All Over Albany

Wind knocks out power, Schenectady relatively bad at solving crimes, Assembly candidate pledges to term limit himself, local wait for a Prius, stickball champions

Last night's strong winds knocked out power for 15,000 people in the Capital Region. [TU]

It looks like Saratoga Springs might be getting a new public safety building after all. In a surprise, the city council approved a $3 million portion of the city's capital budget for the construction of a new building. That's only about half of the total expected cost. The city is now looking for ways to "creatively" finance the rest of the project. [TU]

According to city records and the federal Department of Justice, Schenectady solves relatively few burglaries, muggings and rapes. A councilman called the stats "an embarrassment." The city does do well solving murders, though. [Daily Gazette]

Jerry Jennings and Albany police chief James Tuffey met with school superintendent Eva Joseph Friday about last week's fighting. [WNYT] [CBS6]

The FBI was in town last week poking around for its investigation into John Sweeney and his relationship with a local lobbying firm. [TU]

John Wasielewski, the Republican candidate running for the 109th Assemby seat (Colonie, Clifton Park, Half Moon), says he will impose a three term limit on himself if elected. Bob Reilly, the Democratic incumbent, has served two terms. [CapNews9]

Local auto dealers say gas guzzlers, such as pickup trucks, have become a tough sell. Fuel efficient cars are selling well, though. The local wait for a Prius is four to 12 weeks. [Daily Gazette]

CDTA says high diesel prices will keep it from expanding service in Schenectady. The bus org was planning an expansion similar to the one Saratoga got last year. That move resulted in ridership almost tripling there. [Daily Gazette]

An oak-tree-killing fungus has shown up in Scotia. The disease can kill off a tree in just a few weeks. There are preventive measures available, including anti-fungal shots for the trees. [TU] [Daily Gazette]

The Boys and Girls Club soundly defeated Team DeFazio for the championship of Troy's Little Italy Stickball Challenge. [Troy Record]