Good morning, Syracuse.

At the Syracuse Wine Festival on Saturday, residents sampled unlimited wines, spirits, ciders and food from local vendors at the Oncenter Convention Center—its new space giving more room for guests and makers—while a DJ and art activities entertained the crowd.

Attendees discovered new local products and enjoyed full meals and drinks from across New York.

On April 9th, Syracuse police arrested two men for having tinted windows in an arrest that went viral, and Chief Cecile said one officer will be disciplined for a body cam violation—tactical strikes are used to secure suspects’ arms as allowed by department rules.

Today, Central Current launched a redesigned website that shows a cleaner layout, striking photography, and a new logo of a red-tailed hawk by Marwa Bailey—marking the start of new columns and photo stories that will roll out through July.

The website will let the newsroom publish independent, in-depth reporting without ads or paywalls.

James Hetfield of Metallica was seen at Salt City Market on Saturday, April 19, before his band played at the JMA Wireless Dome where they set a new record with 47,000 fans.

The band's show—its first in nearly 30 years in Syracuse—helped boost the local economy by up to $15 million.

On Friday, Syracuse University sophomore Ava Lubkemann won first place in the Student Government Association's second annual Green Innovation Competition with her sustainable research proposal *Revamped* that repurposes an upcycled school bus into a mobile donation center for reusable textiles. The project will be implemented at SU starting this fall and aims to reduce textile waste on campus and in the broader Syracuse community.

Syracuse lost 11 to 7 to Duke after being outscored 4 to 0 in the third quarter—a period the team usually controlled—as six turnovers and poor passing ruined its advantage.

Coach Gary Gait said the lack of key plays and adjustments led to the defeat.

Syracuse’s women’s basketball team ended a tough season after losing four of its five starters, leaving Sophie Burrows as the only returning starter.

Coach Felisha Legette-Jack rebuilt the roster by adding transfers and two promising freshmen—including four-star guard Camdyn Nelson—for next season.

Roots Of Creation Concert

8-11 p.m. — Middle Ages Brewing Company — Ticket prices vary — Experience the high-energy reggae-rock vibe of the award-winning Roots Of Creation.

McArdell & Westers Live Performance

8-11 p.m. — Asil's Pub — No cover charge — Enjoy a night of engaging live music with McArdell and Westers in a friendly pub atmosphere.

Acting for Adults: Masterclass & Workshop Series

6-9 p.m. — ArtRage Gallery — $30 Masterclass, $120 Full Series — Dive into the world of acting with hands-on experience and expert coaching.

Turn It Up Dance Challenge

All day — 411 Montgomery St, Syracuse, NY — Registration Required — Experience a weekend full of dance competitions with awards and scholarships.

2025 Kentucky Derby Party

5-10 p.m. — Marriott Syracuse Downtown — $95 — Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with live music, a buffet, and exciting raffles!

Whose Live Anyway

7:30-9 p.m. — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night filled with improv comedy from the beloved show.

12th Annual PWP 5K

4 AM — 201 Cherry Rd, Syracuse, NY — Prices vary — Participate in a community-focused 5K event with multiple distance options to support local initiatives.