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

Monday, October 15, 2012  Can the "under filled" state prison system relieve overcrowding in local jails that is costing taxpayers millions?

Thursday, April 05, 2012  New York state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says state agencies paid out $469 million in overtime pay last year.

Tuesday, January 03, 2012  As the inmate population dropped to about 56,000 currently, continuing a decade-long decline, the Cuomo administration this summer closed two other medium-security prisons, Mid-Orange in the lower Hudson Valley and Oneida in central New York.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011  A large rally took place Tuesday afternoon in front of the State Office Building in Utica in an attempt to save two local prisons from closing.

Thursday, June 30, 2011  Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he will close seven state prisons, camps and work release facilities to save money as New York's inmate population keeps declining.

Monday, May 09, 2011  A review of state records has found that New York's prisons are running at about 88 percent capacity.

Thursday, March 31, 2011  The former director of the New York prison system's food operations has admitted defrauding the state out of $100,000 by skipping work shifts and collecting pay for the time off.

Thursday, March 17, 2011  New York corrections data show 43 juvenile offenders were transferred to adult prisons last year, roughly double the number in any of the previous five years.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011  More prisoners were assaulted and committed suicide last year even as the inmate population declined, according to state corrections data confirmed Tuesday by The Associated Press.

Thursday, February 10, 2011  A portion of the hearings into public protection focused on prison closures and the economic impact it will have on upstate communities.

Monday, January 17, 2011  Four U.S. senators are seeking to stop prisoners who have bilked taxpayers out of $123 million through phony tax refunds they applied for from their cells.

Saturday, August 21, 2010  Republican candidate for governor Carl Paladino wants to turn prisons into dormitories for welfare recipients so they can get state-sponsored jobs, employment training and lessons in "personal hygiene."

Friday, June 18, 2010  The budget process continues Monday when the Senate is scheduled to vote on transportation and economic development bills approved by the Assembly Friday.

Thursday, June 10, 2010  The head of the New York state prison system and other state officials will honor two correction department employees during a ceremony being held today in Albany.

Friday, March 05, 2010  Corrections officers say Governor Paterson's plans to close four state prisons would endanger the safety of officers, inmates and the general public, and hurt the economies of the prison towns.