Good morning, Syracuse.

Hope Café CEO Matt Cullipher tried to stop a Central Current story on ex-Baldwinsville officer Tom Czyz by emailing and offering a sponsorship, claiming a disgruntled former employee had misinformed the report+ the nonprofit depends on large donations from Armoured One, making Czyz a key financial supporter.

Chobani announced plans to build a new $1.2 billion yogurt plant in Rome with construction starting later this year and production expected by 2027—covering 1.4 million square feet, processing over 12 million pounds of milk per day from New York farmers, and creating 1,000 jobs.

This major project will boost local business and employment opportunities.

Jamie Jacobs— a Turtle Clan member of the Seneca people and managing curator at the Rochester Museum and Science Center—spoke Monday at Bird Library about preserving oral histories and traditional practices in the Tonawanda community.

He shared artifacts and personal experiences that emphasized the need to pass down language and ancestral heritage for future generations.

Mayor Ben Walsh announced a state-funded project at an Earth Day event at SUNY ESF on April 22 to reduce the city's carbon footprint — the Sustainable Syracuse program uses a $100,000 state grant to create a greenhouse gas inventory and climate action plan.

City planners and C&S Cos will guide the project and begin community engagement in the fall — the initiative will also help update the city’s comprehensive plan.

Onondaga County approved the purchase of six properties to expand the White Pine Science & Technology Park in Clay — a project designed to attract supply chain companies for Micron’s planned chip fabrication complex — following its earlier acquisition of 1,400 acres.

County officials say the move is part of efforts to boost job growth, with the chip fab expected to create 9,000 jobs and 40,000 supply chain roles over 20 years.

New York State approved the next I-81 project contract by awarding a $251 million deal to Salt City Constructors to tear down part of the elevated highway in downtown Syracuse — the fifth of eight contracts to rebuild the stretch from the I-481 interchange to the downtown viaduct.

The contract was granted after SRV Constructors’ bid was dropped for lacking enough qualifying subcontractors and work began immediately.

Thirteen all-stars from Syracuse.com's All-CNY girls large school volleyball team shone during the 2024 to 2025 season—four finalists for player of the year included Mackenzi Stevens, Zakiya Ball, Keegan Matthews and Thylia Keoviengsamay.

The winner will be announced at Liverpool High School Auditorium at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24th.

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.

Bicentennial Brew Release Party

1-7 p.m. — Willow Rock Brewing Company — Free entry — Cheers to the official Bicentennial Brews Project release and enjoy Derrick's presentation.