Good morning, Syracuse.

Alex Silver hosted the Bird Thaw Event on Friday behind Megaton Games, where hundreds enjoyed live music and a thawing plush Eurasian blackbird in an unplanned fundraiser for HumaneCNY.

Police later cleared the crowd and issued Silver a noise ticket—he calls it the best day of his life.

Families attended a sensory-friendly event hosted by Callahan Entertainment in Onondaga last weekend.

Children enjoyed bubble play and meeting costumed characters while parents connected with local support organizations (Prime Care Coordination and LifePlan CCO) for ongoing guidance.

Downtown Syracuse drivers will face street closures this weekend for the 55th annual Arts & Crafts Festival at Columbus Circle, with affected streets on Montgomery, East Jefferson, and East Onondaga starting at 6 p.m. Thursday and continuing through Sunday evening (Montgomery Street will also host the Stay Fresh Chalk Jam on Saturday).

Cazenovia and Morrisville-Eaton school leaders propose a merger to ease rising costs and falling enrollment, backed by a $262M incentive from Albany (providing extra funds for 14 years).

Voters will hold a straw poll this fall and a final vote next year.

Senator Schumer introduced the Family Grocery and Farmer Relief Act in Auburn Monday to tackle rising meat prices that have spiked over 50 percent in the past decade—shoppers now buy whole chickens instead of pricier cuts.

Local farmers say high costs have led to fewer customers.

Centro delays its planned overhaul of major bus routes until next summer after riders raised concerns at an April public hearing — the agency said feedback over changes along Midland Ave and Henry Clay Boulevard and winter weather challenges prompted the delay, with a revised proposal expected later this summer.

USDA's Farm Service Agency launched a new online scheduling system on Monday to let farmers book appointments with local FSA offices using a phone, tablet, or computer.

The tool also includes a county office locator for areas designated after wind and fire damage.

Upstate University Hospital's Mammography Van will visit seven community sites in Central and Northern New York throughout August, including stops in Syracuse on Aug.

5 and Aug. 15. Women 40 and older can call (315-464-2588) to schedule a 3D screening.

Buyers and sellers completed multiple real estate deals in Onondaga County during the week ending July 11.

Honeywell International Inc. sold various properties including a $98,551 vacant lot on Belle Isle Road in Camillus—one of 15 transfers with Hyperion Environmental LLLP I.

In June, Syracuse home sales reached an average of $200,300, passing the $200,000 mark for the first time with a 9.6% increase from last year.

Rising suburban prices have driven more buyers to the city although inventory remains low.

The Syracuse men’s basketball team will host Canisius on Wednesday, Dec.

16 at the JMA Wireless Dome as part of its non-conference schedule that adds in-state matchups (following the game against Colgate).

Oriskany High School earned the Sportsmanship Banner Award for the second straight year by keeping the 2025-26 season free of disqualifications and recognizing student-athletes who show respect and leadership.

The award will be presented at a school event this fall (only three schools received the honor).

Syracuse football coach Fran Brown doubted that new tampering penalties will change long-held team conduct — he noted that calls for fines, suspensions and firings, led by Dabo Swinney, have yet to curb the behavior.

College sports leaders continue to push for rules reform.

syracuse.com reporters unveiled the 2026 All-CNY small school boys lacrosse team featuring top players from Marcellus, Lowville, Jamesville-DeWitt and other local schools.

The roster includes standout athlete Christopher Doshna and others who are set to compete at the college level.

Hardwired: A Metallica Tribute

7-11 p.m. — Westcott Theater — Cost info not specified — Experience an electrifying tribute to Metallica from Hardwired.

Rhythm & Brews

6:00-8:30 p.m. — Salt City Market Community Room — Free entry — Enjoy a relaxing evening of smooth R&B, neo-soul, and spoken word performances.

Tim McGraw Concert

6:45-8:30 p.m. — Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview — Tickets TBA — Tim McGraw graces Syracuse with his Pawn Shop Guitar Tour alongside 49 Winchester.

Usher and Chris Brown Concert

3:30-8:30 p.m. — JMA Wireless Dome — Tickets from $148 — Experience an unforgettable night with Usher and Chris Brown live in Syracuse.

North Syracuse Speed Dating for Singles in Their 30s and 40s

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Vicinos Brick and Brew — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and friendly setting.

Billy Idol Concert

7:30 PM — Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of classic rock with Billy Idol in a vibrant outdoor setting.