pavlos Sermpezis [ view email] [v1] Tue, 23 Sep 2025 14:06:27 UTC (252 KB) Bibliographic Tools Bibliographic Explorer Toggle Bibliographic Explorer () Connected Papers Toggle Connected Papers (What is...
Barriers to Incident Reporting by Physicians: A Survey of Surgical Residents and Attending Physicians
Specialty Please choose I'm not a medical professional. Allergy and Immunology Anatomy Anesthesiology Biostatistics Cardiac/Thoracic/Vascular Surgery Cardiology Critical Care Dentistry Dermatology Diabetes and Endocrinology Emergency Medicine Epidemiology and Public Health Family Medicine Forensic Medicine Gastroenterology General Practice Genetics Geriatrics Health Policy Hematology HIV/AIDS Hospital-based Medicine I'm not a medical professional.
Antiques from all over the world found a long-time home in this downtown Syracuse shop
A visitor walked into Antique Underground, an antique shop on E. Jefferson Street. His eyes wandered around the store crowded with thousands of antiques. There are old cameras, jewelry, pottery, paintings when you enter the front door. The owner, Bruce Block, grinned at him and asked how he could help. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
Monster Jam, Wine Fest, International Taste Fest: 12 things to do in CNY this week
Central New Yorkers have many great options of what to do with their time this Saturday. Monster Jam, Syracuse Wine Fest, International Taste Fest and three other entertaining events are all on the same day. Monster Jam is a family-friendly event that features 12,000-pound monster trucks competing in competitions of speed and skill. Attendees can watch fan-favorites like Grave Digger, JCB DIGatron Megalodon and more complete in stunts, backflips, racing and head-to-head battles.
Adult Easter egg hunts, WWE wrestling, art workshops: 12 things to do in CNY this week
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Adult Easter egg hunts, WWE wrestling, art workshops: 12 things to do in CNY this week
Adults who want to relive the joy of childhood Easter traditions can do so this week with events like a 21+ Easter egg hunt and an adult ice cream cake decorating class. Head to Beak & Skiff on Saturday for the 21+ Easter egg hunt where participants will combine the excitement of searching and finding Easter eggs with the excitement of creative alcoholic drinks and prizes. Prizes include candy, gift cards and event tickets.
‘Pretty Woman’ wows audience with character chemistry and playful humor at Syracuse Landmark (review)
The cast of Pretty Woman the Musical had the crowd laughing, singing and quickly on their feet for a standing ovation during opening night at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse Tuesday. The musical adaptation of one of Hollywood’s most beloved romantic comedies follows the plot of the movie but adds playful comedy, music and well-developed characters in ways that keep it feeling fresh. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
This LGBTQ meet up group is (secretly) taking Syracuse by storm
Kevin Bailey sat inside an empty Yeti Frozen Yogurt and Cafe on Westcott Street with a bowl of chicken noodle soup in front of him and stared at the door. It was cold and raining outside and it was only supposed to get worse. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
CNY Brewfest, Syracuse Half Marathon, Fairy Fest: 14 things to do this week in CNY
The week’s events feature a bit of something for everyone-- from musicals, to beer drinking to dressing up as a fairy and making crafts. On Tuesday the musical Pretty Woman starts performances at the Landmark Theatre. There are several chances to see this show this week, with the final performance being on Saturday night. On Friday and Saturday beer lovers can head to the NYS Fairgrounds Horticulture Building for the CNY Brewfest.
Thousands pack Syracuse for the 42nd annual St. Patrick’s Parade (96 photos)
Syracuse St. Patrick’s Parade, Saturday, March 16, 2024 Syracuse St. Patrick’s Parade, Saturday, March 16, 2024. Todd Slabaugh | Contributing photographer (Todd Slabaugh) Syracuse, N.Y. ― It was a picture-perfect parade day. The sun was out and thousands of parade-goers donning green lined the streets of Syracuse as city firefighters tossed necklaces into the crowds of cheering children while bagpipes played.
Thousands pack Syracuse for the 42nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
It’s a picture-perfect parade day. The sun is out and thousands of parade-goers donning green line the streets of Syracuse as city firefighters throw necklaces into the crowds of cheering children while bagpipes play. Each year Maura starts St. Patrick’s parade day the same, with a traditional Irish breakfast consisting of eggs, rashers, pudding and potatoes at Kitty Hoynes before heading out to watch the parade.
Salina Street adds a ‘leprechaun green’ stripe ahead of Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Parade
Miss Judy sat in a chair on the sidewalk waiting patiently on South Salina Street in her green dress and coat as the wind and cold cut through the air. A woman approached her and offered to help her inside, where she could wait in the warmth until it was time to start painting the traditional green stripe along the St. Patrick’s Parade route. Miss Judy politely declined.
St. Patrick’s Parade, Home and Garden Show, Collectors Con: 14 things to do this week in CNY
The popular St. Patrick’s Day Parade is this week along with a few other Irish festivities leading up to the parade. On Wednesday you can attend a St. Paddy’s mosaic workshop and learn how the basics of how to make a mosaic art piece. Learn how to make a St. Patrick’s themed drink at the Gilded Club on Thursday night. The host will guide attendees through the steps of making an Irish Coffee Martini.
Syracuse was ranked the worst city for dating. Why is it so hard to meet someone here?
When Nick took a new job recently, he was given the choice to stay in Syracuse or to pack up and move elsewhere. He grew up here and has friends and family in the area. And the job would be the same in both cities. He decided to move. He had plenty of reasons for leaving. But one stood out: Single life in Syracuse has been rough. “The challenges of dating here [are] at least 25 percent of the reason why I am leaving,” he said.
New cycling fitness studio in Syracuse is designed to feel like a party
Do you like partying more than working out? A new cycling and fitness studio opening in Syracuse this month is designed to feel more like going to the club than to the gym. Spoke Cycle and Fitness, located in the Wegmans Plaza in Dewitt, is an indoor cycling and fitness studio that specializes in high-energy, full-body workouts for all fitness levels. The studio will host a variety of classes daily including rhythm cycling, HIIT style bootcamp and mobility classes.
Women’s Day events, Folksmarch, Easter Bunny Breakfast: 10 things to do this week in CNY
This Friday is International Women’s Day. You can listen to inspiring local business women share their experiences and advice at the 2024 Central New York Women’s Summit. Of if you like to read, the Syracuse YMCA Downtown Writers Center is hosting a Women’s Day Celebration of Central New York authors where 14 local women authors will read from their books. This week is also a busy weekend for the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
Hundreds attend St. Baldrick’s event and shave their heads for childhood cancer
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Hundreds attend St. Baldrick’s event and shave their heads for childhood cancer
Aimee McBride stood in a corner at Kitty Hoynes and watched her husband, Brian, get his hair shaved off for the St. Baldrick’s event. Tears filled her eyes. It’s been 13 years since her child, Michael, died from kidney cancer. Brian was one of 140 people who shaved their heads Sunday afternoon to raise money for childhood cancer research. Others come to support and have a drink while watching. The event raised thousands of dollars.
Who are those loud, colorful bicyclists partying through Syracuse’s streets?
Subscribers can gift articles to anyone Around 40 bicyclists rode into the parking lot at Salt City Market at 8 p.m. on Saturday night. They had just finished a five and a half mile ride in 16 degree weather. But the weather didn’t stop their party. The group was all smiles as they rolled toward the market. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
Houseplant Swap, Job Fair, Chili Bowl Fest: 11 things to do this week in Central NY
The weather isn’t getting warmer just yet, but you can get excited for spring coming with a few opportunities to learn about gardening and houseplants. Bring your houseplant cuttings and propagations on Saturday to the Petit Branch Library Houseplant Swap and meet plant-lovers while expanding your collection. Gardeners or those aspiring to start one can also attend the Seed Swap on Saturday at the First Universalist Society of Syracuse.
Crowd floods Tipp Hill streets to kick off St. Patrick’s season with a tanker of green beer (photos)
Green Beer Sunday 2024 Crowds gather at Coleman's Authentic Irish Pub in Tipp Hill for Green Beer Sunday. (Julia Carden/Julia Carden | Contributing photographer) On the surface, Green Beer Sunday is a celebration to kick off the start of the St. Patrick’s Day season with green-colored Miller Lite and a two-block parade. But for many of its attendees it represents something more.
Crowd packs Tipp Hill streets to kick off St. Patrick’s season with a tanker of green beer
On the surface, Green Beer Sunday is a celebration to kick off the start of the St. Patrick’s Day season with green-colored Miller Lite and a two-block parade. But for many of its attendees it represents something more. It’s where three generations of a family came Sunday afternoon to see their kids watch the parade in excitement, just like they have for decades.
Green Beer Sunday by the numbers: How many kegs of green beer does Coleman’s go through?
Each year thousands of people in Central New York gather on Tipperary Hill to kick off the St. Patrick’s season weeks early with a parade, live performances and a green beer tanker truck. Green Beer Sunday at Coleman’s Irish Pub is this weekend. But for the Coleman’s team, the preparation for the day starts months in advance.
Green Beer Sunday by the numbers: How many kegs of green beer does Coleman’s go through?
Subscribers can gift articles to anyone Each year thousands of people in Central New York gather on Tipperary Hill to kick off the St. Patrick’s season weeks early with a parade, live performances and a green beer tanker truck. Green Beer Sunday at Coleman’s Irish Pub is this weekend. But for the Coleman’s team, the preparation for the day starts months in advance. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
Empower Amp in Syracuse adds two major concerts to 2024 summer lineup
Subscribers can gift articles to anyone Two major concerts are coming to the Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater this summer. On June 26 James Taylor will bring his international tour, “An Evening with James Taylor & His All-Star Band,” to Syracuse. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
NY Farm Show, Winterfest: 11 things to do this week in Central NY
This week gives CNY music lovers and foodies several opportunities to see different performances and try, and even judge, some food. For music, The Pandora Consort will perform “The Witching Hour,” which combines vocals and poetry about the persecution of women accused of witchcraft. Vance Gilbert will be at the Oswego Music Hall on Saturday with Oswego-local Cam Caruso opening for him. On Sunday, Ryan Quinn will be at the Oneida Community Mansion House.
NY Farm Show, Winterfest: 11 things to do this week in Central NY
This week gives CNY music lovers and foodies several opportunities to see different performances and try, and even judge, some food. For music, The Pandora Consort will perform “The Witching Hour,” which combines vocals and poetry about the persecution of women accused of witchcraft. Vance Gilbert will be at the Oswego Music Hall on Saturday with Oswego-local Cam Caruso opening for him. On Sunday, Ryan Quinn will be at the Oneida Community Mansion House.
‘Lord of the Dance’ performance in Utica cancelled
“Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance” 25th anniversary tour has cancelled its upcoming show in Central New York. The performance was originally scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 14, at the Stanley Theatre in Utica before organizers postponed it to March due to “unforeseen circumstances.” Now due to “circumstances beyond control,” the performance has been cancelled with no plans to reschedule, according to a news release from The Stanley Theatre.
Central New York’s new ballet unveils its first major performance
The Central New York Ballet unveiled its first major performance for April since it was created by former dancers that had been fired. Six ballet dancers were fired from the Syracuse City Ballet in November after demanding changes in working conditions and artistic direction. In December they announced the creation of the CNYB. The ballet will perform Swan Lake Act II and Boléro on April 6 and 7 at the Oncenter’s Carrier Theater.
Syracuse University runs local coat drive this week, donate at basketball game Saturday
Syracuse University men’s basketball game attendees this Saturday can bring a winter jacket with them to donate to those in need in Central New York. Operation Orange Warm-Up coat drive runs on campus from today to Saturday and will finish with a final collection at the entry gates of the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday before men’s basketball home game against North Carolina State. The coats can be new or gently used.
Syracuse University hosts annual MLK Jr. celebration: What might his dream be now?
Mathematician Talithia Williams talked about cake with the audience Sunday at Syracuse University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The topic of baking seemed odd for Williams, a data expert, professor and host of the PBS show “NOVA Wonders.” “Unfinished. Undone. How many of you have ever had a slice of cake that was undone?” Williams said. “This happens when the interior of the cake doesn’t quite cook all the way through.
Syracuse University to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at JMA Dome event
Subscribers can gift articles to anyone Syracuse University’s 39th annual Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration will host featured speaker Dr. Talithia Williams, performances, award presentations and a local Black art gallery. The event is on Sunday, Jan. 21 in the JMA Wireless Dome. The main program is free but tickets must be purchased for dinner to be included. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
How JMA and Syracuse University solved the dome’s frustrating cellphone problem
Subscribers can gift articles to anyone JMA Wireless and Syracuse University officials say that by this fall all visitors to the campus’ dome arena will have a digital experience that is unmatched at any other college stadium. They say that the dome’s new internet connection is so strong that 45,000 people could use their phones at the same time for texts, calls, web surfing, sending photos, and streaming and sending videos. Visitors will be able to do all of that at a fast and consistent speed.
Syracuse schools hire 2 former TV reporters as part of effort to improve public image
Local TV reporters Brad Vivacqua and Amanda Hull have left their positions to join the Syracuse school district. Vivacqua is the new director of communications. He was previously a TV reporter at Spectrum News for 20 years. The director of communications job opening was listed at a salary beginning at $144,500. Mike Henesey, the former director, has changed roles within the district to become the director of community partnerships.
Syracuse University club raises $47,500 for local youth sports program
The Sports Management Club at Syracuse University raised $47,500 for Tillie’s Touch, an organization that provides sports and school opportunities and equipment to children who need them. The fundraiser took place during the Syracuse men’s basketball game on Nov. 28 against LSU. Attendees bid on sports memorabilia, electronics, jewelry, gift baskets and other items. An online auction with hundreds of items was also available.
Syracuse high school grad provides place where city teens learned they’re not alone
Subscribers can gift articles to anyone Azi Goodrich stood in the middle of a circle surrounded by about 35 current students and recent graduates of the Syracuse school district. He gave them questions and they stepped forward if it applied to them. “Are you struggling with your mental health?” Around half of the group stepped forward. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
She and her 3 kids were forced from Syracuse home by fire caused by squatters next door Original
Subscribers can gift articles to anyone Syracuse, NY - Lasasha Lemons-Taylor was cooking dinner June 19 in her new home while her three kids played outside in the front yard at 1112 S. Geddes Street. They had moved from Boston six months before. She wanted a fresh start in an area where she could afford a home. She loved her $42,000 house built in 1900. It needed some work, but she was ready to do it.
Syracuse zoo lets kids celebrate New Year’s Eve without missing bedtime
Families can celebrate the new year with a kid-friendly daytime event at Rosamond Gifford Zoo this Sunday. The Noon Year’s Eve party at the zoo includes a dance party, photos, noisemakers and sparking juice toast. It ends with a countdown and ball drop at noon. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. in the banquet room and the first 1,000 guests will receive party hats and horns. The countdown and ball drop will take place in the courtyard around 11:45 a.m..
Syracuse math, ELA scores up slightly under NY’s latest testing changes
Subscribers can gift articles to anyone Syracuse, N.Y. – Only 1 in 5 Syracuse students in grades 3-8 are proficient in language skills, according to state data released late last week. In math, it’s worse: Just 16% of students in those same grades are proficient, according to the state’s Department of Education. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
Hundreds of Syracuse families can receive free bikes at giveaway this weekend
Subscribers can gift articles to anyone Syracuse kids and parents can snag a free bicycle Saturday at Jan Maloff’s 28th annual bicycle giveaway. The giveaway starts at 10 a.m. at PSLA at Fowler High School, 227 Magnolia St. Maloff and his team of 20 volunteers have collected and repaired over 1,500 bikes this year for the giveaway. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
Syracuse University honors Pan Am Flight 103 victims 35 years later
Syracuse University is marking the 35th anniversary Thursday of the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 by honoring the 270 people, including 35 Syracuse students, who died in the air and on the ground. Hendricks Chapel will hold a service at 2:03 p.m. where chaplains will lead prayers and reflections. That is the time of day that the plane exploded on Dec. 21, 1988 over Lockerbie, Scotland. The service is open only to family members of Flight 103 victims.
Take a peek inside Syracuse’s proposed $75 million STEAM high school (See images)
Syracuse, NY - Work has begun on the $75 million project that will turn the former Central High School in Syracuse into Central New York’s first regional high school devoted to preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering, art and math. The project started last month with work on the roof to ensure the building is protected from the snow. Interior renovations are expected to start in early 2024, according to STEAM Executive Director Jody Manning. On Dec. 7, Gov.
Syracuse University leader says whether calls for genocide of Jews violate campus code
Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud said today calls for the genocide of Jews violate the campus code of conduct and are subject to discipline. The chancellor’s comments in a letter to the campus community come after Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Schuylerville, kicked off a national discussion last week when she asked presidents of three prestigious universities whether calls for the genocide of Jews ran counter to their code of conduct.
Micron, New York to spend $4 million training teens for high tech careers Original
New York state and Micron plan on spending $4 million to help train high school and middle school students for high-tech jobs and careers, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday morning during a visit to a Syracuse school. The money will help 10 school districts, including six in Onondaga County, develop their own curriculum in semiconductors and high-tech manufacturing, Hochul said at the Institute of Technology. The curriculum will be used at the ten schools over three years beginning in fall 2024.
Family tradition of firefighting helps N.Y. teen save man
By Melissa Newcomb syracuse.com SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As a 16-year-old boy, Nolen Carney lives a life similar to a lot of teenagers. He goes to high school, spends time with his family and plays basketball. But he added a new, unusual accomplishment to his resume this fall. On September 16, he saved a life when he administered naloxone and performed chest compressions on an unconscious man who had overdosed. “My dad and I were just on our way home,” Carney said.
Faculty leader, students call out Syracuse University at forum for trampling academic freedom
The Syracuse University administration was criticized by professors and students for suppressing pro-Palestinian discussions and creating an unsafe environment on campus during a panel on academic freedom Thursday. Provost Gretchen Ritter faced opposition to the university’s decision to cancel an educational event on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, condemning statements made by pro-Palestine protesters and suppressing professors’ academic freedom.
Syracuse Christmas tree lighting tonight in Clinton Square: Here’s when the fun begins
Syracuse, N.Y. -- The Christmas tree-lighting ceremony in Clinton Square is tonight. The city will light the 42-foot artificial tree that overlooks the outdoor ice skating rink after musical performances and other festivities. The event will start at 6 p.m. with musical entertainment. The tree lighting will begin around 7 p.m..
Future Firefighter, 16, Saves NY Life with Naloxone
As a 16-year-old boy, Nolen Carney lives a life similar to a lot of teenagers. He goes to high school, spends time with his family and plays basketball. But he added a new, unusual accomplishment to his resume this fall. On September 16, he saved a life when he administered naloxone and performed chest compressions on an unconscious man who had overdosed. “My dad and I were just on our way home,” Carney said. “But as we were driving by I saw a man laying down.
Israelis, Palestinians in Syracuse pray for peace, worry about injured family members overseas
Hadas Golan woke up at 6 a.m. on Oct. 7 with a cough. She got out of bed and stepped into the darkness of her house in DeWitt to get medicine before getting back into bed. Her phone lit up in the dark. It was her friend calling from Israel. If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation.
Israelis, Palestinians in Syracuse pray for peace, worry about injured family members overseas
Hadas Golan woke up at 6 a.m. on Oct. 7 with a cough. She got out of bed and stepped into the darkness of her house in DeWitt to get medicine before getting back into bed. Her phone lit up in the dark. It was her friend calling from Israel. kAm“|2J36 D96’D 42==:?8 3J >:DE2<6[” v@=2? E9@F89E E@ 96CD6=7] “$96 <?@HD :E’D E@@ 62C=J 7@C 2 A9@?6 42== H:E9 E96 E:>6 5:776C6?46] x’== 42== 96C =2E6C]”k^Am kAmv@=2?
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