The not-so-special session, nasty wreck closes 787, Saratoga Springs soldier buried, Daisy Baker's building for sale

Yesterday's "extraordinary" session of the legislature was less than special. Nine state senators -- including five from the Democratic majority -- weren't even there. The sessions in both chambers lasted only a few minutes. And now David Paterson is threatening to sue the legislature in an attempt to get to it do something to finish off the budget. [TU] [Troy Record] [YNN] [State of Politics]

The state Education Department reports that a little more than half of students in grades 3-8 were proficient in English and 61 percent were proficient in math. That's down significantly from last year -- NYSED says the drop is attributed an adjustment in the "cut scores" that made the tests harder to pass. The Shen school superintendent called the change "unfair to kids at best." And the Guilderland school district sent a letter to parents that said "the results released by SED today do not reflect the ability of Guilderland students to learn or Guilderland teachers to teach." [NYSED] [NYT] [Daily Gazette] [TU]

State police investigators are seeking to get DNA samples from nine people alleged to be involved in a Troy voting fraud scheme during last year's Working Families party primary. The TU reports the list includes the Democratic elections commissioner for Rensselaer County, three Troy city councilman and the city council president. [Troy Record] [TU]

Update: One person has died in the crash. A nasty-looking crash and fire on 787 this morning closed the interstate in both directions. A car reportedly drove the wrong way and hit a tractor trailer. [CBS6] [CBS6] [TU]

And independent film shoot will close a few streets in Arbor Hill today (map). [CBS6]

David Taylor Miller, the Saratoga Springs soldier killed in Afghanistan recently, was buried at Arlington National Cemetery yesterday. Robert Gates, the secretary of defense, attended the service. (photos) [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [TU]

The Saratogian reports that a Saratoga Springs police officer has been arrested on a stalking charge. [Saratogian]

Albany police say a man robbed the SEFCU on Clinton Ave Tuesday afternoon. [YNN]

The Schenectady police union has decided it will no longer automatically provide legal defense to every officer designated for termination. [Daily Gazette]

Two headlines for stories about the state comptroller's audit of Watervliet: "Audit slams Watervliet" | "'Overall, a great audit' says Fahr" [NYS OSC] [TU] [Troy Record]

The firing of a supervisor prompted about 45 members of a cleaning crew at The Track to walk off the job yesterday. [Post-Star]

The Troy Police Department is teaming with the Rensselaer County Animal Protection Coalition to investigate and prosecute cases of animal cruelty. [Troy Record]

Sandy Horowitz has the Daisy Baker's building in Troy up for sale. The company that owns the restaurant -- and Bacchus downstairs -- is in bankruptcy, though it plans to keep the restaurants open during re-organization. [TU] [Troy Record]

Best Cleaners is buying the bankrupt Kem Cleaners. [TU]

Comments

Maybe, instead of the governor threatening them, we should just remind them that we won't vote for them (ever) again.

> Daisy Baker's building in Troy up for sale. The company that owns
> the restaurant -- and Bacchus downstairs -- is in bankruptcy,
> keep the restaurants open during re-organization

I had dinner Sunday night at Bacchus, you should definitely give it a shot, just in case it actually closes. They love garlic there (try the roasted garlic bulb). We had a trio of Prosciutto, Ham and Italian Sausage with roasted Red Peppers tossed in Lemon Wine sauce, served over Bowtie Pasta, and a pizza I don't see in the menu but I think had a sourdough crust (or was it whole wheat). Anyway. Was good, you can eat outside, and not too expensive.

I really wished that all these great businesses in DT Troy weren't in buildings owned by Horowitz. Definition of an absentee landlord. A local owner would probably be more open to working with the business.

Hi there. Comments have been closed for this item. Still have something to say? Contact us.

The Scoop

For a decade All Over Albany was a place for interested and interesting people in New York's Capital Region. It was kind of like having a smart, savvy friend who could help you find out what's up. AOA stopped publishing at the end of 2018.

Recently on All Over Albany

Thank you!

When we started AOA a decade ago we had no idea what was going to happen. And it turned out better than we could have... (more)

Let's stay in touch

This all feels like the last day of camp or something. And we're going to miss you all so much. But we'd like to stay... (more)

A few things I think about this place

Working on AOA over the past decade has been a life-changing experience for me and it's shaped the way I think about so many things.... (more)

Albany tightened its rules for shoveling snowy sidewalks last winter -- so how'd that work out?

If winter ever gets its act together and drops more snow on us, there will be sidewalks to shovel. And shortly after that, Albany will... (more)

Tea with Jack McEneny

Last week we were fortunate enough to spend a few minutes with Jack McEneny -- former state Assemblyman, unofficial Albany historian, and genuinely nice guy.... (more)

Recent Comments

My three year old son absolutely loving riding the train around Huck Finn's (Hoffman's) Playland this summer.

Thank you!

...has 27 comments, most recently from Ashley

Let's stay in touch

...has 4 comments, most recently from mg

A look inside 2 Judson Street

...has 3 comments, most recently from Diane (Agans) Boyle

Everything changes: Alicia Lea

...has 2 comments, most recently from Chaz Boyark

A few things I think about this place

...has 13 comments, most recently from Katherine