☀️ Today’s Weather
Happy Earth Day! It's a fitting one. Mother Nature's keeping things a little moody to start, with a cloudy morning and some spotty sprinkles before things gradually clear up through the afternoon. By sunset, you might actually see some sunshine, so don't put the shades away just yet. Temps climbing to a high of 60°F with a low of 40° overnight. Right back to normal for this time of year, which honestly feels like a win after the roller coaster we've been on lately.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. Zoo Friends vs. County Hall: The $1M Aquarium Showdown Gets Messy The Rosamond Gifford Zoo's support group came out swinging at a county legislative hearing Tuesday, accusing County Executive Ryan McMahon of pressuring them to fork over $1 million to help fund the Harborview Aquarium, a project that's ballooned to $103.8 million and counting. The Friends of the Zoo say it's not their mission to bankroll an aquarium, while McMahon has essentially shrugged and called it business as usual. With construction 65% done and a tentative Labor Day opening on the horizon, the drama behind the scenes is getting as interesting as whatever's going to be swimming in those tanks.
2. SU Athletics Goes "All In" on NIL with One Orange Alliance Syracuse Athletics made a big swing on Tuesday, officially launching the One Orange Alliance, a centralized NIL initiative that covers every single Orange sports program, not just football. Think of it as a one-stop shop for businesses and fans to invest in SU athletes' name, image, and likeness deals. With new hoops coach Gerry McNamara building his first roster and a new AD in Bryan Blair coming aboard, the timing feels deliberate and the fan base is paying close attention to whether this can actually compete with the big-money programs in the ACC.
3. CAVA Could Be Coming (Kind Of), and There's More Food News Too There is a proposal that could bring CAVA, the Mediterranean fast-casual chain beloved by bowl-and-hummus devotees everywhere, to the area. This would be a first for this part of Upstate New York. The proposal also reportedly includes a second Onondaga County location for a popular burger chain. No opening dates yet, but between this and the recent Poundtown buzz, CNY's restaurant scene is having a moment. Consider this your early heads-up to start mentally drafting your first order.
⚡ Quick Hits
The Syracuse Fire Department is asking for a 2.9% budget boost, citing a rise in call volume, something to watch as city budget season heats up.
Nob Hill tenants displaced after the Building 3 fire are still in the dark on a return timeline, with the safety status of the building still unresolved nearly a month later.
A Pennsylvania high school coach charged with possessing an AI-generated image of a minor has made $150,000 bond, a disturbing case that's drawing national attention to the dark side of AI.
Eighteen climate protesters were arrested at the New York State Capitol on Earth Day, just a couple hours down the Thruway, as environmental demonstrations ramped up across the country.
The NYS Fair just dropped a fun booking: Jesse McCartney (yes, "Beautiful Soul" Jesse McCartney) is performing at Chevy Court on September 3rd. Your 2000s nostalgia is officially on notice.
📅 Events This Week
& Juliet — Landmark Theatre, running through Sunday, Apr. 26; a jukebox Broadway musical packed with pop bangers, check the Landmark for showtimes and tickets.
Clan of Xymox with Ghost Cop — The Song & Dance, Wednesday, Apr. 23, doors 6:30 PM / show 7 PM; if you're into goth and post-punk, this one's for you.
The Callous Daoboys — The Song & Dance, Thursday, Apr. 24, doors 6 PM / show 7 PM; part of the After Dark Presents series with three openers stacked on the bill.
DoOkie: America's Premier Green Day Tribute — Middle Ages Brewing Co., Friday, Apr. 25, 8–11 PM; dust off your eyeliner, this one's going to be a good time.
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.
That's your Wednesday wrap. Stay dry this morning, enjoy that afternoon sun, and go do something good for the Earth today. See you tomorrow.