Schumer: No Relief for Summer Flights

WASHINGTON (AP): Lawmakers plan to increase pressure on the Federal Aviation Administration and the industry
by holding a hearing on the economic costs of widespread flight
delays.

Delays cost the U.S. economy an estimated $9 billion a year,
according to Sen. Charles Schumer, a Democrat from New York City,
which has seen some of the worst of the flight delays at its three
major area airports.
"The U.S. economy can't afford to have one of its major
airlines just shut down for days," said Schumer, adding: "The
ripple effect is tremendous, it's like putting a vise on
commerce."

Senator Schumer passed through Onondaga County Monday--just one day after calling for an overhaul of the the aviation system.

Newsday.com: Caps on Kennedy Flights Not Expected to Ease Delays

My Fox NY: Schumer Blasts FAA Flight Plan

Having a Cow at the State Fairgrounds

It was the last day of the of the Spring Carousel today at the New York State Fairgrounds, the biggest cattle show and competition in the world. The event allows cattle owners not only to showcase their animals, but also to increase their cows' value.

Winners of the biggest competitions at the show can increase their value by as much as $500,000, according to Patsy Gifford, the executive director of Holstein U.S.A.

The showcase featured more than 1,200 cows from 21 states and Canada. Gifford says these cows supply some of the largest dairy companies in the country.

Despite the economic hardships throughout the country, today was a day to celebrate for the dairy industry. Gifford was not especially concerned about the plight of the dairy industry.

Onondaga County Public Library Helps File Taxes

If you're under pressure to get your taxes filed before tomorrow's deadline, the Onondaga County Public Library might be able to help. For the past five years, the Library has been taking appointments to help people file their taxes, free of charge.

At the Petit Branch of the library today and tomorrow, people have booked up appointments to meet with representatives of AARP to have their taxes filed in appointments that take no longer than one hour. However, most appointments last between 30-45 minutes.

The library is buzzing with people today, and library representatives told NCC News it's normal to have the place all booked up. There are currently three representatives working today. However, those still in need of help should stop by the library in case there are extra representatives that can help.

One reason library representatives believe the program has been more successful this year is the benefit of the economic stimulus package. According to the Internal Revenue Service's website, more than 130 million households are benefitting from the $600 minimum tax break for qualified taxpayers.

The program cannot help those with complex filings, but they are willing to help students, seniors, and anyone from any income level in between. Middle to low income families are encouraged to attend.

The AARP also provides a three week training course in advance of the tax deadline.

Chamberlain leaves Yankees to be with ailing father

Associated Press

Updated: April 14, 2008, 12:36 PM ET

NEW YORK -- Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain left the team after his father collapsed at his home in Lincoln, Neb., the Daily News reported Monday on its Web site.

Joba Chamberlain's father Harlan, left, has had a myriad of health problems. He had polio when he was 9 months old, uses a motorized scooter, is deaf in one ear and doesn't have the full use of his left arm.

Harlan Chamberlain was hospitalized Monday at St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center in Lincoln. Hospital spokeswoman Jo

Miller said the family requested that no further information be released. The Daily News said he was in critical condition, according to a nursing supervisor.
Joba Chamberlain's sister called the Yankees during the eighth inning of New York's 8-5 loss at Boston on Sunday night. The newspaper said the reliever spoke with his sister after the game and broke into tears, and manager Joe Girardi tried to console him.

Chamberlain, the Yankees' primary setup man, planned to return to Nebraska rather than accompany the Yankees to St. Petersburg, Fla., for a series against Tampa Bay starting Monday night.

Harlan Chamberlain had polio when he was 9 months old, and uses a motorized scooter. He is deaf in one ear and without full use of his left arm.

Harlan Chamberlain raised Joba as a single dad. He attended New York's season opener earlier this month, and was at last week's series in Kansas City.

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press, Image: Icon SMI

Losing Faith on the Home Front

April 14, 2008
1:15 P.M.

A recent Associated Press-AOL Money & Finance Poll says homeowners are becoming more pessimistic about the housing market and won't be looking to move anytime soon if they can avoid it.

Break Down: The Associated Press-AOL Money & Finance Poll

60% of homeowners say they definitely won't buy a home in the next two years. That's up 7% since 2006.

11% are likely to buy soon. That's down from 26% two years ago.

25% of homeowners worry their home will lose value over the next two years.

One in seven mortgage holders fear they won't be able to make monthly payments over next six months.

The Post Standard Reports Syracuse Not Affected by Subprime Mortgage Crisis
EXPERTS SAY SYRACUSE HOUSING MARKET ESCAPED SUBPRIME CRISIS - IT WASN'T OVERHEATED TO BEGIN WITH, SO THERE'S LESS DANGER OF A MELTDOWN.
Post-Standard, The (Syracuse, NY) - March 15, 2008
Author: Rick Moriarty Staff writer
Many other markets, including Syracuse, did not experience huge run-ups in prices, never bothered with subprime mortgages and are not seeing price declines or rising foreclosures now, two economists said.

"The big declines are all about these super-overheated markets in California, Florida and Las Vegas," said Robert Denk, assistant staff vice president for forecasting and analysis at the National Association of Home Builders. "Most other markets, they're not marching to the cliff and diving off."

Ken Fears, manager of regional economics for the research division of the National Association of Realtors, said the meltdown in subprime mortgages - loans to people with poor credit ratings - has even helped places like Syracuse. As banks have redirected mortgage money away from subprime loans to safer conventional mortgages, interest rates have fallen, making homes more affordable, he said.

In Onondaga County, sales of single-family homes fell 10.9 percent between 2005 and 2007, but median prices rose 6.5 percent, from $123,000 in 2005 to $131,000 in 2007. The two economists said 2005 was a particularly strong year nationally for home sales, making the sales from just about any other year look poor in comparison.

Men's Lacrosse Stays at Number 2, Women move up a slot

Despite another convincing win for the SU Men's Lacrosse team, the Orange stayed put at #2 in the country in the most recent poll. InsideLacrosse.com still has the Cuse one slot behind top-ranked Duke.

That's likely because the Blue Devils toppled #3 Virginia 19-9 Saturday afternoon. The Orange beat unranked Rutgers by a 17-9 count. Syracuse attackman Dan Hardy lead the team in scoring with a career-high four goals, and also added an assist in the win.

Also, SU Attackman Mike Leveille has been nominated for the Lowe's Senior Class Award.

He is one of ten finalists for the award. Qualifiers for the award must show great on-field success, as well as performance in the classroom, community service and character.

To vote for Leveille, click here.

Gary Gait's SU women's lacrosse team moved up a spot in the most recent poll. The Orange is now ranked 4th in the country.

SU crushed Rutgers in Piscataway, N.J. 18-6.

Katie Rowan broke the Orange's single-season scoring record (86), which she had previously set, by scoring 7 points in the win. She scored 86 points in 19 games last season, and to date this season has already scored 87.

Syracuse Tries to Recruit More Cops

April 14, 2008
12:36 P.M.

The Syracuse Police Department is struggling to recruit more police officers. The city is partnering with Syracuse University to devise a better marketing strategy. NCC's Maite De La Rosa will have a full report on NCC News at 4:30.

Interested in being a police officer in the city of Syracuse? Click the link for an application.
Syracuse Police Application

Staying Fit: What's Expected of Men and Women in the Force

TEST
Male
AGE SIT-UP PUSH-UP 1.5 MI RUN
20-29......38.......29........12:29
30-39......35.......24........12:53
40-49......29.......18........13:50

Female
AGE SIT-UP PUSH-UP 1.5 MI RUN
20-29......32.......15........15:05
30-39......25.......11........15:56
40-49......20........9........17:11

New York Time's Reports Recruitment Problem in City