Syracuse Tries to Tax Three Churches

Syracuse City Assessor John Gamage has put three closed Catholic churches on this year's tax roll for the first time. Gamage says since the churchs are no longer being used as places for worship, they can be taxed. The churches include St. Peter, St. Andrew the Apostle and St. Stephen.

Gamage is currently reviewing the values and exemption statuses of vacated properties in Syracuse for the city's annual review of assessments. This is the first time Gamage has denied exemptions for closed Catholic churches in the area. According to the Post Standard, 56 percent of Syracuse properties are exempt. 

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Student says assistant principal spied on him through laptop

The FBI is investigating whether a Pennsylvania school official spied on a student at his home by means of a web cam. The student's family has filed a lawsuit against the Lower Merion School District. Parents Michael and Holly Robbins of Penn Valley say Harriton High School's assistant principal watched their son through his  school-issued laptop while he was at home. They also say the assistant principle used a photo on the laptop to accuse their son of using drugs. 

District Superintendent Christopher McGinley says he rejects the accusations. Another school officials says it was wrong for the teachers not to tell parents the school laptops could do this.

Vietnamese bid farewell to "Your Excellency"

Thousands of Vietnamese fisherman are paying homage to a 15-ton dead whale today. Over 10,000 people have gathered at the Bac Lieu province to say goodbye to the creature they call "Your Excellency." The fisherman plan to build a temple in the whale's honor. In Vietnam, whales are sacred animals. 

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