Good morning, Syracuse.

Syracuse University and SUNY ESF professors have unveiled a model that plans to replace the old I-81 viaduct with parks, play areas and affordable homes in downtown Syracuse — the model will be shared in a town hall-style exhibition starting Nov.

21 and a symposium on Oct. 24 to gather feedback.

Students at Syracuse University reacted after two 18-year-olds were charged with second-degree burglary—a hate crime—for throwing pork into the Zeta Beta Tau fraternity house during Rosh Hashanah, and a Department of Public Safety car was stationed outside the house as campus safety was reassessed.

On Sept 15, longtime Chinese restaurant owner Lixing Chen was detained at his ICE appointment at an office park in Nedrow—his detention led to the closure of his restaurant and marked the second Chinese restaurant owner detained at a check-in in two weeks.

The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief began a 33-day bicentennial voyage from Buffalo to New York Harbor and will stop at 28 ports along its trip.

It will visit Syracuse on Oct. 4 at Onondaga Lake Park—visitors can explore its re-created cabins and view historical artifacts.

Cayuga Community College is accepting 16 students for its first fast-track nursing cohort at Auburn Campus for Spring 2026—applications are due by Nov.

14. The cohort will start courses in Spring and Summer and complete their Associate in Applied Science in Fall and Spring.

The Liverpool Public Library unveiled its new mobile library on Sept.

22, 2025 during a ribbon cutting attended by local officials including Representative John Mannion and library director Susan Reckhow—its van holds over 1,000 books and fits 12 children for story times. It will next stop at Elderwood Homeschool Outreach on Friday, Oct. 17 from 9:50 a.m. to 11 a.m. to expand community literacy.

The DEC issued a drought warning for 12 counties in the Adirondack and Southern Tier regions while a drought watch remains for Central New York, urging residents to conserve water after a prolonged dry period.

A new fall foliage map from I Love New York shows that leaves are changing across Central and Upstate New York - some areas have reached peak colors.

This weekend a small group gathered near the DeWitt and Manlius solar farms for Sun Day—an event showcasing local renewable energy projects despite federal policy cutbacks.

Town of DeWitt officials said the solar farm now powers all municipal needs and saves $70,000 a year.

Tonight, the I-81 southbound off-ramp at Exit 11 in Cicero will close from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. tomorrow for overhead sign installation as part of the I-81 Viaduct Project—drivers must follow posted detour signs to Exit 29S for I-481 South.

The Syracuse Fire Department is seeking new funding and a plan for a maintenance facility because its nearly 60-year-old building is unsafe—engineering assessments show cracks and structural damage from modern firetrucks.

The department is evaluating temporary options, including using a small garage on Syracuse University campus, until the city can start rebuilding.

Today, drivers on I-81 southbound in Syracuse will have one lane open between Exits 23A-23B-22 and Exit 21 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Northbound, lane closures between Exits 18 and 23 have been extended to tomorrow — bad weather led to the change.

Centro's 2025 pink themed bus was revealed on Wednesday, September 24 at 10 a.m. outside Destiny USA Mall — the event kicked off breast cancer awareness month with local community leaders joining the American Cancer Society's Men Wear Pink campaign.

A Syracuse University faculty member and Camden Life Center staff opened New York’s first recovery café to offer community-based addiction and wellness services in rural areas+bringing education and connection to people facing trauma.

They plan to study its impact on mental health, housing, and food insecurity while building on the center’s steady rise in service requests.

A developer has proposed a plan to redevelop the former Hinerwadel’s Grove property off Taft Road in North Syracuse by adding housing and commercial space.

The proposal comes after the town rejected an earlier plan (the site hosted family clambakes for 104 years until 2018).

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.

New York Power Authority Contracting & Procurement Outreach Exchange

5:30-7:30 p.m. — 350 W Fayette St, Syracuse, NY — Free entry — Explore business opportunities and network with NYPA and Canal Corporation teams during this outreach exchange.

Anella Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Westcott Theater — Tickets starting at $75 — Experience an unforgettable performance from Anella in Syracuse.

Amy Grant Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Ticket information available — Enjoy an evening with the iconic Queen of Christian Pop, Amy Grant.

Eddie Balduzzi & The Bon Vivants Live

8-11 p.m. — Asil's Pub — Cost info not provided — Experience Americana Rock with local legends covering classic hits from The Grateful Dead and more.

Bad Sneakers: A Tribute to Steely Dan

8-11 p.m. — Middle Ages Brewing Company — Ticket pricing not specified — Enjoy a night of Steely Dan classics performed by a talented local 13-piece band.