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

Tuesday, March 12, 2013  According to a new report by the New York State Labor Department, unemployment is slightly up here in Central New York.

Friday, July 20, 2012  Labor officials report New York's unemployment rate rose to 8.9 percent in June even as the state's economy added 15,400 private sector jobs from a month earlier.

Friday, June 15, 2012  The number of people without jobs in New York increased slightly last month, nudging the unemployment rate to 8.6 percent from 8.5 percent in April and 8.1 percent a year earlier.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012  Congressional leaders are gauging lawmakers' reactions to a tentative deal extending a 2 percentage-point payroll tax cut and extra jobless benefits through 2012, a pact bargainers reached after House Republicans conceded that the tax cut would not have to be paid for with spending cuts.

Friday, May 06, 2011  A brightened outlook for job growth may dim this spring as rising gas prices weigh on companies and prompt some to rethink their hiring plans.

Friday, March 04, 2011  Economists say they're expecting very good news about job creation in February but don't be surprised if the unemployment rate rose slightly.

Friday, February 04, 2011  Economists say there were barely enough new jobs in January to keep up with the population growth.

Friday, January 07, 2011  The nation's economy added 103,000 jobs in December and the unemployment rate dropped to 9.4 percent last month, its lowest level in 19 months.

Friday, November 19, 2010  Republicans in the House have blocked a bill that would have extended jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed beyond the holiday season.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010  The measure would extend benefits for more than 2 1/2 million long term jobless.

Thursday, June 17, 2010  The number of people filing new claims for jobless benefits jumped unexpectedly last week after three straight declines, another sign that hiring remains weak.

Friday, May 07, 2010  More confident employers stepped up job creation in April, expanding payrolls by 290,000, the most in four years. The jobless rate rose to 9.9 percent as people streamed back into the market looking for work.

Sunday, January 10, 2010  State Labor Department offers online calculator to clear confusion on benefits

Friday, January 08, 2010  Economists are expecting a small increase in the unemployment rate when the government releases its December labor report Friday.

Friday, December 04, 2009  President Barack Obama takes his defense of the economy on the road today and despite limited options due to big budget deficits, he's warming to the possibility of a job-boosting bill.