☀️ Today’s Weather
It's going to be one of those "check the radar every hour" kind of days. Snow moves in around midday and could drop a quick coating to 2 inches, then flip to rain and wet snow by the afternoon, before wrapping back around to more snow overnight with additional accumulation likely. Highs near 40, but with gusts picking up to 35 mph by afternoon, it's going to feel raw, just in time for St. Patrick's Day parade weekend.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. SU Has a New AD… Meet Bryan Blair Syracuse has officially hired Toledo Athletic Director Bryan Blair to replace longtime AD John Wildhack, and early buzz is overwhelmingly positive. Blair has been called "the rising star" in college athletics, and SU fans are cautiously optimistic that he'll be the right person to navigate one of the program's most critical stretches, including finding the next men's basketball head coach after the Adrian Autry era came to a close. No pressure on Day 1 or anything.
2. Cornell Student Arrested on SU Campus with Rifle A Cornell University student was found on the Syracuse University campus armed with a rifle this week, and his reason for having it is raising major questions. He told police he bought it as a "last resort" in case ICE agents tried to detain him, and that he had walked around SU's campus with the weapon. He's now facing charges, and the incident has sparked a broader conversation about immigration anxiety, campus safety, and the climate students are navigating right now.
3. The Search Is On: Who's Coaching Syracuse Basketball Next? With new AD Bryan Blair barely through the door, the most pressing item on his desk is already staring him down: find Syracuse's next head coach. Names being floated include South Florida's Bryan Hodgson, Saint Louis' Josh Schertz, UConn assistant Luke Murray, and two beloved Syracuse guys, Mike Hopkins and Gerry McNamara. The fan favorite? GMac, who just led Siena to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2010. Orange Nation would lose their minds if he came home. Whether it happens or not, this is going to be the story of the spring.
⚡ Quick Hits
Nob Hill fire victims still in limbo — Tenants displaced by the February fire are still waiting on answers from building management and the city, weeks later.
CenterState CEO is splitting its top roles — After 16 years, the economic development org is separating its CEO and President positions to set up for the next chapter.
An 89-year-old man was killed in a Cayuga County house fire — A tragic loss in our region; the victim has since been identified.
Rideshare and delivery drivers are feeling the gas price pinch — Rising fuel costs are squeezing gig workers locally, adding to affordability pressures across the board.
Another Byrne Dairy is coming to the Fulton area — Because apparently you can never have too many Byrne Dairy locations, and honestly, fair.
📅 Events This Week
Saturday, Mar. 14 — Syracuse St. Patrick's Day Parade, Downtown Syracuse. The city's biggest green-clad tradition is back. Check the route, find your spot early, and dress for the weather.
Saturday, Mar. 14 — SKY Armory St. Patrick's Parade Day Party, 11 AM–4 PM @ 351 S Clinton St. Live music, Irish dancers, food, and parade views… a solid indoor backup if the snow and wind have other plans for you.
Through Saturday, Mar. 14 — Downtown Dining Weeks. Last day to grab prix-fixe deals at local downtown restaurants, don't let this one slip past you tonight.
Sunday, Mar. 15 — NCAA Tournament Selection Sunday, 6 PM on CBS. The bracket drops Sunday evening. Find out who's in, who's out, and start filling out your picks before your coworkers do.
Stay warm out there, CNY. If you're heading to the parade this weekend, may the luck of the Irish (and a decent jacket) be with you. See you tomorrow for your Weekend Insights.