All Over Albany

Paterson sets budget deadline, Queensbury soldier dies in Afghanistan, MMA legislation advances, teens rescued from river island

David Paterson told legislative leaders yesterday that if the budget isn't finished by June 28, he's going to stick his remaining budget measures into a budget extender. (That would force the legislature to either pass the measures or shut down the government.) Said Paterson at yesterday's public leaders' meeting: "I'm not threatening anyone; I'm just making a promise." Sheldon Silver said after the meeting he thinks a budget deal could be done before the deadline. One potential stumbling block: borrowing, which John Sampson is still pushing (when he's not at the Yankees game). [NYT City Room] [TU] [Daily Politics] [NYT] [NYDN]

Benjamin Osborn, a Army specialist from Queensbury, was killed this week in Afghanistan. His father says Osborn shot during a Taliban ambush. [Post-Star] [WTEN]

Neil Breslin says he's "very optimistic" the bill allowing Albany to start a residential parking permit system near the ESP will become law. [WNYT]

The state Senate passed a bill that would legalize mixed martial arts fighting in New York State. [TU]

Gerard Parisi, a Republican candidate for the 105th state Assembly District, says he received a threatening post card (of the Jersey Shore) telling him to drop out of the race. [Daily Gazette $]

Among the Capital Region's four core counties, Saratoga County saw the biggest percentage growth in the number of housing units during the last decade. [TU]

It looks like the effort to dissolve the flood control authority trying to charge Capital Region counties $4.5 million has hit a speed bump. [Daily Gazette $]

A fire department in Rensselaer County had to rescue five teens from an island in the Hoosick River this week after a power plant dam released water, stranding them on the island. [Troy Record]

There will be Saratoga Springs firefighters in the Flag Day parade -- but only after a bit of drama. [Saratogian]

Glenville police say three people stole 15 bicycles from a sporting goods store. [WTEN]

There are no signs of late blight, yet. [Post-Star]

You know, Don Weeks is leaving and David Paterson's looking for a job next year... [State of Politics]