☀️ Today’s Weather
Thursday is going to feel more like early spring than mid-May, with a high of just 58 degrees and a mostly cloudy sky that could bring some mist or a passing drizzle throughout the day. There's a better chance for actual rain showers in the late afternoon and evening, especially if you're out toward the eastern parts of Onondaga County. Winds will be light out of the west in the morning before shifting to the northwest, so a light jacket is probably not a bad idea.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. Is a Costco Coming to DeWitt?
The DeWitt Town Board quietly made a move this week that has a lot of people paying attention: they amended local zoning laws in a way that would open the door to a wholesale retailer, widely understood to be Costco, setting up shop in town. Nothing is confirmed yet, but the zoning change is considered a necessary first step, and if you've ever made the trek to the Clay or Fayetteville area for bulk paper towels and a hot dog, you know why this is big news for the east side.
2. New Hartford Dentist Arrested on Felony Drug Charges
Lawrence B. Marks, a 76-year-old dentist who operates a practice in the Town of New Hartford, was arrested Tuesday after a months-long investigation by the New York State Department of Health's Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, the DEA, and the Oneida County Sheriff's Office. Marks is accused of prescribing and overprescribing narcotics to patients he was not actively treating, with the investigation having started back in January. Investigators went to his practice on May 13th and took him into custody on felony charges.
3. Le Bernardin's Eric Ripert Called a Syracuse Restaurant "Absolutely Amazing"
Chef Eric Ripert, the man behind Manhattan's legendary Le Bernardin and widely considered one of the best chefs alive, stopped into Noble Cellar in downtown Syracuse during graduation weekend while his son wrapped up his studies at SU's School of Architecture. After a dinner that included asparagus, beets, lamb, and sorbet, Ripert told co-owner Rob Zaccaria and chef Spadafore that it was "a very special night" and said he would be back. For a local restaurant, that's about as high a compliment as it gets.
⚡ Quick Hits
Wednesday's severe thunderstorms left damage scattered across parts of CNY, a good reminder that spring weather here doesn't mess around.
Dunk and Bright Furniture is selling its South Salina Street location and consolidating everything over at its Clay store, with city leaders already eyeing the site for redevelopment.
The last former Mid-State Correctional Facility guard connected to an inmate's fatal beating took a plea deal, admitting to lying on paperwork and closing out a case that drew serious scrutiny to the facility.
GiGi's Playhouse Syracuse, a free achievement center for individuals with Down Syndrome in Cicero, says it needs to raise $50,000 or it will have to close its doors.
A man at Pioneer Homes says his neighbor attacked his dogs with a machete before the same individual later shot at Syracuse police officers and triggered a six-hour standoff.
📅 Events This Week
Alter Bridge: What Lies Within Us is Friday, May 15 at 7:00 PM at the Landmark Theatre, a hard rock show that will make you forget it's a weeknight.
RetroGameCon Spring Edition runs Saturday and Sunday, May 16 and 17, at the Oncenter Convention Center, with vendors, free play, panels, tabletop gaming, and tournaments for anyone who still thinks cartridges were peak gaming.
The Syracuse Orchestra: Dancing Queen, The Music of ABBA takes the Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater stage Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 PM, and yes, singing along is practically encouraged.
Nate Bargatze: Big Dumb Eyes World Tour hits Upstate Medical University Arena at The Oncenter War Memorial on Sunday, May 17 at 7:00 PM; bring a clear bag and prepare to laugh.
Joe Satriani and Steve Vai: Surfing With The Hydra 2026 Tour rolls into the Landmark Theatre Sunday, May 17 at 7:30 PM with Animals as Leaders opening, a guitar lover's dream lineup.
That's your CNY Insights for Thursday. Stay dry out there, and we'll see you tomorrow.