Syracuse Snow

Onondaga County has been under a lake effect snow warning since yesterday, and snow has been falling all day today.

Some people can’t stand the snow and want spring to come sooner.

“This is bad this year,” said Jonelle Vivenzio of Syracuse.

She says she can't wait until this is over. But John Coleman of Syracuse said the snow does not bother him.

“To me, it’s a minor inconvenience. It doesn't really cause real damage, so it's fine, it goes away,” said Coleman.

To be able to get through winter in Syracuse, it requires plenty of salt and shovels.

"We order according to what the weather reports are," said Salt City Ace Hardware manager Joe Allen.

Update: Egypt Blast

A homemade bomb has killed one French student and injured more than a dozen other students at a landmark Cairo market on Sunday.

The students were nearing the end of their trip when the attack happened, said Mayor Patrick Balkany of the teens' hometown Levallois-Perret, France on Monday.

"We are faced with a dreadful drama," said Balkany.

This attack was first on tourists in Egypt in three years. It is also making Egyptians worried about their tourism industry, which is already been hit by the global economic slowdown.

A government spokesman said the bomb was placed under a stone bench in a cafe where the French students were sitting in the square, next to one of Cairo's most famous shrines, the Hussein mosque.

Several experts said that the attack may have been carried out in anger over Egypt's response to
Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip against Hamas in January.

Three people have been detained for questioning, security officials said and further investigations will be carried out in the next few days.

Libraries See Increase in Borrowing

The American Library Association conducted a poll, showing that 68 percent of Americans have a library card. This is a five percent increase from 2006. But are borrowing rates up?

In Syracuse more people are going to libraries, but books are not the only items they are checking out.

“From December to January of this past year we noticed a huge increase in the borrowing rate of DVDs,” says Doreen Milcarek, Co-Manager of the Onondaga County Public Library.
“I rent DVDs, some of the new ones, new releases that are hard to find you know, instead of buying them,” says Arthur Jones, who frequents the public library.
Milcarek says the borrowing of DVDs has increased by 48 percent since last year but Internet access is also in high demand.

Milcarek predicts the attendance will continue to increase, and with this the library could potential receive addition funding from the construction provisions of the stimulus bill.

With the economy the way that it is, Bill Sheldon of Dewitt believes, “the library is the best bargain out there.”

Bad Economy Bad Health?

Some people are choosing cheaper and less nutritious food over healthy ones during bad economic times, said Health and Wellness Professor Maureen Thompson.

“More processed food choices, high in fat, over time their health may be impacted,” said Thompson.

But some locals are making an effort of staying healthy even though food is expensive.

Rich Godden an Electrician says, “For me if health is a priority and it is…I’m not going to cut back on what I eat. I’ll cut back on something else.”

Another local, Shaywn Gentile cooks every night.

“I make a conscious effort to make fresh food every night,” said Gentile.

Experts recommend that if you take your time in planning ahead and be strategic in your grocery shopping, you will be able to stay healthy.

Fugitive Heading Back to New York

A fugitive who was captured last week is heading back to New York State on Tuesday. Charles Myrtetus was captured in southeast Missouri was living in a survivalist shack as authorities described it. Heather Groll, spokeswoman for New York state’s Division of Parole said, police have been looking for Myrtetus after he failed to report to his parole officer and register as a sex offender in 2004.

After receiving a tip about three weeks ago, U.S. marshals tracked down Myrtetus’s cell phone and determined his location.

“Unless you absolutely knew where he was, you’d never find the place,” said Carter County Sheriff, Tommy Adams.

Myrtetus was sentenced in 1974 for raping a woman in Onondaga County and was released from prison in 2003.

L.I. Police Officer Killed

A Long Island police officer responding to a call was killed this morning. Officer Glen Ciano,45, was on his way to assist a fellow officer with a traffic stop when a drunken driver slammed into his patrol car, which burst into flames, according to Suffolk County police.

Jose Borbon,23, was driving the vehicle that killed Ciano, and was arrested on a driving while intoxicated charge. Police say this is Borbon’s second DWI in two months and he is expected to be arraigned today.

Borbon’s attorney, William Petrillo, says Borbon’s “thoughts and prayers are with the officer’s family.”

Ciano is the 22nd Suffolk police officer that has been killed in the line of duty.

UPDATE: Attorney General In Guantanamo Bay

Attorney General Eric Holder arrived in Cuba this morning to tour the detention center at Guantanamo Bay. Holder arrived with about a half-dozen key aides to speak with military officers about the case histories of specific detainees, along with charges that were pending prior to President Obama suspending military commissions. This suspension is a part of the review of U.S. policy toward terror suspects being detained at Guantanamo Bay.

Holder is also scheduled to tour the courtroom complex where the now suspended military commissions usually take place.

As Holder arrived in Cuba, the first Guantanamo detainee to be transferred from the prison arrived in England. Bunyam Mohammed, is the first detainee to be transferred after Obama ordered the review off all the sites detainees.

Holder will return to Washington tonight.

Attorney General To Tour Guantanamo Bay

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder toured the military prison at Guantanamo Bay. He will be briefed about the detention and interrogation practices that have been used there.

According to the U.S. Justice Department, Holder will also be discussing with Guantanamo military officers the case histories of specific detainees, along with their pending charges.

UAW and Ford Reach Agreement

The United Auto Workers and Ford have reached a tentative deal on a health care trust. Ford is to fund a trust that will pay the health care expenses of their retirees.

An agreement made in 2007 has been modified. The former agreement required Ford to make multi-million dollar payments in cash to the trust. Now up to 50 percent of the payment to the trust can be made with Ford stock.

This agreement could act as an example for General Motors and Chrysler, who have to change the funding of their trusts under the terms of the government loans they have recently accepted.

This is the second agreement this month that Ford has reach with the UAW in terms of cost cutting initiatives. Earlier this month Ford and the UAW formed a deal on other contract compromises, after talks with GM and Chrysler temporarily broke down.

Ford is not seeking federal loans at this time.

A Big Night for Bollywood

It was a Bollywood triumph at this Sunday’s Oscars. Slumdog Millionaire has won eight Academy Awards out of ten nominations, including Best Director for Danny Boyle and Best Picture.

Among other winners was Kate Winslet for Best Actress in her portrayal of a former concentration camp guard in the “The Reader.” Sean Penn also won his second best-actor Oscar by playing slain gay-rights pioneer, Harvey Milk in "Milk."

During his acceptance speech, Penn had some harsh words for anti-gay protesters.

“I'd tell them to turn in their hate card and find their better self,” said Penn.“It's really sad in a way, because it's a demonstration of such cowardice…to be so afraid of extending the same rights to your fellow man as you'd want for yourself."

In the Best Supporting Actors category, Heath Ledger claimed the Oscar for his portrayal of the Joker in “The Dark Night.” He is the second performer to win an Oscar posthumously.

Penelope Cruz was the first Spanish actress to win an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role as a volatile artist in Woody Allen’s "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

More people watched the Oscar's this year than last. Viewership increased by six percent compared to last year, but it’s still likely is one of the three least-watched Oscars in history.

New Archbishop for New York

Milwaukee Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan was appointed to the new New York Archbishop on Monday. Dolan will succeed Cardinal Edward Egan, who is retiring as archbishop after almost nine years of service.

Egan welcomed Dolan at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in a morning mass on Monday.

“I’ve known him many years…and I told him how I delighted I am to welcome this wonderful priest and bishop,” said Egan.

Dolan did not speak but in a statement he said he was “deeply honored” and “grateful for the confidence of Pope Benedict XVI.”

Egan was ordained in 1957 and was bishop of Bridgeport, Connecticut for 12 years before Pope John Paul II appointed him to lead the New York Archdiocese in 2000.

Tiger Woods Making His Comeback

Tiger Woods is making his comeback this week. He will participate in this Wednesday’s Accenture Match Play Championship in Arizona.

Woods says he is not sure what to expect but is happy to finally be competing again. He attributes his successful rehab and being able to compete again to the personal competition he had with himself during his rehabilitation workouts.

“I had to find competition in different ways," said Woods. "What I did was really focus on my rehab. That was my open personal competition each and every day to get better. Because I couldn’t do it in the golfing arena anymore, I turned my competitive juices to a different area. That made my workouts more productive."

Woods last competed in June. He won the U.S. Open at Torrey Pines before having surgery on his ACL, and taking the remainder of the season off.

Paterson Meets with Obama

Governor David Paterson was in Washington D.C. today. He attended the National Governors Associations. He and other governors have met with President Obama and other senior administration officials.

The meeting focused on the national recovery plan. Governors also talked about how they are going to use the money toward creating more jobs for people.

Also in the meeting, New York officials have estimated that the stimulus package President Obama just signed could bring more than 24 billion in additional federal revenues to New York State.

Rev. Al Sharpton Comes to Syracuse

Reverend Al Sharpton came to Syracuse this morning, speaking to students at Nottingham High School. He spoke to students for about twenty minutes, and held a question and answer session.

Sharpton had a strong message for the students, telling them that violence is senseless. He offered his advice on how to stay away from street life, using the recent election of President Obama as an example.

“When the world told him he couldn’t do anything, he believed in himself and he became the President of the United States,” says Sharpton.

Sharpton says, “the only way programs like ‘Say Yes to Education’ will work, is if you make up your mind at this age that you are going to be somebody.”

Say Yes to Education is a program that works to increase the graduation rates for students in city schools, and raises money to help send those graduates to college.

Sharpton is in Syracuse to induct the local chapter of his National Action Network. Sharpton founded NAN in order to fight for social justice.

Daniel Lowengard, Syracuse Superintendant of Schools, says they are working to make the city schools more technologically advanced, and will be streaming Sharpton’s talk on the web. All Syracuse City Schools will be watching the assembly in their Social Studies classes.

Sharpton will be at the Tucker Missionary Baptist Church this evening to speak on self empowerment, where Lowengard says he is excited to see if Sharpton will comment on the controversial NY Post cartoon published last week.

“I was fascinated by this horrible Post cartoon and I am not sure why the kids did not ask,” says Lowengard.

S.U. Women Skate for the Cure

Syracuse University’s Women’s Hockey Team has almost completed their inaugural season. As they won their sixth straight game over the weekend, they were also skating for a cause. The SU women chose Friday’s game to take part in the College Hockey of America Conference’s Skate for the Cure.

Skate for the Cure is an event that raises money for cancer awareness, and is an annual event that teams in the CHA Conference take part in. Each team chooses at least one home game to raise money for the charity. The money donated is pooled and given to a chosen charity, and this year the women chose to donate to cancer research.

This was an opportunity for the team to give back to the community and all those affected by cancer. The event also helped bring extra fans to the stadium.

Kristen Smith and Will Elkins are hockey fans who, when they found out about Friday’s event “definitely wanted to go.”

Kathleen Twomey, the captain of St. Anslems, SU’s opponent Friday, says, “I think [the event] is great. I think our team should do something like this back home. I really like how they wore pink. I wish we could do that. I think it’s nice.”

The SU women wore pink laces and used pink hockey sticks in the spirit of supporting breast cancer awareness, while fans also wore pink.

SU women’s hockey has already had what fans call a successful season.

Dan Rapaport, a SU Fan, says, “they can really challenge in the division. They can take the CHA next year.”

Local Video Store in Trouble

Because of new technologies in movie watching, one of many video stores in Central New York will be shutting down.

Jim Loperfido, owner of Emerald City Video tried everything to save his store.

“There are none left, we’re the last independent video store in Syracuse,” said Loperfido.

A video store like Emerald City Video is closing due to high competition from big chains like Blockbuster’s Total Access and Netflix.

“Movies get delivered in your mailbox, and with Netflix, you can watch a lot of movies online instantly,” said Holly Rodricks a Netflix subscriber.

Even though some people are sad to see independent video stores closing down, they are still going to stay with Netflix.

“I feel for local businesses but I like my convenience too,” said Rodricks.

The Orange Fall from the Tree

Syracuse's Eric Devendorf, right, is pressured by Georgetown's Julian Vaughn during the second half in an NCAA college men's basketball game in Syracuse, N.Y., Saturday, Feb. 14, 2009. (AP Photo/Kevin Rivoli)

The Syracuse Orange fell in the ESPN and USA Today men's basketball rankings yet again. The Orange followed up Wednesday's 63-49 defeat to number one UConn with an unconvincing 98-94 victory over unranked Georgetown.

Connecticut remains #1 for the third week in a row followed by #2 Oklahoma and #3 North Carolina. Other ranked Big East teams include Pittsburgh at number four and Louisville in the seventh spot. LSU moved into the rankings as Florida State dropped out from them.

The Orange fell to #24 in the AP Poll and #25 in the ESPN Poll.

Pedicure Health Threat

These days many women and more and more men love getting their monthly pedicure. But while you're relaxing and getting pampered, did you know that your health could be at a serious risk?

The typical pedicure chair has a system that uses the same pipe when water fills the tub and when it is drained. This structure makes it easy for bacteria and dead skin to creep into the tub for the next client. To prevent this, the owner of Best and Co. Salon and Day Spa in Downtown Syracuse says she has invested a lot of money to keep her clients safe and happy.

“Well each chair costs $15,000. They don't break down. They're clean. They're sanitary. They're comfortable. So, it gives an overall feeling as a really good pedicure,” said Sue Paula, owner of Best & Co. Day Spa.

Gloria Allain is a regular client at this spa and she has type two diabetes. Her doctor told her to be careful with her feet, or risk losing them. She suggests people like her to have a pedicure every month or every six week.

“Your feet are the most important thing because amputation is a big thing with diabetes...The first infection will start in your feet, and the care of your feet is very important,” said Allain.

Maria Pitonzo, nail technician, said that it's worth it to check out the place where you are getting your pedicure and ask what their standards of sanitation are before it's too late. She also said it’s very difficult to get rid of fungus or bacterial infection, and some damages simply cannot be undone. So in the long run, it’s worth it to make sure you know what you’re putting your feet into before you get the pedicure done.

Suspicious Fire in Florida

A fire Sunday burned down a mobile home in Florida, where 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford was raped and murdered four years ago this month.

The mobile home belongs to John Couey's, who told investigators he kept Jessica in a closet for several days before burying her alive outside his trailer. Jessica was abducted on Feb. 24, 2005, from her home nearby.

The case prompted lawmakers in Florida and other states to pass Jessica's Law to keep better track of sex offenders and punish repeat offenders more severely.

County officials called the fire "suspicious" and state fire marshals are investigating this case.


(In a Tuesday, July 11, 2006 file photo, John Evander Couey sits in court during the second day of jury selection in his trial,at the Lake County Courthouse in Tavares, Fla. )

Dairy Dilemma

Got milk? Senator Charles Schumer wants to make sure you do.

Today Schumer visits upstate New York to talk about his stimulus plan for the dairy and agricultural industry in New York. Livestock and livestock products account for about two thirds of New York's agricultural income.

The senator is visiting Columbia and Schoharie counties along with Greene County which is expected to receive $5.3 million in direct budget relief.

State officials estimate New York will get $24.6 billion overall out of the stimulus package including Medicaid, construction, education and other funding. This is part of the $789 billion federal bailout bill passed by Congress. President Obama has yet to sign it.

Presidential Popularity Contest

In honor of President’s Day, it’s the perfect time to reflect on jobs done by former leaders, and give a new meaning to the “popular” vote.

C-Span surveyed 65 historians to judge the work of the past 42 presidents. The historians included academic advisors from Rice University, Howard University, and George Mason University.

The top 3 winners of the Presidential Leadership Survey were Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and Franklin Delanor Roosevelt. Our former George W. Bush ranked 36th out of 42.

The survey was based on individual leadership characteristics including public persuasion, crisis leadership, and moral authority among many others.

California Storm

Southern California is suffering from what could be the biggest snow storm of the season.
The California Highway Patrol says heavy snow has closed a section of Interstate 5 in the mountains north of Los Angeles, and wind with gusts of up to 45 miles per hour is causing dangerous surf conditions off the coast.

Meteorologists warn that a storm this size can bring waterspouts or small tornadoes in the next couple of days.



(Cyclists cross the Golden Gate Bridge during the second stage of the Tour of California bike race Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, in San Francisco.)

Warm Weather in Clinton Square

Located in the heart of downtown Syracuse, the Clinton Square Ice rink is one of the city’s most popular winter destinations.

Heather and Trevor O' Hearn of Syracuse say they come as much as they possibly can. "It's a great spot", Heather adds.

In an effort to attract visitors, the rink was opened in 2001 during a downtown renovation. The outdoor rink sees more than 20,000 skaters a year.

With warmer winter weather, the Clinton Square Ice rink is open till as late as 10:00 PM on weekend nights. The skating season at Clinton Square begins the last week of November and is open until March 17th.

Pakistan to Cease Military Offense

The Pakistani government announced that it agrees to a truce with militants and imposes Islamic law in a large chunk of the northwest region. The concessions to local Islamists are aimed to pacify the Taliban insurgency in the area. The Taliban welcome the announcement, but are not suggesting they'll give up their arms.

First trip to Asia as Secretary of State

Hillary Rodham Clinton has arrived Asia. This is her first trip abroad as Secretary of State. She arrived in Japan on Sunday with a pledge that the Obama administration would work with Asia in dealing with climate change, clean energy and the worldwide financial crisis.

"We will be looking for ways to collaborate on issues that go beyond just our mutual concerns to really addressing global concerns," Clinton said at a ceremony to commemorate the arrival of the first secretary of state ever to make Japan their first overseas stop.

Last week, she had warned North Korea against any "provocative action and unhelpful rhetoric." North Korea is preparing to test fire a missile capable of reaching the western United States.

But on Monday, the 67th birthday of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, Pyongyang claimed it has the right to "space development" – a term it has used in the past to disguise a missile test as a satellite launch.

On Sunday, Clinton said that North Korea needs to live up to commitments to dismantle its
nuclear programs, saying Washington is willing to normalize ties with them in return for nuclear disarmament.

After her tour in Japan, Clinton will also be visiting Indonesia, South Korea and China.

Syracuse Winterfest

Syracuse Winterfest is on and a chillingly good time. The 12-day festival is going on until February 22nd and gives Central New Yorkers something to celebrate between the long stretch between New Year's Eve and St. Patrick's Day.

Bob Geraci, Onondaga County parks commissioner, wants to highlight Syracuse as a winter destination. This intention has kept Winterfest going strong for the past twenty years.

Winterfest gives people a chance to get out of their homes and trade in snow, ice and cold for snow-shoes, sledding, treasure hunt and the chili cook-off in Clinton Square.

Museums and public libraries are also participating in Winterfest, spreading the activities from downtown to all over Onondaga County.

A variety of events for all ages including food and tastings, drink, music, games, indoor and outdoor activities. Signature events include the culinary cruise, chili and chowder cook-offs, wing walk, human dog sled race, Hammond jammin', vintage winterfest and kids fest. Most events are free.

Recession V. Donation

While many people’s lives have been affected by the recession, some donation drives are still getting their steady supplies.

Major Kevin Schoch, Salvation Army of Syracuse Manager, said that so far they haven’t seen a big impact in the number of donations, and they’re still able to manage to bring in furniture.

But things are not looking so good at the Rescue Mission. General Manager Tammy Wilson said she has seen a decrease in supplies to her charity, but an increase in the number of people coming into the store.

“As far as the clothing goes, we are in dire need. People are wearing their clothing more,” Wilson said.

Kate Elioff, a regular shopper at Rescue Mission, said that if you people going to donate goods to the Salvation Army, thrifty stores, or want to help homeless and the poor people, they shouldn’t donate junk.

NY Knocks on Doors for Child Support

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York collected $1.7 billion in child support in 2008. This is a $104 million increase from last year.

The state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance says this was the biggest annual increase in collections since 2001. A spokesman credits the increase to agency efforts as well as
establishment of legal paternity of 90,937 New York children. The legal paternity admissions are up more than 3 percent from 2007.

The agency works with hospitals to ensure paternity is acknowledged at birth. The office can help adjust wages and intercept tax returns when non-custodial parents are behind on support payments.

Gillibrand for Guns

NEW YORK (AP) - Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand keeps two rifles under her bed.

In an interview published in Monday's Newsday, Gillibrand said she and her husband, Jonathan, keep the rifles to protect their home in upstate New York.

Gillibrand was a congresswoman from a rural Republican district when she was tapped by Gov. David Paterson to fill the Senate seat vacated by Hillary Rodham Clinton. As a member of the House, Gillibrand earned a 100 percent rating from the National Rifle Association for her pro-gun stance.

"If I want to protect my family, if I want to have a weapon in the home, that should be my right," said Gillibrand, who has two small children.

She has been criticized by other Democrats in New York for her positions on both gun control and immigration, and she has acknowledged that her views are broadening as she moves from representing one district to the entire state.

In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has complained that Gillibrand has opposed efforts "to enact commonsense measures that keep illegal guns out of the hands of criminals."

Gillibrand said Monday she looks forward to working with Bloomberg and other gun-control advocates "to end illegal gun trafficking and give law enforcement the tools they need to get these illegal guns off our streets."

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Parking

Think the government is trying to nickel and dime you? Do your research.

On federal holidays, such as President’s Day, public parking is free for Syracuse residents. But how many people know that?

We surveyed four Syracuse residents to test their knowledge of this penny-pinching fact and found that none of them knew that there was no charge for parking today.

Many of the people surveyed said that free parking would save a little money for them during hard economic times.

A proposed solution to educate people about free parking is to program electronic parking meters to have a default message informing the driver on the federal holiday.

What Went Wrong?

Investigators are still trying to find out what happened during the final seconds of Flight 3407, a plane that crashed into a house in Buffalo, NY on Thursday night and killed all 49 people on board and one person in the house.

Steve Chealander of the National Transportation Safety Board said shortly before plunging into the house, the plane pitched up at an angle of 31 degrees, then down at 45 degrees. It then rolled violently to the left and right at 105 degrees. Then the planed dropped 800 feet in five seconds, causing everyone on the plane to experience up to twice the G force as they normally would on the ground.

Before the plane went down into the house about six miles away from the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, the pilot reported “significant” icing on the wings and windshields. Other planes in the same area also experienced the same problem.

Chealander said the pilot may have violated the airline’s policy and federal safety recommendations for flying in icy conditions by leaving the autopilot on even after he notified air traffic control that the flight crew had spotted ice on the leading edge of the wings and the windshield.

Investigators who examined both engines said they appeared to be working normally at the time of the crash.

Stimulus Signing On the Way

WASHINGTON (AP) - Tomorrow's a big day for President Barack Obama, as he signs the $787 billion stimulus bill. It's also the day U.S. automakers submit their viability and
loan payback plans.

Obama plans to appoint a government panel to oversee the auto restructuring. A senior administration official says a presidential task force will direct the restructuring of General Motors and Chrysler.

Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner and National Economic Council Director Lawrence Summers will lead the panel. Obama's focus Wednesday will shift to the housing crisis. He'll
go to Phoenix, where it's expected he'll offer help to homeowners on the brink of foreclosure.

Shoe Tossing Insults

The Iraqi journalist who threw his shoes at President Bush will go on trial next week. The charge is assaulting a foreign leader. The appeals court refused the defense's request to reduce the charge to simply insulting President Bush.

In another shoe throwing incident. The Chinese Premier, Wen Jiabao has asked Britain's Cambridge University to pardon a student who threw a shoe at him during his speech there earlier this month. The Chinese government was outraged by the incident and many Chinese citizens considered it an insult to their country.

"It is hoped that the university will give the student an opportunity to continue his studies at the university," Wen was quoted as saying by China's ambassador in London, Fu Ying, in a statement posted on the Foreign Ministry's Web site.

Drug Violence Seeps into the U.S from Mexico

U.S. authorities are seeing a spike in killings and kidnappings in relation to the drug violence that is surging through Mexico. Many policymakers are suprised because the violence is not taking place in border towns but in places which are far away like Phoenix and Atlanta.

Mexican drug cartels have drug-dealing operations all over the country, in places like Anchorage, Alaska and Boston. U.S. investigators say that this might lead to violence erupting in various parts of the country.

"The violence follows the drugs," said David Cuthbertson, agent in charge of El Paso's FBI office.

The violence takes many forms. Addicts who owe money are kidnapped until they pay up. Cartel employees who skim off the top are disciplined through beatings and kidnappings. And drug smugglers kidnap illegal immigrants when they clash with human smugglers over the use of secret routes from Mexico.

44-Story Hotel Catches Fire in China

A 44-story hotel in Beijing, China caught on fire. The fire started after sparks from fireworks hit the hotel. The fireworks were part of the celebration for the lantern festival that follows the Lunar new year. No one was injured.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel was still under construction and was expected to be one of the most luxurious hotels in China. The hotel is located near China’s Central Television's headquarters.

"Smoke came out for a little while, but then it just started burning," said one onlooker.

Wildfires Continue in Australia

The death toll has reached 166 in the deadly wildfires in Australia. It is now believed that arsonists may have started the fire. Australia’s Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, referred to these fires as “mass murder.”

Firefighters are still looking for survivors and estimate that the fires have destroyed over 750 homes leaving over 5,000 people homeless.

"All around us was 100-foot flames ringing the oval, and we ran where the wind wasn't. It was swirling all over the place, for three hours, we dodged the wind," said Jack Barber, a survivor of the fire.

There are an estimated 60,000 wildfires every year in Australia. Half of these fires are started by arsonists.

Egypt Brokers Truce

Egypt has invited rival Palestinian factions to a conference in Cairo in an effort to broker peace between Israel and the militant Palestinian organization, Hamas. This is in place of a temporary ceasefire called after Israel's offensive in Gaza last month.

Egypt is also trying to bridge the divide between Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. The rift between the two organizations was created when Hamas expelled the Palestinian Authority from Gaza a year and a half ago.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak expressed hope for "a return to calm" in Gaza by next week. Mubarak and French President Nicolas Sarkozy discussed plans for a truce in the Palestinian territory.

The two leaders were instrumental in pushing Israel to end its offensive in Gaza. Israel began its offensive in order to stop rockets being fired on Israeli territory. Hamas leaders announced their own ceasefire the same day, but scattered attacks are straining the truce. Around 1,300 Palestinians were killed in the offensive, according to Gaza health officials, and 13 Israelis also died.

Syracuse's Reaction to Stimulus Plan

President Obama will explain his stimulus plan to the nation tonight in a primetime news conference. Some people we spoke to in downtown Syracuse had questions about the plan that they hoped would be answered.

Catherine Hoefer of Syracuse asked, "How will it help the lower income people, rather than just the upper class, and especially the middle?"

Hoefer also had some suggestions about ways in which the stimulus package could benefit the city of Syracuse. She said it should be used to renovate downtown, get rid of old buildings and spruce up the place so that people coming in will want to stay.

Some people we spoke to said that any kind of stimulus package would be helpful right now. Salleya Reese of Syracuse said "At this point, where we are in our economy, there's no wrong way to use the stimulus package. My heart goes out to so many people that have been losing their jobs. It's even been hitting my own job and I work at Macy's."

But Reese was still upbeat about the situation. She said, "Even in the midst of problems, it's like there's still hope; there's still positive things that came out of it."

Gas Prices Rise

Gas prices are on the rise again. The national price for gas is currently $1.92, but here in New York the average price is $2.06. Although prices are going up, the national average is lower than what it was last year at this time. However, economists say that they don’t think that prices will reach $4.00 again this year.

“I don't think you'll see anything beyond the low threes by the end of this year," said SU Economics Professor Don Dutkowsky.

But Dutkowsky does believe as the economy gets better gas prices will rise. “"They'll start going back up as things get better. Prices below two dollars was a sign of a very depressed market."

Here in Syracuse local gas companies are actually losing money on gas but say they make up for it in other ways.

“We take the hit and make our money elsewhere," said Delta Sonic’s site supervisor Michal Grubcca.

A-Rod Admits to Using Performance Enhancing Drugs

Yankee star, Alex Rodriguez has admitted to ESPN that he used performance enhancing drugs while playing for the Texas Rangers from 2001-2003.

"And I did take a banned substance and, you know, for that I'm very sorry and deeply regretful. And although it was the culture back then and Major League Baseball overall was very - I just feel that - You know, I'm just sorry. I'm sorry for that time. I'm sorry to fans. I'm sorry for my fans in Texas. It wasn't until then that I ever thought about substance of any kind, and since then I've proved to myself and to everyone that I don't need any of that."

A-Rod admitted to using the performance enhancing drugs after Sports Illustrated reported that he tested positive for both Primobolan and testosterone. The test was taken back in 2003 and he was only one of 104 players that tested positive in the confidential steroid test. Rodriguez said back when he was using the illegal substances, baseball was a different game.

"Back then it was a different culture. It was very loose. I was young. I was stupid. I was naive, and I wanted to prove to everyone that, you know, I was worth, you know - and being one of the greatest players of all time.”

In 2007, A-Rod was asked by 60 Minutes if he had ever used performance enhancing drugs. He answered “No.”

Valentine's Day in a Slumping Economy

The slump in the economy has affected how some people celebrate Valentine's Day. Jacky Kalfass of Syracuse says "I won't be spending as much, usually I would do a huge basket for my husband, you know a 50 to 70 dollar basket."

But other people say that candy is still an affordable luxury. "There really hasn't been a change in my buying habits this year for Valentine's Day," says Robert Cook of Syracuse.

Sam Martin of Syracuse says that he is addicted to both his wife and chocolate.

Store owners are too busy planning for the Valentine's Day rush to worry about whether there will be a fall in sales this year. The Sweet on Chocolate owner, Petit Jean Goodman says, "It's an exceptional amount of work, it's a relief for all of us when it is finally over."

No matter if you spend five dollars or ten dollars for your loved ones, says Terry Adriano, the owner of Hercules Candy Company, the thought is what really counts.

St. Joe's Buys Land for a Dollar

A common council meeting was held to discuss the St. Joseph's Hospital expansion. A motion was passed to sell the land on East Laurel Street and Prospect Ave to St. Joe's Hospital for a dollar. The land is actually worth $285,000.

The next step for the hospital to obtain the abandoned land is to get it passed by the state health department. The entire process usually takes around six to nine months.

If everything is passed, the hospital has a two phase plan for the new land. First, the hospital wants to expand their emergency center because currently it is undersized. Secondly, it hopes to build a new patient tower with 110 new rooms.

The hospital is hoping to start working on the project by the end of the year.

The Price of the Post Standard Goes Up

The Post Standard will cost more whether you buy it on a newsstand or have it delivered to your house. The price of buying the newspaper on the stands will go up by 50 percent after March 2. Right now it costs 50 cents, soon it will cost 75 cents. In a year, readers of the paper might end up spending almost $90 more than they normally would for the paper.

Home delivery is also going to increase by approximately 25 percent. Right now it costs $4.70 a week but after March 2, it will cost $5.90 a week.

The Post Standard increased prices twice last year.

Sales Up for McDonalds

With the recession came numerous job cuts and business closures. However, one hamburger chain is actually seeing an increase in sales. McDonalds has reported a 7.1 percent increase in January.

McDonalds currently has over 32,000 restaurants worldwide including eight here in the Syracuse area. A manager from the McDonalds on Erie Boulevard told us that their restaurant has seen a twenty percent increase in January.

The number one hamburger chain's stock has gone up by 82 cents.

Environmentalists Pushing for a Change in the Bottle Bill

Environmentalists are pushing for a new improvement to the bottle bill. If the improvements to the bill pass, it would require a five cent deposit on water and other non carbonated beverages. Currently only carbonated beverages have a deposit. At a press conference today in Albany representatives explained that over four and half billion containers of non carbonated beverages were sold in 2006. Now that Democrats have the majority in the senate, environmentalists feel the change to the bill has a better chance to be enacted.

Environmentalists are not the only ones who want improvements to the bottle bill. Governor Paterson also feels that it would help increase state revenue. At the press conference, it is projected that with the new "Bigger Better Bottle Bill" $118 million dollars could be generated. Not only would the new bill generate money but it would also create more jobs and benefit communities.

NCC News spoke with Laura Haight, NYPIRG’s senior environmental associate, who explained that they are urging people to contact their state law makers in support of the bill.

Haight also said that the bill will not be finalized until the 2009-2010 budget is complete, most likely in March.

Although the new bill has a lot of support, not everyone is backing the idea. Big bottle companies are not in favor of it.

Four Prisoners Released Into Iraqi Custody from Guantanamo Bay

Neda Abdul-Hadi has been dealing with her brother's disappearance since 1999. Today she heard through news reports that her brother is one of the four prisoners who has been released into Iraqi custody from Guantanamo Bay.

Her brother was serving in the Iraqi military under Saddam Hussein, when he disappeared. In 2004, the family received a letter saying he was in Guantanamo.

"We received a handwritten letter from him almost every threemonths," said Abdul-Hadi, "He would only tell us about his well-being and send his love to the family, but nothing about his arrest or why he was in Guantanamo."

According to Iraqi officials, the four men were arrested in Afghanistan, sent to Guantanamo and then released to the Iraqis for questioning. The officials wished to remain annonymous because they weren't authorised to talk to the media.

President Barack Obama has ordered the detention center in Cuba to be closed within a year as part of his overhaul of U.S. national security policy. An estimated 245 men are being held; most of them have been detained for years without being charged.

No Show for Chris Brown and Rihanna

The 51st annual Grammys took place last night and missing from them were two singers who were both nominated and set to perform. Couple Chris Brown and Rihanna did not show after the Los Angeles Police Department announced that Brown was the subject of an investigation in a felony charge for domestic violence. Police say a woman called 911 saying that Brown was hurting her. The incident happened around 12:30 a.m on Sunday.

Brown turned himself in and was booked on suspicion of making a criminal threat. Brown posted bail and was released late Sunday.

In place of Rihanna's scheduled performance, Justin Timberlake, Al Green, Boys II Men and Keith Urban performed “Let’s Stay Together.”

“Things happen; you have to be nimble,” Neil Portnow, Recording Academy President said, explaining the change in performers.

Other notable performances included Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus who performed Swift’s “Fifteen” and Stevie Wonder's performance with the Jonas Brothers. Alison Krauss and Robert Plant took home five Grammys for their hit album “Raising Sand.”

Obama in Indiana to Push Stimulus Plan

President Obama went to a town hall meeting in Elkhart, Indiana today to win support for the $827 billion economic rescue plan. Obama says that the time for action is now, even if the plan isn't perfect.

Elkhart, Indiana is a county where unemployment has affected over 15 percent of the workforce. The president said he came to the Midwest to assure people that he's working hard to turn the economy around.

"The nation is facing an economic crisis as deep and as dire as any since the Great Depression," said Obama.

Nissan to Cut Jobs

Nissan Motor Company, Japan’s third largest automaker, is feeling the effects of the slumping economy. Nissan has announced that they will be cutting 20,000 jobs. Those 20,000 jobs make up 8.5 percent of the global workforce. Along with cutting jobs, bonuses for their board of directors will also be slashed.

In the last nine years Nissan has not recorded a loss. However, when the fiscal year ends in March, Nissan is expecting to record a three billion dollar loss.

Other Japanese companies that have been affected during these difficult times include Toyota, Toshiba and Sony.

Pilot And Crew Get Keys To NYC

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has presented pilot Chesley Sullenberger and his crew with keys to New York City. Last month, Sullenberger crash landed his plane on the Hudson river when birds disabled the flight's engines. All 155 people on board survived. Bloomberg called the pilot and crew, "five real American heroes."

"That day could have been one of our most tragic," said Bloomberg, "but became one of our most triumphant."

The ceremony was held at City Hall in Manhattan.

London Snow

It has been 18 years since London has experienced a winter storm like they did this morning. The four inches of snow that they received this morning has caused the London transit system to shut down and flights to be cancelled.

It was not just airports in London that were affected. Airports in both France and Ireland reported delays.

The city had about a weeks notice to prepare for the storm but the mayor admitted that the city does not have the plows and other equipment needed for the cleanup. This is because snow storms in London are very rare.

FDA Review

President Barack Obama promised the nation that a review of the Food and Drug Administration would be carried out to find the cause of the salmonella outbreak.

Over 500 people have fallen sick and at least eight people have died. Officials say the Peanut Corp. of America shipped products that initially tested positive for salmonella after retesting and getting a negative result. The outbreak has led to a massive recall of products ranging from ice cream to cookies.

"I think that the FDA has not been able to catch some of these things as quickly as I expect them to catch it," said Obama. "And so we're going to be doing a complete review of FDA operations." The president went on to say that Americans should be able to count on the government to keep children safe when they eat peanut butter.

"That's what Sasha eats for lunch probably three times a week. And you know, I don't want to have to worry about whether she's going to get sick as a consequence of having her lunch," said the president.

The FDA has asked the Justice Department to investigate Virginia-based Peanut Corp. of America. Before the salmonella outbreak federal food safety inspectors hadn't visited the plant since 2001.

Syracuse Plows in Trouble

Syracuse is no stranger to snow, but this year plows are having a difficult time clearing all the snow.

“Each month has been an above normal snow fall and it just hasn't stopped as you might notice,” said Jeff Wright, the DPW commissioner.

The massive amount of snow this year has made it difficult for the plows to distinguish between where the road ends and the grass begins.

Another problem plow drivers are facing is cars parking illegally .

“In some cases we can't do whole sections of streets because we can't even get the plowers through," Wright said. "For example, Lancaster over here is a problem. Right now you can't get a truck through there at all. Illegally parked cars. I barely got my vehicle through there.”

Eric Holder Confirmation

Eric Holder is likely to be confirmed as attorney general later today. Holder will be the first African American to hold that post. He will have to rehabilitate a department that has been criticized for injecting politics into the hiring of officials and the firing of attorneys. He will also have to take a call on whether to prosecute Justice Department officials who have violated the law.

Holder declared unequivocally at his confirmation hearing, "Waterboarding is torture." This statement about an interrogation technique signalled a drastic change in policy. The Bush administration regarded the tatic as legal and did not consider it torture.

Six More Weeks of Winter

Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog from Pennsylvania, saw his shadow this morning which means six more weeks of winter. But here in Syracuse some people think that Groundhogs Day is just a tradition.

“I don't think it's true. I think it's three more years. The groundhog blew it this time,” said Jeff Kramer, a Syracuse resident.

John Langen agrees. "We know it's going to be winter until May."

Restaurants and Cafes In Syracuse Struggle To Survive

Restaurants in Syracuse are struggling along with the economy. "People are not coming in a lot," says Karen Bhassen, the owner of Cafe Gyro Basha. Some people, however, are still optimistic. "It's a little bit of a struggle, says Robin Barber who works at Mimi's Cafe, "but we haven't gone under yet."

However the economy is just one reason why cafes are faring badly. Bhassen says that most cafes in this area survive on the business brought in by Syracuse University students. So when they are away, sales are down. Barber says that Blue Cross moving away was a big blow to local restaurants.

Cafes are cutting prices and jobs in order to reduce costs. A Syracuse resident, Barbara Groth says that cafes will have to run specials and make a concerted effort to attract customers in this economy.

Daschle Apologizes

President Barack Obama’s choice to lead the Health and Human Services Department said he was “deeply embarrassed and disappointed” about not paying his taxes. Tom Daschle failed to pay more than $120,000 in taxes.

Daschle wrote a letter to the Senate Finance Committee trying to explain how he overlooked taxes on additional income.

The Senate panel will decide on Daschle’s nomination. As for President Obama, he is sticking by his nominee.

Stimulus Package Review Board

Earlier today, President Obama said he would establish a review board to oversee the $700 billion financial industry bailout plan. He also hinted that his administration might ask for more money. "We can expect that we're going to have to do more to shore up the financial system," Obama said.

Obama teamed up with Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas to get bipartisan backing for the stimulus package. A $819 billion package passed last week, without a single Republican voting in its favor. The Senate started working on the $900 billion version today. GOP lawmakers say that the plan is too expensive and doesn't put enough emphasis on tax cuts. Douglas is one of several GOP governors who are breaking with their Republican colleagues and working to get the stimulus package passed. "With very few exceptions, I heard from Republicans and Democrats the need for action, and swift action," said Obama.

Obama said that some of the nation's banks would have to write off bad debts, while other banks may fail. "It is likely that the banks have not fully acknowledged all the losses that they're going to experience," said Obama.

New Record for the Super Bowl

Even with the slumping economy, ads for the Super Bowl were not affected. In fact, this year NBC sold out all their advertising spots for a record $206 million. NBC charged $3 million for every half minute of advertising. For Go Daddy, the money may have been worth it. It’s “enhancement” advertisement was named the most watched Super bowl advertisement. If you missed the ads you can visit NBC.com, Hulu.com or Superbowl.com to catch them.

As for the game, the Pittsburgh Steelers pulled it out last night becoming the first team to win six Super Bowl Championships. With only seconds left in the game, Santonio Holmes made an outstanding catch in the end zone, giving the Steelers the lead. Kurt Warner and the Cardinals were unable to fight back losing with a final score 27-23. Holmes was named MVP.

Now that the game and ads are all over, the Steelers will be back in Pittsburgh to celebrate. The parade will begin tomorrow at noon near Mellon Arena.