Did the Onondaga County office retaliate against the zoo?

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon made headlines this week after accusing opponents of the new Harborview Aquarium of suffering from - and yes, this is a real quote - "aquarium derangement syndrome." The beef? Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo claim McMahon pressured them to donate $1 million toward the aquarium's cost overruns (now at $103.8M), and that when they pushed back, the county retaliated by moving to rebid the zoo gift shop contract. McMahon denies that framing. Meanwhile, the aquarium is on track to open in August.

The take: A county executive coining medical-sounding diagnoses for his critics is a new one, even for Syracuse politics.

Cicero-North Syracuse graduate Mike Washington Jr. got the call he'd been waiting for: the Las Vegas Raiders traded up to snag the Arkansas running back with pick No. 122 in the 4th round of the 2026 NFL Draft this weekend. Washington - who clocked a blazing 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the Combine - went to three colleges and kept grinding. He rushed for 1,070 yards and 8 TDs at Arkansas this past season. From CNY with love, Mike.

The take: Silver and Black looks good on a kid from Route 31.

The Lysander Town Board is moving forward with a moratorium on data center development after residents raised alarms about a proposed hyperscale facility near Hencle Boulevard and Oswego Road. The project, floated by Ranalli Super DC LLC, would sit on a 124-acre parcel listed for $60 million and draw 300 megawatts of power - enough to light up a small city. A "Citizens Against Lysander Data Center" petition has gathered over 1,500 signatures, with concerns ranging from water and air quality impacts to the possibility that National Grid passes utility upgrade costs onto regular customers. The town attorney has been directed to draft moratorium language while the board figures out next steps.

The take: Micron brought the chip economy to CNY. Now the infrastructure that feeds AI is knocking on Baldwinsville's back door - and not everyone is rolling out the welcome mat.

New York State's budget has now blown past the April 1 deadline by more than three weeks, with education and Medicaid funding both stuck in limbo. For CNY, that's not an abstraction - Liverpool, Baldwinsville, and other school districts are trying to plan budgets they can't finalize until Albany figures it out. Stay tuned.

After three years of planning and more than 20 years with no major changes, Centro held its final public meeting on the Better Bus Onondaga redesign this week. Community members who attended said they're feeling good about the overhaul, which restructures routes across the county to make the system faster and more useful. No official launch date announced yet, but the feedback loop is officially closed.

The take: If the redesign actually makes a difference, this is quietly one of the most impactful quality-of-life improvements CNY has seen in years.

Spring is playing it cool. Expect highs in the upper 50s most of the week with a real chance of showers Wednesday into Thursday (grab the umbrella). The weekend looks more promising: highs creeping toward 60°F and some sunshine to reward anyone who planned outdoor plans. Not quite beach weather, but definitely "sit on the porch with a coffee" weather. The Salt City glow-up is in progress. No ice scraper required this week, finally!

📍19 E Genesee St, Suite 102, Baldwinsville, NY 13027

Maydan Cafe is a cozy, modern gathering space where community and creativity come together. Known for its thoughtfully crafted drinks, smoothies, smoothie bowls, fresh wraps, salads, crepes, and house-made bites, Maydan offers feel-good food from morning through early afternoon. What makes it special is the experience, whether you’re meeting friends, working remotely, or enjoying a game at the table. With a focus on quality ingredients, local partnerships, and a welcoming atmosphere, Maydan Cafe is designed to feel like your neighborhood’s favorite place to unwind and connect.

Local Recommendation: Stop in and experience the Maydan Flight! Your choice of a crepe, smoothie, and wrap, all in one visit. The perfect way to taste what they are all about and stay awhile.

NYS Blues Fest Fundraiser featuring Tommy Castro & The Painkillers w/s/g Nate Gross at Middle Ages Brewing Co. A preview of the summer blues season, right in your backyard - Tommy Castro brings decades of electric blues and soul to the Music Hall stage, with Nate Gross opening the night.

Wolfman Jack - Primal Grateful Dead Tribute at Funk 'n Waffles, 7:30 PM. If your Monday needs a little psychedelic salvation, Wolfman Jack delivers the freeform Grateful Dead experience - unpredictable setlist, good vibes, and a crowd that already knows every word.

Syracuse Mets vs. Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs at NBT Bank Stadium. The homestand rolls on - grab a hot dog, pick a side in the bleachers, and enjoy minor league baseball the way it was meant to be enjoyed: cheaply and without the pressure of actually having to care about the standings.

Low Gap & Brendan Walter at The Song & Dance, 7:30 PM. An indie folk double bill in one of CNY's best intimate rooms - good for a Tuesday night when you want music without the crowd noise.

Laura Jane Grace & Band at Funk 'n Waffles, 7:30 PM. Against Me! frontwoman Laura Jane Grace brings her acclaimed solo project to the Waffles - raw, autobiographical, and the kind of performance that stays with you long after the set ends.

Analog Cabin - an unplugged creative gathering at Pink Rock Culture Co-Op, 6:00 PM. A low-key creative hang where people share ideas, projects, and work in an intentionally screen-free environment. Great for the person who needs a Tuesday reset.

John Legend - An Evening of Songs & Stories at Landmark Theatre, 8:00 PM. John Legend, his piano, and the stories behind the songs - this intimate tour format turns a concert into something closer to a confessional. If you have tickets, clear your Wednesday morning schedule now.

Trivia Night at Meier's Creek Brewing, Inner Harbor. New theme every week, teams of up to 7 - good beer, and the perfect excuse to use that niche knowledge you've been carrying around since college.

Vinyl Knight at Middle Ages Brewing Co. Bring a record, spin a record, drink a beer. Middle Ages' weekly vinyl night is one of the most genuinely CNY things you can do on a Wednesday evening.

Boots at the Brewery - Line Dancing at Middle Ages Beer Hall. No experience required, good boots optional - Middle Ages' line dancing night is the unexpectedly fun Wednesday you didn't plan on having.

Syracuse Mets vs. Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs at NBT Bank Stadium. Mid-week baseball - sometimes that's exactly what the doctor ordered.

Jamm Morrison at The Song & Dance, 7:30 PM. A live music staple of the CNY circuit, Jamm Morrison brings the kind of energetic, crowd-connecting set that makes The Song & Dance feel like your living room.

Bruce In The USA at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater, 7:30 PM. The Boss tribute that actually delivers - full band, big production, all the anthems from Born to Run to Dancing in the Dark.

Open Figure Drawing at Everson Museum of Art. A relaxed evening session with a live nude model, offered in collaboration with Open Figure Drawing Inc. - bring your own supplies and your own skill level, all are welcome.

Members Meet-Up: The Art of Everyday Clay at Everson Museum of Art. Everson Curator of Ceramics Garth Johnson leads an informal walkthrough of the Rosenfield Collection, spotlighting the ceramicists behind the work. Low-key, conversational, and genuinely interesting if ceramics are your thing.

Syracuse Mets vs. Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs at NBT Bank Stadium. The series continues - four in a row against Lehigh Valley means plenty of chances to find your game.

LOOSE CHANGE at Funk 'n Waffles, 8:00 PM. High-energy live music to close out your Thursday - Funk 'n Waffles keeps the booking interesting, and Loose Change delivers.

Macrame and Mocktails at Pink Rock Culture Co-Op, 6:00 PM. Learn the basics of macrame while sipping something fancy and non-alcoholic. A creative Thursday night that doesn't require you to explain yourself the next morning.

Feats of Clay at Everson Museum of Art. Now in its 37th year, Feats of Clay brings hundreds of high school students and educators from across CNY together for a day of spirited ceramics competition at the Everson - one of the most uniquely Syracuse things that happens all year.

Syracuse Mets vs. Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs at NBT Bank Stadium. Friday night baseball - the best reason to leave work exactly on time.

Gatecreeper at The Song & Dance, 7:30 PM. Arizona death metal heavyweights Gatecreeper bring the kind of intense, crushing live show that The Song & Dance was made for. If your Friday needs to be loud, this is your night.

Like a Hurricane - A Tribute to Neil Young at Funk 'n Waffles, 8:00 PM. A full Neil Young tribute on a May Friday night - Harvest Moon, Heart of Gold, Rockin' in the Free World. The vibes are immaculate.

Kev Herrera at Syracuse Funny Bone, 7:00 PM. Stand-up comedy to kick off the weekend right - Kev Herrera brings sharp, high-energy material to the Funny Bone stage. Tickets run $32 to $42.

Syracuse Crunch vs. Cleveland Monsters (AHL Playoffs) at Upstate Medical University Arena, 7:00 PM. AHL Calder Cup Playoff hockey against Cleveland - the War Memorial gets loud for playoff games, and this series has real stakes.

CNY Regional Market The Saturday institution is officially in spring mode - early greens, maple syrup, fresh baked goods, and the specific kind of morning energy that makes you feel like you have your life together.

Maker Faire Syracuse at Micron Center of Progress, NYS Fairgrounds, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The fifth annual Maker Faire brings together engineers, artists, crafters, and tinkerers for a family-friendly day of invention and creativity. From hand-built robots to traditional woodworking, it's equal parts science fair and art show - and genuinely fun for all ages.

Kentucky Derby Party at Beak & Skiff Apple Orchards, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Stream the races all day, sip mint juleps, and enter the Best Dressed contest at one of CNY's best outdoor destinations. Free to attend - just bring your hat and your horse opinions.

Live Music at the 1911 Tasting Room with Steve Cali and Chad Mac, 4:00 PM. Live music to soundtrack the Derby Day stretch run - catch Steve Cali and Chad Mac from 4 to 6 PM while the races are still going.

Bad Sneakers - Steely Dan Tribute at Middle Ages Music Hall. Craft beer and Steely Dan - two things that go together better than you'd think. Bad Sneakers delivers the smooth, jazz-tinged catalog in full, right down to the guitar solos.

Madeline Goldstein & Normal Bias at The Song & Dance, 7:00 PM. An indie double bill at one of CNY's most consistently excellent small venues - a great Saturday night option if you want music that actually makes you feel something.

The Rollin' Rust w/s/g The Old Main Duo at Funk 'n Waffles, 8:00 PM. Americana and roots music with a solid opening act - the kind of Saturday night show that feels like CNY at its best.

Christopher Titus: Doomed to Repeat at Syracuse Funny Bone, 6:30 PM. Hard-hitting, brutally honest stand-up from one of the best in the game. Titus has been doing this for decades and hasn't softened a single edge - tickets run $37 to $47.

Syracuse Mets vs. Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs at NBT Bank Stadium. Saturday afternoon baseball - afternoon start, so you can catch the game and still make it to your evening plans.

Syracuse Crunch vs. Cleveland Monsters (AHL Playoffs) at Upstate Medical University Arena, 3:00 PM. Sunday playoff hockey - there are genuinely worse ways to end a week than watching the Crunch try to close things out against Cleveland.

Dance Mode! An Afternoon Kids Rave at The Song & Dance, 12:30 PM. A sensory-friendly, all-ages afternoon dance party built for the tiny raver in your family. Big energy, small humans, and a refreshingly chaotic good time.

Live Music at the 1911 Tasting Room with Noisy Boys at Beak & Skiff 1911 Tasting Room, 2:00 PM. Wind down the weekend with live music on Apple Hill - the 1911 Tasting Room is a great excuse to make a Sunday afternoon drive out to Lafayette.

Jazz Jam at Funk 'n Waffles, 3:00 PM. The weekly open jazz session - relaxed, all-are-welcome, and exactly the right vibe for a Sunday afternoon. Bring your instrument or just your ears.

Open mic hosted by Attamizk & friends at Funk 'n Waffles, 7:00 PM. A long-running weekly open mic with a welcoming community - poets, musicians, and spoken word artists all share the same stage. Good people, zero pretension.

Syracuse Mets vs. Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs at NBT Bank Stadium. The final game of the homestand - send the Iron Pigs home with a win.

This week's trio is all from the CNY SPCA in Mattydale - three strays who found their way into the shelter and are now waiting on the humans who were supposed to find them all along.

Oreo, an adult male Terrier mix, came in as a stray from Geddes and weighs about 56 pounds. The name fits - black and white, handsome, and full of contrast. He's the kind of dog who takes a minute to warm up, a little shy at first, and then leans right in. He loves being outside, goes full chaos mode in the snow, and will politely turn around and head back inside the moment it starts to rain. Respectable priorities, honestly.

Otto, an adult male Bulldog mix, was found as a stray in Mattydale and weighs about 60 pounds. Otto loves toys, loves water, and has been described by the shelter as a "house hippo" - he bobs for tennis balls in a kiddie pool, which is really all the information you need. He's smart, playful, and good with other dogs.

Timmy, an adult male Labrador Retriever mix, came in as a stray from Syracuse and weighs about 50 pounds. Gentle, friendly, and uncomplicated. Timmy loves walks, loves snacks, and loves people.

Join the Global Sustainment Technical Publications team supporting Rotary and Mission Systems programs right here in Liverpool. You'll develop and maintain technical documentation for defense programs on a 4x10 schedule. Secret clearance required - US citizens only. Salary range $57,400-$101,200. A serious role for someone who wants to put their writing skills to work on something that actually matters.

$19/hr, full-time, must be 21+. You'll split time between the retail floor and behind the wheel, handling deliveries, helping customers find the right product, and staying sharp on what's in the inventory. Valid NY driver's license required.

This one's for the basketball minds who also speak Python. SU Athletics is hiring a data analyst to support Men's Basketball recruiting, scouting, and player development - building models, generating scouting reports, and putting dashboards in front of coaches. Salary $62,400-$64,500, on-campus, full-time. If you've ever wanted to nerd out on analytics for an ACC program, here it is.

CenterState CEO is seeking the permanent leader of its entrepreneurship portfolio, overseeing The Tech Garden (now rebranded as the INSPYRE Innovation Hub), GENIUS NY, the Clean Tech Center, and the broader startup ecosystem across CNY. If you've been building companies, funding them, or supporting founders, and want to do it at a regional scale, this is the job.