Good morning, Syracuse.

Neighbors waited in a long line for about an hour before the doors opened at the new Central New York Chick-Fil-A in Dewitt on Thursday (6:30 a.m.).

The larger location includes a third drive-thru lane and benefits from new traffic lights, repaved roads, and improved sidewalks connecting to the Erie Canal Trail, all funded by the chain.

Three suspects — two teenagers and a 20-year-old alleged getaway driver — were charged with attempted murder after a shots-fired incident on July 25 on Lincoln Park Drive; on Aug 7, officers executed search warrants at three locations that recovered loaded Glock handguns and narcotics.

Broadway in Syracuse announced that select tickets are on sale for its 2025 to 2026 season at the Landmark Theatre — season ticket packages start at $269.

The lineup includes Hamilton from Sept. 9 to 21 and shows such as Clue Live on Stage from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1, Wicked from Dec. 3 to 14, MJ from Jan. 6 to 11, The Music Man from Feb. 10 to 14, and Juliet from April 21 to 26 as well as A Beautiful Noise from June 9 to 14.

Officials at the New York State Fair have launched the Fairgrounds Alert System that will send text alerts about dangerous weather and security emergencies during the fair from Aug.

20 to Sept. 1—ensuring fairgoers receive real-time safety updates. The system was developed with the National Weather Service and State Police after last year's reported gunfire incident raised concerns about communication during emergencies.

The Rosamond Gifford Zoo welcomed Tilek, an illegally cloned Argali sheep made from smuggled genetic material, on Thursday morning.

The zoo said he will stay in a herd-like setting—designed to mimic his native high-altitude habitat and educate visitors about endangered species.

Metallica is rumored to headline the Super Bowl halftime show on February 8th at Levi’s Stadium—drummer Lars Ulrich told a radio show the band would love to perform a first for a metal act at the big game.

Oddsmakers rate their chance at 13% while naming other artists, including Syracuse native Post Malone, as frontrunners for the spot.

Since December, the Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act has allowed Syracuse tenants to sue landlords for code violations and habitability issues, with judges ordering repairs or rent reductions.

Advocates say tenants often hesitate to file petitions due to fear of retaliatory evictions—fueling calls for additional protections like good cause in local housing rules.

Syracuse University expert Joshua Darr said keeping national campaign offices open helps local candidates by using volunteers and better voter data + even a small 1% boost in votes can flip close elections.

He added that these offices can lower political tension by hosting local events for face-to-face talks.

On Aug 6, former basketball players and mental health clinicians from Klinic Kids held a training session at Clary Middle School where students with disabilities learned basketball skills and mental health techniques—one student even achieved a first-ever slam dunk with team support. The program combined athletic training with emotional guidance to boost confidence in Syracuse students.

Wellness Unplugged Overview

12-4 p.m. — Emerald Cocktail Kitchen — Free entry — Indulge in wellness pop-up classes, local vendor deals, and health-focused delights in a vibrant atmosphere.

FREE SHOW - Dan Wagner

6-8 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Free entry — Experience the energetic sounds of Dan Wagner's alternative rock live at Funk 'n Waffles.

Coldfront Live Performance

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Middle Ages Brewing Company — $10 cover — Experience the dynamic rock sounds of ColdFront as they cover classic and contemporary hits.

Asian Elephant Extravaganza

10 AM – 3 PM — Rosamond Gifford Zoo — Free for members with paid admission — Celebrate the cultural traditions of South Asia with music, dance, and engaging elephant encounters.

The Great New York State Fair 2025

5 AM – 7 PM — New York State Fairgrounds — Admission varies — Experience a specialized exhibition showcasing the best of agriculture in New York.

T.3 Live Performance

8-10 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Tickets starting at $23.63 — Experience the harmonious blend of a capella and instrumental music with T.3.

Lynyrd Skynyrd Concert

8:00 PM — New York State Fairgrounds — Tickets starting at $81 — Experience the legendary Lynyrd Skynyrd with their energetic new tour featuring classic hits and surprises.

Irish Fest Kick Off Party

8-9:30 p.m. — Middle Ages Brewing Company — 18+ only — Celebrate the start of Irish Fest with the electrifying Celtic roots music of The Town Pants.

Syracuse Football vs. UConn

8:00 PM – 1:30 PM — JMA Wireless Dome — Tickets available — Cheer on Syracuse as they face off against UConn in this exciting football matchup.

Scare-A-Con Horror and Pop Culture Convention

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Marriott Syracuse Downtown — Check website for details — Experience the Northeast's premier horror and pop culture fan convention and film festival.