Latest local news, weather and sports for Syracuse and Central New York

Yesterday at 6:00 PM  A state senator and several local business owners are pushing for residents to take part in the debate over the future of Interstate 81 in Syracuse, and are warning the public that changing traffic patterns could have a negative impact on local businesses.

Yesterday at 2:04 PM  Normally removing plywood from boarded up windows would not be considered too important, but to downtown developers in Syracuse, it's a big deal.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013  The Downtown Living Tour, featuring eight stops in historic downtown buildings, is this Saturday from 12pm to 6pm. This is the 7th year the Downtown Committee of Syracuse has hosted the event.

Monday, May 13, 2013  The New York pension fund for state and local government workers has topped $160 billion after reporting a 10.4 percent return on investment for its last fiscal year

Wednesday, May 08, 2013  The tourism industry in New York State will get $60-million to help encourage more people to visit.

Tuesday, May 07, 2013  Onondaga County lawmakers approved spending more than $6 million on Tuesday in connection with a big cost overrun at a sewage treatment plant.

Monday, May 06, 2013  The Senate has passed a bill that could end tax-free shopping on the Internet for many shoppers.

Monday, May 06, 2013  Early alerts and strategies to lessen impact of invasive tree killer

Friday, May 03, 2013  U.S. employers added 165,000 jobs in April, and hiring was much stronger in the previous two months than first thought. The gains trimmed the unemployment rate to a four-year low of 7.5 percent.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013  Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is said to be assuring lawmakers that 149 small airport towers will remain open.

Sunday, April 28, 2013  The state Thruway Authority has switched over to more energy efficient LED lighting at 20 toll barrier and plazas and plans more upgrades to save money.

Thursday, April 25, 2013  With flight delays mounting, the Senate has passed legislation to end air traffic controller furloughs blamed for inconveniencing large numbers of travelers.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013  Changing an airline ticket is getting more expensive at US Airways and United Airlines.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013  The White House now says it's willing to consider legislation that would give the administration the budget-cutting flexibility to avoid furloughs of air traffic controllers.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013  There's a new push to save two airport control towers in Central New York, which are currently set to close on June 15th.