Good morning, Syracuse.

Construction plans for the 2.3-mile final segment of the Loop the Lake trail are progressing despite challenging urban infrastructure and environmentally sensitive areas; the route will connect Onondaga Lake Park to the Inner Harbor with work set to begin next spring pending state and federal approvals.

The organizers invite locals to share Syracuse Treasure Hunt memories at Salt City Market on Wednesday, July 29 from 12 to 2 p.m. — the event offers an exclusive 40th anniversary sticker to participants and may feature memorable stories in upcoming coverage.

The Syracuse Fire Department responded to two fires on July 26 at 939 Emerson Ave, which displaced three people, and on Monday morning at 220 Putnam St, which displaced six people; officials are investigating the causes.

Byrne Dairy has proposed to build a 5,300 sqft store + gas station with seven or eight fuel dispensers on East Taft Road in Cicero.

It plans to remove four vacant homes and start work in October or November as the town planning board reviews the site plan.

Central New York is buzzing with cultural events this week as the Harriet Tubman exhibit opens at the Cayuga Museum in Auburn, music festivals in Skaneateles, and concerts by Tim McGraw plus Usher and Chris Brown are set for later in the week and weekend.

Drumlins Country Club celebrates its 100th anniversary with an exhibition of photos, drawings and artifacts that show its change from a chicken farm to a community hub.

The display, arranged by a local professor and an architecture student, runs through centennial events on Aug. 22 and New Year’s Eve.

AAA reported that rising crude oil costs from turmoil near the Strait of Hormuz pushed gas prices in Syracuse to $4.25 on Tuesday, up 9 cents from last Monday.

The organization advises drivers to plan efficient routes and combine errands to save fuel.

The Cicero Fire Department updated its emergency response plans after water supply issues emerged during a July 20 apartment fire at Cobblestone Square Apartments.

Officials will meet with town and county water authorities next week to improve hydrant strategies + mutual aid support.

Syracuse cardiologist Ronald Russo Jr. has joined St. Joseph’s Health Cardiovascular Institute in Liverpool.

He now sees patients at 5100 W. Taft Road and brings board certifications in interventional cardiology + aims to offer patient-centered, evidence-based care.

Local records show 48 business, apartment and land sales in Onondaga County (July 12 to 18) with prices ranging from $1,043 to $4.38M.

The list includes a Pompey church that sold for $20,000 and several commercial transfers between Honeywell International Inc and Hyperion Environmental LLLP I.

Sheldon Haudenschild won the 30-lap Outlaw feature at Weedsport Speedway Saturday with a late pass on pole-sitter Logan Schuchart — earning his seventh win and $12,000 as David Gravel finished second.

Forty-two Outlaw 410 sprint cars were in the pit area as traffic slowed the early leader.

syracuse.com has announced its 2026 All-CNY small school girls outdoor track team—Madison Foy of Marcellus is named athlete of the year and finalists from Tully, Beaver River, Pulaski, Cazenovia, LaFayette and Westmoreland will compete in upcoming meets.

Syracuse University women's lacrosse has added record-setting draw specialist Julia Ryan (Division III transfer from Claremont-Mudd-Scripps) for the 2028 season.

She finishes her undergraduate career before joining the Orange to boost draws, after the team struggled last season.

SU football training camp is underway as head coach Fran Brown and new offensive line coach Juan Castillo bring NFL experience to improve a unit that struggled with sacks last season — insiders say protecting the quarterback is key; returning players like Trevion Mack and Joe Cruz aim to boost offense.

Carmelo Anthony said he supported Gerry McNamara as the new SU basketball coach after speaking with school officials (he valued McNamara’s Orange legacy and experience from his time as a player and Siena head coach).

His son, Kiyan, committed to return as a sophomore under the new coach.

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.