All Over Albany

Pranked Bethlehem man says he feared for his family's safety, planning for state worker layoffs could start soon, Albany city hall clocktower fixed

Said Daniel Van Plew, the Bethlehem man arrested for tackling a teen who was part of a group that pranked his house this past weekend, "I was afraid. I thought I was being robbed. I have two kids. Put yourself in my shoes." Said Rob Madeo, the father of the teen, "I don't condone [my son's] actions under any circumstances and we'll deal with this in the harshest possible way" (yep, the Rob Madeo). With the police standing in his living room and his son looking roughed up, Madeo says he was asked if he wanted to press charges and he said yes. Bethlehem police say Van Plew should not have pursued the teens. [Fox23] [TU] [WNYT] [WTEN]

Robert Megna, the state budget director, tells New York Now that planning for possible state worker layoffs will begin soon, after the results of the early retirement incentive are known. Megna said layoffs would be "a lengthy process" that would stretch into next year. [New York Now] [TU]

With the state budget still stalled short of the finish line, David Paterson took steps toward calling another special session of the legislature. "It is clear to me that this Legislature would rather play parliamentary games than finish a budget that is fifteen weeks late due to their inaction," said Paterson in a statement. The leaders of the state Senate and Assembly say they've been meeting on their own -- without Paterson. [State of Politics] [Paterson admin] [TU]

With no budget, legislators aren't getting paid -- and it's putting squeeze on some of them. [NYT]

Sherr-una Booker, the woman was allegedly assaulted by Paterson aide David Johnson, says she will ask prosecutors to pursue charges against Johnson. [NYDN]

New York State's unemployment rate has fallen below the threshold necessary to qualify for six extra weeks of unemployment benefits from the federal government. That means unemployment benefits for New Yorkers will be capped at 93 weeks. [NYS DOL] [YNN]

State police divers found the body of the swimmer who went missing in the Hudson Tuesday near the Congress Street Bridge. The man's friend say they had been trying to swim from Troy to Watervliet. [Troy Record] [YNN]

Community leaders are hoping that Albany Med's expansion will include some investment in jobs for city residents, Park South revitalization and public transportation. [TU]

Schenectady police say there was car-to-car gunfire in the Central State Street neighborhood Wednesday night. [TU]

It looks like there will be no further investigation of the Poestenkill car crash that allegedly involved an off-duty Troy police officer. There are conflicting stories from the homeowner and the officer and his ladyfriend. [Troy Record] [Troy Record]

Emergency repairs on the Route 9P bridge over the Northway will close multiple lanes around Exit 14. The work is expected to be completed next week. (Yep, that's right near The Track.) [Post-Star] [Saratogian]

A $40/visit walk-in medical clinic for non-urgent conditions has opened in Glenville. [Daily Gazette]

Another piece of a planned bike trail from Waterford to Whitehall has opened near the Saratoga National Cemetery. The new section includes a bridge over the Hudson. [Post-Star] [TU]

The clock on the tower of Albany City Hall has finally been fixed. [Fox23]