Two tires fall off C-5 during flight

CHICOPEE, Mass. – Military officials are investigating how two tires fell off a huge C-5 transport plane on a training flight in western Massachusetts on Thursday. Authorities said no injuries have been reported and no property was damaged.

Officials say two of the 28 tires on the plane’s landing gear fell off and plunged to the ground in Belchertown, about 20 miles northeast of Springfield.

Police said the tires are believed to have landed in a wooded area and officials are searching for them.

The plane returned to Westover Air Reserve Base and landed safely.

A message left for base officials was not immediately returned.

The C-5 Galaxy is one of the largest military planes in the world and is often used to deliver troops and large equipment to overseas locations.

Tolled carpool lanes approved

LOS ANGELES – Solo commuters looking for a faster drive through Los Angeles during rush hour will have the option of using toll lanes late next year for a fee.

Members of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved rates, ranging from 25 cents to $1.40 per mile, on Thursday for portions of Interstate 10 and state Route 110.

The MTA and the California Department of Transportation will convert existing carpool lanes on those two freeways to toll lanes.

Carpoolers won’t be charged. Solo drivers will be allowed to use the lanes if they pay the toll, with rates varying depending on traffic levels. When congestion is heavy, the rate will be higher; when demand is low, they’ll pay less.

The MTA said the lanes will open December 2010.