New Driving Laws

Car accidents are the number one cause of teen deaths in the United States. New York developed a new law that went into effect today in an effort to reduce the number of teen crashes. Lara Bryn Greenberg reports.

Practice makes perfect.

That's why the state created a new teen driving law that will change the way drivers under the age of 18 acquire a license.

The law now requires teens to have their learner's permits at least 6 months before taking the road test. They must also have 50 supervised hours, fifteen of which must be after dusk. This is a substantial increase from the original 20 hours. Lastly, they can only drive on other young person in the car unless there's adult supervision.

"There's a lot of rushing to do things. Driving shouldn't be one of them," said John Schaefer.

New York created this law because young drivers have too many distractions on the road. The fact of the matter is cell phones and driving don't mix.

"It's like a special culture setup to support attention deficit. And the problem with that is that those behaviors--once learned--become habits and those are habits that can come behind the wheel," said Schaefer.

Schaefer says besides cell phones, music, fatigue, and too many people in the car are the major reasons for teen crashes. The new changes do not apply to drivers who already have their permits.

SU Moves Up in Polls

Jump for joy.

The Syracuse University men's basketball team moved up one spot in both the Associated Press and the ESPN/USA Today polls to #4. The Orange defeated Georgetown in its only game this past week.

All eyes are on the SU-Villanova game this Saturday. Nova lost both of its games during the week and fell to #7 in the AP and #8 in the ESPN/USA Today. Syracuse still has a game at Providence tomorrow night.

Kansas, Kentucky, and Purdue are the top-three ranked teams, respectively. Five of the top 12 teams in the AP poll hail from the Big East conference.

(Photo from Syracuse.com).

Poll: Lazio Gains Ground in Governor's Race

The following is from the Associated Press:

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - A Siena College poll shows Republican Rick
Lazio has pulled ahead of Gov. David Paterson in the race for
governor and is apparently making small gains against potential
Democratic candidate Andrew Cuomo.

The former congressman from Long Island moved from a tie with
Paterson in January to take a 46 percent to 39 percent lead.
Lazio remains well behind Cuomo, 26 percent to 63 percent. He
improved by two points, while Cuomo dropped by three.

Cuomo, the state's attorney general, won't say if he'll run and
refuses to comment on what he'd do as governor, although he's
holding governor-sized fundraisers. Forty-one percent of voters say
he should announce his candidacy now.

The poll released Monday questioned 805 registered voters last
Sunday through Friday. It has a margin of error of 3.5 points.

(Photo from libn.com).

NY State Police Search For Driver

New York State police are still looking for the driver of the car that killed a Syracuse University student in a hit and run accident on Saturday.

Police say Jamie Klemczak was attempting to cross the thruway after her car was involved in a minor accident. Klemczak was then struck by a car that did not stop.

Klemczak was a senior at SU.

The vehichle is believed to be a silver Toyota with damage to the front end on the driver's side.

If you have any iformation, you are asked to contact your nearest division headquarters.

(Photo from www.all-about-forensic-science.com).

Two Dead After Crash

Two people aboard a small plane died after the plane crashed into a Southern Illinois home Sunday evening. The deaths were confirmed this afternoon.

As many as 75 firefighters responded. The house was unoccupied at the time of the crash and no one on the ground was injured.

The plane was bound for St. Louis Downtown-Parks airport in Cahokia, just south of St. Louis.

Charges in Basket-Brawl

Update: 2:15 PM

A total of 23 charges--14 misdemeanors and 7 violations--were handed down today, according to Camillus Police Chief Thomas Winn. Four teenage players, two coaches, and two spectators were arrested during the fight. Six people were sent to the Onondaga County Justice Center jail today.

The fight lasted for 5 minutes.


11:30 AM

Eight people will be charged with misdemeanors in the February 8 fight at a Central New York middle school, according to Syracuse.com. The fight broke out during a Camillus Youth Basketball Association game at the West Genesee Middle School.

The fight started after a foul was called in the game. About 30 people were involved, according to reports.

The games were suspended at the West Genesee School District until a proper plan was made to ensure everyone's safety.

(Photo courtesy of Dick Blume, Syracuse.com)

Local Business Prepares for Big Game

This Saturday Syracuse University men's basketball hosts the Villanova Wildcats in what is expected to be a game with Big East and NCAA tournament seeding implications. Businesses along Marshall Street are preparing for the expected increase in fans.

Sandwich-maker Jimmy John's normally sees about 400 people per day. When SU is playing a home game, they see double. But for the SU-Nova game, they are expected around 1,000 customers. A store manager says more people will be called-in to work to help serve all of their customers.

The game is sold-out with 34,616 people expected to attend.

Operating System Differences at SU

Syracuse University students have a choice when it comes to which kind of computer to use.

In the engineering building, there are PCs with Windows XP. At the Maxwell School, Windows Vista is the operating system. At Newhouse, there are both PCs and Macs.

So why is there such a variation across campus?

"What engineering does with computers is significantly different than what political science does with computers, which is different than writing and languages," said Chris Sedore, SU's chief information officer.

The challenge is how to make the systems look the same while trying to best serve the needs of each school and its students. But only certain programs operate on specific computers. Some software only works on a PC, while editing video on Final Cut, for example, only works on a Mac. These are problems that happen all the time according to Sedore.

The work you begin on one computer may not be compatible with another. For example, a Word document on one computer running a newer version may not open when you open it on a computer using an older version.

"each one of their own sits problems, and each one has its own set of fixes," said James Weirich, a supervisor for Information Technology and Services, or ITS. He said more unity among computers would solve a lot of the common problems students have.

A lot of computers on campus do run on updated software. About 90-95% of campus computers use Microsoft Office 2007. Computers not on this latest software are expected to be updated this year.

It is also expected that the university will move to place Windows 7 operating system on computers in the fall.

(Photo from Tech Source).

Cash for Appliances extended until cash runs out

New York’s Great Appliance Swap Out which was scheduled to end Sunday, has been extended until all the cash runs out.

On Sunday, more than $9 million remained of the $16.8 million in federal stimulus money offered to those who buy Energy Star appliances and ditch less-efficient ones. New Yorkers had applied for $7.5 million in rebates.

By Saturday, shoppers applied for rebates on 24,279 refrigerators, 1,996 freezers, 22,242 clothes washers and 2,747 dishwashers, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

The money is good for certain Energy Star appliances; consumers get the maximum amount by recycling their old appliances. The maximum rebate for a refrigerator is $105 if the old refrigerator is recycled. There is a $555 rebate if a refrigerator, dishwasher and clothes washer are bought together, and the old appliances are recycled.

Shoppers have until March 15 to file their paperwork, but the stores recommend they file as soon as possible in case the state’s money runs out.

For more information check out http://www.nyapplianceswapout.com

Amanda's Law Effective Today

Starting today all homes and apartments in New York state must have a carbon monoxide detector. The previous law stated that only homes built or bought after July 30th, 2002 were required to install these devices. The law is named after 16-year-old Amanda Hansen from West Seneca who died last winter because of a carbon monoxide leak from a defective boiler at a friend's house. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that comes from a number of sources, including gas stoves and furnaces, fireplaces, and defective chimneys. For a list of Consumer Reports best carbon monoxide detectors check out their website http://www.consumersearch.com/carbon-monoxide-detectors

Credit Card Reform

NEW YORK -- A sweeping credit card law that takes effect Monday has been widely anticipated by consumers who believe banks have been taking advantage of them for too long.

The law that President Barack Obama signed last May was supposed to prevent banks from using tactics that put borrowers deeper into debt. Yet, it still allows loans and cards with harsh terms.

One reason is that card companies had nine months to prepare while certain rules were clarified by the Federal Reserve.

One thing is certain, a cardholder's statement is going to contain an ugly truth: how much that card really costs to use. The consumer will now know how long it will take to pay off the balance.

The law does allow banks to create new fees and raise old ones. It also permits some interest rate hikes with ample notification. But it shields card users from sudden hikes, excessive fees and other gimmicks that companies have used to drive up profits.

New Credit Card Rules

Credit card companies are facing new regulations put in place to help protect consumers from rate hikes.

Starting today, companies will not be allowed to increase the interest rate on customers as long as people pay their bill on time. Also, customers will need to be notified at least 45 days in advance before any rate or fee hikes. These new rules will not apply to cards used for business.

Changes are part of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act. The new law comes at a time when Americans are paying $15 billion a year in penalty fees, according to a White House release. Card issuers will also be responsible for posting contracts online.

The new regulations come at a time when credit card companies are issuing more mailbox solicitations. Mailings increased 45% from third quarter 2009 to the fourth quarter, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Read the latest Bill here. (photo from CNN.com)

New teen driving laws take effect today

Effective today, new state driving laws go into effect. These new laws will have a major impact on teen drivers and their parents.
Some changes that were enacted today will:

• Reduce from two to one the number of non-family passengers under age 21 riding in a motor vehicle operated by a junior license holder when not accompanied by a licensed parent or guardian.
• Eliminate the limited use junior license and require that a junior permit be held for at least 6 months before a junior or senior license may be issued.
• Increase the number of supervised driving hours before scheduling a road test from 20 to 50 hours that includes 15 hours of driving after sunset.

(Read More: http://www.nydmv.state.ny.us/broch/GDL2010.pdf)

The changes to the law mean that anyone who receives their learners permit next week or beyond will have to wait until at least August to schedule a road test.

Teens must now spend 50 hours in a vehicle being supervised by a driver over the age of 21 before they can apply for their permit. 15 hours must be supervised driving after sunset. Previously, teens only needed to have 20 hours of supervised driving total before scheduling a road test.

The new changes aim to limit the number of distractions to the young drivers, and are meant to enhance their driving in various traffic situations.

Teens are distracted in countless ways behind the wheel, one major issue is having other teens in the car, and that is why the new law will limit the number of passengers who can ride along with new drivers. Studies show that when a 16 year old driver has one friend in the car it increases the risk of a deadly accident by 39%. With two friends it doubles to 86%. When three kids hop into the car with the young driver the risk of a fatal crash jumps to 282%.

New York Public Schools Found Wasting Money

Albany, NY - A state audit says New York public schools have been putting away hundreds of millions of dollars in bank accounts they now can't touch. At a time during a suffering economy and when schools need the money most, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's office found $615 million in which school districts are holding "unncessarily."

The amount of money held in excess is in reserve accounts for employees to receive accrued sick and leave time. The problem comes from state law, which says those accounts are designated for one purpose.

Now the money held there is untouchable - costing taxpayers millions while the state has an $8.2 billion budget deficit and schools are facing cuts.

View the 2009 Comptroller's Report.

Civilian Trial for Khalid Mohammed

WASHINGTON - The Obama Administration says they prefer a civilian trial for the alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and the four other suspects. But facing opposition the administration says they have not ruled out a military trial. The 9/11 suspects are expected to be tried in the NYC Federal Court, but has met resistance. Vice President Joe Biden this weekend on NBC and CBS says he believes Mohammed will be found guilty regardless of the venue.

Syracuse-Villanova Game Sold Out

Syracuse, NY - Tickets for the Syracuse-Villanova game have been sold out for weeks, but there is still a chance for students to get into the game. ESPN's Game Day will broadcast live from the Carrier dome the day of the match up. ESPN will be giving away free tickets starting today at both the Carrier Dome box office and the Schine Student Center. It is important to note that these tickets are only for the Game Day broadcast and not the game itself. The SU-Villanova game starts at 9 PM on February 27th. http://www.blogger.com/www.syr.edu

Thirteen Additional Deaths from Toyota Vehicles

TOKYO - Toyota continues to attract negative attention. The government has received complaints alleging thirteen additional deaths from Toyota vehicles in the last three weeks. Allegedly Toyota is attributed for thirty-four deaths due to sudden acceleration since 2000. Toyota has recalled eight point five million vehicles globally during the past four months because of problems with gas pedals, floor mats and brakes. Toyota.com has a complete list of all recalled vehicles. www.toyota.com//Recall

New York Times Reporter to Visit SU

Syracuse, NY - Adam Liptak, Supreme Court reporter for the New York Times is at Syracuse University today and tomorow for the Newhouse/Carnegie Legal Reporting Program. He will be the first Scholar-in-Residence for the program.

Liptak will meet with students and faculty and will lecture to classes focusing on journalism and communications law.

Read the SU poster for more details and a brief biography on Liptak.

Holy Trinity Church Closing

Syracuse, NY - Catholics from the North Side came in droves Sunday as the Holy Trinity Church gave its closing mass. Bishop Robert Cunningham said that the declining number of priests and the shifting population from the city to the suburbs were limiting the parish's ability to help the community. According to Syracuse.com, those who attended the mass were devastated. "My heart is breaking," said Toni Franklin, 84. "It will be a really sad day." Those who regularly attend the church will have to find a new place to worship. Cunningham urged members to attend St. John Baptist Church on Church Street, about nine blocks away. Holy Trinity was established one hundred-ninety years ago.

Cash For Clunker Appliances

Albany, NY - New York State is offering rebates to people who buy Energy Star appliances. The program began last Friday, and is part of a $300 million federal effort to save energy and stimulate the economy, but economists doubt that such a plan could work. Altogether the state is handing out $16.8 million.

The program lasts 10 days. It ends Februrary 21, and New York State can cover 170,000 rebates statewide. If there's enough money left, the state will have another appliance rebate week in March.

Most states haven't started their rebate programs yet, but at least one has already run out of money. Kansas had to stop accepting applications at the end of January.

Don Dutkowsky, an economist at Syracuse University, told The Post Standard he thought the program would be a good way to bring in money, but the benefit would only be short-term, and was not a solution for a long term recovery policy.

Restaurant Week Extended

Syracuse, NY - The popular Syracuse "Restaurant Week" is running from February 16th to February 28th, which has been expanded for another week. The week features 17 downtown restaurants that offer three course meals for $25.

Downtown Committee Executive Director David Mankiewicz told the Post Standard some of the reasons for the extension are that restaurants could benefit from the extra traffic during the economic slump, customers who weren't able to schedule reservations during the busy week will have more time to enjoy discounted prices at the restaurant of their choice, and AmeriCU signed on as a sponsor of the event, allowing for more promotion.

The sponsorship was announced last week in Armory Square.

SYRACUSE VS UNIVERSITY of CONNECTICUT

Syracuse, NY - The Cuse will have another Big East match up on Wednesday as the University of Connecticut Huskies will visit the dome. The last time these two teams got together was at Madison Square Garden in that memorable game that went for six over times. University of Connecticut is fourteen and nine on the season and zero and five in road games which looks good for the Orange. Also, there is no word yet whether University of Connecticut head coach Jim Calhoun will be returning from his leave of absence. Either way, Syracuse will look to get their twenty forth win of the season Wednesday night.

SU BASKETBALL RANKS NUMBER TWO

Syracuse, NY - The Syracuse Orange have once again moved up in the nation wide basketball polls, now ranked number two in the AP poll and number three in the ESPN poll. Kansas remains at number one in both polls, but ESPN has Kentucky ranked above the Orange. Villanova and West Virginia round out the top five and Georgetown is also in the top ten which gives the Big East Conference four teams in the top ten polls. Following a Villanova loss Saturday, the Orange were in action yesterday in Cincinnati taking on the Bear Cats hoping to move to number one in the Big East Conference. www.syr.edu

Everyone Accounted for in Power Plant Explosion

Middletown, CT - Connecticut Mayor says everyone that was assigned to work at the Connecticut power plant that exploded is accounted for and no further recovery efforts have been made because the site is too unsafe. Officials say no one is believed to be buried in the rubble. The blast yesterday at Kleen Energy Systems plant in Middletown killed at least five people and injured dozens or more. It happened as workers were clearing gas lines of air at the plant that was under construction.

Prius Hybrid Recall

TOKYO - Toyota plans to recall over three-hundred thousand Prius Hybrids worldwide over a brake problem. Tomorrow, a top executive will testify to U.S and Japanese lawmakers over recall woes. The recall will cover the latest version of the cars that have been on sale since May. Toyota hopes that the recalls will help regain consumer trust. Toyota has already recalled over seven-million other cars over a sticky accelerator and floor mats that can get caught in the gas pedal. www.toyota.com/recall//

University Program to Cut Zero Credit Classes

Syracuse, NY - Visual and Performing Arts students at Syracuse University are waiting on a formal decision from the school to cut zero credit classes, which include marching band and music ensembles. The classes themselves would not be cut, but intead would be available for at least one credit.

The decision would bring VPA more money from the university through higher tuition associated with a higher amount of credits for students.

The one-credit class option would make it more difficult for students to arrange their schedule. Each one-credit class could interfere with other required classes, and could prevent enrollment and participation in these previously zero-credit classes.

The Dean of VPA, Ann Clark, is set to make a formal statement today; meanwhile, the Setnor Student Board is preparing a letter to state why they disagree with the zero-credit class cut.

South Side Newspaper Will Hold Launch Party

Syracuse, NY - The South Side newspaper will be holding its launch party this Saturday. The stand is the free monthly newspaper for the south side that sprang from a class project. The paper and website plan to run community workshops and become firmly established by the end of the year. The party will be held at the South Side Innovation Center from two to five.

Possible Liverpool School Closing

Liverpool, NY - Parents in Liverpool will be meeting tonight to hear if a Liverpool Elementary School will close.

Speculation says that Liverpool's Wetzel Elementary may the school selected to close. The board of education is expecting a large crowd at the meeting tonight to hear Superintendent Doctor Richard Johns' announcement on which school he thinks should close to fix the $10 million budget gap.

The meeting is hosted at the Liverpool High School auditorium at 7:00 PM. Turn on NCC News' 4:00 newcast for in-depth coverage from NCC's Noel Aliseo.

Paterson Meets with Democratic Leaders

ALBANY - Governor Paterson met privately with key Democratic leaders about his reelection plans. This comes after talks of an alleged scandal involving the Governor. Paterson Campaign Spokesman Richard Fife, says the weekend calls had nothing to do with accusations instead it was "routine re-election campaign calls." But a Democrat close to the situation said the meeting did include discussions about whether Paterson would resign or whether he would announce he will not run. It's unknown what the scandal is, but there are claims surrounding the governor's behavior. http://www.blogger.com/www.ny.gov/governor//

Halfway House Vote Today

Syracuse, NY - The opening of a controversial halfway house is being discussed today at Syracuse's common council meeting. The councilors will vote whether or not to open the house for recovering drug addicts on the city's Southwest Side.

Opposition comes from Syracuse United Neighbors, located at 168 Lincoln Avenue. The community advocacy group does not want the house near the Southweast Community Center. The group says the halfway house would disrupt the living for those staying at the Southwest Community Center. Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare needs a special permit to open the house.

Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare says Onondaga County is only meeting 40 percent of the community need for half-way house treatment.

The vote will be held at 1:00 PM. NCC's Anne McNamara will provide information on the outcome of the meeting on NCC News' 4:00 newscast.

Top 10 Most Wanted List

Syracuse, NY - Just three hours after the Onondaga County police released their top ten most wanted for 2010, a fugitive from the list was arrested. Arthur Novell was spotted in the 200 block of Hall Avenue in Syracuse in his car. Police are still searching for the remaining fugitives. Topping the list this year is Gary Latra, an accused bank robber wanted in multiple states. He has been on the run since a series of robberies last year. We urge anyone with information about these men to contact the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office at 315-425-2111. For more information check out our website at NCC News.com

Parking Meter Increase

Syracuse, NY - If you're in Armory Square today you may be surprised by an upgrade. Starting today, new parking meters will be installed downtown. These meters will include credit card readers for more convenience, but will also increase from seventy five cents to a dollar twenty five an hour. Over the next couple of weeks, upgraded parking meters will appear on the north side and eventually on the Syracuse University hill. The price increase will encourage people who live and work downtown to use lots and garages instead of taking up spaces for customers.

Arrest Made in Area Fire

DeWitt - DeWitt police have made an arrest in connection with the Sunday morning fire at the Springfield Gardens Apartment Complex.

34-year-old Markina Mason is being charged with arson and criminal mischief and was arraigned in the DeWitt town court.

The fire remains under investigation by the DeWitt Police and the East Syracuse Fire Department. No further arrests are expected in the case.

Events Raise Funds for Haiti

SYRACUSE - Two Upstate New York events took place this weekend in hopes of raising money for relief efforts in Haiti.

A basketball tournament raised about $6,000 at the Jamesville-DeWitt High School yesterday. J-D high school alums, Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim and members of his team were on hand for the event.

The fundraiser included a slam dunk contest, scrimmages and a three point contest.

Up north in Watertown, a hair salon is hoping to raise money by clipping hair. The shop has been offering reduced prices for haircuts and donating the funds to Haiti relief.

The salon owner had a similar event following Hurricane Katrina and raised about $1,000. This time she's hoping to raise even more.

Haircuts for Haiti will continue next Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.

Man Sentenced for Driving Death

SYRACUSE - A Marcellus man who plead guilty to vehicular manslauter was sentenced to three to nine years in prison in an Onondaga County courtroom this morning.

Two weeks ago Tim Henry admitting he was driving while his ability was impaired by alcohol when he hit twenty four year old Erik Kohler on January 3rd last year.

Cantor Holding Open Forum on Univeristy Benefits Change

Syracuse, NY -- Syracuse University Chancellor Nancy Cantor plans to address faculty members today over the proposed changes in facutly members' benefits.

The forum, open to students and faculty alike, comes after an email sent to the University community on Friday outlining changes in employees' benefits packages.

Some professors have expressed concern over the changes, saying changes in retirement benefits and a salary freeze are unacceptable.

Stay tuned to NCC News Live at 4 o'clock today, where reporter Evan Brown will give you the latest developments.

National Grid asks for delivery rate increase

Albany -- Representatives from electric provider National Grid are asking state legislators for a $390 million per year increase in electric delivery rates. The company says it needs the near 20% increase to help cope with higher costs and lower sales.

Customers will see an extremely slight change in their bills, due to a delayed payment plan the company has proposed.

Delivery rates represent the portion of an electric bill that pays for the utility’s poles, wires, labor and other costs. Delivery rates are regulated by the state and provide the revenue from which Grid earns a profit. The company does not profit from sale of electricity, which is purchased on the wholesale market.

"This provides the company the financial stability to continue to invest in our networks and earn adequate returns to attract necessary capital,'' said Tom King, president of U.S. operations, in a prepared statement.

This is the first time National Grid has brought a rate case to the legislature since it purchased the former Niagra Mohawk in 2002.

'Cuse Basketball Moves Up

Syracuse -- Syracuse Men's basketball is now the #3 team in the nation, according to the latest AP poll. The team moved up one spot since last week, when it sat at number 4.

In the other major college basketball poll, the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Top 25, Syracuse remains at #4 for the second straight week.

Water Main Break Keeps Students Out of Liverpool Schools

LIVERPOOL - Long Branch Elementary School never opened this morning as warming temperatures caused a water pipe to burst in the Liverpool School District.

Chestnutt Hill Middle School released its students at 11:15 this morning and several wings of Willow Field Elementary were closed because of the water main breaks.

The break occured on Tulip Street in Clay. The break meant no water was flowing to the school buildings.

Crews are working to fix several water main breaks across Central New York.

A New Challenger Enters New York Governor's Race

ALBANY - A new republican candidate will challenge Rick Lazio for the republican nomination for New York Governor.

Conservative Republican Warren Redlich announced his candidacy Monday.

Redlich says he wants the Libertarian Party line as well as the Republican nomination to represent the anti-establishment Tea Party wing of the party.

Redlich is a lawyer from Guilderland in Albany County. Redlich was a legal counsel in New York for Republican Rep. Ron Paul, who ran for the 2008 GOP presidential nomination.

Lazio, a former congressman from Long Island, has been running for the nomination since September.

The only announced Democratic candidate is Gov. David Paterson.

Lawmakers WIll Try to Save Summer Jobs Program

ALBANY - Democratic lawmakers say they'll try to protect the program that gives thousands of New York kids summer jobs.

Gov. David Paterson has proposed cutting the $35 million summer jobs program to save money in the budget.

About 300 young people from New York City visited Albany to rally for the program. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver of Manhattan and Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada of the Bronx say they'll fight to keep the program funded and that Paterson is simply wrong, especially in a tough labor market.

Advocates say state, federal and city money combined to put about 52,000 young people to work last summer in New York City. Almost 140,000 applied for jobs.

Several young people said the program provided their first jobs, helping them acquire basic skills, make money and stay out of trouble.

Toyota announces gas pedal fix

New York -- Toyota said today it has developed a fix to its gas-pedal problem, and is already shipping the necessary parts to dealers around the country. The problem has caused 2.3 million Toyotas to be recalled in the US alone.

The fix involves reinforcing the pedal assembly in a way that eliminates the excess friction that has caused the pedals to stick, the company said in a press release. "We know what's causing the sticking accelerator pedals, and we know what we have to do to fix it," said Jim Lentz, Toyota's president and chief operating officer, in a statement.

Dealers will also work extended hours to help customers get their cars fixed.

Toyota will contact customers this week to let them know when to bring in their vehicles for repair. The company will cover all costs, and the new parts should take about 30 minutes to install.

The fix involves installing a precision-cut steel reinforcement bar into the accelerator pedal assembly, which will reduce surface tension and prevent the friction that has caused the pedals to stick, Toyota said.

If you own a Toyota and would like more information on the recall, click on the following link for the latest information.

http://www.toyota.com/recall/

Beyonce, Swift Highlight Grammy Awards

LOS ANGELES - Beyonce became the most decorated female on a Grammy night as she collected six trophies, including song of the year, but it was another diva - Taylor Swift - who nabbed the top honor, album of the year.

Swift won a total of four awards. Although Beyonce also lost out on record of the year, which went to the Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody," the entertainer still owned the most awards of the evening.

The Kings of Leon were a bit more entertaining when they picked up their record of the year trophy, the family quartet's third of the night.

"I'm not going to lie, we're all a little drunk. But we're happy drunks," said lead singer Caleb Followill.

Swift, who was second to Beyonce in Grammy nominations with eight nods, also won best country album among her other awards. Another country act to take a top award was the Zac Brown Band, which won best new artist.

The Black Eyed Peas also had three trophies, as well as Jay-Z, who won for best rap solo performance and two awards for "Run This Town" with Rihanna and Kanye West.

Many participants in the program wore red cross buttons in support of Haiti earthquake relief.

New Obama Budget

WASHINGTON -- President Obama submitted a multi-trillion dollar budget to Congress today that included funding for a government-led fight against unemployment and a tax hike on the wealthy. The total budget cost would be 3.83 trillion dollars and raise the federal deficit to a record $1.56 trillion this year, topping the current figure of $1.41 trillion.

A key component of the proposal is a three-year spending freeze on a large number of government programs beginning in 2011. The freeze would not affect homeland security and military programs.

Obama also proposed a $100 billion jobs measure, including tax breaks to businesses that are hiring as well as increased government spending on infrastructure and energy projects. Obama had previously outlined this measure in his State of the Union address last Wednesday.

Tax increases for those making above $250,000 per year and for energy producers also appear in Obama's proposal.

Republicans have criticized the tax hikes and the deficit increase, saying it proves the Obama administration cannot get government spending under control.

The Obama administration defended its proposal in a statement released with the budget, saying
"Having steered the economy back from the brink of a depression, the administration is committed to moving the nation from a recession to recovery by sparking job creation to get millions of Americans back to work."

Click on the following link for a light-hearted look at what a trillion dollar really means.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at3MNu8BRwQ

Jury Selection Begins in Rochester Trial

ROCHESTER, NY - Jury selection began today in the manslaughter trial of a Rochester woman charged in the death of her 3-year-old daughter.

Monroe County prosecutors say Nicole Allen left her three young children alone and went to the store to buy beer in September 2008.

While she was gone the house caught fire. Her daughter Kamari Allen later died, while the girl's two siblings suffered severe burns.

New Ferry Starts Running Across Lake Champlain

CROWN POINT, NY - A new ferry began running across the southern end of Lake Champlain this morning at 5 am.

The ferry service temporarily replaces the Crown Point Bridge which was demolished December 28th for structural damage. It had been shut down earlier in the fall.

A different ferry had been running in the fall, but was not allowed to operate after the new year. The destruction of the bridge has made travel difficult for commuters who cross the lake on a daily basis,

The ferry is operated by the Lake Champlain Transportation Company and will run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is a three minute trip across the lake.

Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas and other officials from Vermont were among the handful of passengers on board for the first crossing. They joined New York Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee.

The ferry can accommodate 50 vehicles and is a free to users. Construction of a new bridge is set begin this spring and is expected to be done in 2011.