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

Thursday, March 21, 2013  The tentative deal for a New York state budget will include expansion of pre-kindergarten in low-income schools, funding to extend the school day and year, and merit pay for top teachers.

Wednesday, February 06, 2013  A Republican lawmaker from upstate New York has apologized for likening Gov. Andrew Cuomo to the dictators Hitler and Mussolini while criticizing how new, stricter gun laws were pushed through the Legislature last month.

Thursday, December 06, 2012  The mayor of Ithaca is urging the New York State Legislature to legalize marijuana. In an editorial to the Times Union, Mayor Svante Myrick says he has "directed the Ithaca Police Department to focus on other issues that will more effectively protect the public."

Wednesday, September 12, 2012  The New York State Association of Counties is calling upon the state legislature and Governor to get tough on synthetic drugs commonly called bath salts.

Sunday, July 08, 2012  Hints that there might be a push, after November elections

Thursday, March 22, 2012  A coalition of health and environmental groups and municipal recyclers is calling on the state Legislature to pass a bill establishing a recycling program for mercury thermostats.

Monday, March 19, 2012  Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York's Legislature are planning a flurry of negotiations to adopt a budget earlier than the April 1 deadline.

Wednesday, March 07, 2012  Onondaga County's top prosecutor joined several district attorneys from across the state, urging lawmakers to make funding for child abuse prevention programs a top priority.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012  A federal judge on Monday prepared to take over New York's redistricting process from the state Legislature, where it's been delayed.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012  Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday barged into a dispute between local schools and their teachers' union as the U.S. Education Department warned it might cost New York schools hundreds of millions of dollars in aid.

Monday, January 02, 2012  State legislature may look at action to help communities ban hydrofracking, the controversial natural gas drilling practice.

Wednesday, December 07, 2011  Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling a special session of the state Legislature to consider a deal that will increase the income tax on the richest New Yorkers while providing a tax break to the middle class.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011  A new report shows two indicted New York state senators spent the most among lawmakers over the course of a half year.

Thursday, August 18, 2011  The new law means more flights, and possibly cheaper fares, according to State Senator John DeFrancisco.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011  New York ambulances can now use rear-projecting blue lights in an effort to make them more visible to oncoming motorists and therefore safer.