Good morning, Syracuse.

A senior computer scientist at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome was involved in a multi-year bid-rigging scheme to steer military contracts to a Utah company in exchange for kickbacks — federal prosecutors said the employee received over $150,000 in personal items.

Geddes police reported three people were shot late Friday night at Lakeside Fire Department Recreation Hall after receiving reports of shots fired in a crowd of more than 100—one young woman suffered injuries to both legs and all victims were taken to Upstate University Hospital while nearby roads were closed.

On August 28, 65,419 people attended day nine of the Great New York State Fair even with heavy rain as Lynyrd Skynyrd played around 8 p.m.—about 33,000 gathered near the back corner and the attendance was similar to last year.

Syracuse University Libraries is hosting free Fall 2025 workshops for students—faculty and staff can register for sessions that teach research skills and academic tools.

The sessions run from Sept. 10 to Nov. 13 and cover topics such as Zotero, Microsoft Copilot and citation practices.

Pamela Odom, a 1990 Nottingham graduate, will take over as Syracuse City School District superintendent in November—following Tony Davis’s departure.

The Fayetteville-Manlius Central School District said its cell phone pouches will not arrive before school starts due to a shipping delay, so students must leave phones at home or have them turned off & stored in lockers.

The district urged families to check the updated policy as an alternative to the planned pouch system.

The New York State Department of Transportation announced lane closures on I-81 in Syracuse from Sept.

2 to Sept. 5 with northbound lanes between Exit 17 and Exit 18 reduced to one lane from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and southbound lanes shortened to one lane from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.—the work is part of a viaduct project and is weather-dependent.

After being shut down on December 23 due to violent incidents and resident complaints, Taste of Brooklyn Sports Bar in Syracuse has applied to reopen as a restaurant with no alcohol and limited hours.

Owner Chanell Pickard said at the August 18 City Planning Commission meeting that the business will make safety adjustments to regain trust — city officials requested more improvements before granting final approval.

Syracuse football will take the field this weekend in Atlanta to face No. 24 Tennessee + podcast hosts AJ and Griffin shared their predictions and key strategies on Ostrom Avenue Podcast Episode 237, outlining what the team needs to do for a win.

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.