☀️ Today’s Weather
Wednesday's going to be a soggy one, at least to start. Expect cloudy skies with light rain and sprinkles, mainly south of the Thruway, with temps starting at 48 and actually dropping through the day down to a low of 38. The silver lining? Things dry out in the afternoon, and if you time it right, you might catch a peek of sun near sunset… a nice reward for making it through the day.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. SU's Highest-Ranked Recruit in Decades Goes Down in Spring Practice Syracuse football's most prized incoming freshman, five-star wide receiver Calvin Russell III, is out indefinitely after suffering an undisclosed injury in spring practice. Russell was SU's best recruit in the 2025 recruiting class, with 247Sports ranking him as the 31st-best player in the country. Coach Fran Brown released a statement saying "Orange Nation's got your back," which is the right energy, but this is a tough blow for a receiving corps that desperately needed a jolt heading into 2026.
2. SU Is Getting a New Chancellor Sooner Than Expected The clock is moving faster on SU's leadership transition. Chancellor Kent Syverud announced his tenure will end on May 10, commencement day, with Chancellor-elect Mike Haynie stepping in the very next day, about two months ahead of the originally planned July 1 handoff. The change comes after the University of Michigan announced that Syverud's term as university president would begin on the same day. Haynie is a familiar face on the Hill, he's been at SU for two decades and most recently served as VP of strategic initiatives and executive dean at Whitman. Change is coming fast to the university, and this one feels like good news.
3. Your Favorite Syracuse BBQ Joint Is on the Move… But Staying Open Good news for fans of Congo Box, the beloved multicultural grill spot that's built a loyal following across CNY: the restaurant is relocating back to where it started, and will remain open until the move happens within about a month. No confirmed address yet, but if you've been sleeping on their smoked lamb and rice and beans, now's the time to get in before the transition. Consider this your friendly heads-up.
⚡ Quick Hits
The Salmon River is running dangerously high due to heavy rain. Oswego County officials are urging people to stay clear of the water and surrounding areas.
Flooding alerts are in effect for parts of Central New York, and local officials are raising fresh concerns about how the ongoing rain is affecting the deteriorating I-81 viaduct conditions.
Siena freshman forward Francis Folefac has entered the transfer portal, another piece of the ever-spinning college basketball carousel.
Two Central NY restaurants failed their latest health inspections. One issue involved dead mice while 70 others passed.
Day 2 of deliberations in the Mid-State murder trial have wrapped with no verdict yet, the Nantwi case remains in the jury's hands.
📅 Events This Week
SU Drama's A Rebel Prayer — Opens tonight, April 2 at 8 PM at Syracuse Stage; a new musical about protest, loss, and art that runs through April 5… worth grabbing a ticket.
Stay Fresh Artist Series: Anthony Beckham — Through Friday, April 3, 7–11 PM at Stay Fresh; free illustration and painting exhibit, no excuse not to pop in.
Beginnings: A New Century of Associated Artists of CNY — April 3–5 at City Hall Commons; a centennial art show featuring paintings, photography, glass, fiber art, and more. Totally free and a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.
Maple Syrup Celebration at Critz Farms — Sunday, April 4, 9 AM–6 PM in Cazenovia; wagon rides, maple demos, breakfast buffet, and all the family fun you could ask for… a CNY spring classic.
Easter Brunch at Marriott Syracuse Downtown — Sunday, April 5, with seatings at 10 AM, 12 PM, and 2 PM in the Grand Ballroom; Easter Bunny included, reservations probably a good idea.
That's your Wednesday CNY wrap. Stay dry out there, and we'll see you tomorrow!