Good morning, Syracuse.

Today, the Lights on the Lake display in Liverpool raised $10,767 for local nonprofits and distributed giant and mini checks to eight organizations.

Funds came from the opening and closing events, a Doggy Drive-Thru, and a 5K walk and run, making a modest yet important impact.

Host Maryna Bagovska interviewed Rita Sofyan Conte, who left a successful business on Sumatra after meeting her new husband, and moved to Syracuse in late 2023 to begin a modest life here.

The Help Fight Hunger Telethon held Thursday, Jan.

29 raised a record $87,297 to provide 261,891 meals for local families, marking the largest total ever. CNY Central + its partners helped fight hunger in Central New York.

Joe Stray, founder of Prime Time Boxing, discussed his boxing journey and drew parallels with the play Relentless presented at Syracuse Stage on Jan.

29. The conversation (featured on Syracuse (On)Stage Episode 38) offered insights into his life.

Syracuse University professor George Saunders appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Tuesday to discuss his new novel Vigil.

The show later named Vigil the Book Club pick for February as Saunders compared writing to designing a roller coaster.

Today, the U.S. Mint released a new $1 coin featuring Oneida Nation figure Polly Cooper to honor her role in feeding starving troops at Valley Forge; local lawmakers praise the move for spotlighting our shared regional history.

The Music Man, a hit musical from 1957, opens at Landmark Theater February 10 and runs until February 14.

Rochester native Paul Urriola stars in his first national tour and says the show unites audiences with its fun tunes (bringing a sense of community to the historic venue).

New census data covering 2020-2024 shows four Onondaga County towns ranked in New York's top 100 for highest median family income.

Skaneateles ranked highest with over $157,000 while Syracuse posted a median income of $59,913.

Syracuse University has been selected as a Beckman Scholars Program awardee by the Arnold and Mabel Beckman Foundation.

The award funds six scholar-mentor pairs over three years with two undergraduates to be named this spring while offering 15-month research opportunities in chemistry and life sciences.

Mayor Sharon Owens will announce a new full-time nightlife coordinator at Nottingham High School tonight.

The role is designed to engage young adults by partnering with downtown business owners; it is part of a broader plan that includes e-gaming and seasonal skating projects.

Bodhi, a 3-year-old golden retriever from visits to Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and North Syracuse Junior High, qualified for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show and will compete next Tuesday in New York City; his owner said the therapy dog once helped a child talk (lifting community spirits).

Between Jan. 11 and 17, Onondaga County Health Department inspected 34 food establishments in Syracuse; one restaurant, Asian Wok, failed for issues like improper food thawing and storage of dangerous items – gasoline and WD-40, while 33 establishments passed inspection.

Salt City Market hosted a winter-themed Soup Flight Night on Thursday, Jan.

29 in downtown Syracuse to celebrate its five-year anniversary. The event featured nine globally inspired soups paired with dippers and dessert from vendors (including Cake Bar's banana pudding) for $35.

Cheat Codes Concert

9 PM - 12 AM — Westcott Theatre — Tickets start at $102 — Experience an unforgettable night with Cheat Codes live in Syracuse.

Springfield Thunderbirds vs. Syracuse Crunch

7-9 p.m. — Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling night of hockey with the Springfield Thunderbirds battling the Syracuse Crunch.

Belleville Senators vs. Syracuse Crunch

7-9 p.m. — Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting AHL matchup as the Belleville Senators take on the Syracuse Crunch.

Jazz Jam

3–5 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant evening of live jazz music in a cozy atmosphere.

Anthony Martinelli Live Show

8-11 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Free entry — Experience the unique pop-rock sounds of multi-instrumentalist Anthony Martinelli.

Candlelight Concert: Vivaldi's Four Seasons

6-7 p.m. — Palladian Hall at the Treasury — Tickets required — Immerse yourself in a candlelit experience featuring Vivaldi's timeless masterpiece performed by a string quartet.

Lake Effect Half Marathon

8:30-11:30 a.m. — Lewis Park — Registration fees apply — Participate in the 15th annual Lake Effect Half Marathon and associated racing events.

Pearly Baker's Best Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Five Guys — Tickets starting at $13.07 — Experience a Grateful Dead tribute with a diverse song catalog and a captivating performance.

2026 Central New York Boat Show

Feb 19-22 — CNY Boat Show — Admission details not specified — Explore the latest in boat and yacht accessories, alongside interactive exhibits and expert insights.

North Carolina Tar Heels at Syracuse Orange Basketball

1-3 p.m. — JMA Wireless Dome — Tickets available — Catch the thrilling college basketball rivalry between the Tar Heels and Orange.