All Over Albany

High school graduation rate up slightly, study points to multiple infection risk from ticks, casino wheel continues to turn, remembering Judy Sanders

The statewide high school graduation rate was up slightly -- to 74.9 percent -- for the class that finished in 2013. In a released statement, the state's education commissioner said "far too many students, even if they graduate from high school, still haven't completed the advanced and rigorous course work to be ready for college or the workplace." [TU] [NYSED]

A study by group of scientists that included researchers from Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies in the Hudson Valley highlights another risk related to ticks: a single bite could transmit not just Lyme disease, but multiple infections. [PLoS One] [TU]

Albany police say a 19 year old was shot in Sheridan Hollow (area map) Sunday night and was in critical condition. The anti-gun violence group Cure Violence is planning a rally at North Lake and Second Street Tuesday evening. [APD FB] [News10]

The two people accused of stealing the identities of patients at Albany Med, and then using those identities to apply for credit cards, have pleaded guilty to a group of felony charges, according to the Albany County DA's office. They both face as much as 15 years in prison. This past May the Albany County Sheriff's Office said materials for 50-60 identities were found at the couple's home. [Albany County DA] [TU]

Today is the Republican primary in the 21st Congression District (map), which pits Elise Stefanik against Matt Doheny. (Democrat Bill Owens, the incumbent, is not running for re-election.) [Post-Star]

Schenectady police say two people were stabbed Monday in a span of three hours -- though it doesn't appear the two incidents are connected. [Daily Gazette] [TWCN]

Saratoga Casino and Raceway and Rush Street Gaming are part of competing Capital Region casino bids -- but they're working together on a bid in the Hudson Valley. [Daily Gazette]

The backers of the proposed Montgomery County casino will push ahead, despite the state denying their request for a lower license fee. [Daily Gazette]

Troy's population has slipped below 50,000 residents, according to Census Bureau estimates, which puts it at risk for losing $2.5 million in federal Community Block Grant funding. Chuck Schumer was in town Monday to argue the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development should continue a grandfathering provision that would allow Troy to keep getting the money. [Census] [Troy Record]

Chuck Schumer also says Troy will be getting $6.7 million from the feds for a new sea wall along the Hudson. [Troy Record]

GE's multi billion dollar deal to acquire a French power generation equipment conglomerate is expected to result in consolidation of the two companies' factories -- but a GE spokesperson says it doesn't expect the deal to affect jobs at the GE plant in Schenectady. [WSJ] [TU]

Now at issue in the back and forth over a proposed Walmart in Ballston: what's the meaning of "substantial progress?" [Daily Gazette]

One of the residents making the move from the old Schenectady YMCA to the new residential building The Commons alleges the way the move is being conducted is unfair. [Daily Gazette]

How the Troy-based Tulley Rinkey law firm grew to include office throughout upstate New York and other states. [Troy Record]

This year's gate giveaways at the Saratoga Race Course: a baseball cap, pilsner glass, tote bag, and t-shirt. [Saratogian]

The city of Troy is trying to make the old, vacant Leonard Hospital property in Lansingburgh look a bit better. [WNYT]

Michelle Riggi recorded an episode of the Cooking Channel show My Gradmother's Ravioli with Mo Rocca. [Daily Gazette]

Judy Sanders -- who had been a TV reporter in the Capital Region for many years, and then a photographer for the governor's office -- has died. She was 63. [TU]