☀️ Today’s Weather
Hope your Friday coffee is strong, because you're going to need it. Today is a bit of a weather rollercoaster. We're starting out dry with some filtered sun and temperatures climbing to a pleasant 71°F, but don't get too comfortable. Rain works its way back in as early as 2 PM, and by evening we're looking at steady downpours, a couple of heavy bursts, and even a chance of thunder. Winds out of the south will shift west and gust up to 35 MPH. Temps tumble fast after that high, with a low of 36 overnight, so dig the jacket back out before you leave the house.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. The Aquarium's "Secret Donor" Turns Out to Be... the County In a twist that had at least one county official doing a double-take, the biggest donor to the Onondaga County Aquarium's fundraising fund turned out to be a county-controlled nonprofit called the Greater Syracuse Soundstage Development Corporation, which quietly funneled $5.7 million from the sale of the old CNY Film Hub to the Friends of the Aquarium. County Comptroller Marty Masterpole described his reaction to finding the transfer as pure shock, even wondering if it was a typo. County Executive Ryan McMahon says the money isn't taxpayer dollars since it came through a private sale, but Democrats aren't buying it, and with the aquarium already topping $103 million, this funding saga is far from over.
2. A Dump Truck, a Two-County Chase, and a Dip in Onondaga Lake In what might be the most CNY headline of the year, a dump truck driver led police on a wild chase that started in Manlius, briefly crossed into Madison County, and ended, you guessed it, in Onondaga Lake. At one point, the driver even clipped a police car during the chase. Photos and video of the truck in the water are making the rounds online, and yes, they're exactly as chaotic as they sound. One person was arrested. No word on the truck's recovery plan, but we're guessing it's not a quick one.
3. A Nuclear Power Plant... Near the Finger Lakes? It sounds like the plot of a sci-fi movie, but it's real: Schuyler County has formally expressed interest in hosting a 1-gigawatt advanced nuclear power plant near Watkins Glen, pitching the site of the former Camp Monterey facility. The proposal comes in response to Governor Hochul's push to dramatically expand nuclear energy in New York, partly to power the Micron chip plant coming to Onondaga County. Advocates held a public forum Thursday pushing back hard on the idea, raising concerns about cancer risks, costs, and what a nuclear plant would do to Finger Lakes wine country. No decisions have been made, but this debate isn't going away anytime soon.
⚡ Quick Hits
Fulton City School District is staring down a $5 million budget gap that could mean job cuts. Teachers and families in Fulton should keep a close eye on upcoming board meetings.
Mike Tirico is coming home. The SU alum and NBC Sports broadcaster, who literally got his start at WAER right on campus, was named Syracuse University's 2026 commencement speaker for the May 10 ceremony at the JMA Dome. Go Orange.
Syracuse had a violent week, with police investigating a homicide, a stabbing, and a shooting all in the same day; the victim of the Warner Ave. shooting has since been identified by police.
Caffé Cosi is opening in Eastwood on April 15, a new coffee shop with Tuscany-inspired decor and menu from the owner of the Pawn King chain, something a little different for the neighborhood.
Auburn is also wrestling with a $5 million budget gap of its own, with the city council weighing potential police cuts to help close the hole, a tough conversation for any community.
📅 Events This Week
CNY Ballet: Depth & Desire — April 11–12 & 18–19 at the Everson Museum's Hosmer Auditorium; Saturday shows at 2 PM & 7 PM, Sunday matinees at 2 PM, original choreography plus a reimagined Carmen, tickets required.
"The American Game" Book Talk with S.L. Price — Saturday, April 11 at 12:30 PM at the Skä•noñh Great Law of Peace Center in Liverpool; a deep dive into lacrosse's Indigenous roots, perfectly timed on the same day as the Syracuse-Virginia lax game.
AmeriCU Spring Game — Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 PM at the JMA Wireless Dome; SU football's free spring game is open to everyone, but you must grab tickets online in advance, none will be sold at the door.
That's your Friday, CNY. Stay dry out there, and we'll see you back here tomorrow for your Weekend Edition.