☀️ Today’s Weather
Thursday is shaping up to be one of those "almost perfect" spring days. Morning clouds and patchy fog will burn off by late morning, giving way to sunshine and highs near 62°F. A northwest breeze picks up in the afternoon (gusts to 16 mph), so maybe leave the light jacket in the car rather than at home. If you're heading to the Landmark Theatre tonight for & Juliet, the evening should be pleasant. Temps drop to 39°F overnight, so dress for it on the walk back to your car.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. Zoo Drama Gets a Happy Ending (For Now)
After a remarkably tense county legislature meeting where the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo accused County Executive Ryan McMahon of pressuring them for a $1 million donation toward the Inner Harbor aquarium project, both sides have since agreed to a new revenue-sharing deal and pledged to work together. The agreement includes two optional one-year extensions, and McMahon called it a reaffirmation of the county's long-standing partnership with the Friends organization. The whole saga, gift shop RFPs, accusations of retaliation, a very uncomfortable public hearing, is a reminder that even feel-good institutions like the zoo aren't immune to local politics. Things appear patched up for now, but this one is worth keeping an eye on.
2. Taste of Syracuse 2026 Is Official, And It's Coming in Hot
Mark your calendars: Taste of Syracuse returns to Clinton Square on June 5 and 6, running 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days, with admission free as always. This year's headliner is multi-platinum rock band Fuel, and more than 10 new vendors have already signed on, including some fun-sounding additions. There is a small wrinkle on the horizon though, organizers acknowledge a potential move to the Inner Harbor could be necessary in 2027 due to I-81 construction impacts downtown, though they're confident the festival will go on regardless. For now, Clinton Square it is, see you there.
3. 'Cuse Women's Lax Is Rolling
The Syracuse Orange women's lacrosse team took down Virginia 11-9 in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals Wednesday in Charlotte, with Emma Muchnick putting up a five-point performance to push the Orange to 13-4 on the season. Syracuse will now face North Carolina in the ACC semifinals this Friday, April 24, at 5 p.m., a top-1 vs. top-4 matchup that should be a great game. Set a reminder, grab some snacks, and tune into ACC Network to cheer them on.
⚡ Quick Hits
The Baldwinsville Anheuser-Busch brewery is getting a brand-new technical skills training center as part of a $600 million national investment by the company, one of just 15 such centers opening across the country, with a focus on upskilling workers and supporting veterans.
The city auditor's first-ever mid-year report is out, and sales tax revenue is projected to come in near $123 million, a notable milestone for transparency in city finances.
Syracuse Police have released the name of the man killed in last week's Fitch Street crash; the victim was Terrance Lawrence Jr. (20), a 2024 graduate of Fowler High School.
A Clay man, Clay Wiggins (21), has been arrested by state troopers on child exploitation charges, a grim but important reminder from local law enforcement.
Fair Haven is weighing a lottery-style permit system for short-term rentals, as the lakeside community tries to balance tourism with the concerns of year-round residents.
📅 Events This Week
& Juliet — Landmark Theatre, through Sunday, Apr. 26; a Broadway jukebox musical packed with pop hits, check the Landmark's website for showtimes and tickets.
The Callous Daoboys — The Song & Dance, Thursday, Apr. 24, doors at 6 PM / show at 7 PM; part of the After Dark Presents series with three openers on the bill.
DoOkie: America's Premier Green Day Tribute — Middle Ages Brewing Co., Friday, Apr. 25, 8–11 PM; dust off your eyeliner and get ready to scream the words to "Basket Case."
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, benefiting the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, with food trucks and live music to follow, a great way to wrap up the weekend.
That's your Thursday rundown. Stay warm out there, go Orange on Friday, and we'll see you back here tomorrow.