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Hey Syracuse, hope your week’s off to a good start!

In today’s wallet-friendly edition: AI-tracked snowplows slash complaints, a 19th-century mansion revival, and a mapping-themed board game night and brews + lots of fun things to do for free.

Quick money tip: 2025 was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%. Analysts expect the momentum to continue, making precious metals a smart way to protect your savings. Curious how it works? Check out AHG’s free investor guide.*

📰 In the news

Supportive mentors ignite curiosity: Ed Smith Elementary is teaming with Syracuse University and community volunteers on Reading Partners to build students’ confidence and reading skills, supported by SU’s College of Arts and Sciences — read the full story.

Historic landmark gets new purpose: The 1892 Green Mansion in Syracuse will be restored as the Greater Syracuse Land Bank headquarters, with four workforce housing units, community space, and commercial space to revitalize the Near Westside — read the full story.

Technology reshapes winter operations: Syracuse, America’s snowiest city, introduced GPS tracking and dashcams on plows, letting officials monitor routes in real time. Resident complaints dropped 30% as Samsara explores AI for 311 calls — see how trust improved.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*

Paying hundreds of dollars a month for car insurance? Switching providers could save you up to $600 a year, and shopping around is way faster than it used to be – free comparison tools like this one make it easy.*

Highlights this week:

• Albert Cummings with special guest Nate Gross
• See Syracuse Crunch take on Hershey Bears
• See Syracuse face Duke in men’s lacrosse
• Unlock clinical-level wellness data from home*

💎 Local business spotlight

Pup playtime, unlocked: Ormand Spencer Park is Syracuse’s only dog park—a handy, in-the-city spot where your dog can sprint, sniff, and socialize while you grab a few neighborly hellos and a breather; consider it this week’s low-effort, high-wag energy burn.

Time to unclench: Whether you need to unknot desk-shoulders or reset your brain, The Spa at 500 delivers massages and bodywork that actually help you feel human again. Book a midweek pick-me-up and let their calm, no-fuss vibe do its thing.

Neighborhood dive vibes: If your week needs a no-frills reset, Shifty’s pours the cold ones, serves wings locals won’t shut up about, and packs in live music that turns random weeknights into mini weekends. Slide onto a barstool and remember how good simple can be.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, *their curated kits are worth a look →

The $1,300 mistake most Americans make every year: According to the National Financial Education Council, poor financial literacy costs the average American over a thousand dollars annually. That’s not investment losses. That’s money lost to bad decisions, missed strategies, and advice from people who may not always put your interests first. There’s a free way to fix that, and it starts with one question. Find out what it is →

$22k in interest (on a $30k balance): That’s what minimum payments cost you over 20 years. You’ll pay back nearly double what you borrowed, and your credit card company is counting on you not doing that math. Debt settlement programs negotiate balances down and get people out of debt in 2-4 years instead of 20. Learn more about how they work →

Why your last diet didn’t work: Sustained weight loss is nearly impossible with diet alone. Your body literally fights back by making you hungrier the moment you start restricting calories. That’s why more doctors are recommending GLP-1s. The best part? Getting them has never been easier. We compared five programs to help you find the right fit. See which ones stood out →

Your homeowners insurance has a blind spot: It covers your house if a tree falls on it. It doesn’t cover your furnace when it quits in January, your AC when it dies in July, or your water heater when it starts leaking on a Tuesday. Those are all classified as “normal wear and tear,” and they’re 100% on you. We looked into solutions that fill that gap. Here’s what we found →

📆 Free events worth checking out

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🌟 Syracuse Showcase @ The Fitz | Thursday (3/19) at 7:30 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to upgrade your shindig, head to The Fitz below Oh My Darling for a free showcase of dance-floor ringleaders, because your cousin’s playlist has suffered enough. Hear trios to big bands, chat with producer, and linger for cocktails.

🎤 The Mere Mortals @ Middle Ages Brewing Company | Friday (3/20) at 8:00 PM – Free show at Middle Ages Beer Hall, The Mere Mortals deliver a Syracuse supergroup’s danceable, singalong set. From Jackson 5 to The Beatles to Peter Gabriel, Natalie Merchant, and Sheryl Crow. No ticket, just come early, grab a pint, and pretend this counts as cardio.

🎨 The Talking Stick Project – Community Art Workshop @ Community Folk Art Center | Saturday (3/21) at 11:00 AM – This weekend, skip the errands and join a hands-on workshop with artist Amber Robles-Gordon to make a talking stick, part art class, part community therapy, all heart. You’ll learn the history, craft your own, and share conversation. It’s free, and lunch is included, because manners.

🍳 Teaching Kitchen: Cooking for a Healthy Colon @ Nappi Wellness Institute | Wednesday (3/25) at 11:30 AM – This colon-healthy cooking demo at Nappi’s Teaching Kitchen pairs a colorectal surgeon, a chef, and a dietitian for the trifecta your colon will high-five. Learn recipes, real talk on screening, enjoy a free event, parking validated, and if you’re 45+, snag a stool kit.

🎲 Board Game Night @ Hosmer Auditorium, Everson Museum of Art | Thursday (3/26) at 5:00 PM – Think you’ve got a good sense of direction, or are you the type who gets lost between conquest and the café? Everson’s game night brings TableTop Gaming’s curated lineup, Bullfinch brews, open galleries, and pay-what-you-wish vibes, inviting friendly rivalry, map-minded musing, and actual face time.

🎶 Syracuse University Flute Day @ Crouse College | Sunday (3/29) at 9:00 AM – Swing by Flute Day at Setnor, featuring Kelly Covert and Xue Su on flute, and Dan Sato on piano. It is free, open to the public, and guaranteed to make your inner band kid sit up straight; RSVP to Dana DiGennaro at [email protected].

🌷 Spring into Fun @ The Canyon at Destiny USA | Monday (3/30) at 12:00 PM – Need a Spring Break sanity saver? Take the herd to The Canyon at Destiny USA for Jeff the Magic Man, free activities, games, and more, all blessed by the Mom Council. It’s free, it’s indoors, and you might drink coffee while they burn energy.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Syracuse report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 26°F – Low: 17°F – Precip: 17%

A slight chance of snow showers after 5pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 26. West wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 38 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. West wind 3 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 26 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 35°F – Low: 27°F – Precip: 38%

A chance of snow showers before 8am. Partly sunny, with a high near 35. Southwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 27. South wind 5 to 9 mph.

This house is wild

Set in Old Towne Estates, this to-be-built 3-bed, 2.5-bath Colonial by Heritage Homes, celebrated for craftsmanship, targets 2026 completion with time to personalize selections. Hardwood spans the main level, tile accents baths and laundry. A chef-forward kitchen with 42-inch cabinetry, an oversized quartz island, and walk-in pantry opens to a fireplace-warmed family room lined with beautifully trimmed windows.

Take a peek inside →