Apr 05, 2013 — Forcing young women and men into a life of prostitution is a very lucrative business.

It may sound like the stuff of Hollywood, but the sex trafficking trade is alive and well in Central New York, but a movement to end it in New York State is gathering momentum, with a bill in the legislature to protect those who are trafficked, and bring traffickers to justice.  Go to full article

Apr 04, 2013 — Governor Andrew Cuomo says his relationship with Syracuse's mayor is just fine. But two haven't talked in several months.

Last year Cuomo picked Mayor Stephanie Miner to co-chair the state's Democratic Party. But asked Tuesday about Miner's increasingly vocal criticism of his plan for aid to upstate cities and pension reform, Cuomo didn't treat her like much of a friend. He told reporters, "I haven't seen this particular mayor's comments."  Go to full article

Syracuse, NY, Jan 22, 2013 — There's been a lot of news lately about the Obama Administration's use of drones, or unmanned military aircraft, to kill alleged terrorists. Critics have said the attacks violate international law and have also killed many civilians. Drones will likely be a major topic in confirmation hearings for John Brennan to be the next head of the CIA.

The drones that fly over Afghanistan are often piloted by people sitting in suburban Syracuse, NY. Those pilots train by flying high over the North Country and the Adirondacks.

They may watch bridges or buildings, even follow cars, without anyone knowing they're being watched. And for some, there's a very fuzzy line between military preparation and a creepy eye in the sky.  Go to full article

Canton, NY, Nov 13, 2012 — SUNY Canton will host Chicago writer Adam Levin on Wednesday night as part of their "Living Writers Reading Series." Levin is the author of the award-winning The Instructions, praised for its dark humor, and is out with a new collection of short stories, Hot Pink. Todd Moe spoke with him about his intense writing habits--sometimes 12 hours at a stretch--and the inspiration for his brand of fiction.

Levin will give a reading at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at SUNY Canton's Kingston theatre as part of their Living Writers Reading Series. Admission is free and open to everyone.  Go to full article

Syracuse, NY, Sep 24, 2012 — It's estimated that one in four young people drop out of high school each year. This represents real trouble in terms of their future happiness, health and success, and it's a challenge to the ongoing development of an innovative and productive American workforce, as many young people feel disconnected from study and work.

In Syracuse, the situation is tough: The city's population is declining, and enrollment and funding for its schools are down. The city's graduation rate is barely 50 percent.

But a new program called "Say Yes to Education", implemented a few years ago, could improve the schools and the city.  Go to full article

Syracuse, NY, Sep 18, 2012 — U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand has proposed a new federal program to help continue cleanup and development efforts along upstate New York's post-industrial waterways.  Go to full article

Syracuse, NY, Sep 07, 2012 — Onondaga Lake sits right next to downtown Syracuse, and after that city's factories poured countless toxic chemicals and sludge into the water over more than 100 years, Onondaga became known as the most polluted lake in America. But today the final stage of a cleanup is underway.  Go to full article

Syracuse, NY, Aug 29, 2012 — CORRECTION: According to the Syracuse Post-Standard, there will still be 7 print editions produced per week. Three editions will be produced for home delivery to subscribers. The other four days, a scaled-down print edition will be available on newsstands within Onondaga County.

The digital world has finally caught up with Syracuse's daily newspaper, as the Post Standard has announced it is cutting back the number of print editions it puts out every week. Starting Jan. 1, 2013, a new business structure takes over the Syracuse Post Standard and its website Syracuse.com.  Go to full article

Syracuse, NY, Apr 10, 2012 — For more than 50 years, Ruth Colvin and her husband have traveled to more than 60 countries and provided literacy training in Africa, Asia and South America. In 1962, Colvin founded Literacy Volunteers of America. She's also written many books on basic literacy and English as a second language. Colvin was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1993 and awarded a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2006.

Tonight at 7 pm in Griffiths 123 at St. Lawrence University, she'll share stories her new book, Off the Beaten Path: Stories of People Around the World.

Now 95-years-old, Colvin has filled her Syracuse home with art and souvenirs from around the world, but she told Todd Moe that working with people and sharing their stories are favorite aspects of her career.  Go to full article

Syracuse, NY, Feb 08, 2012 — The musical Caroline, or Change is running at Syracuse Stage through February 26. Resident theatre critic Connie Meng attended a recent performance and has this review.  Go to full article