Good morning, Syracuse.

County officials say the giraffe exhibit project remains in its early planning stage in 2026 as delays in design shift key steps.

They are working with the Common Council to secure a seven-acre land transfer to help the Savannah Connection Project move forward (linked to a new housing development).

Micron Technology is ahead of schedule on building the largest U.S. semiconductor factory in Clay and expects to pour concrete by year’s end, a senior executive shared at a local meeting.

Fort Stanwix, known as the fort that never surrendered, draws visitors today as an important site from the Revolutionary War; park rangers say the rebuilt fort is based on old records+research that show how it kept British forces at bay.

SU Chancellor Mike Haynie’s early outreach to students signals collaborative leadership plus the editorial board insists he maintain ongoing transparency and consistency throughout his tenure.

More than 3,000 high school students are making their mark at the New York State Fairgrounds as SkillsUSA hosts its state championship today.

The event features contests in over 30 skilled trades and ends with an award ceremony, with top performers moving to the national competition.

Orange Success 2.0, a new student support platform powered by Navigate360, will launch Monday, May 18 to offer SU faculty, staff, and advisors enhanced advising tools at the Center for Student Excellence (100 Sims Drive).

Training sessions have engaged over 200 participants while additional sessions will refine platform use.

Professor Ethan Coffel at the Maxwell School is studying how crops may cool local temperatures by increasing humidity and reducing heat waves (drawing on past research methods).

His three-year National Science Foundation funded project will question if this cooling effect endures as weather warms further.

Creek Rats volunteers and city crews have been cleaning Onondaga Creek where bikes, car tires and needles have been found near a local Walmart and docks.

A sewage discharge of 1,750,980 gallons on April 18th stressed the need for cleanup+ community help.

On April 23, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon and Friends Interim Director Andrew Brazill signed a Memorandum of Understanding to resolve disputes over funding and control at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

The MOU focuses on supporting the zoo but leaves a revenue disagreement unresolved.

Syracuse women’s ice hockey head coach Britni Smith stepped down on April 23 to spend more time with family after four seasons leading the program.

A search is underway for her replacement at the university.

Bryan Blair has been named SU's new director of athletics after leading programs at Rice, Washington State and Toledo.

He was announced on March 19 and will replace John Wildhack on July 1 (his first move was hiring men's basketball head coach Gerry McNamara).

Captain Santini has returned from his NHL stint with Tampa Bay as Syracuse clinched a playoff spot for the Calder Cup for the eighth time in nine seasons.

The Crunch will play Game 1 of their North Division semifinal series today at 7 p.m. at Tully’s on Erie Blvd. E.

The Ostrom Avenue Podcast shared SU sports updates, noting that center Luke Wilson joined men's basketball with a new GM hire — the show also detailed how women's lacrosse beat UVA in the ACC Championship and will face UNC today.

NYS Blues Fest Fundraiser featuring Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Middle Ages Brewing Company — Tickets required — Experience the soulful energy of acclaimed blues artist Tommy Castro in an intimate venue.

Bruce In The U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen Tribute

7:30-9 p.m. — Crouse Hinds Concert Theater — Ticketed event — Celebrate the music of Bruce Springsteen with a tribute performance.

Bad Sneakers - Steely Dan Tribute

8-11 p.m. — Middle Ages Brewing Company — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night filled with the intricate sounds of Steely Dan performed by top local musicians.

SleazyWorld Live Performance

6:30-9:30 p.m. — Westcott Theater — Tickets starting at $63 — Experience the can't-miss live experience of SleazyWorld in Syracuse.

The Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Song & Dance — Tickets required — Experience the premier finger picker and his Big Damn Band delivering an unforgettable country-blues performance.

Scott Tournet Live Performance

7-9 PM — The 443 Social Club & Lounge — Cost not specified — Enjoy a night with Scott Tournet, a talented artist and producer known for his work with Elektric Voodoo and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.

Syracuse Speed Dating for Singles 35-49

6:30-8:30 p.m. — Vicinos Brick and Brew — Ticket required — Meet potential matches in a fun and efficient speed dating format.

Alter Bridge Live Concert

7-10 PM — Landmark Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the captivating sounds of Alter Bridge in an intimate setting.

Retro Game Con: Spring Edition

10 AM-6 PM — The Oncenter — Admission varies — Dive into a weekend of gaming with vendors, panels, and tournaments at this expansive video game expo.

Joe Satriani with Steve Vai, Animals as Leaders

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Landmark Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of incredible guitar virtuosity featuring iconic musicians at a historic venue.