Good morning, Syracuse.

Ray Rinaldi, a dedicated boxing coach who gave local kids a chance + a path to a better future at community gyms, died last Saturday, June 13 at 96.

His impact continues + his legacy inspires new generations to overcome adversity.

The Villa Estate Vineyards at 5276 E.

Lake Road in Cazenovia will reopen this summer under the Zazzara family, who will run a farm winery, tasting room and Fellows’, an American tavern by Lauren Markowitz and the Fiacchi brothers. More details on hours and wine offerings will follow soon.

Mumford & Sons energized fans at Empower FCU Amphitheater on June 18 when 15,000 attendees enjoyed a fast-paced concert that featured rapid song changes and an acoustic surprise cover (a Simon & Garfunkel nod) setting the tone for the summer season.

Syracuse community leaders honor Juneteenth - a day marking freedom following the end of slavery.

The event, revived in 1988 and celebrated with parades, music and food, continues a local tradition rooted in historic gatherings from the late 1800s.

In April, private sector jobs in the Syracuse metro area dropped by 1,100 (0.42%), while leisure and hospitality along with state government education jobs grew.

Federal positions also fell by 300, according to state Labor data.

A new Medicare pilot program will launch July 1 to offer qualifying Medicare recipients weight-loss drugs for $50 a month.

Kinney Drugs is ready to enroll customers quickly so many can pick up their prescriptions on their first visit + ease the burden of costly treatments.

Noble Cellar in downtown Syracuse now serves lunch with a new brunch burger that blends a steak and pork patty, bacon jam, a fried egg and unique sauces on an English muffin - the restaurant offers this dish today during Saturday's lunch service from 5:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Syracuse Habitat for Humanity secured $2.15 million in state funds to build seven modular affordable homes on vacant lots from the Greater Syracuse Land Bank.

Foundation work starts later this year; the houses will sell to first-time buyers earning up to 60% of median income (priced $115,000 to $130,000 each).

The Syracuse Mets pulled off a 6-5 walk-off win in extra innings at NBT Bank Stadium on Thursday night.

Back-to-back homers tied the game in the ninth and Cristian Pache drove in the winning run in the 10th, evening the team’s record at 36-36.

NYSSWA released final girls lacrosse state rankings with seven Section III teams finishing in the top 10, led by West Genesee and Jamesville-DeWitt.

Jamesville-DeWitt lost the state title game today (Saturday) and Section III missed its second straight state championship.

Section III coaches announced the 2026 Salt City Athletic Conference Metro baseball all-stars from Baldwinsville, Cicero-North Syracuse, Fayetteville-Manlius, Liverpool, and West Genesee (among others).

The roster release follows Section III’s top finishes in state baseball rankings and sets the stage for the season.

Three-star defensive line prospect Jason Lewis from Kissimmee committed to Syracuse football on Thursday night and visited campus on June 12, joining the 2027 class.

He becomes the sixth Florida recruit in a 19-commit class that ranks 36th nationwide.

Local fans can vote for their Section III athletic program of the year in a poll open until 10 a.m. Monday; eight high schools were named finalists based on season performance, with the final winner to be announced on June 23 at Liverpool High School.

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.

59th Annual Syracuse Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show

10 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Center of Progress Building — Admission details to be confirmed — Explore a dazzling array of gems, minerals, fossils, and jewelry.

NAPA Syracuse Nationals 2026

8 a.m. — New York State Fairgrounds — Free entry — A celebration of automotive culture with car enthusiasts gathering for an exciting showcase.