All Over Albany

IDC ends relationship with Senate Republicans, Chopper to lay off 80 employees, floods cause state of emergency in Mechanicville, Olaf is missing

According to Senator Jeff Klein, the Independent Democratic Conference will rejoin the Democrats in the State Senate, but not until after the November election. The arrangement was brokered by Andrew Cuomo and NYC Mayor Bill DeBlasio. Here's more on why this is happening and the importance of the timing of this switch. [TU][TWCN][NYT][CNY]

Citing increasing competition, rising costs and a reduction in Federal aid to low-income people, Price Chopper has announced it will lay off 80 employees in management, field, clerical and support positions .[TU][WNYT]

A state of emergency has been declared in the Saratoga County town of Mechanicville after heavy rains and a broken water main soaked the streets. [TU][TWCN][News 10]

Via a FOIL request, the Times Union obtained video of an incident in which an Albany police lieutenant is shown dragging a woman out of the Washington Ave Armory at a January event -- the woman has filed a notice of the claim (the first step toward a lawsuit) over the incident. [TU]

The SUV that exploded on 5th Avenue in Troy on Tuesday night was stolen earlier this month from Watervliet. Police continue to look for clues in the case. [Record][TU]

Police in Colonie are looking for a man who robbed a Fuller Road Subway shop using pepper spray.[TU]

A woman charged with stealing a purse at the Brunswick Price Chopper allegedly took $400 from the purse and then mailed it back to the victim. [TU]

Kathy Sheehan says so far none of the developers behind the Capital Region proposed casino projects has provided Albany with enough information to assess the impact they will have on the city, so she'sasking the Common Council to not back any of the projects before the Monday deadline for license applications to the state Gaming Commission. [TU]

Montgomery County casino advocates are planning a pro-casino parade in an effort to support a plan to put a casino at Thruway Exit 27[TU]

On saving the school at the heart of Altamont.[TU]

Halfmoon's deputy supervisor has passed away following a stroke he suffered earlier this month.[TU]

A WWII paratrooper who recently shared his story of being captured by and escaping from German forces, died on Wednesday at Saratoga Hospital. [TU]

A 100-year-old Saratoga WWII veteran who received an 8th grade education in a one room school house will get his high school diploma today at the Schuylerville High School graduation. [TU]

Someone stole the Olaf, the snowman train from in front of the Selkirk library. Authorities hope thieves will "let it go." [TU]