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

Thursday, June 13, 2013  A private citizen is suing Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to try to force the Democrat to reimburse taxpayers for a $103,000 secret settlement of sexual harassment claims against an assemblyman.

Monday, June 10, 2013  It does not appear that there is enough support in the New York State Assembly to pass a bill legalizing professional mixed martial arts (MMA) events this year. The New York Daily News is reporting that 35 Assembly Democrats have signed a letter opposing the legalization of MMA that was delivered to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013  Clergy against mixed martial arts are jumping into the New York fight over legalizing the sport, coming to Albany to lobby against it

Tuesday, March 26, 2013  Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says New York will spend $27.74 million to develop the first statewide electronic handgun permit database as part of its new gun control law.

Thursday, March 21, 2013  Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders say they have an agreement on a state budget that would include raising the minimum wage to $9 an hour over three years.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013  The tax rebates would go to families with a household income of $40,000 to $300,000, with one or more children.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013  Cuomo has proposed three privately run casinos off Indian land to boost the upstate economy.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013  The push to increase New York's minimum wage affecting millions of workers got a boost and hit a snag in Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed budget.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012  New York's Assembly has proposed local property tax breaks for victims of Superstorm Sandy.

Friday, May 25, 2012  Advocates for the poor are getting help from some business operators in their quest to raise the minimum wage.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012  State lawmakers are holding a hearing in Syracuse to find out what people think of a proposed minimum wage increase.

Friday, April 13, 2012  The New York Assembly plans to hold a series of hearings on raising the state's minimum wage to $8.50 an hour next year.

Wednesday, April 04, 2012  A statewide poll finds New Yorkers think the secrecy and closed-door deals that led to last week state's budget approval are unnecessary and a serious problem.

Friday, March 30, 2012  New York's Senate and Assembly are poised to vote on final budget bills and close the second straight budget on time.

Tuesday, January 31, 2012  The top Democrat in New York's Legislature is pushing legislation to boost the state's minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 and then index it annually to the inflation rate.