According to the New York Times, California’s multibillion-dollar budget crisis calls for the reduction of prison overcrowding.

With roughly $8 billion, 11 percent of the state budget, going to the penal system, California intends to remove from prison criminals who are considered less threatening.

The goal is to reduce the number of inmates in the state’s prisons next year by 6,500.

Syracuse school board votes to close Levy K-8, cut 221 positions

The Post Standard reports that the Syracuse school board approved a budget Wednesday that will close Levy K-8 School.

This will result in the cut of 221 jobs, including 88 teachers and instructional support staff, 67 teaching assistants and 12 administrators or supervisors. These cuts will save a projected $2 million in staff costs.

Most of the Levy students will be moved to Hughes Elementary which will become a K-8 school.

Syracuse basketball links: Gearing up for the Sweet 16

The Syracuse basketball team arrived safety in Salt Lake City on Tuesday evening to prepare for an exciting week ahead of them.

The Post Standard reports that the Orange men and head coach Jim Boeheim will spend their afternoon answering questions from the media and practicing for their Thursday night matchup with No. 5 seed Butler.

"Syracuse basketball is about being ready to play and being consistent," coach Jim Boeheim said. "We don't have to do anything other than play the way we've been playing. That's what we've done all year."