Good morning, Syracuse.

During the annual youth hunt last weekend, local hunters in Central NY—including 12-year-old Alexis and her 14-year-old brother Bentley Fredenburg—made their first deer kills with help from their father.

Other youth from the region also bagged deer (continuing a cherished local tradition).

The Business Matters newsletter highlighted key local business stories as it recapped Robert Majure’s insights on opportunities in Central New York and updates on Vigilare AI, a local startup.

It also covered redevelopment of a longtime vacant store and new hires at area companies (details in the full report).

Sarah Heukrath has been promoted to manager at NOPL North Syracuse after over a decade as a youth librarian; she led renovations for children and teen areas and secured grant funding for STEAM kits + space-themed programs to boost the library’s role as a community hub.

A new roundabout at Van Buren and Almond near the JMA Wireless Dome reopens today, reconnecting downtown, Syracuse University and local hospitals.

Construction began in April and it is a key part of the I-81 project and new Community Grid.

CNY Central and Upstate Cancer Center hosted their annual Call In For Cancer fundraiser on Thursday, Oct.

15, raising $81,432 to support treatments and services for local patients. Donations will help thousands during and after treatment — bolstering community care.

Syracuse University basketball legend and retired NBA star Carmelo Anthony bought a 58-acre estate in Brookfield in May — the property includes an early 1800s farmhouse, cabins, and a pond with a beach, serving as a family retreat that may add a basketball court.

Westmoreland girls soccer won 2-1 in double overtime as sophomore midfielder Jayda Aiello scored the golden goal at West Canada Valley on Wednesday night.

The Bulldogs have won eight of their last nine games and will host Herkimer today at 4:30 p.m. for a sectional match.

Liverpool's high school football team increased its lead to nearly two-and-a-half points in the latest power rankings after a big Week 6 win against Cicero-North Syracuse, and several other undefeated teams continue to show strong performances as the season unfolds.

Section III high school football players shined last week — their strong performances have fans excited for key action this weekend.

Teams led by standout players Taveon Sledge and Wesley D’Imperio will face tough opponents in pivotal matchups.

Vernon Verona Sherrill football beat Institute of Technology Central 23-22 on Thursday night, moving to 7-0 after rallying from a 14-point deficit.

Cortland forfeited its sectional play-in game next week, so coach Matt McCoy said the team will use the bye (for bonding and film review) before playoffs.

Syracuse basketball will not attend the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas in 2026 — instead, it set up non-conference games against Indiana, Oklahoma, St. John’s, Providence and Rutgers as officials gave no on-record reason for the change.

Camden boys soccer snapped a long skid with a 2-1 road win over CVA on Wednesday evening.

The team improved to a 9-5-2 record and will prepare for the Section III Class A tournament, led by senior Landry Rose who scored two goals (his performance helped change the season).