Good morning, Syracuse.

Bruce Coville launches his Halloween writing contest for local students to complete his story 'When The Creature Wakes.' Entries for grades K–3, 4–5, and 6–7 must be submitted by Monday, Oct.

5 at noon (rules apply) with winners featured on syracuse.com and The Post-Standard.

The 33rd Westcott Street Cultural Fair is set for Sunday from noon to 6:30 in the 500 block and nearby side streets, featuring 140 booths, live blues, jazz and funk, and multicultural dance groups.

Free shuttles run every half hour from 1201 East Fayette Street (stopping at Hawthorne and Westcott), and accessible parking is available.

On Sept. 10, the county agency approved nearly $13 million to extend a 16-inch natural gas pipeline to the Micron semiconductor site in Clay, with work scheduled to begin fall 2027 & complete in summer 2029.

U.S. News and World Report released its 2027 college rankings this week showing Syracuse University improved to 72nd nationally — its best ranking in seven years — while SUNY ESF ranked 15th in the Northern region and Le Moyne College placed 14th.

State comptroller data shows that in 2025, Lyncourt Union Free School District in Onondaga County (Central NY) had a full value tax rate of $23.75 per $1,000, making it the fifth-highest statewide and the highest in its five-county region.

Lower property values drive higher rates in these communities.

A state Supreme Court judge ruled Monday that the city may have violated the Westcott Theater’s rights — calling for more evidence about the closure as owner Daniel Mastronardi plans a new hearing; the city has five days to respond.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced nearly $3.5M for the Central NY Youth Employment Program, which will offer paid work & training for at least 2,500 at-risk youth from September to June.

The funds will be managed by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.

Clear Investment Group will lease renovated apartments at The Summit and The Metropolitan — formerly Skyline Apartments — to return over 600 units to occupancy.

One building at The Summit is approved for move-in with leasing at The Metropolitan set to begin in coming weeks as renovations finish.

Auburn remains undefeated in Class A high school football after overtaking Whitesboro in the latest rankings, while Waterville moves to No.1 in 8-man—setting up key matchups this weekend.

Section III girls soccer stats were updated through Sept.

22, reflecting performances in recent matches (including a game at West Genesee High School in Camillus on Sept. 18).