Good morning, Syracuse.

Ma and Pa's Kettle Corn and Popcorn Factory is moving to a 10,000 square foot building at 806 Old Liverpool Road—owner James Bell said he will expand wholesale and retail sales and double his staff by the holidays.

Syracuse taxpayers may pay $110,000 in a settlement from a lawsuit filed by a passenger injured when a drunk driver hit a city recycling truck in 2020—city attorneys recommend the settlement—and the Common Council will vote Monday on the deal.

This weekend, Syracuse hosts many cultural events—Festa Italiana is in front of City Hall, the Haudenosaunee Wooden Stick Festival is at Onondaga Lake Park, Oktoberfest is at Freight Yard Brewing, Bareroots Music Festival is at Thornden Park, Klezfest is at the Jewish Community Center, Brewfest is at Crazy Daisies, and a volleyball tournament fundraiser is at Sharkey's. Some events are free while Brewfest tickets are $45 at the door and volleyball teams pay $140 per entry.

George Saunders G’88, a professor and noted author in the College of Arts and Sciences, has been named the winner of the 2025 National Book Award for Distinguished Contributions to American Letters— a lifetime achievement honor recognizing his literary impact.

He will receive the medal at the 76th National Book Awards Ceremony in New York on November 19.

Assemblywoman Pamela J.

Hunter met with Joann Yarrow — who served in the military — to talk about her journey as part of Syracuse Stage’s production of The Hello Girls.

Federal data shows that 285 jobs in the Syracuse metro area paid above the national median in 2024, with pipelayers earning $74,700—42% more than the national wage.

Medical scientists and sound engineering technicians also earned more while some roles, such as teachers and broadcast technicians, paid about 35% less than the national median.

Syracuse University’s Department of Physics marks a decade since the 2015 gravitational wave discovery — professors Ballmer, Brown, and Saulson led early LIGO breakthroughs and launched a Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy in 2023 while the new Cosmic Explorer project will soon record waves more frequently; the university also remembers Nobel Prize-winning Rai Weiss, whose vision shaped the field before his passing on Aug. 25.

After a decade of declining enrollment, SUNY OCC saw a surge in student interest due to record student loan debt, new state tuition subsidies and high demand in healthcare and manufacturing—President Warren Hilton discussed the new Micron clean room and free tuition for adult learners through the Reconnect program.

During the summer, students at Syracuse University conducted research in labs on projects studying how sea urchins respond to climate change, improving cancer treatments, and animal movement under REU and SOURCE programs.

Their work may lead to breakthroughs in health and tech—findings that support future progress—by giving them hands-on experience and new ideas.

Cayuga County Sheriff Brian Schenck said he received many concerns from residents after the Sept.

4 federal immigration raid at Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Cato—his office only handled traffic control and security, and a Homeland Security investigation is still underway.

Federal agents and local deputies raided the Nutrition Bar Confectioners facility in Cato, where vice president Lenny Schmidt said officers stopped him in his driveway and detained dozens of workers—many of whom were later sent to Guatemala—using questionable tactics.

Health officials confirmed testing found microcystin toxins in untreated water from Skaneateles Lake, prompting an advisory that urges residents and visitors to avoid areas with visible algae — while stating that the drinking water is safe.

Syracuse VA Medical Center and Maxwell School have launched a pilot program led by professor Colleen Heflin that will give 250 veterans monthly Instacart Fresh Funds and nutrition support—participants will receive grocery vouchers and cooking classes to help manage conditions like hypertension and diabetes.

Crouse Health introduced its new Ion Robotic System from Intuitive on September 12th, which allowed doctors to perform minimally invasive lung biopsies to detect lung cancer and other pulmonary conditions with greater precision—enhancing early diagnosis and treatment planning.

Charlene Tarver’s Women’s Economic Institute and St. Nick’s Alliance have partnered on the $41 million Southside Renaissance Project to build a mixed-use development that includes a small business incubator for restaurateurs of color and 75 senior housing units on Syracuse’s south side — with groundbreaking set for 2027 and completion expected in 2029.

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.

Syracuse Vegfest

11 AM – 5 PM — Fatcat Baking — Free entry — Sample delicious plant-based goodies and connect with fellow veg enthusiasts.

1st Annual Music for Meals Fundraiser

5-8 p.m. — Harvey's Garden — Community support event — Experience a night of music and mission for Meals on Wheels of Syracuse.

Crooked Coast Concert

8:00 – 11:00 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Ticket details coming soon — Experience a live performance from Crooked Coast in Syracuse.

Avatar: The Last Airbender In Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the beloved animated series soundtrack performed live as Aang's epic journey unfolds on screen.

Dram Fools Live Performance

7-8:30 p.m. — Middle Ages Brewing Company — $20 — Experience the eclectic sounds of a two-man band blending R&B, jazz, and more.

Annie In The Water Concert

7-10 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Ticket details at GoTickets — Experience an electrifying night with Annie in The Water's iconic rock performance.

Country Folk Art Show

5-9 p.m. — New York State Fairgrounds — $8 at the door — Experience a vibrant market showcasing unique handmade items and artisan crafts.