By Danny Cantwell
Happy Thursday, Central New York. It is absolutely dumping snow, wind gusts are up to 40 miles per hour, and the feels-like temperature is in the single digits. We are, however, inching closer to the weekend. I’m Danny Cantwell of NCC News, and these are Central New York’s top stories.
Starting in February, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles is changing its point system. Now, drivers can face suspension after just 10 points in 24 months – a lower threshold that makes harsher penalties easier to trigger. Many New York residents worry that unless tickets and suspensions are applied evenly, the new rules may simply deepen existing disparities. Only time will tell the effectiveness of the new point system.
Many Syracuse students have had a tough time finding parking on campus this year. Spots are hard to come by, passes are expensive, and local authorities often hand out parking tickets to frustrated drivers who have trouble finding legal spots. Junior student Chloe Rudnick says she’s felt that impact firsthand. “It’s definitely tough. I would say I’ve racked up a bunch of tickets over the past year because of it, and the traffic police here are really kind of relentless when it comes to that and not really forgiving of students who don’t have spots.” As winter sets in and campus gets busier, parking has become more than a small hassle – it’s a real daily stress for anyone without a guaranteed space. Transportation Services says commuters can check updated parking guidelines online for available street and overflow options.
“Feed Our Vets” kicked off its third annual food drive at the Lights on the Lake Salute Our Troops Night. So far this year, Feed Our Vets has fed around 11,000 veterans and is on track to give out over one million pounds of food. Lights on the Lake is open nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. For tickets, visit lightsonlake.com.
World-famous rapper Toosii recently announced his commitment to play football at Syracuse University. Toosii, real name Nau’Jour Grainger, is 25 years old and has not played competitive football in seven years. Many Syracuse fans question whether Toosii can actually contribute to the team’s success, or if the commitment is just a publicity stunt. Either way, Toosii’s arrival in Syracuse is sure to bring extra attention to the football program.
Thank you for joining me – I’m Danny Cantwell, and that was your NCC News Thursday rundown.