Navy ship honors 9/11 victims

The USS New York Navy assault ship pulled into its namesake city today honoring the victims of 9/11.  A 21-gun salute near the site of the 2001 terrorist attack saluted the ship as it arrived. First responders, families of September 11 victims and the public gathered Monday to see this incredible site.

The new Navy ship was built using more than seven and a half tons of steel from the World Trade Centers.  It was actually scheduled to be built before the terrorist attacks, but a year later an announcement came saying the ship would be named in honor of New York City and all those who died. 

My Take:  No one will ever forget 9/11.  The USS New York is a great way of honoring those who have fallen on 9/11, and the idea it was built out of metal from the towers makes it that much more special.

Interstate 81 oil spill causes car accident

An oil spill on I-81 northbound caused a driver to lose control of a vehicle and hit the guardrail, this according to the Syracuse Post-Standard.  The accident occurred at 1:45 p.m. near the ramp to Interstate 481 southbound, 911 dispatchers said. 

No injuries have been reported yet, but both police and rescue crews are on the scene of the accident trying to clean up the oil spill.  According to the Syracuse Post-Standard traffic has been backed up on I-81 northbound now since the accident occurred.  No reports of other vehicles having been involved were made yet either.   

My Take:  Not much information has been released about this accident yet, but it seems pretty major especially if traffic has been backed up since 1:45 p.m.  It does sound like police and rescue crews have the situation under control, though. 

Mike Williams leaves the Syracuse football team

The Syracuse Post-Standard is reporting that Syracuse wide receiver Mike Williams has left the football team.  Head coach Doug Marrone announced the departure of Williams during his weekly news conference.   Marrone said Williams came to his office this morning to say he was leaving the team immediately. 

Williams, who was just named as one of the top ten finalists for the Biletnikoff Award, was suspended two weeks ago for the Akron game for violating team rules.  The Biletnikoff Award is given to the top wide receiver in the nation.   Marrone isn’t sure whether or not Williams is even enrolled at Syracuse University anymore. 

My Take:  This comes to a surprise to many.  There were no reports or any rumors about this happening and just came out of the blue.  It will be interesting to see what the university and Williams have to say about this decision.