All Over Albany

Waite found guilty of murdering son, rape charges dropped on technicality, local trooper dies in training accident, judge to rule on two votes in Malta Supervisor race today

A jury in Queensbury found Gary Waite guiltyof murder for killing his 15-month old son in February.[TU][YNN]

John Halacy, the man charged with the alleged rape of two teenage girls, had felony rape charges against him dropped in Rensselaer County Court on Wednesday, due to a paperwork error by the Rensselaer County District Attorney's office. Halacy was arraigned on charges of attempted rape, unlawful imprisonment and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and pleaded not guilty . The mother of one of the girls involved in the case was at the arraignment and promised "street justice".[Record][WNYT][TU]

A veteran state trooper died on Wednesday after falling 30 feet into a creek during a high angle rescue training in Letchworth State Park in western New York. [TU]

A State Supreme Court Justice is expected to decide this afternoon whether to count two votes on contested ballots that will decide the Malta town supervisor's race. [Saratogian][TU]

Albany police officer Brian Lutz was found guilty of DWAI, not DWI, this morning and sentenced to a victim impact panel and 90 days suspended license. [TU]

At her own request, Former Deputy Albany County Executive Christine Quinn will have a special prosecutor appointed to her felony drug case.[TU]

The Rensselaer Common Council voted unanimously to support the construction of a casinoin the city.

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau will host a "Fact Finding Roundtable Presentation" next month to help people make an educated decision about casino gambling, after "Saratogians Against Vegas-style Expansion rallied earlier this week and asked the City Council to oppose a casino in the city. [Saratogian][TU]

An 81-year old Albany woman was injured when she arrived home and found two burglars had broken into her residence on Colonial Ave. Some items were stolen and police are still looking for the suspects. [TU][APD Press Release]

Albany police are looking for the man who attempted to rob a Stewart's at the Corner of Washington and Quail streets early Wednesday morning, but escaped without any cash.[APD Press Release]

Chuck Schumer wants the U.S. Government to award a $70 million grant to SUNY College of Nanocale Science and Engineering and establish a Next Generation Electronics Manufacturing Institute.[TU]

After failed negotiations between GE and the union representing Fort Edward employees at its capcitor plant, the company will b moving the plant to Clearwater Florida, where they will be able to pay employees between $8 and $14 an hour as opposed to the up to $29 per hour they're paying in Fort Edward. [TU]

A few more changes on Wednesday in the Park South Redevelopment plan in Albany.[YNN]

In a hearing at the Capitol on Wednesday , members of the Assembly Eduction Committee questioned state officials about data gathering on student test scores, attendance, disciplinary information and other records that would be part of a trove of data the State Education Department wants to build as part of the race to the top initiative. [TU]

Schenectady's Planning Commission has approved Ellis hospital's controversial Parking Garage.[Gazette]

Mont Pleasant Middle School went into lockout mode on Wednesday after a student threw a chair that "inadvertently" hit a counselor.[Gazette]

A self proclaimed Sovereign Citizen messes with an Albany County Judge at his tax evasion arraignment and finds out why that's not a great idea. [TU]

Saratoga's City Council approved a master plan earlier this week for the long-awaited Waterfront Park. [Saratogian]

The Drug Free Coalition in Troy has received a $150,000 grant to prevent youth substance abuse.

Advocates looking for tax reform in New York State plan to bring out Lady Godiva at the Capitol for attention. No, really. [Record]

Moving time forward for an old Cohoes clock. [TU]

A local man recalls the brush with Lee Harvey Oswald that earned him a visit from the FBI.[TU]

Equinox is still looking for donations to help with its annual Thanksgiving community dinner that serves 10,000 people.[TU]

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APD Release -- Burglary

Albany police are investigating a burglary that occurred on Colonial Avenue.

On Monday November 18, 2013 at approximately 1:45 p.m., officers responded to a home on Colonial Avenue near Western Avenue for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, the victim, an 81 year old female from Albany, told officers that she arrived home and observed that her front door was open. She states she then entered her home and encountered two unknown males inside.

During the course of the incident, one of the suspects shoved the victim causing her to strike her head. She was not injured.

Both suspects then fled the scene with property belonging to the victim.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Albany Police Detective Division at (518) 462-8039.

APD Release -- Attempted Robbery

Albany police are investigating an attempted robbery that occurred on Washington Avenue.

On Wednesday November 20, 2013 at approximately 5:00 a.m., officers responded to Stewarts, located at 515 Washington Avenue, for a report of a robbery. Upon arrival, the clerk told officers that a male had entered the store armed with what appeared to be a handgun and demanded cash. The clerk was able to notify the police and the suspect fled without any proceeds.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5'11."

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Albany Police Detective Division at (518) 462-8039.