☀️ Today’s Weather
Saturday morning starts manageable with some light rain early (think 6–8 AM), then we catch a small break with some sunshine poking through mid-morning. But don't get too comfortable: a line of thunderstorms is rolling through CNY sometime between 3 and 9 PM, and a few could turn severe with damaging wind gusts. Temps will be flirting with record territory, we're talking near 70°, so it'll feel more like late April than early March. If you're heading to the JMA Dome for Senior Day, plan accordingly and maybe leave the umbrella in the car just in case... actually, keep the umbrella. Oh, and don't forget — tonight we spring forward! Clocks jump ahead at 2 AM, so you're losing an hour of sleep whether you like it or not.
🗞️ Top Stories
1. Syracuse Painter Released from ICE Custody in 21 Days, Here's How Adelso Bravo, a local Syracuse painter, was released from ICE detention in just three weeks thanks to a combination of community support, family advocacy, and a new legal strategy. His case has sparked a broader conversation here in CNY about immigration enforcement and who it's really targeting. It's a story that hits close to home for a lot of people in this community.
2. Meet SU's Next Chancellor, and His Vision Is Big Mike Haynie, Syracuse University's incoming chancellor, is already turning heads, not just because he wakes up at 4:30 AM and eats Panda Express with students, but because he's built a $300 million commitment to helping veterans a core pillar of his leadership. He's got Jim Boeheim's stamp of approval and a reputation for rolling up his sleeves.
3. ShoppingTown Mall Gets Another Shot at a Developer County Executive Ryan McMahon is back at the drawing board for the long-dormant ShoppingTown Mall, saying this time they want a developer who's ready to actually build… like, this year. If you've driven past that site lately and wondered what's ever going to happen there, this is the update you've been waiting for. The clock is ticking.
📅 Events
Grand Kyiv Ballet: Swan Lake — Saturday, March 7 at 7 PM | Landmark Theatre Full-on classical ballet including tutus, drama, the whole thing. A beautiful night out, and a meaningful one given where this company is coming from. Grab someone who needs a little culture (or a good cry).
F.I.R.E. Festival — Sunday, March 8 | Middle Ages Brewing Company A women-focused live music showcase with local vendors and serious community vibes. Great excuse to support local artists and grab a pint while you're at it.
🏀 Sports
🍊 SU Men's Basketball — It's Senior Day at the JMA Dome! The Orange (15–15) host Pittsburgh Saturday at 4:30 PM in the regular season finale. Pitt has had a rough year, so this is a chance for SU to send the seniors out on a high note, and maybe sneak into the conversation heading into ACC Tournament play. Go out and pack that Dome.
🍊 SU Men's Lacrosse — The Orange (4–2) head to Baltimore Saturday at 1 PM for a top-10 showdown against Johns Hopkins (4–1). This is a marquee early-season matchup — lacrosse fans, set the alarm.
🏀 New York Knicks — The Knicks (40–23) are out west this weekend, playing in L.A. against the Lakers on Sunday at 3:30 PM. Two tough road games against teams fighting for seeding, should be fun to watch.
⚾ New York Yankees — Spring Training is in full swing and the Yanks are cooking, sitting at 10–3 in Grapefruit League play. They face Washington on Saturday and then the Mets on Sunday at 1:10 PM… yes, the Subway Series preview is already happening in March.
⚾ New York Mets — The Mets (hovering around .500 this spring) face the Cardinals on Saturday before hosting the Yankees on Sunday. The Mets-Yankees spring matchup is always a little spicy, even in March.
Stay dry out there today, CNY. And don't forget to spring those clocks forward tonight. It's going to be a stormy Saturday, but hey, at least it's almost 70 degrees. We'll take it!