Oncenter Implements a New Ticket Fee

Facility Fee Hits the Oncenter

by Julien Desrayaud

Syracuse -- The Oncenter board of directors agreed to incorporate a new facility fee on tickets to certain events inside the War Memorial, Civic Center, and Oncenter Exhibition Hall starting on Sunday, November 1. Fortunately for customers, there will not be a significant increase to individual tickets.

Ticket Breakdown

The facility fee will add one dollar to individual tickets for Syracuse Crunch hockey games, Syracuse Orchestra events, and Syracuse Opera performances. As for concerts and entertainment events like the Harlem Globetrotters, there will be a two dollar increase. Season ticket holders for the Crunch and tickets to Famous Artists are exempt from the facility fee. Until Sunday, the Oncenter was one of the few venues that did not charge a facility fee.

Need Repairs

The main reason the facility fee is being implemented is to raise money in order to repair the buildings that compose the Oncenter. The War Memorial was built in 1952 and is in dire need of renovations. The Columbus Blue Jackets, the NHL affiliate for the Crunch, have shown displeasure with the building's current state.

Another reason to renovate is to attract new and diverse business to Syracuse.

Affect on Ticket Sales

The increase of one to two dollars should not affect ticket sales all that much. "I think in general people are coming in, for example I'll use Phish again as a concert. The ticket was 50 dollars. I don't think it would make a difference in the world that the concert was going to sell out if it was 50 dollars or 52 dollars," said Sandy Baker, the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Oncenter Complex.

If you are interested in seeing an event at the Oncenter, as long as you do not mind spending an extra dollar or two, the facility fee will not have a serious affect.

WATCH STORY HERE:

Halloween Around the World

President Obama Honors Fallen Troops

President Obama made an unannouced trip to attend the Return of 18 fallen troops from Afganistan

by Haifa Jedea

Syracuse, NY- President Obama traveled to the Dover Air Force Base in Delaware where the bodies of 18 fallen sodldeirs were returned home from Adganistan. This was the President's first trip to the air base.

Also in attendance were U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Michele Leonhart, acting DEA administrator. Three of the bodies at the ceremony were of Drug Enforcement Administraion special agents and 15 of U.S. troops.

Watch a clip of the President at the ceremony here

Gas Prices On The Rise... Again

Drivers Get Ready To Bear A Heavy Burden

By John Jastremski

Syracuse, NY

For the first time this year, consumers are paying more for a gallon of gas than they did last year at this time. Why is this case. Well, part of the reason is that prices are going up now and they were falling last year at this time when Wall Street was falling apart. The price of gas right now is on par for what consumers were paying this Summer. According to http://www.gasbuddy.com/, Central New York prices range from $ 2.73 to $2.93. One year ago gas averaged around $2.65 a gallon.

The good news for consumers is that a report is out that says gas supplies are actually up this week, which may slow up this week which could slow down the rapid raising prices.

Washginton Unveils Helthcare Bill

Pelosi unveiled the house democrat's new $894 billion health care bill

by Haifa Jedea

Syracuse, NY- Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi of California, unveiled a $894 billion health care package that would provide insurance to up to 36 million uncovered Americans.

The new plans guarantees coverage to 96 percent of Americans by subsidizing insurance for poorer Americans and creating health insurance exchanges that will allow small groups and individuals to purchase coverage.

The 2,000 page plan would cut the federal deficit by roughly $30 billion over the next decade. The measure would be financed through a combination of a tax surcharge on wealthy American and spending constraints in Medicare and Medicaid. Individuals with incomes over $500,000 and families earning more than $1 million would face a 5.4 percent income tax surcharge.

Watch a clip of Nancy Pelosi's Speech here

Gov. Paterson Declares Swine Fly State Emergency

State Emergency leads to more Swine Flu vaccines

by Haifa Jedea

Syracuse, NY-New York Governor David Paterson has declared a state-wide emergency because of the rise in swine flue cases. This order allows more health care professionals to administer H1N1 vaccines with only brief training.

The federal government is also increasing the availability of the vaccine which allows NY state to double its order from last week. This announcement also comes after the state reported 75 deaths attributed to swine fly.

The Center for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) recommends washing hands thoroughly, using hand sanitizer, and keeping a distance from people with the flu as the best way to prevent from getting swine flu. For more information on vaccines and treatment visit the CDC's website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ .

College Enrollment On The Rise

More American Choose College

By John Jastremski

Syracuse, NY

More Americans than ever are in college, especially Community College according a new report. A study of Census data by the Pew Research Center released today, shows the number of Americans between the ages of 18-24 attending college hit a record high in October 2008 at just under 40 percent. The study says greatest gains in enrollment were at two year Community Colleges.

The study's authors say due to tough economic times, is pushing students to choose Community College which are usually less expensive. Community Colleges saw increases again in 2009 though final figures are not avalaible yet.

70-foot Tree Chosen as the Clinton Square Christmas Tree

The city of Syracuse picked a Norway spruce tree from the Salt Springs Neighborhood.

by Haifa Jedea

Syracuse, NY-a 70-foot Norway spruce was picked from the Elmcrest Children's Center to be this year's Clinton Square Christmas tree.

Brian Liberti, Syracuse's arborists said that tree had all the qualities they were looking for. "It's got a fantastic shape, it's a beautiful tree,"said Liberti.

After spending 50 to 60 hours looking at 60 trees, Liberti finally decided on the Norway spruce in the Salt Springs neighborhood of Syracuse. The city always picks this particular kind of tree because it is easily tied down to pass under bridges making it easy to transport to downtown. The tree will be cut down and brought to Clinton Square on November 12th.

NY State Shortchanged Bridge, Highway Projects

State Shortchanges Projects, more $$ Needed

By John Jastremski

New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says the state has shortchanged highway and bridge projects by billions of dollars over nearly two decades. DiNapoli says almost $ 4 billion will need to be transferred by the state to the Highway and Bridge Trust fund by 2014 to meet the criteria of the fund created in 1991 to pay for construction and rehabilition of state owned roads and bridges.

The Comptroller says just $11.6 billion or just under thirty five percent of the fund's total has gone directly towards infrastructure over the past eighteen years. The rest has been diverted to debt payments and operations of the state transportation and motor vehicles departments.

Utica Brothers Found Guilty in Asbestos Dumping

A federal court found a lawyer and his brother guilty in asbestos dumping.

by Haifa Jedea

Syracuse, NY- Paul Mancuso of Utica was convicted of seven counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and violating the federal Clean Air and Superfund acts between 2003 and 2005.

His brother, Steven Mancuso, a Utica lawyer,was accused of creating fake documents to help conceal his brother's illegal asbestos activities. He was found guilty on one count of consiring with his brother to defraud the United States.

Paul Mancuso faces up to 10 years in prison while his brother faces up to 5 years. They'll find out what will happen during their sentancing on feurary 21st, 2010.

It's Getting Better All The Time?

Business Leaders cautiously optimistic about economy

By John Jastremski

Syracuse, NY. Business leaders attended the Central Upstate Manufacturing breakfast and expressed their optimism about the economy but none of them went out on a limb and acknowledged that Central New York has officially recovered from the recession. After months of layoffs, the Manufacturing Association of CNY expressed that they have seen local factory employment remain stable and orders have picked up recently.

The optimism has also been sparked by the recent announcement that companies such as Bitzer Scroll an air conditioning maker and Reva an electric car factory are moving to the area. Randall Woken, the Manufacturing Association of Central New York's President is very pleased with the recent developments but adds " We're not out of it yet, local companies know it's going to be a slow recovery."

Iran Ready To Talk Nukes

Iran, Ahmadinejad Respond to Nuclear Proposals

By John Jastremski

Syracuse, NY. After much international pressure, Iran has sent an initial proposal in hopes to break the logjam involving its nuclear program the International Atomic Energy Agency said Thursday. The deal could lower the amount of nuclear material to limit Iran's ability to produce a nuclear bomb. Iran denies the fact that it is even interested in producing such weapons despite the suspicions of the United States and other western nations. Iran's hardline leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad struck a rare note of praise for the initial proposals and the west. Ahmadinejad, speaking to crowds in the northeastern city of Mashhad, said the West has gone from "confrontation to cooperation," according to state-run Press TV, and praised the IAEA as "playing a genuine role."
"One, they told us to stop (nuclear work,)" he said. "Now they express readiness to cooperate with us in exchange of fuel, expansion of the technology and construction of power plants and atomic reactors."

A formal proposal is expected to be offered on Friday. If accepted it could diminish some of the tension between Iran and western nations.

Syracuse Fans Rejoice

Syracuse Offers Reasonable Ticket Deal for Saturday vs. Cincinnati

By John Jastremski

Well, Syracuse not only is your basketball team in the preseason top 25, not only is your star wide reciever returning from suspension but tickets for this weekends football game are as reasonable as a sporting event could possibly be. The University announced that anyone who has purchased a ticket throughout the season can head down to the box office and buy a ticket for this Saturday's game against Cincinnati, the 5th ranked team in the nation for only ten dollars. Students will be able to get into the game for free. The offer is a part of Fan Appreciation Day, as the Orange wrap up a six game homestand. Under first year Head Coach Doug Marrone, the Orange are 3-4 on the season and look to get their first Big East win for the new head man.

Democracywise: Fact Check

Good Weather Brings Crowds Out To Golf Course

Drumlins Sees Increased Turnout As Temperatures Rise
by Mike Tressa


It looks like fall but sure doesn't feel that way. October temperatures near 70 degrees brought Syracuse residents out to Drumlins golf course to get in some final rounds.

Golf Shop Manager Bill Leasure said that the good weather would most likely bring out 50 to 60 golfers. Many of the people on the links said they came out because they didn't know when they would get another chance with the Syracuse winter looming ahead.

Watch the video here:

Plane Overshoots Minneapolis Airport

Northwest Jet Overshoots Minneapolis Airport

by Julien Desrayaud

MINNEAPOLIS, MN -- Federal officials say a Northwest Airlines
jet overflew the Minneapolis airport by 150 miles before crew
members discovered their mistake. The plane landed safely, and none of the 147 passengers and crew were injured. The National Transportation Safety Board says the Airbus A320 was flying from San Diego to Minneapolis and lost radio contact with controllers.

What Happened

The NTSB says the jet flew about 150 miles past the Minneapolis airport before communications were re-established. The Federal Aviation Administration says the crew told authorities they became distracted during a heated discussion over airline policy and lost track of where they were.

Sirens Test Successful at Nuclear Plant

Safety First
by Julien Desrayaud

Buchanan, NY -- The emergency siren system around New
York's Indian Point nuclear power plant has easily passed its
latest test. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission and plant owner Entergy Nuclear discovered each of its 172 sirens sounded during the Thursday morning test. The 100 percent score follows a poor result five weeks ago for the sirens scattered through New York City's northern suburbs.

Obvious Improvement
Last September's test scored at about 90 percent, which is below the recommended percentage. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission demands a 94 percent average over a year. The sirens are meant to warn residents within 10 miles of the plant in Buchanan that there is an emergency.
The siren system went into service last year allowing local residents to evacuate if something were to occur at the nuclear power plant.

Warm weather graces CNY

Temperatures pushing 70
By Chris McManus

Today could be the warmest day during the recent stretch of favorable weather. On a day where the average temperature in Syracuse is about 58 degrees, temperatures could reach as high as 70 today.

Don't get used to it though. Tomorrow will be back down in the high 40s or low 50s. For more CNY weather, be sure to catch Matt Markham at the 4:00 and 4:40 NCC newscasts.

Syracuse men's hoops picked to finish sixth in Big East

Orange receives some respect despite losing top three scorers
By Chris McManus

One year removed from a Big East championship and a sweet sixteen appearance, Syracuse hoops has been picked to finish sixth in the conference. The announcement came at the start of yesterday's Big East Media Day. The Orange finished with the fifth-best conference record last sesaon after being picked eighth in the preseason poll.

Last year's top scorers Jonny Flynn (17.4 ppg), Eric Devendorf (15.7 ppg), and Paul Harris (12 ppg) are no longer with the team, but SU returns three players who have started at least twenty games: Arinze Onuaku, Rick Jackson, and Andy Rautins. Iowa State transfer Wesley Johnson sat out last year, but figures to be a key component for the Orange this season.

Villanova picked to finish first

After reaching the final four last season, Jay Wright's Wildcats took the top spot on top of the preseason poll. They return three starters, including top scorer Scottie Reynolds.

West Virginia came in at number two as they return four starters. Connecticut, Louisville, and Georgetown rounded out the top five.

Rick Pitino agreed with the preseason coaches poll, saying Villanova and West Virginia are the clear favorites at the onset. "I give the slight edge to Villanova because of their experience, but they are both great teams," the Louisville coach told reporters.

Coaches weigh in on Boeheim's quest for 800

Only one win away from 800, SU coach Jim Boeheim answered a host of reflective-type questions regarding his coaching career. Boeheim preferred to stick with this season and more important task at hand, other coaches were quick to praise him.

Jim Calhoun, another member of the 800 win club, called Coach Boeheim a "model of consistency" for the conference. Rick Pitino said that the most amazing part about Boeheim is ability to recruit at a high level for so many years. "He recruits the same way as when I coached with him, and he still brings in high caliber players every year," Pitino said (He was an assistant at SU from '76-'78). Jaime Dixon called Boeheim "one of the most underrated coaches in the country."

If all goes according to plan, Boeheim will capture number 800 when Syracuse takes on Albany on November 9 at the Dome.

Farmers Truck Routes

State DOT's Road Plan a Wrong Turn
by Julien Desrayaud

Albany, NY -- Dairy farmers and growers believe that a state
proposal aimed at keeping garbage collectors from rumbling through beautiful Finger Lakes communities will hurt New York's agriculture industry. The New York Farm Bureau says the state Department of Transportation's move to ban truck traffic on certain rural roads will add millions in costs to farmers already struggling in a down economy.

Oppositon Movement
Farmers have joined with the trucking industry and other business interests to oppose the Paterson administration proposal. The idea surfaced when locals complained about trucks taking shortcuts through some Finger Lakes villages while hauling New York City garbage to an upstate landfill. The complaints prompted state transportation officials to develop regulations for large truck routes in rural areas.

Lil' Wayne Headed for Prison

Hip-Hop superstar pleads guilty to attempted weapon possession
By Chris McManus

Dwayne Carter, better known as "Lil Wayne," expects to receive a one-year jail sentence after police found a gun on his tour bus in 2007. He had previously pleaded not guilty to the gun charges, which carried a over a three year jail sentence. The trial was supposed to begin on January 20.

The 27-year-old is also scheduled for trial on felony drug possession charges in Arizona, which come from a January 2008 arrest at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint.

The Case:

Police pulled over the rapper's tour bus after smelling marijuana smoke on July 22, 2007. As an officer approached, Lil Wayne threw away a bag containing the loaded weapon. More details on that night here.


Prosecutors said that small samples of DNA were on the loaded weapon at the time of Lil Wayne's arrest. The defense questioned the DNA testing technique, and said the gun does not belong to the rapper.

Pirro Endorses Kimatian for Syracuse Mayor

Former Onondaga County Executive Voting Along Party Lines
by Julien Desrayaud

Syracuse, NY -- Nick Pirro is endorsing fellow Republican Steve Kimatian for Syracuse mayor. The Kimatian campaign scheduled a news conference this morning at the Convention Center Parking Lot to make the announcement. It’s the site of the long-stalled hotel that officials hope will breathe new life into the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center across South State.

Pirro's opinions on Kimatian

"Syracuse mayoral candidate Steve Kimatian is the best candidate in the field to unjam that venture and other suspended projects, such as the renovation of the Hotel Syracuse and the Mizpah Towers," Pirro said this morning. The former county executive, a lifelong north side Syracuse resident, said he also likes Kimatian’s ideas on crime and cleaning up the neighborhoods. Kimatian is facing Democrat Stephanie Miner and Conservative Ronald “Otis” Jennings.

Cicero Boy Goes to Jail

Cicero Boy Lied to Police

by Julien Novog-Desrayaud

Cicero, NY -- A 16-year-old boy has been charged with falsely reporting an incident. The Post Standard reports that he told police he was stabbed yesterday in his Cicero neighborhood at about 2:20 p.m. in the 8000 block of Crockett Drive. Police asked the boy what happened, but there were many holes in his story and they began to get to the bottom of it. The boy admitted that he cut himself with a razor blade.

Aftermath

Currently, police are not releasing the boy’s name. He was treated for a minor cut to his abdomen at University Hospital and released. The boy was given another chance to speak with investigators and repeated the story of being assaulted. He was charged with the misdemeanor and taken to the psychiatric emergency room at St. Joseph’s Hospital Health Center for observation.

Is the Recession Over?

By Kaci Lindhorst

It seems to be the question on every one's mind, but where can we expect the economy to go this year? Professor Don Dutkowsky, a professor of economics at Syracuse University, says it will take much more than President Obama's stimulus package to pull us out of the recession. He says that consumers spending is what will make the greatest impact. "Consumers are the 900 pound gorilla in the economy. They account for about 70% of all economic profit in this country, " says Dutkowsky.

Students Still Spending

Students in the Syracuse community say that although the recession has made them think more about their spending, they are still spending the same amount as they were before the recession. One Syracuse student, Erica Lavere, believes the economy is on the rise, as restaurants and shopping malls are more crowded than over.

Professor Dutkowsky says that there are two ingredients for overcoming the economic crisis...Get consumers to spend, and get them to spend wisely.

Social Security Freeze

Government Freezes Cost of Living Adjustment

By: P.J. Wascher

Syracuse, NY - Senior citizens will have tighten their pocket books a little more this year. Their will be no raise in cost of living for Social Security. This is the first time this has happened since 1975.

Poor Economy to Blame

While the market may have been on the rise this week, it has been a ruff year for the economy. This caused consumer prices to fall, in turn causing inflation to drop. By law the cost of living adjustment cannot go up if inflation does not.

To help with the news President Obama announced, a day earlier, a $250 stimulus payment for seniors. The White House has put the cost at around $13 billion. They have not said how they plan to finance it, leaving that to Congress.

Watch The Story:

Jobless Rate Up To 8.1 Percent In Syracuse

Area Unemployment Continues Monthly Rise
by Mike Tressa

Syracuse -- The unemployment rates in Syracuse continue to climb from 7.9 percent in August to 8.1 percent in September. According to the State Department of Labor, the area has lost 6,500 jobs between September of last year and last month. All jobs lost were in the private sector. The area hardest hit was the manufacturing sector, which lost 2,200 jobs.

Things Looking Up In This Area
Despite the rises, surrounding counties aren't doing as bad as the rest of the state. Unemployment rates in Madison and Onondoga county are both lower than the 8.8 percent state average. The two counties, along with Oswego, are all under the nation's 9.5 percent jobless rate.

Syracuse Stage Receives National Grant

One of 13 Theatres in Country to receive Grant from Theatre Communications Group

Syracuse, N.Y. - Syracuse Stage was selected, with 13 other national theatres, to receive a grant for future audiences from the New Generations Program, a grant iniative from the Theatre Communications Group.

Syracuse Stage will receive $77,000 to help expand existing, unique and innovative audience development programs. The goal is to expand the Stage's audience to reach young, culturally specific, and undeserved groups.

The first Syracuse Stage event to fall within the parameters of the New Generations Program was Stage's Open House that took place on September 26th. The event drew more than 400 people.

Rosamond Gifford Zoo Names New Penguin Marisol

15-year-old Bridgeport girl submits winning name
by Mike Tressa

The newest member of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo family finally has a name. After two weeks of voting, the 3-month-old penguin chick can now be called Marisol. The name was submitted by Ashley Redhead of Bridgeport as one of 379 possible selections.

Marisol took home the top honor with 27 percent of the vote. Loosely translated in Spanish, Marisol means "sunny sea." Redhead thought the name would help to bring some much needed sun to Syracuse.

Check back later in the day for some exclusive NCC News video of Marisol and the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

No Cost-of-Living Adjustments for Social Security Recipients Next Year

50 Million People Will Not Get Increases

Washington DC- The government announced today that there will be no cost-of-living increases for Social Security recipients next year. It's the first year without a raise since automatic adjustments were adopted in 1975.

Social Security payments will not go down. But cost-of-living adjustments, or COLA, are pegged to inflation. Inflation is negative this year because of lower energy costs.

Social Security payments increased by 5.8 percent in January, the largest increse since 1982. The big increase was largely because of a spike in energy coasts in 2008.

Blame Falling Consumer Prices

The Labor Department reported today that consumer prices had declined 2.1 percent since the third quarter of 2008. The COLA is based on the change in consumer prices from the third quarter of one year to the next.

Social Security recipients shouldn't get an increase next year because their purchaasing power has already increased with falling consumer prices, said the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

"Sice the purpose of COLA's is to preserve beneficiaries' purchasing power, the decline in overall prices means that beneficiaries do not need a COLA in 2010," Kathy Ruffing, a senior policy analyst at the center, wrote in a report this week.

Ruffing noted that government forecasters don't expect consumer prices to return to 2008 levels until 2011.

Advocates for Seniors Concerned

Advocates argue that older Americans spend a disproportionate amount of their incomes on health care costs, which rise faster than consumer prices.

President Obama called on Congress on Wednesday to approve the second round of stimulus payments.

"This additional assistance will be essentially important in the coming month, as countless seniors and others have seen their retirement accounts and home values decline as a result of the economic crisis," Obama said on Wednesday.

The $250 payments would go to Social Security recipients as well as those receiving veterans and disability benefits, railroad retirees, and retired public employees who don't receive Social Security.

Bill Owens Moves Ahead of Dede Scozzafava in Latest Congressional Poll

Siena Poll Has Owens Holding Slim Lead

by Mike Tressa

Syracuse -- Democrat Bill Owens has jumped ahead of Republican Dede Scozzafava in the race for the 23rd Congressional District seat. This information is based on the latest informal poll released by the Siena Research Institute.

If this advantage remains until the election, Owens would be the first Democrat to represent the rural Northern and Central New York district since the 1800s. Dede Scozzafava held a seven percent lead two weeks earlier, but now the polls list Owens with the four point lead.

The race is expected to come down to the wire at this point and all the way up to the election on November 3rd. With the emergence of third-party candidate Doug Hoffman, the winning candidate may take the election with less than 40 percent of the votes cast.

According to the polls, the race will be decided by the 16 percent of voters who remain undecided.

Proposed Budget Calls for Cuts

Apublic hearing was held on Thursday night at the OnCenter over the proposed County Budget for the year. As it as been laid out by county executive Joanie Mahoney, the budget would call for cuts in civil service employment: over 2,000 employees will be temporarily laid off, while 51 will lose their jobs all together.

Student assistance councilors would be cut from the Baldwinsville, Skaneateles, and Fayetteville-Manlius school districts, and the county police department would have to ground its helicop

The county executive says that these cuts will save Onondaga County $7 million dollars. The office says that because union workers would not forego a three-percent raise this year, the county was left with no decision but to present this budget.


CSEA Reaction

Worried over the future of their jobs, members of the Civil Service Employees of America all wore their black union shirts to work Thursday, to show solidarity with each other, and opposition to the County Executive. So many planned to go to the public hearing after work that the county had to move the venue to the OnCenter from the Legislative Chambers.

Mark Kotzin, spokesperson for the CSEA in Central New York, says that the last thing the county should do in a time of economic crisis is lay off workers.

Kitty Massara, a CSEA employee, says that she and her colleagues are taking the news very personally from the person she elected, she says, to look out for her and everyone else in the county.

Ultimate Frisbee Growing in Popularity

by Chris McGrath

SYRACUSE, NY- It's a sport you're probably not too familiar with, but one that's taking the nation by storm.

Ultimate Frisbee is alive and well on the Syracuse University campus.

Grace Conklin is Co-captain for Fox Force Seven, the Women's team at SU, and says she was attracted to the sport back in high school because of its laid back atmosphere.

She said, however, the sport is sometimes misunderstood.

"Some people just don't understand how athletic you actually have to be to play this sport. It's a lot of running, non-stop running, you have to be able to throw and catch--you have to have the coordination to do that," she said.

Conklin says the team practices 3 to 4 times a week despite only being a club team.

Growth Across the Country

Ultimate is now played in 42 different countries and more than 650 college teams are registered to play in the United States.

Down in Charlottesville, Va, the University of Virginia sports an Ultimate team of its own.

"UVA Ultimate and this team has really defined my college experience," Alfano said.

Alfano also added that many of the girls on her team live together and often plan their schedules around Ultimate practices and games.

Growth Amongst Women

Even more impressive than the growth of the sport itself might be growth in the number of women who play it.

According to the Ultimate Players Association, the number of women playing Ultimate has nearly doubled since 2002.

Women now make up 1/3 of all frisbee players in the country.

WATCH STORY HERE!

House Passes Hate Crimes Bill

Extends the Hate Crimes Bill to Cover Gays

By: P.J. Wascher

Washington D.C. - The House of Representatives has passed legislation today that now makes it a federal crime to assault people because of their sexual orientation. This is expected to pass the Senate soon, attached to a must-pass defense policy bill. Once passed federal prosecutors will be able to intervene in cases of violence against gays for the first time.

Trying For More Than A Decade

Civil rights groups have been trying for more than a decade to broaden the hate crimes bill. The late Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Massachusetts was longtime advocate of the legislation.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was excited to see Congress pass the hate hrimes legislation she says it has been on her agenda since entering Congress 22 years ago.

"It's a very exciting day for us here in the Capitol," Pelosi said.

Not All In Favor

While Republicans are often in favor of defense bills, many voted against the bill because of the addition of what they are calling "thought crimes bills." Some GOP opponents worried that the new bill would infringe upon religious speech freedoms. Specifically if a violent act against gays was later attributed to the sermons of a pastor expressing their beliefs about homosexuality.

Supporters of the legislation have countered that argument saying that no pastor could be targeted for expressing opposition to homosexuality.

There are over 8,000 hate crimes reported in the country each year. 45 states already have hate crime statutes.

East Syracuse Gets Grant

Money will help revitalize downtown
by Eric Rothman

The village of East Syracuse will be getting a bit of a face lift. The village will receive over 120-thousand dollars in grant funding from the Brownfield Opportunity Areas Program. The money will help revitalize a 980-acre area that includes the villages downtown. The grant is one of 24 projects approved by Governor David Patterson to receive some of the 10-million dollars in funding. Village officials say the money will go towards identifying new businesses, improving housing, and making the city more pedestrian friendly.

Candidates Receive Endorsements

Scozzafava, Owens Gain Supports
by Eric Rothman

The National Rifle Association announced today that it is supporting Republican candidate Dierdre Scozzafava in the special election for New York's 23rd Congressional seat. Scozzafava is an assemblywoman who represents part of the 23rd District. She has been outspoken in her support of the second amendment.

On the Democratic side, it was announced today that President Barrack Obama will attend a New York City fundraiser for 23rd District candidate Bill Owens. The fundraiser will be for about fifty supporters, and President Obama will speak about the importance of the race. It will be the first time the President has fund raised for a non-incumbent candidate for the House.

The special election will be held on November 3rd and will fill the seat vacated by now Secretary of the Army, John McHugh.

Apple Festival Ready To Kick Off

Festival Celebrates Apple Producing Region in Upstate New York

By: P.J. Wascher

Lafayete, NY - Looking for something fun to do this weekend? The 25th Apple festival is taking place this weekend, October 10-11. Over 90,000 people are expected to attend the festival in Lafayete, New York which will provide several crafts, games/activities, and of course food. There will be contests held throughout out the festival including a scarecrow contest and apple baking contest.

Over 400 volunteers from 18 non-profit organizations are helping to make the festival a good time. Doors will open 9 A.M. admission is $4. The 4 P.M. NCC newscast will have more about the annual festival.

Retail Sales Up in September

But, sales only up to 2005 levels
by Eric Rothman

Retail sales for the month of September were the highest they have been all year long. Overall, retail sales are up 0.6 percent, more than what analysts had projected. These numbers, however, are only up to where they were in 2005.
Experts believe these numbers may be a bit misleading. This is because September was the first month of 2009 that retailers were comparing sales to 2008 numbers. Last fall was when major retailing sales began to collapse, so the numbers that sales this year are being compared to are very low.

The good vibes are not projected to last long, as experts are predicting year-over-year losses through the months of November and December. Analysts believe that holiday retail sales will be flat due to the continued rise in unemployment.

Explosion on the Moon....Soon

Nasa is Preparing a Search For Water

By: P.J. Wascher

In an attempt to find water of the moon Nasa is going to smash a satellite and a booster rocket onto the moon's southern pole Friday. The satellite will try and analyze the dust kicked up by the bombardment.

Attacking the Moon

Traveling at 6,500 mile per hour the satellite will try and send over 6 miles high a plume of moon dust to analyze. Nasa has known about the potential for water on the moon since 1999 after a lunar mission detected water signatures. Nasa scientists think it may have been left by comet impacts which may have pooled and cooled in the always shaded holes.

Watch it Happen

The Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite, or LCROSS, is currently sending out its own twitter feed, updating interested followers of its location. The impact will occur at 6:15 A.M. EDT and will be broadcasted on NASA TV.

If water is found the next step will be to send a lander that will drill the moons surface 6 feet deep. This would reveal whether there are veins of ice in exploitable layers on the moon.

Budget Meeting Preparing for Large Crowd

Meeting Moved to the Oncenter to Expand Capacity

By: P.J. Wascher

Syracuse, NY - A public hearing on the proposed $1.1 billion budget for Onondaga County is being held tonight. A huge turnout is expected for the meeting tonight.

Budget Changes

The new budget proposed by County Executive Joanie Mahoney will force more than 2,000 county workers to go from full-time jobs to part-time jobs. 51 workers will lose there jobs.

The new budget will lay-off 2,149 employees. They will then be rehired as part-time employees, working 5 hours less a week. The employees will also lose their family dental plans as a result.

Unions To Rally Against New Budget

Frustrated by the changes to the new budget, the CSEA union who represents many of the county workers is planning a large public rally before the public hearing. Many county employees will be wearing black today with stickers that read “We're all essential -- don't balance your budget on me” to protest the new cuts.

The budget meeting is expected to start around 7:00 today. Additional security is expected to be used at the meeting. For more information on the budget meeting tune into the NCC newscast at 4:00 and 4:40 P.M.

Suicide Bomber Kills 17 in Kabul

Attack outside Indian Embassy
by Eric Rothman

A car packed with explosives blew up outside the Indian Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan today. The blast killed 17 people and injured another 63 people. The attack is believed to have targeted the Indian Embassy, the second such attack in two years. Taliban leaders have already come out and taken responsibility for the attack. The bombing took place at 8:30 a.m. when a sports car pulled up in front of the Embassy and exploded, taking out a guard tower and part of a protective wall. This is similar to an attack that took place in 2008 and killed 54 people. The 2008 bombing was blamed on a Pakistani that did not have any links to the Taliban.

S.U. Robbery Suspects Charged Again

Robberies targeted college students
by Eric Rothman

Two teenagers charged with a September robbery on the Syracuse University hill, have been charged with a second robbery in that same month.

Nathanial Flagg and Glen Hicks were charged Wednesday with first-degree robbery and criminal possession of a weapon for the crime committed on September 7th. The two had previously been charged with robbing five people on September 3rd. Both robberies took place on the same street.

A third teen, 16-year-old Timothy Glover, was also charged in connection with the September 3rd robbery.

The arrests came after Syracuse police had increased patrols in the Syracuse University area.

Postseason Baseball Score Center

By: P.J. Wascher

Division Series

American League:

7 New York Yankees: Sabathia (W, 1-0), Jeter (2-2, 2RBI, 3R, 2BB)

2 Minesota Twins: Duensing (L, 0-1), Cuddyer (1-4, 1RBI)

-New York Yankees Strategy pays off. The twins can't find the magic after a dramatic victory against the Detroit Tigers.

National League:

5 Philadelphia Phillies: Lee (W,1-0), Ibanez (2-4, 2RBI, 1R)

1 Colorado Rockies: Jimenez (L, 0-1), Tulowitzki (2-4, 1RBI)

-Cliff Lee pitches a gem for Phillies in his first postseason game.

5 Los Angeles Dodgers: Weaver (W,1-0), Kemp (1-5, 2RBI, 1R)

3 St. Louis Cardinals: Carpenter (L,0-1), De Rossa (3-5, 1 RBI)

-Dodgers struggled at the plate with runners in scoring position, stilled pulled through with a Kemp Homer. the Dodger bullpen held the lead allowing only one run, Carpenter struggled throughout the game.

General Petraeus Comes Home

Top US Commander Attending Events in Upstate New York

by: P.J. Wascher

Cornwall, NY - General David Petraeus, the top US commander in Afghanistan and Iraq, is returning to his hometown today in Cornwall, New York. The 56 year old commander with upstate New York roots has come back home to attend several events in his honor, and attend his West Point reunion.

Full schedule

Petraeus is expected to land this afternoon. He will first be attending an event in his hometown that is naming a street after him.

He will also be speaking to several Boy Scouts at a dinner event this evening . He will be presenting an award to the owner of Orange County Choppers Paul Teutel Sr. for supporting the troops.

The homecoming will conclude at West Point, where Petraeus will attend his reunion. The 1974 graduate will toss the opening kickoff coin as the Army Black Knights will take on the Vanderbilt Commodores.

Syracuse Airport Delays Among Worst in Nation

Arrival delays give travelers headaches

by Eric Rothman

If you fly into Hancock Airport four times this year, chances are one of those flights will be delayed by close to an hour. According to a report released today by the Brookings Institution, Syracuse ranks 10th-worst in on-time arrival performance among the largest 100 airports in the country.

The year long study showed that 74.6 percent of flights coming into Hancock arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time. That number is slightly below the national average of 78.4 percent.

Is it all Hancock's fault?

Half of the 60 flights a day that arrive at Hancock International come from New York, Philadelphia, and Atlanta. Much of having a flight arrive on-time depends on the flights departing on-time.

New York had the worst on-time performance in the country with only 66.3 percent of flights arriving on time. Philadelphia was fourth worst at 73.4 percent.

Although Hancock was in the bottom ten, it actually improved nearly 5 percent over its arrival success rate in 2008.

More Crime on the SU Campus

By Kaci Lindhorst

More crime to Syracuse University brings more fear to those living on campus and in the surrounding areas. There have been three robberies in the past five days according to the Department of Public Safety.

The last one occurred on Lancaster as a student was approached with a gun and asked to surrender his belongings. Chief Buske from the DPS says they are expanding their patrol area in order to protect more civilians.

More Than Just Robberies

This initiative was also fueled by the recent stabbing that occurred at the fraternity on campus Alpha Tao Omega. DPS says they are on high alert for crime on campus and have also increased the number of cars that are on duty.

Buske also said they will be reaching out to the nearby community to educate them on ways to protect themselves.

Turning Stone Championship Day 1

3rd Annual Golf Tournament
By Andrew Allegretta

VERONA, NY - The focus on the first day of the PGA Turning Stone Championship was on the weather. It kept the crowds at home and the golfers in what looked like winter gear.

One volunteer called the crowds, "thin." Another compared it to last year's crowd that was also held back by bad weather. (That same volunteer was longing for the great weather - 80 degrees and sunny - they had back in '07.)

The general feeling from the volunteers was that it was only the first day and crowds should pick up for the weekend.

For the fans that did show up, they seemed to be enjoying themselves. One fan said he actually didn't mind the small crowds. It allowed him to see more golfers up close. As for the weather? Eh, could be better, but the golf was too much fun to watch to complain about a little rain.

Same goes for the golfers. Volunteers said they didn't hear any golfers complain about the weather. Despite wearing earmuffs, gloves, and heavy coats, most looked locked in on the $1 million prize that goes to the winner.

The Championship is scheduled to go through Sunday.

Vitamin D Deficiency and High Blood Pressure

A new study is linking Vitamin D Deficiency with High Blood Pressure

by Haifa Jedea

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -A new study shows that Vitamin D deficiency may cause High blood pressure in young women. The University of New Hampshire followed the health of 559 women and a number of those with the deficiency developed high blood pressure fifteen years later.

Vitamin D deficiency is usually linked with diseases like rickets, or soft bones, immune system problems and cancer but this is the first study that suggests that it might also lead to cardiovascular problems. A more extensive study needs to be done to determine the exact link between vitamin D and high blood pressure, but new research is leading people to be more aware of their intake levels.

“People are luckily asking for it, the test that is, and the doctors are doing it automatically because it’s become a bigger problem than they probably anticipated,” said Shelly Tarmel, nutritionist and store manager at the Vitamin Shoppe.

How to get enough Vitamin D?

The main source of Vitamin D is through the sun, but for those who don’t spend enough time in outdoors or live in areas with less sun, vitamin supplements are the best substitute. The best option would be the Vitamin D supplements but calcium supplements that already include Vitamin D would be enough as well.

Watch the story

King of Pop Autopsy Surprise

Jackson Autopsy Proves Healthy King
By Scott Campbell

LOS ANGELOS, CA - An autopsy report for Michael Jackson obtained by the Associated Press reveils the King of Pop was not as sick and frail as was portrayed by the tabloids.

Despite some minor damages to Jackson's body, along with a few respiratory issues, the report shows the 50-year-old to be quite healthy and in the normal range for someone his age.

At 5-9, weighing 136 pounds, the pop star died from potent anesthetic given to him by his personal physician to help him fall asleep.

Tasers In Syracuse Schools

Two Teens Tasered: Warranted
By Scott Campbell

SYRACUSE, NY - A 16-year-old Nottingham High School student was subdued by a school police officer, using a taser. The taser was used by the officer after the student struck him in the face.

The incident is the second time this week a taser was used to tame a student. On Monday a similar incident took place at Fowler High School. In both cases Police Chief Gary Miguel says the use of tasers were warranted.

Why Tasers?

Miguel says Syracuse Police Officers have carried guns for years, but this is the first full year the officers have carried tasers. Because the use of tasers were considered necessary, the officers will continue to carry them.

Toyota Recall

Total Recall
By Scott Campbell

WASHINGTON - In a year that has been one to forget for auto dealers, more bad news on the way, this time from Toyota. Toyota announced that as many as 3.8 million vehicles will be recalled in the United States.

The problem with the cars relates to the floor mats, which have caused the accelerator to get stuck, leading to crashes. The recall affects five Toyota models and three Lexus models in the range of years from 2004-2010.

To see if your car is on the list, visit this site.

Saturn Shutdown

Local Auto Slump Continues

By Scott Campbell

DETROIT, MI - General Motors has announced that it will officially shut down its Saturn Division.

After a tentative deal with Penske Automotive Group fell through, the Group was unable to find a manufacturer to make Saturns. No lay-offs are expected, but the brand will be phased out as soon as possible according to a GM spokeswoman.

Local Impact

The news comes at a bad time for local auto dealers, as the Syracuse area finds itself in one of its worst sales slumps in the auto industries history.

Local Saturn dealerships are slated to join a long list of dealerships to shut down. The most recent to shut down, Romano Chevrolet, who shut their doors last week.

Salina Street Fire

Firefighter Rescued From Attic
By Scott Campbell

SYRACUSE, NY - An early morning fire at a two-family home on 3009 South Salina Street gave one firefighter a big scare. While inside the burning home, a firefighter, whose name has not been released, found himself trapped in the attic with no air.

While battling the fire a "Mayday" call was heard, alerting the firemen that one of their colleagues was in trouble. Firefighters were able to pull the man from the attic and transport him to University Hospital, where he was treated for smoke inhalation and a cut to his face, according to Lt. Ken Heffernan.

Firefighters proceeded with putting out spot fires and have not yet begun an investigation. Heffernan says it appears the home was under renovation and no one was in the home.

Facebook Threat

Juvenile Responsible For Threat to President

By Scott Campbell

WASHINGTON - The Secret Service has determined the source of a Facebook survey asking peoples opinion on the assassination of President Barack Obama. The survey was conducted by a juvenile, according to an agency spokesperson on Thursday.

According to spokesman Edwin Donovan, no charges will be filed against the juvenile or his parents. The names of the child and parents will not be identified.

THE POLL

The poll was posted on Facebook on Saturday and was taken down quickly once officials were alerted to its existence. As expected the Secret Service took no chances and took the threat very seriously.

The poll stated the question, "Should Obama Be Killed?" The choices, No, Maybe, Yes, and Yes if he cuts my health care.

Secret Service agents met with the child and his parents and determined the threat to be harmless and characterized it as "a mistake," said Donovan.

Fans Returning to the Carrier Dome

Fans filing into the Carrier Dome is the latest sign that Syracuse football is on the way back. The Carrier Dome Manager Pat Campbell says a number of different factors has attendance on the rise.

Campbell stated that the new head coach, Doug Marrone, the hometown quarterback, Greg Paulus, as well as the $15 tickets in the upperdeck has fans flocking back to the Loud House.

"We think attendance is only going to rise throughout the year if the team does well because of the Big East schedule," said Campbell.

If attendance does rise, the Orange could push across an average mark of 42 or 43,000 people per game. Last year, Syracuse struggled to put more than 30,000 in the Dome for some games.

Watch the Story

Manhatten Man Escapes

Escape From Manhatten Court



By Scott Campbell


MANHATTEN, NY - According to the Associated Press, the search for 56-year-old Ronald Tackman continues today. Tackman, a robbery suspect, casually strolled out of a Manhatten courthouse where he was mistaken for a lawyer.

Tackman was wearing a suit on Wednesday when a court officer spotted him on his way out and mistook him for a lawyer. This isn't Tackman's first escape attempt, in fact he has a criminal record dating back to 1978.

It wasn't long before Tackman escaped that he visited his mother and changed clothes. His mother, Gene Devine, told NY1 television that her son came home, "all dressed up." Devine took the appearance of her son as a sign that he was discharged from prison.

Tackman changed his clothes and was last seen wearing a black jacket and blue jeans.