Good morning, Syracuse.

On Sept. 23, 2026, David Hoyne of Kitty Hoynes Irish Pub & Restaurant spoke at a downtown Syracuse fall event — urging locals to support businesses despite disruptions from the I-81 viaduct project.

He stressed that construction is temporary and downtown remains vibrant.

Local residents are invited to submit fall photos from parks like Beaver Lake Nature Center, Highland Forest + Onondaga Lake Park in the 8th Annual Parks Photo Contest.

Entries must be submitted by 4 p.m. November 2.

Ronald McDonald House Central New York has recruited two new staff members to expand support for families with children receiving medical care, with Kristine Knutson (family support specialist) and Zierra Forbes (volunteer and event specialist) joining the team.

Karen LaPlante, chief talent officer at AmeriCU Credit Union, is retiring after a long career building employee programs and charitable efforts.

She plans to spend more time with family and mentoring while her legacy stretches across the credit union's 25 centers in Rome.

Syracuse marked the 175th anniversary of the Jerry Rescue with special displays and community talks that recalled the historic stand against slavery + celebrated local courage.

Organizers stressed the event’s lasting impact on unity and the fight for freedom.

Syracuse University confirmed it will keep its six Flock Safety automatic license plate readers for criminal investigations even as the city removed its Flock systems in June in favor of Axon Enterprise.

Baldwinsville schools continue using Flock tools (to secure campuses) while nearby agencies rely on the technology.

Webster Pond received a $25,000 grant from Onondaga County on Thursday, and the Anglers Association will use the funds to execute a county-approved work plan for pond improvements, maintenance and wildlife management.

The grant comes as the association has struggled with declining donations.

Dr. Navpriya Oberoi will lead a new urogynecology service at Crouse Medical Practice starting Oct.

30 at 5844 Widewaters Parkway in East Syracuse (she has over 10 years of experience treating pelvic floor disorders and other related conditions).

Hunters began bowhunting season in the Southern Zone on Oct.

1; it runs through Nov. 20 and requires compliance with updated rules such as E-tag+prompt harvest reporting to protect local wildlife.

North Syracuse's 5-year-old Arpan Regmi completed a 200-hour yoga certification faster than the Guinness World Record, showing his family's commitment to healthy living.

His parents teach online classes and plan to expand their local wellness business with a new yoga studio.

Lacy’s List spotlights top Section III football players after strong Week 4 games + builds excitement for key Week 5 matchups as local stars like Jai Phillips and Thomas Bernhardt aim to secure wins in pivotal contests.

The Syracuse football team will play Connecticut at noon Saturday at Rentschler Field - sports reporters offer varied predictions as the team plans a possible two-quarterback system and aims for a comeback after two losses.