All Over Albany

Schneiderman asks for authority to investigate cases involving unarmed civilians killed by police, state investigation into Saratoga Springs water fee breaks, remembering Brother Yusuf

State attorney general Eric Schneiderman is asking Andrew Cuomo for the power to investigate and prosecute cases involving unarmed civilians who are killed by police officers. Said a Schneiderman statement: "Nothing could be more critical for both the public and the police officers who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe than acting immediately to restore trust and confidence in the independence of reviews in any case involving an unarmed civilian killed by a law enforcement officer." The Cuomo administration didn't commit one way or the other to the request. (Schneiderman and Cuomo apparently have a strained relationship.) And similar efforts in the legislature have stalled in the state Senate. [NYS OAG] [TU] [NYT]

Schenectady police say a man was fatally shot in Schenectady on Parkwood Boulevard (block map) early Tuesday morning. SPD says it's looking for two suspects. A resident of the area tells TWCN that neighbors had been trying to get an increased police presence in the neighborhood. [Daily Gazette] [News10] [TWCN]

The state's hospitality industry is pushing back against the possibility of abolishing the "tip credit" for tipped employees, in which a portion of tips can be used as credit against the minimum wage. [TWCN] [TU]

The state comptroller's office is investigating Saratoga Springs' program for waiving water connection fees for developers in return for developers providing other infrastructure upgrades. This situation -- which includes prominent developer Sonny Bonacio -- was flagged by a former Saratoga Springs public works director. [TU] [Daily Gazette]

The Albany County legislature passed both the 2015 budget and the Toxic Free Toys Act. And the drama over redistricting -- and possibly downsizing the legislature -- continues. [TU x2]

Troy City Council president Rodney Wiltshire was away on vacation for the city budget vote last week. [TU]

Troy and Rensselaer County are apparently going to work out a deal for dispatch services after all. (Troy had been looking to Albany as an alternative.) [TU]

UAlbany students staged a "die-in" on campus to protest to protest the grand jury decision in the Eric Garner case. [WNYT]

Six vans used by the Center for Disability Services in Albany were damaged by fire over night. [TU]

The Shenanigans topless club on Central Ave in Colonie wants to become an all-nude, ahem, juice bar. [TU]

The mystery of the teepee in Schenectady's Hillhurst Park. [TU]

A traffic stop magic show in Glenville. And no ticket. [Daily Gazette] [TWCN]

Remembering Yusuf Burgess, a prominent Albany non-profit leader who was involved with many programs aimed at helping kids and others. [TU]