Good morning, Syracuse.

Southside Stories trains residents to document and celebrate the South Side with visual storytelling.

The project, started in spring 2025 by SU Impact and local community partners, pairs participants with photojournalists to capture everyday resilience in the neighborhood.

At 1216 South Ave, the Lead Freedom House began serving as shelter for families whose rentals need lead remediation.

The project—a joint effort by nonprofit Tiny Home for Good and Families for Lead Freedom Now using settlement funds—is seen as a model by AG James and Mayor Owens.

Turning Stone Resort Casino is set to welcome its new Crescent Hotel with first guests arriving on June 29 and a grand opening on July 17 as part of a $400 million expansion project in Verona.

Salt restaurant will debut on July 22 featuring three-season outdoor dining terraces.

Clay Hospitality LLC has applied for $1.7 million in tax breaks to build a 103-room extended-stay hotel next to Wegmans on Route 31 in Clay.

Construction will start this summer if the tax incentives and financing are approved, and the hotel will open in November 2027.

IKEA will open its second Upstate store in early 2027 at Walden Galleria in Buffalo, replacing the former Sears space according to Pyramid officials.

The mini-format store will offer a similar experience to the one at Destiny USA.

Syracuse City School District will receive $4M to hire more school psychologists and expand mental health clinics — the program partners with SUNY Oswego to train and retain specialists at about $1M per year for four years.

Syracuse Abroad highlights global STEM learning through coding workshops in Scotland and lab-based internships in Italy and the UK.

The program offers students hands-on science experiences linked with community benefits (bridging academic theory with real-world practice).

Jowonio School, closed last week for failing to supervise children, will reopen today — its board said it will work to restore stability after the director resigned.

Charles W. Baker High School will hold commencement for over 400 seniors at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 20 at the Exposition Center, New York State Fairgrounds.

Reporters highlight Q&A insights from valedictorian Charity Miller and salutatorian Molly Scherfling (one headed to Washington and Lee University, the other to Boston College).

Graduation at West Genesee High School is scheduled for noon Saturday, June 20 at the SRC Arena (Onondaga Community College) with over 350 seniors set to receive diplomas.

Top students Jessie Abert and Giovanni Capria shared insights on their plans in Q&As to be published as part of graduation coverage.

In North Syracuse, Angelo's Pizza Bar sells secret Detroit style pizzas via Instagram on select days.

Customers must secure a pickup slot by texting and arriving on time to purchase a 13 x 9 inch pie for $40 cash.

The Mets activated pitcher Kodai Senga off the injured list Tuesday in Syracuse after a rehab outing, marking his first start since April (manager Carlos Mendoza said he feels 100%) while also optioning Daniel Duarte and claiming Zack Short from Detroit.

Jalen Brunson, the NBA Finals MVP for the Knicks, developed his skills in Syracuse when he played in the YEOP youth basketball league and attended Lakeshore Road Elementary in Cicero (taught by Janie Freeman), linking local talent to his current stardom.

His hometown roots continue to inspire pride here.

Syracuse Speed Dating for Singles Ages 44-59

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Vicinos Brick and Brew — Ticket required — Connect with up to 12 singles in a fun and fast-paced environment.

Serani Live Performance

10:00 – 11:30 PM — Westcott Theater — Tickets from $148 — Experience an unforgettable evening with the captivating sounds of Serani.

Tiffany's SDPAC Spring Recital - DREAM

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Landmark Theatre — Entry not specified — Experience the magic of dance in the Spring Recital presented by Tiffany's School of Dance.

Syracuse Speed Dating for Young Singles

6-8 p.m. — Vicinos Brick and Brew — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a fun and friendly atmosphere.

Books & Bottles

4-8 p.m. — Nobody's — Free entry — Enjoy a cozy evening blending literature and libations with local vendors and authors.

Drew & Alex with Live Dead & Brothers

8-11 p.m. — Westcott Theater — Tickets starting at $105 — Experience the unforgettable sounds of Live Dead & Brothers in Syracuse.

Skilla Baby Live Concert

9:00 – 11:30 PM — Westcott Theater — Tickets starting at $149 — Experience an unforgettable night with Skilla Baby in Syracuse.

2026 Official Syracuse 4th of July Bar Crawl

5-11 p.m. — Wolff's Biergarten — Free entry — Experience a lively bar crawl with themed drinks and festive vibes in celebration of the Fourth of July.

Vince Gill: 50 Years From Home

7:30-9 p.m. — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate Vince Gill's musical journey in an unforgettable concert experience.

Syracuse Jazz Fest at Beak & Skiff Orchards

2:30 p.m. — Beak & Skiff Apple Hill Campus — Free entry — Celebrate 40 years of jazz in a scenic orchard setting with world-class performances.