☀️ Today’s Weather
Friday's shaping up to be a pleasant-ish spring day, filtered sunshine in the morning that gets a little hazier as the afternoon rolls in. Highs will sit around 62°F, a touch cooler than Thursday but right in line for late April. If you're heading out to see & Juliet at the Landmark tonight, keep an eye on the sky, a few light showers or sprinkles could pop up by early evening, especially if you're south or west of Syracuse.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. A Parent's Middle-of-the-Night Call That Saved Lives
A parent who law enforcement credited with stopping a mass shooting at Clinton Middle School spoke out Thursday about what happened, and it's a story worth hearing. He overheard his daughter ask someone over the phone, "You're not going to shoot up the school, are you?" and called 911 just before 2 a.m. Three teenagers, two girls and a boy, were charged in connection with a plan to open fire in the school cafeteria, with April 17 set as the date. It's a gut-punch of a story, but also a reminder of what paying attention to your kids can do.
2. Bills Mafia, Your Team Was Busy Last Night
The Buffalo Bills turned the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft into their own personal game of hot potato, in the best way possible. After swapping picks with the Houston Texans, Buffalo then dealt that pick to the New England Patriots, landing the No. 31 overall pick and a fourth-rounder. The Bills then made yet another trade, sending picks to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for additional selections. Brandon Beane was clearly in a mood to wheel and deal, and CNY fans have plenty to watch as the draft continues today and Saturday.
3. Say Goodbye to a Sweet Local Staple
An Onondaga County chocolate shop has announced it's closing its retail operation, with the owner breaking the news on social media. No word yet on what comes next, but it's a bittersweet moment for a local business that's been part of the community. If you haven't stopped in for one last visit, now's the time, before the shop windows go dark for good.
⚡ Quick Hits
Bikes, car parts, and needles (yes, all of it) have been found inside Onondaga Creek, raising fresh questions about what's lurking beneath the surface of our waterways.
Auburn is staring down a nearly $5M budget gap, and city leaders are now openly debating tax hikes and service cuts to close it.
Centro held its final public meeting on the Better Bus Onondaga plan, meaning Syracuse's public transit is about to look a little different, stay tuned.
A C-NS football product, Mike Washington Jr., is waiting by the phone as the NFL Draft wraps up this weekend after a standout senior season.
An overnight fire on I-481 South near Cicero knocked the highway down to one lane, things may still be tight for your morning commute.
📅 Events This Week
& Juliet — Landmark Theatre, through Sunday, Apr. 26; a Broadway jukebox musical packed with pop hits, grab tickets at the Landmark's website before the curtain comes down for good this weekend.
DoOkie: America's Premier Green Day Tribute — Middle Ages Brewing Co., Friday, Apr. 25, 8–11 PM; dust off the eyeliner, brush up your "Basket Case" lyrics, and get ready for a night of early-2000s nostalgia.
Step Up 4 Kids 5K — Leavenworth Park / Middle Ages Brewing Co., Sunday, Apr. 27; Kids Fun Run at 9 AM, 5K at 9:30 AM, with food trucks and live music to follow. A great way to wrap up the weekend while supporting the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center.
That's your Friday CNY Insights. Stay dry if those evening sprinkles find you, and we’ll see you tomorrow for the Weekend Edition.