☀️ Today’s Weather
Monday is shaping up to be a genuinely nice spring day: filtered sunshine, a gusty breeze, and a high of 59°F. A few sprinkles or a light shower might sneak in around dinnertime, so keep that in mind if you're heading out this evening. Low tonight around 49°F. Enjoy it while it lasts, there's a chance for some severe storms rolling in on Tuesday.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. G-Mac Is Home, And He's Got the Podium Today The moment Orange Nation has been buzzing about all week is finally here. Gerry McNamara will be officially introduced as Syracuse men's basketball head coach this afternoon at 4 PM in Miron Victory Court, right next to the JMA Wireless Dome. The first 1,000 fans through the door get a commemorative orange t-shirt, so if you've been waiting for a reason to show up, this is it. The 2003 national champ and former SU assistant is heading home, and CNY couldn't be more ready.
2. RIP George: The Zoo Says Goodbye to a Beloved Camel If you took your kids to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo and they ever got to see the camel exhibit, there's a good chance George made an impression. The 8-year-old Bactrian camel passed away over the weekend following complications from dental surgery at Cornell University's animal hospital. He'd been brought there earlier this month for a serious tooth infection, and while surgeons addressed the problem, George couldn't pull through during recovery. His keepers worked 12-hour shifts by his side until the very end, a testament to just how much this guy was loved. His brother Patrick remains at the zoo.
3. SU Men's Lacrosse Edges No. 6 Duke in Thriller In case the basketball news had you distracted, the Orange lacrosse team had quite a weekend of their own. No. 5 Syracuse topped No. 6 Duke 16–15 in their ACC opener, a nail-biter that probably had fans holding their breath until the final whistle. Head coach Liam Spallina's squad is making a statement early in conference play, and if you haven't been paying attention to this team yet, now's the time to start.
⚡ Quick Hits
SU is cutting nine academic majors as part of ongoing cost-cutting measures, most had fewer than 20 students enrolled.
The Syracuse Police Department has officially begun its move into a new headquarters on West Fayette Street.
A shots-fired incident in Manlius has been tied to an earlier road dispute, police say one person pulled out a handgun and fired at a vehicle following two crashes.
The state AG's probe into three Onondaga County Justice Center deaths resulted in an $875,000 settlement with medical provider NaphCare and a five-year ban from operating in the facility.
An Oswego arson suspect has been caught in connection with a string of dumpster and recycling fires in the area.
📅 Events This Week
Syracuse Mets Home Opener — Tuesday, March 31 at 4:05 PM at NBT Bank Stadium; the Mets face the Toledo Mud Hens to kick off the home season.
Trivia Night at Talking Cursive — Tuesday, March 31, 7–9 PM at Talking Cursive Brewing Company; free to play, prizes included, hosted by Alexis Colton.
Stay Fresh Artist Series: Anthony Beckham — Monday–Friday (March 30–April 3), 7–11 PM at Stay Fresh; free exhibit featuring the illustration and painting work of Anthony Beckham.
SU Drama's A Rebel Prayer — Opens Wednesday, April 1 at 8 PM at Syracuse Stage and runs through April 5; a new musical about protest, loss, and the power of art.
Beginnings: A New Century of Associated Artists of CNY — April 3–5 at City Hall Commons; a centennial art exhibit featuring paintings, photography, glass, fiber art, and more.
Maple Syrup Celebration at Critz Farms — Sunday, April 4, 9 AM–6 PM in Cazenovia; wagon rides, maple syrup demos, breakfast buffet, and family fun.
Easter Brunch at Marriott Syracuse Downtown — Sunday, April 5, seatings at 10 AM, 12 PM, or 2 PM; Grand Ballroom buffet with family photos with the Easter Bunny.
That's your Monday rundown. Go grab a coffee, enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, and maybe swing by the Dome at 4 to welcome G-Mac home. See you tomorrow, CNY.