Good morning, Syracuse.

Gobi, the celebrity dog from a popular children's book series, visited Central Library yesterday and signed autographs for fans while author Dion Leonard read from the series to an excited crowd.

Chicken Salad Chick, a national chain known for its cooked-from-scratch chicken salad, signed a 25-unit deal to open new restaurants in Upstate New York including Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo and Albany.

Specific sites and opening dates have not yet been announced.

Tim McGraw performed at Empower FCU Amphitheater in Syracuse on Friday, July 27, delivering a set that mixed acoustic favorites with full band numbers while reflecting on personal health challenges.

His heartfelt encore and storytelling connected with longtime fans and marked a fresh start on his Pawn Shop Guitar Tour.

Anyela’s Vineyards, listed for $12.7 million, remains on the market while its lease for outdoor concerts with the Skaneateles Festival continues.

The festival has purchased 37 acres along West Lake Road as a backup (costing $2.1 million) if the new owner does not honor the lease.

On Saturday, about 30,000 fans headed to the Dome for concerts but faced heavy traffic from I-81 construction, and local officials opened northbound lanes and provided shuttle service from the Skytop parking lot as delays persisted.

Covey Theater Company presents Dear Evan Hansen at the Hosmer Auditorium in the Everson Museum of Art.

The musical, featuring a (dream cast) of local performers, opens July 31 and runs through Aug. 9, offering a fresh take on the acclaimed Broadway show.

In 2025, Oswego and Madison counties saw double-digit growth in new business applications as rates climbed over 18% and 17% respectively, placing them in the state’s top 10 for growth according to census data.

This trend highlights rising business activity in Central NY.

The OCPL library podcast Check It Out introduces a new Bedtime Book Series that uses sign language to tell stories to kids this fall at over five suburban libraries — the program features input from Aurora of CNY's Executive Director Kate Weidman.

Carol Watson Greenhouse offers a Gardening Update — showing residents how to fill garden gaps with plants that help keep mosquitoes away.

View the update online for practical tips during the warmer months.

Bob Hughes won the 30th NYS Super Senior Amateur Championship at Bellevue Country Club in Syracuse on Friday — he shot even par to secure a six-shot lead.

A federal court ruled that high school class of 2022 athletes who used up their four college seasons were eligible for a fifth season, a decision that may let five Syracuse lacrosse players (including Joey Spallina) return to the team.

The ruling applied to Division I athletes who began in 2022-23.

On Friday night, the Mets lost 10 to 1 to the Red Wings at ESL Ballpark (in Rochester).

The Red Wings scored nine runs in the third inning, and Syracuse will face Rochester again on Saturday evening.

On Saturday, Aug. 1, runners joined the fifth annual 174th Attack Wing Runway 5k at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, racing on a live tarmac while planes landed and took off; Kevin Davis won the men’s race and Marissa Catalano won for women.

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.