Wegmans scans your face. Syracuse said ban it. The county hasn't.

Common Councilors Corey Williams and Jimmy Monto introduced legislation this week that would prohibit businesses from scanning customers' faces, eyes, voices, or other biometric markers in Syracuse. The proposal is modeled after a state-level bill from Sen. Rachel May and was sparked by Wegmans' rollout of biometric scanning in its NYC stores. Violations would carry a $1,000-per-incident penalty. The nearest Wegmans locations sit just outside city limits, so the bill's immediate bite is limited, but its authors want the rules on the books before things escalate.

🔗 Read more at Central Current

Starting Wednesday, NYSDOT shut down Van Buren Street and a stretch of Almond Street from Van Buren to Taylor as part of the I-81 viaduct project. If you're headed to the Dome, Crouse, Upstate, or anywhere on the Hill, expect Adams-to-Irving detours and, based on the first 48 hours, real gridlock. The roundabout going in on Van Buren is a precursor to the eventual teardown of the I-81 viaduct.

The take: Bake in an extra 15 minutes for anything Hill-adjacent this week. Seriously.

🔗 Read more at LocalSYR

The New York Beef Council named its Top 10 finalists for the 2026 Best NY Burger Competition, and three of them are ours: Ale & Angus in Syracuse (a six-time winner), Brewer Union Cafe in Brewerton, and newcomer Pound Town Burger Bar. Anonymous judges will sample each finalist in the coming weeks, with the winner announced at the State Capitol on May 13.

🔗 Read more at Syracuse.com

Former President Joe Biden returned to his alma mater on April 14 for the first time in a decade to unveil his official portrait, which now hangs in the Kossar Reading Room at the College of Law. Gov. Hochul, Mayor Owens, and Rep. Mannion were all in attendance. Biden, SU Law class of 1968, told the audience that "everything I did as an elected official was an extension of what I learned here at Syracuse."

🔗 Read more at Spectrum News

On April 15, Chancellor Kent Syverud told the SU community he's stepping down effective immediately after being diagnosed with a form of brain cancer. Chancellor-elect Mike Haynie, who was scheduled to begin on July 1, assumed leadership as acting chancellor the same day. Haynie sent his first public note Thursday evening, saying he'd spend the coming weeks "listening, learning, and showing up," and asked the community to hold Syverud and his wife, Dr. Ruth Chen, close in the days ahead.

🔗 Read more at The Daily Orange

After a jarring wintry dip this past Sunday, the week starts chilly (Monday highs in the mid-40s) and gradually recovers to the upper 50s and low 60s by Saturday and Sunday. Scattered showers are sprinkled throughout: Tuesday drizzle, Thursday morning showers, and a damp Saturday look most likely. The weekend's watchable for outdoor plans if you're flexible; bring a layer and maybe a backup umbrella. Classic April in CNY: the kind of week where you leave the house in a fleece and come home overdressed.

Harvey's Garden Charity Night benefiting AAGS at Harvey's Garden. 30% of all drink sales go to the Animal Alliance of Greater Syracuse to fund a low-cost spay-and-neuter clinic. | Details

Cindy Kaza Live at Funny Bone Comedy Club. Psychic medium Cindy Kaza brings her Going Beyond tour to Syracuse, centered on spirit communication, intuitive impressions, and a welcoming room. | Details

Tuesdays in the Eastwood Garden at Paine Branch Library. A lecture series covering Gardening 101, Culinary Herbs, Composting, and Tomatoes in Small Spaces, led by Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteers. | Free | Details

Makers and Mocktails at Milano Bean Cafe SYR. A relaxed social hour with a crafted non-alcoholic cocktail and a mystery craft kit. Capacity of 20 for an intimate setting. | Details

Connect 4 Tuesdays at Harvey's Garden at Harvey's Garden. A laid-back Connect 4 game night focused on conversation and community. | Details

Mark Hummel & His Blues Survivors feat. Anson Funderburgh at The 443 Social Club & Lounge. Veteran blues harmonica player Mark Hummel returns to the 443 with his band, the Blues Survivors, joined by guitarist Anson Funderburgh. | Details

& Juliet at the Landmark Theatre. Opening night of the six-show run. The pop-anthem Broadway tour imagines what comes next for Juliet after Romeo. | Tickets

CNY Artist Initiative: Gallery Talk with Ann Clarke at Everson Museum of Art. Join featured artist Ann Clarke for a gallery talk about her work and the exhibition "Under the Canopy." | Details

Trivia Night at Meier's Creek Brewing (Inner Harbor), 7:00 PM. New theme every week, teams of up to 7. | Free | Details

Boots at the Brewery: Line Dancing at Middle Ages Brewing Company. An evening of line dancing led by Greg Hale of Shotgun Line Dancers. | $10 door | Details

Clan Of Xymox at The Song and Dance, 7:00 PM. Dutch darkwave legends on a U.S. run, with Ghost Cop. | Details

& Juliet at the Landmark Theatre. | Tickets

Cayley Sheehan & The Family at Aurora Brewing Co. Syracuse, 5:00-8:00 PM. Bluesy rock featuring a crew of Syracuse locals. | Free | Details

Grateful Dub: Reggae Tribute to the Grateful Dead at Middle Ages Brewing Company. Grateful Dub brings a reggae interpretation of the Grateful Dead, with Roots of Creation providing tour support. | Details

Night Zero: Rob Compa, Gubb, Adrian Tramontano & Leon Campos at Funk 'n Waffles Syracuse. An all-star jam lineup from the Dopapod and Tauk orbits. | Tickets

The Callous Daoboys at The Song and Dance, 7:00-9:00 PM. With Brotality, CowCalls, and Rhythm of Descent. Atlanta metalcore chaos agents known for live shows that border on performance art. | Details

& Juliet at the Landmark Theatre. | Tickets

& Juliet at the Landmark Theatre. | Tickets

Transient Kicks at Shifty's Bar & Grill. Transient Kicks returns to Shifty's for another live appearance. | Details

Root Shock at Funk 'n Waffles. Syracuse's own reggae-rock institution is back on home turf for a special two-set show blending soul, reggae, and rock. | Tickets

Link, Ink & Drink at 1911 Tasting Room, 5:00-8:00 PM. | Details

Dominion: Goth Night feat. Past Self at The Song and Dance, 9:00 PM. DJs, a live set, and enough eyeliner to go around. | Details

Leanne Morgan: Stand-Up Comedy at Funny Bone Comedy Club. Approachable, homespun comedy blending relatable reflections on family life and getting older. | Details

CNY Regional Market, 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM. The Saturday institution. Spring is starting to show up at the market, early greens, maple syrup, and fresh baked goods. | Free | Details

Earth Day Splash Festival at the Museum of Science & Technology (MOST). Free outdoor Earth Day festival on the MOST's east lawn with a miniature boat regatta, green energy demos, bubble ring, craft activities, food trucks, and music. | Free | Details

Party for the Planet at Rosamond Gifford Zoo. Annual Earth Day celebration with dozens of conservation groups, animal presentations, creature chats, conservation-themed games, and tours of green infrastructure. | Included with zoo admission | Details

East Side Earth Day Neighborhood Cleanup at Westcott Community Center. Flexible cleanup with meeting points at Westcott Community Center, Barry Park Playground, or Thornden Park Water Tower. Bags and stickers provided. | Free | Details

Syracuse Inner Harbor Food Truck Bash at the Historic Freight House, 425 Solar Street, 12:00-7:00 PM. Second annual Food Truck Bash featuring local trucks from Syracuse and surrounding areas, including Rochester, Utica, and Ithaca. Live entertainment and waterfront views. | Free admission | Details

The Syracuse Orchestra presents Star Wars: A New Hope In Concert at The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater, 1:30 PM. The Syracuse Orchestra performs the full score of Star Wars: A New Hope live. | Tickets

Introduction to Abstract Embroidery at Everson Museum of Art. A workshop introducing embroidery as a contemporary expressive art form through guided exercises using stitch, color, and texture. | Details

Live Music at the 1911 Tasting Room featuring Gary Girzadas 2:00-4:00 PM. | Details

BLOOM: A BareRoots Spring Community Event at Middle Ages Brewing Company. A BareRoots spring fundraiser featuring A Kid Called Danger with Isto and Mark Nanni. | Details

Singles Mingle at The Society. A low-pressure mixer centered on real conversation and a fun matching game to break the ice. | Details

Brian Thomas & The Strikes at The 443 Social Club & Lounge. Upstate NY folk musician Brian Thomas and his band make their debut at the 443. | Details

McArdell & Westers at Harvey's Garden. An unplugged acoustic rock set. | Details

Char at Funk 'n Waffles Syracuse. The legendary Japanese guitarist is on a rare U.S. tour stop. | Tickets

West 22nd: The To Be or Not To Be Tour at The Song and Dance, 8:00 PM. With Dipsea Flower and Isabella Allon. | Details

Lisa Lee Trio at Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. Late-night live music, no cover. | Free | Details

Leanne Morgan: Stand-Up Comedy at Funny Bone Comedy Club. | Details

& Juliet at the Landmark Theatre. | Tickets

The Good Neighbor Market at The Song and Dance, 11:00 AM. A pop-up market for local makers, vintage, and small brands. | Details

Clay & Cafe with Come Out Central New York at Everson Museum of Art. A pop-up event with the Everson and Come Out CNY. Participate in a clay workshop led by Everson art instructors. | Details

Step Up 4 Kids 5K & Kids Fun Run at Middle Ages Brewing Company. 10th annual race benefiting McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center. After-party with live music and food trucks. | Details

Friendship Bracelet Social at The Society CNY. A Y2K-themed arts gathering centered on friendship bracelets and color play. | Details

Jazz Jam at Funk 'n Waffles Syracuse. The weekly casual jam session. Sit in or just listen. | Tickets

Ryan Burdick at Shifty's Bar & Grill. Relaxed live music. Chilled beers, spicy wings, easy vibes. | Details

Leanne Morgan: Stand-Up Comedy at Funny Bone Comedy Club. The final night of Leanne Morgan's run at Funny Bone. | Details

& Juliet at the Landmark Theatre. Closing performance. | Tickets

This week's duo is all from the CNY SPCA in Mattydale. Three dogs, three different sizes, and one thing in common: they're all waiting on you.

Carrot is a puppy, a male Terrier mix with the confidence of a dog four times his size. He plays with the big dogs, loves everyone he meets, rides well in the car, and when puppy mode finally powers down for the night, he crashes hard and wakes up ready to do it all again.

🔗 Meet Carrot and apply to adopt

Pat is an adult male Pit Bull Terrier mix, medium build, brown and red coat, and exactly as likable as the name suggests. Friendly and smart, good with other dogs, and the kind of dog who just wants to know the plan and be part of it.

🔗 Meet Pat and apply to adopt

Gilbert is a large adult male American Staffordshire Terrier mix with a gray-blue coat and a personality described as smart, friendly, and playful. He is a big boy who still carries himself with the energy of someone who genuinely enjoys his day.

🔗 Meet Gilbert and apply to adopt

📍 CNY SPCA, 5878 East Molloy Road, Mattydale | cnyspca.org | Open Mon-Sat, 11 AM-4 PM

Competitive salary (range typically $80k-$105k for entry level). Agile development, radar, and defense systems. Clearance required. 4x10 schedule option. Mentorship-heavy role with one of CNY's top defense employers. 🔗 Apply Now

$39-$50/hr + $10,000 sign-on bonus for experienced RNs, $5,000 for new grads. Full-time, evenings/nights. Benefits include medical, dental, 401k, tuition assistance, YMCA subsidy. 🔗 Apply Now

Full-time retail banking role. Competitive pay plus performance incentives. Benefits day one. Strong career growth track within JPMorgan's branch network. 🔗 Apply Now

Manufacturing at the local A-B facility. 401(k) with up to 9% company match, two weeks vacation at hire, 12-week paid maternity leave. Six Sigma/lean manufacturing environment. 🔗 Apply Now

An engineering and environmental consulting firm. Multiple disciplines: civil, environmental, and geotechnical. Low-cost health insurance, generous PTO. Local firm with deep CNY roots. 🔗 Apply Now