Redistricting drama continues, Bob Reilly won't run for re-election, support for new Albany County nursing home re-affirmed, Dick Hill is really popular
There are new state Senate and Assembly maps from the state task force in charge of drawing new districts -- the Senate lines still include a new 46th district that would run through the southwest corner of the Capital Region. Despite earlier threats to veto the new lines, Andrew Cuomo appears to be leaning toward supporting them if they're paired with a constitutional amendment that would reform the redistricting process. The amendment has the support of some -- but not all -- good government groups. The whole process has been dysfunctional, as usual. [TU] [State of Politics] [NYT]
The federal magistrate who's now handling the drawing of the state's Congressional district lines has released her final proposed maps. [State of Politics]
The budget proposals from state Assembly Democrats and state Senate Republicans don't include the pension reform items favored by Andrew Cuomo, potentially setting up a budget deadline showdown between the governor and legislature. Cuomo is threatening to stuff pension reform into a budget extender, which would force the legislature to accept the reforms or shut down the government. [AP/Troy Record] [TU]
Colonie state Assemblyman Bob Reilly has announced he won't run for re-election. Said Reilly of his decision: "I get in, do my thing, and I get out ... That's what I'm doing, getting out. There's a difference between what I see as a citizen legislator and someone who makes a career of it. It's not a bad thing, it's just not me." Already into the pool to replace him: Kevin Frazier, an aide to Ron Canestrari, and Phil Steck, Albany County legislator -- both Democrats. [WNYT] [Troy Record] [TU CapCon] [WNYT]
There was a lot of criticism for the insurance industry at a state Senate committee hearing yesterday about insurance problems following Irene flooding. A Schoharie County man -- who had flood insurance -- recounted how he had to fight his insurance company issue by issue, through a series of insurance adjusters. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
There's still no verdict in the Troy ballot fraud case -- the jury is apparently stuck on some of the counts and asked yesterday if it could reach a "partial verdict." The judge said yes, but urged the jury to keep working. [Troy Record] [TU]
The Democratic majority in the Albany County legislature re-affirmed its support for the construction of a new county nursing home, questioning estimates that the facility could lose tens of millions of dollars a year. "County government was created to take care of the indigent, those who can't take care of themselves ... If we can't do that business, my suggestion is they get rid of the county government. They'll save a lot of money." said legislature chair Shawn Morse. [TU] [WNYT]
Saratoga County is hiring a consultant to help it figure out what to do with its nursing home, which is projected to lose $9 million this year. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Chuck Schumer is pushing for a law that would require bus companies to post a safety grade on buses and at ticket windows. [TU]
Republican state Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin says he won't primary Roy McDonald, who's lost support from some local party committees because of his support for the Marriage Equality Act. [Troy Record]
CDPHP is moving away from the fee-for-service model for primary care doctors. [TU]
A group of liquor store owners in Latham is fighting the application for a license from a new store at Fresh Market Commons, arguing there's already too much competition in the area. [TU]
Albany police say a 16-year-old was shot in the leg in Arbor Hill last night (map). They say he's not cooperating with the investigation. [APD, release below]
South Troy residents marched against gun violence yesterday, following the shooting death of Sha-Kim Miller. [Troy Record]
The son of the man who pleaded guilty to stealing almost $40k from the town of Waterford by calling in bogus water treatment plant emergencies so they could work overtime has also pleaded guilty.
The Albany County Sheriff's Office is sending low-level offenders in the county jail out on work details. [Fox23]
Actor Gary Sinise was in the Capital Region yesterday to announce that a band he's in will be playing a benefit concert at the Washington Ave Armory for a Nassau veteran with disabilities that stem from his service in Iraq. [Troy Record] [TU]
The UAlbany women's basketball team will play Texas A&M -- in College Station -- in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Saturday. [TU]
The Ben & Jerry's in Saratoga Springs has won the company's "outstanding overall operator" award for the second time. [Saratogian]
"That Dick Hill is really popular." [Post-Star]
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APD: teen shot>Albany police are investigating the shooting of a 15 year old Pine Avenue teen at Lark and Orange Streets last evening.Officers were called to the area of Lark and Orange Streets at approximately 8:45 p.m. after they received a call that someone was shot. When officers arrived the victim was lying on the sidewalk near the intersection and had a gunshot wound to his left upper thigh.The victim was taken to Albany Medical Center where he was treated for a fractured femur.At this time he in not cooperating in the investigation.Officers recovered three .40 caliber shell casings at the scene.No further information is available at this time.APD updated with this correction:
The victim in last night's shooting is 16 years old. His name is Dushawn Sims of Guilderland.
... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?