Good morning, Syracuse.

More than 80 veterans from across Central New York returned to Syracuse Saturday, Sep.

19 after touring Washington, D.C. memorials as part of Honor Flight Syracuse Mission 25; they received a heartfelt welcome from family, friends, and supporters at Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

Events across Central New York this weekend include downtown Festa Italiana with Italian food and music, the Jordan Fall Festival near Jorden Elbridge Middle School with carnival rides and fireworks, and a 'Paw-ty in the Park' at Jamesville Beach for dog lovers — free community activities continue Saturday and Sunday.

Syracuse Stage opened its production of 'Come From Away' on Friday, Sept.

18 at 820 E. Genesee St. The minimalist musical is a tribute to community kindness during crisis and runs until Oct. 11 (family friendly for ages 10 up).

Barbershop Books launched a new literacy initiative Monday at Betts Branch Library that brings books into local barbershops and salons.

The program partners libraries, schools (and community leaders) to create literacy bubbles for young readers.

State Sen. Christopher Ryan hosted a senior fair on Saturday at North Syracuse Junior High School from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., where 40 vendors offered health and wellness resources.

He will host a second fair in Oswego County on Sept. 22 at the Lake Ontario Events & Conference Center.

Police and the Syracuse Run Club hosted their first Suicide Prevention Awareness 5k Run/Walk at Onondaga Creekwalk on Saturday morning.

Lt. Christina Lewis led the event to build positive connections and offer mental health support (including hotline 988 for crisis assistance).

Former SU lacrosse star Joey Spallina was named PLL Rookie of the Year on Saturday, May 23 in Charlottesville, Va — he scored 36 points for the Maryland Whipsnakes and will be a top pick in the upcoming NLL draft on Sept.

24.

High school football roared through Week 3 of the 2026 Section III season as Cazenovia hosted Utica Notre Dame yesterday afternoon.

Syracuse.com updated live scores and recaps from multiple matchups throughout the day.

New York high school football season is underway and readers can vote for the top offensive lineman until Saturday, Sept.

26 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Coaches provided input for a list featuring Lowville’s Mason Lyndaker — an All-State lineman who helped his team win a championship last year.

Cicero-North Syracuse girls soccer won 3-0 against West Genesee on Friday, Sept.

18 at West Genesee High School in Camillus, with junior forward Abigail Mackey scoring two goals. The undefeated team (5-0) will compete against the Bees in Baldwinsville on Thursday at 7 p.m.