All Over Albany

Thousands at march in Albany, Cuomo issues state regulation for contraceptive coverage, two submissions for 1 Monument Square redevelopment

March and rally in Albany
The Inaugurate Resistance" march and rally in Albany this past weekend drew 7,000 people, according to organizers. Participants were there to support a range of causes, from reproductive rights to respect for Muslims to civic engagement. Jamaica Miles of Citizen Action, which organized the event, of the turnout: "It made me feel optimistic and inspired and motivated and proud of all the work that we did to make sure this event happened." [AOA] [Daily Gazette] [TU]

March in Washington
Riding the bus to the Women's March in DC on Saturday with a contingent of people from the Capital Region. [TU]

Chuck Schumer at the inauguration
From Chuck Schumer's speech at the presidential inauguration (he was in the lineup of speakers because of his role as Senate minority leader): "In such times, faith in our government, our institutions, and even in our country can erode. Despite these challenges, I stand here today confident in this great country for one reason: you, the American people." The Washington Post's Jennifer Rubin: "Schumer provided an inclusive portrait of America, but one that require we sacrifice to improve the country." [TU] [Washington Post]

Contraceptive coverage
Looking ahead to the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act, Andrew Cuomo issued a regulation for health insurance carriers in New York requiring them to provide contraception and medically-necessary abortion services without copays or deductibles. [TU]

Guilty plea in Saratoga County child sexual assault case
Jeanne Mosher -- accused of engaging in sexual acts with two children over multiple years in Hadley and Wilton with her husband (he pleaded guilty last Wednesday) -- pleaded guilty to two felony charges. They face as many as 40 years in prison. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [TWCN]

Guilty pleas in co-worker torture case
The four men accused of torturing a co-worker in a Colonie hotel room last year pleaded guilty to assault charges and face four or more years in prison. [TU]

15 displaced by Troy fire
Officials say a house fire on Fourth Street in Troy Sunday morning displaced 15 people. [TU]

Momentive strike
As the Momentive strike in Waterford continues, nions and activists are turning their attention to the hedge funds behind the company. [TU+]

1 Monument Square
The city of Troy says it received two proposals for the redevelopment of 1 Monument Square -- from Bonacio Construction and Redburn Development Companies. It has not released the proposals -- city council president Carmella Mantello has asked Patrick Madden's administration to release them. [Madden admin] [TU] [Biz Review]

Homelessness in Saratoga Springs
Shelters of Saratoga is attempting to survey of every homeless person in the city, which it says will help it better deliver services. [Daily Gazette]

Schools
+ The upcoming fight in the state legislature over Andrew Cuomo's school aid plan. [Politico]
+ Looking at the potential -- and cost -- of early college programs such as P-Tech in Troy. [TU+]

Drinking water
A look at the Cuomo admin proposal to get small municipalities to test their drinking water for contaminants. [Politico]

Patricia Higgins
Remembering Patricia Higgins, longtime Albany community leader, who died recently at age 81. [WNYT]

Mt. Ida
Chris Churchill talks with people in Troy's Mt. Ida/Congress Street corridor neighborhood, which appears to be on the upswing. [TU+]