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

Wednesday, June 12, 2013  A new AAA study says using voice commands to send text messages and emails from behind the wheel, which is marketed as a safer alternative for drivers, actually is more distracting and dangerous than simply using a cellphone.

Wednesday, June 05, 2013  New York lawmakers have voted to suspend the licenses of young drivers for 60 days when they're caught texting or using a hand-held cell phone while on the road.

Friday, May 31, 2013  New proposed state law would get even tougher on those who text while driving.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013  The Town of Cicero is teaching new drivers about the realities about distracted and impaired driving. The Police Department purchased a driving simulator to take these teens through the real life scenarios they will look to avoid going forward.

Monday, April 22, 2013  Troopers will be stepping up patrols on the New York Thruway to nab motorists using cellphones while driving.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013  The National Safety Council estimates that some 24 percent of all car accidents involve cell phone use. While many states have bans against texting or talking on the phone while driving, that's not always enough to keep people from doing it. A Virginia company has created a new device to improve driving safety.

Monday, February 18, 2013  The distracted driving initiative will take place through March 1. Police will be targeting drivers who don't use a hands free device and anyone who sends or receives text messages or emails while driving.

Wednesday, February 13, 2013  If your child is on their cell phone right now, ask them to stop. You may want them to sit a little differently after you hear this. There's a new mobile health problem called Text Neck and it's causing concern for young people, especially teenage girls.

Friday, January 25, 2013  Cuomo wants fines for talking or texting on the phone while driving to be at least $50 and rise to a maximum of $550 for multiple violations.

Friday, December 07, 2012  A Phoenix teen was arrested after police say he “caused alarm and inconvenience” when he sent a prank text message about hiding a body to a friend.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012  An Adams Center woman who has spent time in prison for participating in a shoplifting ring is now accusing Jefferson County Undersheriff Andrew Neff of sexual harassment, according to the Watertown Times.

Friday, October 19, 2012  Many young people are too busy texting or talking to bother looking both ways before they cross the street.

Wednesday, October 03, 2012  A Cazenovia judge adjourned the case against Craig Benedict, accused of having alcohol available at a party attended by a large group of minors.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012  Is a scrap of papyrus suggesting that Jesus had a wife authentic? Scholars on Wednesday questioned the much-publicized discovery by a Harvard scholar that a 4th century fragment of papyrus provided the first evidence that some early Christians believed Jesus was married.

Friday, August 31, 2012  This election season, both Mitt Romney and President Obama are accepting donations from text messages.  Former Syracuse University basketball star tweeted Friday afternoon saying that he donated $10 to the President Obama campaign.