Good morning, Syracuse.

The Food Bank of Central New York is preparing for a surge in demand as a government shutdown will freeze SNAP benefits in three days — putting 187,000 people in 11 counties at risk.

CEO Karen Belcher said the organization is disaster planning and cannot place new orders due to the shutdown.

Syracuse residents can celebrate Halloween weekend with live music events as Cage Collective hosts a costume-mandatory show on Friday and America performs at the Oncenter at 7 p.m. on Saturday, while Dazed, The Afterlife, and Pink Rock Culture Co-op offer themed shows—tickets range from $5 to over $100.

XO Taco hosted a Sabrina Carpenter look-alike contest Wednesday night where five contestants in glittering costumes competed for a gift bag based on social media votes—an effort aimed at drawing Syracuse University students and local fans.

The event featured signature blonde blowouts, pink espresso martinis, and popular tunes from Carpenter.

VoteSU was founded in August by Kempton Bohn and Thalia Benton-Dinneen to increase student voter registration and civic engagement on and off campus at Syracuse University; the nonpartisan club holds biweekly Monday meetings and has hosted voter training sessions and a trip to the mayoral debate—efforts designed to bridge the gap between campus and local politics.

Four new affordable homes in Tipperary Hill were completed yesterday and are ready for families to move in, priced between $225,000 and $250,000 and built by Home Headquarters with support from New York’s Affordable Home Ownership Program—part of a citywide plan to turn vacant properties into homeownership opportunities.

The New York State Sportswriters’ Association released new football rankings this week — Liverpool moved up to No. 20 in Class AA, East Syracuse Minoa rose to No. 23 in Class A, and New Hartford advanced to No. 4 in Class B — as teams prepare for postseason play.

Today, Liverpool (Legends) and Baldwinsville (Bees; featured in syracuse.com’s Game of the Week) will face off in a sectional quarterfinal football game in Syracuse with play-by-play commentary by reporters Kenny Lacy Jr. and Ryan Storie.

Yesterday, the Syracuse Orange hosted Pace in an exhibition game at the JMA Wireless Dome — the contest was broadcast on ACC Network Extra with play-by-play from Matt Park and commentary from Eric Devendorf.

Syracuse head coach Adrian Autry praised freshman forward Sadiq White—rated among the top recruits for his defense and speed—as the ideal addition to bring a fast, aggressive style to the team.

White committed to Syracuse on May 29 and is expected to play a leading role this season.

Justus Ross-Simmons — nicknamed RoboCop from his high school days in California — became Syracuse's top 50/50-ball receiver this season after transferring from Colorado State to be near his recovering father, catching 14 passes for 212 yards and five touchdowns in the team’s first eight games.

Playoff football begins in Section III this week as computer rankings show Christian Brothers Academy leading Class AA and Frankfort-Schuyler topping 8-man teams—updated rankings will be released every Wednesday.

Whitesboro is the best in Class A while New Hartford leads Class B and Lowville tops Class D—local teams get ready for playoff games.

Kiyan Anthony, the son of Carmelo Anthony, chose Syracuse to build his own basketball path and help end the long March Madness drought—he faces strong media attention and works hard to stay humble on and off the court.

His rigorous training and family support set him up for a key role as he starts his college career.

Syracuse men’s basketball begins its crucial third season under coach Adrian Autry as it prepares to break its long drought from March Madness—key players like Donnie Freeman and Naithan George are expected to boost the offense.

Analysts say Freeman may earn All-American honors if the team shows steady play and strong scoring, even as preseason polls remain cautious.

SOPHISTAFUNK with The Basement Chronicles

7:15-10:15 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Tickets starting at $18.22 — Experience infectious hip-hop beats and good vibes from local favorites.

Carter Vail - The Coy Dog Tour

7-9:30 p.m. — Westcott Theater — Ticket info TBA — Experience the infectious pop-rock of Carter Vail as he brings humor and heart to life on stage.

Monmouth Hawks vs. Syracuse Orange Basketball

9:00–10:30 PM — JMA Wireless Dome — Ticket prices vary — Cheer on the Monmouth Hawks as they face the Syracuse Orange in an exciting basketball matchup.

Snaps & Taps Open Mic Night

6-8 p.m. — Community Folk Art Center — Free entry — Showcase your talent with poetry, music, and comedy in a supportive atmosphere.

Ariel Pink Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Westcott Theater — Tickets from $116 — Experience a night of unforgettable music with Ariel Pink in Syracuse.

New York State Craft Brewers Festival

4:00-5:30 p.m. — Landmark Theatre — VIP tickets available — Sample brews from over 45 NY breweries while enjoying BBQ pairings.

Friends Of The Central Library Author Series: Liz Moore

7:30-9 p.m. — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — $ — Enjoy a night of literary insights with acclaimed author Liz Moore.

Elmo and Friends Say Hello

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Landmark Theatre — Ticket required for ages 2+ — Sing, dance, and play with Elmo and friends in a fun celebration on Sesame Street.

Gingerbread Gallery Grand Opening

4-6 p.m. — Erie Canal Museum — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with festive gingerbread creations, cookies, cocoa, and live music.

Live Like Liam 5K Run & Walk

8:30-10 a.m. — Jamesville-DeWitt High School — Registration required — Celebrate life and community while supporting children with special needs in honor of Liam Zoghby.