All Over Albany

David Paterson on Larry King, Nassau soldier killed in Afghanistan, highest paid Schenectady cop resigns, DEA bust in Saratoga County, rabid fox bites woman in Warren County, the Guv's dinner with Pink Floyd

David Paterson appeared on Larry King Live last night to talk about the proposed Islamic Cultural Center two blocks from the world trade center site. The Governor referred to the situation as a "Greek Tragedy" where right is facing right and offered to sit down and talk with both sides to help broker a solution. [CNN]

Four NY State House Democrats have come out against the building of the cultural center. [State of Politics]

Today's Village Voice has an expose on Rick Lazio, which probes the relationship between Lazio and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation head Charles Millard. The piece suggest Lazio used influence to obtain a lucrative contract that would sink retiree benefits into risky investments and to try to help to get Millard a job. Lazio's campaign is trying to play down the charges. [Village Voice] [Capitol Confidential]

A 24 year old Rensselaer county man was killed attempting to disarm a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Tuesday. Flags are being flown at half mast today in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Derek Farley. [YNN]

The remains of a WWII veteran were flown to Albany International Airport yesterday. 1st Lt. Ray Fletcher had been considered missing in action since 1944. He'll be burried near his home in Vermont. [WNYT]

Today is the last day of work for Schenectady police officer Dwayne Johnson. Yesterday the highest paid member of the Schenectady P.D. accepted a plea bargain. According to the terms, he did not admit to charges that he worked as a gas station security guard while on duty, but agreed to pay restitution and resign. [TU]

The owner of Envy Lounge in Albany, facing tax and assault charges, wants a special prosecutor to handle his case. Timothy Rankins wants prosecutors from Albany disqualified, claiming he gave them free food and drinks at his restaurants.[TU]

A Colonie man was arrested yesterday and charged with "making a terroristic threat" when he told tax officials that he was going to kill his ex-wife unless they stopped garnishing his wages for child support payments.[TU]

Two Saratoga County men who allegedly grew about 450 marijuana plants in Milton and Malta are facing felony charges of conspiracy to manufacture marijuana. [Daily Gazette $]

The Bronfman sisters are seeking a contempt of court ruling against former NXIVM member Barbara Bouchey, stemming from the recent NY Observer article. [AOA] [TU] [NY Observer]

Schenectady police have made a second arrest in connection with the June shooting that killed Michael Deveaux.[News 10]

Two East Greenbush residents are in the Saratoga County jail, charged with robbing a woman at knifepoint in Hadley. [TU]

Things are looking up for Albany Medical College. [TU]

A pregnant woman was bitten by a fox in Washington county. The fox has not been found, but recently two rabid foxes have been found in the are.

David and Michelle Paterson dined in NY last night with Roger Waters. Yes. Pink Floyd's Roger Waters. Wrap your brain around that one. [New York Post]