Badger Previews Syracuse Nationals 2026: Horsepower After Hours, 7,000 Cars, and Family Fun On Good News York, host interviews Brian “Badger,” operations manager for the Syracuse Nationals, described as the largest car show in the Northeast, held July 16–18 at the New York State Fairgrounds. Badger outlined extensive week-of setup logistics involving trailers, tents, generators, electricians, and coordination with a small 6–7 person core team supported by volunteers, local car clubs, and security. He previewed Thursday’s “Horsepower After Hours” kickoff party with $5 after 5 admission, lowrider exhibitions, modern muscle cars on a dyno with Mobile Dyno Masters, a stereo competition, Nitro Row cars, and live music from 80s/90s cover band The Arcade (7:30–9:00). The weekend includes the Wall of Death, celebrity appearances (Russ Bros, Candy Clark), over 7,000 cars, about 90,000 attendees, and family-friendly policies; tickets and info are at syracusenationals.com, with camping at capacity. 00:00 Thursday Night Kickoff 00:24 Meet Badger 00:57 Nationals Dates and Venue 01:23 Behind the Scenes Setup 02:55 What to Expect This Year 04:23 How Big Is It 05:27 Families and Future Fans 06:30 Must See Cars and Displays 08:07 Tickets Registration and Camping 09:19 Wrap Up and Studio Outro

Good News York: Gracie Thorpe on Crouse Health Foundation’s Polo for Preemies and Supporting the NICU On Good News York, host Noah Chrysler interviews Gracie Thorpe, interim executive director of the Crouse Health Foundation, the fundraising arm of Crouse Hospital. Thorpe highlights the upcoming Polo for Preemies event on Sunday, July 26 at the Skaneateles Polo Fields, featuring a live polo match, food trucks, adult beverages, and a kid zone, with proceeds supporting Crouse’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She explains how donations can be unrestricted or directed to specific funds, units, scholarships, or projects. Thorpe describes the NICU’s regional role across 14 counties with 17 affiliate hospitals, caring for about 900 infants annually, and notes event funds support equipment and other needs. She also mentions the Crouse Health Classic raising $320,000 for a transport isolette, and the Oct. 2 Tribute Evening honoring Melanie Littlejohn at Turning Stone. 00:00 Crouse Family Spirit 00:16 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:33 Polo for Preemies Overview 01:19 Planning and Community Partners 01:47 Foundation Fundraising Role 02:35 Where Donations Go 03:37 Inside the NICU Program 05:35 How Event Funds Help 06:11 Other Signature Events 06:57 Tickets and Volunteer Info 07:22 Tribute Evening Gala Preview 07:55 Why Gracie Loves the Work 09:15 Giving Myths and Tips 10:13 Final Thanks and Sign Off 10:40 Show Outro and Sponsor Plug

Brandon Ciotti on Building Central New York Stand-Up, Writing Jokes, and Upcoming Palace Theatre Showcase On Good News York, host Noah interviews stand-up comedian and improv performer Brandon Ciotti from Utica, New York, who began comedy about four years ago and has been performing around the state. Ciotti promotes a July 17 showcase at the Palace Theatre on James Street in Syracuse (doors 6:00/6:30, show 7:00, tickets on the Palace website) featuring Becky Wiggins, Connor McCann, Jason Gowan, Tommy Armstrong, and Abdul Hadi. He discusses adapting stories into tight stand-up by trimming “fat,” using punchlines, and relying on pauses and a Cliff Notes-style set list, as well as shifting from shock humor to more clever, self-deprecating material. They talk about improv vs. stand-up, building community, marketing niche live events, and the persistence and driving required to grow the CNY comedy scene, including a July 14 open mic showcase at Johnny B’s Tavern in Rome. 00:00 Writing Stories Into Bits 00:33 Meet Brandon Ciotti 02:12 Showcase Details And Lineup 05:36 Why Not NYC Yet 05:58 Standup Vs Improv Grind 09:20 Bombing And Finding Voice 10:43 Big Unlock Going Clever 12:49 How Brandon Writes Jokes 14:36 Improv Teamwork And Nerves 17:34 Building CNY Comedy Scene 19:43 Love Of Black Box Rooms 20:40 Monday Show Hack 20:59 Holiday Booking Nerves 21:23 Anxiety vs Optimism 21:48 Writing With Friends 22:46 Open Mic Showcase Plan 24:02 Building The Local Scene 25:37 Marketing Niche Live Events 27:24 Raymond Paintball Pitch 30:23 Flyers And Weird Formats 31:59 How To Start Stand-Up 34:17 Bucket Pull Signup System 35:02 Tough Rooms And Bar Crowds 36:22 Thanks And Studio Outro