Web Extra: NCC News Podcast, April 13 Web Extra: NCC News Podcast, April 13

AVA LEVENTHAL: I’m Ava Leventhal reporting for NCC News. Here are the stories making local news today, April 13. The Syracuse University campus is one of many vaccination sites around Central New York announcing the suspension of the use of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, due to concerns over its link to blood clots. Jack Bodette, a student on the SU campus who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, through the university, is worried about its effects.

JACK BODETTE: I would say yes, I’m definitely worried. I mean, imagine making it through the entire pandemic, get a vaccine, next thing you know, you’re dead.

LEVENTHAL: The pausing of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is not the only issue that students are concerned about, and yesterday SU announced that the university will not allow students to use recreational marijuana even though New York state has legalized it for people over the age of 21. Noah Lourie, a student on the SU campus, thinks that university’s restrictions are ridiculous.

NOAH LOURIE: I guess I figured the school would just go along with state law. I would guess the board is probably older people and don’t have the same view of marijuana as we do.

LEVENTHAL: Finally, Onondaga County is reconsidering how it will conduct high school graduation ceremonies after Gov. Cuomo announced yesterday that New York State will allow high schools and colleges to host in-person graduation ceremonies this spring. Lily Kuo, a high school teacher at the Manlius Pebble Hill School hopes that this will bring some normalcy back to the lives of students.

LILY KUO: We will do anything that allows us to open up for more audience, and kids will be very excited because they miss the part of having their families together.

LEVENTHAL: Mostly sunny with a high of 65 today, going into a partly cloudy night with a low around 45 and light winds. For NCC News, I’m Ava Leventhal reporting. You can find full stories on our website, NCCNews.Online.com

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