All Over Albany

Patient dies in ambulance crash, victim identified in Albany stabbing, candidates emerge for Spa City mayoral contest

Ambulance crash
A patient is dead and two other people are injured after an Ambulance crashed into a tree on Wednesday evening in Duanesburg. [Spectrum]

More Siena poll results
This week's Siena poll that showed a favorability jump for Andrew Cuomo also showed that 65 percent New Yorkers polled hold an unfavorable view of Donald Trump. The poll also found New York voters overwhelmingly oppose he federal health care bill passed earlier this month by the House of Representatives and that most have not heard anything about the upcoming November on a proposed constitutional convention. [Spectrum][TU]

Stabbing victim identified
Albany police say the victim in Saturday's fatal stabbing on Elk Street was 26-year-old Jonathon Weldon. [WNYT]

Saratoga mayoral race heats up
With Joanne Yepsen's announcement that she will not run for another term as mayor of Saratoga, there are currently three candidates have expressed interest in the post: Yepsen's deputy, Meg Kelly, Hank Kuczynski-- former Deputy Mayor to Ken Klotz, and Republican Mark Baker, former director of the Saratoga City Center. [TU][WNYT]

Colonie Dems endorse Mahan
Colonie Democrats have endorsed a slate of candidates, including current supervisor Paula Mahan, who is seeking her sixth term. [TU]

Letter calls for dissolution of IDC
A state senator who was elected as a Democrat, but announced days later that he would caucus with Republicans, sent a letter this week to IDC leader Jeff Klein, urging him to disband the Independent Democratic Conference and "unconditionally and publicly rejoin the Democrats."[NYT x 2]

Former Schenectady politician facing assault charge
Nicholas Gerace, a one time Niskayuna Town Board and Schenectady County Legislature candidate is facing assault charges for allegedly throwing a woman to the ground and choking her. [TU]

How the proposed federal budget could affect local schools
A look at how cuts proposed in Donald Trump's budget could affect young people in local schools. [Gazette]

Step forward for proposed Troy apartments
Troy's city Council has given the OK to sell the former Leonard Hospital property for $1 to a developer with plans to turn the site into a 120 unit apartment complex. [TU]

Niskayuna school laptop stolen
A laptop stolen from the car of a Niskayuna school psychologist over Easter break contained personal information for hundreds of current and former students. [TU]

Defendant's illness kept from jury
The brother of a defendant in alleged tire theft case in Albany says he believes the defendant's Huntington's Disease affected his judgement, but the illness is not allowed to be a consideration for the jury.
[TU]

Fatigue caused fatal tugboat crash
Federal investigators cited crew member fatigue and inadequate manning as causes in a tug boat accident last year that claimed the lives of three people as the boat pulled the barge from Albany to New Jersey for work on the Tappan Zee Bridge project. [TU[

Albany pizzagate?
Chris Churchill isn't upset about free pizza handed out by Kathy Sheehan's campaign at Monday's Albany County Democratic Committee meeting. "But if I were searching for the real controversy from Monday's gathering,"he says,"it might be that the party continues to endorse primary candidates at all." [TU]

Ride sharing update
The NYS Assembly voted this week to let Uber and Lift begin picking up passengers upstate as soon as June 29. [WNYT]

Electric bikes
A group supporting clarification on laws surrounding the use of electric bikes lobbied in Albany on Wednesday.[Gazette]

Stuff going on today

Troy Hidden Garden Tour
The Troy Hidden Garden Tour returns. "The self-guided walking tour features approx. 30 private backyard gardens in the Historic Sage College, Washington Park and adjoining neighborhoods of downtown Troy. While most of the gardens are approximately the same size, about 20 feet by 30 feet, they vary greatly in style. Some of the gardens feature charming pathways, fountains and pools. Some are filled with flowers, while others have more plants and vegetables -- all lovingly tended by gardeners of all skill levels." It's a rain or shine event. Thursday 4-7:30 pm -- $10 (tickets available online)

Craft + Draft
Collar City Candle's popular Craft + Draft series is at The Malt Room at Brown's. "In this fun, laid back workshop we'll help you design & create a one of a kind candle to take home." The ticket price include candle-making materials, drinks are sold separately. Thursday 5-8 pm -- $15 (available online)

Latte art
Stacks Espresso is hosting one its TNT Latte Art competitions at its downtown Albany location. Baristas will be competing for prizes ($5 to enter). There will be also be music and samples from Nine Pin. Admission for spectators is free. Thursday 6 pm

Music
L.O.C.H.HDOWN #3 at The Low Beat
Hip hop showcase featuring a bunch of acts. 7 pm