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

Yesterday at 6:50 PM  Some New York lawmakers are pushing to prohibit using cash welfare benefits to pay for tobacco, alcohol, strip clubs and illegal drugs.

Yesterday at 1:42 PM  Efforts to legalize professional mixed martial arts in New York have foundered again with the state Assembly's Democratic leaders refusing to allow a vote on the measure.

Yesterday at 8:27 AM  A senior Cuomo administration official says Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders struck a late night deal to authorize four upstate casinos and to allow votes on 10 separate women's rights bills including an abortion proposal that appeared to have been blocked in the Senate.

Yesterday at 8:09 AM  A Republican county official who once called a central New York congressman a "chicken" for skipping a televised debate is buying the Democratic lawmaker's suburban Syracuse home.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013  The Republican-led House has passed a far-reaching anti-abortion bill, giving conservatives a claim to progress in their campaign against legal abortions and Democrats another reason to claim that the Republican agenda is anti-women.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013  State troopers have arrested demonstrators urging Senate votes on several bills who blocked the office door of a legislative leader at New York's Capitol.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013  When it comes to budget savings the town of Cicero has come up with the winning formula.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013  The State Senate is once again pushing for a registry of violent felons, which would be similar to the sex offender registry.

Monday, June 10, 2013  Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposal to strengthen state abortion rights is energizing not just his liberal Democratic base, but outnumbered opponents who claim it's a "stealth expansion" of abortion.

Wednesday, June 05, 2013  Gov. Andrew Cuomo will be talking about his newly released women's rights proposal at two upstate New York locations that played key roles in the development of women's rights and higher education for women.

Monday, June 03, 2013  Onondaga Community College proposed a small budget contribution contribution from the County after the was no increase last year.

Monday, June 03, 2013  The day before candidates can begin their petition drives, the Democratic primary in Syracuse is heating up. On Monday, Syracuse Councilor Pat Hogan announced he will run against Democrat incumbent Stephanie Miner for Mayor of Syracuse.

Thursday, May 30, 2013  The Madison County Board of Supervisors has approved the land claim and gaming settlement with the Oneida Indian Nation, but with “great reluctance”.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013  The Oneida County legislature approves the land claim deal between the state and Oneida Indian Nation with a final vote of 16 to 13.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013  Canadian tourists are responsible for 25% of the sales at Destiny USA but say that a border crossing fee could prevent them from coming into the U.S.