Good morning, Syracuse.

Steve Featherstone is Syracuse.com's outdoors reporter who writes about hunting, fishing, hiking, and ecology.

He earned degrees from Syracuse University and spent twenty years as a freelance writer before moving to reporting—his award-winning work has appeared in national media and his assignments have taken him from Afghanistan to Chernobyl.

DeWitt Police arrested a 29-year-old Syracuse man—accused of stabbing a woman and injuring a pit bull at the Days Inn on Thompson Road just before 11 p.m. on August 20—who now faces charges for assault 1st Degree, criminal possession of a weapon 3rd Degree and aggravated animal cruelty.

A New York state corrections officer, Brandon Montanari, was sentenced to 3 years and 1 month in federal prison for assaulting inmate James Barton at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Oneida County on April 13, 2023 — he must surrender by the end of September.

A Puerto Rico man, Alex Calcano-Carrasquillo, pleaded guilty to a drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy involving the mailing of over 20 kilograms of cocaine into Syracuse from July 2021 to July 2024—he was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release.

A new TV pilot casting call in Syracuse invites actors for paid roles, including high school students and a male ballet dancer, with filming set to occur from September 2 to 9.

The production is casting hundreds of local residents and also seeks a 1995ish Ford Tempo—details come from AND Casting.

Yesterday, day two of the Great New York State Fair in Geddes featured Student Youth Day and Agriculture Career Day with free entry for students under 18, interactive exhibits and a scavenger hunt that entered participants into a drawing for a Nintendo switch—concerts by Taylor Dayne, Cheap Trick and AJR added to the day’s events.

Ticket holders for Thomas Rhett's concert on Aug.

21 faced heavy traffic near the NYS Fair and Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater as organizers warned that parking would be congested and provided shuttles to ease delays—Youth Day offered free admission for students 18 and younger.

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.

Syracuse Show 2025

Sept 7-8 — Embassy Suites by Hilton Syracuse — Trade show access — Explore the largest regional event showcasing footwear and apparel.

REV PEYTON'S BIG DAMN BAND Concert

7-10 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Tickets $30-$152 — Experience a lively performance by The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band and The Hooten Hallers in Syracuse.

New Hope's 2025 Annual Fall Fundraiser

10:00 PM – 12:30 AM — 420 S Main St, North Syracuse, NY — Support local initiatives — Enjoy a night of fun, food, and community spirit at a meaningful charity event.

Syracuse Water Lantern Festival

10:30 PM - 2:30 AM — 123 N Main St, Syracuse, NY — Tickets on sale now — Celebrate love and dreams with floating lanterns illuminating the water.

Puppy Pals Live

6-7:30 p.m. — Westcott Theater — Tickets starting at $20 — Experience action-packed canine comedy and jaw-dropping stunts at this family-friendly dog show.