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

Wednesday, September 19, 2012  A new study shows low-income smokers in New York spend 25 percent of their income on cigarettes.

Thursday, August 16, 2012  Police discovered synthetic drugs at three head shops in Oswego in a sweep of local head shops.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012  An appeals court says New York City cannot try to scare smokers by requiring grotesque images of diseased lungs and decaying gums at stores that sell cigarettes.

Tuesday, July 03, 2012  A group advocating smokers' rights has sued the New York Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to remove outdoor no-smoking signs from state parks, beaches, pools and historic sites, saying they subject smokers to hostile confrontations.

Tuesday, May 29, 2012  The Cuomo administration is suspending its restrictions on smoking in parks, pools, beaches and historic sites after a smokers' rights groups objected.

Thursday, May 03, 2012  A tax loophole that allows customers to buy pipe tobacco and make their own cigarettes may have cost New York State $17 million in lost taxes over the past two years.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012  One Central New York county is proposing the toughest standard in the state, for businesses that sell cigarettes.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012  Anti-smoking advocates said Tuesday that Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposed budget would continue to cut help for smokers to quit, even as it takes advantage of their habit by raising the tax on cigars and loose tobacco used in rolled cigarettes.

Thursday, July 07, 2011  More companies are taking a hard line on their employees who smoke. Some are charging more for health insurance. Others are refusing to hire smokers altogether.

Wednesday, January 05, 2011  If you're a smoker or are exposed to second-hand smoke, get flu shot. That's the recommendation today from the CDC.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010  Starting July 1st, taxes on cigarettes in New York will go up by another $1.60 per pack.