Good morning, Syracuse.

On Wednesday, more than 60,000 people visited the New York State Fair for Women’s Day events and sensory-friendly hours until 1 p.m. Later, concerts at Chevy Court with a Fleetwood Mac tribute band and at Suburban Park with Carly Pearce drew large crowds—tomorrow the fair will honor service members and celebrate Dairy Day with free admission for active duty and veterans.

John Adamy, 49, pleaded guilty Tuesday for leaving the scene of a fatal accident that killed Jill Barth, 60, outside Shifty’s Bar and Grill on Burnet Avenue after midnight on Nov.

24—he had previously withdrawn a plea in June and now faces a sentence of 1 1/3 to 5 years in prison.

A judge said on Wednesday she would approve a bankruptcy settlement that sends $176M to sex abuse survivors and ends five years of legal wrangling for the Catholic diocese, although the plan may also bring financial hardships to the church.

A former Border Patrol agent from Jefferson County was sentenced Wednesday to 12 months in federal prison after he told women via webcam to lift their shirts during border checks+ he admitted using the requests for his own gratification.

An Onondaga County jury is hearing testimony from a Syracuse woman who claims her ex-girlfriend led a gun trafficking ring that moved 52 firearms from Georgia to the city (only 19 have been recovered, including four linked to crimes) and will decide if Veronica Williams faces up to 25 years (the trial remains ongoing).

On Wednesday, the Great New York State Fair in Geddes celebrated Women’s Day with a brunch at 9 a.m. inside the Expo Center and a resource fair until 4 p.m. It also featured sensory friendly hours from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — ride wristbands available for $30 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and concerts with Tusk, Red Hot Chilli Pipers and Carly Pearce.

Nearly 3,000 students in the Syracuse City School District were considered English language learners last year, marking the highest total among Central New York districts according to state data.

The district had a rate of 16.95%—a figure linked to the city's long history of welcoming refugees.

This fall, the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs will open its new Civic and Community Engagement office in Eggers Hall to offer more hands-on learning and a new minor for additional students.

Amy Schmidt will lead the office, which will build local partnerships + expand civic opportunities across the region.

Next week, 500 school buses in Onondaga County will run high tech cameras that capture license plates of drivers who pass buses with flashing stop arms—offenders will be cited with a $250 fine.

The new system is part of a push to improve safety as school resumes.

Recent water tests in Syracuse measured lead at 9 parts per billion, which is below federal limits but still worries many residents.

The city will replace all lead service lines within five years and provide filters for at-risk households—steps aimed at ensuring safer drinking water.

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.

Syracuse Color Craze Run

1-6 p.m. — 123 N Main St, Syracuse, NY — Tickets on sale now — Enjoy a colorful non-competitive run followed by a mini music festival.