Good morning, Syracuse.

On Monday, August 25, 55,972 people attended Day 6 of the Great New York State Fair as cooler weather set in, with forecasts showing the trend will last through Friday.

About 2,300 fairgoers watched a Bon Jovi tribute band and nearly 6,000 saw a 98 Degrees concert & performances across the fairgrounds.

Raymond Brand, 68, died in a house fire at 5701 Caughdenoy Road in Cicero last Monday—firefighters found no working smoke alarms amid heavy hoarding that blocked their entry.

On Tuesday, August 26, the Geddes State Fair offered Beef Day with free cow ear headbands for the first 1,000 kids, a livestock show at 2 p.m., Fire Rescue and EMS ceremonies at 11 a.m., a parade at 6 p.m., and concerts by Herman's Hermits at Chevy Court and Lil Jon at Suburban Park—providing a day of hands-on activities and local honors.

Tony Hale, the Emmy Award-winning actor known for Veep and Arrested Development, was seen at Pastabilities in Armory Square on Monday and took a selfie with the staff.

It is not clear if his visit is linked to upcoming local filming projects set to start soon.

Tuesday's good weather brought more than 60,000 visitors to the New York State Fair on Day 7 with events for Fire, Rescue and EMS Day and Beef Day.

Total attendance reached over 430,000 this year as concerts drew large crowds despite stormy evening weather.

Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud announced he will step down at the end of the school year in June—after serving 12 years.

University officials praised his leadership with Micron and support for veterans and said they will soon begin the search for a successor.

The Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing in Syracuse settled a $12 million case after an investigation found years of neglect, abuse, and fraud, with $10 million allocated to improve resident care and $2 million returned to Medicaid funds — the facility must now adopt reforms and be monitored for both healthcare operations and finances.

Families attending the PEACE, Inc. Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on Thursday, August 28th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Eastside Family Resource Center can receive free lead testing for children—this step is taken to check for possible lead exposure.

Syracuse women’s soccer beat Holy Cross 3-1 on August 24 when Ashley Rauch’s penalty kick with 14 minutes left sealed the win after Holy Cross cut the lead in the second half.

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.

Family Weekend and John ‘Doc’ Joiner Homecoming

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Le Moyne College — Free entry — Celebrate school spirit and camaraderie with families, alumni, and current students over a vibrant weekend.