Hey there, Syracuse! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: Bank of America October Museums on Us Weekend and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Shifting traffic and a new roundabout coming soon as I-81 project progresses (waer.org) — Expect major traffic shifts soon on I-81 and I-690 in Syracuse as crews move lanes and advance the new roundabout near Syracuse University and the VA. Van Buren Street is slated to reopen later this fall, and parts of the roundabout and Business Loop 81 should become operational, easing some congestion on University Hill.
2. Salvation Army in Syracuse receives a major funding gift (localsyr.com) — A major gift from the Thurston family will rename the Salvation Army's South Salina Street administration center and its Christmas Bureau program in Syracuse, while helping expand shelter and care services across Onondaga County. Starting with the 2026 holiday season, the newly named Gary V. Thurston Christmas Bureau will continue providing toys and food to more than 2,000 local families each year.
3. Hugs and tears and love for Syracuse mailman delivering his last letter (cnycentral.com) — Neighbors on Brattle Road in Syracuse gathered midday Wednesday to surprise longtime mail carrier Dave Hamilton as he finished his final delivery after 41 years on the job. Residents shared stories of his kindness, from attending family funerals to looking out for kids on the route, while Hamilton reflected on leaving winters behind and spending more time with his grandson.
4. As Onondaga County property tax rate dips, sales taxes rise: Public hearing Thursday (cnycentral.com) — Onondaga County residents can weigh in on the proposed county budget at a 5 p.m. public hearing in Syracuse, where officials are balancing a slight drop in property tax rates with higher sales tax collections. A Syracuse University public finance expert explains how shifting tax burdens and rising utility-related sales taxes affect fairness and public services across the county.
5. Why a military jet that looks like Air Force One keeps showing up over Syracuse (syracuse.com) — If you've recently spotted what looked like Air Force One over Syracuse, it was actually a C-32 jet practicing touch-and-go landings at Syracuse Hancock International Airport. The Air Force uses Syracuse's less crowded skies to train crews flying this VIP transport aircraft, which now sports President Trump's updated red, white, and navy paint scheme.
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Ok Syracuse! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
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