All Over Albany

Pataki announces presidential run, Robinson gets maximum, land owner makes another bid for Bisco permit

Pataki 2016
Former NY Governor George Pataki has released a campaign video announcing his 2016 presidential campaign. [NYT]

Robinson gets maximum
Herman Robinson was sentenced on Wednesday to 100 years to life in prison for repeatedly raping a young woman and murdering the infant child she gave birth to. At the sentencing Herman maintained his innocence, while his victim, now a college student training to be a social worker, told the court,"I am strong." [TWCN][Gazette][TU]

Assembly passes single payer health bill
The State Assembly approved a bill on Wednesday to create a single-payer health system in NY. This was the first vote to occur on the issue since 1992, though it had been introduced every year since by Health Committee Chair Richard Gottfried. It is not likely to clear the Senate. [TU]

Pollution testing at Port of Albany
More pollution testing is being added to the crude oil terminals at the port of Albany,
including a systemic air monitoring study at the port, where South End residents have complained about noxious odors.[TU]

Plans for new rapid transit in motion
CDTA has awarded a $7 million contract to an engineering firm to lay the groundwork for rapid transit lines along Washington-Western Avenues and between Waterford-North Troy and downtown Albany. [Gazette]

Shen puts land up for sale
The Shenendahowa School District is selling 34 acres of land it owns in clifton Park and could soon start shopping for property in Halfmoon to build another school. [TU]

Bisco
The owner of Indian Lookout Country Club in Duanesburg is asking a judge to reverse a Schenectady County decision denying him the permits he needs to host Camp Bisco. [Gazette]

How to tell if you are a lobbyist
JCOPE's has issued new guidelines for what constitutes a lobbyist. [TU]

Rent control and tax cap
How rent control in NYC could affect the tax cap for all New yorkers. [TU]

Groundbreaking for raceway hotel
Crews broke ground on Wednesday for a new $34 million hotel at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. [TWCN][Gazette]

Helping out in Texas
Guilderland's Red Cross is sending volunteers to Texas to help in the aftermath of floods and tornados [TU]

Clifton park teen honored posthumously
The Clifton Park teen who died from injuries sustained in a hiking accident at Plotter Kill nature preserve was honored on ESPN's SportsCenter.
[TU]

Happening today

Throwback Thursday
The Albany Barn is hosting Throwback Thursday , a high school themed throwback party and fundraiser with impromptu performances, gourmet cafeteria food, Chatham Brewing beer, wine and music by DJ Trumaster. Tonight at 6pm at the Albany Barn. $25 general admission.

Pippin

Today-Sunday: A touring production of Pippin will be at Proctors this week. Blurbage:

The 2013 Tony Award winner for BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL is back for the first time since it thrilled audiences 40 years ago. With a beloved score by Tony nominee Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Wicked), Pippin tells the story of a young prince on a death-defying journey to find meaning in his existence. Will he choose a happy but simple life? Or will he risk everything for a singular flash of glory.

Today-Sunday various times - $20 and up