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

2 hours, 50 minutes ago  Some New York lawmakers are pushing to prohibit using cash welfare benefits to pay for tobacco, alcohol, strip clubs and illegal drugs.

Today at 5:41 PM  Nojaim Brothers Supermarket on the city's distressed Near West Side will likely get tax breaks for a $2.7 million expansion.

Today at 7:55 AM  Federal authorities have fired and demoted U.S. probation officers in the monitoring of a man charged with killing Liverpool librarian Lori Bresnahan raping a 10-year-old girl during a carjacking at Great Northern Mall in Clay.

Yesterday at 6:27 PM  Neighbors unhappy that bridge will be one way, most of the time from B'ville area toward John Glenn Blvd

Yesterday at 12:24 PM  To celebrate CNY Central’s Facebook page hitting 40,000 likes, Lisa Spitz and Peter Hall held a dance off on ‘Today in Central New York.’

Monday, June 17, 2013  Family and friends gathered on Monday night outside the home of Levon Wameling at 748 Jay Street in Utica.

Monday, June 17, 2013  "Gateway" empty, abandoned properties an especial concern

Monday, June 17, 2013  Central and Northern New York are running out of new phone numbers and will need a new area code by the first quarter of 2015.

Monday, June 17, 2013  A New York man who says he caught four boys vandalizing his father-in-law's home has been charged with child endangerment after corralling them in a closet until police arrived.

Monday, June 17, 2013  A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for parts of central New York.

Monday, June 17, 2013  The Utica Police, who previously asked residents not to organize a search for missing 9-month-old Levon Wameling, are now welcoming citizens to volunteer to join the search when it becomes appropriate.