Good morning, Syracuse.

FoodAzella Alvarez of Oompa Loompya food truck is finalizing plans to open a ghost kitchen in Mattydale (at 2721 Brewerton Road) to supplement her Filipino fusion offerings as the busy food truck season continues, with take-out and delivery options to be announced soon.

Hansen Quality Printing owner Mike Hansen said his 40-year-old business may close or move as I-690 construction reclaims his only loading dock on DOT property, while DOT director (Betsy Parmley) and Councilor Helen Hudson pledge to seek solutions as the I-81 project rebuild begins late 2027.

FedEx announced it will lay off 164 employees statewide starting Aug.

3, including 22 in Cicero, 12 in Ithaca and 31 in Oriskany—early warning notices were sent in March.

Amtrak offers direct trains from New York City to The Great New York State Fair, running daily during its 13-day run from Aug.

26 to Labor Day. Service from Niagara Falls, Toronto, and stops between Rochester & Syracuse provide a low-cost, eco-friendly ride with fares starting at $59.

Phish performed at Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview on Tuesday, July 21, drawing 18,000 fans through extended jam sessions until heavy rain forced the band to end the show early (its third performance at the venue).

Carlene Lacey, CEO of ON-RAMP Syracuse, heads a state-funded training hub that has graduated 160 trainees for manufacturing, construction and jobs at Micron's plant in Clay.

The program operates at 1224 W. Genesee St. while its headquarters in the old Sears store on South Salina St. are renovated (development continues).

State data shows that 75% of students were proficient on Algebra II Regents exams during the 2024-2025 school year; Fabius-Pompey achieved 100% proficiency while the Syracuse City School District recorded only 50% (ranked 571st statewide), with nearby Skaneateles and Fayetteville-Manlius also posting high scores.

Jowonio School is seeking a full-time executive director (salary $110,000 to $130,000) to lead its East Genesee Street campus as it operates under a state settlement amid a pending childcare license review.

The move follows former director Lori Saile's resignation during a state investigation.

Crews have gutted the interior of Great Northern Mall in Clay as demolition begins today, with up to 90 days to raze the building except for structures like the former Macy’s and Sears that will remain.

Owners plan a redevelopment to turn the site into homes, hotels, and retail space.

syracuse.com named its 2026 All-CNY small school girls lacrosse team with top athletes from local schools — including Cece Powell from Marcellus, honored as small school player of the year.

The selection spotlights local athletic excellence.

Cole Swider led Boeheim's Army to an 82-52 win over Hall In on Tuesday at Seton Hall, saying he wanted to right his Syracuse career.

The team will play today at 7 p.m. at Onondaga War Memorial to try to sweep the series in the TBT competition.

Crunch owner Howard Dolgon hinted (on Wednesday) that a new state-of-the-art arena may be built for the team, potentially adding world-class events.

The Crunch, which recently extended its Tampa Bay Lightning affiliation, begins its season on the road on Oct. 2.

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.