Meet the 3 Democrats vying for the party line in the race for an at-large seat on the Syracuse Common Council
Councilor Helen Hudson faces two progressive challengers: Cjala Surratt, a longtime community organizer, Moise Laub, a city schools budget analyst.
Central Current is for people who care about the future of CNY.
Sign up for our weekly “Staying Current” newsletter to enjoy independent and community-focused reporting on the opportunities and challenges we all face living in the region.
LATEST REPORTING
2026 Primary Election Q&A: Onondaga County Legislature 16th District candidate Nyatwa Bullock
Democrat Nyatwa Bullock is running to represent the legislature’s 16th District. She faces Charlene Tarver in the Democratic primary.
2026 Primary Election Q&A: Onondaga County Legislature 16th District candidate Charlene Tarver
Democrat Charlene Tarver is running to represent the legislature’s 16th District. She faces Nyatwa Bullock in the Democratic primary.
Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon vetoes term limits — for now
McMahon said he would consider signing a law limiting the number of terms he could serve if it also addressed the county comptroller.
Help support a more connected and informed CNY.
Our newsroom exclusively publishes community-focused reporting that is independent and ad-free. Can we count on you to help support our reporting?
I-81 AND PUBLIC HOUSING COVERAGE
Inside the disagreement over a $7M commitment from Onondaga County to SHA’s redevelopment of public housing
County executive’s office said they have long made clear that they want to donate $7 million as an in-kind contribution. Developer McCormack Baron Salazar says that won’t work for them.
Syracuse Housing Authority board elects new vice chair; Simmons resolute as Owens’ appointees take majority
Rickey Brown, a close ally of Mayor Sharon Owens, was voted in as the vice chair of the board of commissioners at Syracuse Housing Authority on Thursday.
Mayor set to appoint key ally to Syracuse Housing Authority board
Mayor Sharon Owens is set to appoint Monica Williams to serve as a board commissioner. Williams replaces longtime board member Christopher Montgomery.
CULTURE
Sean Kirst: At Brighton Academy, Alfonzo Whitehurst’s gutsiest coaching move was sharing his own story
An emotional team meeting offered lessons that will resonate far beyond one flag football season.
Watch Sean Kirst’s TEDx talk at Syracuse University
The speaker series featured Syracuse University alumni, students, and faculty along with community residents who explored the theme “What matters next?”
Sean Kirst: Services Friday for Bob Menotti, civic giant and leader of Syracuse Deaf community
An historian describes Bob’s life as “a moving example of how access to community, inclusion, and acceptance can break down barriers around disability.”
Thank you to our featured sponsors:
With additional support from:
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: Saturday’s literacy parade ‘lights a candle’ for new dream for Hayden home
Light A Candle For Literacy organizers envision a community literacy center in revered Midland Avenue house.
Sean Kirst: For John Kucko, envoy of woodlands and waterfalls, hard new journey for guy whose work unveils the nature of a region
Shortly after witnessing a moment at Letchworth that Kucko describes as intensely beautiful, a seizure and the great challenge of his life.
Sean Kirst: Early on Memorial Day, old friends, a rain-soaked monument and a solemn downtown task
Kevin Kane, who designed the Onondaga County Korea-Vietnam Veterans Memorial, lost a brother in Vietnam — and infused every inch of that monument with meaning.
