All Over Albany

Agreement ends federal shutdown, man sentenced for abuse of child in NYS Museum, lawsuit on casino ballot question dismissed

The federal government shutdown ended overnight with a bi-partisan agreement in Congress. Chris Gibson was one of 87 Republicans in the House to vote in favor of the deal. [NYT] [NYT] [Record]

The lawsuit attempting stop a ballot question on casino gambling from going before voters on election day -- it argued that the wording of the ballot question was too positive -- has been dismissed by an acting State Supreme Court justice on the grounds that it was filed too late. [NYT][News 10/AP]

The mentally-challenged man who sexually abused a six year old boy in the New York State Museum rest room will spend four years in prison for the crime. Edward Tubbs Jr. is also facinging a misdemeanor charge of forcible touching of a child in Rensselaer County. [TU][WNYT]

"Two sources familiar with the investigations" tell the Daily Gazette that Halfmoon supervisor Mindy Wormuth is planning to turn herself into law enforcement today as part of the federal investigation involving her. [Daily Gazette]

After urging from parents, educators and state lawmakers to reschedule town hall meetings on the Common Core with state ed commissioner John King -- canceled earlier this week after a crowd in Poughkeepsie vocally opposed the initiative -- the State Education Department is seeking a new style of meeting in which King can engage with parents on the issue. [Gazette]

Albany Mayoral Candidates Kathy Sheehan, Jesse Calhoun and Theresa Portelli will debate at UAlbany tonight. [TU]

Parking issues and casino gambling were among the items addressed by Saratoga's Mayoral candidates at a private debate for the Downtown Business Association on Wednesday. [Saratogian]

Takim Smith's grandmother read a victim statement at the sentencing of three more of the people involved in orchestrating his death. [TU]

An Albany man is facing up to four years in State Prison for allegedly throwing a toddler into a couch and repeatedly striking the child's head, body and face. [WNYT]

A Warren County man accused of trying to escape from a police officer trying to handcuff him is now facing additional charges of assault and resisting arrest.[TU]

A former firefighter pleaded not guilty to ten arson charges in Warren County Court on Wednesday.[YNN]

Niskayuna residents are being asked to conserve water after a water main break on Mohawk Road on Wednesday.[TU]

The Cohoes Fire Department has special new oxygen mask for pets.[TU]

A portion of State Street will now be called Jack's Oyster House Way -- by all the people who don't keep calling it State Street. [YNN]