☀️ Today’s Weather
Monday is not messing around. We're looking at mostly cloudy skies with scattered lake-effect snow showers and flurries, though accumulation should stay between a trace and a coating (most of it will melt). The real story is the wind… gusts up to 28 MPH out of the north-northwest will make that high of 37°F feel a whole lot colder, with wind chills in the teens this morning and the 20s by afternoon.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. He's Coming Home, Gerry McNamara Is Set to Be Syracuse's Next Head Coach Syracuse is working toward hiring Siena's Gerry McNamara as its next head coach, with a deal expected to come together in the near future. This is a feel-good story for Orange Nation, G-Mac is one of the most beloved players in program history, helping lead Syracuse to the 2003 national championship and holding school records for career 3-pointers (400) and minutes played. He's coming off an incredible run at Siena where his team led No. 1 Duke by double digits at halftime in the NCAA Tournament first round, which was basically a job interview for the ages. The Orange faithful have been waiting for this moment. Welcome home G-Mac!
2. SU Women Tip Off Against UConn Tonight, Can They Pull the Upset? The No. 9-seeded Syracuse women's basketball team takes on No. 1 UConn tonight at 6 p.m. on ESPN in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32. UConn is a 36.5-point favorite, with ESPN's BPI giving the Huskies a 99% chance of winning. But here's the fun part, this is the second time the programs have met in March Madness since Legette-Jack took over at Syracuse, and freshman post Uche Izoje has been an absolute force, dropping 23 points in the first-round win over Iowa State. Nobody expects SU to win, which is exactly why it's worth watching.
3. St. Baldrick's Raises $100,000 for Pediatric Cancer Research CNY showed out in a big way for the kids. The local St. Baldrick's fundraiser hit an impressive $100,000 raised for pediatric cancer research, powered by volunteers willing to shave their heads in the name of a great cause. It's one of those stories that reminds you just how generous this community can be when it counts. Hats off (literally) to everyone who participated.
⚡ Quick Hits
A 41-year-old man was stabbed multiple times near the Downtown Syracuse Rescue Mission over the weekend, and a separate stabbing was reported inside a prominent Syracuse apartment building, police are investigating both incidents.
OCC was briefly placed on lockdown after a reported threat on campus that turned out to be a paintball gun, all clear was given and everyone was fine.
CNY volunteers packed 440,000 meals for children facing hunger, another reminder that this community shows up.
Spring's first week is living up to Central New York's reputation, temps will swing between the 30s and low 50s through the week, so keep that coat handy.
A second vacant home caught fire in Syracuse this week, marking back-to-back fires at empty properties, city officials will likely be keeping a close eye on the pattern.
📅 Events This Week
The Dollop Podcast Live — Tonight, Monday 3/23, 7:30 PM at The Oncenter Carrier Theater; a live comedy podcast taping right here in downtown Syracuse.
Joe Turner's Come and Gone — Wednesday 3/25 through Sunday 3/29 at Syracuse Stage; August Wilson's powerful drama runs multiple nights (Wed–Fri at 7:30 PM, Sat at 2 & 7:30 PM, Sun at 2 PM).
Caz Pride Silent Disco: Blacklight Edition — Friday 3/27, 6–9 PM at Meier's Creek Brewing Co. in Cazenovia; 21+, three DJ channels, glow visuals, and good vibes for Pride.
Syracuse Crunch Home Games — Friday 3/28 vs. Hershey Bears (Stroke Awareness Night) and Saturday 3/28 vs. Rochester Americans (Canal Mules Night), both at 7 PM at Upstate Medical University Arena, two home games in one weekend, so no excuses not to catch at least one.
Home & Garden Show — Friday 3/27 through Sunday 3/29 at the Empire Expo Center at the NYS Fairgrounds; open 10 AM–7 PM Fri/Sat and 10 AM–5 PM Sunday, perfect if the winter has you itching to plan that backyard project.
Candlelight Pops — Saturday 3/28, 7 PM at Inspiration Hall; the Syracuse Orchestra performs pop and rock hits by candlelight, a genuinely great date night.
Maple Syrup Celebration — Saturday 3/28 and Sunday 3/29, 9 AM–6 PM at Critz Farms in Cazenovia; wagon rides, sugarhouse tours, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. This one sells out, so grab tickets early.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie — Sunday 3/29, 8 PM at the Oncenter War Memorial; the Bronx rapper brings his melodic, emotional style to downtown Syracuse.
Breakfast with the Bunny at the Zoo! — Sunday 3/29, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM at Rosamond Gifford Zoo; family breakfast with Easter Bunny photo ops and zoo admission included, adorable.
Stay warm out there, CNY. It's a big week for the Orange.