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.
Arts & Culture
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.
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.
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.
Sean Kirst: A partnership, lost and found, with Upstate photography legend
Sean Kirst and Mike Greenlar dreamed of working together again. Now, they are.
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.
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.
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.
From Sean Kirst, to Upstate readers: Grateful for ‘utter beauty’ of this column-writing chance
A note from new Central Current columnist Sean Kirst.
How you could get your artwork on a utility box in downtown Syracuse
The Downtown Committee launched the Utility Box Art Project in 2024. The committee needs artists to paint three more utility boxes in 2025.




