Homicide Victim Identified, No Suspects

Syracuse, NY (YNN) - Syracuse Police have identified the victim in a fatal shooting on East Fayette Street Sunday afternoon.

Syracuse Police found Allen Ross, 27 of Syracuse lying in a courtyard at the Parkside Commons Apartment Complex with a gunshot would. He was taken to University Hospital, where he later died of injuries.

Police are still looking for witnesses and trying to identify leads. This is the fourth homicide in Syracuse this year.

Police don't believe the city is in any danger, but are asking for the public to help in figuring out what happened. Anyone with information should cal 315-442-5222.

Schumer to Present Overdue Purple Heart

Syracuse, NY (The Post-Standard) - Not only will NY Sen. Chuck Schumer be discussing baggage carry-on fees at Hancock Airport today, but he will also be presenting a Purple Heart to a Vietnam War veteran.

Larrdy Dobson, of Onondaga County, hit a booby trap while driving a truck on April 18, 1969 in the Vietnam War. He was denied a Purple Heart until Schumer intervened.

Schumer to Speak at Hancock Airport About Carry-On Fees

Syracuse, NY (The Post-Standard) - New York Sen. Chuck Schumer will be speaking at Hancock International Airport today to discuss his campaign for airlines to let passengers fly without paying for carry-on baggage.

Schumer has strongly opposed the carry-on baggage fees since Spirit Airlines started to charge passengers a few weeks ago. Spirit Airlines caused Schumer to get five major airlines to commit to keeping carry-ons free. He still wants 21 other carriers to make the same promise.

Schumer also plans to issue a new rule that would define carry-on bags a "reasonable necessity" for flight, forcing carry-ons to be free.

Airport Renovations May Be Delayed Due to Sales Tax Questions

Syracuse, NY (WSYR-TV) - A $63 million plan to renovate Hancock Airport is still on the Syracuse Common Council agenda after a month. The Council plans to vote on it today, but it might be delayed yet again until Onondaga County decides where to direct its sales-tax revenue.

Councilor Pat Hogan said the city must maintain the $69 million it currently receives from county sales tax so it can borrow the $50 million needed for the renovations.

The renovations would include the floor in the main terminal and security upgrades. Hogan said the airport is in dire need of these renovations, which would be the airport's first in 15 years.

Syracuse Council to Vote on Controversial School Leasing

Syracuse, NY (The Post-Standard) - Today's Syracuse Common Council meeting could make history for the city of Syracuse. The Council will vote on the largest lease agreement in city history to provide a temporary place for students and staff to hold classes during a major school reconstruction project.

The project, which would cost taxpayers $28.2 million over the next 15 years, would lease 2 1/3 buildings at the former Syracuse Developmental Center on the West Side of Syracuse.

Both the H.W. Smith K-8 and Dr. Weeks Elementary schools would hold classes there while those buildings are renovated. The cetner buildings can hold about 1,600 students.

There are mixed opinions from the Common Council. Some support it while others think a 15-year lease is too long. The meeting will take place at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall.

Oklahoma City Bombing Anniversary

Today marks the 15th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombings.

A ceremony in memory of the 168 victims was held this morning at the Oklahoma City National Memorial.

Beginnning at 9:02 a.m., the time when the bomb went off 15 years ago, people all across the state of Oklahoma had a moment of silence to commemorate the 168 victims of the attack.

Former president Bill Clinton was in office when the attack occured commented Monday in the New York Times

"Fifteen years ago, the line was crossed in Oklahoma City. In the current climate, with so many threats against the president, members of Congress and other public servants, we owe it to the victims of Oklahoma City, and those who survived and responded so bravely, not to cross it again."

It was fiftenn years ago today when a truck bomb ripped through the Oklahoma State Federal building in downtown Oklahoma City. Timothy McVeigh was found to be the man behind the terrorist attack. He was put to death in 2001.

Body Found on South Campus at Syracuse University

Syracuse police are now saying a body found near South Campus at Syracuse University was not an SU student. The body was found near the water tower in the woods behind the Skytop Office on South Campus on Friday around noon. Police say the body has been identified but the name cannot be released until the family is notified.

Toyota Fined by the Government

Toyota Motor Corp. is being fined by the Federal Government for not informing them is the correct time frame about the gas pedal defect in some of their vechicles.

The federal law mandates that an automaker must inform the federal government of a safety defect in their cars in five business days, which Toyota failed to do.

There is evidence saying that Toyota knew about the safety problems as early as last September but did not issue a recall until January of this year.

The fine will cost Toyota a total of $16,400,000 which is the largest fine ever imposed on an automaker by the federal government

Stricter Sex Offender Laws

Sex offenders are facing stricter laws due to a proposed legislation by Governor David Paterson. Paterson wants to expand the "Sex Offender Registration Act" to keep better track of offenders and make it more difficult for sex offenders to find loopholes.

The provisions within the legislation include:

• Make it a felony for a sex offender to fail to report his or her address as required, even if he or she has not moved from that address.
• Clarify that individuals convicted of sexually motivated felonies must register as sex offenders.
• Ensure that all sex offenders registered in other states who move to New York are required to register here.
• Require that Level 2 sex offenders have a new photograph taken every year, rather than every three years.
• Authorize a local law enforcement agency providing community notification concerning a Level 2 sex offender to provide the exact address. Now, local law enforcement agencies may only notify the public of the approximate address based on zip code of a Level 2 sex offender.
• Require high-risk sex offenders and sexual predators to personally appear before the local law enforcement agency within 10 days of release or relocation, instead of the current 90 days.
• Require judges to find mitigating factors before they can designate teenagers who commit high-level sex offenses as youthful offenders who do not have to register as sex offenders.

FUTURE OF WALLSTREET

Patrice Innocenti

A new debate hits the Whitehouse again, first it was healthcare now it's over a financial regulatory reform. President Obama says congress should act to pass new regulations quickly. Obama says, "If we don't change what led to the crisis, we'll doom ourselves to repeat it."


Facing opposition from the republican party, right wing lawmakers said the democrats are proposing a plan that would give the Federal Government too much control over the financial industry.


Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said President Obama will travel to New York City Thursday for a planned speech at Cooper Union to address "the need to create new rules for Wall Street and call senate to action on financial regulation." This will be President Obama's second visit to Cooper Union.

This news comes after Goldman Sachs was accused of fraud last week. Analysts are predicting more Wall Street investigations to come.

Tax Day Approaching

April 15th, or otherwise known as Tax Day is only three days away and NCC's Evan Brown went out to day to get all the facts about Tax Day that an average person would need to know.

Making sure you figure out your refund but also how much you owe the federal government is obviously very important. In Evan Brown's report, he said that you can wait up to three years to file for your refund but all money that is owed to the government is due by Thursday. If that money is not filed on time, you get a five percent interest fee per month that can climb up to to 25 percent.

Many of the people Evan Brown spoke to today were students as he wanted to ensure that students also knew what was expected of them come Tax Day. If your are still claimed by your parents in their taxes, you may not recieve an education credit that would entitle you to a $1000 refund from the American Opportunites. However, if they do not, you can claim yourself and you would be entitled to that money. Also, as a student, if you pay your own rent, you may also recieve a refund under renters credit.

The most important part of Tax Day is knowning all the small facts that can either get you a good refund or costing you if filed incorrectly.

Tea Party in Syracuse Today

The political "Tea Party" is making a stop to downtown Syracuse today. They are in town as part of a 43 city bus tour under the theme of "Just Vote them Out."

The Tea Party of Central New York says that it does not plan to start an official political party for the upcoming elections in the fall and they will also not endorse any political candidates.

The rally that begins at 4 pm is being held in Clinton Square in expected to draw between 500 and 1,00 people.

On Thursday, the group will hold their second-annual Tax Day tea party at the James M. Hanley Federal Building in Syracuse.

Jets Staying in Cortland

Governor Pateron announced today the New York Jets will continue to use SUNY Cortland as the site of the summer training camp for the next three years. The deal that was announed also includes an option to extend the contract to five years.

Paterson said "without this intervention, by ESDC who knows, the Jets might have chosen some other place to have their summer home and Cortland would have lost out."

Last summer was the Jet's first in Cortland and more than 34,000 spectators visited the SUNY Stadium Complex between July 31st and August 20th.

Syracuse to Enforce Cell Phone Driving Laws

Syracuse has recieved $300,000 for a pilot program to increase law enforcement of distracted driving laws. Starting today and continuing through the rest of the weekm special patrols will be on the look for people breaking the law by either texting or talking on their phone while driving their car.

The money that was recieved by the city will be used to pay for the overtime of state troopers, Onondaga county sheriff deputies and Syracuse police who are patroling for people on their phone.

The whole purpose of the strict enforcement is to increase public awareness and change driver's behaviors and attitudes towards driving while using their cell phone.

NCC's Noel Aliseo spoke to Jason who is an employee at the Able II Driving School who said that one way to avoid getting a ticket is by using a Bluetooth head set. But he went on to say that "even if you have a blutooth, if the call can wait, wait..."

HIV Cases Rise in Onondaga County

Public officials are investigating a rise in the number of HIV cases in Onondaga County in men under the age of 25. Within the past four months there have been nine newly diagnosed cases. That is the typical number of new cases Onondaga County sees in a year.

Our NCC's Stacey Rice went to the Onondaga County Health Department testing clinic at the Civic Center to learn the cause behind the rise in HIV numbers. Rice spoke to Diane Rothermel, who works at the HIV testing clinic at the health department and Rothermel says that young people don't see the disease to be as big of a risk anymore.

Rothermel went on to say that "people need to keep in mind that sexually transmitted disease, HIV, is out there, the rates are still high, and people need to know who they're having sex with and protect themselves."

Testing at the HIV clinic is free and is highly encouraged by the Onondage County Health Department.

Forman Park Face Lift

Forman Park, which is located on East Genesee Street in downtown Syracuse will be redesigned and improved with the help of the city and Syracuse University

The park, which has been around since 1839 will be getting between $1.5 and $2 million for the face lift. The redesign of the park will include a new pathway of bricks that will memorialize members of law enforcement agencies in Onondaga County.

The park new design plan is part of Syracuse University's Connective Corridor project. The plans are still being drawn up by the architects but construction is scheduled to begin in the fall and continue next year.

The bricks in the new path can be purchased at $75 a piece. The bricks will be laid in the path with the purchaser having a name of a current or former police officer engraved into the brick's facing.

Schumer Fighting Carry-on Fees

U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer is fighting for the public against yet another airline fee. Last week, Spirit Airline said it would charge up to $45 for a carry-on bag but also reduce the cost of most tickets by $40. Spirit said the new fee would mean fewer carry-ons and empty the plane much faster,

Schumer calls charging a fee for a carry-on a "slap in the face to travelers." The senator is making a plea to the Treasury Department to rule that carry-on bags are a necessity when traveling and should be exempt from any extra fees.

"Airline passengers have always had the right to bring a carry-on bag without having to worry about getting nickeled and dimed by an airline company."

Schumer went on to say that if no action is taken by the Treasury Department, he will introduce new legislation to stop the carry-on fee.

Proposed Grocery Stores

This morning, Senator Kirsten Gilibrand is doing her part to ensure that people around the country have access to fresh food. Gilibrand proposed a $1 billion bill to help build 2,100 grocery stores around the nation.

Gilibrand said that the bill would help build over 350 stores in New York state that would give new grocery store access to over four millions New Yorkers. The stores woud be for residents living in "food deserts," or low-income areas where grocery stores are not close by.

Gilibrand hopes that by allowing access to fresh food, the measure would help fight obesity.

"By building new grocery stores in underserved areas across the state we can give people the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives, save billions in health care costs, and create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs.''

The Obama administration had a similar proposal in their 2011 budget that will dedicate $345 million.

NYS tire surcharges: here to stay

Syracuse, NY - For the past six years, the state has been adding two dollars and fifty cents to every new tire sold. The money was supposed to pay for the cleanup of old tire dumps, and when the work was complete, the fee was supposed to end.

But now that the work is done, Governor Paterson wants to keep the fee in place. Christine Fedele is the manager of Iroquois Tire in Solvay. She believes the state is looking for anything to keep the money coming in.

"People are going to have to buy tires. People are keeping their cars because of the economic situation. They're not going out and buying new ones, so people are going to have to replace their tires and this fee is a guaranteed fee," said Fedele.

But other drivers think the tire tax isn't that big of a deal.

"Tires are already so expensive, so the $2.50 won't really make that big of a difference, especially when you're buying tires and it's $10 and you're already paying $300," said Renee Brown of Syracuse.

The State Legislature will decide whether the tire fee remains in effect when they vote on the budget in the coming weeks.

Christine Fedele also said if you buy a new car and it comes with a spare tire, you're charged for the spare tire. So it would come out to be twelve dollars and fifty cents if you buy a new car.

115 trapped Chinese miners rescued

Xiangning, China (AP) - Rescue teams this morning saved the lives of 115 Chinese miners who were trapped in a flooded northern China mine for 8 days.

The miners are described by emergency crews as weak, dehydrated, malnourished and with unstable vital signs. There are none in critical condition though 26 appear to be in worse condition than the others.

The miners got trapped March 28 when they accidentally dug into an already flooded mine. There was no sign that miners were alive until April 2nd when rescuers heard tapping on a metal pipe that came from deep underground. Rescuers sent milk, glucose, and letters of encouragement down the pipe to sustain the trapped miners. Until then, the miners stayed alive by eating tree bark and sawdust.

Emergency teams are still trying to reach another 38 miners trapped in the Wangjialing mine, but authorities are calling this rescue a "miracle" for China's mining industry, which is considered the deadliest in the world.

Buffalo developer Paladino to run for governor

Buffalo, NY (YNN, The Post-Standard) - Buffalo real estate developer and businessman Carl Paladino will formally announce his run for governor at a rally later on this evening.

He will be the third Republican to announce his candidacy in addition to former congressman Rick Lazio and Democrat-turned-Republican Steve Levy, the Suffolk County executive. Paladino is seeking the backing of the Conservative Party and is talking about creating a Tea Pary line in the general election.

Paladino is willing to spend up to $10 million of his own money to fund the campaign.

Paladino is currently the chief executive officer of Ellicott Development Co. and a graduate of Syracuse University College of Law.

Route 174 closed for next three days

Syracuse, NY (The Post-Standard) - Due to culvert repairs, Route 174 will be closed to through traffic between Otisco Valley Road Rose Hill Road Monday, April 5th through Wednesday, April 7th from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Officials comb through Montezuma Refuge fire area once more

Seneca Falls, NY (The Post-Standard) - The fire that burned more than 700 acres of the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge on Easter Sunday is most likely out, but officials are double checking one last time.

A two-men crew from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service used a special truck called the Marsh Master to find hot spots and put out any remaining ashes. The Marsh Master vehicle can carry water to a fire or pump it from the swamp to put out flames.

Officials still don't know what caused the fire, but they said it could have been anything from a tossed cigarette to sparks from a chain being dragged behind a truck on the Thruway.

The fire didn't injure anyone, nor did it cause much damage to wildlife, including Montezuma's nesting eagles.

Liverpool, N. Syracuse School Districts to hold budget meetings

Liverpool, NY (YNN) - Two significant meetings that could determine the future of both the Liverpool and North Syracuse School Districts will take place Monday night.

Both districts have to make some severe budget cuts. The Liverpool School District's $130 million budget is proposing to cut 130 jobs and close two elementary school over the next two years. The Liverpool Board of Education will vote on the budget in full Monday night at 7 p.m. at the District Office.

The North Syracuse Board of Education will also hold a public hearing Monday night to discuss its budget cuts. The district now has a multi-million dollar deficit and is considering cutting more than 100 positions. There is also a chance of cutting freshman sports and elementary-level music education.

Tonight's meeting will be open for public feedback, and the district will vote on the budget next week. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the junior high school.

Teens Charged with CyberBullying

Nine Massachusettes teenagers were charged with cyberbullying
after taunting Phoebe Prince, an Irish immigrant who committed suicide after three months of torment by students at South Hadley High School.

Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth Scheibel says Prince was harrassed for dating an older football player and the relationship ended weeks before she took her own life.

The 15-year-old committed suicide in January and two out of the 9 that are charged with cyberbullying also face statutory rape charges.

Target Sponsors Syracuse School Library Makeover

One of three Syracuse elementery School libraries will recieve a makeover thanks to Target and the Heart of America Foundation.

Representatives will tour Elmwood, Bellvue and Meachem Elementary Schools to decide which school will recieve the makeover.

The Heart of America Foundation's “READesign” library makeover program brings new books, technology and paint to the winning school. Students at the school that gets the makeover each will receive seven books for their home libraries. The two runner-ups will recieve $1000 in new books for their libraries.

The Heart of American Foundation’s mission is to “teach the values at the heart of America and to help people, particularly children, learn that they help themselves when they help others."

A Look at the First Forecast

This Afternoon: A slight chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 49. North wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight: A chance of rain, mainly after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34. North wind around 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Moscow Subway Bombing Kills 37

Senior Russian officials say two female terrorists from the troubled Northern Caucasus could be behind two deadly explosions that ripped through Moscow's subway during morning rush hour. The first blast occurred at the metro station near the headquarters of the Russian State Security Service. The second blast struck at the back of the train as people were getting on at the Park Kultury stop. This attack comes six months after President Medvedev declared an end to Russia's "counter-terrorism operations" in Chechnya, in a bid to "further normalise the situation" after 15 years of conflict that claimed more than 100,000 lives and left it in ruins.

153 Miners Still Trapped in Chinese Mine

After 24 hours of no communication, 153 miners are still stuck in the state-owned Wangjialing coal mine in northern China after a flood broke out.

The flood may have started when miners accidentally broke into a network of old, water-filled shafts.

Thousands of rescue workers are attempting to drain out enough water to reach the trapped miners.

China's State Administration of Work Safety said 261 workers
were inside the mine when it flooded, and 108 escaped or were
rescued. It is still unclear whether the trapped miners survived the flood.

Syracuse University Announces Commencement Speaker

The JP Morgan Chase CEO, Jamie Dimon, will deliver the commencement address to the 2010 graduates of Syracuse University and SUNY-ESF. Named to the 2009 Time 100 list, Time Magazine’s annual feature on the world’s most influential people, Dimon is one of the most respected leaders in the financial industry, maintaining JPMorgan Chase as a global leader in financial services throughout the recent bank crisis, while demonstrating leadership focused on a sense of corporate and social responsibility. Jamie Dimon is scheduled to speak on Saturday, May 16th.

Cicero-North Syracuse Students Win Third Place in Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Car Competition in Houston

After taking second overall and ending the day as the "hydrogen fuel leader" on Saturday, the Cicero-North Syracuse High School Performance Engineering Team took third place out of 39 teams at the national Shell Eco-Marathon Americas 2010 Competition in Houston.

The team won first place in the hydrogen fuel-cell classification after building a car that was 40 pounds lighter and more aerodynamic than last year's creation.

The students participating are Kevin Thyne, Joe Scheuer, Michele “Mike” Madonna, Max Desousa, Nick Pietricola, Dan Pietricola, Steve Cusumano, Michael Ann Baker, Alex Julian and Tyler Mannise.

The team was led by Cicero-North Syracuse technology education teacher Marty Miner

Hancock Airport To Add More Flights To Chicago

American Eagle, an affiliate of American Airlines, will add two more daily flights from Syracuse to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner said.

Starting April 6th, there will be a total of five daily roundtrip flights from Syracuse to Chicago.

There will be a total of 50 seats on each flight.

Rascal Flatts Headlines New York State Fair

Rascal Flatts performs in the
New York State Fair on September 24, 2010 making this trip their second appearance to the fair grounds since 2006. The country band stepped on the music scene nearly a decade ago and topped the country music charts with ballads such as "Melt" and "These Days. The electric group was nominated for Best Country Performance by a Group or Duo for "Bless the Broken Road.

Kelly Pickler an American Idol Finalist will open for the show along with "Nashville Star" winner Chris Young. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 10. Tickets cost $65 and $55 and will be available at the New York State Fair Box Office and through Ticketmaster.

Syracuse Mayor argues for sales tax revenue helping city

Reported by NCC's Matt Rivers:

Each year Onondaga County collects sales tax and distrbiutes it to towns and cities in its jurisdiction. This year's proposal, however, has created controversy.

Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner made an appearance at the County Legislature's sales tax committee meeting this morning. She made her case arguing for the city to continue receving a large share of sales tax revenue.

A proposal from Chief Fiscal Officer James Rowley calls for the county to keep more of the revenue for itself.

Last year, the county made about $200 million from the tax. Currently, syracuse has a $35 million budget defecit. Miner says any decrease in the city's share could hurt progress in both education and medical improvements.

This morning's meeting was the fourth of five such discussions the committee has scheduled. officials say a new sales tax sharing plan could be in place by May 1.

Liverpool woman going to jail for home invation plot

A Liverpool woman who admitted to setting up a home invasion that led to the death of her husband and another man was sentenced to 10 years in prison today.

Michelle Sears Lashomb pleaded guilty to a burglary charge earlier this year, and received the 10 year sentence in County Court this morning.

The two men who were killed, Wade Brown and Thomas Lashomb, were shot by Jeffrey Bush at his home in North Syracuse last September after Michelle Lashomb enticed the men to break in.

Michelle Sears Lashomb admitted to being inside the home with Bush prior to the home invasion, and was sending texts to her husband who was waiting outside.

Police say Bush was acting in self defense, and not charged.

Governor hopeful visit Central New York

Central New York played host to gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio today.

Lazio -- hoping to recieve the Republican nomination -- made a stop in Auburn this morning to have breakfast with area republican and conservative leaders and then will speak at Cornell University in Ithaca this afternoon.

State senate unveils budget plan

The New York Senate could pass Governor David Paterson's budget as early as today without the new soda tax.

The almost new tax or fee free budget includes cuts in health and education funding.

The state is facing a $9.2 billion debt and the senate wants to raise money through a $200 million increase in the amount of taxes collected on cigarettes sold by Indian tribes. The plan also expands the legal hours of operation - and the variety of games available - at the state's video slot machine parlors.

If the Senate approves the resolution, the Assembly is expected to follow with a plan of its own. Then conference committees will hammer out a compromise.

The Senate plan casts aside a proposal to sell wine in grocery stores.

Paterson's $134 billion budget proposal included $1.1 billion in school cuts and $1 billion in health care cuts. The senate's budget includes nearly all of the governor's health and education cuts.

While the resolution is expected to come to a vote today, it could easily be pushed back to tomorrow.

Inside the budget:

http://www.nysenate.gov/initiative/budget2010

I-81 Open, but that doesn't mean no more detours

Syracuse - As one roadway headache went away this weekend with the re-opening of I-81 North through the city, another starts today.

A bridge replacement project on Erie Blvd. West as it crosses West St. began today. The project had been delayed by the city until the I-81 debacle had been resolved.

The bridge as West St. off-ramp are scheduled to be closed through September.

Oswego woman charged with killing ex-cop husband

OSWEGO (AP) - A 69-year-old Oswego woman has been charged with shooting to death her husband, a former police officer.

Oswego County Undersheriff Robert Lighthall says Joyce Malone is being held without bail after being charged with second-degree murder in the slaying of 74-year-old Ralph Malone.

Sheriff's deputies say Malone's body was found in the couple's town of Oswego home Friday evening. Authorities aren't releasing a motive.

Ralph Malone worked as a city of Oswego police officer from 1965-73. He and his wife ran a gun shop that closed in 1995. Police say several guns were found inside their home.

Morning commute on I-81 returns to normal in Syracuse

Syracuse - With the northbound lanes of Interstate 81 through Syracuse re-open, thousands of drivers were able to travel freely through the city this morning.

The state transportation department reopened a 1-mile section of Interstate 81's northbound lanes early Saturday afternoon.

The agency shut down that stretch on Feb. 26 when bricks began falling from a dilapidated building next to the highway. The closure forced detours for about 50,000 motorists who use the highway each day.

The building demolition is expected to be completely torn down by midweek, with cleanup work to take another couple weeks.

New Yorkers favor medical marijuana, poll says

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A new poll reports half of New York voters support legalizing the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

The Siena Research Institute shows 50 percent back legalization, while 41 percent are opposed and 9 percent say they don't have enough information.

The support falls heavily along political lines. 72 percent of those who support legalization consider themselves liberal. Meanwhile, over 60 percent of those opposed are conservative.

NY State Grocery Store and Wine

NY is one of 15 states that limit wine sales to liquor stores but this proposed budget would open up these sales. Now I tried to talk to grocery stores today to get their take--but none were willing to go on camera.

New York state is considering allowing grocery stores to sell wine to generate an estimated $250 million in sate revenue. But what would this mean for local liquor stores like Pascale's?

"We would be immediately looking to negotiate with our landlord to cut space by 50% and cut third of our employees," said Brian Hughes, the owner of Pascale's Liquor store.

Hughes says statewide between 1000 and 13 hundred liquor stores would probably have to close . This means the loss of five to seven thousand jobs. He thinks those jobs were not be recouped.

"Grocery stores aren't going to hire more people they are going to use the same people they have stocking the shelves," said Hughes.

Last month governor Paterson put the state budget deficit at 8.2 billion dollars. the wine sales bill will not raise taxes--- instead the additional revenue will come from franchising and license fees. Hughes is also concerned about minor and drinking, if wine becomes available at grocery stores.


"Groceries account for 91% of sales to minors and all they ave is beer right now so you're going to give them an alcohol that's three to four times stronger," Hughes said.

"I think it would be convenient but probably easier access to those underage," said Barbra Serle, a customer at Pascale's liquor store.

Grocery stores becoming that one stop shop may be convenient for some but others see it differently.

"Going to become the home depot of wines you'll have people walking around aimlessly trying to find what they want," said Greg Ambier, and employee of Pascale's Liquor Store.

And Pascale's owner points out--grocery stores cannot offered the personalized service he can..
"I recommend pinot noir,"

The vote will come April 1st to decide if grocery stores will be adding wine to their shelves.

*Reported by N-C-C reporter Patrice Innocenti.

Route 81 Closure Update

The highway has been closed for a week and a half and now there finally seems to be some progress on Route 81. NCC's Lara Bryn Greenberg will be live with an update on NCC News at 4:00 p.m. where the Department of Environmental Conservtion is clearing waste from the demolished building that is delaying your commute.

Varsity Pizza Sign

People on Marshall Street looking for a slice of pizza might be confused this afternoon. The neon sign that usually hangs above Varsity was removed and hauled away this morning. But don't worry...the pizza joint isn't closing, the original sign is just being fixed. It has hung above Varsity since 1926. The owner expects the sign to be back above the entrance tomorrow or Wednesday.

Coming up at 4:00 - Should Paterson Leave Office?

In a little more than a week, Governor David Paterson is receiving less support from residents to stay in office. A Quinnipiac University poll shows 46% of New Yorkers want Paterson to finish his term, that's down from 61% last Tuesday.

NCC's Chris Shepherd talks with people around Syracuse University to find out what they think the Governor should do.

Social Networking Impacts College Athletics

Social networking has changed many things in life, not just how we keep in touch with old friends. Coming up on NCC News at 4:00 p.m. NCC's Devon Heinen sits down with a Syracuse University coach to talk about social networking's impact on the college game.

Tompkins County D.A. Ditches Case

Gwen Wilkinson, the Tompkins Country District Attorney, says her office will no longer be involved in the investigation of the death of Shawn Greenwood. Ithaca Police shot and killed the 29-year-old in late Feb. while attempting to search Greenwood's car for drugs. Wilkinson requested a special prosecutor be appointed to the case. She said in a statement that the interests of justice would be best served if her office stepped down.

Syracuse Basketball's New Ranking

The NCAA Men's Basketball rankings were released just moments ago. Syracuse University's No. 1 ranking was short-lived with their loss to Louisville Saturday afternoon. The SU Men's Basketball Team is now ranked third in the nation behind Kansas who moved up to first and Kentucky who moved up one spot to second in the AP Basketball Rankings.

Syracuse will be in New York City this week for the Big East Tournament. They play Thursday at noon at Madison Square Garden.

The ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll has not been released yet. For the latest rankings tune in to NCC News at 4:00 p.m.

Doc's Little Gem: Get the scoop at 4:40

Doc's Little Gem Diner in Syracuse may be closing.

N-C-C Reporter Melanie Diaz will be there live at 4:40 to give us an update on whether or not you will be able to eat your favorite breakfast at Doc's in the near future.

Spring is in the Air: Coming up at 4:00

The Syracuse University campus came alive this weekend, whether it was taking a walk with the dog, doing some shopping on marshall street or simply eating a meal outside people couldn't have been happier with the weather.

"Im looking forward to spring, I hate winter so this is wonderful," said SU Student, Sabrina Young.

The forecast looks optimistic with temperatures remaining in the 40's for the remainder of the week. NCC's Justin Leonard will have the latest on what to expect coming up at 4:00 p.m.

Doc's Little Gem

Doc's Little Gem Diner -- The greasy spoon that's been around since 1955 is in danger of closing -- that is, if somebody doesn't buy it. I got a chance to talk to Doc.. his employees.. and some customers today. They all hope the diner can stay open -- and remain an icon to the Syracuse community.

"I've been here 12 years, 5 months, 8 days and just an hour and 35 minutes short of the eighth day," said Doc Goode.

Doc Goode has owned his Little Gem Diner for 12 years now, but he's close to losing it. After filing for bankruptcy last year, he's now looking for someone to buy his business. He says he needs an expansion to accommodate his customers and bring in extra business.

"On weekends I can do enough business basically just on a Saturday and Sunday to kept his place going if I had adequate accommodations, but that's it, it's the accommodations. Five weeks ago, I had to turn away sixty people in less than 20 minutes because they came in I had people standing, and they didn't want to wait for a table. And I understand that," said Goode.

Customers become regulars at Doc's. Lary Puschler has been going for over thirty years.

"This is my favorite spot. There's other places in town, but this is the best place I think there is in town. I like these kinds of places, you know you don't find any ole, diner type, stainless steel type diners any more. They're few and far between," said Puschler.

Heather Williams, another customer, comes weekly.

"It's sad for the community. We used to come here a lot, when I was in college and we used to come here in the evenings, just late at night and it was great," said Williams.

And to the staff at Little Gem Diner, their customers are family.

"When somebody doesn't come in for a couple days, we actually try to find them. What's wrong? Are they sick, did something happen, did they go on vacation without telling us? You know that kind of stuff, it's really a personal place for people," said Williams.

Many people are hoping to keep this place around.

"Somebody please buy it, and run it, I don't want to see it, I don't want to see it close," said Natalie Palmer, a frequent customer at doc's. "Yeah, it is, it's a wonderful place."

*Reported by N-C-C reporter Melanie Diaz.

Earthquake in Turkey

Image courtesy of foutunecity.com

A massive earthquake struck eastern Turkey early Monday morning, killing 51 people and injuring 34. The 6.0 magnitude quake hit at 4:32 a.m. near the village of Basyurt. The quake destroyed villages while people were sleeping. The damage appears to be worse in the neighboring village of Okcular where at least 15 of the villages 900 residents were killed.

The deadly quake is one of many which has struck countries around the world this year.

Nigeria Violence

Photo courtesey of operationbreakthesilence.com

Officials and human rights groups in Nigeria say that 500 people died this weekend due to ethnic violence.

The events took place in Plateau State, in the central city of Jos. The victims were Christians killed by rampaging Muslim Herdsman.

According to Government officials, many victims were attacked with weapons such as machetes as they fled their homes.

The violence is apparently a reprisal for similar attacks on Muslims in Jan.

According to human rights workers ethnic and religous violence between Christian and Muslims groups has been a proublem for many years.

Obama Healthcare

This afternoon, Obama made a speech at Arcadia University trying to gain support for his health plan.

The speech accused the insurance industry of putting profits before people.

"We need to give families and businesses more control over their own health care. And, that's why we need to pass health care reform."

Later this week, Obama will travel to St. Louis, in the swing state of Missouri, to continue pressing his case.

The Whitehouse says the president hopes to see his controversial health care reform bill approved by March 18th.

E. Genesee Shooting

Syracuse Police are still looking for a man who allegedly shot a man who was sitting in a car along East Genesee Street.

Police say the victim, 27-year-old Verdel Hills of Syracuse, was traveling down east Genesee when another car pulled up beside him and started shooting. Hills was shot in the head around 11 p.m. last night. He was taken to University Hospital where he died early Monday morning.



Police are interviewing the other people in the car with the victim at the time of the shooting.



Anyone with information is asked to call the police at 315-442-5222.

Police Make Arrest in String of Purse Thefts

A Cicero man has been arrested in connection with a string of purse thefts around Central New York. DeWitt Police say Charles Blasco, 41, was arrested Saturday after police were called to Shoppingtown Mall for a report of a stolen purse at the Sears store. Surveillance video showed a white male, driving a purple GMC Jimmy, had stolen the purse.

Police located Blasco on Erie Boulevard and attempted to pull him over. He refused to stop and led members of the DeWitt Police, East Syracuse Police and Syracuse Police, on a chase throughout the city.

Blasco lost control of his car and crashed near Westcott Street. Blasco was taken into custody and taken to Crouse Hospital to be treated. Blasco was then arraigned on charges of grand larceny, resisting arrest, unlawfully fleeing police and reckless driving. He is being held at the Justice Center on $25,000 cash bail or $50,000 bond. He is due back in court on March 11th.

Police say a female passenger in the SUV ran off and was not caught. Property from at least three additional victims was located in the vehicle.

NY Wine Sales Update: coming up at 4:40

New York remains one of the 15 states that limit wine sales to liquor stores. But the proposed 2010-11 budget would open sales to grocery stores to generate an estimated $250 million in revenue from new liquor licenses.

N-C-C reporter Patrice Innocenti has more details about how this is going to affect the C-N-Y area during the 4:40 news cast.

State Considers Dropping Some Regents Exams

The State Department of Education will meet today to discuss the future of the New York State Regents Exams. The state's $8 billion budget deficit has led education officials to contemplate eliminating 13 of the 17 tests to save money.

The eliminated exams could include tests for math, social studies, geography and foreign languages. Eliminating the translation of exams to other languages, excluding Spanish, and only offering the exams in June are other ideas being considered. Officials say the cuts could save more than $13 million.

The State Education Board says eliminating tests is a worst case scenario. Currently, all New York State high school students are required to take the exam to complete their diploma.

Olympic Issues

Seventeen days of Olympic Games have drawn in viewers from around the world. Ninety seven million watched NBCU's Vancouver Winter Games during the first 2 days of coverage. Over the course of the games several issues caught the eyes of millions.

Rick Burton the former US Olympic Committee Chief Marketing Officer who is currently teaching Sports Management at Syracuse University says, "the unfortunate thing for the games has been the death of the luger on the day of the Opening Ceremonies." Burton adds, "if that death happened perhaps later in the Games, they wouldn't have the same cloud hanging over their heads."

Despite other issues including the weather, Burton said, "The games, sport in general, always belongs to the athletes. Not to the people who put the games on and not to those of us who watch. The athletes, I think are giving us the performances of their lives."

Increasing Number of SU Applications

Fall 2010 Syracuse University reports a 9 percent overall increase in undergraduate applications. This has set a record of 22,661 applications.

Donald Saleh, SU vice president for enrollment management said, "this year we experienced quite a substantial increase." Saleh added, this increase can be attributed to a marketing and outreach admissions campaign as well as having well know alumni.

The economy may not seem to be a factor yet with the high number of students applying but SU has seen more student applying for tuition assistance.

Don't be discouraged by the high number of applications, Saleh says, "SU plans to accept enough students to meet its target of 3,300 freshmen, about 50 more than last year's class.

(Photo: Business Week)