Good morning, Syracuse.

Local entrepreneur Jeff Knauss halted his program to provide $150 Wegmans gift cards to families after over 30,000 people requested help—he raised nearly $130,000, enough for only 866 cards.

SNAP benefits end on Nov. 1 due to a government shutdown, and his team will keep raising money for more families.

The Fearless Queens (a Syracuse-based group) will host their ninth annual Thanksgiving Giveback and will collect donations through Nov.

22 to feed more than 100 families. Meal distribution will be held on Nov. 24 from 4 to 8 p.m (volunteers and local sponsors will also be needed).

Micron Technology has become the world’s largest supplier of memory chips for vehicles by producing over 300 million chips a year that power systems like entertainment and braking—its chips are in over half of U.S. cars.

The company is linking its strong performance in artificial intelligence to new plans in Central New York—four factory projects in Clay that aim to support a growing automotive market.

Oneida Nation reported on October 29 that the Turning Stone Evolution will welcome guests ahead of schedule as the new Crescent Hotel with Salt Seafood & Raw Bar debuts on June 29 and the Grand Expo opens after Labor Day—moving the launch up from its planned 2027 start.

Isla Caribbean Cuisine reopened for lunch today (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at 206 S.

Warren St. and hired celebrity chef Jose Alfredo Diaz to create a new Caribbean menu while the owner awaits a new liquor license for dinner service; the restaurant also hosts evening events with temporary alcohol permits and plans to open an adjacent bar for private functions soon.

Barnes Center at The Arch Counseling earned APA accreditation through 2035 for its Doctoral Internship Program in Health Service Psychology—this accreditation reflects its strong training and mentorship model that prepares mental health professionals while enhancing student care.

Syracuse voters will decide on November 4 for three open City School Board seats from a field of four candidates plus a write-in option—Commissioner Nyatwa Bullock, who lost the primary by 270 votes, is campaigning for another term—while early voting runs from October 25 until November 2.

SNAP benefits are set to end November 1, leaving over 100,000 Syracuse residents and 3 million New Yorkers facing food uncertainty.

Local residents including Yvonne Griffin and Ronald Dennis are lobbying state officials for emergency hunger aid + warning that food pantries may struggle to serve everyone.

Falk College professor Sudha Raj received the 2025 Medallion Award on Oct.

12 in Nashville for her 40-year work in nutrition science—she has taught and researched to improve community health. Her award highlights her global impact through studies on dietary patterns and mentorship in the Department of Nutrition and Food Studies.

Syracuse officials and housing advocates met at Moyer Carriage Lofts on the North Side to highlight the 128-unit affordable housing project that transformed a 130-year-old building into modern one- and two-bedroom apartments.

Local partners Housing Visions and CNY Redev said the project sets a model for future affordable housing developments while spurring new local business — an important step as the city addresses a critical housing shortage.

Section III coaches released the final regular season statistics leaders by class for girls volleyball at Westhill High School in Onondaga+ the stats compiled from games on September 23 show each class's top performers.

The Syracuse Orange basketball team is set to start its season with an exhibition game against the Buffalo Bulls at Key Bank Arena on Oct 25—reporter Mike Waters explained that a reader asked who will back up transfer Naithan George at point guard.

The game follows a 14-19 record last season and marks an important step for the team.

Section III high school boys soccer finals took place on Oct.

30 at Fulton and will be held on Nov. 1 in Jordan-Elbridge & Vernon Verona Sherrill. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for students, and all games will stream live on the NFHS Network.

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.