Good evening, Central New York. We're wrapping up the day for you with the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.

Your Weather Planner

Friday night will be quiet and mild with lows in the 50s and low 60s. Saturday will be partly sunny and warm with a few scattered showers and thunderstorms possible. Highs will be in the 70s and 80s. Sunday with be warmer than average and unsettled at times with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Highs will be in the 70s to near 80. Cooler temperatures will settle in heading through the first half of next week.  

Tomorrow's Forecast

Central NY Hourly Forecast | Southern Tier Hourly Forecast | Northern New York Hourly Forecast

Today's Big Stories

1. McMahon points to amphitheater's success to justify spending on aquarium project

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said the success of St. Joseph’s Amphitheater is an example of what good could come from his planned $85 million aquarium, which needs legislative approval. Unlike the proposed spending for the aquarium, the amphitheater was paid for by bonds. 

2. CDC: Two-thirds of New York has 'high' COVID-19 transmission

As of Friday, 45 counties across the region are now classified by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as having "high" community levels of the coronavirus, including those in Central New York.

3. Hochul signs bill expanding protections for domestic violence victims and survivors

The measure is meant to tighten anti-discrimination provisions for victims, including in areas like housing and public accommodations. The proposal had initially been part of Hochul's 2022 State of the State agenda unveiled earlier this year.

4. Key statistic: SU grad just second woman to major in sports analytics

This weekend, Mackenzie Mangos will put on her cap and gown and graduate from Syracuse University. Growing up in Williamson, her love of math and sports, specifically softball, sparked her interest in sports analytics.

5. Lawmaker wants to repeal tax on bottled water in New York

New York should repeal the 4% sales tax placed on bottled water sales and treat it like other essential grocery items, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara said Friday. The Democratic lawmaker who represents the Schenectady area introduced legislation that would repeal the tax in New York.

6. Moved to spring, Teal Ribbon Run will start Saturday

The popular Teal Ribbon Run is now a spring event after being held for many years in the fall. The annual 5K run and 3K walk will take place Saturday morning in the Village of Minoa. Organizers said they wanted to do a better job of spreading awareness about ovarian cancer throughout the year.

Your Notes for the Weekend

  • Car and Motorcycle Show starts at 8 a.m. Saturday at the American Legion in Hillcrest.  
  • Hustle 5k Race & Family Fun Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. Saturday at Verona Beach State Park.  
  • The Syracuse Crunch look to force a decisive Game 5 in their first-round Calder Cup playoff series with the Laval Rocket in Laval, Quebec, 3 p.m. Saturday.
  • Symphoria Pops: The Doo Wop Project perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the Crouse Hinds Concert Theater, Syracuse.