Good morning, Syracuse.

Blackstone LaunchPad celebrated its 10-year anniversary on Oct.

16 on Bird Library’s first floor as students and alumni recalled the incubator’s impact, which helped over 7,600 innovators launch 2,300 ventures (including A.J. Damiano’s PowerSpike) and raise $164 million.

Ithaca’s Violet Zoner, 21, competed on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship this summer in Los Angeles and impressed with her buttercream style.

She will build her baking career in Brooklyn next year (she prefers natural ingredients over fondant), highlighting Upstate traditions.

Renowned Syracuse ceramist and art historian Cleota Rae Reed died on Nov.

25 at 90. Reed revived local interest in the Arts and Crafts movement through her teaching and research (she published 10 books and lectured widely), leaving a lasting legacy of artistic pride.

Upstate New York hosts Christmas traditions from Seneca Falls’ 'It’s A Wonderful Life' festival with local film ties — Watertown’s century-old Tom and Jerry cocktail served from a historic bowl and Kingston’s Candy Cane King legacy that once made 3,000 hand-twisted candy canes daily, reflecting local holiday heritage.

Phil Collins Story, a docu-concert tribute mixing film and live performance, will debut Feb.

3 at the Landmark Theatre as part of a 55-city tour. Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster + the show celebrates his iconic music.

Two concerts have been added to the Syracuse amphitheater’s 2026 lineup — Goo Goo Dolls will perform Sept.

3 at the Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview, and Toto with Christopher Cross and The Romantics will perform July 25. Tickets go on sale Dec. 12 at 10 a.m.

Bryan S. Kim, an assistant professor in electrical engineering and computer science at Syracuse University, has been named the inaugural Varshney Faculty Fellow today.

The endowed fellowship (established by Distinguished Professor Pramod Varshney and his late wife Anju) honors his research in data storage systems and mentoring.

Wegmans is recalling two types of its deluxe unsalted mixed nuts due to potential salmonella contamination; products sold from Nov.

3 to Dec. 1 in New York and nearby states (34-ounce tub and 11.5-ounce bag) should be returned for a full refund as no illnesses have been reported.

The NY State Health Department reported a nearly 295% jump in flu cases early this month, raising fears of the worst season in decades.

Experts urge residents to keep vaccination appointments and practice good hygiene (even as the current vaccine does not match the strain).

Stoneridge Residential Development has proposed a 436-unit housing project on 92 acres near Onondaga Town Hall and will hold an informational meeting today at 7 p.m. for residents to offer early input as housing needs rise with Micron’s nearby project.

Freshman linebacker Antoine Deslauriers was named to the On3 Freshman All-America team after starting 11 of 12 games for Syracuse and finishing second with 60 tackles.

He will return next season despite the team's 3-9 record.

Liverpool and Cicero-North Syracuse will face off tomorrow at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gym for the girls basketball Game of the Week; the match will be streamed live on syracuse.com.

Section III boys basketball rankings have been updated as Liverpool claims No. 1 in AAA and Christian Brothers Academy jumps to No. 3, with key Class B matchups scheduled including Marcellus at Phoenix on Monday and Skaneateles at Phoenix on Tuesday, and rankings to be released on Mondays.

Guys and Dolls

7-10 p.m. — Redhouse Arts Center — Check website for ticket pricing — A classic musical filled with charm and wit set in New York City.

Twelve Twenty Four: Trans-Siberian Orchestra Tribute

6-9:30 p.m. — Westcott Theater — $— Experience an electrifying holiday spectacle with the nation's original TSO tribute band featuring soaring guitars and dazzling lights.

Christmas Candlelight Classics

7 PM — Inspiration Hall — Sold out — Experience traditional holiday favorites performed in an intimate setting with family-friendly charm.

Open Mic Night Featuring J. Heathen

8:30-11:30 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — 18+ — Enjoy an evening of Americana vibes with local talents at this open mic night.

Grateful Upstate Toodeloo

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Funk 'n Waffles — Age 18+ — Celebrate the music of the Grateful Dead with talented local jam bands.

Guys and Dolls Musical Performance

7 p.m. — Redhouse Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the charm of New York City through the engaging romantic comedy of gambling and love.

A Tom Petty Christmas by Hard Promises

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Middle Ages Brewing Company — $ — Celebrate the holidays with classic rock tunes performed by a talented local band.

Syracuse Speed Dating Event for Singles Aged 36-49

2-4 p.m. — P.F. Chang's — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and efficient speed dating format.

World Ballet Company - The Nutcracker

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Tickets from $86 — Experience the magic of holiday ballet with the World Ballet Company's enchanting performance of The Nutcracker.

Disney On Ice - Mickey's Search Party

4:00-5:30 p.m. — Upstate Medical Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical journey with Mickey and friends in this enchanting ice show.