Good morning, Syracuse.

Upstate University Hospital opened a new downtown hub for drone operations to speed the delivery of specimens, medications, and blood products between its campuses.

The program (launched in 2023) now integrates artificial intelligence to optimize routes and reduce ground transport.

Judges and lawyers reenacted John Peter Zenger’s 1735 trial at the federal courthouse (downtown) on Wednesday to show why a free press is important, and local media experts led a panel discussion afterward.

St. Joseph Hospital Health Center begins a $25 million makeover of its largest behavioral health unit on Union Avenue; the new unit will offer 23,200 sqft with 22 private rooms and an outdoor courtyard — improvements set to serve more rural patients when it opens later in 2027.

Fields Restaurant at Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa was honored by Travel + Leisure and Wine Spectator—two awards that show its quality dining; it serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily at 1000 Mottville Road with reservations required.

Syracuse receiver Umari Hatcher rebounded from injuries and early friction with coach Fran Brown by adding targeted workouts + extra training that restored his explosiveness and confidence.

His improved performance now ranks him among the ACC’s top receivers, highlighted by career highs in a game against UConn.

The Syracuse football team will face the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium in Charlottesville on Saturday (Oct.

10) at 7:30 p.m. Analysts say the game may test the team’s tackling and kicking after a challenging road trip.

The Atlanta Dream beat the New York Liberty 101-98 in overtime on Wednesday, Oct.

7, in Atlanta to take a 2-0 series lead. CNY native Breanna Stewart scored 35 points to fuel the Liberty even as they fell short in the high-stakes semifinal.

CBA girls tennis captured its first section title in over five years by beating Liverpool 4-3 on Wednesday; the team will face Fayetteville-Manlius at 12:30 p.m. tomorrow at Cortland High School (a key win over Baldwinsville on Tuesday set the stage).

After a Tuesday court order kept him eligible amid a pending NCAA appeal, Amarri Monroe remains with the Orange as coach Gerry McNamara said he will play him when he can help win games; the forward from Quinnipiac, former MAAC Player of the Year, is a key team member.

Super DIRT Week has grown over 54 years and moved from the New York State Fairgrounds to Oswego Speedway.

Wednesday time trials locked in qualifiers for today's races, and top drivers including Mat Williamson compete in a seven-day festival (events run from Thursday, Oct. 8 to Sunday, Oct. 11).

Vincenzo, a 9-year-old Pop Warner player from Baldwinsville, got a surprise jersey with his new last name ahead of Saturday's game as he awaits his adoption finalization on Friday, Oct.

16 (his fourth-grade class will watch the ceremony virtually).

F-M Green's seventh grader Collin Helmer won the Class A individual medalist honor with a score of 73 at the Section III tournament on Wednesday while West Genesee Gold secured the team title with a score of 385 at Drumlins.

Syracuse women's basketball head coach Felisha Legette-Jack urged local fans to pack the JMA Wireless Dome for 13 televised games after a strong 24-9 season and NCAA Tournament run last season.

She warned that low attendance will lead to more away games—seeking full-house crowds for the team.

Local high school sports update: Lacy’s List spotlights top Section III football players who shined in Week 5 and previews upcoming tests this weekend, including Christian Brothers Academy hosting UPrep on Friday and other matchups +highlighting game-changing plays+.