Not guilty plea in Alkaramla case, Rocks suspect connected to Bloods, longtime journalist/columnist Marv Cermak dies at 84
Not guilty plea in Alkaramla case
The late Noel Alkaramla's former stepfather pleaded not guilty to second degree murder and other charges connected to her murder in November of last year. [Record]
Rocks shooting suspect
The suspect in the November shooting at Rocks nightclub, 30-year-old Kareem Blacknall, is believed to be a member of the Bloods. Police say some of the gang violence that had been calmer has heated up due to the Rocks shooting. [News 10]
Missing teen
Police are searching for 16-year-old Sierra Budik, who has been missing from her East Greenbush home since Tuesday morning. [TU]
Cuomo orders investigation into racial bias in prisons
A New York Times report that black prison inmates are punished at a higher rate than whites has prompted Andrew Cuomo to order an investigation into racial bias in the state prison system. [NYT]
Heastie
Carl Heastie has been renominated by Assembly Democrats to serve as speaker for the coming legislative session. [TU]
Sheehan protest
A group of city of Albany employees protested on Tuesday night out side a fundraiser at Druthers for Kathy Sheehan. [WNYT]
Supervisors override tax cap in Saratoga County
In a vote of 20-3 on Tuesday, Saratoga County supervisors overrode the tax cap. [Gazette][TU]
Albany County bed tax
Albany County legislators have approved an extension of the 6 percent bed tax for another two years. [TU]
Mechanicville
After years of fiscal stress, Mechanicville officials say the city is returning to financial stability. [TU]
Shen school land goes to developer
In a controversial vote, the Shenendehowa Central School district will be sold to commercial developers approved a plan to sell 34 acres of wooded land to a developer instead of using it as a community park.[TU]
Schenectady offers home ownership clinic for vacant houses
Schenectady in conjunction with the breathing lights project, will host a workshop for people interested in purchasing vacant homes [Gazette]
Albany County discrimination case
Albany County will pay $295,000 to settle a claim by a former Albany County sheriff's investigator who alleged employees of the department created a hostile work environment.[TU]
Child porn charges for Albany man
Police have arrested a 24-year-old Albany man on child pornography charges. [TU]
Businesses get first responder training
In the wake of last month's shooting at Crossgates Mall, police held a first responder training for local business owners on Tuesday. [TU]
Preservation of damaged historic Saratoga buildings
Preservation efforts are continuing at the site of last month's fire that damaged a handful of historic buildings on and around Caroline Street in Saratoga Springs. [Saratogian]
Ride sharing
+Police statewide are pushing for ride sharing services in upstate New York in an effort to reduce drunk driving. [TU]
+In Saratoga County, the Chamber of Commerce is urging businesses to support Upstate ride sharing. [Saratogian]
Grandparent scams
A recent grandparent scam that bilked a Rensselaer County resident of more than $10,000 has police warning area residents to beware of similar scams. [TU]
King ceremony
The Schenectady Human Rights Commission is fighting to hold a ceremonial street renaming for Martin Luther King Junior in January. [Gazette]
Pearl Harbor
Capital Region residents share their memories of December 7th, 1941. [TU][Gazette]
Marv Cermak
"He was the conscience of Schenectady," Schenectady Councilman Vincent Riggi on longtime Capital Region journalist and columnist Mary Cermak. Cermak died on Tuesday at the age of 84. He's being remembered by area residents and journalists for his work ethic and dedication to a career that spanned six decades. [TU][Gazette][Business Review]
Stuff going on today
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer the Musical at Proctors
Wednesday-Thursday: "The beloved TV classic RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER soars off the screen and onto the stage this holiday season." 7 pm each day -- $20 and up
Stage
Camelot
Today-Sunday: Capital Rep continues its production of Camelot. Blurbage:
The four-time Tony® Award-winning musical, with one of the richest scores of the Broadway song book, tells the story of the legendary King Arthur, who rules his kingdom with new ideals, bringing peace to a troubled land. This lusty, romantic tale is sure to inspire audiences with a celebrated score that includes the classics "If Ever I Would Leave You," "The Simple Joys of Maidenhood," "How to Handle a Woman" and the title song, "Camelot."
It runs through December 24. Tuesday-Wednesday -- $25 and up
... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?