Good morning, Syracuse.

The University Office of Community Engagement is partnering with the Salvation Army to fight hunger by hosting a campus food drive starting Monday, Sept.

22, a fundraiser outside the JMA Wireless Dome on Sept. 27, and an Empty Bowls event on Oct. 3 to support over 70 local food pantries—efforts aimed at helping families in Central New York.

Firefighters from nearly 20 departments battled a large fire on September 17th at the Novelis aluminum plant in Scriba—extinguishing the blaze by 2 a.m. after it started at 10:15 p.m., evacuating employees safely and reporting no injuries.

County Clerk offices in Onondaga, Cayuga, Cortland and Madison counties recorded 31 new businesses from September 7—13, including a new gym and a sewing machine repair service—along with one religious corporation in Onondaga and four corporations in Cortland and Madison.

Adam Sandler performed a near-sold-out show at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse on Saturday night, blending comedy with music—drawing fans who drove hours from other towns and boosting local restaurants and bars before the show.

Local business owners said that such events helped create extra energy and spending downtown.

Cazenovia Central School Superintendent Christopher DiFulvio has been named as the district superintendent at Jefferson-Lewis BOCES—his appointment will be approved tonight and he is set to start on November 1.

The EPA ordered Syracuse to improve water testing and corrosion control after an investigation found that current measures were not enough to protect children from lead poisoning.

The order outlines steps for better monitoring and public education on lead risks.

Fall colors will dazzle Upstate NY this weekend as trees in the Adirondacks and Catskills turn from green to bright hues like gold and orange — with spots like Old Forge and Delhi expected to reach over 50% color change.

Observers note that these vivid leaves will create a stunning landscape during the week of Sept. 17-23 — drawing local attention.

At a meeting on Tuesday, Syracuse police addressed Common Council concerns after residents criticized the proposed drone as first responder program—promising to revise its policy and add privacy safeguards before the council votes on September 29.

Leaders maintained that the changes will help improve police work while protecting community backyard privacy.

Syracuse Common Council unanimously appointed Octavia Gernhardt (a North Side resident) to the Citizen Review Board after Olivia Sekarore resigned following attendance at only three meetings in the past 15 months.

The volunteer board reviews police misconduct complaints to help improve oversight.

The Syracuse Common Council approved a plan that lets Jenoptik install school zone and red light cameras, a measure that aims to slow down traffic near schools and ensure safety.

The program was in a 60-day warning period and state limits cap the number of cameras—future discussions with the state may allow for expansion.

A study published on Sept 16 showed that simple resistance training improved nerve conduction and may slow nerve aging that puts seniors at risk of falls.

Researchers measured forearm nerve responses before and after four weeks of handgrip exercises—finding significant improvements that could help maintain muscle strength.

A new ranking of the 15 best u-pick apple orchards in Upstate New York was released today based on thousands of Yelp and Google reviews—covering farms from Buffalo to the Adirondacks where visitors can pick apples, taste cider doughnuts, and enjoy petting zoos.

Family of former SU Basketball star Tiana Mangakahia announced that her celebration of life service will be live-streamed tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Loganholme—loved ones are asked to wear purple.

The burial will take place later that day in Australia—and donations to the McGrath Foundation are encouraged in her memory.

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.

Community Side by Side Concert with the Syracuse Orchestra

7:30-8:30 p.m. — The Carrier Civic Center Theaters — Ticket prices vary — Experience a unique collaboration between local musicians and the Syracuse Orchestra highlighting famous movie themes and classical favorites.