Casino revenue lagging far behind projections, questions about Albany org for homeless after death, Troy police chief retiring, whether to purse the farming life
Casino revenue
The actual revenues from the new casinos around the state -- and the resulting reductions in local municipal taxes -- are way behind the projections made when the idea was pitched to the public. [TU]
People who are homeless
+ The policies and management of the Homeless Action Committee in Albany are under scrutiny after a resident of the org's North Pearl Street facility was turned away for having alcohol one night earlier this month and was found dead outside in the cold the next morning. [TU]
+ A look at the Code Blue shelter in Schenectady and the efforts to meet the health needs of the people there. [Daily Gazette]
Missing woman found in ravine
North Greenbush police say a Troy woman last seen very early Sunday was found in a ravine Sunday evening. NGPD says she was found barely conscious and suffering from hypothermia. [TU] [Troy Record]
Verdict in Schenectady fire murder
From Friday: The man accused of setting his stepfather on fire, killing him, in 2016 was found guilty of second-degree murder. Andrell Leppanen's attorney said his client had been suffering from mental health issues leading up to the attack. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Troy police chief retiring
From Friday: Troy police chief John Tedesco announced that he'll be retiring in January after four decades with the department. He also said he's been suffering from ALS for the past three years. [Troy Record] [TU]
Troy budget
The city of Troy is again being warned the state could step in to take over the city's finances, this time because of the hole in the budget after the city council didn't approve the Madden admin's proposed trash fee. [TU]
Police officer as coroner?
The city of Albany has informed Albany County coroner-elect Ben Sturges that he must choose between being a coroner and being a city police officer because of the potential conflict of interest of holding both jobs. [TU]
Albany County land sale
It looks like the veto of the Albany County sale of land in Knox that been the subject of questions because it involved a former county legislator will stand. [TU]
Troy Fourth Street land
The many moving pieces related to an apparent plan by a developer to building something on Fourth Street in downtown Troy. [The Alt]
Concerns about Schenectady nursing home
Family members of residents of the Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing recently offered a range of complaints about care at the facility, many of them linked to staffing levels. [Daily Gazette]
Minimum wage
Andrew Cuomo is talking about eliminating the difference in the regular minimum wage and the tipped minimum wage. [TU]
Congressional elections
The Democratic Senate win in Alabama has continued to stoke hopes by Democrats they can take the 19th (John Faso) and 21st Congressional Districts (Elise Stefanik) here in New York. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
SUNY chancellor
A look at some of the early initiatives of new SUNY chancellor Kristina Johnson -- one of which is focused on increasing energy efficiency at the system's many campuses. [Politico NY]
Universal Preservation Hall
Here's the latest timeline for the renovation of Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs. [Daily Gazette]
Smith's
The historic Smith's Restaurant in Cohoes is set to open Monday for the first time following the huge fire. [News10]
The farm life
The sale of a Bethlehem farm has
Stuff going on today
Love, Actually
Monday: The Palace is showing Love, Actually. Christmas is all around... Monday 7 pm -- $5
Front Parlor
Monday: The Front Parlor storytelling series is back at the Olde English in Albany. This month's theme: "Getting Lucky." Monday 7:30 pm
... said KGB about Drawing: What's something that brought you joy this year?