Proposed Bike Plan

Syracuse, N.Y. ~ A meeting will be held tonight where two different bike plans will be discussed to connect University Hill and downtown.

One plan has bike lanes on both sides of the street and the other has two bike lanes restricted to one side of the street.Official are trying to get people out of cars and out enjoying the city. "We need to choose a plan and move forward, said Eric Person, Community Director. Tonight we're hoping for feedback."

The lines will starting on East Genessee and head down Fayette creating a clear cut path from
University Hill to downtown Syracuse. "The purpose is to accommodate all types of travel," said Steve Kearny, City Planner.

NCC News Kate Sheehy has the detail on the proposed plan.

Onondaga Prayer

Syracuse, N.Y. ~ This afternoon people came together at Onondaga lake park for prayer.

They are praying for the lake because it is not drinkable due to heavy pollution. The Onondaga nation wants the lake to be clean from the pollution, so they prayed for purification of the lake, by pouring clean spring water into it this afternoon. More than 20 people gathered for the ceremony and according to the New York State Department Onondaga lake is one of the most polluted lakes in North America.

Arts & Culture: Impact The Economy

Syracuse, N.Y. ~ The Downtown Committee held a meeting to recognize the Arts and Cultural Organization in Onondaga County, which generates more than $62 million per year in economic revenue.

The Downtown committee's revealed their economic initiative to enhance intellectual and economic growth.

"The real opportunity is for people to realize that a lot of these arts and cultural institutions become the new anchors for downtown," said Stephen Butler, Exec. Dir. of Cultural Council. The Committee hopes the momentum of their Downtown projects and commercial will create local government revenue.

It's refreshing to have so many members of the business community taking the arts so seriously and recognizing that those kinds of partners are needed for a thriving Downtown." David Mankiewicz, Downtown Committee Exec. Dir.

NCC News Reporter Brittni Smallwood has the details on the what the organization is planing for the future of downtown Syracuse.

Ed McMahon Dies In Los Angeles

Syracuse, N.Y. ~ Ed McMahon, the loyal "Tonight Show" sidekick passed away.

Tonight show legend Ed McMahon died earlier at Ronald Reagan UCLA Hospital. He was 86. For thirty years he famously introduced Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show.

There is no word yet on what the cause of death. McMahon broke his neck in a fall in March 2007, which prevented him from working and he suffered from many health problems in the past few months. He survived by his wife and five children. No funeral arrangements have yet been made.

Chase Corporate Challenge

Liverpool, N.Y.~ People are lacing up their running shoes and hitting parkway.

Tonight more than 6,000 runners, from nearly two-hundred and fifty companies, are expected to hit Onondaga Lake Parkway, for the 27th annual Chase Corporate Challenge which includes a 3.5 mile road race that begins and ends at Griffin Stadium.

The event kicks off at 6:25 tonight and all proceeds will go to the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection. Employees can expect to see a different competitive edge from their co-workers.

Swamp Rat Run

Syracuse, N.Y. ~ Staying fit is a growing concern for kids. Local elementary schools are encouraging their boys and girls to enter in the annual Swamp Rat Runs at Oneida Shores Park.

Race Director Richard Nastasi has seen growth in participation in this event over the years because local elementary schools are pushing their kids to get fit. "We're now in the computer age and the computer games where you sit and you sit and you don't do anything physical, said Nastasi, Race Director. And I think it is important to encourage kids to get involved in athletic types of activities."

There were around 700 entrants in the boys and girls mile runs combined. The Swamp Rat Runs included a 5k followed by a 10k race. Many parents bring their kids to events like this to keep them active. "Running is an athletic activity and it helps them in terms of the physical fitness," said Nastasi.

All mile runners were given souvenir ribbons to show they competed in the races, but only the top finishers received awards and for some, crossing the finish line was just not good enough. "You gotta run smart for the first couple of mile, so you can ruin stupid, said Chris Raulli. Kids are mainly encourage to enter the race, but there is no age limit, making it an enjoyable day for anyone looking for a little fun in the sun, exercise or friendly competition.

Women Box

Syracuse, N.Y. ~ Boxing is a sport traditionally dominated by men but more women are determined to go pro.

There are very few woman boxers, but Tasmyn Davis standing at 5' 9" and 180 pounds says she was born to be a prizefighter. "I'm giving myself a year, said Tasmyn Daivs, female boxer. I'm gonna train hard every day."

Davis had received a lot of negative feedback but she is not letting that stop her from achieving her dream. "The type of life I come from, people don't do much with themselves said Davis. I want to show my little brothers that you can do something with you life. That its okay to dream."

And being a pro-boxer is a dream that Davis has been pursuing for about four months. With daily training, her coach and her teammates say they can see her on TV one day, but it won't happen over night. "But if she sticks with it, said John Jones, UFC Fighter. I don't see why we won't be seeing her on HBO in a few years."

Metro Transit Train Crash: Old Fleet

Syracuse, N.Y. ~ Investigators and officials continue to work at the scene of a rush-hour collision between two Metro transit trains in northeast Washington, D.C.

Two subway trains collided in a Metro Transit System in northeast Washington, D.C., Tuesday morning, killing seven people in the nation's capital and sending more than 70 people to the hospital.

Officials said the trains were apart of an old fleet and needed to be phased out because of safety concerns but "Metrorail transit system kept the old trains running despite warnings in 2006," said Debbie Hersman of the National Transportation Safety Board.

The NTSB accused Metro authorities of ignoring its recommendations, but Hersman said she wanted to be cautious of what caused the rear-end collision.

Kodachrome Becomes Extinct

The classic film is no longer being sold

SYRACUSE- Today marks the final day Kodachrome will be sold due to the constantly decreasing demand. Once popular for its great color and grain quality, the film has been replaced by newer technology.

"No one's brought me a role of Kodachrome in years," said Sharon Pickard, manager of Industrial Color Labs in Syracuse.

Paul Simon helped get the name Kodachrome stuck in the minds of Americans with the release of his song "Kodachrome" in 1973.

Kodachrome, originally produced by Rochester-based Kodak, has grown unpopular to consumers. NCC News asked about a dozen people their thoughts on Kodachrome passing and the answer we got most often was some version of, "Kodachrome...I have no idea what that is."

Although today marks the end of a great era in film, it might stand for the progress of newer technology even more.

NCC reporter Courtney Petrouski's story can be seen by clicking on the link below.

Syracuse Construction is Very Visible

One of the numerous construction sites in Syracuse

SYRACUSE- Construction can be seen in Syracuse at many locations. While that might frustrate drivers, there's no way to get around it.

The only good news commuters can hear is some of the projects are scheduled to be completed on time or even early. For example, constrcution foreman Joseph Lang was asked about the progress made on a steam pipe relocation on Comstock Avenue.

"It's due to be completed, 100% complete, by August 7th, but we expect to be completed two weeks early," Lang said.

However, the major state funded projects will take more time.

"In Central New York, we have a very compressed construction season when all work can be done. So, weather dictates a lot of what we can do and when we can do it," said Michelle Clark of the State Department of Transportation.

Interstate 690 eastbound and the Interstate 81 south bound ramp are closed for resurfacing and should be opened the third week of July.

"Sometime after the first week of July we'll be resurfacing I-690 by Teall Avenue and 481. That'll be a project that's a heavily travelled stretch of highway," Clark said.

The New York Department of Transportation has regular updates on its website.

NCC reporter Leigh Paynter's package can be seen by clicking below.

Hancock Airport Gets a Check-Up

Check-up occurs every 15 years

SYRACUSE- Hancock International Airport gets a check-up every 15 years. This year it's the runways that need some work.

"We will be rehabilitating the runway intersection. We will be rehabilitating a portion a portion of the taxi way in addition to some other projects," said Public Informational officer Chris Reale.

Hancock International Airport put in a bid to get funding from the Department of Transportation and the FAA to pay for the construction.

"It will be resurfaced, repaved, have new lighting and new signage," said Reale.

Today, the Common Council voted "yes" on funding the very expensive 63 million dollar project.

"It is a good thing both for the airport and for the area," Reale said.

Reale also says the project will start in August and should be done in 30 days.

NCC reporter Megan Rowls' package can be seen below by clicking on the link.

Patti Cooper Sentenced Today

Cooper receives sentence






SYRACUSE- Patti Cooper was sentenced to five years probation this morning at the Onondaga County Criminal Courthouse. She accepted a plea deal, avoiding the possibility of being convicted of murder and keeping her out of prison for life.

The body of a baby was found in a trash can in Onondaga Park in 1981. Cooper was charged with second-degree murder last year after police linked her to murder by DNA testing on cigarette butts taken from her trash.

However, with the plea deal, all DNA evidence is thrown out and only a mitochondria DNA test--which only proves Cooper's genealogy--they didn't have.

"We never hid from the fact that this case was weak," said prosecutor Rick Trunfio. "Evidence from the original case investigation had been inadvertently destroyed or discarded so we had no physical evidence."

Cooper has not admitted she did it or even that it was her baby. Still she took the deal.

"There is a possibility--like anything else--that you could lose," defense attorney Richard Priest said. "And, if you lose, you're going to go to jail for the rest of your life."

The defense didn't want to risk a lifetime sentence, so the 27 year case concludes today with a punishment for Cooper--but no jail time.

Drumlins' Greenskeeper Busy Behind the Scenes

Greenskeeper doesn't get much recognition for the hard work

SYRACUSE- As the head Greenskeeper at Drumlins Golf Course, Peter McPartland knows the amount of work it takes to maintain a course.

"Usually we're out here by 6:00 AM, five o'clock on weekends and we work anywhere from eight to 12 hours a day," McPartland said.

According to McPartland, he mows about ten thousand yards of grass a day down to tiny millimeters depending on if he's cutting the rough or the fairway. This is the standard job day for the maintenance crew.

"We have everything from weed whackers and push mowers that most people would use on a lawn, to big unit fairway mowers that can cut down to fractions of an inch," said Matt Bednarski, an assistant to McPartland.

Most people would hate waking up before the sun rises every day, but maintenance worker Michael Frasher doesn't mind at all.

"I love being out here, you know what I mean?" said Frasher. "It's a challenge being out here and prepping a course."

At the end of the day, with new divots scattered across the course, the Greenskeeper and his maintenance staff know the next day starts pretty soon.

NCC sports reporter Mario Sacco's package can be seen by clicking below.

Legacy of Civil War Still Alive

Volunteers seek to educate others about the Civil War

JAMESVILLE, N.Y.-The 28th Volunteer Infantry of New York hit the battlefield in Jamesville over the weekend. The group put on a reenactment of the war that divided the nation in two.

The Volunteer Infantry makes several stops in Central New York and play both sides of the war: North vs. South. While the actual fighting may merely be a reenactment, the muskets and the rifles they use are real.

"Contrary to what most believe, we don't do this to play with guns, we do this because we're passionate about the history and enjoy educating people," said Timothy Buckham, captain of the 28th Volunteer Infantry Company.

The performance not only shows a battle on the field, but it also showcases how soldiers lived away from the battlefield.

"I would of stayed home...kept the home going, the farm going, sending clothes they would need to where they are...a lot of letters," said Buckham.

Most of the volunteers enjoy reenacting the Civil War because they have family ties to it.

"My grandfather fought on one side and my other grandfather fought with the North," said Marilyn Dirk.

More than anything, the Civil War reenactment is a dedication to the over 600,000 lives that were lost.

NCC reporter Mike Krafcik's television package about the Civil War reenactment can be seen below.

Man Seriously Injured in Hydroplane Race

Despite injury, Shaw planning to return to racing

SYRACUSE- Richard Shaw is a special education history teacher. But he also enjoys racing hydroplanes. He raced in last weekend's Syracuse Hydrofest.

Unfortunately, Shaw never finished the race because his boat hit some slow but large waves called rollers that sent him into the air.

"It used the wave more as a ramp...and I felt the engine wind up and I knew I was completely out of the water and...the back of the boat slapped against the same roller and I nosed it on the right side," said Shaw.

The boat landed upside down in the water and he was stuck underneath it.

"I somersaulted I couldn't tell you how many times...and when it finally stopped I was upside down and my air helmet wasn't working and I had the wind knocked out of me and I was sucking water," said Shaw.

Despite the injuries sustained in yesterday's accident, Shaw says he is looking forward to returning to racing.

"I've had incidents before where I've spun out and every time I got back into the boat it seemed like I was going to spin again," Shaw said. "It takes you a heat or two to get your confidence back."

Shaw says racing has been in his blood since childhood.

"My father raced since 1973 and I went to my first boat race when I was two weeks old," said Shaw. "I started driving when I was 14, so I literally grew up in the sport and I love it."

Despite the sport not being popular, Shaw's love of the game motivates him to race each and every time.

NCC reporter Vijeta Kadarmendalgi's story can be seen below.

Tropical Storm Andres Strengthens off SW Mexico

Andres is first storm of Eastern Pacific hurricane season

Tropical Storm Andres is getting stronger off the southwestern coast of Mexico early this morning. Forecasters say the coming days could see it become a hurricane.

A tropical storm watch has been issued along part of the Mexico coast, even though it is too soon to tell if the storm will make landfall.

Late last night, Andres became the first named storm of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, which is typically busiest between July and September.

Forecasters say it's been 40 years since it took so long in the Eastern Pacific season to officially name a tropical storm.

Obama to Announce Agreement with Drug Companies

Agreement to help close the gap in prescription drug coverage

President Obama will make a formal announcement Monday stating an agreement has been made by the pharmaceutical industry to assist in closing a gap in prescription drug coverage under Medicare.

The president has invited Barry Rand, head of AARP, to appear with him.

The drug companies have promised to spend $80 billion over the next ten years to reduce the cost of drugs for seniors. The money will also pay for part of Obama's health care legislation.

The deal was originally struck with Senator Max Baucus, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, as well as the White House.

North Korea Issues Nuclear Threat

Obama says U.S. is prepared

North Korea is declaring itself a "proud nuclear power" and will strike if provoked. Japan's Coast Guard says it has received notice from North Korea's maritime authority that ships will be banned off the North Korean coast starting Thursday because of "military exercises."

President Obama is telling Americans that his administration is "fully prepared" for any move Pyongyang might make. Obama says he won't reward "belligerence and provocation in the way that's been done in the past."

Meanwhile, a member of South Korean intelligence says a North Korean cargo ship possibly carrying banned weapons appears to be headed towards Myanmar.

New U.N. Security Council sanctions require member states to inspect vessels believed to contain prohibited goods. The sanctions are intended to punish North Korea for conducting a secret nuclear test last month

Deadly Bombs Hit Baghdad

Violence escalates ahead of June 30 withdrawal of U.S. forces

Several bombings have killed at least 13 people in the Baghdad metropolitan area. In the deadliest incident, Iraqi police say at least 5 people were killed and 20 wounded by a car bomb.

A roadside bomb exploded in Sadr City next to a bus carrying Iraqi high school students, killing at least three and wounding 13.

Police say another car bomb went off on the east side of the Tigris River, killing two people and wounding nine.

Violence has been prevalent ahead of the June 30th deadline calling for the withdrawal of U.S. forces from major cities in Iraq. Iraqi administrators expect militants to step up bombing attacks around the deadline.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Threatens Protesters

Guard issues warning against protestors

Iran's Revolutionary Guard has issued a warning today to opponents disputing a presedential election.

Protestors have been fighting in the streets for weeks disputing a national election in which Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was re-elected. The protestors believe the election was rigged and that Mir Hossein Mousavi should have won.

The Revolutionary Guard, considered to be the most powerful security force in Iran, says any further opposition protests would be met with "revolutionary confrontation."

Meantime, Iran's highest electoral authority, the Guardian Council, has reported voting irregularities in 50 electoral districs in the June 12th vote.

Mousavi encourages the people of Iran to keep up the protests, saying "The country belongs to you. Prostesting lies and fraud is your right."