☀️ Today’s Weather
Monday is going to be one for the record books. We're starting warm and windy (highs near 65, maybe even 70 if we catch some sun before the afternoon), but a line of strong to potentially severe storms rolls through from west to east between 2 and 8 PM. Then, because this is Syracuse, it all flips to heavy wet snow by evening, with a flash freeze overnight that will turn any wet surface into a skating rink by Tuesday morning. Lows drop all the way to 19°F, so if you've got somewhere to be tonight, get there early or plan to wait it out. National Grid is already prepping for widespread outages from the gusts, which could hit 40 MPH before the wind shifts westerly later in the day.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. 'Cuse Women Are Dancing, But Darius Is a Question Mark The Syracuse women's basketball team officially earned a 9-seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, setting up a first-round matchup against 8-seeded Iowa State in Storrs, CT (yes, right in UConn's backyard). The first round gets underway this coming weekend as part of the 68-team bracket, so Orange Nation doesn't have long to wait. The elephant in the room: star point guard Dominique Darius, SU's primary ball handler and third-leading scorer, is a major question mark with a left hand injury she suffered in the ACC Tournament. Coach Felisha Legette-Jack has been candid about the uncertainty, telling reporters after the ACC loss simply, "I just…I don't know." The Orange went 23-8 this season and have plenty of firepower with freshman sensation Uche Izoje, but Darius's presence will make or break how far this run can go. Stay tuned.
2. North Syracuse Mayor Gary Butterfield Steps Down After 11 Years Gary Butterfield has resigned as mayor of the Village of North Syracuse, with his departure taking effect Friday, March 13. Butterfield, who was first elected in June 2015, cited his age and minor health issues as the driving factors, telling reporters simply, "I'm not a spring chicken anymore. It's time." His current term wasn't set to expire until June 2027, so the village board of trustees will now convene to elect someone to fill the vacancy. Butterfield served for over two decades in village government, first as a trustee starting in 2005 before taking the top job. He left on a gracious note, saying he's "kind of excited for what's next." Aren't we all, Gary.
3. Hercules Candy Issues Easter Egg Recall, Check Your Bag This one hits close to home (and the Easter basket). East Syracuse-based Hercules Candy Co. is recalling its Dark Chocolate Covered Blue Raspberry Cream Eggs after discovering that a small number of peanut butter cream eggs were accidentally mislabeled as blue raspberry, posing a serious risk to anyone with a peanut allergy. The recall affects about 110 units sold between March 1 and March 12, packaged in 2.6 oz. cellophane 2-packs with barcode #00014. No illnesses have been reported, but if you grabbed some of these recently, toss them. You can call Hercules directly at 315-463-4339 with questions. Nothing says "almost Easter" like a candy recall from one of our own.
⚡ Quick Hits
A body recovered from the Oswego River has been identified as the driver of a vehicle that entered the water A tragic end to what began as a missing persons search involving an aerial drone.
The new Syracuse police and fire headquarters is preparing to move in soon With the city leasing a West Side building that's been part of a $31.5 million redevelopment of an old factory.
Thousands showed up in green for the St. Patrick's Day Parade downtown this weekend despite the cold and snow Because a little weather never stopped CNY from having a good time.
A Manlius pediatrician now faces 21 felony counts after being accused of vaccine fraud to get her own son into school An indictment that paints a pretty wild picture of a multi-year scheme.
A lane closure is planned on I-690 eastbound as part of the ongoing I-81 Viaduct Project Plan accordingly if that's part of your Monday commute.
📅 Events This Week
Organ Fairchild Plays Grateful Dead — Tues., March 17 (St. Patrick's Day!) at Funk 'n Waffles; a jam organ trio doing improvisational Dead covers, perfect excuse to keep the holiday going.
Dancing with the Celts — Wed., March 18 at the Center for the Arts of Homer; high-energy Irish dance and music if you still have Celtic spirit left in you after Tuesday.
ZZ Ward with McKinley James — Fri., March 20 at the Center for the Arts of Homer; blues-rock powerhouse ZZ Ward brings her tour to Homer, a small-venue show worth the drive.
Monster Truck Wars — Sat., March 21 (12 PM & 6 PM) and Sun., March 22 (2 PM) at Toyota Coliseum; monster trucks, stunts, and meet-the-drivers access. Kids and adults will be equally obsessed.
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 out if the roads have cleared.
The Syracuse Orchestra: Symphonic Dances — Sat., March 21 at 7:30 PM at Crouse Hinds Theater; a classical program of famous orchestral dance pieces. A classy alternative to the monster trucks (or do both, we won't judge).
SU Men's Lacrosse vs. Georgetown — Sun., March 22 at 1 PM at JMA Wireless Dome; the Orange host the Hoyas in an early-season NCAA matchup, spring lax is back.
Stay safe out there Monday. Wear layers, drive slow tonight, and maybe just stay home once that snow starts flying. We'll see you tomorrow, CNY.