Good morning, Syracuse.

The Salvation Army in Syracuse launched an emergency fundraiser on Aug.

11 to raise $350,000 after a $1.5 million funding cut since 2025; Executive Director Sidney Germinio said donors are needed to help maintain services + support local nonprofits.

Beak & Skiff unveiled its new Apple Grove Adventure Park on Wednesday with a ribbon-cutting at its Apple Hill campus in Lafayette.

The $1 million expansion features a mountain slide, zip line, petting zoo, and playground (among other attractions) and will open on Aug. 22 at 2 p.m.

MACNY hired three new staff and promoted one employee to expand its support services for local manufacturers.

The association plans to boost business development, workforce programs and event planning for manufacturers across Central New York.

Syracuse native Paul Olszewski was named 2026 Veteran Entrepreneur of the Year in July after growing his land surveying firm from a basement start-up to a multimillion-dollar business with 39 employees, crediting hard work and smart hiring for his success.

Franklin Fry announced his early retirement from Redhouse Arts Center to focus on his health and family.

The board formed a search committee to find his successor, and Fry will train the new director - his legacy includes a new marquee on Salina Street that boosted community engagement.

Syracuse University's D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families offers a free Semiconductor Foundations course in partnership with Micron Technology, where over 1,000 veterans and military-connected individuals have built skills in chip manufacturing (no prior experience required). Graduates earn certification and gain access to a national job network.

Fifty-nine women have been chosen for the Syracuse University Women in Leadership Program as Cohorts 5 and 6 launch in September to build skills in active listening and change navigation.

The program will help faculty and staff grow as leaders in the academic community.

State data show that Oneida County schools+ three Onondaga schools achieved global history Regents proficiency levels up to 99% for the 2024-2025 school year, while Syracuse City schools, with Nottingham High at 56% and OnTECH Charter at 16%, lagged behind.

Double-crested cormorant sightings have risen along the Great Lakes area, with reports of vegetation damage.

NY Sea Grant launched an online tool with Wayne County for residents to share photos and observations and help guide future wildlife management.

Upstate plans to close a block of East Adams Street to join its current ER with a new building as part of a $450 million expansion to cut patient transfer times.

Crouse opposes the proposal, saying it could delay care while city officials review the impact on University Hill.

New York's top doctor confirmed that state school vaccine rules remain unchanged despite a federal order lowering recommendations for some shots, ensuring that requirements for school entry stay the same.

This decision reassures parents as the new school year nears.

Tuesday night, the Mets hit four home runs and struck out 15 to beat Jacksonville 6-3 at VyStar Ballpark; the teams will face off again Wednesday at 7:05 p.m.

Cicero-North Syracuse alum Mike Washington Jr. impressed Raiders coaches at training camp and could see a larger workload in his debut tonight at Allegiant Stadium.

Washington worked hard to earn his spot and split snaps between first- and second-team play (as noted by the team’s coaching staff).

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.