All Over Albany

TU editor alleges wife's business targeted because of coverage, Soares censured by state court, 74 State remaining open through foreclosure, big semiconductor conference in Saratoga

Times Union investigations editor Bob Port alleges that a spa owned by his wife was targeted by local law enforcement in "a carefully planned plot to retaliate against me and my newspaper and my reporters for many stories we have done in recent years about the Albany police and the sheriff's office drug enforcement unit." The Times Union reports that the spa was the subject of an undercover investigation that resulted in an arrest of a woman (not Port's wife) working at the spa for alleged prostitution. [NYT] [TU]

Albany County DA has been censured by a state appeals court for comments he made about an Albany judge as part of the high profile prosecution of an alleged steroids ring in 2010. Soares called the words he used about the judge's decision "regrettable." [TU] [Daily Gazette] [State of Politics]

The proposed Albany convention center project is apparently still kicking -- the Albany Convention Center Authority recently acquired another parcel. [TU]

Andrew Cuomo in a speech before the Democratic State Committee: ""At the end of the day, after 18 months, people believe in state government once again. ... That is everything, and that is everything for us politically." [TU]

A Ballston Spa man was convicted of not only misdemeanor DWI, but also a felony under Leandra's Law, after a jury found him guilty of driving drunk on an ATV with his 7-year-old son. [Daily Gazette]

Jim Tedisco and other local state elected reps are pushing a three-strikes-and-you're-out style bill for people caught driving while intoxicated. [TU]

Saratoga County officials are worried that admission standards put in place at the county-owned nursing home to make sure residents can pay are too strict. [Saratogian]

If Troy moves its city hall to the Hedley Building, as planned, it would save about $20k/month in rent over its current lease for the Verizon Building. [Troy Record]

Schenectady's new schools superintendent starts June 1 -- and outgoing interim superintendent John Yagielski is being hailed for settling the situation in the district after some drama-filled years. [Daily Gazette]

The town of Colonie awarded its medal of valor to Daniel Belles, the first town police officer to receive commendation in 20 years. [TU]

The operator of 74 State says the hotel and its restaurant will remain open through its foreclosure sale. [TU]

The renovated Chasan Building in downtown Troy was unveiled yesterday -- its sole tenant is RPI. [Troy Record] [TU]

Officials say the proposed Beacon Institute for Rivers and Estuaries research center in Troy is still on -- even if it appears that the project has stalled. [TU]

Semiconductor industry leaders from around the world converged in Saratoga Thursday for a major industry conference. [Saratogian]

The big crane in downtown Saratoga is for construction of the new Woodlawn parking garage. [Saratogian]