Daily
Syracuse
Friday, May 1st, 2026
Good morning, Syracuse. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 1st of May.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Three student start-up teams from Syracuse University Libraries won prizes at the New York Business Plan Competition in Albany on April 22. Celes Buffard ’27 won $10,000 for SecondWave, Nathan Brekke ’26 received $2,000 for Phloat LLC, and Frederick Zindell G’27 earned $500 for Renewed Roots. Syracuse University
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Young musicians aged 12 to 19 can apply for the NY State Blues Festival youth scholarship program offering $6,000 in prizes (with $3,000 for first place) as applications are due by May 15 and awards are presented Saturday, June 13 at the festival, honoring Kelly James. Syracuse.com
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Although fewer National Grid customers are behind on bills than a year ago, those in arrears now owe more on average, with overdue balances totaling $352 million and customers owing about $1,760. The utility says new outreach & flexible payment plans are reducing shutoffs. Syracuse.com
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Central New York Community Foundation has partnered with Our Glass Consulting to offer the Marsellus M.A.D.E. to Lead program, a free six-month course that builds nonprofit leaders’ soft skills; eligible employees of 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Madison and Onondaga counties can apply starting June 11, with sessions beginning in September. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Syracuse University will launch a minor in the creator economy in fall 2026 & the program combines courses from Newhouse and Whitman Schools to equip students with skills in digital content creation, entrepreneurship, and monetization. Syracuse University
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ City officials received an 1894 council manual at City Hall after a resident returned it from a Pennsylvania basement — the document, published to record council proceedings, will be preserved as part of the city’s historical record. CNY Central
- ➤ New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli announced that the expedited unclaimed funds program now sends automatic checks up to $5,000, raised from $250, after issuing over 210,000 checks since January 2025. Eligible New Yorkers receive a letter and check for unclaimed funds (from bank accounts, uncashed checks and more). Syracuse.com
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Doula SeQuoia Kemp leads local efforts in Black maternal health by founding Doula 4 a Queen and co-founding Sankofa Reproductive Health and Healing Center. Mayor Sharon Owens proclaimed Black Maternal Health Week at Café Sankofa on the city’s Southside, and her work improves mothers’ childbirth experiences. Syracuse.com
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Data shows that home sale prices rose by at least 10% in five Onondaga County towns and in Syracuse through April 28 — with Spafford recording a 134% jump to $1.17M and city homes increasing 11.75% to $198,800. Syracuse.com
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Le Moyne women’s lacrosse team, which achieved the biggest one-year turnaround in the country, is hosting the NEC Tournament at Ted Grant Field today after winning 13 games to share the regular-season title. They will face Fairleigh Dickenson at noon before potentially playing Stonehill or Long Island University on Saturday. Syracuse.com
- ➤ After leading Siena from a 4-28 season to a 23-12 record and an NCAA Tournament berth, coach Gerry McNamara was hired to revitalize Syracuse's struggling basketball program today — he is already hiring his own staff after firing coach Adrian Autry. Syracuse.com
- ➤ Section III high school baseball teams have turned the season around with stronger records, including Weedsport's 8-0 run and Belleville Henderson and Central Square matching or beating last season's totals using improved pitching and teamwork. Syracuse.com
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Bad Sneakers - Steely Dan Tribute
8-11 p.m. — Middle Ages Brewing Company — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night filled with the intricate sounds of Steely Dan performed by top local musicians.
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SleazyWorld Live Performance
6:30-9:30 p.m. — Westcott Theater — Tickets starting at $63 — Experience the can't-miss live experience of SleazyWorld in Syracuse.
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The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band Concert
7-11 p.m. — The Song & Dance — Tickets required — Experience the premier finger picker and his Big Damn Band delivering an unforgettable country-blues performance.
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Scott Tournet Live Performance
7-9 PM — The 443 Social Club & Lounge — Cost not specified — Enjoy a night with Scott Tournet, a talented artist and producer known for his work with Elektric Voodoo and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.
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Syracuse Speed Dating for Singles 35-49
6:30-8:30 p.m. — Vicinos Brick and Brew — Ticket required — Meet potential matches in a fun and efficient speed dating format.
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Alter Bridge Live Concert
7-10 PM — Landmark Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating sounds of Alter Bridge in an intimate setting.
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Retro Game Con: Spring Edition
10 AM-6 PM — The Oncenter — Admission varies — Dive into a weekend of gaming with vendors, panels, and tournaments at this expansive video game expo.
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Joe Satriani with Steve Vai, Animals as Leaders
7:30-10:30 p.m. — Landmark Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of incredible guitar virtuosity featuring iconic musicians at a historic venue.
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Waka Flocka Flame Concert
8-11 p.m. — Westcott Theater — Tickets from $78 — Experience the electrifying energy of Waka Flocka Flame live in concert.
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Dirty Soda Social
6-8 p.m. — Milano Bean Cafe SYR — Free entry — Enjoy a laid-back game night and connect with new friends while customizing your own dirty soda.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.
~ Andrew Carnegie
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