Good morning, Syracuse.

A fire broke out at 252 Hood Avenue on Friday, Aug.

28, and firefighters rescued several pets from a residential structure (the blaze was caused by an unattended candle) within minutes.

Tehahenteh Franklin Miller — a Mohawk linguist and elder from Six Nations — explained that Ontario’s name holds a nurturing, ancient meaning rooted in his native language and culture, and he said no presidential rebranding can change the lake’s true identity.

On Saturday, 114,644 people attended Day 4 of the state fair, the highest count in seven years.

The fair featured a 4-H Youth Horse Show, a Taylor Swift tribute band, and the Wegmans Demonstration Kitchen — visitors can enjoy Holstein dairy cattle viewing on Sunday.

The radio show Check It Out featured throwback guest Greyson Merrick who returned as Reggie to update listeners on his life four years later and offer behind-the-scenes insights on Reading Buddies on TV with hosts Maggie and Tom on August 29.

On Saturday, Aug. 29, the NYS Fair offered a taste of local creativity as a newlywed couple swapped white roses for a bouquet of fried dough while fairgoers enjoyed unique treats like crab rangoon nachos, a Magnum Croissant dessert (a must-try) and a refreshing Saranac IPA.

The Cicero Police Department is accepting applications for its Police Explorer Program, which gives youths (ages 14–20) hands-on training, classroom lessons and ride-along opportunities to build law enforcement and leadership skills; preference goes to students in North Syracuse and Central Square school districts who maintain 80% attendance.

The first Alopecia walk in Syracuse (at JD High School’s track and turf) is scheduled for Sept.

26 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Organizer Melanie Sherman, whose daughter regained her hair through treatment, is raising funds and support for people with alopecia with eight teams and 100 participants.

On Saturday, the fifth annual Health and Wellness Event in Syracuse saw five local organizations join forces to serve 750 community members with 900 pounds of produce and a school supply giveaway + the event featured 40 vendors and marked Peace, Inc.'s first participation in the partnership.

Carol Watson from her greenhouse in Lafayette shared a Gardening Update on Saturday, Aug.

29, explaining how planting native species can attract pollinators to boost late-season garden health. Her tips offer locals simple ways to refresh their outdoor spaces.

New York high school coaches have compiled a list of top linebackers for the 2026 season based on survey responses, featuring players such as Ethan Arita (Mount Sinai) & Christian Arsenault (Schalmont); the list will be updated throughout the summer as teams prepare for fall.

Syracuse.com’s 2026 preseason boys soccer poll has ranked Section III’s top teams as they gear up for season play.

Baldwinsville, Fayetteville-Manlius, New Hartford, Westhill, and Hamilton hold leading spots in their classes, with first games scheduled between Sept. 1 and Sept. 8 at local fields.