Government plans to fine Toyota $16.4 million

The federal government  would like to fine Toyota $16.375 million because of the company's recent recalls. Toyota recalled over 2.3 million vehicles with a faulty accelerator pedals. The government plans on giving Toyota the largest civil fine allowed under the Tread Act after Toyota failed to notify the government when it learned vehicle problems were occurring worldwide. The fine, if imposed, would be the largest civil penalty the government has ever made on a car company. Toyota has two weeks to accept or fight this fine.

According to The New York Times, the Secretary of Transportation has Toyota documents that show the company was aware of vehicle defects since September and had received complaints from customers, but Toyota did not begin the recalls until Jan.. Other Toyota recalls are still being investigated.  Toyota could potentially face two more fines of equal value.  

Syracuse volunteers to help Haiti

The Salvation Army of Syracuse needs volunteers to continue to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake.  They need 2,500 volunteers to work in three-hour shifts.  The volunteers would be packaging 500,000 meals for the victims.  The packages would include rice, soy protein, freeze dried vegetables and 21 vitamins and minerals. Each package would be able to feed a family of five.

After the initial disaster, there were many food drives and telethons to help the victims of Haiti. There is still devastation in Haiti three months after the earthquake and the Salvation Army wants to continue their support.  According to the Post-Standard, between 500 and 700 people have already signed up to volunteer.  Volunteers will pack up the meals on May 1 at the OnCenter.

Howard to Play Against Duke

Matt Howard, center for the Butler Bulldogs will be playing in tonight's championship game.  Team doctors will allow Howard to play since he has shown no side effects from his concussion.  Howard suffered from a mild concussion during the second half of Saturday's game against Michigan State. According to ESPN, Howard participated in the team's afternoon practice, and he will play as long as he remains symptom free.

Butler will need Howard's help tonight as they play Duke for the title.  Howard, who is 6'8, will help Butler with their size disadvantage.  Duke's center, Brian Zoubek is 7'1 and they have three other players who are 6'10.  Howard is  considered Butler's best player.  He is their number three scorer and second leading rebounder.  

The announcement that Howard would be playing, means that Butler would have all five of the starters that have led them to a 25 game winning streak.