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

Yesterday at 4:35 PM  Whether or not you're the parent of a child in school, you have undoubtedly heard about the uproar surrounding the Common Core tests. They are mandatory for every child in public school in New York State.

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.

Wednesday, May 08, 2013  Syracuse city councilors voted to add money into the proposed budget to avoid staffing cuts to the fire department, but the Mayor says she'll ignore them.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013  The head of the American Federation of Teachers says governments should hold off on plans to link standardized test results with schools' evaluations until everyone is on the same page.

Monday, April 29, 2013  About 50 parents and teachers shared their views about New York State testing at Westhill High School on Monday night.

Monday, April 29, 2013  Syracuse Common Council public budget hearing is dominated by talk of fire department cutbacks.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013  Across the country, parents are making a statement, telling their kids to refuse to take the state's common core exam.

Monday, April 08, 2013  Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner announced Monday that she has submitted the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 budget for the City of Syracuse to the Common Council. The budget includes no increase in property taxes and no layoffs, but does plan to close Fire Station 7.

Tuesday, March 26, 2013  A former Syracuse Common Council candidate and three others have admitted their role in a drug trafficking ring.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013  Dan Cowen has lived in Syracuse since 2009 and wants to be a councilor-at-large.

Friday, March 08, 2013  Many areas in New York State are calling for a repeal of new gun control laws. With over thirty counties asking for this to be overturned, the city of Ithaca is standing alongside Governor Cuomo in support of New York's SAFE ACT.

Wednesday, February 20, 2013  National Grid is utilizing rate payer dollars to grant $300,000 to the Merchants Commons project in downtown Syracuse.

Monday, February 18, 2013  Adults who've begun working toward their GED are being urged to finish up this year, before the test for a high school equivalency diploma changes and they have to start all over.

Monday, February 11, 2013  Syracuse common councilors are voting on a plan today regarding the police department's use of take home vehicles.

Thursday, February 07, 2013  Dogs have long been considered man's best friend, but many dogs in Syracuse can't find a friend in the world. Registration is part of the reason for the city's problem with dogs.