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Celebrating Urban Life Since 1989

  • 5 for CNY - Learn How
  • Crouse Weight Loss 530 x 75
  • Land Bank - Restoring Properties
  • Mannion for NY_Vote on Nov 5th_Horizantal General Election
  • NYSF Urban CNY Banner 530 x 75
  • Second City 530x75
  • Malmgren Concert Duke Ellington
Downtown (central) Neighborhoods News Syracuse - Central

Syracuse Housing Authority Announces Opening Weekend for Annual $10K Youth Basketball Tournament

Syracuse, NY – Syracuse Housing Authority (SHA) is excited to announce the opening weekend of our annual $10K Youth Basketball Tournament, set to take place on July 13th, 27th, and 28th at Wilson Park. This event aims to provide a positive and enriching experience for vulnerable youth in Syracuse and Onondaga County. Our tournament combines basketball with outreach initiatives, connecting youth to caring adults and positive activities. This year’s event will include training camps and tournament days, featuring mini-classes on crucial topics such as financial literacy, health and wellness, education, and conflict resolution. Since the start of our tournament in 2021, none of our participants have fallen victim to gun violence. This success is a testament to the effectiveness of our approach in creating a safe and nurturing environment for young individuals. In addition to the tournament, SHA will award the $5K Brexialee Torres Ortiz Memorial Scholarship during the weekend of 07/27. This scholarship honors Brexialee Torres Ortiz, whose tragic departure due to gun violence on January 16, 2023, left a profound impact on our community. The tournament aims to engage at-risk youth and connect them with positive, caring adults in the community. Opening ceremonies, led by Executive Director Simmons and other distinguished guests, will commence at 10am. Image by Schorsch from Pixabay

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Neighborhoods News Syracuse - North Washington Square (north)

Syracuse Police Provide Update for Gregory Ramos-Falcon Homicide Investigation

Mid-afternoon on June 5th, around 1:43 p.m. Syracuse Police Officers responded to the area of 128 Steuben St. regarding a five round Shot Spotter activation, as well as multiple 911 callers reporting that somebody was shot. Officers arrived and located the victim, 36-year old Gregory Ramos-Falcon, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Life-saving medical treatment was provided to Ramos-Falcon. He was transported to Upstate Hospital, where medical staff continued to provide life-saving medical aid. Despite their best efforts, Ramos-Falcon succumbed to his injuries. An investigation was started by CID Homicide Unit detectives where numerous people were interviewed, and an extensive neighborhood and citywide canvass was conducted. In addition, several search warrants were executed, evidence recovered was processed and thoroughly analyzed. As a result of the above efforts, a suspect was identified as 44-year-old Rafael Cruz-Vazquez. An Arrest Warrant was issued for Cruz-Vazquez on June 13, 2024.   Cruz-Vazquez was taken into custody in Puerto Rico by Puerto Rican authorities on June 17, 2024.      Cruz-Vazquez was extradited from Puerto Rico on July 11, back to New York by Members of the Syracuse Police Department Warrant Squad. He was lodged at the Onondaga County Justice Center, where he is being held pending his arraignment. As a result of this investigation, Rafael Cruz-Vazquez was charged with the following crimes:  Penal Law 125.25, Murder 2ndPenal Law 265.03, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd This investigation is still ongoing. Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact the Syracuse Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (315) 442-5222.

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