Agreement Reached between Oneida County & Oneida Nation:
Oneida county and the Oneida Indian Nation are set to announce an agreement on a number of issues stemming back more than 15 years. Taxation and land issues were two of the top sticking points. Private negotiations have gone on for several months between County Executive Anthony Picente and nation CEO Ray Halbritter. The dispute began with the construction of a bingo hall that later became an ever growing casino. Oneida County lawmakers estimate the nation owes the county close to a half billion dollars in back taxes. We plan to carry the news conference live today starting at 2:00pm.

Unemployment Rate Hits 8.9%:
The unemployment rate climbed to 8.9 percent. This, as many businesses remain wary of hiring given all the economic and financial uncertainties. The rise in the unemployment rate from 8.5 percent in March matched economists' forecasts. This is highest the jobless rate has hit in 25 years.

Union Members Urge passing of Employee Free Choice Act:
Some local CWA union members held up a sheet across the Route 365 overpass over Route 49 in Marcy this morning. They're urging Congress to pass the Employee Free Choice Act. The legislation would make it easier for employees to form unions. No word on how soon it could be voted on.

Cubbage Rejects Plea Offer:
One of three teens accused in a murder in Utica back in February says 'no' to a plea offer. Prosecutors don't believe 19-year-old Timothy Cubbage actually shot and killed Joshua Thompson on Brinckerhoff Ave but he is charged as an accomplice. By rejecting the plea offer of 20 years to life in prison, Cubbage faces 25 to life if convicted at trial.

Felder Offered Plea Deal:
Also in Oneida County Court today, David Felder. He's charged with murder, accused of shooting Joseph Wilson to death on Plant Street in Utica in April. Today, the Oneida County District Attorney's Office extended a plea offer to Felder. He's due back in court two weeks from today to let the judge know if he wants to take it, or go to trial.

Storm Tracker 2 Forecast:

Today: Clouds & sun. Chance of an afternoon or evening thunderstorm. High 72.

Tonight: Mostly cloudy with the chance for a shower or storm. Low 50.

Saturday: Early sun. Late day thunderstorms. High 75. Low 46.

Sunday: Mostly cloudy with the chance for rain showers. Cooler. High 57. Low 39.

Monday: Mostly cloudy. High 61. Low 40.

Tuesday: Partly sunny. High 64. Low 40.

Wednesday: Partly sunny. High 66. Low 43.

Thursday: Thunderstorms possible. High 66