Sean Kirst: To ‘stone thrower’ descendants, Tipp Hill’s green-on-top marker celebrates true story
With even the children of the boys who threw the stones now late in life, a marker will guarantee civic memory.
Support a strong local press.
Our newsroom runs on support from readers like you. Will you help us raise the bar for independent local news in Central New York?
LATEST REPORTING
Sean Kirst: For Saturday’s Tolkien Reading Day, celebrating Samwise Gamgee at the Betts Branch Library
In Syracuse, birthplace of the global event, the humble and selfless Sam seems exactly the hobbit for the moment.
As the cost of Onondaga County’s new aquarium climbs over $100M, legislature fights over donor transparency
Some legislators raised concerns over “famously anonymous” donor rolls.
I-81 contractor denies allegations of discrimination in lawsuit by Black-owned Syracuse trucking company
Larry Stackhouse, the owner of L Stacks Construction Co. LLC, said that I-81 contractors used his bid number to win state contracts but then sidelined him in a January lawsuit.
I-81 AND PUBLIC HOUSING COVERAGE
Emails appear to undercut SHA board member’s allegation that board chair was ‘pushing so hard’ for contractor
A series of emails indicate that Hueber Breuer was hired by SHA’s development partner nearly 11 months before Ryan Benz was appointed to the board.
SHA Chair Ryan Benz asks city clerk to step down from board over allegation
“I wondered if one of the reasons why Ryan was pushing so hard for [Hueber Breuer was] so they can profit,” said SHA Commissioner Patricia McBride.
SHA Executive Director Bill Simmons accuses board chair of conflict of interest; board chair denies allegations
Simmons sent an email to HUD alleging Board Chair Ryan Benz had a conflict of interest with an SHA contractor, leading to a spat between board members.
CULTURE
Sean Kirst: Natasha Alford comes home with gratitude, and a collective message for all of us
As part of the Friends of the Central Library’s celebrated authors series, Alford talked about a literary journey ignited by a Syracuse childhood.
Sean Kirst: On Tipp Hill, St. Patrick’s Day unveiling of marker will be ‘as unique as the light itself’
For centennial of the green-over-red traffic signal, a streetside marker that beautifully tiptoes the line between history and legend.
Sean Kirst: Eighty years after Jackie Robinson’s minor league heroics, a spotlight on his courage and pain in Syracuse
The Montreal Royals, Robinson’s old team, are now the Syracuse Mets — while community elders hope what he endured playing here is not forgotten.
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 Arlene Abend, legendary Syracuse artist, a daughter’s quest to create a living memorial
The hope that Abend — whose welding helped shatter artistic barriers for women — will inspire similar courage and vision in ongoing generations.
Sean Kirst: For two Buffalo families after racist mass killing, Rev. Jesse Jackson saw ‘a torch’ within their burning grief
In Rev. Jesse Jackson’s passing, memories of solace at the hardest moment from a giant of civil rights.
Sean Kirst: In nation’s snowiest large city, snow-blocked sidewalks, one hard winter and the needs of those on foot
In Syracuse, which receives extraordinary annual snowfall, pedestrians deserve an extraordinary annual response.






