Good morning, Syracuse.

On Tuesday, June 10, the Onondaga County Sheriff and District Attorney arrested 33-year-old Ryan Pontello at the Windsor Place Apartment complex for allegedly luring a five-year-old from a playground with candy and raping her in the woods, and he now faces charges of rape, sex abuse, luring a child and endangering the welfare of a child — investigators ask anyone with more information to reach out to law enforcement.

Federal and local law enforcement broke up a truck trafficking ring that moved thousands of pounds of cocaine, methamphetamines and marijuana across New York—12 suspects allegedly used various large vehicles from Onondaga County to Albany to distribute drugs statewide, including shipments in Syracuse, since 2021 before operations were busted on Wednesday.

Three professors have been named Meredith Professor Faculty Fellows as part of the Laura J. and L.

Douglas Meredith Professorship Program (launched this year) to boost classroom and online teaching. They will work with the Center for Teaching and Learning Excellence (CTLE) and the associate provost for academic programs to improve course design, online teaching and AI integration.

At City Hall, the Common Council met to discuss an unreleased FoxPointe Solutions report on the payroll modernization project, and Mayor Walsh released the report shortly after the meeting.

The report recommended reviewing EY’s work and creating a chief technology officer role—council members questioned if these steps would improve project oversight.

Syracuse guard Lucas Taylor reacted to a foul during last season’s ACC/SEC Challenge loss at Tennessee—now the Orange will host the Volunteers at the JMA Wireless Dome on Tuesday, Dec.

2 in the upcoming two-day event.

Messiah Hampton, New York’s top football recruit, announced his commitment on Friday at Monroe around noon in front of coaches, teammates, and family—Syracuse was one of two schools he considered, competing closely with Oregon.

Experts said his decision strengthened Syracuse’s recruiting class for 2026.

Fifi's Ice Cream Gathering

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Fifi's Ice Cream & Sweets — Free to attend — Enjoy ice cream delights while sharing your literary passions in a cozy setting.

Syracuse Speed Dating for Ages 37-57

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Vicinos Brick and Brew — Ticket required — Meet potential matches in a fun and efficient speed dating format.

Skill Share Workshops at Erie Canal Museum

1-2 p.m. — Erie Canal Museum — Registration required — Learn practical skills from community experts in a hands-on workshop series.

Summer Clambake

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Rosamond Gifford Zoo — $89 for members, $119 for non-members — Enjoy delicious clams and summer vibes while exploring the zoo.

Book Discussion: Married to Bhutan

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Nobody's Wine Bar — Open to all — Engage in lively conversation over Linda Leaming's intriguing exploration of Bhutan.

Shakedown Sunday

1-3 p.m. — The 443 Social Club & Lounge — Free entry — Celebrate the spirit of live music at this monthly gathering with great vibes and community spirit.

Books at the Bean

1-3 p.m. — The Cracked Bean Roastery — Portion of proceeds benefit charity — Discover new tales as local authors sell and sign their newly released books.

Manlius 4th of July Celebration

4-10 p.m. — 1 Arkie Albanese Ave — Free entry — Celebrate with food, a parade, live performances, and a spectacular fireworks display.

Showcase Camp in Syracuse, NY

11 AM – 4 PM — Twin Rinks @ The MACC — Not specified — A competitive hockey camp featuring 60 players and coaching from NCAA and Junior teams.

Showcase Sundays Summer Concert Series

4-7 p.m. — Spirit of Jubilee Park — Free entry — Enjoy a vibrant afternoon with live music and local vendors at the summer concert series.