Good morning, Syracuse.

The Strength to Serve Challenge will be held on Sept.

13 at Green Lakes State Park. Retired firefighter Brian Fontaine organized this three-mile obstacle course — featuring 30 first responder-inspired challenges — to test teamwork and raise funds for the Joyful Giving Project supporting local families.

Maxwell alumnus Andrew Lunetta, named a CNN Hero, builds 23+ tiny homes and leads Tuesday community walks from his nonprofit headquarters on South Ave to several properties serving tenants in Syracuse.

His organization, A Tiny Home for Good, continues planning nearly two dozen projects for those facing hardships.

Beak and Skiff opens Apple Grove Adventure Park today at 10 a.m. in LaFayette — a fun spot where kids can ride a super slide, zip on a line, and explore a tractor playground and farm animal area while enjoying views of apple orchards.

State troopers urged parents on Aug.

28 at the New York State Fair (in Geddes) to fill out lost kid tags so fair workers can quickly reunite any separated child amid heavy crowds.

Fans who missed presale for Noah Kahan’s tickets can still buy resale tickets through verified sites like Vivid Seats, StubHub, and TicketNetwork.

The folk-pop star’s 2027 world tour includes international shows in Glasgow, Dublin, and London plus more dates are expected soon.

Visitors to the New York State Fair are advised to plan ahead and follow tips such as using wet wipes (to stay clean) and choosing comfortable shoes while using public transit to skip heavy traffic.

Seasoned fairgoers share these practical tips to help newcomers navigate the event safely and efficiently.

The Great New York State Fair is hosting Tasty Tuesday on Sept.

1, where visitors can sample popular foods—priced between $3 and $5—from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fair Director Julie LaFave said the event helps everyone enjoy the fair’s flavors and supports creative local vendors.

Debbie Diment, who has served as an administrative assistant II for over 40 years at SUNY Oswego, received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Classified Service.

The award recognizes her strong work ethic and dedication to supporting students, faculty and staff.

Hunters in New York will be eligible to claim a rebate of up to $60 on lead-free ammunition for the 2026-27 hunting season, which starts in some areas from Sept.

1 to Sept. 20. The DEC runs the program with Conservation Science Global for licensed deer hunters.

New York state is mailing STAR tax credit checks to eligible homeowners; in Syracuse, checks have already been sent and residents who did not receive their benefit should call (518-457-2036), while taxpayers in Jamesville-DeWitt will receive theirs in September.

A Texas judge gave a court order stopping the NCAA from keeping Syracuse wide receiver Justus Ross-Simmons off the field (Judge Martin Hoffman).

He will be allowed to practice before the team meets New Hampshire on Sept. 5, and a hearing is set for Sept. 11.

Former Syracuse Orange forward Cole Swider starred for Team USA in a FIBA World Cup qualifier in Santiago, Chile on Thursday, scoring 19 points and grabbing 8 rebounds to lead the 89-71 win over Chile.

The USA will face Columbia on Monday in Washington D.C.

Luke Schweider becomes Fayetteville-Manlius girls soccer coach ahead of the 2026 season after Coach Brett Ostrander stepped down.

He, who led the JV team, will rebuild the squad as they prepare for Tuesday’s season opener at West Genesee.

Syracuse wrapped up fall camp and set its final depth chart ahead of its Sept.

5 opener against New Hampshire, with coaches outlining battles for quarterbacks, wide receivers and defensive players — key details that spotlight promising talents for the season.