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.