☀️ Today’s Weather
Spring is officially here (it arrives at 10:46 this morning), but CNY clearly didn't get the memo. Expect mostly cloudy skies with rain showers moving in late morning, tapering to scattered light showers through the afternoon and early evening, with some wet snow potentially mixing in for the higher elevations northeast of Onondaga County. Temperatures will be pleasant in the midday hours before a breezy afternoon kicks in (gusts up to 30 mph), so bundle up if you're heading out to catch the Syracuse Crunch tonight at Upstate Medical University Arena, puck drops at 7 PM against the Cleveland Monsters. High of 48, low of 33.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. GMac Didn't Beat Duke — But He Might've Won Something Bigger Gerry McNamara's Siena Saints lost to No. 1 seed Duke 71-65 in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, but the way they lost was something special. Siena became the first 16-seed in tournament history to lead a 1-seed by double digits at halftime, and Duke coach Jon Scheyer publicly said McNamara outcoached him. Now, with new SU Athletic Director Bryan Blair actively running a coaching search, the buzz around GMac returning to the Dome has never been louder, Boeheim, Scheyer, and seemingly the entire country are making the case for him.
2. SU's New AD Bryan Blair Is Ready to Wake the Beast Bryan Blair was formally introduced as Syracuse University's 12th Athletic Director on Thursday, and he came in with serious energy. He's talking aggressive NIL investment, a coaching hire that's already underway, and a vision to turn SU athletics into something the region can be genuinely proud of again. Blair says he wants a basketball coach with "integrity, creativity, and the ability to lead men", and he promises an announcement is coming soon. After years of SU sports feeling a little stuck, this one feels different.
3. Tragedy at Destiny USA: 21-Year-Old Shooting Victim Dies Sad news this week: the 21-year-old man shot in the Yellow Lot outside Destiny USA in the early morning hours of March 14th has died from his injuries. Police have made no arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing. If you have any information, the Syracuse Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division can be reached at 315-442-5222. It's a heartbreaking reminder of a problem that our community continues to grapple with.
⚡ Quick Hits
A tractor trailer driver managed to clip over a dozen overpasses on the Thruway through CNY, an impressive (and expensive) streak, troopers say.
Manlius is getting another $300K in County Main Street Grant money to help bring new life to the village, good news for one of CNY's most charming spots.
Manlius Town Supervisor John Deer announced his resignation for "personal reasons," stepping down amid a pending primary challenge.
A Veterans Affairs police officer accidentally shot himself in the leg during training at a Cicero gun club, he's reportedly okay.
Westhill and Marcellus both punched their tickets to the state basketball finals, Section III representing at the highest level this weekend.
📅 Events This Week
Syracuse Crunch vs. Cleveland Monsters — Sat. March 21 at 7 PM & Sun. March 22 at 4 PM at Upstate Medical University Arena; a full home weekend for the Crunch, great excuse to get off the couch.
Monster Truck Wars — Sat. March 21 (12 PM & 6 PM) and Sun. March 22 (2 PM) at Toyota Coliseum in Binghamton; drivers are meetable, things get loud, kids go absolutely wild.
The Syracuse Orchestra: Symphonic Dances — Sat. March 21 at 7:30 PM at Crouse Hinds Theater; iconic pieces in a gorgeous hall, and yes, you can do the monster trucks in the afternoon and still make this work.
ZZ Ward with McKinley James — Tonight, Fri. March 20 at the Center for the Arts of Homer; blues-rock in a small venue with great sound, worth the drive if you're a music person.
Spring may be arriving soggy, but there's plenty going on in CNY to make the weekend worth it. Stay dry out there, and we'll see you for the Weekend Insights tomorrow.