All Over Albany

Troy moves closer to sanctuary city status, alleged murder for hire plot detailed at trial, homicides (and arrests) up in Albany, Cuomo to be inaugurated on Ellis Island, dinosaurs headed to Lake George

Sanctuary city
Troy's Public Safety Committee voted 2-1 on Tuesday to send a resolution to make Troy a sanctuary city along to the City Council. The vote followed a three hour public meeting where residents spoke out both in favor of and against sanctuary city status.[TU][Spectrum]

Albany violence
The number of homicides and shootings in the city of Albany is up significantly this year compared to the five year average -- and the police department has managed to make arrest in almost all the homicide cases.[TU]

Dembrosky murder trial
A Fulton County jail inmate testified on Tuesday that Tarchand Lall offered to pay his bail if he would kill a man with a lethal dose of heroin. [Gazette]

Violent felony dismissed due to DA's office errors
A Rensselaer County Court judge dismissed a seven-count felony robbery and burglary indictment against three defendants on Tuesday due to the failure of the District Attorney's office to properly present the case to grand jury.[TU]

Albany LED streetlights
Albany has gotten approval to borrow up to $29.3 million for the purchase and upgrade of the city's streetlights to energy-efficient LED lighting. [TU]

Woman claims Hampton Inn employee filmed her in shower
A woman who stayed at the Hampton Inn while visiting Albany to take the New York State bar exam says she was filmed in the shower by a hotel employee who then allegedly used the video to try to extort money from her. [TU]

Reporting sexual abuse in private schools
A bill on Andrew Cuomo's desk could close a decades-old loophole that has allowed private high schools to avoid reporting sexual abuse allegations. [Spectrum]

School budgets
About a dozen Capital Region school districts are in violation of a law requiring them to post the current year's school budgets on their websites. [Gazette]

Campaign spending
+ State Senate Republicans outspent Democrats by approximately $3 million in the recent election season. [TU]
+ Andrew Cuomo's campaign spent more than $34.4 million on his recent gubernatorial victory. [TU]

Ellis Island inauguration
Andrew Cuomo will give his inauguration speech at Ellis Island.[TU]

Support for former St. Clare's employees
The Niskayuna Town Board voted on Tuesday to approve a resolution to support the more than 1,000 retirees of Saint Clare's hospital who are in danger of having their pensions cut or eliminated. [Gazette]

Malnourished dog
Troy police are searching for the owner of an emaciated mastiff-hound found in Frear Park this week. [TU]

Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs are coming to Lake George.[TU]

Stuff going on today

Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley
Today-Sunday: The Rep continues its production of Miss Bennett: Christmas at Pemberley, based on characters from Pride and Prejudice. "In this charmingly imagined sequel to Jane Austen's masterwork, the ever-dependable Mary Bennet is growing tired of her role as dutiful middle sister in the face of her siblings' romantic escapades. When the family visits for Christmas, an unexpected guest sparks Mary's hopes for independence, an intellectual match -- and possibly even love?" Tuesday-Sunday various times -- $22 and up

Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Wednesday-Sunday: A touring production of the Dr. Seuss' How The?Grinch?Stole Christmas! The Musical is at Proctors. "[T]he record-setting Broadway holiday sensation which features the hit songs 'You're A Mean One Mr.?Grinch' and 'Welcome Christmas' from the original animated special." Wednesday-Sunday various times -- $20 and up

The Nutcracker
Wednesday: The Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker is at The Palace. "Presenting world class Russian artists, hand-painted sets, Russian Snow Maidens, and jubilant Nesting Dolls - Great Russian Nutcracker brings the Christmas spirit to life for all ages." Wednesday 7 pm -- $31 and up

Startup Tech Valley
Wednesday: The Startup Tech Valley series is back at Revolution Hall in Troy with presentations from four startups. Wednesday 5:30 pm -- free, but registration required

Carlos Mencia
Wednesday: Carlos Mencia will be at the Funny Bone at Crossgates for a stand-up show. Wednesday 7:30 pm -- $25

Music: Dave Matthews Band at TU Center
"The upcoming arena tour will feature a wide mixture of songs from throughout the band's career, including material from their new album Come Tomorrow." 7 pm -- $55 and up

Music: Rodney Atkins at Troy Music Hall
GNA Presents Jingle Jam 2018. With: Craig Campbell, Vinnie Michaels Band. 7 pm -- $26

Music: The Floozies at Lucky Strike Jupiter Hall
Electro funk. With: The Terminus Horns, Sodown. 8 pm -- $17