Good morning, Syracuse.

The Onondaga County Industrial Development Agency approved a revised tax break package for Clay Hospitality’s proposed Home2 Suites by Hilton near Wegmans on Route 31 after town officials opposed exemptions for hotels, cutting $319,372 from the original request and reducing the deal to $1.4 million. The five-year arrangement aims to support future hotel construction as growth comes from Micron’s new project + ensures local properties pay full taxes.

Syracuse University volunteers have continued the long-running Goon Squad tradition by helping first-year students move in during Welcome Week; archival photos reveal its history (from the 1940s to recent years) and underscore its role in welcoming new campus members.

This week, Central New York features an eclectic mix of free community events and ticketed shows (ticket prices vary), from a block party on Wednesday at Libba Cotten Grove to a stand-up comedy show at Funny Bone Saturday and the Indigo Girls performance at Beak and Skiff Apple Orchards Sunday.

Federal data shows that Syracuse paid higher wages for 297 positions last year than the national median, with a list of 25 jobs highlighting competitive pay across sectors like real estate and pipelaying.

This report underscores strong local career opportunities.

Syracuse University’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs is launching Azimuth Check, a coaching program pairing student veterans with Pathfinder Coaches from enrollment through graduation.

Developed with InsideTrack, the program helps students with academic, financial, and personal challenges (a method inspired by military azimuth checks).

Two Syracuse University faculty members secured nearly $350,000 from the NEH to launch a two-year project digitizing the 54-volume Jeffrey Amherst Papers; they will travel to London in 2026 to photograph 18th-century documents and use AI to create searchable text (with student helpers verifying accuracy).

Baldwinsville police posted new E-bike and E-scooter rules Monday morning to boost safety after last month's fatal crash.

The regulations set age restrictions, speed limits, and riding zones for village streets and sidewalks.

During Aug. 2 to Aug.

8, 34 property deals ranging from $1 to $3M were recorded in Onondaga County, including business properties & apartments & land. A notable sale was a Syracuse apartment building at 100 Polk St. that sold for $500,000.

Otto Sitterly claimed his record seventh Mr. Supermodified victory at Oswego Speedway Saturday night.

The Canajoharie racer led after ten laps in a 75-lap main event among 25 cars and now has 55 Oswego wins.

Syracuse football announced its revamped defensive line ahead of its first fall camp scrimmage.

Defensive tackles Perry, Fontus and Ogbebor earned black jerseys to mark their impact roles plus new rotations and additions aim to strengthen pass rush and run stopping.

High school football players from 58 Section III teams gathered for Syracuse.com's fall media day on Aug.

13 at Cicero-North Syracuse High School, presented by Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists and Crouse Health. Photographs and interviews highlight the athletes' hopes and preparations for the upcoming season.

Athletes and coaches from 32 Section III cheerleading squads gathered last week at Cicero-North Syracuse High School for Syracuse.com's 2026 fall media days presented by SOS & Crouse Health, with reporters set to release additional interviews, photos & videos over the next three weeks.

Wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons rejoined Syracuse football after officials cleared his eligibility for a fifth season+he joins practice today following a call from quarterback Steve Angeli that paved his return.