All Over Albany

The bright side of $98 million, jail sentence for Wormuth, task force suggests Common Core retreat, Uber meeting draws 150

$98 million
The Capital Region did not win a $500 million URI grant but it did get $98 million, and, as a top performer, is eligible for another $50 million for regional development projects. Mike Hickey, CEO of the Center for Economic Growth says the was disappointed the Capital Region didn't win $500 million in the REDC awards, but that $98 million "was a hell of a consolation prize." Co-chair of the Capital Region REDC, Ualbany President Robert Jones pointed out other upsides, including the fact that the Capital Region is now thinking like a region and that the plans will serve as the blueprint for development over the next decade [AOA][TU x 2][Business Review]

Evidence collected in Alkaramla case
Police collected evidence, including paint chips, clothing and muddy boots, from the home of Johnny Oquendo, the stepfather of Noel Alkaramla, who has been missing since November 22.[TU]

Task force suggests retreat from Common Core
A NYS Common Core task force formed by Andrew Cuomo in September is recommending that the implement its own set of standards as opposed to the the national standards in an effort to reduce testing and anxiety. The task force is also recommending that test scores not be used to evaluate teachers through 2019, to allow time for new standards and tests to be developed. [TU][NYT]

Wormuth sentenced
Former Halfmoon Supervisor Melinda Wormuth will spend one year and one day in jail for accepting bribes in exchange for using her political position to lobby state elected leaders.[News 10][WNYT]

Uber meeting
Nearly 150 people turned out at the Olde English Pub in Albany on Thursday to learn about the possibility of becoming Uber Drivers. [TU]

Pedestrian injured in Colonie
A Watervliet woman suffered serious injuries when she was hit by a car on Thursday evening while crossing Route 9 in Colonie a Loudon Road. [News 10]

Shooting in Albany
Part of Quail street in Albany was shut down for a stretch overnight after two men were injured by gunshots Elk and Quail.[News 10][WNYT]

Commisso holds on to majority leader post
Albany County legislator Frank Commisso survived a challenge and was reelected as majority leader on Thursday.

Clifton Park considers hotel tax
Clifton Park is considering implementing a 1.5 percent hotel tax . [Gazette]

Do voice votes violate open government laws?
More on the open government questions triggered by a potentially illegal - non unanimous voice vote on the Albany County Budget this week. [TU]

Missing man found
Police say a Mechanicville man reported missing has been found safe.
[WNYT]

Sheridan Avenue Habitat project
The first phase of Habitat for Humanity's latest community restoration project is almost complete.[TWCN]

Schenectady government phones
The phone system for the city of Schenectady is down and under repair today.

Fighting city hall over $800 in parking tickets
A minister with a serious heart condition is fighting $800 in parking tickets with Albany City Hall. [TU]

UPS needs elves
Latham UPS is having trouble keeping up with on-line holiday shopping. [TU]

"the cardboard crust of a supermarket pizza, a bitter sauce and a disagreeable topping. I'm thinking sauerkraut.
Rocco DeFazio on immigration and the Donald Trump pizza.

Four weddings and a basketball game
Andie McDowell and Chris O'Dowd were at Siena this week, shooting a movie scene at a basketball game.

Happening today
It's Friday! Check out our Stuff to Do this Weekend post later this morning for a rundown of he weekends events.