All Over Albany

Redistricting challenge won't be dismissed, Schenectady mother faces arson and endangerment charges, mom's ex charged with death of baby, contractor faces nearly 400 counts for allegedly cheating workers, Jumpin' Jack's on schedule to reopen

A federal appeals court has refused to dismiss a challenge to New York State's proposed legislative redistricting plan.[CBS6/AP]

Hydrofracking opponents scored a victory yesterday in the town of Dryden when a state judge ruled that town officials can ban hyrdrofracking there. [NYT]

A second gas company is considering running a gas pipeline through Schoharie County to transport gas obtained through hydrofracking in the Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale. [Gazette]

New York prosecutors have secured the 40th conviction in Operation Blood Trail, a seven month drug investigation that led them to 41 members of the gang The Bloods from NYC through Albany Clifton Park, Watervliet, Schenectady, Troy and Cohoes. [TU]

The mother of two children who were found unattended by Schenectady firefighters earlier this week,has been charged with arson and child endangerment for allegedly setting a pile of clothes on fire after a fight with her boyfriend, and then leaving the children at home while she went to look for him. [TU]

A Troy man is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting more than five minors. [TU]

The former boyfriend of the mother a 21 month old boy has been charged with second degree manslaughter in the death of the child. Twenty-nine year old Robert Hayden claims he put his hand over the boys mouth because the child wouldn't stop crying. [TU] [YNN]

A Mechanicville contractor is facing nearly 400 charges for underpaying subcontractors, filing false paperwork and keeping the extra money. [Saratogian]

Saratoga's Public Safety Commissioner says he thinks it's an overreaction, but he will look into the possibility of instituting random drug testing for city police and firefighters after a city firefighter was arrested on drug charges earlier this month. [Saratogian]

The ballot fraud trial of Edward McDonough and Michael LoPorto is on hold for a couple of days because of the passing of McDonough's mother. The trial is expected to resume on Thursday. [Record]

With more than half of the patient neglect trial of four Northwoods nursing home workers still ahead, three jurors have been dismissed for health reasons. If any of the twelve remaining jurors are dismissed it could result in a mistrial. [TU] [Record]

Schenectady city employees had 98 car accidents in city vehicles last year, prompting Cool Isurance to threaten a $1.5 million rate increase. Instead Schenectady has agreed to raised it's deductible to $25,000. [Gazette]

A 28 year old man was apparently suffering from a medical condition when he crashed into a Schenectady house Tuesday morning. [TU]

The NYS Liquor authority now has an online map showing the location of businesses with current and pending liquor licenses and their proximity to churches schools and police precincts and information about violations the business may have received. [TU]

New York's Joint Commission on Public Ethics has ruled that the former budget director for the New York State Theater Institute did not cover up financial misdeeds of former NYSTI Director Patricia Snyder. [WNYT]

A Saratoga springs attorney was air lifted from the top of Mount Marcy after being lost for nearly 20 hours. [TU]

A three month vacancy on the Schenectady City Council is expected to be filled next week. On Monday the council will vote on the appointment of accountant John Mootooveren . Council President Denise Brucker says though the board isn't unified on the choice, she expects the three votes necessary for confirmation will be secured. [Gazette]

Troy police have recovered some of the ladders stolen from city residents in
a bizarre string of thefts over the last few months. [CBS6]

Jumpin' Jack's Drive in has recovered from Hurricane Irene and is prepping for a March 29th opening. [Gazette]