Mosab Abu Toha, a 2023 graduate of Syracuse University’s Creative Writing MFA program, won his Pulitzer Prize for essays that gave readers a window into life under siege in Gaza.
Arts & Culture
Posted inSean Kirst
Sean Kirst: A pope with direct family ties to kindness of Father Baker
Pope Leo XIV’s grandmother gave birth to the Pope’s uncle in Lackawanna and lived in what was then called “The Infant Home,’ often for single mothers with nowhere else to go.
Posted inSean Kirst
Sean Kirst: Three years past 2022 racist massacre in Buffalo, loyal sister left with rolling loss, bonds of faith
Kat Massey died three years ago in the shooting at a Buffalo Tops, fueled by racism. Barbara Massey Mapps, her sister, has spent three years picking up the pieces.
Posted inSean Kirst
Sean Kirst: On Mother’s Day, ‘thousands of children’ still benefit from Amy Betros’ gifts
Betros co-founded St. Luke’s Mission of Mercy in Buffalo. She died April 30, leaving behind a legacy of helping families in need.
Posted inSean Kirst
Sean Kirst: In Van Robinson’s memory, his wife Linda wants to take sledgehammer to I-81
Van Robinson was a civic titan in Syracuse, spending 18 years as a member of the Common Council. He championed removing the I-81 viaduct.
Posted inSean Kirst
Podcast: It’s Happening Here – Sean Kirst
Columnist Sean Kirst discusses the importance of storytelling in how we understand the community we live in, and how history isn’t just in the past.
Posted inSean Kirst
Sean Kirst: A partnership, lost and found, with Upstate photography legend
Sean Kirst and Mike Greenlar dreamed of working together again. Now, they are.
Posted inSean Kirst
Sean Kirst: As Chimes Building is restored, a veteran’s journey back to highest meaning
The Chimes Building once served as Central New Yorkers’ last stop before heading off to war. Andy Mondo, a Vietnam veteran, visited the building Thursday for the first time since he joined the Army in 1966.
Posted inPeople
Webster Pond just celebrated its 65th birthday. Meet Chad Norton, the driving force behind its recent success
Chad Norton began visiting Webster Pond about 30 years ago. He’s become a fierce advocate and a caretaker for the pond.
Posted inSean Kirst
Sean Kirst: A tribute of which Ken Jackson would undoubtedly approve
Ken Jackson, an editor, columnist and the publisher of Urban CNY, died April 23. Jackson was a fierce advocate for city residents.
