All Over Albany

Police investigate overnight shooting near Mont Pleasant Middle School, Albany County bans styrofoam take-out containers from chain restaurants, it's pretty cold

Update: Police say the man has died. | Schenectady police are searching for the person who shot a 24-year-old man near Mont Pleasant Middle School overnight. The victim is in critical condition. Police say the incident began with a two-car accident near the school on Norwood Avenue, and is not connected with the school. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [WNYT][News 10]

"I never meant for this to happen. I'm sorry for what I did. I hurt some decent people." Eric Aaron "Boogz" Mallard to Takim Smith's grandmother as he was sentenced in Rensselaer County Court for Smith's murder. Mallard received a 20 year prison sentence for stabbing Smith to death. [TU][Record][WNYT]

The trial of the Albany police officer charged with DWI after he was allegedly found passed out behind the wheel of an SUV parked in a driving lane on 787 got underway yesterday. His attorney says the officer had a seizure induced by pain medication. [News10] [TU]

The Albany County legislature approved a ban on polystyrene (styrofoam) take-out containers for businesses with at least 15 locations. [YNN]

A group of community organizers in Saratoga who have the support of roughly 300 residents are working to oppose the siting of a Vegas-style casino in Saratoga. Because of the local opposition, Saratoga County's racing committee postponed a vote to ask state leaders to allow casino gambling at Saratoga Casino & Raceway. [Gazette] [TU]

On Tuesday's Capitol Pressroom radio program, Andrew Cuomo said request for proposals for casinos in upstate New York could be issued as soon as January. [Democrat and Chronicle]

Nearly 50,000 New Yorkers have enrolled in the state-run online health insurance exchange.[TU]

Cohoes common council members adopted a new $22 million budget for 2014, that includes a 1.2 percent tax increase and increases the mayor's salary to $60,000 (rather than the originally proposed $70,000). [Record][YNN]

Absentee ballots will be counted today in the as-yet undecided race for Malta town supervisor. [WNYT]

Embattled Halfmoon supervisor Mindy Wormuth is unlikely to return to her post from medical leave before her term expires on December 31. [TU]

As he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, a Schenectady man apologized for shooting a man five times during a Madison Street robbery -- but denied the reason for the shooting that prosecutors alleged: "I definitely didn't shoot somebody five times over an iPad." [Gazette]

The man charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection with the drunk driving death of a pedestrian in Ballston Spa in June has rejected a plea deal and pleaded not guilty. [Record]

Troy police are looking for four or five men who broke into a Cottage Street home wearing ski masks and then fled with money, mobile phones, and a PlayStation. Police say a handgun was displayed before the suspects took off. [Troy PD][TU][Record]

A two-time convicted burglar is charged with breaking into a Guilderland flower shop on Monday. [TU]

Guilderland police are investigating a case of what high school officials are calling cyberbullying surrounding an explicit music video on YouTube that allegedly used the names of several Guilderland High students along with obscene and harassing language. [TU][WNYT]

Police are looking for a suspect who, they say, forcibly touched a woman who was jogging on Route 50 in North Greenbush on Tuesday afternoon. [TU]

A Schoharie county man was jailed without bail after he allegedly attacked a woman and a a dog with a sword.[WNYT]

The mother charged with hiring exotic dancers for her son'ss birthday party in a South Glens Falls bowling alley is expected to accept a plea deal on Thursday that will include dropping charges if she completes community service and stays out of trouble for six months. [Post Star]

The NYS PTA is campaigning to delay and improve implementation of the Common Core.[YNN]

The KIPP Tech Valley Charter school is seeking approval from the Albany board of zoning appeals to expand its school on Northern Boulevard, which the school says would allow it to add grades K-4 (the school is currently grades 5-8). [WNYT]

Hotel business was up in Saratoga over the summer, even though Track attendance was down for the season. [TU]

Scaffolding is back up at Saratoga Springs City Hall to repair the roof of the annex. [Saratogian]

The dry, chilly weather has been good for snowmaking at area ski resorts.[Gazette]

Was an Albany County orphan involved in the assassination of JFK?[TU]

A 22-year-old RPI electrical engineering student is being credited with helping to grow the institute's music program. [Record]

A Saratoga Springs High School graduate who played basketball in Europe and interned with the New York Knicks plays a pro basketball player in an upcoming Vince Vaughn movie.[Saratogian]

It's cold. [TU]

____________________________________________________________

Troy P.D Robbery release

We are confirming burglary/robbery at 35 Cottage Street at 7:39 pm today's date. 4 to 5 suspects forcibly entered the residence; a handgun was displayed and residents were relieved of cell phones, wallets, Play Station.....

No injuries; suspects fled unknown direction. Troy Police patrols, including K-9, are actively searching the area for the suspects. Described as 4 or 5 males wearing ski masks.