Teachers, parents and students rally outside the state office building

A group of teachers, parents and students stood outside Sen. David Valesky's downtown Syracuse office chanting "no more cuts," syracuse.com reports. The demonstrators were part of a group caleld Alliance for Quality Education, and want the state to tax richer residents instead of cutting money for education. The group consists of people from Syracuse, Buffalo, Rochester and Albany.

The group first rallied outside the building and then went up to Sen. Valesky's suite. They targeted Sen. Valesky, leader of the Democratic majority, because he voted in favor of a budget proposal that will cut $1.4 billion dollars from education. Sen. Valesky said teh state cannot raise taxes, instead officials need to spending under control.

Syracuse center gets surgery

Syracuse University senior center Arinze Onuaku will undergo surgery on his right quardiceps today, syracuse.com says.

Onuaku ripped his right quadriceps in a loss to the Georgetown Hoyas during the Big East Tournament March 11. He miss all three of Syracuse's NCAA games. The surgery will be performed by the team physician, Dr. Irving Raphael.

Qatari diplomat released

The Qatari diplomat who caused a flight scare yesterday will not face any charges, says ABC News. The diplomat caused a midair scare by joking about setting his shoes on fire when he was actually smoking in the bathroom.

Mohammed al Modadi was on official business, flying from Washington to Denver, and therefore has diplomatic immunity, Federal officials said. A spokesman for a law firm told the Associated Press al Modadi was released and is on his way back to Washington.