☀️ Today’s Weather
The lake effect hangover is finally clearing out. Tuesday starts with some lingering morning clouds, but expect sunshine to break through by midday. Don't get too comfortable though, because clouds push back in through the afternoon. It's a step up from Monday's chill with a high of 42°F and a low of 29°F overnight, so a light jacket should do the trick. Winds will stay mild out of the northwest early before shifting WSW at 5–10 mph.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. GMac is Coming Home It's official… Gerry McNamara is heading back to Syracuse as the men's basketball head coach. The Orange legend, who helped lead SU to the 2003 national championship and holds school records for career three-pointers and minutes played, spent two seasons at Siena before finalizing his return. He went 37-30 with the Saints and nearly pulled off one of the greatest upsets in NCAA Tournament history, taking No. 1 seed Duke to the wire just last week. Syracuse hasn't been to the NCAA Tournament since 2021, and fans are hoping the No. 3 jersey hanging in the Dome can work some magic from the sideline.
2. SU Women's Basketball Season Ends With a Historic Thud The Syracuse women's basketball team's season came to a painful close Monday night in a 98-45 blowout loss to top-ranked UConn in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32, the worst tournament loss in program history. The Huskies led by 53 points at halftime, with Azzi Fudd going off for 34 points in her final game at Gampel Pavilion. Coach Felisha Legette-Jack didn't hold back after the game, calling the tournament seeding a "personal attack." For what it's worth, UConn is currently 36-0 and a freight train, Syracuse just had the bad luck of being on the tracks.
3. Say Goodbye to Your Favorite Festival Spot (For Now) If you've ever grabbed a pierogi at Polish Fest or caught a band at Jazz Fest in Clinton Square, heads up — the city's beloved downtown festival hub will be out of commission starting in 2027. The ongoing I-81 viaduct project is forcing the city to find new digs for its biggest summer events, and the leading option is the Inner Harbor. It's not forever, but it's a big change for a square that's been the heart of this city for over 200 years.
⚡ Quick Hits
Air taxis over Syracuse? A new FAA pilot program has approved electric vertical takeoff aircraft (think: battery-powered flying pods) to operate commercially in New York State, and Syracuse could be one of the stops.
Liverpool schools are feeling the squeeze: The Liverpool Central School District is staring down a $12.5 million budget shortfall and may be forced to cut jobs to balance the books.
Historic train station loses its smokestack: Syracuse's famous Carousel Center-area train station (you know, the one with the creepy-cool plaster human figures) is losing its iconic 90-year-old smokestack after the city ordered it demolished following falling bricks.
West Genesee voters face a big ask: District residents are being asked to approve a $77.9 million school vote, details to come as the vote approaches.
Eric Devendorf could be heading back to the Dome: The Syracuse legend reportedly has interest in joining Gerry McNamara's incoming coaching staff which, honestly, would be a full CNY dream team situation.
📅 Events This Week
Joe Turner's Come and Gone — Wed 3/25 through Sun 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 — Fri 3/27, 6–9 PM at Meier's Creek Brewing Co. in Cazenovia; 21+, three DJ channels, glow visuals, great cause.
Crunch home games this weekend: Syracuse hosts the Hershey Bears on Friday 3/27 (Stroke Awareness Night) and the Rochester Americans on Saturday 3/28 (Canal Mules Night, only in Syracuse), both at Upstate Medical University Arena at 7 PM.
Home & Garden Show — Fri 3/27 through Sun 3/29 at the Empire Expo Center at the NYS Fairgrounds; open 10 AM–7 PM Fri/Sat, 10 AM–5 PM Sunday. Perfect timing if winter has you itching to plan that backyard project.
Candlelight Pops — Sat 3/28, 7 PM at Inspiration Hall; the Syracuse Orchestra plays pop and rock hits by candlelight. Genuinely one of the better date nights in town.
Maple Syrup Celebration — Sat 3/28 & Sun 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 ASAP.
Breakfast with the Bunny at the Zoo! — Sun 3/29, 9:30 AM & 11:30 AM at Rosamond Gifford Zoo; family breakfast with Easter Bunny photo ops and zoo admission included.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie — Sun 3/29, 8 PM at the Oncenter War Memorial; the Bronx rapper brings his signature melodic sound to downtown Syracuse.
That's your CNY wrap for Tuesday. Stay warm out there, and let's hope GMac works some of that 2003 magic. See you tomorrow.