New Syracuse Housing Authority board member — at least temporarily — cannot serve
New city Chief Strategy Officer Stephanie Pasquale cannot serve on SHA’s board. It’s unclear whether the city will move to replace her.
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LATEST REPORTING
Sean Kirst: For Dr. King’s Day, a voice of witness and a reminder to ‘stand when you’ve got to stand’
Pastor Ester Daniels, mother of new Mayor Sharon Owens, offered a civic message that is preface to everything we remember today.
At least $85M at risk for Onondaga County after Trump freezes funding for low-income families
The freeze is tied to a Minnesota fraud scandal. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, a Republican, called on Trump to restore funding to New York counties.
Listen to Central Current editor Chris Libonati on WRVO’s Campbell Conversations
Central Current Managing Editor Chris Libonati appeared on WRVO’s Campbell Conversations. Check out what he said.
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I-81 AND PUBLIC HOUSING COVERAGE
Owner of Syracuse trucking company accuses I-81 contractors of race-based discrimination in lawsuit
Larry Stackhouse, the owner of L Stacks Construction Co. LLC, invested almost half a million dollars to acquire new dump trucks for the project.
Section 8 has expanded for Pioneer Homes residents. Is Onondaga County’s housing stock ready?
In August, Section 8 expanded for Pioneer Homes residents. Just five families of 34 who took a Section 8 voucher to temporarily leave public housing have found new housing.
Sean Kirst: Ben Walsh sometimes made choices in reverse of his mayoral ‘grampa,’ but believes higher goals bind them still
Separated by 60 years, Bill Walsh and his grandson Ben had different City Hall visions of growth and planning — but identical visions of service, the mayor says.
CULTURE
Sean Kirst: Straight from Camillus, ‘Mama J’ earns her place among greatest Bills fans of them all
Joanie Podkowinski DeKoker will mark her 259th straight Bills game in Jacksonville — while sharing the playoff dream every Bills fan knows so well.
Sean Kirst: Through a ‘year in quotes,’ a columnist reflects on struggle, love and inspiration in 2025, from Syracuse and beyond
A courageous parks commissioner, after great loss. A new mayor inspired by the sheer resilience of her mother. The passing of a selfless humanitarian legend, in Buffalo: Words put to heart and soul, in 2025.
Sean Kirst: A reflective ‘Mr. 1946,’ point man as ‘Baby Boomers’ reach their 80s, appreciates why Bills took all-or-nothing chance
Despite a cancer diagnosis that he tries to take in stride, Al Nachreiner looks back on his life and says: ‘I’m happy.’
EDITOR’S PICKS
Federal immigration agents accessed Syracuse drivers’ data through secret Flock Safety deal
Privacy and civil rights watchdogs have called on Syracuse to terminate its Flock contract. SPD says it’s comfortable contracting with the company, which is facing Congressional investigation.
‘From Snob Hill to Slob Hill’: Tenants say conditions at once luxurious apartments forced them to sue owner
Ten tenants have sued the owners of Nob Hill to push for repairs of the apartment complex, which has 48 open code violations.
A herd, a hide and a 50-year friendship: How the Onondaga Nation brought the buffalo back
A gift 50 years ago has allowed the Onondaga Nation to raise a herd of about 70 buffalo in southern Onondaga County.
SEAN KIRST’S UPSTATE JOURNAL
Sean Kirst: For fervent ‘Mama J,’ legendary Bills fan from Camillus, a victory hug with Josh Allen’s mom
Amid jubilation in Jacksonville — Joanie DeKoker’s 259th straight Bills game — an unexpected moment with parents of beloved QB.
Sean Kirst: In fitting gesture for last game at Highmark, Bills provide tickets for America’s first ‘Boomer’
Buffalo’s Al Nachreiner, longtime Bills fan and first ‘Baby Boomer’ to reach 80, feeling strong to be there despite treatments for lung cancer.
Sean Kirst: A ‘Resolution Run’ with New Year’s chance to light candle for young readers
A fitting opportunity to honor Eric Carle, a Syracuse-born children’s literature legend.
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