Good morning, Syracuse.

Three design teams are finalists in the Full Circle Design Competition to revamp Columbus Circle, and they will present proposals on Nov.

10 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church followed by exhibits at OHA’s museum from Nov. 10-24 before a winning design is chosen by the end of 2026.

The family honored late NYSP K9 trooper Jeff Cicora, a 9/11 responder, by running the Tunnel to Towers 5K in Utica last August.

His service during 9/11 and battle with a rare cancer continues to inspire his son and local community.

Onondaga County announced $500,000 in grants for local food pantries facing higher demand from SNAP cuts on Thursday.

Pantries can apply for up to $10,000 to upgrade equipment (including refrigerators) with funding from county reallocated funds and leftover foundation money.

Sharkey’s Event Center in Liverpool will host the NYS Dot Foods 2nd annual volleyball tournament on Saturday, Sept.

12, raising funds for Make-A-Wish Central New York + teams may also register for a cornhole competition with check-in at 9:30 a.m.

Lawyer Larry Bousquet, head of a downtown law firm and community volunteer, said choices are better when made openly & he helped organize an exhibition of Yoichi Okamoto's photos at City Hall Commons that will run Sept.

15-Nov. 15.

Jersey Boys launched Sept.

9 at the Landmark Theatre (362 S. Salina St.) in Syracuse. The 20th anniversary tour of the Four Seasons musical features a lean stage, energetic ensemble performances and a run of 2 hours 35 minutes for ages 12 and up and will continue through Sept. 12.

At Allen Road Elementary in Clay, flashing school zone signs were not working as students returned to classes today, with 15 mph limits still in force — councilor Capria said the problem was overlooked before the school year began.

The Onondaga County Sheriff’s Department is increasing patrols in the area.

A dozen people from 11 countries became U.S. citizens Thursday at the James M.

Hanley Federal Courthouse in Syracuse. The ceremony included four Army members—Joseph Yawson, who said his long path to citizenship fulfilled his dream of service—marking a new beginning for the group.

Local mental health professionals say the 988 crisis line is helping residents avoid emergency rooms by connecting callers to vital support.

Peer specialist Scott Murray, a combat veteran living with PTSD, shared his experience at St. Joseph's where the program continues its life-saving work + offers text-to-chat assistance.

Upstate Medical University opened a $5 million Pediatric Behavioral Health Center to provide after-hours care for children, teens, and young adults and daytime mental health services for adults; the center (with bright décor including a LEGO area) is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Section III girls soccer 2026 brings together Class B, C, and D teams to prepare for regional play with new and returning players.

The tournament starts Oct. 20 here with sectional finals on Nov. 1 and state championships on Nov. 15 (coaches express cautious optimism for the season).

Lacy's List spotlights 10 Section III football stars following explosive Week 1 games+ the list forecasts tough Week 2 matchups for local standouts like Zane Ison and Caleb Robert+ the teams will face new rivals across the region.

Freshman receiver Calvin Russell III is questionable for the opener against California as he recovers from a torn Achilles tendon and surgery in early April, with coach Fran Brown expecting his return in a few weeks + limited Dome practice has raised hopes for a key role this season.