Good morning, Syracuse.

A local McDonald’s partnered with former NFL running back Latavius Murray on Saturday at South Salina Street to raise funds for the planned Jon Diaz Community Center by donating 15% of sales from 4 to 7 p.m. The event featured family activities, raffles - and live entertainment to support a safe space for local children and families.

After settling price fixing claims with three egg producers, the Food Bank of CNY in Syracuse received more than 140,000 eggs to distribute to local families.

Get Smashed, a cult ghost kitchen, is building its first formal restaurant at 2601 James Street in Eastwood (formerly Lee’s Garden) and will soon announce weekend pop-ups on social media as community funding is finalized.

The 83rd Scottish Games returned yesterday at Long Branch Park with family friendly athletic competitions + musical events, food, dancing and homemade items for sale as visitors celebrated traditional Scottish culture in a festive atmosphere.

Taco and Marg Fest returned for its fourth year at the Inner Harbor on Friday and Saturday — featuring live music, food, drinks and fireworks to benefit La Casita Cultural Center in Syracuse.

Federal data shows that in June the average price for a pound of ground beef in the Northeast was $6.89—down 0.69% from May but up more than 13% from last year due to a record low cattle supply; milk and chicken prices also increased.

At Washington Square Park on Saturday, July 25, 2026, 13-year-old Emya Merriweather and friend Major Martin turned a simple lemonade stand into a small business under the guidance of Kamar Boatman — founder of Curve the Curb, a local nonprofit teaching financial literacy.

The Book Buddies literacy program has expanded to local libraries to provide individual reading sessions for over 600 children in CNY, up from 100 before the pandemic, by partnering with community volunteers from the Literacy Coalition of Onondaga County to match reading materials to each skill level.

Syracuse officials applied for a federal grant on July 13 to use AI to review permit drawings faster + cut housing development costs.

The new process aims to speed up permits that once took 70 days to help boost housing production for thousands of new homes.

The Syracuse Mets beat the Columbus Clippers 6-5 Friday night at NBT Bank Stadium on a game featuring a two-run homer by Morel & a three-run double by Jose Ramos that pushed them ahead.

They will meet the Clippers again Saturday at 6:35 p.m. to continue the series.

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.