Prominent local developer dies, Cuomo calls Paladino views "extremist," man accused of being married to two women, early foliage change
Donald Led Duke -- the chairman of owner of BBL Construction services, the Capital Region's most prominent developer -- was found dead Monday morning. He was 64. Led Duke was highly connected and BBL has been involved in many projects around the region, especially in the City of Albany (Led Duke was a longtime friend of Jerry Jennings). A former mason, he's remembered for building BBL into a very effective company. [Troy Record] [CBS6] [TU] [YNN] [Post-Star]
Andrew Cuomo said yesterday that Carl Paladino has "extremist" views. [NYT]
There are questions about why Cuomo's cousin was involved in a setting up a meeting for a firm looking for investment from the state pension fund. As state AG, Andrew Cuomo has been investigating "pay-to-play" arrangements involving the fund. [NYDN]
The Paterson administration has announced that Genting, the winning bidder for the Aqueduct racino project, has delivered its promised $380 million upfront payment to the state. Some of the money is slated to go toward propping up horse racing in the state -- including a bunch of improvements at Saratoga. [Paterson admin] [WTEN] [Saratogian]
Schenectady police have a man will be charged today with the fatal shooting of a customer at a deli on Eastern Avenue last year (map). They say he was found in Kentucky, where he was being held on a federal parole violation. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Eric Schneiderman, the Democratic candidate for state attorney general, is trying to focus the campaign on abortion issues. [TU]
The NRA has endorsed Scott Murphy for the 20th Congressional District seat. Challenger Chris Gibson was given a rating indicative of a "solidly pro-gun" candidate. [TU] [Gibson email press release]
An ALB official says the merger of Southwest and AirTran should mean lower fares on some routes to/from Albany. [WTEN]
A Saratoga Springs man was sentenced to 9.5 years in prison for being convicted of raping three teen girls. [Saratogian]
The town investigation into Colonie town council member Dan Dustin is related to an incident in which he allegedly used a racial slur while responding to teasing about his golf handicap, according to a letter obtained by the Times Union. [TU]
The disbursement of $140k in stipends to town employees has prompted allegations of corruption in East Greenbush. [Troy Record]
A Rensselaer County man has been accused of being married to two women at the same time.
The Saratoga County sheriff's department says a teen driver distracted by his laptop caused a three car wreck on Grooms Road in Clifton Park late Monday afternoon. Five people were injured. [TU] [CBS6]
Guilderland police say an SUV crashed into a house Monday afternoon. [YNN]
College of St. Rose president Mark Sullivan was hospitalized Monday. A press release sent out late Monday afternoon said of Sullivan: "All indications are positive and he is alert and communicative." [TU] [St. Rose email press release]
Empire State College in Saratoga has started a bike share program for employees. [Saratogian]
The dry summer is prompting leaves to change early. [Troy Record]
Altamont police say they found the five-foot soldier statute that had been stolen from the Homefront Cafe. [Fox23]
... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?