Morning Blend
Women's Equality bill split ten ways, Cuomo and legislators reach casino agreement, Niskayuna school budget passes, Colonie among New York's most fiscally stressed communities
The legislative session is getting down to the wire. Last night Andrew Cuomo's proposed Women's Equality Act was split into 10 parts to separate the portion that clarifies state abortion law from the rest of the bill. Senate GOP leaders were refusing to vote on the original bill based on the abortion condition.[News10][TU][YNN]
Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders have reached an agreement on proposed casinos. The arrangement would limit the number of Casinos to two per region -- and would call for four casinos in upstate NY -- two in the Catskills, one in the Capital Region and one in the Southern tier.[YNN][YNN][TU]
Revised budgets in Niskayuna and Middleburgh passed on Tuesday night.[TU]
Based on a 23 point examination, State comptroller Tom DiNapoli Colonie is one of the most fiscally stressed municipalities in the state. Paula Mahan doesn't disagree but says getting out of debt was the first priority for the town, and she'll now be focused on building a cash reserve. Albany and Saratoga Counties were listed as under "moderate stress" and Rensselaer County is "susceptible"to stress.[TU][YNN][Saratogian]
Funeral services were held in Guilderland on Tuesday for Lt. Col. Todd Clark, killed earlier this month in Afghanistan. Chidren from Pine Bush Elementary School lined the route to the church holding signs and American Flags for what
their principal called a "teachable moment." Clark's remains will be flown to his final resting place in Texas on an honor flight provided by Southwest Airlines. [YNN][TU][YNN]
Residents call for safer street after boy's death, thousands rally against fracking, McLaughlin "considering" run for governor, man says he was "just being an idiot"
Residents of the housing complex along South Pearl Street in Albany where 7-year-old Qazir Sutherland was hit by a car Saturday evening -- and later died from his injuries -- pushed for better safety measures along the street at Monday's Common Council meeting. Remarked a woman who said she saw Sutherland hit: "People are always just driving by here like crazy ... We got kids running around playing and there ain't a crosswalk or a stoplight in sight." Common Councilman Lester Freeman, who represents the South End, urged quick action: "There are children's lives in danger, right down there on South Pearl Street as I talk to you right now." Albany police are investigating the accident -- they say the driver stopped when it happened and was interviewed by officers. [WNYT] [TU] [YNN] [News10]
Mourners gathered along the route of the motorcade carrying the body of Army Lt. Col. Todd Clark, recently killed in Afghanistan, from ALB to Christian Brothers Academy Monday morning (photos). [Troy Record] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Timothy Kaufman -- who had been living in Clifton Park, and now sits in the Rensselaer County jail awaiting extradition to the Philippines on charges he killed two people -- writes in a letter to the Times Union that he's being set up and would not get a fair trial if extradited. [TU]
The issues apparently on the plate during this last week of the session for the state legislature: the university tax-free zones, casinos, binding arbitration for distressed cities, and privatizing the Long Island Power Authority. Apparently off the plate: campaign finance reform and Andrew Cuomo's 10-point women's agenda, of which state Senate IDC leader Jeff Klein says won't pass because of an abortion rights provision. That prompted blame of the IDC -- a small group of Democrats who controls the state Senate in coalition with Republicans -- from Cuomo and advocates. [TU] [NYT] [State of Politics] [State of Politics] [State of Politics]
A Siena poll out Monday reports that Andrew Cuomo's favorability rating is at the lowest point of his term as governor, 58 percent. And 52 percent of respondents said Sheldon Silver should step down as speaker. [Siena SRI]
Family says boy struck by car has died, Cuomo adjusts casino plan, questions about housing as Park South redevelops
The family of the 7-year-old boy Albany police say was hit by a vehicle while crossing South Pearl Street (block map) Saturday night says the boy has died. [News10] [WNYT]
A motorcade will be transporting the body of Lt. Col. Todd Clark, recently killed in Afghanistan, from ALB to Christian Brothers Academy for calling hours today. [TU]
Andrew Cuomo is now proposing four -- instead of three -- upstate casinos as part of his upstate casino plan. The legislation necessary to move the process along is expected to a be a focus during this last week of the legislative session. Also: The Cuomo admin is apparently getting ready to flip the switch from "get along" to "kill" after a group of current VLT operators continued to oppose the administration's casino plans. [TU] [TU] [TU]
Residents of Schoharie County were cleaning up over the weekend from flash flooding on Friday, specifically in Middleburgh. Three inches of rain fell during just a few hours in some parts of the county. It was all too familiar. [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [TU]
Kirsten Gillibrand on the recent allegations by retired Lt. Col. Sharon Dwyer Stepp that officers in the 109th Airlift Wing in Glenville have covered up incidents of sexual assault: "Lt. Col. Stepp's remarks are consistent with what we have heard over and over again from the victims, the chain of command is failing victims of sexual abuse." (This issue has been a focus for Gillibrand.) [AP/Troy Record] [Capital New York]
Albany, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and Glens Falls are among the 60+ municipalities in the state that have courts specifically tasked with handling domestic violence cases, an arrangement said to do a better of job of holding abusers accountable. Also: An issue around New York State, if not necessarily the Capital Region: orders of protection being used to arrest not just the person they're directed at -- but also the person they're supposed to be protecting. [TU] [TU]
Eye on flooding, retired lieutenant colonel alleges sexual abusers in National Guard air wing not punished, report: increase in New York tornadoes
All the recent rain has prompted concerns about flooding along waterways. NWS has issued a flood warning for the Hudson River at Troy until Friday night. The Mohawk River was expected to crest at Schenectady just above flood stage early this morning -- SPD was going door to door in the Stockade Thursday night to give people the heads up. [NWS] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
A retired lieutenant colonel alleges in a letter to a US Senator that alleged sexual abusers in the Glenville-based New York National Guard 109th Airlift Wing were not punished, "but instead are promoted." [AP/TU]
The father of Army Lt. Col. Todd Clark, the Albany area native killed this past weekend in Afghanistan -- shared details of the attack by an Afghan soldier that killed Clark and two other men from the Hudson Valley. [TU]
An abortion rights amendment to the Cuomo admin's women equality bill aimed at getting state Senate Republican on board fizzled. A key supporter in the state Senate of the bill -- Diane Savino -- said Thursday the abortion measure should be set aside so it doesn't endanger the bill's other nine measures. [TU] [AP/Saratogian]
The head of The Prevention Council -- an org in Saratoga County aimed at preventing alcohol and drug abuse -- was arrested for DWI in Warren County in March. The org says Heather Kisselback has been placed on 6-month probation with counseling. Said Kisselback in an email to the Saratogian: "I understand why people are upset with me. I'm upset with me! I truly am sorry. All I can do now is try to make it right." [WNYT] [TU] [Saratogian]
The Fulton County sheriff says the body of the man missing since the volunteer medical flight carrying him and two others crashed in May had fallen on a freezer, crushing it around him, leaving the body hidden from searchers who passed within feet of it for weeks. [Daily Gazette]
Former RPI employee arraigned for embezzlement, suspicious packages at Albany FBI HQ, Round Lake librarian reinstated, Alec Baldwin wants to clean up Albany
All the rain we've had and the rain we're expecting, has prompted flood warnings for much of the Capital Region . [TU]
The State Police bomb squad was called to an FBI field office on McCarty Avenue in Albany on Wednesday afternoon when two suspicious duffle bags were discovered at the property. The building and a nearby apartment complex were evacuated. No word on what was in the bags but x-rays showed they posed no threat to the community [YNN][TU][News10] [Record]
A former business coordinator for RPI's School of Architecture, who was arressted in 2010 for allegedly embezzling more than $350,000 from the college, was arraigned in Troy on Wednesday. Rensselaer County D.A. Rich McNally says it took three years to arraign Christine Dickson because prosecutors were working to resolve the case out of court and determine how much of RPI's loss was covered by insuranceso they could determine a restitution figure.[TU][Record]
The lastest in the saga of the Round Lake library: The Women's Round Lake Improvement Committee selected a new Round Lake Library Board in an emergency meeting on Wednesday evening. The board reinstated long time librarian Theresa Marchione - who ws fired several weeks ago when she shut down the library 40 minutes early because of tornado warnings. Library Director Carol Sheffer, who fired Marchione, resigned from her post on Wednesday afternoon. [TU][WNYT][YNN]
Warrington found guilty of murder, Cuomo proposes Public Trust Act to curb legislative corruption, entire Round Lake Library Board resigns over fired librarian case
A Warren County jury found Brandon Warrington guilty of the murder of his girlfriend's 5-year-old son. Jurors deliberated for three-and-a-half hours on Tuesday before convicting Warrington of second degree murder in the death of Gary Carpenter in November. Warren County DA Kate Hogan said Warrington's own testimony "was a gift to the prosecution."[WNYT][YNN][TU]
The entire Round Lake Library Board resigned last night after deferring a decision on reinstating the village librarian who was fired for closing the building early due to tornado warnings. Board members resigned during an executive session on the matter, citing threats to their families over the issue. [YNN][Saratogian][TU][WNYT]
With just six days remaining in the legislative session, Andrew Cuomo is proposing the Public Trust Act to address corruption in the state legislature. The bill would create a new class of government corruption charges, including a misdemeanor for public officials who fail to report knowledge of bribery. [NYT] [TU]
Opponents of the NY SAFE Act rallied on the steps of the state Capitol on Tuesday afternoon. Following the rally protestors delivered petitions to legislators. [WNYT][TU]
A group called "New Yorkers for Life" are planning a rally at the Capitol today to protest the abortion provisions in Andrew Cuomo's proposed women's equality legislation.[YNN]
Remembrances of men killed in Afghanistan, auditor: Albany water department had lots of unpaid bills, push for Troy marina
Remembrances of the two men from the region killed in Afghanistan this past weekend: the wife of Joseph Morabito, from Greene County, recalled how her husband "couldn't just stay home and sit on the couch and watch TV and just be a regular citizen ... It just wasn't in him anymore. He had to do something. He had to make a difference, even if it was just a slight difference." And the former head of the New York National Guard remembered Todd Clark, an Army lieutenant colonel from the Albany area, as "a leader who took care of his men." [TU] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
Saratoga Springs police have identified the woman hit and killed by a man accused of driving drunk Friday: 55-year-old Jamie Jo McBride, from Washington State. It's not clear why she was in Saratoga. [Saratogian] [TU]
A report from the Albany city auditor concludes the city's water department has "an excessive number of unpaid bills from 2010, 2011 and 2012" -- more than $1 million -- even though it has the money to pay them. The water department's CFO has resigned. Said an assistant commissioner to the Times Union: "The bottom line is, the bills weren't being paid. ... The mail was coming in and it was being put in a pile and not processed." [Albany city auditor] [TU]
Not surprisingly, tech is a growing part of the Capital Region economy, according to a Brookings Institution report. Also not surprising: the best jobs are going to people with more education. [Daily Gazette] [BI] [TU]
The group that oversees the the Round Lake Library Board of Trustees passed a resolution calling on the board to re-instate a librarian recently let go after she closed the library early because of a tornado warning -- and resignation of the library director who did the sacking. The issue apparently has the tiny village of Round Lake fired up, drawing more than 100 people to the meeting. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Soldier originally from Albany area killed in Afghanistan, rally against standardized testing, high school student arrested for alleged threat on Facebook, turtle crossing season
Todd Clark -- an Army lieutenant colonel, Albany-area native, and CBA graduate -- was killed over the weekend while serving in Afghanistan. Clark and two other Americans -- including a Greene County man -- were reportedly shot by an Afghan soldier following an argument. This was Clark's fifth tour overseas, and he had already been awarded a Purple Heart. "The worst day of my life," Clark's father, himself a veteran, told the Times Union of hearing of his son's death. [YNN] [WNYT] [NYT] [News10] [TU]
Saratoga Springs police say a woman died Friday night after being hit by a pickup truck while crossing Ballston Ave near the southern edge of downtown (map). The driver has been charged with first-degree vehicular manslaughter and driving while intoxicated. SSPD says the woman was in a cross walk. It's having trouble finding family to notify. [TU] [Saratogian] [News10] [Saratogian]
An estimated 10,000+ people were at the ESP Saturday for a rally against standardized testing in New York schools -- or, as one person described it, "drill, kill, bubble fill." [WNYT] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The state's tax code has so many tax exemptions that no one is sure exactly how many there are or how much they cost in tax revenue that would otherwise be collected. [TU]
More allegations against Lopez and Silver, driver in fatal hit and run sentenced, bed bugs in Schenectady, RPI part of suit against Apple
From the ongoing fallout of the Vito Lopez sexual harassment situation: two state Assembly legislative aides have filed lawsuits against Lopez, Sheldon Silver, and the Assembly. One of the suits alleges "Silver and his staff tried to cover up Lopez's actions and protect Lopez and the Assembly from public scrutiny" -- and "Silver was more concerned about avoiding adverse media attention than he was about protecting employees of the Assembly from sexual harassment." Another allegation: Lopez suggested one of the staffers have sex with a Cuomo admin official in order to get a bill passed -- and talked of a "naked" Executive Mansion overnight tour. A Cuomo admin spokeswoman said the idea of Lopez getting access to mansion for that "couldn't be more absurd." [TU] [State of Politics] [NYDN] [AP/Troy Record]
Anthony Gallo -- convicted of driving while under the influence of drugs and the fatally hit and run on Cassandra Boone, a pedestrian crossing State Street, in November 2011 -- has been sentenced to 15-32 years in state prison. He got the maximum sentence allowed by the law. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Robert L. Williams, charged with second-degree murder for the stabbing death of Sharene Wallace in an apartment in Albany's West Hill neighborhood, pleaded not guilty. Family members say Williams and Wallace were married under Muslim law, though it wasn't official with the state. [News10] [TU]
Albany police say a man was shot three times while sleeping on a couch in an West Hill apartment early Thursday morning. APD says evidence indicates the shots were "intentionally fired through a window from outside the residence." The man is in stable condition. [APD]
It looks like "moderate to locally heavy" rain over the next day or so as Tropical Storm Andrea travels up the East Coast. [NWS] [NOAA]
Cuomo releases casino plan, Williams charged with wife's murder, dogs accidentally dragged by patrol car, aspirations of re-striping a bridge
Andrew Cuomo officially released his Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act on Wednesday. Details include the establishment of a gaming commission, a $50 million minimum licensing fee for destination resorts, and approval from local governments. The plan still needs approval from state legislators and voters. [YNN][TU][WNYT]
A Quinnipiac poll released today reports two thirds of New Yorkers support Andrew Cuomo's plan to update New York's abortion laws. [TU]
Forty-one-year-old Robert Williams, the husband of Sharene Wallace -- who Albany police say was found stabbed to death in a closet in an apartment in West Hill last week -- was arrested Wednesday in New York City, and has been charged with second-degree murder. [TU] [WNYT] [YNN]
Katherine Seeber, the former Wilton woman who served 12 years in prison for her role in the murder of her 91-year-old step great grandmother and was released in July, has been stabbed to death by her boyfriend in Queens, police there say. [Saratogian] [TU][NYDN]
Max Etienne, a 10-year-veteran of the Albany Police Department, pleaded guilty to DWI on Wednesday. Police say Etienne left the scene after crashing into three parked cars near South Main and Hansen avenues, but later returned. Etienne will not serve any jail time, but accepted a plea deal that requires him to pay $1,000 fine and perform 60 hours of community service . [WNYT][YNN][TU]
Cuomo proposes "Bill of Rights" for women, poll: majority of New Yorkers think Silver should resign, arson suspect to face federal prosecution
Andrew Cuomo unveiled his proposed "Bill of rights" for women on Tuesday. The ten-point plan would toughen laws against human trafficking, domestic violence, gender-based discrimination and pay inequity as well as updating the state's abortion laws. The abortion language constitutes about five sentences at the end of the 56 page bill and would secure a right to late-term abortions when the health of the pregnant woman is at risk or when the fetus is not viable. State Senate Republicans argue wrapping abortion legislation in with the women's rights billis a political maneuver, and may keep the bill from reaching the floor. [TU][YNN][NYT][Capitol Confidential]
A new poll Quinnipiac poll reports New York voters believe Sheldon Silver should step down for his handling of the Vito Lopez scandal by a margin of 51 to 22. [NYT]
Lopez, the former Assembly member, is expected to be fined $330,000 by a legislative ethics panel for allegedly sexually harassing former employees.[NYT]
The prosecution of Saratoga man charged with starting the Schenectady fire that killed 32-year-old David Terry and four of his children will be handled by federal prosecutors in US district court, opening the possibility that he could face the death penalty if found guilty. [Saratogian] [TU] [YNN]
The former CFO of the Brighter Choice Foundation, convicted for stealing $54,000 from Key Bank in his previous job, will spend 5 to 10 years in prison for stealing nearly $203,000 from Brighter Choice -- money he says he believed was "owed" to him. [Record] [YNN] [TU]
An Albany man is facing charges for allegedly sexually abusing a kindergartner in the bathroom of the State Museum. The child was on a field trip with his class from Cambridge Elementary School and his mother was waiting for him outside the bathroom door. [TU][YNN][WNYT]
Cuomo to propose women's rights agenda legislation, no further charges for driver accused of hitting pedestrian after falling asleep, "complete streets" for Albany
The Cuomo admin is planning to formally propose a "Women's Equality Act" today, which includes a bunch of measures from the governor's women's rights agenda. A provision that would allow abortions after 24 weeks to protect a woman's health is shaping up to be a point of conflict in the state Senate. In an op/ed at the Huffington Post, Andrew Cuomo argues that New York's current abortion law is "outdated and inconsistent with federal law." [WSJ] [YNN] [Huffington Post]
The state Conservative Party is criticizing the Cuomo admin's plan for tax-free zones at SUNY campuses: "As we have noted many times government should not be deciding what business receives government handouts that give them advantages over other businesses." The idea has also been criticized by CSEA. On Monday Cuomo said the plan "levels the playing field overnight" for retaining startups upstate. SUNY chancellor Nancy Zimpher said Monday the she'd heard from university presidents that the proposed plan was already generating interest from companies. [State of Politics] [News10] [TU] [Troy Record]
A large group of state legislators, both Democrats and Republicans, are pushing for the restoration of $90 million that was cut from funding for non-profits that serve people with disabilities in the state. [TU]
The Saratoga County Sheriff's Department says the driver who's accused of falling asleep and fatally hitting a pedestrian in Halfmoon this past weekend will not face charges beyond a traffic violation because of a precedent set by the state Court of Appeals in a Saratoga County case that dates back 1985. [Saratogian]
The Albany Police Department released a few more details about the death of a woman in an West Hill apartment last week, which it's now calling a homicide. APD says the woman was found in a closet and had been stabbed. It also reiterated that it wants to talk with the woman's husband. APD hasn't called him a suspect, but chief Steve Krokoff called him "a person of interest." [APD] [YNN]
A Schenectady landlord was ordered to pay $85,400 in fines after a city court judge found him guilty of 254 code violations at an apartment building in the Vale neighborhood. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Sheriff's office: pedestrian killed after driver fell asleep and veered, NWS says there was third tornado, Uncle Sam loses his head
The Saratoga County Sheriff's Office says a Halfmoon man was killed early Sunday morning when he was struck by a vehicle as he walked along Route 4. SCSO says the driver of the vehicle had fallen asleep and veered off the road -- he's been ticketed for failure to keep right. [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
A jury found Antonio Lopez-Bautista guilty of the attempted kidnapping and attempted rape of a woman on Saratoga Springs' west side in May 2012. He faces up to 15 years in prison. Lopez-Bautista is in the country illegally and could be deported after serving his prison sentence. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
Having the case against Robert Butler, accused of arson in the Schenectady fire that killed three children and their father, prosecuted by the feds as a death penalty case is a possibility the Schenectady County DA tells the Times Union. [TU]
The National Weather Service has concluded that a third tornado touched down in the Capital Region last Wednesday, in Clifton Park (map) -- NWS estimates the tornado was 200 yards wide and traveled a mile, with max wind speeds of 100 mph. [NWS]
The State Liquor Authority has significantly reduced the wait time for processing new liquor license applications. [TU]
NWS: two tornadoes touched down, state Senator: level of oversight of daycares "simply unacceptable," running to make a statement, a-p-o-r-i-a
The National Weather Service has concluded that two tornados touched down in the region Wednesday: one that traveled from the town of Florida in Montgomery to Rotterdam in Schenectady County (17 miles, top wind speed 125 mph), and another in Schoharie County (2 miles, top wind speed 100 mph). One man was injured when the first tornado ripped through his family's property in Mariaville -- the wind picked him up, six feet off the ground according to a witness, and blew him out of a barn. Said another Mariaville resident of the tornado: "it sounded exactly like a locomotive." Straight-line winds caused significant damage in Schenectady's Bellevue, Central State and Woodlawn neighborhoods. And in Troy, two large housing complexes were still without power Thursday afternoon after it was knocked out during the storm. [NWS] [NWS] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [Daily Gazette] [News10]
Albany police say the death of a woman in a West Hill apartment Thursday is suspicious, though they have released few details. [YNN] [TU]
State Senate Independent Democratic Conference leader Jeff Kelin in a statement about an IDC report about daycare in the state: "The current state of oversight and enforcement at New York State day care centers is simply unacceptable." The Cuomo admin says the IDC report took information out of context and called it "alarmingly misleading." [State of Politics] [AP/TU]
Storm causes downed trees, outages and flooding, Assembly members call for Sliver's resignation, rape defendant blames alcohol and cold medicine, local spellers head to nationals
Crews are cleaning up debris, downed trees, and wires after last night's storms. Wind speeds reached almost 60 mph and rain caused flooding in parts of the Capital Region. Thousands of National Grid customers lost power and a number of schools around the Capital Region are closed today. [YNN] [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
A witness in the trial of Brandon Warrington, the man charged with the beating death of his girlfriend's five-year-old son, testified on Wednesday that he saw a dark bruise on the boy's forehead a day or two before he was hospitalized and said he told Warrington and the boy's mother that the child should go to the hospital. The jury also heard testimony from a witness who said he saw Warrington throw the child on a bed in a rough manner and say "Boys can handle it, boys can take it."[YNN][Post Star]
Another pedestrian was hit by a car on Hoosick Street in Troy on Wednesday, near the site of several recent serious vehicle/pedestrian accidents. Earlier this month the DOT and the city of Troy announced $100,000 of projects to make the roadway safer for pedestrians. [TU][Record][YNN]
Troy detectives are investigating the stabbing of a 12-year-old boy at a 4th Street residence. The boy's injury is described as serious, but not fatal. [Troy PD Press Release]
Albany police are searching for the person who stabbed a 24-year-old man in the abdomen on Monday night. [TU]
The case of the state worker who was fired after the State Police put a GPS device on his car to confirm that he was skipping work will be heard by New York's highest court next week. [WNYT]
Trial begins in death of Glens Falls 5-year-old, racino announces $30 million expansion,Bruno farm house for sale, Elvii return to Lake George
The trial of Brandon Warrington, the Glens Falls man charged with the death of his girlfriend's five-year-old son last fall, began on Tuesday in Queensbury. Prosecutors say Warrington repeatedly beat the boy, but the defense claims the child died due to his mother's negligence.[TU][YNN][News 10]
The Saratoga Casino and Raceway has announced a $30 million expansion that includes a hotel, spa, pool, upscale restaurant and events center. Raceway president Dan Gerrity said Tuesday that the expansion plans will move ahead, whether or not Saratoga is tapped to get one of three full casinos the Cuomo admin has proposed for upstate, but believes the expansion will put the city in a better position to be selected for a casino. The expansion work will start early next year and will take about a year to complete. [TU][YNN][Saratogian][WNYT][News10]
The Fulton County sheriff has confirmed that the two bodies found Tuesday in Sacandaga Lake are the father and son who were missing after a fishing trip nearly two weeks ago. It is believed that the equipment they were carrying was too heavy for the boat and the cold water made it too difficult for them to swim. [YNN][News 10]
The plane that crashed in a Fulton County pond last week as it carried a cancer patient and his wife home from a treatment in Boston, was raised from the pond on Tuesday. The patient is still missing, but the remains of his wife and the volunteer pilot have been recovered. [WNYT][TU][YNN]
The US Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights has concluded that Hackett Middle School was in the wrong when it address a race-related bullying case by removing the victim from the school rather than the bullies. [TU]
Search continues after plane crash, Cuomo admin vs. Canada, assault rifle being adapted to comply with SAFE Act, bow ties at the Capitol
The search continues for the body of the third person aboard a volunteer medical flight that crashed in Fulton County Friday evening. The "Angel Flight" was transporting a married couple from the husband's appointment with cancer doctors in Boston back to Utica. The bodies of the pilot and wife have already been found. Witnesses say there the plane broke apart in air before the crash. Albany attorney Terry Kindlon, also a pilot, had flown the first leg of the trip, and says the couple was "happy and optimistic." [AP/TU] [Daily Gazette] [News10] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [News10]
A man from the Capital Region has been accused in a 2011 double murder in the Philippines and is currently being held in the Rensselaer County jail, facing possible extradition. [TU
The Cuomo administration has managed to pick a fight with Canada -- over the Peace Bridge. [NYT]
There isn't a process in place for formal, regular reviews of state legislators' travel expenses and they're very rarely audited. [TU]
The Schenectady school district has changed its sex ed classes as part a broader program to prevent teen pregnancies -- Schenectady County has one of the highest rates in the state. [TU] [NYS DOH]
Planning and criticism for no-tax zones, man says he lost his job because of mistaken arrest, attorney: charge should be dropped because of "hit like a girl" comment
Businesses and politicians are thinking up ways to use the no-tax zones attached to college campuses proposed by Andrew Cuomo -- even if it how it all would work isn't clear yet. The proposal would have to be passed by the legislature before taking effect -- and criticism from legislators is bubbling up. [TU] [State of Politics] [State of Politics]
State Senate Republicans have a floated a plan for picking casino sites around the state. It would put the first casino in the Catskills, the second in the Southern Tier, and the third in the Capital Region. [AP/Troy Record] [State of Politics]
A man wanted in connection with the shooting death of Darzee Reid in Albany in April -- the city's first homicide of the year -- was apprehended in Kentucky this week. [YNN]
A Schenectady man says he was arrested in a case of mistaken identity as part of a drug sweep coordinated by the state Attorney General's office in February -- News 10 reports the AG's office is moving to drop the charge, but the man has already lost his job. [NYS AG] [News10]
The principal of Cohoes High School is back at work after accepting an undisclosed penalty for buying ammunition in the parking lot of the school. The school board concluded he made a mistake in violating the code of conduct, but police say he didn't violate any laws. Joseph Rajczak said in a statement that he "used poor judgment and fully accept the district's consequences for my actions." [Troy Record] [TU] [CSSD]
Search crews are looking for a man who apparently fell into the Hudson Thursday evening near Rensselaer. [YNN]
Cuomo proposes tax free zones around SUNY campuses, RPI to partner with Mount Sinai, more heavy rain expected
Andrew Cuomo is proposing the establishment of tax free zones for businesses that set up near SUNY campuses. Under the plan, 120 million square feet of tax free space would be made available for companies to locate within the zones, in an effort to create economic hubs. [YNN][TU]
It rained. A lot. And it's going to rain more. [TU][WNYT][NWS]
Recent agreements between the Cuomo administration and the Mohawk and Oneida tribes to keep new casinos away from reservation gaming establishments have ruled out a Lake George casino, but made Saratoga a much more likely site for one.[TU][Saratogian]
Niskayuna's school board will propose another round of budget cuts that could include school closures, before putting a spending plan up for a vote again in June.[TU]
Niskayuna school budget rejected, state judge backs ban on Armory dance parties, historic house accidentally saved
School budgets in most Capital Region districts were approved by voters on Tuesday, but the Niskayuna budget -- which included a 5.76 percent tax increase that required overriding the tax cap -- was voted down. The district's superintendent said in a statement that official expected to adjust the budget and put it back up for re-vote June 18. [Record] [YNN] [TU] [NCSC]
John Davis beat self-proclaimed fascist, and reptile owner, Jose Lopez for a seat on the Albany Public Library Board of Trustees. [APL Press release]
Andrew Cuomo has reached a casino agreement with the Mohawk Tribal Council that will give the Mohawk's casino exclusivity in an 8-county region of northern New York in exchange for $30 million in back payments to New York State plus future revenue shares from the casino. The move eliminates the prospect of locating a casino in Lake George. [TU][Post Star][Gazette]
Two of Vito Lopez's alleged harassment victims are "actively considering" suing Sheldon Silver for negligence in light of recent reports that Silver covered up earlier harassment claims through confidential settlements. [NY Post]
A 26-year-old Albany man was shot in the leg early Tuesday near the intersection of 1st and Judson Streets in the city. [TU]
A New York State judge has backed a decision by Albany's Zoning Board of Appeals to block dance parties at the Washington Avenue Armory. The original decision was made, in part, by consulting the dictionary for a definition of auditorium. [TU]
The unemployment rate in the Capital Region was 6.5 percent in April -- down from 7.2 percent during the same period last year, according to the state Department of Labor. [NYS DOL]
Silver apologizes for handling of sexual harassment case, woman accused of soliciting donations for cancer she didn't have, 20 for $1 million
Today is school budget voting. Don't know where to vote? Check with your district's website.
An "uncharacteristically contrite" Sheldon Silver apologized for the handling of complaints of sexual harassment against now-former Assemblyman Vito Lopez. He also proposed a group of changes to Assembly sexual harassment polices, among them making all Assembly members and supervisory staff mandatory reporters of harassment. [TU] [NYDN] [NY Assembly]
Andrew Cuomo again criticized Silver's handling of the situation Monday. A Democratic Assemblyman from the Buffalo area took the rare step of announcing he was leaving the chamber's Democratic conference in protest. But Silver, "a master of wielding the levers of power at the Capitol," always seems to find a way to sail through the crisis. [State of Politics] [Buffalo News] [NYT]
The Chemung County sheriff says reps for county sheriffs around the state weren't summoned to the Capitol recently to discuss changes to the NY SAFE Act, as they thought -- but rather for Andrew Cuomo to tell to stop speaking against the gun law. [TU]
What's left of St. Patrick's in Watervliet: a pile of bricks. [TU]
Rensselaer County clerk sealing all pistol permits, Vito Lopez resigns, UAlbany students fighting suspensions over house parties
What remained of St. Patrick's in Watervliet Friday evening.
Citing cost and lack of staff, Rensselaer County clerk Frank Merola says he's sealing all pistol permit records in the county so that his office doesn't have to deal with keeping track of which people opted out of having a public record under the NY SAFE Act. Merola describes the opt-out provision as an unfunded mandate from the state. He says his office has received about 2,000 opt-out forms. [TU] [News10]
Niskayuna and South Colonie are among the few school districts statewide looking to get voters to approve a tax cap override Tuesday. Local school districts are
Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned effective this morning following multiple calls for his expulsion from the Assembly because of sexual harassment allegations. Lopez says his resignation is not an admission of wrongdoing and he did it for "for the sake of my family, for the sake of my close friends and for the sake of my own health." The situation has also cast a critical light on Sheldon Silver. [State of Politics] [TU] [NY Post] [NYT]
Said one of the attendees at the memorial service for the father and three children killed recently in a Schenectady house fire, which authorities say was arson, trying to make sense of the situation: "It's senseless." Said one of the service's speakers to the crowd: "It's a sad day for us when a child doesn't meet his first birthday. It shouldn't happen like that. But it does happen like that." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Cuomo: "zero tolerance" for Lopez, development planned for Wellington Row, Handy Andy severely damaged in fire
Andrew Cuomo on Assemblyman Vito Lopez, following the ethics report about allegations of sexual harassment against Lopez: "The reaction should be zero tolerance. If he doesn't resign, they should expel him." Cuomo also said the Assembly has handled the situation surrounding Lopez "poorly and terribly," though he didn't specifically single out Sheldon Silver. Thursday night Silver's office announced the speaker will introduce a resolution that could lead to Lopez's expulsion from the Assembly. [State of Politics] [TU] [NYT]
The state attorney general's office and NYPD say 16 people have indicted for an alleged "criminal ring that flooded New York City, Albany County and Schenectady County with more than a million cartons of untaxed cigarettes illegally imported from Virginia." State AG Eric Schneiderman says authorities aren't sure where all the money ended up, ""We know that some members of this group have ties to some very dangerous people." [NYS AG] [TU]
The Cuomo admin and the Oneida Indian Nation announced a deal that grants the nation exclusive casino rights (and settle some longstanding land rights disuptes) in Central New York in exchange for a 25 percent of the casino revenue. The deal takes a potential Syracuse-area casino off the table if/when the state approves full casino gambling. (Andrew Cuomo has proposed siting three casinos upstate, with a preference for one in the Capital Region.) [Cuomo admin] [Post-Standard] [TU] [Cuomo admin]
Columbia Development is planning to build office and condo space in portions of Wellington Row, the stretch of facades along State Street in Albany near the Capitol. [TU] [News10]
JCOPE report shows Silver's office shielded Lopez, Albany Dems endorse Sheehan, demolition of St. Patrick's tower underway
The long awaited JCOPE report on the Vito Lopez scandal was released on Wednesday. Among the details: Lopez told female employees to dress more provoctively, and asked them to do things like rub his hand or share an apartment with him, and threatened their jobs when they rebuffed his advances. The report also says the office of Sheldon Silver sheilded Lopez from public scrutiny and failing to investigate and refer initial harassment allegations . A special prosecutor in Staten Island who was conducting his own investigtion into the case found "no basis" for criminal charges against Lopez and also found Silver's office did not break the law, but "fell short of what the public has a right to expect." [NYT][WNYT][Capitol Confidential]
Albany's Democratic committee has endorsed Kathy Sheehan for mayor but not before Corey Ellis, who is also running for the seat, fought to table the motion to endorse Sheehan. [WNYT][YNN]
The 20-year-old son of the Schenectady woman charged with beating her 8-year-old grandson to death - who has been taking care of his three younger sisters while their mother is in jail - has been arrested for allegedly beating a pit bull with a shovel. [TU]
Demolition of the bell tower at the site of the former St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet was delayed again this week when someone vandalized the gas tank of a crane brought in to tear down the tower. Demolition has resumed this morning. [YNN][TU]
As crews tear down the last of St. Patrick's in Watervliet, a new Catholic church, formerly based in Troy, is opening in Watervliet. [News 10]
Reactions to Jennings decision not to run again, Cuomo to form "restructuring panel" to advise local governments, crews bringing in a big crane for St. Patrick's bell tower
Reaction to Jerry Jennings decision not to run again.[YNN]
Andrew Cuomo has announced a new panel that will hear from and advise cities that are seeking financial assistance from New york State. The "restructuring panel" will help "fiscally distressed" municipalities develop fiscal restructuring plans that could inlclude state money if the cities follow the recommended restructuring plans.[TU][WNYT]
The Cohoes High School principal who ordered ammiunition for a .22 caliber gun on campus will not face any criminal charges. [Record]
Contractors have given up on a cable and are bringing in a 200 ton crane to demolish the bell tower at the former St. Patrick's church site in Watervliet.[Record]
Rensselaer County legislators have approved the final payment for the special prosecutor in the Troy ballot fraud trial and are now considering a proposed law to control how the D.A. Seeks and pays for special prosecutors[TU]
Funding for buyout of homes in flood-prone areas, investigation of alleged ammo sale to principal in school parking lot, 60 years on the job
The buyout of more than 1,100 homes in flood-prone areas of the New York State following damage from Irene and Lee will cost $194 million -- 25 percent of that total was to be a non-federal match, but the Cuomo admin announced Monday the state will be using a portion of the block grant it got from the feds for disaster recovery to cover the portion. The money will enable homeowners to get the full pre-flood assessed values. [Cuomo admin] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli reports the state pension fund hit an all-time high at the end of the fiscal year (March): $160.4 billion, with a rate of return of more than 10 percent. That will help local municipalities crunched by increased pension contributions -- eventually; contributions are calculated on a five-year average. The fund took a big hit in 2008 and 2009. [NYS OSC] [TU] [NYS OSC]
The state Assembly passed the Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act Monday, though the bill hasn't been successful in many attempts over the years in the state Senate. The bill includes provisions for overtime and collective bargaining rights. The bill is opposed by the NY Farm Bureau. There was a rally for the bill outside the Capitol Monday. [TU] [open.senate.gov] [State of Politics] [News10/AP]
A third teen -- 17-year-old Ravenal Gregory Dunbar -- has pleaded guilty in connection with the robbery and fatal stabbing of Takim Smith in a Troy apartment in February. Dunbar faces a 10-year sentence for the robbery that got him $10. [Troy Record] [TU]
The mother-in-law of the man the Albany County Sheriff's Office says was found dead in his cell at the Albany County jail after he hanged himself says she'd like to hire an independent medical examiner because she doesn't believe he would have committed suicide. [TU]
Conflicting policies about search warrants, second teen pleads guilty in fatal Troy stabbing, police say death in UAlbany parking lot was accidental
There are conflicting, and often informal, policies about how judges around the area handle search warrants, making it difficult to review how warrants are approved and perhaps prompting "judge shopping." [TU]
Saratoga County DA James Murphy says there's a 4-6 month turnaround for some types of forensic evidence because of a backlog of work at the state crime lab. [Saratogian]
A second teen has pleaded guilty in connection with the murder of Takim Smith in Troy. Seventeen-year-old Keith Ferguson told a judge he acted as a lookout for the alleged scheme in which a group of teens lured Smith to an apartment and fatally stabbed him during a robbery. [TU] [Troy Record]
The adult son of Gloria Nelligan -- the Schenectady woman accused of beating her grandson to death -- alleges he was misled and manipulated by police and prosecutors as they worked to build a case against his mother. [TU]
The St. Patrick's bell tower, still standing as of Sunday night. Pieces of the tower were taken down on Friday. But complications have pushed the continuation of the demolition to Wednesday. [TU] [Troy Record] [YNN]
Cuomo presents casino plan for upstate, TFD: firefighter stabbed with used needle, developments in downtown Troy
The Cuomo admin unveiled its "comprehensive resort gaming destination plan" (or, as some people call them, casinos) for upstate. Andrew Cuomo said Thursday his preference would be to site casinos in three areas: the Capital Region, Catskills/Hudson Valley, and Southern Tier/Finger Lakes. Cuomo is also using the plan -- and the threat of possible competition -- to pressure Native American casinos to resolve unsettled "matters" with the state. [Cuomo admin] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [State of Politics]
Shirley Huntley, the former state Senator who wore a wire to record other legislators for prosecutors, was sentenced to a year in prison for stealing from a non-profit. [NYT]
Question at the state Capitol: Has there been a racial bias in recent investigations of state legislators for corruption? [TU]
Troy's fire chief says a firefighter was stabbed with a used needle or lancet by a man being treated for a heroin overdose Thursday afternoon. Troy police say both the firefighter and man were taken to a hospital, from which the man allegedly fled and was later picked up in Schaghticoke. [News10] [TU]
The St. Patrick's bell tower was still standing early Friday morning. A snapped cable held up the planned demolition on Thursday. [TU] [Troy Record]
Former legislator secretly taped Senate colleagues, Cuomo promises $60 million for tourism, officers who died in the line of duty honored, St. Patrick's tower slated for demolition
In an effort to cooperate with federal law enforcement to ease a corruption case against her, a former member of the NYS Senate taped conversations with six Democratic colleagues and a New York City Councilman for the FBI. [NYT][TU][YNN]
Joe Bruno was in court on Wednesday to argue that he shouldn't be re-tried on federal corruption charges.[WNYT] [YNN]
At Wednesday's Tourism Summit in Albany, Andrew Cuomo announced $60 million to help grow the tourism industry throughout the state. He also announced the creation of a commission to attract major sporting events to the state. [TU][WNYT]
Police officers who died in the line of duty, including the Webster trooper who died in an attack on Christmas Eve, were honored in Albany on Wednesday.[YNN][TU]
The bell tower at St. Patrick's in Watervliet is expected to come down later today.[YNN]
Troy man to be charged under NY SAFE Act, driver accused of stopping to attack high school student, Sondheim on theater
A Troy man accused of running from police Tuesday night will be charged under the NY SAFE Act after the TPD says officers found the man was carrying a "fully loaded" hand gun with a 13-round magazine (above the limit under the new law). [TPD]
A Clifton Park man is accused of attacking a Schenectady High School student Tuesday morning. Schenectady police he stopped his car after students yelled at him for driving erratically -- it's alleged he then choked the 17-year-old girl and pushed her into bus. [WNYT] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
Not allowed in at a state Senate public hearing Tuesday about public financing of campaigns : the public. So advocacy groups for public financing passed dollar bills through the hearing room window. A spokesman for Senate Republicans said the room was at capacity, the advocacy groups were attempting to disrupt the hearing. [NYT] [TU] [State of Politics]
A NYPIRG analysis of a state Board of Elections database concludes there have been more than 100,000 violations of the state's campaign finance laws over the last two years (many of the violations are small). [TU CapCon]
Airfares out of ALB were the highest in state during the 4th quarter of 2012 -- though the cost per mile flown on the busiest routes is relatively low compared to other airports -- according to federal data. [TU]
Feds detail charges against former leader of state Senate, National Grid trying to pin down cause of underground fires, conflicting views of building demolitions in Albany
Federal prosecutors say Democratic state Senator John Sampson -- once the leader of the majority caucus in the chamber -- has been indicted on charges that include embezzlement, obstruction of justice, and making false statements to the FBI. The feds allege Sampson embezzled $440k from foreclosure sales in Brooklyn in his role as a court-appointed foreclosure referee. The indictment also alleges that Sampson, talking about a list of potential witnesses in a case involving a developer connected to Sampson, said that he would "take them out." (Allegations flow chart.) On Monday Sampson's attorney argued that none of the allegations "indicate any misuse of his office as a New York state senator." [USDOJ] [State of Politics] [TU] [YNN] [Capitol Tonight]
Andrew Cuomo on the Sampson allegations, on the Capitol Pressroom: "It made a bad situation worse ... In some ways provided more clarity and more certainty that this is the moment. This does give us a moment of reform, an opportunity." [State of Politics]
Virginia J. DeCapria -- the former treasurer for Charlton Fire District No. 1 who pleaded guilty to stealing almost $500k from the volunteer fire company over six years -- was sentenced to 3-9 years in prison and paying back the money. Among the items prosecutors say DeCapria bought with the money: iPods, laptops, plastic surgery, cigarettes, and delivered frozen food. [Saratogian] [TU] [Saratoga County DA]
Jerry Jennings after yet another fire in downtown Albany's underground electrical infrastructure: "I'm sick and tired of hearing that it's so old. If we know it's so old, fix it." A National Grid spokesman says the recent string of underground fires -- and explosions that have dislodged manhole covers -- "is certainly concern for us," and the utility is working to figure out what exactly is causing the fires. [YNN] [News10] [TU]
Police: man stabbed himself to cover up stabbing of roommate, yet another state politician arrested, parents: teacher made son lick his desk
Watervliet police say Brandon Burritt has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of his roommate during a fight April 21. When police arrived at the scene Burritt was also injured -- but WPD now says they believe Burritt stabbed himself in an attempt to cover up what allegedly happened. [Troy Record] [TU]
One of the teen girls charged in the death of Takim Smith at Troy's Corliss Park Apartments has taken a plea deal that includes testifying against the other six teens. Originally charged with second-degree murder, 17-year-old Mariyah Zeigler pleaded guilty to first-degree robbery and faces six years in prison. [TU] [Troy Record]
State Senator John Sampson -- former head of the Democratic conference in the chamber -- was taken into custody by the FBI Monday morning as part of a public corruption investigation. The news follows word late last week that yet another state legislator -- convicted former state Sen. Shirley Huntley -- had worn a wire as part of an corruption investigation by the feds.
A part of State Street in Albany was closed Monday morning because of yet another underground electrical fire. [YNN]
Man charged with arson for fatal Schenectady fire, man shot and killed by police in Schenectady, an 11-year-old's birthday wish
A Saratoga Springs man has been charged with arson for the Hulett Street fire that killed four people in Schenectady Thursday. SPD says additional charges are possible pending autopsies. The fire killed a father and three children -- a fourth child who was pulled from the fire was in critical condition at a Westchester County burn unit Thursday afternoon. Investigators from the SFD, SPD, and federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms were working the case Thursday. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Schenectady police say a sergeant shot and killed a man Thursday while responding to a call involving an alleged fight between two men at an apartment complex on Balltown Road (map). SPD says the man had already stabbed the other man when officers arrived, and was fired upon when he again lunged at the other man with a knife and then lunged toward the sergeant. [TU] [News10] [Daily Gazette]
The Court of Appeals -- the state's highest court -- has ordered a new trial for Christopher Oathout, convicted of murdering an elderly man in Albany in 2006, ruling that his trial attorney "showed an unfamiliarity with or disregard for basic criminal procedural and evidentiary law." That attorney -- John Aretakis -- has since been suspended from practicing for an unrelated situation. In a fax to the Gazette on Thursday, Aretakis accused police and prosecutors of framing Oathout. [NYS Court of Appeals] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A state appellate court has ruled that local governments can ban hydrofracking within its borders. Specifically, the court ruled that a state oil and gas mining law doesn't "pre-empt, either expressly or impliedly, a municipality's power to enact a local zoning ordinance banning all activities related to the exploration for, and the production or storage of, natural gas and petroleum within its borders." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A state appellate court has ruled that victims of Steven Raucci can't garnish Raucci's public employee pension, which is currently being paid to his wife. [TU]
Cuomo suggests postponing casino referendum, gun rally at Moreau arraignment, Confectionery owners to open Troy grocery store
At a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Andrew Cuomo suggested postponing a public referendum on casinos until election day 2014, in part because a lack of statwide races this November could reduce voter turnout..[TU][WNYT]
Andrew Cuomo is planning a tourism summit next Wednesday - like the recent beer and yogurt summits.
[Saratogian]
The owners of The Confectionery wine bar in Troy are opening up a small grocery store near Monument Square.[TU]
A Cohoes man is facing weapons charges after a police chased him on foot and two bystanders helped catch him.The police officer involved is being praised for using excellent communcation to avoid what could have been a violent situation.[TU][YNN][News 10]
A grassroots coalition of NY SAFE Act opponents held a gun rally this morning outside the Moreau courtroom where a Saratoga County man was being arraigned for allegedly trying to sell an assault weapon on Facebook.[TU]
Three college friends of Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev have been arrested for allegedly trying to protect him.[News 10/AP]
State employee overtime at 5 year high, JCOPE wants Lopez report released, Spa City producer backs Tony nominated "Kinky Boots"
A report from Tom DiNapoli's office shows overtime among state employees reached a five year high in 2012, at $529 million. That's a $52 million increase in overtime spending from 2011. [TU][YNN]
Members of JCOPE want their report on the Vito Lopez harassment case released to the public, but a Staten Island DA conducting his own investigation into the case has a block on the report. If it isn't released soon, JCOPE says it will release the info on its own once a 90 day waiting period has expired. [NYT][Capitol Confidential]
Warren County officials trying to decide whether to get in the running for one of three casinos expected to locate in Upstate New York. A standing room only crowd gathered at Fort William Henry to learn what a casino might mean for them.Public opion seemed split on the issue, though the speakers were all pro casino.[WNYT][YNN][Saratogian]
Governor Cuomo has released an anti-corruption bill that would ban those convicted of bribery, as well as their firms or companies from doing business with the state. [News 10/AP]
Multi-million dollar judgment for harassment at jail, driver accused of hitting pregnant woman charged with DWI, book contract for Andrew Cuomo, the Colossal Colon
The state Division of Human Rights has awarded a former sergeant at the Rensselaer County jail a judgement that could be worth more than $1.8 million after a judge concluded jail leaders didn't take action to stop years of mental and physical harassment of the woman. [TU]
The fourth season of the Hudson River PCB dredging project started Monday -- about the halfway mark for the project. Also: GE has filed a lawsuit looking to get National Grid to help cover costs because Niagara Mohawk (now part of National Grid) removed a dam in the 1970s that allowed PCB-tainted sediment to go downstream. [NYSNYS/Saratogian] [TU]
The Cuomo admin has floated language for the "Public Trust Act," aimed at bribery and fraud by people in public office. [State of Politics]
Report: Cuomo admin used economic development org to provide jobs for the connected, investigation into death of man in Albany, Coccadotts on Cupcake Wars
A NYT investigation concludes that the Cuomo admin has used the Empire State Development Corporation to provide jobs for the politically connected (or their children) -- the admin says the investigation was an attempt to "create a scandal." [NYT]
With all the talk about ethics and reform in state government, many reforms that could cut deeply into the problem aren't on the table. [AP/Troy Record]
Despite frequent talk about municipal consolidation in New York State, the idea usually faces strong opposition when it comes to specific consolidations. [TU]
Bethlehem police say a car plowed into a Delmar apartment building early Sunday, just missing a couple as they slept in their bedroom. BPD says the 18-year-old driver had been drinking. [News10] [WNYT] [TU]
A small plane crashed in a backyard in Hoosick Falls on Sunday afternoon. A witness says the plane landed nose down. The pilot -- the only person on board -- suffered head and neck injuries, and eventually was transferred to Albany Med in critical condition. [TU] [YNN] [Troy Record] [News10]
A Scotia smoke shop owner has been cleared of charges he sold cocaine after the Schenectady County Sheriff's Office says video indicated the man had been set up by the confidential information working with the sheriff's office. [TU]
Cuomo talks about "restructuring" local municipalities, schoolwork cheating alleged at UAlbany, is he the sexiest vegan next door?
Andrew Cuomo hinted at some of the "restructuring" options his administration could propose for financially struggling local municipalities -- including changing the system of binding arbitration between municipalities and and police and fire unions. [State of Politics] [TU]
Environmental groups say two more consulting companies working on the state's environmental review of hydrofracking were listed as members in a gas lobbying group's letter -- and now fingers are pointing in various directions: environmental groups at the Cuomo admin, the consultancies at the lobbying group, the lobbying group at the environmental groups. [TU]
The attorney for state Assemblyman Steve Katz -- pulled over on the Thruway in Coeymans recently, allegedly in possession of pot -- has got an adjournment in contemplation of dismissal for Katz that involves community service and a parking fine (the ever popular ACOD -- if Katz stays out of criminal trouble, the case will be dismissed). Katz's attorney wouldn't address whether the Assemblyman actually had pot during the stop. [TU] [State of Politics]
After an Albany Student Press story reporting that "as many as 500 students" have been paying other students to do their school work, UAlbany says it's conducting an investigation. [ASP] [TU]
National Grid says it devoting six out-of-town crews to replace three miles of underground electrical cable in downtown Albany, part of an effort to head more manhole cover explosions. [WNYT]
Rivenburgh pleads not guilty, Assembly Republicans seek amendment allowing recall elections, Spa City police chief resigns
Relatives of Tammy and Jessica McCormack looked on in Schenectady County Court while Brice Rivenburgh was arraigned on Wednesday. Rivenburgh pleaded not guilty to 26 counts in connection with the murder of the mother and daughter in their Rotterdam home this month .[TU][YNN]
State Assembly Republicans are calling for a constitutional ammendment allowing recall elections for officials charged with corruption.[WNYT]
Saratoga police chief Chris Cole is retiring
after 23 years on the force--only 3 and a half as chief. Cole was suspended for a short time in 2011 for sending "racy" text messages to a woman he was dating. [WNYT][Saratogian]
Police in Albany and Colonie are warning residents to beware of scam artists claiming to be bank investigators after attempted scams were reported by elderly people in Loudonville and Albany. [TU][YNN]
Rivenburgh charged in Rotterdam double murder, Amtrak to step up security in Capital Region in wake of alleged terrorist plot, Uncle Sams to be unveiled Friday
Brice Rivenburgh, the former boyfriend of Jessica McCormack, has been charged with the murder of Jessica and her mother, Tammy McCormack, at their Rotterdam home earlier this month. A grand jury indicted Rivenburg on 26 counts including burglary and rape. A police officer found a shirt and papers with Rivenburgh's name on them burning nearby.[TU][YNN][WNYT][News10]
Amtrak is stepping up security in the Capital Regionafter police arrested two men in Canada in an alleged plot to blow up a passenger train. A CDTA spokesman says the heightened security measures will be more in line with airport security.[YNN][WNYT]
Hazmat teams were sent to the scene of a suicide at RPI, where a student used a combination of household chemicals to kill himself in a dorm room. [TU][WNYT][Record]
Malcolm Smith and six other politicians pleaded not guilty Tuesday in an alleged scheme to sell the Republican nomination for the New York City mayoral race.[NYT][YNN]
MMA promoters ran a clinic for young people at the TU Center on Tuesday, while opponents of the sport lobbied for legislators to extend the ban on professional MMA bouts in New York State. [YNN][TU][WNYT]
Police: fatal fight may have been over a phone, state Senator's torture comment gets him a lot attention, snack shack plan turns into "adult" business plan, Giant Voice
Possible cause of the knife fight that left one man dead and another seriously injured Sunday in Watervliet, according to the city's police chief: "the initial dispute was over the use of a phone." [Troy Record]
US Attorney Preet Bharara on his office's efforts against political corruption in New York: "We are redoubling our efforts and will seek to be even more aggressive than in the past." While not officially endorsing any anti-corruption measures, Bharara said "no single fix will get us far down the road to reform." [TU] [State of Politics]
The state Board of Regents is considering whether a 1,250-word research paper should become a graduation requirement for high school students. [TU]
One dead after knife fight in Watervliet, Troy planning commissioner suspended, suit against GloFo over overtime and vacation, world's largest cardboard fort
Watervliet police say one man is dead and another seriously injured following what appears to have been
When members of local police departments are stopped in drunk driving situations, things often don't go smoothly. [TU]
Albany's city clerk says misuse of visitor passes for the residential parking permit system has been "worse than what we had anticipated." [TU] Earlier: Observations on the Albany parking permit system so far?
Massive manhunt in Boston area for bombing suspect, Albany's first homicide of the year, dog found shot near UAlbany, temporary wall collapses at Crossgates
Authorities say one of two brothers from Chechnya suspected in the Boston Marathon bombings is dead following a gun battle with police in Watertown, Massachusetts that reportedly included the use of a bomb. Earlier in the night, authorities the brothers robbed a convenience store, fatally shot an MIT police officer, and carjacked an SUV at gunpoint. Much of the Boston area and its immediate suburbs are now in lockdown as part of a massive manhunt for the other brother. [NYT] [Boston Globe] [WBUR]
Albany police say one man was killed and another injured in a shooting on Central Ave early Thursday morning (map). The man killed -- Darzee Reid of Troy -- was a barbering student at the Austin School of Spa Technology just up Central and an aspiring rapper. Reid's sister says he and the other man had been at a nearby bar for an open mic night. His death is the city's first homicide of the year. It was the second shooting on Central Ave in the city this week -- two people were shot on the 300 block Monday afternoon. And the Central/King intersection was the scene of a fatal vehicle/pedestrian collision in February. Says a woman who lives near the intersection -- the aunt of the woman killed in February -- after Thursday's shooting: "I don't feel safe here anymore." But the general manager of the bar says the neighborhood has been on an upswing. [APD] [Troy Record] [YNN] [News10] [TU] [News10]
Troy police say a three-year-old died Thursday evening after a large TV fell on her. TPD says it was an old, heavy cathode-tube TV, not one of the lighter flat panel models. [TU] [Troy Record]
One of the men in the car that was allegedly stopped by an off-duty Schenectady detective in a fit of road rage says, as the detective allegedly pointed a gun at him, he told the detective "if you're going to shoot me, shoot me." Glenville police say John Hotaling admitted to confronting the other car, but has not admitted to pointing a gun at anyone. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Cuomo blasts US Senate on gun control legislation, NanoCollege to buy Kiernan Plaza, Glenville detective accused of road rage, $2 million to help Schenectady
Andrew Cuomo is calling the US Senate's failure to pass legislation expanding background checks for gun purchases,"a sad statement on the power of extremists to stand in the way of reason and common sense. " [Capitol Confidential]
A group of 50 students and gun safety advocates banded together to protest the Saratoga City Center's hosting of gun shows Wednesday, arguing the center doesn't have the proper insurance for the shows. [TU]
The Albany Police Officers Union has come out against the NY SAFE Act, arguing it "violates fundamental Constitutional rights." [Capitol Confidential.]
A recent Quinnipiac Poll shows Andrew Cuomo's approval rating is 57 percent, but he's less popular upstate than in New York city. The poll reported 9 out of 10 NY voters think corruption is a serious problem in New York, and three quarters of respondents say legislative leaders' efforts to clean it up are not so good or poor. [TU][NYT]
David Soares says he's encouraged that Andrew Cuomo has rolled out an anti-corruption package, but says local DAs will need resources to enforce the rules. [TU]
The College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering is planning to buy Kiernan Plaza in downtown Albany in a deal that will make use of eminent domain. [TU]
Colonie native among Boston Marathon rescuers, Cuomo seeks to toughen election law, another manhole cover dislodged by fire in Albany, Pulitzer winners from Niskayuna and Scotia
Federal agents determined that the explosives used in the Boston Marathon incident were in kitchen pressure cookers along with nails and other objects intended to act as shrapnel. [News 10]
A Colonie High School/Siena College grad who is a Boston firefighter ran into the smoke at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday and is pictured rescuing a young girl from the scene in a photo that has been widely circulated.[YNN][WNYT][TU]
RPI's hockey coach and assistant coach were on the scene in Boston on Monday and describe what they saw. [YNN]
Andrew Cuomo says he'll seek to create an independent office to enforce state election law, including a plan to curtail the power of political party bosses.
[NYT] [YNN]
Another manhole cover in downtown Albany was dislodged on Tuesday by an underground utility fire, prompting National Grid and the city of Albany to step up inspection of underground cables. [WNYT] [TU][YNN]
Crews began tearing down St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet on Tuesday morning.[TU][YNN]
Investigation into Boston Marathon bombings, Capital Region runners at marathon OK, armed robberies reported in E. Greenbush, appliance repair shop unplugged
Three people are now dead -- and more than 130 wounded -- after the Boston Marathon bombings Monday afternoon. There have been no announced arrests so far. The FBI is taking the lead on the case and an agency official called it "a criminal investigation that is a potential terrorist investigation." [Boston Globe] [Boston Globe] [NYT]
From a statement by Barack Obama: "We still do not know who did this or why. And people shouldn't jump to conclusions before we have all the facts. But make no mistake -- we will get to the bottom of this. And we will find out who did this; we'll find out why they did this. Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups will feel the full weight of justice." [White House]
More than a hundred people from the Capital Region ran the marathon Monday and it appears all of them are OK. [WNYT] [TU]
Albany police say two people were shot on the 300 block of Central Ave Monday afternoon (block map). APD says the incident appeared to be a confrontation between people who know each other -- and a "person of interest" was in custody Monday. The injuries injuries don't appear life-threatening. [APD]
District says teacher has been put on leave for Nazi writing assignment, Troy slow to pay for accident caused by city truck, Siena basketball player arrested
The Albany school district says the teacher who assigned the Nazi writing prompt for a persuasive writing exercise has been put on leave while the district considers disciplinary action. Said superintendent Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard at a press conference: "You asked a child to support the notion that the Holocaust was justified, that's my struggle ... It's an illogical leap for a student to make." One of the three classes assigned the exercise refused to do it. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [WNYT]
Troy police say they're investigating a shooting early Saturday morning downtown (map) -- an SUV with people in it was hit multiple times. [Troy Record]
Local law enforcement agencies say a large recent upswing in demand for ammunition -- and the resulting surge in prices and shortage of supplies -- is straining budgets for training, and delaying shipments. [TU]
Proposal before the Saratoga Springs city council: installing surveillance cameras in the area of Caroline Street downtown. [Saratogian]
Demolition of St. Patrick's church in Watervliet started Saturday morning. [TU]
District apologizes for Nazi writing prompt, Investigation continues of deaths in Rotterdam, injunction against St. Patrick's demolition lifted
The Albany school district is apologizing for a high school English class persuasive writing assignment that included this prompt: "You must argue that Jews are evil, and use solid rationale from government propaganda to convince me of your loyalty to the Third Reich!" [TU]
Rotterdam police say Brice C. Rivenburgh -- the man arrested on a burglary charge connected with two women found dead Wednesday -- have not officially said he's a suspect in the deaths, but other charges are pending. Investigators were searching for evidence Thursday -- they collected a car from Rivenburgh's home and were seen searching a nearby garbage bin. [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [TU]
The seizure of assets connected to the multi-state gambling ring that authorities say included two Albany County corrections officers could end up netting the county $5 million. [TU]
A former server for the Mallozzi group alleges in a class action suit that the Rotterdam-based restaurant group kept more than $1 million in "service personnel charges" that should have been distributed to servers as tips. A Mallozzi co-owner tells the Gazette "this lawsuit has absolutely no merit, and we will vigorously fight it." [Courthouse News] [Daily Gazette]
Mother and daughter found dead in Rotterdam, Albany County corrections officers arrested in connection with gambling ring, large dogs maul small dogs to death in Albany
A 52-year-old-woman and her 23-year-old daughter were found dead in their Rotterdam home -- police are calling their deaths suspicious. A "a person with knowledge" of the investigation tells the TU the women were strangled. Rotterdam police say they've arrested a former boyfriend of the daughter and charged him with first-degree burglary for a break-in Wednesday morning. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Two Albany County corrections officers were arrested on Wednesday for allegedly taking part in anillegal bookmaking ring in which bets and payoffs took place at the county jail. The investigation into the national gambling ring has been going on for several years, and three local civilians were arrested for their part in the ring.[WNYT] [Record] [Saratogian] [TU]
On yesterday's Capitol Pressroom, Andrew Cuomo said New York's gun legislation goes far beyond the proposed federal legislation being discussed. Cuomo said the federal bill, which expands background checks but does not extend an expired ban on assault weapons, "is better than nothing, but it's still nothing." [Capitol Pressroom][WNYT] [TU]
Cuomo vetoed over 200 lines in the state budget on Wednesday -- the money not re-bury the bodies of 15 former slaves found during a sewer construction project in Albany was not vetoed. [Capitol Confidential] [TU]
Albany police say two large dogs -- each weighing more than 100 pounds --- crashed a fence in Arbor Hill and mauled a pair of small dogs to death in an alley where the owner of the small dogs was walking them. The owner of the large dogs, an English bull mastiff and a Presa Canario, was cited with six violations for each dog.[TU][YNN][APD Press Release]
Cuomo proposes corruption crackdown legislation, Rensselaer County ordered to pay special prosecutor, Saratoga man loses part of ear in attack
After last week's bribery allegations against two New York State legislators, Andrew Cuomo has proposed the Public Trust Act, which would require officials to report corruption and help district attorneys prosecute public corruption cases. Cuomo also said he'll seek to make it a misdemeanor for an elected official who witnesses bribery to fail to report it. [TU][NYT]
Hollywood may already be working on this: "A legislator working for law enforcement as a mole." [NYT]
About 50 state data facilities will merge and operate out of the SUNY NanoCollege -- a move that is expected to save the state $100 million in rental space over 20 years. [TU]
A visiting Supreme Court judge has ordered Rensselaer County to pay special prosecturer Trey Smith more than $508,000 for part of his work in the Troy ballot fraud case, and is considering how much of the rest of Smith's bill should be paid. [Record]
Capital Region has gained back jobs lost during crash, Cuomo talking about anti-corruption efforts, a whole of lot of Teddy Roosevelt
The Capital Region has regained just about half of the jobs it's lost since the financial crash in 2008. [TU]
Andrew Cuomo on ethics reform following last week's charges against two state legislators, on the Capitol Pressroom: "Never waste a crisis." A Cuomo spokesman says the governor will be "proposing a comprehensive anti-corruption package." [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
Cuomo also deflected a report in the NY Post (citing anonymous sources) that his administration was looking at how to oust Sheldon Silver. The report prompted pushback from Democratic members of the Assembly. [WCNY] [NY Post] [Buffalo News]
NYT's Danny Hakim on a recent rising level of criticism of Cuomo: "there have been indications that Mr. Cuomo is less invincible than he once was." [NYT]
Saratoga supervisor Joanne Yepsen, a Democrat, is formally into the pool for mayor of Saratoga Springs. Yepsen said she would aim to make city government more accessible, balance the needs of development and preservation, and make government more efficient. Current mayor Scott Johnson, a Republican, recently said he would not be running. The chair of the city's Republican committee says his party is still working on its slate of candidates. [Saratogian] [Saratoga Wire] [Daily Gazette]
Central Ave is dangerous corridor for pedestrians, Ellis officially into race for mayor, shooting an AR-15, the castle that's not complete
From 2009-2013, a pedestrian has been hit on Central Ave an average of more than once a week -- and eight people have been killed, according to a Times Union analysis of state data. Map of the accidents. [TU] [TU]
The state DMV is operating as if proposed tougher rules for people with multiple DWI convictions are already in effect, the Daily Gazette reports. [Daily Gazette]
Andrew Cuomo has nominated Sheila Abdus-Salaam for the state Court of Appeals. If confirmed, she would be the first would be the first African-American woman to serve on the state's highest court. [Cuomo admin]
Gloria Nelligan has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her in the beating death of her grandson Sha'hiim Nelligan in February. Schenectady County DA Robert Carney said Nelligan beat the eight-year-old with a wooden back scratcher and hair brush and other items over a 24-hour period. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Corey Ellis is officially into the pool for mayor of Albany. Among his ideas: a community college in downtown Albany. Ellis joins city treasurer Kathy Sheehan in the pool. Jerry Jennings hasn't said publicly what he plans to do. [Troy Record] [TU]
State Assemblyman had been working as informant for prosecutors, how many acres of porn is too much?, guilty verdict in fatal hit-and-run, a popular Death Wish
There's already been one announced Assembly resignation as part of the alleged bribery scheme involving Bronx Assemblyman Eric Stevenson -- though it's not Stevenson: Nelson Castro says he'll be resigning his seat Monday. Castro had been indicted for perjury in 2009 and worked out a deal with prosecutors to serve as an informant -- including his wearing of a wire -- which only came to light with the case against Stevenson. (Yep, federal prosecutors basically had a mole in the state legislature.) [TU] [State of Politics] [TU] [NYT]
Andrew Cuomo called the alleged corruption allegations against Stevenson -- and earlier in the week, state Senator Malcolm Smith -- "appalling." Sheldon Silver says he's encouraging Stevenson to resign. [Cuomo admin] [TU]
The name of Stevenson's campaign committee for his first run for the Assembly: "The Eric Stevenson Good Government Committee." [State of Politics]
Good government groups are using the allegations to push for campaign finance reform. A coalition of environmental groups are also pushing this issue, arguing the current system allows indusry lobbyists to block efforts to strengthen environmental protections. [TU] [TU]
The Troy city council rejected a proposal to create an adult entertainment district in South Troy by a 5-4 vote. Said councilman Rodney Wiltshire: "Seventy acres of pornography is too much." [TU]
Watervliet Arsenal machinists rallied outside the facilities gates Thursday against furloughs prompted by the federal "sequestration." The furloughs could cut their pay by 20 percent. [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette]
Deadline to save Thruway jobs passes, Chopper corporate layoffs, Troy lawmakers consider adult business district for waterfront, St. Patrick's demolition starts...and then stops
The deadline to save 200 jobs at the NYS Thruway Authority came and went on Wednesday with no action. [YNN]
A few hours after demolition began on the rear boiler house at St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, a state judge ordered the work halted until an appellate court can hear arguments from preservationists. [Record]
The theft of honest services law, narrowed by the Supreme Court in 2010, is at the center of a number of charges against Malcom Smith and his alleged co-conspirators. If it sounds familiar it's because theft of honest services charges against Joe Bruno were overturned over a year ago-- after the Supreme Courts ruling. [NYT]
More calls for campaign finance reform on Wednesday in the wake of the arrest of Senator Malcolm Smith for allegedly trying to bribe his way into a Republican run for Mayor of NYC.[WNYT]
The city of Troy is considering turning a 70 acre stretch along the waterfront, just west of First street, between the Postenkill and the Menands bridge, into an "adult business zone," clearing the way for strip clubs and adult book stores to open there.[TU]
Smith vows he'll be vindicated, GOP leaders say Amedore will run again,Thruway employees expect layoffs, reports: Loyola coach headed for Siena
Senator Malcolm Smith says he'll be "vindicated on all charges" connected with the alleged plot to bribe Republicans to support him as a Republican candidate for mayor of New York City. After he was arrested Tuesday, Smith was stripped of his legislative committee posts and IDC chairman Jeff Klein has suggested Smith consider resigning. Many of Smith's colleagues in the legislature seemed less surprised that he was arrested then by why he was arrested.[TU][NYT][Daily News]
Recent charges against Malcolm Smith have brought about more support for campaign finance reform in the state. Local legislators gathered with members of the public on Tuesday night for a previously scheduled meeting to discuss campaign finance reform.[WNYT][TU]
A "remember when" of other state legilsture corruption cases. [TU]
Ranking state Senate Republicans are saying that George Amedore is planning to make another bid for the Senate seat he narrowly lost to Cecilia Tkacyk a few months ago. [TU]
More than 200 NYS Thruway employees in the Capital Region are expected to be laid off when the new budget is adopted today in an effort expected to save $20 million.[TU][YNN]
The unemployment rate for the Albany-Schenectady-Troy metro was 7.9 percent in February -- down from 8.2 percent in February 2012 -- according to the state Department of Labor. [NYS DOL]
Malcolm Smith arrested for alleged bribery plot, passengers say allegedly drunk cab driver wouldn't stop, $60k to repair West Capitol Park lawn
State Senator Malcolm Smith was arrested by the feds Tuesday morning as part of an alleged plot to bribe Republican officials to let him run as a Republican for mayor of New York City. A handful of other officials have been accused, including Republican NYC councilman Daniel Halloran. From the press release from federal prosecutor Preet Baharara:
The complaint describes an unappetizing smorgasbord of graft and greed involving six officials who together built a corridor of corruption stretching from Queens and the Bronx to Rockland County and all the way up to Albany itself. As alleged, Senator Malcolm Smith tried to bribe his way to a shot at Gracie Mansion - Smith drew up the game plan and Councilman Halloran essentially quarterbacked that drive by finding party chairmen who were wide open to receiving bribes.
The Democratic state Senator from Queens is part of the Independent Democratic Conference that formed a majority coalition with Republicans. He also formerly headed up the state Senate from 2006-2009 while Democrats controlled the chamber. [NYT] [NYDN] [State of Politics] [US Attorney] [TU CapCon]
Among the names floated as a potential Republican challenger to Andrew Cuomo for governor in 2014: Chris Gibson. [Post-Star]
Saratoga Springs police say they don't know if three attacks on women on the street -- two recently, the third in September -- are related. SSPD says it's investigating and asking the crime lab if there's similarity in evidence from the three attacks. The woman assaulted and robbed over the weekend has been released from the hospital. [TU] [News10] [News10]
The caretaker of the hall that hosted party that prompted the parade of unruliness through north Troy Saturday night says the event was "a nightmare." [Troy Record]
Grandmother indicted on murder charge for death of grandson, concerns about medical care in county prisons, reported assault on street on Saratoga's east side, Cuse to the Final Four
Gloria Nelligan -- the Schenectady woman accused of beating her eight-year-old grandson to death in February -- has been indicted on charges of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. Schenectady County DA Robert Carney alleges Nelligan's corporal punishment of her grandson amounted to "torture" and "she beat him to a pulp, literally." [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A Times Union review of reports by a state board with oversight of prison medical care "revealed repeated instances of inadequate care" from a private medical services contractor currently with contracts for the Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady county jails. [TU]
A pedestrian was killed after being hit while crossing Union Street in Schenectady Friday after services at St. Kateri Takakwitha Church. Witnesses told police the man was in a crosswalk when he was hit by an 88-year-old driver. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A group of 100-150 teens reportedly caused "mayhem" through Lansingburgh and North Central Saturday night following a sweet sixteen party. There were four arrests. [Troy Record] [News10]
Assembly finishes up state budget, Troy residents push for more pedestrian-friendly Hoosick Street, temporary reprieve for Wash Ave Amory, Cuse beat Indiana
The state Assembly passed a group of budget bills Thursday, finishing off the legislatures part of the process (the Senate passed its bills earlier this week). It's the third on-time budget in a row. Among the points of contention during debate over the bills: a change to the NY SAFE Act involving the number of rounds in a gun magazine. Also: legislators from both parties criticized cuts to the Office of People With Developmental Disabilities. Legislators contrasted those cuts with tax credits in the budget for movie and TV productions and funding for the Buffalo Bills stadium. [TU] [State of Politics] [TU CapCon] [State of Politics] [NY Now] [AP/Troy Record]
Jim Tedisco on the state's school aid formula and the "bullet aid" to school districts that each chamber of the legislature gets to distribute at its discretion: "You don't use a flawed tool to fix an initially flawed tool." [Daily Gazette]
The Albany school district says its funding in the state budget was unexpectedly reduced by $4.2 million from the figure originally quoted to it by the state. The district says the state made an error in how it counted the city's charter school students. (The charter school situation in the city was already contentious.) [Albany school district] [TU] [TU]
Pablo Cruz -- the driver accused of hitting and killing cyclist Paul Merges in uptown Albany this past November -- has been indicted on a bunch charges, including second-degree murder. Cruz is also accused of DWI. [Albany County DA] [TU]
Ian Eckardt-Rigberg -- convicted for hit-and-run in Arbor Hill in 2011 that killed pedestrian Rozell Whitehead -- was sentenced to 3.5-10 years in prison. [TU]
Public comments at a Troy planning committee meeting Thursday pushed for ways to make Hoosick Street safer for pedestrians. Said one resident of the street: "It's a runway. If you look at the bridge it looks like an airport and people are like planes trying to take off." Another person said crossing the street is "like playing Russian roulette." The family of the mother and child hit while crossing Hoosick Street this week said Thursday the girl is still in intensive care. [Troy Record] [News10] [WNYT] [News10]
Assembly hopes to pass budget today, state aid boosted for most Capital Region school districts, mother and child hit by car on Hoosick St.
The Assembly returns to the Capitol this morning to tackle the 2013-2014 budget. Legislators are hoping to get the budget passed by the end of the day today, in time for the holiday weekend. [YNN] [WNYT]
With the exception of Voorheesville, all Capital Region schools would see significant funding restored under the state budget passed by the Senate this week. Albany's operating aid will rise 6.69 percnt.[TU]
A mother and her four year old daughter were hosptialized on Wedensday after they were hit by a car while crossing Hoosick Street in Troy. A rookie city firefighter is credited with reviving the little girl, who was not breathing when rescuers arrived. The accident has raised concerns about the busy intersection where it occurred -- the Mayor and state DOT reps about the issue and a meeting with residents about safety issues was already scheduled for tonight. [YNN][TU][News 10]
Police are looking for the man who robbed a First Niagra Bank in Lansignburgh just after it opened on Wednesday morning. The theif
got away with an undetermined amount of cash. [TU]
Budget passed in Senate -- Assembly up next, woman and child struck by car on Hoosick St., Twin Bridges construction to resume
The Senate passed budget bills in the early hours of the morning. The
budget includes a three-stage minimum wage hike, a renewal of higher tax rates for millionaires, cuts in funding for people with developmental disabilities, and a $350 rebate check for many families with kids. Up next: voting in the Assembly, where members are hoping to pass it on time, for a third year in a row. [YNN] [TU][NYT]
Sheldon Silver says the budget also includes $27.74 million for the first statewide electronic handgun permit database. [WNYT]
The former CFO of Brighter Choice Foundation pleaded guilty this week to grand larceny for stealing more than $200,000 from the foundation. [Albany County DA press release]
The man who shot and killed Richard Bailey has lost his final appeal on his 2010 conviction for first-degree murder, attempted robbery, and gun possession. [TU]
Weekend construction on the Twin Bridges is scheduled to resume on April 5 in the southbound lanes and is expected to end before Memorial Day. [TU]
A mother and child were struck by a car as they crossed Hoosick Street in Troy Wednesday morning. [Record]
Details on state rebate for families with kids, residents express complaints about police training operation, odd burglary case in Troy, her 100th birthday
There are now details on the $350 state rebates many families with children will be getting in 2014 (lots of details). The rebate checks are scheduled to arrive in October 2014 -- yep, right before election day. [TU] [YNN]
The observances of Passover and Easter this week complicated the budget process -- and gave legislators another thing to fight about. [TU]
That state budget includes increases in the amount of video lottery terminal money for both Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County -- though it's still short of levels from 2008. [Saratogian]
At a community meeting Monday night residents of the Ida Yarbrough Homes expressed their complaints about an Albany Police Department training exercise last week that used simulated ammunition and injuries. Some residents said they were confined to their apartment during the training, or blocked from getting to their apartment. And another resident said she worried about the effect the training had on kids in the complex. APD assistant chief Brendan Cox said there was "a lack of communication" about the training. [YNN] [TU] [WNYT] [News10]
State budget vote drawn out, more exploding manhole covers, APD training exercise criticized, UAlbany women's basketball team almost pull upset in NCAA tournament
Though the state Senate started passing budget bills Sunday, it looks like the budget won't be finished until the end of the week. The state Senate was in session Sunday, and is scheduled to do so again today -- and members were also irked that the Assembly has pushed its votes to a session scheduled for Thursday. (The deadline to get the budget done is April 1.) [AP/Troy Record] [State of Politics] [TU]
The budget will include a minimum fine for texting while driving -- $50. [TU]
Dean Skelos says the budget will include an "indefinite" suspension of the enforcement of the NY SAFE Act provision banning gun magazines with more than seven rounds. Also: In which a "Cuomo administration source" starts trying to deflect blame for problems with the NY SAFE Act onto someone else. [State of Politics] [NY Post]
Many "temporary" taxes and fees in New York State are apparently temporary in name only. [TU]
Friday afternoon a jury convicted James Wells of fatally shooting Eddie Stanley at a Schenectady party in 2011. He faces 25-years to life. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Another underground fire in downtown Albany caused a manhole covers to fly Saturday morning, one of them damaging the Olde English Pub. Said Jerry Jennings: "We have to find out what's going on underneath these streets and what's causing this, what's happening here." [TU] [YNN]
Alain Kaloyeros says the recently announced deal between Israel and the NanoCollege will result in 1,000 new jobs for the area. [TU]
The rebuilding effort in Prattsville -- maybe the hardest hit place in the state during Irene -- has prompted accusations of cronyism. [TU]
Budget headed for weekend vote, the "Jimmy Fallon tax credit," court considers local fracking bans
The UAlbany men's basketball team faces Duke in the NCAA tournament today. Tip time is 12:15. The game is on CBS.
Details to fill out the "conceptual framework" for the deal on the state budget started to surface Thursday. It appears the budget is on track for the legislature start voting on it on Sunday -- there's a push to get the budget vote finished before Passover starts Monday evening. [AP/Troy Record] [TU]
Among the provisions tucked into the budget bills: "the Jimmy Fallon tax credit," which would give NBC a tax credit for bringing the Tonight Show to NYC when/if Jimmy Fallon takes over for Jay Leno. [NYDN] [NYDN]
A New York affiliate of the NRA has filed in federal court for an injunction to stop parts of the NY SAFE Act. The suit alleges the law violates multiple Constitutional amendments, restricts interstate commerce, and violates due process. Also currently irking gun rights supporters: a state tip line for reporting illegal guns. Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin -- who represents much of Rensselaer County -- says the program is a "gun-grab plan" and "seeks to turn neighbor against neighbor." [AP/Troy Record] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Steve McLaughlin]
A state appellate court lifted the injunction preventing Lifetime from showing its Christopher Porco movie this weekend. Porco, representing himself, made his arguments before the court via telephone from prison. [AOA] [TU]
The Times Union has obtained dash cam video from the 2011 fatal shooting of Luis Rivera by Schenectady police officers -- a grand jury cleared the officers of wrongdoing. [TU]
Framework of budget hammered out, CNSE makes $3 billion nanotech deal with Israel, plans for Monument Square development in Troy
The framework of a conceptual state budget has been hammered out, though a number of details have yet to be worked on ,including reduce arrests for small amounts of marijuana and the proposed cuts to the State Office for People with Developmental Disabilites. Among the items that have been agreed upon in the estimated $135 billion spending plan: a minimum wage hike to $9 an hour in increments over 3 years, $350 tax rebate checks for middle class homeowners with kids and a school aid hike of $500 million over what was originally proposed by Governor Cuomo. This is the earliest an agreement has been reached in 30 years. Voting on the budget could occur as soon as this weekend.[YNN][TU][NYT][City&State][WNYT]
While defending a proposal to elminate a ban on the sale of 10-round magazines that was part of the New York SAFE law, Andrew Cuomo said the gun law was worked on "probably ten times longer than the budget will be" and that it was not hastily passed.[Capitol Confidential]
Israel has made a $3 billion dollar five year research and development deal with Albany NanoTech.[TU]
A Rensselaer County farmer has been sentenced to probation for buying poultry and repackaging it, and passing the uninspected meat off as organic. [TU][News 10]
Budget negotiations continue, another poll shows Cuomo approval drop, yep, it really is spring
Spring starts today, but you couldn't tell by looking out the window. The last day of winter brought as much as 12-inches of snow to parts of the Capital Region. [TU]
State legislators have approved Albany's $7.8 million spin-up payment in lieu of taxes for the Empire State Plaza.[TU]
Andrew Cuomo says the four men in the room may have "the general contours of a framework for an agreement," on a budget, but there's still no official deal. Under discussion --an amendment to the NY SAFE act that would allow people to buy 10-round magazines with seven bullets, and have fully loaded magazines in their home and at designated shooting ranges. Sheldon Silver says the change is one of several "mostly technical" changes to the law that are under consideration.[TU] [YNN][TU][WNYT]
Cuomo and legislative leaders are also hammering out an agreement to extend a high-tax bracket for the state's top incomes, which was slated to end in 2014, to help boost the state's finances and to avoid discussion of a tax increase in the midst of the 2014 election cycle. [NYT]
The budget plan being worked on will also include a $350 tax rebate to middle class homeowners with children.[Democrat and Chronicle]
Deal on raising minimum wage, tax breaks approved for GloFo, sad irony in DWI charge, prosecutors: pork buns had uninspected meat
It snowed. But not as much as forecasted yesterday. A dry zone of air in the system "greatly diminished the precip in the area," according to the NSW forecast discussion.
The Four Men in a Room have agreed on a deal that would phase in a minimum wage increase over the next three years, eventually up to $9 an hour. The deal does not include indexing the minimum wage to inflation. There's still not a deal on the state budget. [TU] [NYDN] [NYT] [State of Politics]
The Saratoga County IDA has approved $387 million in potential sales tax breaks for GlobalFoundries projects. GloFo says the two projects -- a research center and a possible second fab -- represent a potential $16.8 billion investment. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Paul Grondahl: the growth of the tech industry in the Capital Region "represents a sixth age in the ongoing reinvention of the region's economy." [TU]
Thirteen service members from the Capital Region have died in Iraq over the last 10 years, many of them members of the National Guard. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
State leaders cramming to finish budget, man accused of fleeing crash on foot -- while carrying toddlers, video of fight in West Capitol Park, Coeymans re-named for sandwiches
Negotiations continued through the weekend as The Four Men in a Room tried to settled on state budget, which could include a minimum wage increase. [TU] [State of Politics]
The eight counties of the greater Capital Region saw a 39 percent increase in pistol permit applications in 2012 compared to the year before. [Daily Gazette]
Alain Kaloyeros tells the Times Union there have been "very positive conversations" among SUNY leaders about the floated plan to spin off the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, but: "There has not been any model advanced to separate (the NanoCollege) from the University at Albany campus and all that has been reported is premature." [TU]
A seventh person -- a 16 year old -- has been arrested for the murder of Takim Smith. Chawn A. Sheares is charged with murder, robbery, conspiracy, and criminal possession of a weapon. [Troy Record] [TU]
Saratoga Springs mayor Scott Johnson says he won't run for re-election this fall. He says he and wife are heading for "another chapter" of their lives. [Saratogian] [TU]
Police say firebombing of chief's house was retaliation, charges dismissed for last two Troy ballot fraud defendants, BZA backs decision to stop dance music shows at Armory
Scotia police say they've arrested four men for allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails into the then-police chief's home in 2010. Scotia's current police chief says the men -- then 17 and 18 years old -- were retaliating for what they regarded as harassment by police. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Said one Herkimer area resident in the aftermath of the shootings that left four people dead and two others injured: "It's going to take a while to recover." The motive for Kurt R. Myers' rampage is still unclear. [TU] [NYT]
Another casualty of the situation: Ape, an FBI tactical dog, who agents say was fatally shot while playing a key role during the operation to take down Myers -- an FBI agent says the dog's actions "prevented his teammates from being seriously wounded or killed." [TU] [Utica Observer-Dispatch] [NYT]
State attorney general Eric Schneiderman announced an agreement with a large majority of the state's gun show operators that includes new procedures for making sure there are background checks for gun buyers. The state AG's office says the agreement comes after undercover agents were able to buy guns at multiple shows without a background check. [NYS AG] [NYT]
A western New York is apparently the first person in the state to be arrested for violating the NY SAFE Act. [Buffalo News] [NYS AG]
The New York City woman who jumped to her death from an 8th floor window with her baby strapped to her body -- amazingly the child survived -- was the 1986 valedictorian at Colonie Central High School. [NYDN] [NYT] [TU]
NY SAFE injunction denied, officer and son of Rensselaer Police Chief charged with DWI in fatal accident, Northway crash victim identified, protests planned for Saratoga gun show
Farther afield: In a shootout this morning, police killed the gunman who allegedly killed four people in a rampage in Herkimer yesterday. In a statement this morning Andrew Cuomo commended the efforts of law enforcers who responded to the tragedy. [YNN]
An Albany County acting State Supreme Court Justice denied a request for a preliminary injunction against the NY SAFE act that was requested by activist Bob Schulz and a group of second amendment advocates. [Capitol Confidential]
22-year-old Mark Fusco, a Rensselaer police officer -- the son of Rensselaer Police Chief Rick Fusco, is charged with DWI in connection with a one car crash in East Greenbush yesterday morning that claimed the life of his passenger, 22-year-old Sean Murphy of Slingerlands. [YNN][TU]
The woman who died in the car/bus crash on the Northway in Clifton Park on Tuesday has been identified as 64 year old Barbara Weinstein of Saratoga. Her husband, Steve Weinstein, was driving the red porsche when it spun out of control hitting a busload of college students. Investigators are still looking for the cause of the crash. [Saratogian][TU]
The man who allegedly threatened a Skidmore College student last week, causing the campus to go into lockdown, has waived his right to extradition in New Jersey, where he was arrested, and will be sent to Saratoga Springs to face charges. [TU][Saratogian]
Fatal car/bus crash on Northway, video footage of Albany County jail beating, four sentenced in Troy ballot fraud case, police anticipate arrest in Rainwalker case
A 64-year old Saratoga woman is dead after the Porsche she was riding in spun out of control and ended up in front of a bus. The bus, carrying student athletes from St. Michaels College from Vermont to a meet on Long Island collided with the car and slid into a ditch off the southbound lane of the Northway in Clifton Park. The Northway was closed between exits 9 and 10 until after 5p.m. on Tuesday for clean-up and investigation. [TU][Saratogian][YNN]
Video footage of the beating of an inmate that was allegedly orchestrated by a guard at the Albany County jail has been made public by Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple. [TU]
Four men who took plea deals in the Troy ballot fraud case were sentenced on Tuesday in Rensselaer County Court. Former Troy councilman John Brown was sentence to six months in Jail in spite of the prosecution's request for a lighter sentence, Anthony Defiglio and Anthony Renna got 100 and 200 hours of communtiy service respectively, and former City Clerk Bill McInerny was sentenced to 90 days in a sheriff's work program.[TU][WNYT][Record]
Eric Green, the 18-year-old man facing a string of charges, including attempted murder, for allegedly stabbing a state trooper at the Empire State Plaza earlier this month, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Albany County. [TU]
VA says it won't comply with NY SAFE Act provision, two women shot, push to open casino siting process, recent college grad picked to head up animal shelter
The Veterans Administration says it will not comply with the provision of the NY SAFE Act that requires mental health providers to report people who are likely to act in way that would harm themselves or others. [New York World/TU]
As the state Senate and Assembly stake out their positions ahead of the push to finish the state budget, it looks like there could be some movement on raising the minimum wage. [TU] [NYT]
Albany police say two women were shot in West Hill just before midnight Monday (map). APD says it appears the shooting was "the result of an ongoing dispute" and it's investigating. The women's injuries are not life threatening, according to APD. [YNN] [APD]
The alleged collaboration between an Albany County jail corrections officer and two inmates to beat up a third inmate sounds like something from a TV drama. [TU]
What might be the $600 million projected to which the mayor Rensselaer alluded: a proposal to build at waste-to-energy plant at the Port of Rensselaer. (The same company proposed a similar project for the Port of Albany a few years back.) [TU]
Split verdict in Llenroc case, the formula almost no one understands, Wash Ave Armory and city at odds over dance parties again, 12 year old saves classmate
There was a split verdict in the trial of Annie George. The federal jury found her guilty of harboring an illegal immigrant at the Llenroc mansion. But it found her not guilty of doing so for financial gain, a more serious charge. She faces as much as five years in prison and a $250k fine. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [YNN] [Saratogian]
The Albany County Sheriff's Office says a correction officer at the the Albany County jail was arrested Friday after he allegedly conspired with two inmates to assault a third inmate. Said sheriff Craig Apple: An incident like this casts a shadow over all our men and women at that facility ... It really is disappointing." [ACSO] [TU]
A Times Union-obtained federal review of the 2011 death of a French immigrant being held for deportation at the Albany County jail concludes that missed and incorrect dosages of the drugs used to treat the woman's cardiomyopathy contributed to her congestive heart failure and her death "could have been prevented." [TU]
An elderly Troy woman died in a house fire Saturday night in South Troy (map). Heavy smoke and fire forced firefighters out of the house on their initial entry, and Troy's fire chief says barricaded steel back doors also blocked firefighters efforts to get into the house. [Troy Record] [TU] [TU]
It snowed, PEF pushing for overtime pay, assessor says STAR exemption for state Senator was a mistake, proposed road diet for Madison Ave
It snowed, at least three inches. The snow is expected to continue through the early afternoon, with another 1-2 inches possible. [NWS]
One of the provision at issue in discussions of amending the NY SAFE Act: the 7-round limit on magazines. [TU]
PEF has filed suit against the state arguing that employees who worked more than 40 hours a week during the Sandy response should get overtime (the state is arguing the threshold is 47.5 hours for employee not usually eligible for overtime). The suit is seeking overtime pay for 14,469 state employees. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The jury in the trial of Annie George is now deliberating. Its decision in the case may rest of George's possible use of the term "the maid" in reference to Valsamma Mathai, who prosecutors say was held at the Llenroc mansion to work for little or no pay. The prosecution has introduced used recorded phone calls (translated) to argue that George knew of Mathai's immigration status -- but George said it wasn't her on the call. [News10] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Poll: Cuomo's high approval rating takes a small hit after NY SAFE, Assembly passes hydrofracking ban, Senate votes to legalizes MMA, Llenroc widow takes stand
A New Wall Street Journal/NBC NY/Marist poll still puts Andrew Cuomo's approval rating at 56%, but it's dropped a bit, especially upstate, in large part because of his support for the NY SAFE law. [WSJ]
The suspect who allegedly threatened a Skidmore College student earlier this week, resulting in a lockdown on the campus on Tuesday night, was arrested in Atlantic City. Forty-nine-year-old Lance Leonard is charged with coercion, accused of texting a female student and her father threatening to harm the student and himself. The Saratoga County DA's office says Leonard was in a relationship with the student, who was trying to break up with him. Leonard has a history of sex offenses in Nevada and Massachusetts.[TU][YNN][Saratogian] [WNYT]
According to testimony from an assistant director for the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor, Valsamma Mathai -- the Indian woman allegedly forced to work seven days a week by Annie George at the Llenroc Mansion --was cheated by George out of nearly $300,000 over five-and-a-half-years. But George estified in U.S. District Court on Wednesday that her late husband was abusive and made all of the decisions in the home and said she treated Mathai like family and that she was free to leave at any time. [TU][Saratogian]
The state Assembly has passed a two-year ban on hydrofracking. [YNN]
The Senate has approved a bill that would legalize professional MMA bouts, but the bill still has to get through the Assembly, where it has stalled before. If approved, tickets to the event would come with an 8.5% tax and broadcast rights would come with a 3% tax. [WNYT][YNN][TU]
Suspect in ESP trooper stabbing in custody, Skidmore lockdown lifted after suspect arrested, Assembly passes $9 minimum wage hike
Police apprehended Eric Green, the man who allegedly stabbed a state trooper at the Empire State Plaza on Sunday. Green was picked up at the intersection of Western and Washington Avenues in Albany on Tuesday afternoon. Green, a homeless man with ties to both Albany and Brooklyn, was jailed on charges of assaulting a police officer, robbery and criminal possession of a weapon. [TU] [NYSPnews] [WNYT]
Police have aprehended a Massachusetts man who allegedly threatened a Skidmore College student last night, causing the campus to go into lockdown mode. [Saratogian] [TU] [YNN]
The Indian woman allegedly forced to work to work in the Rexford home of Annie George testified in U.S. District court yesterday that a man who spoke her native tongue, Malayalam, coerced her to come and work for George's family. Valsamma Mathai testified through an interpreter that she was forced to sleep on the floor of a closet in George's home, and work from 5:30 am to 11pm without holidays, vacations or sick days, and told the court "I had to escape from there. I told her many times it was too much work." [TU] [Record]
The Assembly easily passed a $9 minimum wage hike on a mostly party-line vote Tuesday. The fate of the bill now rests with the Senate, where support is shaky . [YNN] [State of Politics] [TU]
Search continues in stabbing of trooper, school locked down after parent brings gun to school, trial starts in Llenroc servant case
State Police released a name and photo of a man they say they'd like to question about the stabbing of a state trooper at the Empire State Plaza Sunday. NYSP say they've found the knife used in the stabbing. And the trooper -- Rodney Smith -- continues to improve. There's a $10,000 reward for info leading to the arrest and conviction of the attacker. [AOA] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
Andrew Cuomo says it's "just not accurate" that a recent conversation with RFK Jr. prompted him to pull back from an imminent decision to approve test wells for hydrofracking. [AP/TU]
Dean Skelos says Senate Republicans are considering multiple changes to the NY SAFE Act. Andrew Cuomo says he's open to technical changes, but not substantial adjustments. [State of Politics] [YNN]
Colonie police say the truck driver who fatally hit a man on Central Ave over the weekend -- and then was assaulted when he stopped -- will not be charged. [Daily Gazette]
Pedestrian safety was a topic of discussion for Albany Common Council Monday. [WNYT] [News10]
Trooper stabbed at Empire State Plaza, man killed after being hit by truck on Central Ave, funeral for Sha'hiim Nelligan, dance marathon raises almost $500k
State Police say a trooper was stabbed during an attack at the Empire State Plaza Sunday afternoon. NYSP say the attacker had struck up a conversation with trooper Rodney Smith, while Smith was checking the man's ID, he pulled out a steak knife and stabbed Smith in the neck. There was a struggle, the man took Smith's radio, and ran off. Smith was taken to Albany Med and is expected recover. The incident happened on the concourse, just inside the doors that lead out to Madison Ave. The attack prompted a large manhunt in the area around the ESP -- the suspect has not been found. Said State Police captain William Keeler: "It's just the fact that this individual is still out there is disconcerting to anybody. This was not a rational act, and if somebody would stab an armed trooper then who knows?" [NYSP] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [AP/WNYT] [YNN]
Update: NYSP have released a name -- Eric L. Green, 18 years old -- and photo of the person they're searching for.
A man died on Central Ave in Colonie early Saturday morning after being hit by a USPS tractor trailer (map). A witness tells YNN that it appeared the man's body had gotten stuck in the wheels of the trailer. Colonie police say the driver stopped, and when he got out of the truck, he was assaulted by one or more people who then took off. CPD says the driver has not been charged. [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [TU] [WNYT]
Albany County sheriff Craig Apple is criticizing parts of the NY SAFE Act. [YNN]
UAlbany is requesting $293 million from the state for "critical maintenance" and upgrades to campus buildings. [TU]
Despite rally chances of NY SAFE Act repeal don't look strong, GloFo looking for $400 million in tax breaks, fast food flashing in Rotterdam, the 175-year-old law firm
The crowd outside the Capitol Thursday for the rally to repeal the NY SAFE Act was more than 5,000 people, according to a State Police estimate. Said David Keene, president of the NRA, to the crowd: "Your governor is willing to sacrifice the Constitution, your rights as citizens and the prerogatives of his Legislature on the altar of his own ambition and the ego of Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City ... We've lost battles before. We'll not lose this war." Kathy Marchione has introduced a bill to repeal many parts of the act -- though it doesn't appear to have much of a chance of making it through the legislature. Earlier: Scenes from the rally to repeal the NY SAFE Act. [TU] [NYSNYS/Troy Record] [NYT] [State of Politics] [State of Politics]
With "the sequester" about to take effect, Chris Gibson said he's disappointed that Barack Obama "hasn't shown more leadership" on the issue, and Paul Tonko pointed the finger at Republicans in the House. [Troy Record/AP]
The sixth person accused in the fatal stabbing of Takim Smith at the Corliss Park apartments -- 19-year-old Eric Aaron Mallard -- was arraigned Thursday on charges that include second-degree murder. According to a police statement, a neighborhood told police that the apartment where Smith was killed was frequented by gang members. [Troy Record] [TU]
That review of the The Egg by the state Authorities Budget Office concludes that the performance venue's "financial position is weak" and "its current management structure is not working." It also recommends a look at whether The Egg would be better off under the management of the state Office of General Services instead of its own authority. The ABO's director framed the recommendations as part of the Cuomo admin's broader goals of "streamlining government, reducing overlap and elimination of redundant services." The Egg's executive director told the Times Union the org is still reviewing the ABO report and didn't have comment beyond its response in the report. [NYS ABO] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Three more teens arraigned in Corliss Apts murder, FBI investigates teens death on cruise ship, Tweets turn to fight among Shen/Saratoga students, Brinks rewards woman for returning $11,000
Andrew Cuomo and top state officials are considering ammendments to the NY SAFE legislation to allow movie producers to use prop weapons when filming in the state. [TU]
Three more teens arrested for the Corliss Park Apartments murder have been arraigned. In a statement to police, one 18-year-old woman said that she lured Takim Smith to her Corliss Park apartment, at the request of a friend, by telling him she'd have sex with him, then, once he'd disrobed, texted a friend to let him know Smith didn't have a gun. [Record] [TU]
The FBI is investigating the death of the Saratoga High School senior who died on a Carnival Cruise with his family last week, but foul play is not suspected. Carnival Cruiselines says Seth Younes died in his cabin at about 3 am, and denies he was served alcohol by any shipboard personel. [WNYT] [Saratogian]
What began with comments on Twitter ended with students from Shen and Saratoga high schools getting suspended for "hooligan like behavior" in a conflict at a hockey game. The fight began over comments made about Bailey Wind, who was injured in a car crash that claimed the life of her boyfriend and another friend in December, and who was in attendance at the game. [TU] [Saratoga Seen] [News 10]
The Wynantskill man who hit a pedestrian with his snow plow pick-up truck on Tuesday night was alledgedly drunk at the time and has been charged with felony vehicular assault.[Record]
Pedestrian hit by snowplow, Saratoga supervisors oppose NY SAFE Act, paintball and pellet guns lead to lockdown in Troy school, prime candidate for papacy studied in the Capital Region
North Greenbush police have arrested a man on DWI charges after he allegedly hit a pedestrian with his plow truck on Route 4 Tuesday night. [YNN]
Albany police have ticketed the driver of the car that struck and killed a 28 year old woman walking on Central Avenue on Thursday. Corine Edwards was charged with failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. [TU]
A 30-year old Troy man was arrigned on Tuesday in connection with a string of thefts from parked cars in the city in December and January. [TU]
A state arbitration panel has awarded Albany police sergeants and lieutenants raises of roughly three percent, retroactive to 2010 and 2011.[TU]
The Schoharie County woman found with 99 cats in crates and 67 dead cats in her freezer was charged with animal abuse this week.[TU]
Saratoga County Supervisors passed a resolution Tuesday night
opposing New York's new SAFE Act.[Saratogian]
Grandmother arraigned in death of grandson, Albany police chief says focus on pedestrian safety, legislature maybe closer to legalizing MMA bouts
In court papers filed with her arraignment in Schenectady City Court Monday, Gloria Nelligan is accused of repeatedly beating her 8-year-old grandson, Sha'hiim Nelligan, "over a prolonged period," ultimately causing his death. The alleged beating was apparently in response to the boy stealing candy from a neighborhood store. A family friend says the accusation is out of step with the person he knows. A 2007 Daily Gazette story about a support group for grandmothers raising their grandchildren in Schenectady included Nelligan, who's quoted as saying: "I didn't want to raise any more kids. I still don't ... But, I mean, when's it going to stop? I'm trying to break the cycle of abuse, of violence, for all my children." [Daily Gazette] [TU] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
The "sequester" could mean a cut of $110 million for New York's colleges. Hospitals and health care orgs in the Capital Region are estimating it could mean a cut of $78 million for them. [TU] [Troy Record]
Albany police chief Steve Krokoff after two pedestrians were hit on Central Ave this past weekend, one fatally: "I really want to look at a new way to deal with vehicle traffic." Krokoff says the department is also looking at new tech, such as pedestrian-activated street lighting and traffic cameras. [WNYT] [News10]
The chair of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors says county leaders will push for the repeal of the NY SAFE Act when they meet with state legislators this week. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Grandmother arrested in child's death, pedestrian dies after being hit on Central Ave, very slow growth in local economy, light beer for a long life
The grandmother of an 8-year-old Schenectady boy who was found unresponsive at home Saturday (map) -- and later died at the hospital -- has been arrested and charged with first-degree manslaughter. Police say there was a physical confrontation on Friday at the home. Said Schenectady police lieutenant Mark McCracken: "There was a dispute a day or two prior to his being found in an unresponsive state. That directly led to his death." McCracken says the results of an autopsy performed Sunday "suggested homicide." [TU] [News 10] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
The pedestrian hit by a vehicle while crossing Central Ave (map) Thursday night died Friday afternoon, Albany police say. The incident has prompted calls for a review of the intersection and the way traffic lights cycle there. During a vigil for the woman Friday night another pedestrian was struck by a vehicle a block down Central Ave (map). [APD] [TU] [News 10]
Albany police say officers found a man shot in Arbor Hill Friday night (map). APD says the man reported being shot by someone in a dark colored vehicle. APD says the man was treated and released. [APD]
A minimum wage increase appears to have the necessary votes in the state legislature, but Senate Republicans -- concerned about the effect of an increase on small businesses -- are holding up the bill. [TU]
The Obama admin has released a list of funding cuts to New York (and other states) if "sequestration" takes effect. [TU] [CNN]
Six now charged with murder in fatal Troy stabbing, spin-up for Albany, the wrong yard to run through, project to survey health in Schenectady's neighborhoods
A sixth person has been arrested and charged in the murder of Takim Smith. All six people -- all 19 years old or younger -- face charges that include second-degree murder, robbery, and conspiracy. Rensselaer County DA Richard McNally says, if convicted, the six could face a life sentence. Police allege the teens had lured Smith to a Corliss Park apartment in order to rob him. [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN] [News10]
The attorney for Becky Goodermote -- accused of hitting a cyclist on Route 22 in Rensselaer County last September, injuries from which later killed the cyclist -- says his client was not using her mobile at the time, nor was she on prescription drugs. Both allegations are part of the indictment handed up in the case. Said her attorney to WNYT: "She did not see him before she hit him, she didn't see him after she hit him. And because of that she thought she hit a deer or a sign. She wasn't certain. So she left." [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
The new group of state budget amendments includes the $7.8 million "spin up" in payments to Albany for the ESP. (The next city budget relies on that money to help close a gap, but the advance on the state's PILOT wasn't included in the original budget.) [TU]
One of Andrew Cuomo's top aides pushed back on the story about the state DOT engineer who said he resigned rather than be disciplined for talking to the press without permission. State operations director Howard Glaser alleged the engineer, Mike Fayette, misused state equipment and was engaged in a relationship with a subordinate. A 2011 DOT letter to Fayette (obtained by Capitol Tonight) said he was facing possible termination for misusing his department vehicle and "sexually explicit e-mails with a subordinate employee." And the letter sent to Fayette over the most recent situation (obtained by the TU) cites his past disciplinary record. Said Glaser on TALK 1300: "It is not the policy of this administration to terminate people solely for improper contact with the press ... If that were the issue here, the only issue, there would not have been a termination." [TU] [Adirondack Daily Enterprise] [State of Politics] [State of Politics] [TU] [NYT]
NYSUT files suit over tax cap, Cuomo budget amendments expected today, Albany child dies in NYC accident, proposed state ban on pub crawls
The New York State United Teachers Union filed a legal challenge yesterday to the state's 2% property tax cap law, arguing the cap is unconstitutional and has a dire effect on educational opportunities for poor and minority students. [NYT] [TU]
A number of Capital Region legislators called on Andrew Cuomo yesterday to increase education aid. [Capital Confidential]
Cuomo defended the property cap, saying "the answer can't always be putting your hand in the pocket of the taxpayer of the state of New York." [YNN]
Andrew Cuomo's last minute amendments to his proposed budget will be formally released later today, but among them will be a plan to reduce fees on hunting and fishing licenses and streamline the number of categories of hunting and fishing licenses from 17 to 7, language that would let state officials impose a teacher evaluation system in New York City and a requirement that gas stations near highways have power generators. No word on whether spin-up payment to Albany for the ESP PILOT, which was left out of the original budget, will be included in the amendments. [TU] [NYT][Capitol Confidential]
A 67-year-old Clifton Park man was assaulted by a stranger with a metal pipe on his doorstep on Sunday. [WNYT]
Schenectady police are warning residents to watch out for a man they say impersonated a Water Department employee to get into a home on California Avenue.[WNYT]
APD officer pleads not guilty to DWI, Green Island may get indoor shooting range, NYS Court of Appeals says Raucci can keep pension, bell removed from St. Patrick's
Max Etienne, the Albany police officer charged with DWI after allegedly slamming his vehicle into a row of parked cars in Pine Hills on Sunday morning and refusing a breathalyzer test, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday.Two of the women whose cars were damaged say they believe Etienne may be getting special treatment because they've had a great deal of trouble getting information for insurance from the APD.[TU] [WNYT]
$33 million of the $50 million set aside for Governor Cuomo's competitive grant program for schools lat year went undistributed because many districts that chose to compete for the funding were not able to meet the requirements. [TU]
Green Island's Village Board voted on Tuesday to allow commerical indoor shooting ranges to operate in the village, helping to pave the way for a gun shop owner to open an indoor shooting range in his new facility. But the planning board tabled a necessary vote on the project until next month. [TU][WNYT][Record]
The NYS Court of Appeals has ruled that Steven Raucci will be able to keep receiving his monthly pension while in prison, reversing a lower court ruling that said Raucci's victims could sue him for the $5,800 monthly pension under the Son of Sam law - for now at least. [TU]
Police are looking for help in the search for a Waterford woman last seen outside her second Street home on Monday.[TU]
The bell from St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet was removed from the tower on Tuesday to prepare for demolition and the cross is being prepared for removal shortly - event though a lawsuit seekeing to stop the demolition is still active. [TU]
Cuomo pushes for minimum wage increase, frustration over youth violence in Troy, mom charged for son's stripper party, number of $100k Albany employees doubles
Andrew Cuomo on raising the minimum wage: "Minimum wage because if you work full-time you shouldn't be below the poverty rate. If you work full-time you shouldn't be poor, and if you work full-time you shouldn't have to choose between eating and paying your rent. That's why we have to raise the minimum wage." [YNN]
The Albany Police Department says one of its officers was arrested for DWI Sunday morning after a crash on S. Main Ave (map). APD says Max Etienne has been suspended without pay. This isn't the first time Etienne has ended up in trouble -- in 2008 he was ticketed for leaving the scene of a crash, and was the subject of an investigation in which it was alleged that he lost his gun on Lark Street. [APD] [TU]
"I am so sick and tired of burying our youth," said Rev. Willie Bacote at a community meeting, on the recent fatal stabbing at the Corliss Park apartments: "We're getting to a point where there won't be any youths left whatsoever." [WNYT] [Troy Record]
The mother of the Gansevoort 16-year-old who had strippers at his birthday party last November has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child for lining up the strippers. In November police said that "several" teens got lap dances at the party -- five of the party's attendees are alleged to have been under 17 years old. Here's the photo that surfaced on Facebook and seems to have set off the investigation. [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Derek Cianfrance, the director of The Place Beyond the Pines, tells the Daily Gazette that there will be a premiere in Schenectady -- and the event was part of the deal when the film's distribution rights were sold to Focus Features. The when and where hasn't been announced. The Times Union reported Saturday that some local officials felt snubbed by what they regarded as Focus ignoring them. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [TU]
Legislature reacts to $9/hr minimum wage proposal, parking permit grace period over, GloFo looking to pass by exit, releasing the inner salamander
The state Assembly has amended its minimum wage increase proposal to match the $9/hour rate proposed by Barack Obama in the State of the Union. Said spokesman for Dean Skelos on the proposed increased: "In light of President Obama's proposal and our intention to keep New York businesses from being put at a competitive disadvantage, it may be best to wait and see what the federal government does before the state acts." [TU] [State of Politics]
A Congressional panel has requested that federal auditors investigate New York Medicaid program (and the oversight agency for the program) after a committee concluded the program overcharged the feds by $15 billion. [TU]
A federal appeals court has declined to dismiss Joe Bruno's appeal, now scheduled for this spring. [TU]
The grace period for for the Albany residential parking permit system ends today. [TU]
Route 7 reopens following tanker explosion, 3 indictiments in Troy stabbing, Cuomo won't rush fracking decision
Andrew Cuomo says he won't rush anyone through the environmental impact process on hydrofracking, saying "This is too important to make a mistake."[YNN]
The driver of a tanker truck carrying 9,500 gallons of fuel was airlifted to Westchester after he lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road on Route 7 in Hoosick, causing the tanker to explode. The tanker apparently overturned after colliding with a guardrail and telephone pole and slid down a 30 foot embankment . [TU] [YNN]
A Rensselaer County grand jury indicted three suspects in the stabbing death of Takim Smith on February 4, but did not indict a fourth suspect. [Fox 23] [TU]
A 21-year-old Stephentown man was arraigned on manslaughter, vehicular homicide and leaving the scene of an accident in connection with a crash that killed his friend in September. [TU]
JCOPE referred violations in the Vito Lopez sexual harassment scandal to the Legislative Etihics Commission and the Assembly Ethics and Guidance Committee, but reports say no violations were found by Speaker Sheldon Silver or his staff. [NYT]
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli questioned portions of Andrew Cuomo's budget on Wednesday for for relying on $1.4 billion in temporary revenue. Di Napoli expressed concern that the budget relies on optimistic projections that could leave New York saddled with greater debt.[Fox23/AP][NYT]
Stabbing suspect's mother discovers alleged weapon, hydrofracking decision delayed, gun law opponents protest at Capitol, $180 box of chocolates probably won't help
The mother of one of the suspects in the stabbing death of a Troy man at the Corliss Park Apartments earlier this month discovered a knife under a mattress in the building where the murder took place. "Sources close to the investigation" say it could be the weapon used to kill Takim Smith. Smith's friends and family gathered at his funeral yesterday [TU] [Record][YNN]
It appears the Cuomo admin's decision on will be delayed again. The state health commissioner says his department needs more time to review the potential health impacts from fracking, which means the state won't be able to meet the February 27 deadline. But some are suggesting the delay
Opponents of New York's new gun laws, including 2010 Republican gubenatorial candidate Carl Paladino and some state Senate Republicans rallied outside the Capitol on Tuesday while supporters of the SAFE Act held a press conference inside the Capitol. [YNN] [TU][Capitol Confidential]
A Warrensburg woman is facing charges of attempted arson and grand larceny after she allegedly left a can of oil burning in her oven on Monday, used her boyfriend's IRS refund card to withdraw cash, and booked a flight to Florida for herself and her two infant children. [TU] [WNYT]
Common refrain: there's no money, McCarthy says Schenectady's looking for "urban pioneers," prime pope candidate studied in Rensselaer
Bob Duffy to mayors clamoring for more state aid: "The governor wants to give more. He would like nothing better than to elevate the AIM aid. But there just is no money. There is no money and the same situation that you are facing in your respective areas, he is facing statewide." [TU] [YNN]
SUNY chancellor Nancy Zimpher, testifying before a panel of state legislators, said the system needs hundreds of millions of dollars for its medical centers and other programs because it's "hemorrhaging money." [TU]
And more dire financial talk from schools: the executive director of the state Council of School Superintendents said at an event in Niskayuna about the fiscal crunch that school districts are "closer to their fiscal cliff today than ever before." Said another official from the org in urging people at the forum to push state legislators for more funding: "Observe what's happening in Albany -- all the time. It's your new part-time job." [WNYT] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The state Senate confirmed the appointment of Jenny Rivera to the Court of Appeals (the state's highest court). Some Senate Republicans had pushed hard against Rivera's appointment, criticizing her lack of trial judge experience and voicing concerns "that she would be prone toward judicial activism." [TU] [State of Politics] [AP/Troy Record]
Not so much snow, shooting in Schenectady, trio accused of drilling into gas tanks, challenges from a rising Hudson River, farming is hard work
The Albany area got about 6.5 inches of snow from the weekend snow storm, according to the National Weather Service. Areas to the east got hit much harder -- parts of Connecticut got 40 inches. [NWS] [NYT]
Schenectady police say a man was shot Friday afternoon in apartment near Erie Boulevard. The man was taken to the hospital in critical condition. SPD says a baby was in the apartment at the time, and unharmed. SPD says it's looking for the shooter. [News10] [TU] [WNYT] [Daily Gazette]
Schenectady police say an 18-year-old Gloversville woman has been arrested and accused of last week's stabbing of a cab driver. SPD says it appears the cab driver was stabbed at Nott Terrace and Eastern Ave -- where his car was found, still running -- and managed to get himself to the Schenectady County Public Library two blocks away (map), where staff called for help. He was airlifted to the hospital and is expected to survive. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
The Signature Compounding Pharmacy corporation -- the Orlando-based pharmacy that was part of the long-running and drama-filled steroids case pursued by the Albany County district attorney's office -- has pleaded guilty to illegally selling steroids, which gets its former operators off the hook. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Buffalo gets $600 per resident in state municipal aid -- Albany gets $150. [TU]
Robbery plot alleged to have drawn man to fatal stabbing, Columbia Development suing over payments on 677 Broadway, betting with Marylou's money
You might have heard: it's snowing. Here's the latest update to the icy, snowy apocalypse watch. If you have plan for tonight, check to make sure it's still on -- there are a lot of cancellations already.
A Troy pastor says the apartment at which Takim Smith was fatally stabbed this week had a bad reputation -- and Smith had been lured there for a robbery. TPD says that multiple teens were involved in the plot -- two more were arrested Thursday, bringing the total to six. Smith's family tells News10 he had grown up with the suspects. [TU] [Troy Record] [Troy Record] [News10]
Emphasis in Lou Rosamilia's state of the city address for Troy: public safety. [Troy Record] [TU]
One of the speakers at the Troy city council meeting confirming Anthony Magnetto's appointment as police commissioner: the wife of police chief John Tedesco -- and it sounds like she didn't hold back. (Tedesco has viewed the appointment of a commissioner as a political move against by the council.) [Troy Record] [YNN]
Albany brokers convicted of Ponzi scheme, two more arrests in Troy murder, Raucci appeals for new trial, Bow Tie to take over Regal Wilton
It's going to snow. And everyone from airlines to hockey teams are starting to prepare.[TU] [Fox 23] [TU]
Albany-based brokers Timothy McGinn and David Smith have been found guilty of scamming investors in a Ponzi scheme. A jury convicted McGinn on 27 counts, and Smith on 15, of the 29 counts. The pair could face up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. [TU] [WNYT][YNN]
Two more teens have been arrested in connection with the stabbing death of a Troy man this week. [Troy P.D. Press Release]
Steven Raucci's attorney argued on Wednesday that his client deserves a new trial because of what he called a "big pile of illegal hits". [YNN]
Cocaine ring bust nets 31 local arrests, Niskayuna may close school,Regal closing Latham & Wilton theaters
An uptick in violent crime and shootings at the end of 2011 led Albany police to bust a drug trafficking ring between New York City and the Capital Region, resulting in 226- indictments and 31 local arrests on charges ranging from drug trafficking to conspiracy to commit murder. [TU] [WNYT] [Saratogian]
The Troy man allegedly stabbed to death by a pair of teens on Monday may have been killed for $62,000 he received in a recent lead poisoning settlement. The teens were arraigned in connection with the stabbing on Monday are cousins of the victim, and allegedly murdered the man while he was visiting his infant son. [TU] [YNN]
The trial of two longtime Albany brokers charged with running a Ponzi scheme enters a fourth day of jury deliberations in U.S. District court in Utica today [TU]
In his annual State of the Judiciary speech on Tuesday, New York's top judge, Jonathan Lippman called for changes in the bail system, claiming it is unfair to the poor and allows dangerous suspects to go free.[NY Times]
A multi-million-dollar budget gap may force the Niskayuna School District to close a school. [YNN]
Fatal stabbing in Troy, anti-fracking rally at Capitol, child found wandering without coat or shoes, schnauzer is top dog
Troy police say a 21-year-old man was stabbed Monday evening in Lansingburgh and later died from his injuries (map). TPD says two teens have been arrested, and charged with second-degree murder. [YNN] [Troy Record] [Troy Record]
State Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner Joe Martens says there's no timetable for finishing hydrofracking rules. His appearance before a state Senate/Assembly joint committee prompted another anti-fracking rally at the Capitol. [AP/Daily Gazette] [State of Politics] [TU]
A state comptroller's office audit of Mechanicville's finances reports that the city's true financial condition couldn't be determined because of the "extremely poor state of the City's financial records" -- and the city council has adopted "unrealistic budgets over the past several years." Says the city's accounts commissioner to the Saratogian: "We are now headed in the right direction, but it's a couple years too late." [NYS OSC] [Saratogian]
Albany, Green Island, Schenectady, and Troy are considered "financially distressed" cities under the Cuomo admin's proposed plan to cap binding arbitration between such cities and labor unions. The mayor of those cities showed up at a press conference supporting the Cuomo plan. [TU] [YNN]
Pile up on Northway, guilty plea in fatal hit-and-run, dispute over what's a new tax, fatal Albany fire ruled not suspicious
A Saturday night wreck on the Northway near Wilton involved as many as 40 vehicles and shut down the Northway. Fifteen people were taken to the hospital, though apparently there were no major injuries. A snow squall appears to have been part of what caused the crash. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [News10] [Post-Star] [TU]
Ian Eckardt-Rigberg -- accused of a hit-and-run that killed a pedestrian in Arbor Hill in 2011 -- has taken a plea deal that includes 3.5-10 years in prison. [TU] [Fox23]
Joey Paul -- accused of fatally shooting her boyfriend in a Schuylerville apartment last summer -- has pleaded not guilty. Said her attorney: "She didn't shoot this guy on purpose." Paul is accused of firing a single shot from an AK-47. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A recent rash of crime in Lansingburgh has prompted wariness from longtime residents, community involvement, and the occasional Facebook fight. [Troy Record]
Gloom and doom predicted for school districts, push for an Exit 3 on Northway, principal answering student questions via text
Message from regional districts at a forum in East Greenbush: costs keep going up, funding is not. Another problem, according to the exec director of the Statewide School Finance Consortium: inequitable distribution of state aid. Speakers predicted some districts will be insolvent in the near future. [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
Andrew Cuomo, on the Capitol Pressroom, on the proposed plan for an independent gaming commission to pick site of possible upstate casinos: "I don't want to be involved in casinos if it's going to be politicized." Also: Proctor's Philip Morris says if the casinos are built, they shouldn't include large entertainment venues, because they'll hurt already-established venues. [TU] [TU]
Labor unions are pushing back against Cuomo administration plan to add an "ability-to-pay" cap to arbitration between municipalities and unions if the municipality is under fiscal distress. [TU]
Jerry Jennings' reformulated plan for the convention center is, publicly at least, not well defined at the moment. [TU]
Jury selection begins in murder of Schenectady teen, Thruway Authority to lay off 8% of workforce, poll shows New Yorkers split on fracking, gingers descend on Troy
Jury selection will begin today in the trial of a man charged with killing a 15-year-old Schenectady baskeball player in June of 2011.[TU]
22 year old Gavin Staulters was sentenced to two to six years in prison after admitting he was drunk when his car struck and killed Ballston Spa teenager Kari Liedel last sumer.[TU]
The New York State Thruway Authority will lay off 234 people, or 8 percent of its workforce. Thruway Authority spksman says the job cuts are not linked to the recent rejection of a toll increase for truckers. [TU] [WNYT]
A new Quinnipiac poll out today shows New Yorkers are about evenly split on hydrofracking, with 43 percent supporting drilling and 42 percent against. [News 10]
The same Quinnipiac poll showed 54 percent of New Yorkers support pay
equity for women .[Capitol Confidential]
Republicans in the State Senate have agreed to support Senator Kathy Marchione's efforts to repeal New York's recently passed gun control legislation. [Saratogian]
Representative Chris Gibson thinks the U.S. Supreme Court will rule that the state's new gun control laws are unconstitutional. [Record]
State Police spoke to an overflow crowd Wednesday night at the Schenectady's County Library in an effort to clear up confusion about New York's new gun laws.[WNYT]
Cuomo's approval drops 15 points after gun control passage, Jennings renews push for downsized convention center plan in State of City, Schenectady bank on "Pines" poster
According to a new Quinnipiac poll, Andrew Cuomo's job approval rating has dropped 15 points, from 74 percent to 59 percent, since the new gun control law was passed. [TU]
Gun rights activists are working many angles to get New York's new gun control legislation repealed. Locally the Saratoga County Sheriff's Deputies Union has come out in opposition to New York's new gun law, saying the speed with which it was passed is responsible for making some law officers and some citizens into criminals.The NY State Rifle and Pistol Association has filed the first court challenge to New York's new gun control legislation, claiming the law violates the U.S. Constitution's Commerce Clause, as well as violates due process and is unlawful seizure of property. Some mental health advocates are questioning whether the portion of New York's new assault weapons ban requiring mental health professionals to report patients they believe may be planning to "engage in harmful behavior" may violate current privacy laws.[NYT] [Saratogian] [YNN] [TU]
State Police and other officials will be in Schenectady tonight to hold a public meeting where they will explain the new gun control law. [YNN]
Jerry Jennings used his State of the City address on Tuesday night to renew his call for action on the Albany Convention Center project. The address was held at the Kiernan Plaza, which is slated to become a high-tech incubator for UAlbany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering -- Jennings said it would become an epicenter for smart cities technology that will benefit not just the Capital Region, but also "all of humanity." Jennings also said he wants to continue aggressive code enforcement to cut down on blight in the city and support community policing in the city. The mayor did not say whether he would seek another term. [TU] [YNN][News10]
The woman who died in Saturday's house fire just off Delaware Avenue has been identified as 23-year-old Megan Cunningham. Officials are still trying to determine if she was killed by the fire or died before it started. [TU]
Cuomo says upstate cities need "restructuring," club owner sues Albany over cabaret law, schools opt out of lunch program because kids don't like the food
The US Senate passed the $50 billion Sandy recovery aid bill, and it now heads to the President for a signature. [NYT]
Andrew Cuomo on the fiscal control board he's proposed to help economical distressed upstate cities, to the Times Union editorial board: "[I]f it was a corporation in a private-sector setting, you would be talking about restructuring. If the corporation does not restructure quickly enough, it goes bankrupt, and it goes to bankruptcy court. You need a restructuring here. The answer is not an additional, ongoing subsidy on a fundamental economic model that doesn't work." The Cuomo admin's pension smoothing plan continued to get a mixed reaction from mayors. [TU] [YNN]
Cuomo on the most recent Capital Region economic development grant application, which got a state-low $50 million, again to the TU editorial: "The Capital District's plan ... was siloed ... I think it was not as inclusive as other plans, and it showed." [TU]
Saratoga Springs police say they're searching for the man who robbed the Trustco branch on Congress Monday (map). The suspect implied he had a gun. [Saratogian] [WNYT]
One dead in fire, man charged in "railroad puppies" case charged again, charter school foundation CFO accused of stealing, SPD: stripper party was "poor judgment"
Albany fire officials say one person was found dead after an early morning fire just off Delaware Ave (map). They initially thought no one had been in the house fire, but later found the body during the final stage of knocking down the fire. Officials haven't released info on the person, and the fire is under investigation. Eyewitness account from across the street. [TU] [YNN] [News10] [DelSo]
Three buildings were demolished on Dove Street in Albany after a fire late Friday afternoon (map). AFD says it was a difficult fire to fight because it hard to get to the rear of the buildings. A tenant of one of the buildings tells the TU that he had been trying to thaw frozen pipes with a kerosene heater. Twenty-two people have been displaced. [TU] [@John_Eddy_] [@g_p_g] [@rjpalumbo24] [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN]
A Niskayuna man reported missing Friday was found dead in woods near Rosendale and River roads Saturday. NPD says it's investigating and an autopsy has been scheduled. [TU] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
The man recently charged in connection with the "railroad puppies" case has been arrested again -- Colonie police say the man has been charged with torturing and injuring animals after four emaciated dogs were found locked in a UHaul truck outside a motel on Central Ave. [TU] [News10]
Police: child reportedly forgotten in car for 8 hours, big crowd expected at ESP gun show, can principal search student's mobile?
Colonie police say a 1 year old was left in a car for almost 8 hours Thursday -- CPD says the father reported what had happened and said he had forgotten to drop the child off at day care. CPD says the child was treated at Albany Med and release -- he apparently wasn't exhibiting any signs of hypothermia. The father is not currently facing any charges. [CPD] [News10] [WNYT]
Skepticism is focusing on the Cuomo admin's plan to allow local governments to pay a constant rate for pension contributions. [TU] Earlier: A quick scan of Andrew Cuomo's 2013 budget
Also: skepticism of Andrew Cuomo's no-tax-increases statement about the budget prompts question of what the definition is of a tax increase. [YNN]
Andrew Cuomo's top aide says the $7.8 million "spin-up" on payments to Albany for the ESP was "inadvertently" left out of the the administration's proposed budget. [TU CapCon]
The New York Army National Guard will be part of a pilot program for the new policy officially allowing women in combat roles. [TU]
Cold snap continues, Tkaczyk sworn in as 46th District senator, cats found in Schoharie freezer, UAlbany welcomes new president, Jack's Oyster House celebrates 100 years
It's still cold. Really cold. And there's a frostbite warning in effect.[Weather Underground] [News 10] [YNN]
Cecilia Tkaczyk took the oath of office yesterday in the 46th Senate Dstrict. [TU]
Schoharie County sheriffs deputies found 100 cats and two dogs living in deplorable conditions at a residence, and 60 cats were found in a freezer. [YNN] [WNYT]
The parents of the 13-year-old Fort Edward boy who was shot and killed with his own gun last summer admitted to child neglect for allowing the boy access to the shotgun. [WNYT]
A look at how Andrew Cuomo managed to get gun legislation passed so quickly .[NYT]
Wilton's Republican Committee passed a resolution opposing New York's new gun law restruictions and they're expressing support for Senator Kathy Marchione's efforts to repeal portions of the law. [Saratogian]
Cold weather keeps shelters busy, reaction to Cuomo's 2013 budget plan, Tkacyzk to be sworn in today, sisters who were sisters die a day apart
It's really cold. The City of Albany has put an emergency Code Blue outreach program into effect. One man broke car windows in hopes of being arrested so he could get out of the cold. [YNN] [APD press release] [YNN]
Andrew Cuomo presented his budget yesterday. Here are a few of the highlights.
Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos said he's "encouraged by the plan", which he says " restrains spending, eliminates a manageable deficit without new taxes or fees, and invests in job-creation initiatives." [Capitol Confidential]
Senate IDC Conference Leader Jeff Klein says his conference will continue to push for mandate relief. [Capitol Confidential]
Assemblyman Jim Tedisco called a proposal for three upstate casinos listed in the budget a "death knell" for the historic Saratoga racetrack and casino, unless one of the casinos is located in the Spa City. [Saratogian]
Cohoes Mayor John McDonald says he's happy to see some relief for local governments which will be paying less into pensions under the new plan, but Senator Kathy Marchione criticized She criticized Cuomo's alternative pension plan suggesting that it isn't a real solution." [Record]
Cuomo officials will introduce an Open Budget website where New Yorkers can get specific information on the new budget plan. [NYT] [AOA] [State of Politics]
Cecilia Tkacyzk, newly elected Senator in New York's 46th District, will be sworn in today.[YNN]
State Police expect to add 330 new troopers in 2013. [WSJ]
Cuomo budget presentation, large gun rights rally at Capitol, a year later and driver in fatal hit-and-run still not found, new driver's licenses said to be very hard to fake
From the large gun rights rally at the state Capitol this past weekend -- photo by Tim Raab, who's posted large photoset from the rally on Flickr.
Andrew Cuomo is scheduled to present his 2013 budget Tuesday afternoon. And after relying business groups for support over his first two years, Cuomo is now looking for support from other groups for proposals such as a minimum wage increase. [TU] [TU]
On Saturday thousands turned out for a gun rights rally at the Capitol. Said local Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin at the rally of the state's recently passed gun control legislation: "This was abuse of power by a man [Cuomo] who wanted to be president but now never will." Said Jim Tedisco: "This week, representative democracy did not work." Said a man who attended the rally to WNYT of gun owners: "We're not a bunch of radicals out there to try to kill people." [TU] [Daily Gazette] [AP/Troy Record] [WNYT]
On the agenda for Cecelia Tkaczyk in the state Senate: pushing for a change in how state aid is distributed to rural and small city school districts. Tkaczyk is scheduled to take the oath of office Wednesday. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Jim Tedisco says Andrew Cuomo's casino plan is "more secret government" and, "It could very negatively impact Saratoga if it's not done properly." Also: the mayor of Lake George says Saratoga doesn't need a casino (but Lake George could use one). [Saratogian] [Saratogian]
The severe cold weather forecasted for this week has local shelters preparing extra room and relaxing some rules in order to get people out of the cold. [YNN] [TU]
Criticism and questions about new gun law, SCCC opening classroom space in Albany, plan to demolish Schenectady train station, weed dating
I-90 near Everett Road in Albany was closed for about an hour Friday morning because it looked like a man was going to jump from the Everett overpass, Albany police say. [TU]
Good government groups are criticizing the provision of the new state gun control law that allows people to request to have their gun license info withheld from being publicly available. [TU]
The new law has apparently prompted a lot of questions at gun stores. [Fox23]
Organizers of the Saratoga Arms Fair say the recent gun show had record-high attendance and sales. [Saratogian]
The Cuomo admin has hired an accounting firm to audit spending and procurement practices during the Sandy response. [TU]
Troy mayor Lou Rosamilia has officially appointed Tony Magnetto as police commissioner, and if confirmed, he'll oversee police chief John Tedesco. Though he didn't comment on the appointment, Tedesco has previously said the decision to re-institute the commissioner position is a political move (there's been friction between Tedesco the the Democrat-controlled city council). By the way: Magnetto was Tedesco's best man. [YNN] [Troy Record] [TU]
Schenectady County Community College is partnering with Albany County to build classroom space in a county building on State Street in downtown Albany (streetview) for courses that are projected to eventually draw 1,000 students. Students will be allowed to park in the TU Center parking garage, and they also get free bus passes. SCCC president Quinton Bullock says it's the first step to creating a formal extension in Albany County. County exec Dan McCoy framed the idea as a collaboration between communities and a convenience for students in the city. An undercurrent to this announcement: Albany County's reimbursement rate when students attend SCCC is much lower than when they attend HVCC. [Albany County] [YNN] [News10] [TU]
Siena poll: New Yorkers approve of gun control law, Marchione starts online petition to repeal gun control law, Senate 46th could be coming to an end
A new Siena poll reports that New Yorkers support a ban assault weapons 73-26. And they continue to support Andrew Cuomo -- his favorability rating was 71 percent. [Siena SRI]
The speedy passage of New York's new gun legislation has brought criticism of the use of the "message of necessity," the process by which a three day "aging" period can be waived before a vote on a proposed law. [TU]
State Senator Kathy Marchione has started an online petition to repeal the new gun control legislation. In less than one day the petition
The gun legislation passed on Tuesday includes funding for increased security measures at New York State schools, something Capital Region schools are already working on. [TU]
The State's highest court said it would not hear an appeal from George Amedore's campaign of a recent ruling ordering that 99 ballots be counted in the race for the 46th state Senate District . Thirty-seven votes separate Amedore and Cecelia Tkaczyk, though Amedore has already declared victory. [Record] [YNN]
New York adopts nation's strictest gun control, SUNY to add online degrees and 3 year programs, local legal doc company lays off 220 in Albany and prepares to close
It snowed. Drive carefully. [TU]
New York legislators passed the strictest gun laws in the nation yesterday. Andrew Cuomo signed the measure into law shortly after, saying "common sense prevailed." The state Legislature is touting the new gun law as proof of the effectiveness of the new coalition government. [AOA] [Capitol Confidential] [YNN]
Among the legislators to oppose the new gun control law, newly elected Senator Kathy Marchione, one of two Senators who spoke out against passing the
law and one of only 18 to oppose it. Marchione argued the new law would weaken the Second Amendment.[Saratogian] [Record]
The NRA issued a statement calling the new gun control law "draconian" [Capitol Confidential]
Customers lined up to by weapons and ammunition on Tuesday before the new gun law went into effect. [TU] [YNN]
The House of Representatives has finally passed a $50.7 billion Hurricane Sandy relief bill -- a vote that was postponed at the end of the last session a week ago. The measure moves to the Senate now, where it is expected to pass. [NYT]
Albany is learning to adjust to the new residential parking regulations. [TU]
Deal on new state gun control legislation, rush for flu shots, gun incidents in Troy prompt concern, grass-roots push for land bank headed off
The state legislature has reached a deal on broad, new gun control legislation. The state Senate passed the bill 43-18 Monday night, and the Assembly is expected to take it up Tuesday (and pass it easily). The foremost provision of the bill extends the state's ban on assault rifles to include any gun that includes a single characteristic on a banned list -- the current law bans guns with two of the those characteristics. Among the other provisions: a statewide database of pistol permits -- with the option for gun owners to petition to have their permit not subject to FOIL (this has been a hot issue lately because of map published by the Journal News of permit holders in a few Hudson Valley counties). [NYT] [NY Senate bill text] [State of Politics] [Buffalo News] [State of Politics] [Google News]
In an effort to stop a run on a assault rifles (and perhaps head of protest), Andrew Cuomo issued a "message of necessity" to waive the normally required three-day "aging" period for the bill. Said the governor: "If there's an issue that fits the definition of 'necessity' in the state of New York today, I believe it's reducing gun violence." [State of Politics] [TU]
If the bill is passed by the state Assembly Tuesday, New York would be the first state to pass new gun control legislation following the shootings in Newtown. And while Senate Republican conference leader Dean Skelos said the bill is "well-balanced" and "protects the Second Amendment," other Republicans criticized Cuomo's push to get the bill done before anyone else. Said state Senator Thomas O'Mara (Chemung County): "When we're dealing with issues of Second Amendment concern or any constitutional concern, we should be taking a greater and more thorough look at it with the opportunity for discussion amongst all interested parties." And Senator Greg Ball (Putnam County) accused Cuomo of pushing the legislation through quickly in order to build his resume for a presidential run. [Buffalo News] [Bloomberg] [Gannett] [NY Post]
Said a Schenectady gun store owner to the Times Union about a recent surge in sales: "It's been busy every day since our politicians started talking like the way they are. The politicians have put everybody into a buying frenzy." [TU]
Crowds and protests at Saratoga gun show, reports of shots fired in downtown Troy, public health emergency declared because of flu, squirrels are SOBs
This past weekend's Saratoga Arms Fair gun show included a big crowd and protests. Among the protestors: Albany County DA David Soares. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [TU]
Troy police say they arrested man early Sunday morning after a report that man had threatened to shoot people in the area of Broadway Brew downtown. TPD say it recovered a loaded handgun from the roof of a garage on Second Street after the man allegedly tossed it up there during a foot chase. TPD says there was another incident nearby in which shots were apparently fired -- and a gun found -- but but no one has been arrested. TPD says it doesn't believe the two incidents are related. [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [YNN] [News10]
Andrew Cuomo has declared a public health emergency for the state because of the flu. He also issued an executive order that allows pharmacists to administer flu shots to people between the ages of six months and 18 years. [Cuomo admin]
Schenectady police say the results of the autopsy of the woman found dead in an apartment last Thursday are "inconclusive" -- but Schenectady County DA Robert Carney says there are no signs of foul play. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Albany City Hall is closed today (Monday) because of a "plumbing and heating issue" (the city hall Twitter feed calls it a "flooding issue"). That means no parking permits will be issued today. The new permit system takes effect Tuesday -- with a one month grace period in which violators will be issued warnings instead of fines. [Albany city press release]
LuAnn Burgess sentenced, talk of second GloFo chip fab, legislature moving toward agreement on gun bills, major water main break in Niskayuna
Updated
LuAnn Burgess -- the woman who pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in the crash that killed three people at a Vorheesville church in 2011 -- has been sentenced to five years probation, community service, the forfeiture of her license. Said Burgess at the sentencing Friday morning: "I am so sorry to have caused your pain. Words can't express the sorrow I feel." [YNN] [TU]
The CEO of GlobalFoundries made comments at UAlbany CNSE Thursday that indicate the company is leaning toward eventually building another chip fab at Luther Forest. At some point. Ajit Manocha told the crowd the second fab would be a $10 billion project. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Schenectady police say a woman was found dead in an apartment Thursday evening -- neighbors had reported hearing her two children crying. The apartment building is the same one from which a "person of interest" in the death of Mary Greco was taken -- but SPD says the two incidents don't appear to be related. [TU] [News10] [Daily Gazette]
The counting of 99 ballots for the state Senate 46th election is on hold while the state Court of Appeals decides whether it will hear an appeal from George Amedore. The Republican leads Democrat Cecelia Tkaczyk by 37 votes -- the Tkaczyk campaign won an appeal to a lower court earlier this week to allow the uncounted ballots. The election may not be settled for at least another week. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
As the state legislature looks to be heading toward some sort of deal on gun legislation, one of the last issues contention could be a proposed restriction on the size of detachable ammunition magazines. [NYT]
Gun control, Sandy relief and min. wage highlighted in SOS, appellate court orders 99 discarded votes counted in the 46th Senate race, sale of Lincoln letter helps Albany neighborhoods
In Wednesday's State of the State address, Andrew Cuomo focused on gun-control, Sandy relief, raising the minimum wage, women's initiatives, and extended school days/hours. Cuomo called for New York to remain the "progressive capital of the nation." Some of the items in the speech fueled speculation about Cuomo's aspirations for a 2016 run for the White House. [AOA] [NYT] [TU]
On Wednesday, Sheldon Silver said Cuomo and legislative leaderswere 95% of the way to an agreement on gun control. [NYT]
The governor's proposal to raise the minimum wage is clearly dividing parties in the legislature. [News 10]
In a recorded response to Cuomo's speech, state Republican conference leader Dean Skelos emphasized recent cooperation between parties, but revealed differences of opinion on gun control and campaign finance reform. [Capitol Confidential]
Reaction to the State of the State from local leaders. [Saratogian]
Absent from the speech was any discussion of hydrofracking, but about 1,000 anti-fracking advocates protested outside of the the Empire State Plaza on Wednesday as lawmakers made their way to the State of the State address. [WNYT]
Gun control, minimum wage & Sandy relief to top State of the State mentions, Silver re-elected speaker, Saratoga Water to be served at inagural luncheon
On the list of things you can expect >pect to hear about in today's State of the State address:
+increasing the minimum wage
+Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts
+Toughening gun control measures, including an assault weapons ban and restrictions on high capacity magazines
Conspicuous by its absence: fracking is not expected to get much of a mention in today's address.[YNN] [YNN] [NYT] [TU]
Expect dioramas and power points. [Capitol Confidential]
Senate officials may have a compromise agreement worked out on gun control by later today. [YNN]
Sheldon Silver has been reelected Assembly Speaker. [YNN]
Police are looking for a set of silver and crystal rosary beads that were missing from the apartment of a retired nun who was found strangled to death in her home last week. Police are questioning a suspect in connection with the case - a man who is currently jailed for violating parole - but have not charged him with Greco's death. [YNN] [TU]
A Verizon employee was fired and is facing misdemeanor charges for allegedly texting himself a topless photo of a woman from the phone of a customer who brought it in to be repaired.
Alleged intoxication key issue in case against Drue, new Schenectady police chief, neighborhood concerns over Albany redistricting
What appears to be the key issue in the prosecution's case against Dennis Drue, accused of causing the December Northway crash that killed two Shen students and seriously injured two other teens: Was his ability to drive impaired by alcohol and/or pot -- and if so, to what extent? Saratoga County DA Jim Murphy and State Police have declined to release Drue's test results, but Murphy said at a press conference Monday they indicated the presence of alcohol and pot: "That was actively affecting his brain and that was actively affecting his ability to drive that motor vehicle." The prosecution's case is complicated in part because Drue's samples were taken some time after the crash, and it will have to use experts to try to establish what his levels might have been at the time of the crash. Said Drue's attorney, Steven Coffey: "They can charge him with anything they wanted. I have no reason to believe there were crimes committed, based on the info I have." Drue pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him. Coffey also questioned whether Drue can get a fair trial in Saratoga County because of all the attention. [NYSP] [YNN] [Fox23] [WNYT] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Brian Kilcullen -- a 19-year veteran of the Schenectady Police Department -- is Schenectady's new police chief. Kilcullen lives in Milton, but says he'll be staying with his parents in Schenectady on work nights -- he says he doesn't want to move his family so his daughter can stay in her current school. From his backstory: Kilcullen once turned his wife into police for using drugs. [YNN] [TU] [News10] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette 2010]
Central question in arguments related to whether invalidated ballots in the state Senate 46th election should be counted: what is a "qualified" voter. It looks like 53 ballots case early by Ulster County poll workers could be counted. (George Amedore currently leads Cecelia Tkaczyk by 37 votes.) [Daily Gazette] [TU]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli says New York is approaching its debt limit: "This comes at a challenging time when our state needs to rebuild and repair critical infrastructure and has growing capital needs." [NYS OSC]
APD says community policing contributing to crime drop, gun legislation Cuomo priority, cause of fire that killed teen not yet determined, a movie about a hot dog
The number of violent crimes is dropping the city of Albany, and police chief Steve Krokoff is attributing the drop in part to the department's community policing initiatives and statistical analysis. [TU]
A Schenectady police lieutenant set a new department record for highest annual pay last year at $171,423, thanks to overtime. [TU]
A string of arsons this past summer -- and the Campbell Ave closure -- pushed Troy Fire Department overtime 41 percent higher than the amount budgeted for last year. [WNYT] [TU]
The number of full time, active members of the Saratoga Springs police department is down 25 percent since 2009. [TU]
After sifting through the Boy Scouts of America "perversion files" posted by the Los Angeles Times, the Times Union says it found records that include information on "more than two dozen leaders from Capital Region Scout troops." [LAT] [TU]
New gun legislation appears to be Andrew Cuomo's top priority. What looks like will be a contrast in between Democrats and Republicans in the state legislature: whether assault weapons should be banned. [TU] [TU]
Reports of violent incidents in New York State juvenile detention centers have quintupled over the last five years -- aides say it's a result of a new approach and a lack of resources. [TU]
Cuomo on Sandy aid: "Show me the money," two local cases before state's highest court, nursing home says it didn't know of employee's rape conviction, just married -- with separate planes to catch
Andrew Cuomo on the back-and-forth about when Congress will vote on billions in aid for Sandy recovery: "I'm at the point where it's simple for me: Show me the money." The House is scheduled to vote on the first part of that aid -- almost $10 billion for flood insurance claims -- today. Update: The bill passed the House 354-67 (vote breakdown). [YNN] [AP/USAT] [NYT] [NYT]
Among the measures floated as part of preliminary recommendations for the state's preparation for events like Hurricane Sandy: a strategic gasoline reserve, generators for gas stations, updated building codes, text message alerts, and a voluntary registry of vulnerable people. [NYT] [WNYT] [TU]
Arguments before the state Court of Appeals Thursday: whether money from Steven Raucci's state pension could be seized by Raucci's victims (at issue: does the state's "Son of Sam" law supersede laws protecting pensions); and whether a Shen school bus driver who tested positive for marijuana can keep her job (one of the issues: whether a zero-tolerance policy was in place). [TU] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A decade-long federal investigation of the Schenectady Police Department has concluded that the SPD has fixed problems related to civil rights violations. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Local hospitals say they've seen a surge of of people with flu and flu-like illnesses over the last few weeks. (Flu shot finder.) [TU]
House will vote on part of Sandy relief package Friday, Schenectady ex-nun's death ruled homicide, Spa city council wants semi-automatic weapons banned from gun show, random acts of coffee
Following outcry from Andrew Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and politicians on both sides of the aisle who were furious about the delayed vote for $60 billion in aid for Hurricane Sandy recovery until the next session of Congress, the House will vote on part of the funding this week. After meeting with members of the New York and New Jersey Congressional delegations House Speaker John Boehner agreed to call a vote for $9 billion for emergency flood insurance on Friday and another on Jan. 15 for a remaining $51 billion in the package, but that will have to be passed by the Senate again, a task Chuck Shumer says was a challenge the first time it was passed. [NYT] [TU] [YNN]
The death of a retired Schenectady nun has now been ruled a homicide. [WNYT]
The Saratoga Springs City Council passed a resolution urging the organizers of the upcoming gun show at the City Center not to sell or display assault weapons or ammunition similar to those used in the Newtown shooting. Some city residents have collected more than 1,200 signatures in an effort to get the show canceled.[TU] [Saratogian]
Andrew Cuomo says the annual New York State Arms Collectors Association gun show planned later this month for the Empire State Plaza should be allowed to go on as scheduled. [TU]
Police in Hudson Falls held a news conference Wednesday to ask for help in locating the owners of as many as 30,000 items discovered at the home of a two-time felon charged with burglary. Police arrested John W. Suddard II after he allegedly burglarized a home and attempted to pawn stolen items at Olde Saratoga Coin on Central Avenue in Colonie. [Saratogian] [TU]
"Fiscal cliff" avoided, Schenectady police probe suspicious death of ex-nun, Jack Mac's final gavel, New Year's chase in Saratoga leaves Rensselaer County man in jail, chilly start to 2013 for "polar bears"
Congress voted late last night to head off the "fiscal cliff". Chris Gibson and Paul Tonko voted for the measure. [WNYT] [Capitol Confidential]
The House of Representatives did not, however, elect to vote on a bill that would have provided $60.4 billion in federal aid for Hurricane Sandy victims, a decision that angered representatives from storm ravaged areas. Without a vote by the end of session tomorrow, the measure will have to be reintroduced and voted on by both houses in the next session, delaying the aid. [NYT] [TU]
Schenectady police are investigating the suspicious death of an 82-year-old former nun whose body was found in her home. Her car had been stolen and was discovered in a church parking lot. [TU] [WNYT]
A Johnsonville man is facing a string of charges including felony DWI, felony reckless endangerment, and unlawful fleeing a police officer after police say he led them on a high-speed chase in Saratoga Springs early New Year's morning, damaging six vehicles and sending two people to the hospital. [TU] [WNYT] [SSPD Press Release]
State leaders discussing session to address gun laws, oil tanker damaged in Hudson River, First Night fireworks back on, gasoline price scuffle
Andrew Cuomo and Democratic leaders in the legislature have reportedly pushing for a special session next week to address the state's gun laws -- though when asked about getting a session before the end of the year, Cuomo told Fred Dicker: "I highly doubt it." The focus, according to Cuomo, when/if the legislature does end up taking on the issue: dealing with rumors of threats planned for today because of the end of the world stuff. Rumors have been circulating all week -- and school district officials say they've yet to find a credible threat. [Troy Record] [Fox23]
A nine-count indictment -- including one count of second-degree murder -- was handed up against Jason Guynup, accused of killing Nikki Hart in Schodack last weekend. He pleaded not guilty to all the counts. [Troy Record] [TU]
The Troy teen arrested this past summer in connection with her father's shooting death has been charged with second degree murder and first degree manslaughter. Police say Trinity Copeland told them she and her father had been fighting and he told her to shoot him. [Troy Record] [TU]
Edward Braim -- the Saratoga Springs police officer charged with misdemeanor assault in connection with an incident on Caroline Street -- has taken a plea deal that forces him to resign from the SSPD and take anger management classes. The charge will be dropped as part of an "adjourned in contemplation of dismissal" arrangement. [Saratogian] [TU]
The Saratoga County District Attorney's office has asked for a grand jury extension as it considers charges against Dennis Drue, the driver accused of causing the Northway crash that killed two Shen students and seriously injured two other teens. [TU]
Capital Region is last with $50 Million in NY economic development race, prosecutors say Anderson confessed to Thomas murder, child poverty in Schenectady up
President Obama appointed Joe Biden to head a gun violence prevention task force and reiterated his support for a ban on assault weapons. [YNN]
The Capital Region placed last in the competition for economic development funding from New York State.
At the awards ceremony Cuomo told a crowd "you can't expect the entire economy to turn around two years, but you can feel there's a different energy about New York."[YNN] [Capitol Confidential] [WNYT] [TU][YNN]
29 year old Michael Anderson pleaded not guilty to the murder of Tonette Thomas and the attempted murder and assault on her aunt and sister, but prosecutors say Anderson wrote a note where he confessed and apologized to Thomas' family and made a recorded confession to police. [News 10] [TU]
Newly released census data shows the child poverty rate in Schenectady rose from 29% to 40%, making it the 10th most impoverished school district in New York.[TU]
Parolee dies in Albany shooting, Demolition of Latham Circle Mall approved, Spa City and County pushing for full casino at "racino"
A 23 year old parolee was shot to death on Ontario Street after pulling an unloaded gun on his armed attacker during an argument. [WNYT] [TU]
New York's "restacking" process, which uprooted some state employees and moved them to new workspaces, is just about done, and will have saved about $21.5 million by the end of the fiscal year. [TU]
The Saratoga Springs public safety commissioner and other city residents want the city to insist that assault weapons are not sold at the gun show planned for the City Center next month.[TU]
Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County are pushing for the city's Racino to be one of seven full fleged casinos in New York, should the amendment allowing them be approved. Governor Cuomo told his cabinet on Tuesday that he doesn't want the locations specified in the proposed constitutional amendment [WNYT] [Gazette]
Colonie's planning board has approved a plan to demolish Latham Circle Mall to make room for the Shoppes at Latham Circle to replace the Latham Circle Mall. [YNN]
State leaders talk gun control, council votes against St. Joseph's brewery, Stewart-Cousins to head state Senate Dems, no Thruway toll increase, memorable experience
Said Andrew Cuomo Monday about gun control: "I think that it is fundamentally a federal matter because the guns easily transfer over borders. States can help and each state should look at their laws, we're looking at our laws but the most efficient, effective vehicle is a federal law," But Sheldon Silver indicated he thinks the state could be doing more: "The fact remains though that we should have legislation, we should ban all types of assault weapons. We should ban all types of magazines that go with them." And Silver pointed the finger at the state Senate for blocking more gun control in the state. A statement from Senate Republicans about Dean Skelos' position: "In New York State, the majority of gun crimes are committed by criminals who are using illegal guns, and therefore he believes we should take steps to curb illegal gun use by increasing penalties and enacting mandatory minimum sentences." The reaction to the idea of further gun control
State Police say Nikki Hart had an order of protection against Jason Guynup, who's accused of fatally stabbing her this past weekend. Noted, if not necessarily relevant: the Times Union reports Guynup is the brother of Robert Guynup, the man who suffered debilitating injuries when he was shot in Troy's Griswold Heights in 2009 after he complained to police about a group of noisy teens. [WNYT] [TU]
A Glens Falls man has been charged with manslaughter after police say he showed his mentally-ill wife how to use a gun so she could commit suicide. [Post-Star] [WNYT]
After the counting of challenged ballots in the state Senate 46th, George Amedore has declared victory with a 39 vote lead. But about 400 ballots were not allowed by the judge overseeing the count -- and Cecelia Tkaczyk's campaign is heading for an appeal. [TU] [Troy Record/Daily Freeman] [Daily Gazette]
The Albany Common Council voted 10-1 to issue a non-binding resolution opposing the proposed brewery project at the former St. Joseph's church (the decision is actually up to the Board of Zoning Appeals). Some council members expressed support for the efforts of Historic Albany, but said they didn't think the project was appropriate for the Ten Broeck Triangle neighborhood. [YNN] [TU]
President: "We can't tolerate this anymore," police say Schodack woman murdered, bachelorettes fight off alleged limo thief, 59 new citizens
Said Barack Obama at a memorial service in Newtown, Connecticut Sunday: "We can't tolerate this anymore. These tragedies must end. And to end them, we must change. We will be told that the causes of such violence are complex, and that is true. No single law -- no set of laws can eliminate evil from the world, or prevent every senseless act of violence in our society. But that can't be an excuse for inaction." [NYT] [White House]
School districts around the Capital Region say they're reviewing their safety policies. But leaders acknowledge policies can go only do so much -- said a spokesman for Scotia-Glenville schools to the Daily Gazette: "All schools follow these same procedures ... but the guy with the gun doesn't have to follow procedures." Said Schenectady superintendent Laurence Spring to Gazette about the fact that an event like a shooting can never be absolutely guaranteed to not happen: "Sometimes, really bad things can happen, so all we can do, all we can focus on with concerned parents, is that in general, schools are really, overwhelmingly pretty safe places." [Troy Record] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
Chuck Schumer is among the US Senators expected to push new gun control legislation in Congress. [TU]
The principal of Sandy Hook Elementary -- Dawn Hochsprung -- was a doctoral candidate in a program at the Sage Colleges. Said the dean of Sage's school of education: "She was a principal you'd want your children to have." Hocsprung was reportedly killed when lunged at the gunman. [Sage] [TU] [DFM/Troy Record]
A Glenville couple's granddaughter is a second grader at Sandy Hook -- she wasn't hurt. [TU]
Said a machine operator at the factory in Illion that now makes the type of gun reportedly used in the Newtown shooting, to the Times Union: "It upsets me a lot ... At the same time, we're making a living off this." [TU]
Police say Nikki Hart -- the owner of Hart Real Estate -- a woman was found with knife wounds at a home in Schodack early Sunday morning (map), and later was pronounced dead at the hospital. State Police say Hart's estranged boyfriend -- Jason Guynup -- has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder. The Times Union reports Guynup is father of Hart's two daughters (the Record reports they one child together). [Troy Record] [NYSP] [NYSP] [TU]
Police now investigating Rainwalker case as homicide, UAlbany gets grant toward new complex, company accused of price gouging post Irene
State Police say they are now treating the Jaliek Rainwalker case as a homicide investigation instead of a missing person investigation. Police say they've investigated almost 500 leads in the five years since Rainwalker disappeared. Said a State Police investigator: "This is not a cold case, it's a continuing case ... We've never stopped, we will never stop." An attorney for Rainwalker's adoptive parents said he was "dismayed" that investigators are calling the case a homicide without evidence to that effect. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
Steven McComsey -- who pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide in the propane explosion that killed six people in Salem, but did not admit to wrongdoing -- was sentenced to 1-3 years in prison. Said a sister of one of the people who died, "We didn't even get any closure ... We still wonder, did he do it or is he just accepting this?" [TU] [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
A state appeals court rejected an appeal by De Von Callicut, who was convicted of shooting and killing UAlbany student Richard Bailey in 2008. The presiding judge wrote in the opinion that Callicut committed "a heinous, senseless, murder." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Cuomo administration has approved a $35 million grant for UAlbany intended to help the university build a a $165 million "Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurship Complex" on the uptown campus. [TU]
Matt Hardy, one of the teens seriously injured in the Northway crash, on the driver police say caused the crash: "I just definitely want to forgive him. It's the right thing to do I think." [WNYT]
Federal judge won't dismiss Bruno charges, Greenfield man indicted in mother's death, Rotterdam arrest connected to alleged plot against Justin Bieber
A Saratoga County grand jury indicted a 27-year-old Greenfield man on second-degree murder and evidence tampering charges in connection with the death of his mother at their home on Daniels Road. [TU] [WNYT]
FBI agents and investigators from the state Attorney Generals office conducted a raid on Wednesday at three offices connected to a charity run by well known Albany priest Fr. Peter Young. No word yet as to exactly what they are looking for, but a lawyer for the organization believes it could be connected to an incident two years ago when an employee was found stealing large amounts of money. [TU] [WNYT]
A federal judge has refused to dismiss the two theft of honest services charges against Joe Bruno but the decision leaves room for Bruno's lawyers to appeal.
[WNYT] [TU]
A report by an Arizona TV station says Justin Bieber was the target of an alleged murder-for-hire plot that ended with an arrest in Rotterdam last month. [Fox 23] [Gazette]
A state Supreme Court judge has approved the sale of St. Patrick's Church in Watervliet, further clearing the way for a Price Chopper supermarket to be built on the property. [TU]
The Albany Zoning board of appeals heard two-and-a-half hours of testimony last night from residents of Albany's Ten Broeck neighborhood and members of Historic Albany Foundation both for and against the proposed Ravens Head Brewery proposed for the former St. Joseph's Church. Residents argued that the project would change the character of the neighborhood, proponents argued that it could bring young people to the area and that it might be the only way to save the building. [TU] [YNN]
Grand jury clears cops in Rivera shooting, Hevesi released, citizens share vision for Albany waterfront, State Police find Mrs. Santa
A grand jury cleared three schenectady police officers of wrong doing in the August 2011 shooting of Luis Rivera. Said Schenectady County DA Robert Carney: "They were justified in using deadly physically force, to defend themselves and others from what they perceived to be the use of deadly force against them." [TU] [YNN]
Former state comptroller Alan Hevesi is a free man today after spending the last 19 months in jail for accepting gifts and campaign donations from people trying to do business with the state pension fund. [YNN]
Yesterday in the ongoing Troy ballot fraud saga,. [TU]
Four men have been indicted in the November 2011 killing of an Albany man linked to the South End gang Original Gangsta Killas . [TU]
Police are looking for two men who robbed a Central Avenue gas station with a shotgun on Monday. [TU]
An off-duty Albany police officer arrested for DWI two years ago is asking the court to throw out surveillance video of him being coached by union officials to refuse an alcohol test, arguing the video violates state evesdropping laws. [TU]
Crowds line streets to honor Mechanicville Marine, Cuomo comments on Apple speculation, Bailey Wind recovering at home
The body of Anthony Denier -- the Marine from Mechanicville who was recently killed in Afghanistan -- was transported home Monday (photo gallery). People lined the streets of Mechanicville for the procession. Said one woman to Fox23: "I can't send money. I can't do stuff like that, but I can be here, and I can hold a flag. And I can be here for him, and I think that will say something." Denier is scheduled to be buried at Saratoga National Cemetery Tuesday. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette free] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN]
Albany police say an off-duty Coxsackie police officer was arrested early Monday on North Pearl Street (map) -- he's accused of menacing a person with a gun. Coxsackie's mayor says the man is a part time officer who's been on leave. [APD] [TU]
Eric Loeser -- the former EMT from Clifton Park who prosecutors say met a 15 year old on a call, then later abducted him and sexually abused him -- was sentenced to 20.5 years in prison. Loeser was convicted of abusing three boys. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
About 800 Albany residential parking permits have been sold so far. [TU]
$60 billion requested for Sandy aid, pedestrian critical after being hit in Albany, group says it's not trying to scrub Lark Street, amazing win for Beekman Boys
The Obama administration has requested a $60 billion appropriation from Congress for Sandy aid for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Many of the Sandy-related problems in NYC were predicted by a series of state reports that date back to the 70s -- but largely went unheeded. [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
"Individuals familiar with the decision" says a Schenectady County grand jury has chosen not to indict three Schenectady police officers in the fatal shooting of Luis Rivera in the Vale neighborhood in 2011. "A source close to the investigation" tells WNYT that dashcam video of the incident was part of the evidence presented to the jury. [TU] [WNYT]
The Albany Police Department has conducted 655 strip searches since January 2009 according to records reviewed by the Times Union, a number the police chief calls "surprising" (the APD is the only local police agency that keeps track of such searches). People who have been searched in this way call it "degrading." [TU] [TU]
About 1,200 people attended the funeral for Chris Stewart, one of the teens who died in the Northway crash. [Saratogian]
Says a college classmate of Dennis Drue, the driver who's accused of causing the Northway crash: "He's smart, he's nice, he's caring, he works really hard. People are making him out to be a monster and I think it's sad." [Saratogian]
DA's office not publicly disclosing results of alcohol test in Northway crash, Albany parking permits start in January, city shuts down burlesque show
The Saratoga County DA's office said Thursday afternoon it had received the blood alcohol test results for Dennis Drue -- the driver police say caused the fatal crash on the Northway last weekend -- and it's waiting on further tests for other substances before making a charging decision. It says it's "ethically prohibited from disclosing the percentage of alcohol by weight in Drue's blood." But "two people briefed on the investigation" tell the Times Union that the alcohol test reported a "very low" level of alcohol -- a level "a law enforcement source" tells WNYT is not high enough for an arrest. Says Drue's attorney to WNYT: "Every piece of evidence that I have right now doesn't just suggest, but confirms to me that Dennis Drue did not commit a criminal act." Said Saratoga County DA Jim Murphy to YNN on Wednesday: ""We can't charge based on how we individually feel or might perceive these events. We have to charge based on facts, circumstances and proof." [Saratoga County DA] [TU] [WNYT] [YNN]
More than a thousand people were at the funeral Thursday for Deanna Rivers, one of the teens killed in the crash. Matt Hardy, who was seriously injured, was released from the hospital on Thursday. [Saratogian] [Fox23]
The funeral for Tonette Thomas, who killed in the Myrtle Ave triple stabbing, was Thursday morning. Said Thomas' mother of what she'd miss about her daughter: "Her smile, her smile. The joy that we were blessed to have her in our lives." [YNN] [News10]
The body of Anthony Denier, the Marine from Mechanicville who was killed in Afghanistan last weekend, is scheduled to be flown to ALB Monday morning and a motorcade will escort it from there to Mechanicville. Denier's funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, after which he'll be buried at Saratoga National Cemetery. [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
Albany's city clerk says the residential parking permit system will take effect January 15. [News10]
Driver in fatal weekend crash says he wasn't drunk, Saratoga County man pleads guilty in fatal July crash,Cuomo says Senate Dems "squandered opportunity" when they had control
The 22 year old driver involved in the accident that killed two Shenendahowa athletes this week told his lawyer, Steve Coffey, that he was not drunk at the time of the crash. Dennis Drue has a history of drug and disorderly conduct issues and traffic tickets and was arrested several years ago on charges of marijuana possession and resisting arrest.[WNYT] [TU] [Record]
Shaker High senior Bailey Wind was released from Albany Medical Center yesterday[YNN]
A Saratoga County man pleaded guilty on Wednesday to causing the crash that killed 14-year old Kari Liedel as she was walking on a West Milton roadside in July.
Gavin Staulters pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicular manslaughter and admitted that he was driving drunk at the time. Staulters attorney told a judge that his client didn't want to put the Liedel family through a criminal trial[WNYT] [Saratogaian] [TU]
Police say the man charged with murdering Tonette Thomas and stabbing her sister and aunt last month made menacing phone calls to the house threatening to kill the women a few days before and had a history of arrests and domestic violence .[TU]
10,000 mourn Shen students at vigil, Cuomo reserves comment on Senate power sharing arrangement, Siena Poll reports New Yorkers would put Cuomo back in Governors Mansion but Hillary in the White House
In an unprecedented move, the NYS Senate will operate with two conference leaders heading up the chamber instead of a single majority leader. Republican Dean Skelos will share the responsibility with Jeff Klein, leader of the five-member Democratic Independent Conference. Angry Democrats, who could have majority of Senate seats, are calling the deal between Republicans and the new IDC a "coup" and a power grab. A spokesperson for Andrew Cuomo says the issue is an internal legislative matter" and says the governor will withhold judgement until he sees how it will affect how the Senate funtctions. [AOA][WNYT][NYT][Capitol Confidential]
According to a new Siena poll, NY voters seem to be OK with the Senate leadership arrangement. That poll also shows New York voters would re-elect Andrew Cuomo governor, but would prefer Hillary Clinton as the next president.[Capitol Confidential] [NYT] [Capitol Tonight]
An estimated 10,000 people turned out at a candlight vigil on Tuesday for the two Shenendahowa students killed in a car crash over the weekend. A meeting between prosecutors and the families of the students who were victims of the crash has been indefinitely postponed. The other driver in the crash, 22-year-old Dennis Drue, has been identified as a Siena College student with a difficult and somewhat traumatic past. Prosecutors are waiting for toxicology test results before they determine the charges he'll face.[Gazette] [TU] [YNN][WNYT] [TU][YNN]
Local Marine killed in Afghanistan, Cuomo in DC for Sandy aid, state Senate is endless source of drama, goose goose goose
A Marine from Mechanicville -- Lance Cpl. Anthony Denier -- was killed in Afghanistan by enemy fire this past weekend. He was 26. Said Denier's mother to Fox23: "He knew what he was getting into, and he knew the road he was taking. And he was proud to take it, and I'm proud of him." Denier will be buried at Saratoga National Cemetery. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [Fox23] [Troy Record]
Said a Shen student yesterday to the Daily Gazette, about the crash that killed two teens and left two others seriously injured: "It doesn't really register yet ... It feels like there has to be a rewind button somewhere that hasn't been pushed yet." [Daily Gazette]
Andrew Cuomo visited the White House and Capitol Hill Monday to lobby for the $42 billion in federal Sandy aid that he's requested. Among those he met with: John Boehner, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, and White House chief of staff Jacob Lew. Among those he did not meet with, apparently to much chagrin: Democratic House members from New York State. Also: the Cuomo-walking-into-the-White-House gif. [NYT] [TU] [State of Politics] [State of Politics]
The Albany County legislature voted to override the tax cap and approve a budget that includes a 7.6 percent tax increase. [TU]
The Rensselaer County legislature approved a budget that includes a 1.25 percent tax increase, the smallest among Capital Region counties this year. [TU]
Two teens die in Northway crash, Troy looking for new proposals for old city hall site, UAlbany tops Siena
Two Shen high school students -- Chris Stewart and Deanna Rivers -- died Saturday after police say their car was hit on the Northway by a driver who had been drinking. Two other high school students also riding in the car were seriously injured. State Police say the driver of the other vehicle -- Dennis Drue --
A chase that police say started in Troy (map) Friday night ended in Albany in a four-crash (map). [Troy Record] [TU]
Troy police chief John Tedesco on the current city administration: "They're trying to control me to the extent that I'm not able to do my job to the best of my ability." The city council recently voted to add a public safety commissioner to the new budget, a move Tedesco has alleged is "political retaliation." [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT]
The city of Troy is looking for new development proposals for the former city hall site (map) -- the mixed-used plan proposed last year has stalled, and one of the partners pulled out of the project. The Nigro Companies, which was part of the first proposal, says it's still interested in building a project with 100 market rate rentals, a restaurant, and small grocery store. [TU] [Troy Record]
Andrew Cuomo will be in DC lobbying the federal government Sandy recovery aid. (Cuomo's already asked for $42 billion.) [State of Politics]
Guilty plea in Albany Med mercury case, homeowner charged for water used against fire, Colonie company makes waves
Schenectady police say a man died early this morning after he was hit by a train on a downtown overpass (map). [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
Martin Kimber -- the retired pharmacist accused of spreading mercury around Albany Med -- took a plea deal yesterday. Federal prosecutors had surveillance video, E-ZPass records, canisters of mercury found in his home and car to use as evidence against him. Kimber apparently spread mercury around multiple spots in the hospital, including the cafeteria. Kimber's attorney says his client "just lost it" following a bill for $9000 from Albany Med, and the mercury was intended to "embarrass" the hospital. He also said Kimber was depressed and abusing alcohol. [News10] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [WNYT] [Fox23]
The owner of an Eagle Mills home destroyed by fire this week has gotten a bill from town of Poestenkill for the water used by firefighters in knocking down the fire. The Eagle Mills fire chief says news of the bill was a "shock." Poestenkill says 73,000 gallons were used -- and it's billing at $20/1,000 gallons because it's out-of-district use. Poestenkill's supervisor says it's the first time they've issued the charge since changing the rules two years ago. [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT] [News10]
Court arguments over disputed ballots in the state Senate 46th election will start next week. And with 877 disputed ballots, the process could go on for a while. George Amedore (R) currently holds a 110 vote lead on Cecelia Tkaczyk (D). Many of the ballot objections have come from Republicans. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [WNYT]
The owner of a towing company has sued Jerry Jennings and other city officials, alleging Jennings intervened on behalf of friends who were towed -- a city attorney says the owner is a "a disgruntled contractor" whose contract wasn't renewed because of predatory towing complaints. [TU]
Not guilty plea in Myrtle Ave stabbings, NY and NJ lobbying for Sandy aid together, plan for historic courthouse in Schenectady
You didn't win the Powerball jackpot. [AP/Troy Record]
Michael D. Anderson -- accused of killing one woman and serious injuring two others in the Myrtle Ave stabbing in Albany -- pleaded not guilty to murder and attempted murder charges. The arraignment was delayed after police Anderson banged his head against the bars of a holding cell so hard that he had to be taken to the hospital for treatment. Family of the women who were attacked say Anderson had been threatening them and the women had been trying to get an order of protection. Said the father of two of the women to the Times Union: "I want to kill him. I want to take his life ... Those are my daughters. How would you feel if somebody killed your daughter?" [WNYT] [Fox23] [YNN] [TU]
Gary McCarthy says the city of Schenectady is cracking down on problem-causing night clubs. Three of them have been shut down recently after stabbings or shootings.[TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Albany Common Council approved the city's 2013 budget, which doesn't include an increase in the tax levy but will result in higher taxes for homeowners. [TU]
A Schenectady school board member called the results of student progress reports from this year "disturbing." [Daily Gazette]
Albany stabbing suspect caught, 46th district count complete but race isn't over, Powerball brings a crowd to "lucky" store
Police have made an arrest in connection with a fatal stabbing in the city earlier this week. Michael D. Anderson was spotted by police on a fire escape on Lark Drive and arrested for allegedly stabbing three women -- one fatally-- on Monday night. Anderson is the ex boyfriend of one of the victims --Shaquasia Thomas. She and her aunt, Gwynn Carter are in critical condition at Albany Med. Thomas' sister, Tonette Thomas, died of her wounds. [APD Press Release] [TU] [YNN]
It's still anybody's guess who will control the NYS Senate in the coming session. Ballot counting is done in the race for the 46th Senate district and democrat Cecilia Tkacyk is behind by about 100 votes, but 800 ballots, mostly from the Amedore campaign,were objected to, so the race isn't over yet.
In the 41st district, Democrat Terry Gipson is still ahead of Republican incombant Stephen Saland.
Meanwhile, four Democrats in the Senate are trying to negotiate a power-sharing agreement with the Senate Republicans that would keep the Democrats from control.[WNYT] [YNN] [TU] [NYT]
The NYS Court of Appeals sided with David Soares on Tuesday in a ruling about the high-profile steroids case .The court unanimously voted that Judge Stephen Herrick exceeded his authority when he tossed out Soares 33-county indictment against the operators of an Orlando Compounding Pharmacy because the defendants had filed a federal civil lawsuit filed against Soares, creating a conflict of interest. [TU] [WNYT] [Saratogian/AP]
One dead in triple stabbing, Cuomo's request for Sandy: $42 billion, thread of bizarre plot picked up in Rotterdam, Schenectady's Dancing Lady has passed away
Update: APD says it arrested the suspect Monday evening.
Albany police say one woman died -- and two others were injured -- in a triple stabbing Monday in an apartment near Lincoln Park (map). Police say anyone harboring the suspect will be prosecuted. As of Monday night, APD says it was looking for the suspect and asking anyone with information about his whereabouts to call. APD was withholding many details related to the case -- including how the women may be connected to the suspect or to each other. [TU] [APD] [Fox23] [YNN]
Troy police say a high-speed chase Saturday on Pawling Ave included a hit building, a hit State Police car, driving on the sidewalk, a struggle with officers, and... the suspect's 7-year-old son (map). [Troy Record] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo says New York State will be requesting $42 billion in federal aid for Sandy recovery and measures to prepare for future storms. He also made the claim that Sandy has been "more impactful" than Hurricane Katrina, even though many more people died as a result of Katrina. [TU] [NYT] [State of Politics]
Albany man killed in hit-and-chase, many ignoring residency requirements, fire destroys historic buildings in Kinderhook, no more lion burgers
An Albany man -- Paul Merges Jr. -- died early Saturday morning after he was hit by a pickup truck while riding his bike in uptown Albany -- an incident that prompted a multi-town chase, according to the Albany County Sheriff's Office (map). ACSO says the pickup truck driver, Pablo Cruz of Schenectady, has been charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, DWI, and parole violation. ACSO says Cruz had been speeding east on Central Ave when a sheriff's investigator tried to pull him over -- Cruz continued into Albany where he hit Merges. ACSO says the body of the bicyclist was pinned to the ladder rack on Cruz's truck -- and stayed there as Cruz was pursued through Colonie, Niksayuna, Schenectady, and Rotterdam at speeds approaching 100 mph -- evading at least one road block. Merges was a father of two and had worked for the state, most recently for the state Department of Taxation and Finance. [ACSO] [WNYT] [Fox23] [News10] [TU]
Schenectady police two people were stabbed during a large fight at a downtown club early Sunday morning (map). The fight included as many as 100 people, SPD says. A resident tells WNYT that they also heard what sounded like gunshots. Police are investigating the stabbing -- five people were arrested on charges not related to the stabbings. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [WNYT] [AP/Fox23] [YNN]
Guilderland police say a Virginia man led them on a chase Saturday night that allegedly included the man driving over spike strips laid down to stop him -- and hitting two police cars. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Troy police are looking for the driver involved in what appears to have been a hit-and-run involving a motorcyclist Friday evening (map)
"Dozens, possibly hundreds" of municipal employees around the Capital Region are ignoring residency requirements, according to Times Union reporting/analysis. [TU]
Mother and boyfriend plead not guilty in death of 5-year-old, St. Patrick's one step closer to demolition, UAlbany towers helped inspire Wicked
The mother of the five-year-old Glens Falls boy who died earlier this week, and her boyfriend -- accused of assaulting the boy -- pleaded not guilty on Tuesday. Police records and letters between the the couple indicate they kept changing their stories about how the child died. Medical records indicated the boy may have been sexually abused before he was beaten and that injuries may have occurred over a period of two days.[YNN] [TU] [Post Star]
Saint Patrick's in Watervliet is one step closer to being torn down after the City Council voted to rezone the area where the church sits from residential to commercial. A Price Chopper is planned for the property but a citizens group fighting to preserve the building says they're not done fighting yet. [TU] [WNYT] [YNN]
A string of witnesses testified on Tuesday in the second ballot fraud trial of Edward McDonough: A deaf man who lived in Griswold Heights testified that the signature on a voter registration card in his name was not his and that his vote was stolen. Another voter testified that a ballot with his name on it was not, in fact signed by him, had his name misspelled, his age wrong, and his workplace incorrect. [Record] [TU]
A NYS Comptroller's audit of a Latham Based company contracted to provide services to children with disabilities reports the company bilked taxpayers for more than $180,000 and used public money to pay for a Disney vacation, home entertainment center and otherwise "enrich themselves, family members and staff." [YNN] [TU]
Convicted Saratoga County horse abuser Ann Arnold was jailed on Tuesday for allegedly violating the terms of her parole -- which stipulated she was not to own horses -- after horses were found on her Greenfield farm. [Saratogian] [WNYT] [TU]
SSPD officer charged in connection with bar fight, count starts in state Senate 46th, Cambridge woman wins ANTM
Edward Braim, one of the three Saratoga Springs police officers alleged to be part of a bar fight on Caroline Street last week, has been charged with misdemeanor assault. His attorney says he was acting in self defense. Saratoga County DA Jim Murphy said Monday that the injuries sustained by the accuser don't rise to the level a possible felony charge. There are both criminal and SSPD internal investigations looking at the case. [Daily Gazette [TU] [TU] [Saratogian]
Updated: The two people already facing charges in connection with the death of a 5 year old in Glens Falls have been indicted -- the mother's boyfriend on murder and manslaughter charges, the mother for reckless endangerment. [Post-Star] [TU] [WNYT]
The counting of paper ballots has started for the state Senate 46th race between George Amedore and Cecelia Tkaczyk. The count will extend into next week. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Whatever happens with the county nursing home, it looks like the Albany County budget will include an almost 9 percent tax increase. [TU]
Housing authority pushes back on state audit, foam party fight compared to zombie apocalypse, languages diversifying in school districts
Said Saratoga Springs Housing Authority chair Eric Weller in defending the agency against a state comptroller's office audit of the agency. There's nothing actionable in this audit ... There's no policy that's been violated." The comptroller's audit criticizes the agency's handling of a bed bug problem and concluded it had a lack of control over travel expenses. [Daily Gazette] [NYS OSC] [TU] [NYS OSC]
Saratoga Springs public safety commissioner on the uproar over the SSPD's delay in notifying the public about a reported rape, to the Saratogian: "I apologize that we couldn't give out more information. I apologize for what this turned into. I don't think there is a reason to apologize for the whole incident." [Saratogian]
The Glens Falls five-year-old who police say was assaulted last week by an adult has died at the hospital. [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
Guilty plea in house explosion that killed six, police looking for every angle of stripper story, sewage overflow plan criticized, Starlite Theatre torn down
Steven McComsey pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of criminally negligent homicide in connection with the 2011 home explosion in Salem that killed six people. He's expected to be sentenced to 1-3 years in prison. In an unusual twist, McComsey didn't actually admit he committed the crime to which he pleaded guilty as part of his plea. "I'm satisfied with the conviction," said the Washington County DA, explaining it was a difficult case because of a lack of evidence.[TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [Fox23] [WNYT]
A jury found Tina Karuzas guilty of fatally stabbing a a Schenectady neighbor in a fight over loud music last December. [TU]
An EPA consultant says the sewage overflow plan submitted by a group of Capital Region municipalities is flawed because it wouldn't reduce the number of sewage overflows into the Hudson River. Short background: when it rains a lot, the combined (storm water and raw sewage) sewer systems in many municipalities along the Hudson overflow -- into the river. [TU]
As part of Barack Obama's tour of parts of the NYC area hit hard by Sandy, White House officials were vague about Andrew Cuomo's request for $30 billion in recovery aid. [NYT]
The South Glens Falls police chief tells the Times Union his department is planning to interview every one of the people at the stripper teen birthday party -- which reportedly included 80 people. Unintentionally odd quote from the Saratoga County DA: "In these circumstances, we are not looking at Tops in Bottoms." (The name of the company for which the strippers reportedly worked.) By the way: the Post-Star says it passed on publishing the click-through crack party pics because they were "too risque." [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star]
Charges of police racism in North Central Troy, why drivers licenses may soon be black and white, Bruno trial may be delayed, SGF parents may have hired stripper for teen birthday party
A well known pastor from Troy says the North Central neighborhood is "a powder keg with a very short fuse." At a community meeting last night about the relationship between police and citizens in North Central, Pastor Willie Bacote suggested that racism is a problem in the community, claiming some of the Troy police officers, "use the 'n' word to address some of the citizens in North Troy."[WNYT] [YNN]
New York drivers licenses may soon be in black and white, even though the tentative contract to produce the licenses went to the highest bidder -- a Canadian company -- and will cost $38 million more than the current contract. DMV commissioner Barbara Fiala issued a statement saying the company was one of only three that bid on the project and was selected because the other two companies produce inferior products. [TU] [WNYT]
Joe Bruno's retrial on theft of honest services charges could be delayed because his defense team is working on the criminal trial of longtime Albany brokers Timothy McGinn and David Smith, which has been delayed until January.[TU] [YNN]
Police in South Glens Falls are trying to determine whether the parents
of a teenager hired strippers to perform at his 16th birthday party at a bowling alley in the village. [WNYT]
Schenectady City Council overrides mayor's budget veto, $70M Regeneron Pharmaceuticals expansion in East Greenbush, 46th District recount underway, Albany County passes pawn shop law again
The Schenectady City Council voted 5-1 to override
mayor Gary McCarthy's veto of its 2013 budget, which cut $900,000 out of McCarthy's original spending plan. [TU]
Andrew Cuomo announced the $70 milion expansion at the Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in East Greenbush. The expansion will add 300 jobs at the facility that already employs 540 people. [TU]
GlobalFoundries and the Center for Economic Growth are parntering on a regional lab that will help students from more than 100 local school districts get involved in science and technology. [WNYT] [Saratogian]
Andrew Cuomo has created a Moreland Panel to investigate the "response and preparation management of New York's power and utility companies" in Superstorm Sandy and and tropical storms Irene and Lee.[TU]
The recount in the 46th state Senate district is underway. [TU]
In the wake of controversy surrounding a decision not to alert the public to an alleged rape in the city earlier this fall, Saratoga Police Chief Christopher Cole says he'll change the way rape cases are handled in the future.[Saratogian] [TU]
Hurdles in Congress for Cuomo's request of $30 billion for Sandy, petition against SSPD's handling reported rape, grilled cheese for the bear, prosthetic paw for puppy
The $30 billion in Sandy disaster aid Andrew Cuomo is seeking from the feds faces a lot of hurdles in Congress -- in part because some of the money would go for infrastructure upgrades. [State of Politics] [NYT]
A draft of the state comptroller's office audit of the city Schenectady obtained by the Times Union forecasts a grim financial picture for the city over the next few years. [TU]
UAlbany says it's taking immediate action against the students accused of hazing at an off-campus residence through its campus judicial disciplinary process. A school spokesman says the university "has a zero tolerance policy for any actions that are physically and mentally abusive to the well-being of another." A neighbor of the house tells Fox23 she's heard "yelling and screaming" during the middle of the night. And "students from the university" tell the Gazette the group was part of a frat that lost its recognition. [TU] [AOA] [News10] [Fox23] [Daily Gazette]
Albany police say one man was shot Monday evening in the South End (block map). Police thought the shooter had gone into nearby home -- it was surrounded, but the suspect wasn't inside. APD says it's looking for the shooter. The victim's injuries don't appear to be life-threatening. [YNN] [WNYT] [News10] [TU]
State Senate 46th will take weeks to sort out, Cuomo to ask for $30 billion for Sandy, Albany County planning for campus to help veterans
Sunday was Veterans Day, but the federal holiday is being observed today.
The winner of the 46th state Senate race probably won't be decided for weeks. The absentee ballot count won't start until November 19 -- and some counties won't start until after Thanksgiving. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
No matter which party ends up controlling the state Senate, Andrew Cuomo is in a position to win. [AP/Troy Record]
Cuomo is expected to the ask the feds for $30 billion in disaster aid for Sandy. [NYT]
Late Friday afternoon Gary McCarthy vetoed the budget passed the Schenectady city council. Now the council faces the choice of overriding the mayor's veto -- or letting his budget, which includes a 4.2 percent property tax rate increase, take effect. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Albany police say man driving on Madison Ave ran a red light, hit a SUV crossing at Quail Street, and then the SUV rolled into the front windshield of a CDTA bus Sunday morning (map). Three people were treated at the hospital. [News10] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN]
Mystery billion dollar project scouting the Capital Region, Sandy cost to New York could be $33 billion, Schenectady superintendant says district being shorted millions
An unnamed corporation has been scouting the Capital Region -- and other sites around the world -- for what appears to be a multi-billion dollar chip fab project (AKA, "Project Azalea"). [Biz Review] [TU]
LuAnn Burgess -- who was the wheel of the SUV that plowed into a Vorheesville church last year, killing three people -- has pleaded guilty to three counts of criminally negligent homicide. [TU]
The total cost of Sandy to New York State -- including damage and lost economic activity -- could be $33 million, according to Andrew Cuomo. On top of that, Cuomo says the storm could result in tacking on another $1 billion to the state's budget gap. [AP/Saratogian] [TU]
New York City has started even/odd gasoline rationing because supplies still haven't been smoothed out. [NYT]
Cuomo says he has "no intention of getting involved" with what is looking like could be a political drama of the first order in the state Senate to determine which party -- or coalition -- controls the chamber. Democrats appear to have an advantage in absentee ballots in the two very close races: state Senate 46th (Amedore-Tkaczyk) and 41st (Saland-Gipson) -- though counting hasn't started, yet. [State of Politics] [State of Politics]
Too soon to determine State Senate control, Cuomo fires emergency managment director, snow complicates Sandy recovery in NYC, Glens Falls has one of the "coolest schools."
Right now it looks like the state senate is on track to go 33-30 to the democrats, but absentee ballots, anticipated storm-related challenges from districts in New York City, and the unresolved 46th district battle are just a few of the factors that will decide, and Senate Republicans still believe that when all is said and done they will retain their majority. [NYT]
One of the races in question - the 46th district race between George Amedor and Cecilia Tkaczyk has Tkaczyk ahead by 139 votes, and may take weeks to decide. There's also the unresolved race between Republican Steve Saland's and Democrat Terry Gipson in Poughkeepsie, and the question of victorious Brooklyn Democrat Simcha Felder, who has yet to decide which conference he'll join. [TU] [YNN] [Capitol Confidential]
Andrew Cuomo has fired emergency management director Steven Kuhr for diverting crews to remove a tree from the driveway of his Long Island home during storm Sandy.[YNN]
Obama wins second term, NY Senate control in question, Amadore & Tkacyzk both claim victory in 46th, Gillibrand wins 1st full term, confusion at UAlbany polling place
Barack Obama has won a second term. [TU]
Here are election result highlights for Capital Region races. [AOA]
It's not clear which party will control the state Senate because of a handful of close races. In the new state Senate 46th -- which includes the southwest part of the Capital Region -- both George Amadore and Cecelia Tkacyzk have declared victory (they're separated by a little more than a hundred votes). And in the Hudson Valley, Poughkeepsie Republican Steve Saland -- one of four Republicans to break ranks and vote for the Marriage Equality Act -- appears to have lost by a small margin to Democrat Terry Gipson. It could be weeks -- and lots of absentee ballot counting -- before it's clear which party will control the Senate. [YNN] [NYT] [Saratogian]
It appears that Democrats have picked up at least two US House seats in New York State. [NYT]
Voter turnout in the Capital Region was heavy this year. [TU]
A shortage of affidavits at UAlbany resulted in long lines and confusion at the university's polling place, where many students said they were voting because of Andrew Cuomo's last minute executive order allowing voters affected by storm Sandy to vote at any state polling place. The problems could contribute to the delayed result in the Amadore/Tkacyzk race in the 46th state Senate district. [TU] [TU]
It's Election Day, Cuomo leaning on utilities to restore power, man accused of shooting dog, too many bear cubs
Today is Election Day. Find out where to vote.
Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order allowing people in disaster-area counties to vote at any polling location -- the catch is that they'll only be allowed to vote for President, US Senate, and any other office that appears on both their home polling location's ballot and the ballot of the location at which they're voting. Explained the governor of the rules for "down ballot" voting: "If you vote in a different Assembly district, your vote will not count. If you vote in a different Senate district, your vote will not count." [Cuomo admin] [State of Politics] [TU]
Cuomo in urging utility companies to more quickly restore power knocked out by Sandy: "These utilities ... were not created in the Bible... They aren't in the Old Testament and they aren't in the New Testament. ... These are not God-given monopolies." And from the Cuomo admin's Twitter feed: "We give utilities a charter to perform a service, BUT you have to perform a service, if you don't, we'll find another provider." [TU] [@NYGovCuomo]
Local emergency services crews continue to bring back stories of the Sandy devastation after being deployed to help out downstate. [Troy Record] [YNN]
Local effects of the Sandy aftermath: local disaster restoration companies have headed south to meet tremendous demand for restoration services, and local hotels have been lodging people displaced by the storm. [TU] [YNN]
The big issue in Saratoga Springs today: a vote on whether to change the city's form of government. [Saratogian]
Thousands homeless because of Sandy, mother says she was deceived by social services, Farley compared to Jeter (in a bad way), flight of the butterfly
New York City officials estimate as many as 40,000 people in the city have been left homeless by Sandy -- and finding places for them to live will be difficult. Parts of the city are still without power, and people in those neighborhoods say they say it feels like they're being abandoned. [NYT] [NYT]
A group of Wilton firefighters recently returned from storm recovery deployment on Long Island. Said one to the Saratogian of the scene there: "It looked like a wasteland." [TU] [Saratogian]
Scientists say climate change should make New York State think critically about better preparing for extreme weather events -- as well as how and where to rebuild. [Daily Gazette]
The state Senate was thought to be more or less a lock to stay in Republican control, but recent polls -- and the after effects of Sandy -- are pointing to tight races in many key districts. As election day nears, campaigns around the region are focusing on turnout. [NYT] [TU]
The mother of the 3-year-old who died from injuries sustained during a fire on Benson Street in Albany last month accused social services of deceiving her when it took her other children away. Said an Albany County spokeswoman to Fox23: "When there are instances where the welfare of the children is in question, we do go to court. In this case, the judge agreed it was in the best interest of the children that they be placed in foster care." [TU] [Fox23]
Sheriff says man accused of killing his mother confessed, questions raised about Albany CIO hire, Troy discontinuing gunfire detection system
Saratoga County sheriff James Bowen says Joshua McWain, the Greenfield man accused of killing his mother, "admitted to everything" in a confession to authorities. Bowen says McWain told them he and his mother had an argument and then he "lost it." McWain has been charged with second-degree murder. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Martin Kimber -- the man federal prosecutors say spread mercury around Albany Medical Center -- is planning to plead guilty next, according to the Times Union. [TU]
The city of Albany was set to announce the hiring of George Ellis as its first chief information officer until it heard the news that an audit of Ellis' former org accuses him of questionable actions. [TU] [Washington Post] [Washington Post]
Frustration is growing in the New York City area as it slowly pulls itself out of the wreckage left by Sandy. Power is still out in large parts of Manhattan (Andrew Cuomo is leaning on utilities to move quickly) and gasoline has been hard to find. The death toll from the storm is now 95; 48 in New York State -- 40 of those in NYC, and 19 of those in Staten Island. The economic damage from Sandy is projected to reach $50 billion. (Ongoing updates from NYT.) [AP/TU] [State of Politics] [NYT] [NYT] [NYT] [NYT]
Cuomo applies for max federal aid, NYC transit opening limited and free service, Greenfield man charged with murdering his mother, final chapter in 72 year love story
Sheriff's deputies have charged a Saratoga County man with murder after finding the battered body of his mother buried under the shed in back of a home they shared in Greenfield. [TU] [YNN]
Governor Cuomo and Senators Schumer and Gillibrand surveyed the damage from Hurricane Sandy in NYC yesterday. Cuomo estimated the damage from the storm at somewhere around $6 billion and has already applied to the federal government for the maximum level of assistance for all the NY counties declared federal disaster areas.[NY1] [YNN] [Capitol Confidential]
Cuomo reiterated on Wednesday that climate change is a reality for New York. Experts are saying that extreme weather will become more likely in the coming years. [Capitol Confidential] [TU]
The death toll from storm Sandy in NYC is now at least 30. [News 10]
La Guardia Airport reopened this morning and JFK opened on Wednesday, but service at both is still limited. [NYT]
The MTA will have limited service as of today, and the Governor has waived all transportation fares for Thursday and Friday in an effort to help clear up traffic congestion. [YNN] [NYT]
Amtrak service remains suspended between Albany Rensselaer and Penn Station. [YNN]
Power restored to Capital Region, NYC slowly starting routine after Sandy, Cuomo suggests a levee for NY,Schenectady council approves budget but slashes tax hike, Halloween is on in the Capital Region
Nearly all power lost in Hurricane Sandy in theCapital Region has been restored. Albany International Airport had to cancel 49 flights because of the storm, but things are getting back to normal there, though there are still some delays and cancellations to deal with.
Amtrack is beginning to get service going but all service from Albany to NYC has been suspended until further notice. [TU] [Saratogian] [Gazette] [YNN]
In New York City it's a very different story. Routines are beginning to restart in NYC, though it may be days before public trasit is able to resume normal operations. As of yesterday afternoon Governor Cuomo said 90 percent of Long Island was still without power. Cuomo praised first responders but said climate change related storms are now a reality for New Yorkers. Cuomo suggested that New York should consider installing a levee or some type of surge protectors to keep the state safe in future storms and flood situations. He said New York needs to rebuild for a new reality. Governor Cuomo says the rebuilding of New York city will be a long term situation. State and local leaders assessed the damage from storm Sandy yesterday and estimate that recovery could cost as much as $50 billion. [TU] [YNN] [Saratogian/AP] [NYT] [Capitol Confidential][YNN]
National Guard members from the Capital Region and other parts of the state are headed to New York City to help rescue stranded people and transport local police and firefighters. [Fox 23] [TU]
In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, the Red Cross is seeking blood donations.[TU]
Said the mother of the Nigerian immigrant and Saint Rose student at the sentencing of the driver who killed her son in a hit and run accident last year: "People should know that whatever decisions you make, you have to think properly and when you're behind the wheel you have to know that there are other people there and other lives out there and families." Edward Zwack was sentenced to 3 1/3 to 10 years in prison on manslaughter charges and 21/3 to 7 years for leaving the scene of an accident. [TU] [Fox 23] [Record]
New York City hit hard by Sandy, storm brushes past Capital Region, NY19 race narrowing, Schenectady council apparently considering public safety change
The New York City area suffered significant damage as Sandy passed through -- record storm surge pushed water
The federal government has declared NYC-area counties a major disaster area. [State of Politics]
The storm has caused at least 13 deaths, including five in New York State. [NYT]
About 1.94 million households are without power around the state -- many of those outages are downstate. [Cuomo admin]
Sandy just brushed past the Capital Region -- if the track had been another 30 or 40 miles north the damage would have been much more severe, a NWS meteorologist says. [TU]
Waiting on Sandy -- wind may be the biggest problem, shootings in Schenectady and Albany, app store planned for state, cows with good genes
The wind has already picked up, and rain from Hurricane Sandy is expected to start in the Capital Region sometime this afternoon. Forecasts are projecting about an inch of rain in the Albany area -- with more in the higher elevations, including the Catskills. There is a flood watch in effect from noon until late Tuesday night. [NWS] [NWS]
The biggest problem here may end up being the wind. There's a high wind warning in effect until late Tuesday morning. Winds of 30-40 mph are predicted, with some gusts possibly as strong as 75 mph across higher elevations. "The winds are easily the most problematic part of this storm for our area," an NWS meteorologist tells the TU. With all that wind, there's a good chance of power outages. "It's not going to be pretty," says another NWS meteorologist to the Daily Gazette. [NWS] [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
Andrew Cuomo, yesterday in Cohoes: "This is going to be a serious situation, all the forecasts say that. Exactly how bad we don't know, but we know there's going to be a lot of rain and a lot of very very high winds, especially across Upstate New York." [YNN]
State officials say they've been lowering water levels in the Erie Canal system, as well as reservoirs in Schoharie County, in order to free up room for rainfall. [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette]
The federal government has already declared New York State a disaster area (this allows the state to take advantage of various resources). The National Guard has mobilized. Local municipalities around the region are declaring states of emergency and readying disaster emergency plans. [Cuomo admin] [Cuomo admin] [Troy Record]
There are a bunch of school closings, and early dismissals, around the area. The Albany city school district cancelled classes today. [Saratogian] [ASD]
Airlines are canceling flights at ALB. Amtrak has suspended the Empire Service, Northeast Corridor service, and many other routes throughout the Northeast. [YNN] [Amtrak]
New York City is bracing for Sandy, especially what's expected to be a strong storm surge -- it suspended public transportation service Sunday night. NYSE and Nasdaq shut down today because of the storm. [NYT] [Forbes]
Too early to tell about Sandy, uncertainty at Washington Ave Armory, Proctors looking at potential UPH partnership, Don Rittner's job cut from Schenectady County budget
The short story on the potential local impact of Sandy: it's too early to know. The situation in the Northeast -- which could involve not just Sandy, but other systems as well -- is being called the "Frankenstorm" by by the National Weather Service. The state and National Grid are prepping for the storm. [TU] [AP/Saratogian] [YNN] [YNN]
City of Schenectady officials think a Court of Appeals ruling this week involving another municipality will allow it to directly, and more quickly, discipline police officers. Or, to put it another way, it allows the city to fire officers directly instead of going through an arbitrator. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Times Union says state agencies were unable to determine how many people from other countries are working for their IT contractors when asked via FOIL. [TU]
Robert Hayden -- the Troy man who pleaded guilty to smothering a 21-month-old Avery Cahn to death -- was sentenced to 25 years in prison. During her victim impact statement, the boy's mother says her other son still asks to set a place at the table for Avery. And said the boy's father (currently in custody in Albany County), "I don't want you to die in prison ... I want you to suffer for the next 25 years and when you get out I will finally have a chance to look you in your eyes, face-to-face, and ask you why." [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
Olympic wrestler Jeff Blatnick dies, Cuomo hosts NY "booze summit," Quintessence sold to Albany Med, cabbie sees Jesus in a greenhouse
At New York's first Beer, Wine and Spirits summit yesterday, Andrew Cuomo took suggestions from brewers, distillers and wine makers on how to create a more business friendly climate. Cuomo said he wants to put the promotion of New York's beer, wine and spirits industries in New York"on steroids." Cuomo held a tasting at the executive mansion as part of the "booze summit" and seemed down with a "major blowout" NYS beer, wine and spirits promotional party in NYC. [YNN] [WNYT] [NYT] [Capitol Confidential]
Police in Saratoga have arrested a man for allegedly beating a cab driver near the West Side Recreation Field in the city, and robbing him at gunpoint. [TU] [Saratogian]
A judge sent Jeremiah "Havoc" Hamilton to jail for 40 years to life for killing a childhood friend who was caught in the crossfire while trying to stop a dispute over a dice game in Schenectady. [TU]
Another chapter in the David Soares steroid investigation saga: Lawyers for an Orlando pharmacy that sued to have Soares disclose a letter of admonishment from a judge now say they want the Albany County DA to pay $35,465 in fees stemming from the suit. [TU]
Schenectady County budget has 5.9 percent tax levy increase, unemployment rate up, shooting in Troy, no superhero for comics store
The Schenectady County legislature has passed a 2012-2013 budget that includes a 5.9 percent tax levy increase -- that's down from the 7.49 percent originally proposed, but still above the state tax cap. Said the legislature only Republican after the vote: "I think we've gone way beyond what our taxpayers can handle." [Daily Gazette] [TU] [WNYT]
As both Albany and Saratoga counties contemplate privatizing their nursing homes, unions representing employees at both facilities are raising concerns about what might happen to employees -- and, ultimately, to residents. [TU] [TU]
The state Court of Appeals -- the state's highest court -- has decided not to hear a case challenging the Marriage Equality Act. [NYT]
As New York State redesigns its $54 billion a year Medicaid program, the state's decades long effort to secure huge Medicaid sums for the care of people with disabilities is under scrutiny. [NYT]
The Capital Region's unemployment rate was 7.5 percent in September, up from 7.1 in the same month the year before. [NYS DOL]
The mother of the child who died following a fire on Benson Street in Albany last week has turned over her other two children to social services. [News10]
Albany starting parking permit registration, Armory ordered to halt non-sporting events, daughter accused of stabbing father, ticket sales up for Albany Devils
The city of Albany will start taking applications for residential parking permits from two of the three zones this Saturday -- though the system's start date is still not determined. [TU] Earlier: Albany parking permit zones and streets
The city of Albany has ordered the Washington Ave Armory to stop hosting non-sporting events, alleging code violations and a lack of a cabaret license. The order follows last week's incident outside a foam party in which Albany police allege the crowd became "combative" -- it says three officers were injured and seven people arrested. [TU] [AOA]
The Albany school district has the second-highest median teacher salary in upstate New York, according to rankings from the Buffalo-based Business First publication (it's related to the Business Review). [TU]
Two super PACs -- one connected to George Soros, the other to a Facebook founder -- are dropping $500,000 to support Democrat Cecilia Tkaczyk in the race for the new state Senate 46 race against George Amedore. The money drop is an attempt to make a point about... public financing of campaigns. (Amedore had a huge money lead over Tkaczyk.) [NYT] [TU]
A spokesman for Liberty Ridge Farm says it will contest the complaint filed with the state Division of Human Rights by a lesbian couple who were told they couldn't get married there. [WNYT] [Troy Record]
Thousand gather to celebrate new saint, Spitzer back in Albany, candidate pulls out of debate accusing opponent of "deceptions"
The mayors of Albany and Troy, as well as the Albany County exec, drive unmarked police vehicles -- with sirens and lights. [TU]
The biggest environment challenge facing the state, according to DEC commissioner Joe Martens: aging sewer lines, like the one that failed in Newburgh earlier this month. [Daily Gazette]
The Boy Scout of America files released last week as part of a civil suit regarding sexual abuse in the organization includes records of about two dozen leaders in the Capital Region being banned for allegedly abusing boys between 1969 and 2004. Some of the records include many details -- others just some tracking info. One of the detailed cases involved an adult leader from Troy. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
The proposed Rensselaer County budget includes a 2 percent tax increase. [Troy Record]
Thousands of people gathered in Auriesville (near Amsterdam) Sunday to celebrate of the canonization of Kateri Tekakwitha by the Roman Catholic Church. Kateri is the first Native American recognized as a saint by the church. Also canonized on Sunday: a woman who was raised in Utica. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [YNN] [NYT]
Gibson/Schreibman debate, girl in Albany fire dies, NYRA re-org board picks, Rocky loved Oreos
A clip from yesterday's Gibson/Schreibman debate. Here's the full video from New York Now.
Yesterday's debate between incumbent Republican Chris Gibson and Democratic challenger Julian Schreibman for the 19th Congressional District was pointed -- with the two going at each other over a range of issues, including Medicare, energy, education and same-sex marriage. Another point of contention: the tone of the race. [TU] [Troy Record]
Among the issues on which Kathy Marchione (R) and Robin Andrews (D) disagreed during their state Senate 43rd candidates forum Thursday: a state spending cap and a minimum wage increase. But they also found agreement on a handful of issues. (Marchione also said she would have primary-ed Roy McDonald even if he hadn't voted for the Marriage Equality Act.) [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [WNYT]
The picks for the NYRA Reorganization Board were announced yesterday. Andrew Cuomo selected Cornell president David Skorton to chair the committee. Nine of the 17 members were already on the NYRA board (and a tenth had served in the past). Also among Cuomo's picks: Bobby Flay (he owns horses and frequently visits Saratoga during Track season). Four other Cuomo picks have contributed more than $250,000 in campaign money to Cuomo during the last decade. John Hendrickson -- Marylou's husband -- was named as "special advisor for Saratoga." [Cuomo admin] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
The three-year-old badly burned in an Albany house fire this week has died at a hospital in Boston. [TU] [WNYT]
Gillibrand/Long debate at Skidmore, Albany fire sends pre-schooler to Boston burn unit, 235 years since the Battle of Saratoga, newlyweds buy site of first date
In their only debate of he campaign, last night at Skidmore College, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and challenger Wendy Long took on foreign policy, the economy, fracking and abortion. Long called for Sheldon Silver's resignation for his handling of the Vito Lopez scandal and asked Gillibrand to do the same. She did not. What did they agree on? Banning large sugary drinks, Fifty Shades of Grey, and not describing Andrew Cuomo as the best governor in their lifetimes.
[Capitol Confidential] [YNN] [NYT]
Kirsten Gillibrand outraised Long 5 to one in the last financial filing period. [Capitol Confidential]
A pre-school-age Albany girl was flown to a burn unit in Boston on Wednesday morning after being rescued from a Benson Street house fire. Fire officials are still looking for the cause. [WNYT] [YNN]
A New Jersey woman was charged with DWI after she rear-ended an East Greenbush police cruiser. Field sobriety tsts show Valerie Kennedy had a blood alcohol of three times the legal limit. [WNYT] [TU]
Jennings: Albany may need to rethink convention center, Cuomo: no legislative pay raises until min. wage hike, Battle of Saratoga hero honored in NYC
At an address to the Albany/Colonie Regional Chamber of commerce on Tuesday, Jerry Jennings said the city may need to rethink the scale of the proposed convention center because, " It's unrealistic for us to think that the state is going free up a quarter of a billion dollars" for the project. [TU]
According to a soon to be released State Comptrollers audit of the SUNY system,
millions of dollars in Research Foundation money have been "mishandled,misspent or misused"- in one case, so badly that the Albany County D.A.'s office has been notified. [TU]
Last night's earthquake in Portland Maine was felt in parts of the Capital Reigon. [Fox 23]
Andrew Cuomo says there will be no legislative pay raises until there is a hike in the minimum wage. [Capitol Confidential]
Pro-fracking rally in Albany, New York's unemployment rate stands out -- in a bad way, large rock slide, back to Antarctica
A pro-fracking rally in downtown Albany Monday drew several hundred people. Among the concerns expressed over the possible rejection of the drilling method in the state: missed jobs and economic development opportunities, and the loss of property rights. Said one person to Fox23: "Why should we be paying exorbitant taxes, having people lose their jobs, cuts in services, when we can take what God's given underneath us?" Also: the best sign had to be the "pass gas" sign. [Politics on the Hudson] [TU] [TU] [Fox23] [@JonCampbellGAN]
Over the last year, New York is the only state in the nation with a statistically significant increase in its unemployment rate, according to federal stats. [NYT]
Troy mayor Lou Rosamilia is looking to get a police review committee reinstated. The word came during a meeting on police/community relations in North Central. Some residents alleged that TPD officers have been aggressive and/or rude toward people in the neighborhood. TPD chief John Tedesco said there had been problems with people resisting arrest: "The thing I wanted to get across here, and I don't know if we did...you know, comply with the officers, file a complaint later on. Because physical resistance is going to get you hurt." [Troy Record] [YNN] [Fox23] [WNYT]
Brent Dickinson -- the man who pleaded guilty to threatening to "torture and kill" school children in Saratoga County -- has been sentenced to up to three years in prison. Dickinson told the judge at his sentencing that he "was off my meds at the time because they weren't available to me." (The Saratoga County DA's office says a separate case involving threats Dickinson allegedly made against the President is being handled by federal prosecutors.) [Saratogian] [Saratoga County DA] [TU]
Criticism of Albany police review board, Republicans using photos with Cuomo in campaigns, Exit 3 maybe not, Carl Strock retiring
More than a decade after its creation, Albany's Citizens' Police Review Board is still drawing criticism for its lack of power. [TU]
State legislators aren't required to file receipts to claim the overnight per diem for staying in Albany -- and there are indications some legislators have collected overnight per diems when they might not actually have been in Albany. [NY Post]
Kathy Marchione says she's focused on the issues of "too much taxes, too much spending, too much debt, over-regulation." [TU]
Only about 30 percent of people in the state ordered to install an interlock device on their car because of a DWI conviction end up doing so, according to a Buffalo News analysis. In some cases these people have given up their cars -- and in others, they're driving other people's cars. [Buffalo News] [AP/Saratogian] Earlier: Taking away the driver's license of multiple offenders, permanently
The on-going saga of the Signature Pharmacy steroids case continues Tuesday when the state Court of the Appeals -- the state's highest court -- hears arguments about whether a defendant can sue the district attorney prosecuting them (in this case, David Soares) and have the prosecutor removed from the case because of conflict of interest. [TU]
There's a pro-fracking rally planned for outside the Capitol today. [Troy Record]
Debate for 20th Congressional District, new indictment for McGinn and Smith, suit alleges car dealership forged signature, possible case of hantavirus, Open Door Bookstore for sale
Topics discussed during Thursday night's debate between incumbent Paul Tonko (D) and challenger Bob Dieterich (R) for the 20th Congressional District: taxes, energy, health care, as well as the national budget and debt. [TU] [Fox23]
The Cuomo admin hit back against the Tax Foudnation's designation of New York as having the worst business climate because of taxes (even if the admin has cited the think tank's rankings before). [TU]
The state Racing and Wagering Board has adopted new rules aimed at increasing safety for horses and jockeys. The rules were prompted by a report released last month about horse deaths at Aqueduct. [NYS RW] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
A federal grand jury has handed up a new indictment against Timothy McGinn and David Smith, the two local brokers accused of stealing millions from clients. Federal prosecutors say the superseding indictment includes new charges related to diverting money from clients and fraudulent accounting. in They both pleaded not guilty at the arraignment on the new charges. [US DOJ] [TU]
Proposed Albany County budget includes 8.9 percent tax hike, rescued Columbia County hiker may face criminal charge, downtown Albany residential project proposed -- again
Albany County's proposed budget would raise property taxes by 8.9 percent and calls for privatizing the county nursing home. The plan would mean a $60 tax hike on a home assessed at $200,000. County Executive Dan McCoy says the tax increase is necessary to cover the cost of unfunded mandates. [TU] [WNYT] [YNN] [News 10]
The city of Cohoes's proposed budget includes a property tax increase.[Record]
In an effort to bring down a proposed 4.1 percent tax increase, the Schenectady City Council is considering cutting positions, overtime and jobs from the city's police department -including the job of assistant chief. [YNN]
The hiker rescued from Columbia County yesterday may face criminal charges and be forced to pay for the air and ground search, after it was revealed that he may have intentionally stayed in the woods. [WNYT]
Callicutt's lawyer seeks retrial in Richard Bailey shooting, health warning issued after MRSA found at Shen, Troy's "Father Christmas" has died
The Lawyer for De Von Callicutt, the 22 year who is currently serving life without parole for the murder of Ualbany student Richard Bailey, went before an appellate panel of the state Supreme Court this week to argue for a retrial. His argument, which focused on the Callicutt's intent when he robbed Bailey at gunpoint, did not appear to go over well with judges. [YNN] [TU]
Cash strapped Schenectady expects to be able to meet a $4 million deferred payment to city schools to cover property owners who didn't pay their taxes - by using funds from it's stepped u effort to collect delinquent taxes or foreclose on properties in the city. [TU]
Schenectady's proposed 4.18 percent tax increase is getting opposition from citizens.[Gazette]
A federal report on how the National Weather Service handled Tropical Storm Irene shows the agency needs to be faster and more accurate in determining inland flooding risks and needs to improve its communication with the media and the public. [TU]
A home health aide in Wilton is facing up to nine years in prison after admitting she stole more that $328,000 from an 82-year old woman in her care. [Saratogian]
Court to consider whether gang members can be charged with terrorism, Troy city hall moving, more residential plan for downtown Troy, 47 years as a Great Dane
New York's highest court -- the Court of Appeals -- will hear a case today in which it will consider whether gang members can be charged with terrorism. [AP/Troy Record]
Sales tax revenues in Albany, Saratoga, and Rensselaer counties are all on path to be up this year. [TU]
Many local school districts still have not submitted their teacher evaluation plans to the state. But some districts have submitted their plans -- and have even had their plans approved (example: Albany). [Daily Gazette] [Cuomo admin]
The Albany County Sheriff's Office inspector who appears to have moved to Florida -- but is still on the department's payroll -- has been asked to sign an affidavit that he still lives in Albany County. [TU]
A Schenectady County prosecutor says a Schenectady police surveillance camera "caught significant portions of what happened" during the fatal shooting in Hamilton Hill on Friday. [Daily Gazette]
The New York Civil Liberties Union says it opposes the (re)proposed Albany County pawn shop law because the requirement that sellers collect info on buyers is "an invasion of privacy." [TU]
Half of Schenectady kids living in poverty, fracking decision apparently delayed, professor argues number of Lyme cases is much higher than reported, 10 years of YNN
Today is Columbus Day. Banks, many schools, and the post office are closed.
A little more than half of children in the city of Schenectady were living in poverty in 2011, according to figures from the Census Bureau. [TU]
The Cuomo administration's decision on whether to allow frack is on hold, Fred LeBrun says. "Sources close to the Cuomo administration" tell Fred Dicker the study of potential public health effects of fracking could hold up a decision until January or later. Andrew Cuomo recently said there has been "no step back" on the process. [TU] [NY Post] [AP/Troy Record]
Says a family member of one of the people who died in the Salem house blast that killed six people of the plea deal of 1-3 years in prison offered to Steven McComsey, accused of causing the explosion: "This is an insult to the dead." McComsey rejected the deal. [TU] [News10]
Schenectady police say a man was shot multiple times Friday afternoon in Hamilton Hill -- and Charles Bowman later died from his injuries (map). SPD says it has arrested a man, Terell Bethea, for being the alleged shooter. Bowman's aunt says Bowman had been trying to calm down Bethea after Bethea was angrily looking for answers related to a robbery. [Daily Gazette] [News10] [TU] [TU]
Bruno attorneys call feds' case "fatally flawed," appeal filed in Richard Bailey murder case, investigation into Adirondack rafting company after death, printing skin
Attorneys for Joe Bruno have filed a motion for dismissal of the fed's new indictment of the former state Senator. In the motion, one of the Bruno's attorney argues the feds' prosecution is "fatally flawed." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The attorney for De Von Callicutt -- who was convicted of being the gunman in the murder of Richard Bailey -- has filed an appeal alleging problems with jury selection, judicial errors, and illegal interrogation. [TU]
Attendance for the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra at SPAC this past summer was down a bit, but ticket revenue was up a bit. SPAC's board announced next year's ballet schedule -- which will include a shorter run by the NYCB -- will be supplemented by the National Ballet of Canada and the Aspen Santa Fe Ballet. The board says it's trying to restore the NYCB's 2014 residency to two weeks. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
The state has paid more than $5 million over the last two years to settle multiple sexual harassment cases against state employees. Five of the 11 cases involved the state Department of Corrections. [AP/Troy Record] [NYT]
"Scores of medical professionals" have signed a letter urging the Cuomo administration to pursue an outside assessment of the potential public health effects of fracking. (The Cuomo admin has said the state Department of Health will be conducting the review.) [TU]
Westerlo mother pleads not guilty to son's murder, Fingerpaint Marketing signs lease on Saratoga Borders, $17,000 in school taxes paid in $1 bills
Fingerpaint Marketing has signed a 10-year lease on the former Borders building on Broadway in Saratoga.[Saratogian]
The Westerlo mother charged with murdering her 22-year-old disabled son pleaded not guilty in Albany county Court on Wednesday.[News 10]
A Clifton Park man is facing more than 20 years in state prison after pleading guilty to kidnapping and sexual abusing three boys between the ages of 9 and 15. [TU]
A Schenectady man pleaded guilty yesterday to detonating explosive devices on the home of the new boyfriend of his alleged accomplices ex-girlfriend last spring. [Gazette]
Lawyer for WashCo. man charged with blowing up home wants case dismissed, Schneiderman sues J.P. Morgan, MRSA case at Mohonasen High, Spa City's Broadway a "Best Street"
The lawyer for Steven McComsey, the Washington County man charged with blowing up his home, killing his girlfriend, her son and grandmother and three other people, wants the case dismissed due to lack of evidence. [TU]
The mother of a 22-year-old Westerlo man will be arraigned today on charges of second degree murder for allegedly stabbing him to death this summer. [YNN]
The 272-acre Cappiello Farm in Ballston has been sold to private buyers after the town board didn't move quickly enough on an opportunity to buy it and save it from development. [Saratogian] [TU]
Eric Schneiderman has filed a lawsuit against J.P. Morgan alleging it knowingly marketed and sold deficient mortgage packages as if they were sturdy investments. [TU]
Proposed budgets for Albany and Troy, 11-year-old dies trying to stop van, Schenectady getting aggressive about traffic fines, prosthetic paw for puppy
Jerry Jennings' proposed 2013 budget for the city of Albany doesn't increase the property tax levy -- but the residential tax rate will increase 3 percent. The budget also relies on a $7.85 million advance from the state on payments for the Empire State Plaza. Said Common Council president Carolyn McLaughlin of the advance: "Although in the past [the mayor's] been very successful at securing those funds for us, we have to go forward recognizing 'what do we do if we don't get it?'" The overall budget total is up about $2 million compared to last year, much of that in increased pension costs. [City of Albany] [News10] [TU] [YNN] [Fox23]
Lou Rosamilia's proposed 2013 budget for the city of Troy would increase property taxes by 2 percent. It would also reduce the city's fund balance to $415,000. The overall budget total is up 1.7 percent compared to last year. [City of Troy] [TU] [Troy Record] [City of Troy]
The Schenectady County legislature approved an override of the tax cap, and the county manager proposed a budget that includes a 7.49 percent property tax increase. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
After the death of its longtime treasurer, the governing body for Capital Region high school sports isn't sure whether it's filed a tax return in more than 30 years. [TU]
State Police say an 11-year-old died Monday afternoon in Ballston after he tried to stop a van from rolling into a road. They say Lane Rowe saw the van -- with three children inside and no driver -- start rolling backwards down an inclined driveway and he got behind it in an effort to stop it. He was pushed to the ground and the van came to a stop on him. State Police say the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. [YNN] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [Saratogian]
Questions about SPD role in domestic dispute, trio of alleged spying cases, large downtown Albany residential development opens, Mrs. London?
A domestic disputed between a Schenectady police officer and his girlfriend allegedly resulted in Schenectady police breaking into the woman's apartment to arrest her without a warrant -- though "two authoritative city sources" say police had entered the apartment to check on the welfare of a baby. [Daily Gazette]
Albany County sheriff Craig Apple on the situation in which a sheriff's office inspector -- who's already getting a pension because of a waiver -- has been out on disability and allegedly has moved to Florida: "This is a complete abuse of the system." [TU]
Schenectady mayor Gary McCarthy's proposed budget includes a 4-percent tax increase, which he says would fit under the tax cap, as well as job cuts and an increase in the garbage fee. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Now with Roy McDonald out of the state Senate 43rd race -- which most experts apparently McDonald would win -- attention has turned to the Democratic candidate, Robin Andrews. [TU]
Three recent cases of alleged spying: a 15-year-old boy accused of using a mobile phone camera to film women in the dressing room a the Sartoga Golf & Polo Club; a Central New York man accused of trying to take upskirt photos in a Colonie Hannaford; and an Albany man arrested for alleged unlawful surveillance of a 14-year-old girl. [Saratogian] [Troy Record] [TU]
Another manhole explosion, reaction to McDonald's decision, more residential development in downtown Troy
There was another manhole explosion caused by an underground electrical fire Thursday, this time in Troy. Said a nearby resident: "I was lying on the couch watching TV and all of a sudden ba-boom!" National Grid says the Troy incident isn't connected to the recent Albany incidents. And the utility says the two Albany incidents aren't connected to each other. Jerry Jennings on the underground fires: "It doesn't matter that they are two separate incidents, they are two incidents that could have hurt people." [Troy Record] [WNYT] [YNN] [TU] [WNYT]
If you missed it: Roy McDonald says he won't continue his campaign for the state Senate 43rd on the Indpendence line. People close to his campaign framed it as "unselfish decision" made to help Republicans keep control of the state Senate. to In a statement, Kathy Marchione called McDonald "a good man who works tirelessly for our community." Robin Andrews -- the Democratic candidate for the seat -- said in a statement that McDonald's exit "gives the voters of the 43rd Senate District a very clear choice." McDonald was thanked by the Empire State Pride Agenda, and called a hero by Log Cabin Republicans. Andrew Cuomo said he was "fully supportive of [McDonald], whatever he decides" and argued that McDonald's loss won't hurt the national push for same-sex marriage. McDonald declined requests for interviews. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [TU CapCon] [State of Politics] [State of Politics] [TU CapCon] [State of Politics] [TU]
A state comptroller's office audit concludes that were "maintenance deficiencies" and a lack of proper management oversight on elevators and escalators at the Empire State Plaza. Says an Office of General Services spokeswoman: "OGS has confirmed with an independent inspector that the elevators are in safe working order." [NYS OSC] [TU]
The state DOT will be stopping weekend construction work on the Twin Bridges at noon Sundays (instead of Monday morning) in order to ease the flow of traffic returning from the Adirondacks, the Cuomo admin announced. [Cuomo admin]
Cuomo vows to endorse McDonald -- but is McDonald running?, guilty verdict in Wilton road rage case, another manhole cover explosion in Albany
Update: Roy McDonald has reportedly decided to not continue his run, according to the Times Union, citing "two people familiar with this campaign."
Andrew Cuomo says that he'll endorse Roy McDonald for the 43rd Senate district seat should McDonald decide to run in the general election. In a letter to McDonald yesterday, Cuomo praised the senator for standing by his convictions on the Marriage Equality vote and offered his "full endorsement," saying, " It is now evident that you paid a political price for your convictions. You should not be left to stand alone now. [YNN] [TU] [NYT]
Democratic Candidate for the 43rd Senate Seat, Robin Andrews, says Cuomo's letter won't change her plans to run for the seat. [Capitol Confidential]
Saratoga County GOP Chairman Jasper Nolanhas called for McDonald to bow out of the race, but a poll backed by the gay rights group NY Unity PAC shows McDonald ahead with 45% of voters in a three way race for the 43rd Senate Seat. [Post Star] [Capitol Confidential ]
McDonald's camp put to rest rumors that he fired the Rensselaer County Republican Chair and rehired him on Wednesday, saying John Rustin's "employment papers ended on Sept. 26 and it was going to be extended all along."[Record]
Three more men -- all parolees -- have been arrested in connection with the shooting death of Alex Duncan, a 35-year-old father of seven, during an attempted robbery outside an Ontario Street barber shop. [APD Press Release (full release below)]
A Saratoga County jury convicted Frank Soriano of assault and weapons possession for attacking 43 year old Jeffrey Streicher in a fit of road rage in Wilton last year. [Saratogian] [WNYT]
Another manhole cover blew off in Downtown Albany overnight, leaving about 2,000 people in Arbor hill without power for a time. [TU] [YNN]
Republicans lining up behind Marchione,Global Foundries plans expansion in Malta, puppies abandoned in milk crate had to be put down
Republicans, including Saratoga County party Chairman Jasper Nolan, are beginning to line up behind Kathy Marchione for the 43rd district Senate seat, and are urging Roy McDonald to do the same. [Saratogain] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo says Republican "extremists" are punishing fellow party members who voted for gay marriage. [WNYT]
A Times Union analysis based on campaign finance filings shows Roy McDonald spent over $120 for every vote he received in the primary. [Capitol Confidential]
Two of the puppies abandoned in a milk crate in schenectady were sick with a contagious intestinal disease and had to be put down. A third puppy was already dead when the basket was discovered on a Schenectaday doorstep. [WTEN] [WNYT]
A state Department of Economic Development data specialist with no previous criminal record , apologized and blamed stress for crimes he descibed as "horrific" and "reprehensible," as he was sentence to 9 years in prison for distributing child pornograpy. [TU]
A man who was awaiting sentencing on a vehicular assault charge is now facing a new charge for grabbing the steering wheel of a moving car in which he was a passenger, and steering it into a Saratoga Springs police cruiser.">. [TU] [Saratogian]
A Guilderland man was picked up for DWI on his way to a court mandated DWI victim impact panel. [YNN]
The DMV has announced plans to keep people with five or more drunk or drugged driving convictions in 25 years off the road. [TU]
Marchione appears to have won Republican primary over McDonald, other side in alleged Wilton road rage trial, Fuller Road re-opening, great pumpkins
It appears that Kathy Marchione has won the Republican line in the state Senate 43rd over Roy McDonald. A counting of absentee votes in Columbia and Saratoga counties -- the last absentees to be counted -- resulted in a 100something vote margin for Marchione (every media outlet seems to be reporting a different number) with 50 votes set aside for possible review (which might not happen because of the vote margin). McDonald's campaign manager has said earlier that McDonald would run in the general election regardless of the Republican primary outcome (he has the Independence line) -- but on Monday he said McDonald's "considering all available options at this time" and they'll have a decision about how they're going to proceed by the end of this week/beginning of next. (The Democratic candidate is Robin Andrews.) [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [Post-Star] [State of Politics]
Marchione's challenge of McDonald was prompted in large party by his vote for the Marriage Equality Act. Stephen Saland -- a Republican state Senator from Poughkeepsie who helped write the religious protection clause of the act -- declared victory Monday after narrowly escaping a primary challenge for the Republican line in his district. Of the four Republican Senators who voted for the act, two have now won primary challenges (Saland, Grisanti), one lost (McDonald), and another didn't run for re-election (Alesi). [State of Politics] [NYT]
After the idea of the state contracting out the operations of NYRA and its race tracks (including the Saratoga Race Course) to a for-profit company while the racing org is under state control was leaked/floated/broken in the New York Post, state director of operations Howard Glaser said Monday all options are being looked at. Said Glaser on Fred Dicker's show: "One thing is clear: The functioning of NYRA is substandard." The Cuomo admin has yet to announce its appointees to the board that will oversee the state takeover of NYRA. [NY Post] [State of Politics] [Saratogian] [TU]
The federal HUD secretary was in town Monday for a panel discussion and meeting with the mayors of Albany, Schenectady, and Troy about foreclosures and strengthening the housing market. [Troy Record]
Fatal fire in Schenectady, weekend of stabbings, losing the fight against alien clams, Andrew Cuomo in a canoe
An 86-year-old man died in a house fire Saturday morning in Schenectady's Bellevue neighborhood (map). A person who lived upstairs in the two-family home said the fire took over quickly -- and the "wall of flames and smoke" was too much to reach the elderly man. Damage to the home was extensive, requiring demolition. [YNN] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [TU]
Schenectady police say a man was fatally stabbed in front of his home early Saturday in the Central State neighborhood (map). SPD hasn't released info about possible suspects. There have been multiple stabbings and fatalities on the man's street during the past year. [YNN] [WNYT] [TU]
Saratoga Springs police say
Troy police say a woman was stabbed in south central Troy Sunday night (block map). Police say the alleged stabber is a woman and is in custody. Update: TPD says the alleged incident involved a mother and daughter fighting over... doing the dishes. [YNN] [Fox23] [TU]
After a recanvassing of voting machines in Columbia County, Kathy Marchione still leads Roy McDonald by 110 votes. Absentee ballots for Columbia and Saratoga counties are scheduled to be counted today. [Troy Record] [TU]
Marchione's lead on McDonald widens, no word on cause of underground explosion, Cookie Factory looking to expand
After the counting of absentee and provisional ballots in Renssealer and Washington counties yesterday, Roy McDonald now trails Kathy Marchione by 110 votes for the Republican line in the general election for the 43rd state Senate seat. McDonald will now have to win about 59 percent of the remaining uncounted ballots -- from Saratoga and Columbia counties -- to win the primary. McDonald's campaign manager tells the Post-Star that McDonald will run on the Independence line in the general election if he loses the primary. Noted: the Marchione campaign's lawyer for the count/potential re-count: John Sweeney -- the McDonald campaign was questioning his tactics in Rensselaer County yesterday. (Flashback: Sweeney was called "Congressman Kickass" by George W. Bush for his actions during the 2000 presidential re-count in Florida.) [TU] [NYT] [Post-Star] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette] [Wikipedia]
The centerpiece of UAlbany's NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant proposal is the construction of a $165 million R&D center on the uptown campus it's calling the Emerging Technology and Entrepreneurship Complex. The Cuomo admin gets to make the decision on whether to grant UAlbany $35 million in seed money for the project. If approved and funded, the complex could be finished by 2017. [UAlbany] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation says the study of the potential public health effects of hydrofracking will be conducted by the state Department of Health -- not outside experts, for which some groups had been lobbying. Environmental groups aren't happy about the decision. [NYS DEC] [NYT] [TU]
National Grid says it's yet to determine what exactly caused the underground explosion in downtown Albany on Wednesday. [TU]
Cohoes warehouse blaze causes road closure, National Grid investigating underground explosions in Albany, Cuomo considers supporting McDonald & Saland, Balloons are back in Queensbury
A huge styrofoam fire in a construction company building in Cohoes is causing road closures and traffic tie-ups in the area. [TU] [YNN]
There are detours in the Pearl Street area of Downtown Albany as National Grid crews investigate what caused the fires and explosions that sent manhole covers flying in the area yesterday afternoon. [YNN] [AOA]
The 20-year-old driver charged in the hit-and-run death of a Saint Rose student James Oki last year pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter on Wednesday.[TU]
A 55-year-old former stockbroker from Voorheesville is charged with bilking customers out of as much as $2.2 million in a three year Ponzi scheme. Mark Casolo pleaded not guilty to a 15-count indictment that stemmed from a two year State Police investigation [WNYT] [TU]
High winds and rain cause flooding and power outages, McDonald /Marchione absentee ballot count starts Thursday, 3 bears killed in separate Saratoga County accidents, Emancipation Proclamation to be displayed in Albany
Tallying of absentee ballots in the McDonald / Marchione Republican primary battle will begin on Thursday in Washington and Rensselaer counties and on Monday in Saratoga and Columbia Counties. [Saratogian]
In a letter from State Budget Director Robert Megna, yesterday, State agencies and localities across New York were warned that they should not expect any budget increases in the 2013-2014 fiscal year. [TU]
Yesterday's storm brought high winds and record rainfall, causing flooding and road closure and leaving 18,000 businesses and residences without power for a time. [TU]
Coeymans police say they've identified the person who crashed an SUV into a vacant building this weekend -- and then, improbably, was able to leave the scene. The alleged driver is the son of an RCS school board member. [Fox23] [TU]
Albany County nursing home plan hits snag, APD: teens assaulted 70-year-old, apple cider prices up, Chuck Schumer's relaxed vacation look
A state panel will not recommend approval of of new Albany County nursing home. Reason: concerns about cost -- the most recent estimate figures an annual operating loss of more than $24 million. [Troy Record] [TU]
Just seven Capital Region school districts have gotten their teacher evaluation plans approved by the state. The state's education commissioner says the whole process has been slow going and can't promised it will be finished by the January deadline. [TU] [State of Politics]
Albany police say four teens assaulted a 70-year-old man in the Beverwyck neighborhood Saturday afternoon -- they allegedly spit on him, knocked him down, and hit him with a garbage can lid (map). [APD]
The small apple crop this year has led to higher prices for apple cider. [Daily Gazette]
Count/recount in McDonald/Marchione could start this week, police looking for driver in SUV vs. building crash, reward for info about puppies found on train tracks
A counting of absentee ballots -- and a recount of regular ballots -- could start this week in the too-close-to-call race between Roy McDonald and Kathy Marchione for the Republican line in the state Senate 43rd district (Marchione currently leads by more than a 100 votes). McDonald on his current plans for the general election: "I'm going to run; I'm going to run hard." The National Organization for Marriage -- an anti-same-sex marriage org -- has been claiming credit for Marchione's showing in the primary. (McDonald was one of the key votes in favor of the Marriage Equality Act.) [TU] [Saratogian] [State of Politics]
Albany police chief Steve Krokoff on the new alcohol policy at LarkFest this year: "I feel it's been a great success." Said a Chestnut Street resident of the situation: "It was an improvement ... A big improvement." [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
Schenectady city councilman Vince Riggi on the city's financial condition, and impending increase in debt payments: "We're in deep doo-doo." [Daily Gazette]
McDonald/Marchione too close to call, more primary follow up, fatal shooting in Albany, Scotia Diner re-opens
Here are highlights of results from Thursday's state and local primary elections.
The primary for the Republican line in the 43rd state Senate District -- incumbent Roy McDonald vs. Saratoga County clerk Kathy Marchione -- is too close to call. Marchione appears to be leading by fewer than 150 votes. And there are more than 1,100 absentee ballots to be counted. Marchione, who has the Conservative line, says she'll continue to the general election if she loses the Republican primary -- McDonald hasn't committed to that. Marchione's challenge of McDonald was rooted in McDonald's vote in favor of the Marriage Equality Act. She said of her run for the seat Thursday night: "this was a campaign to hold politicians accountable for their votes and their actions. Don't lie to us, don't disrespect us, don't insult us." Another Republican state Senator who voted for same-sex marriage -- Stephen Saland, of Poughkeepsie -- is also in a too-close-call primary. [TU] [Daily Gazette [Saratogian] [NYT]
David Soares on prevailing in the contentious Democratic Primary for Albany County DA against Lee Kindlon: "I want to really thank voters of Albany County for really being able to see through a lot of the nonsense that was foisted at them throughout this event." [TU]
Phil Steck and Pat Fahy both credited grass-roots support for their victories in the Democratic primaries for the 110th and 109th state Assembly seats. [TU]
Cohoes mayor John McDonald -- who won the Democratic primary for the state Assembly 108th against Carolyn McLaughlin, and is now lined up to take the seat currently held by Ron Canestrari -- is Canestrari's neighbor and succeeded him as mayor of Cohoes. [Troy Record]
Neil Breslin framed his win in the Democratic primary for the state Senate 44th against Shawn Morse as a step toward bringing the four Independent Democratic Conference members of the Senate back into the Democratic conference (Morse had the backing the IDC). [Troy Record]
It appears Cecelia Tkaczyk won the Democratic primary for the newly created state Senate 46th, in which she'll face Republican George Amedore. On the district that was apparently tailored for Amedore: "Nobody owns this district." [Daily Gazette]
It's primary day, documents show comptroller's office helped draft Lopez harrassment settlement, report shows problems with NYS sex ed, wayward pig slows morning Northway commute
It's primary day. Here's a look at races in the Capital Region. [TU] [Record]
The State Comptroller's office has played down its involvement with the sexual harassment settlement package paid to the victims of Vito Lopez, but a lawyer for Sheldon Silver says documents obtained through the Freedom of Information Act show that the office helped to write the settlement. Attorney William Collins says the documents show the State Comptroller's office wanted to discuss the size of the pre-litigation settlement paid to two women who charged Assemblyman Vito Lopez with sexual harassment so they could "feel comfortable" with the size of the settlement.
[NYT] [TU]
Marguerite Vanden Wyngaard was sworn in as Albany's new school superintendent yesterday. Vanden Wyngaard,told a crowd at Hackett Middle School that she came to Albany because the student's have academic challenges and "it's what I'm called to do." She says she wants to raise Abany's 50% graduation rate to 90%. [TU] [YNN] [WNYT]
A former Ballston Spa elementary school music teacher will spend more than five years in federal prison after admitting that he downloaded child porn from the internet and videotaped some of his own students.[TU] [Saratogian]
McDonald/Marchione debate heats up, final arrest in Saratoga fake i.d. case a felony, abused puppies may have been nailed to tracks, DOT working to avoid Monday Twin Bridges construction backups
Senator Roy McDonald on his vote for marriage equality: "I'm in the party of Abraham Lincoln... I'm not in the party of a bunch of right-wing nitwits." McDonald debated Republican primary challenger Kathy Marchione at Russell Sage College on Tuesday, where Marchione attacked his record on social issues like marriage equality. [NYT] [YNN] [WNYT]
Citizen One bloggerTheresa Grafflin has apologized for making the social security numbers of 20 employees in David Soares' office public, but says it was an accident and that Soares' opponent Lee Kindlon had nothing to do with it. [WNYT]
JCOPEclaims to be back on track with their investigation of the Vito Lopez sexual harassment scandal after one commissioner resigned, alleging "steamrolling" by Governor Cuomo. [YNN] [Capitol Confidential]
After a six-month investigation police in Saratoga have charged the 15th and final teenager in connection with a fake id case. The first 14 teens were charged with misdemeanors, but police have charged this teen with a felony because of a lack of cooperation in the investigation. The teen's attorney says the felony charge is "a gross over reaction and completely baseless." [TU] [WNYT] [Saratogian]
Traffic mess on Northway, drama at Chaplin sentencing, police say jewel thief working Loudonville
Traffic was a mess on the Northway around the Twin Bridges yesterday because of delays in re-opening the northbound bridge following weekend repair work. Then in the afternoon, a lane on the bridge was closed because of a problem with one of the plates that transitions the new deck panels to the old. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
The state's ethics panel -- JCOPE -- publicly indicated that it is investigating... something -- and that something is "widely understood" to be the Vito Lopez sexual harassment allegations and the settlement paid out by the Assembly the to accusers. Sheldon Silver says the panel is conducting a "full" investigation, not just Lopez's alleged actions (Andrew Cuomo had threatened to intervene if there wasn't an investigation of the settlement). And, because this is New York, the whole situation has turned into a discussion about the ethics panel itself and how it works/doesn't work. [State of Politics] [TU] [State of Politics] [NYT] [AP/Troy Record]
Scott Chaplin, convicted of murder in the Rosemary Crosier case in Troy, was sentenced to 25-years-to-life in prison. The sentencing turned into a drama as Chaplin continued to profess his innocence, setting off of a heated exchange in the courtroom between Crosier's family and his own. And Chaplin was cuffed again after he yelled "false" during a victim impact statement. [Troy Record] [WNYt] [TU] [News10]
It appears Albany County is headed toward another budget that would require overriding the tax cap. [TU]
Also out of last night's Albany County legislature meeting: frustration over the lack of progress on the convention center -- and a call for a casino at the convention center site. [Troy Record]
Firefighters injured in Troy fire, construction delays rush hour traffic on Northway, campaign drama of all sorts, "Techneurial Valley"
Two Troy firefighters were injured while fighting a house fire in Lansingburgh Sunday evening (map). TFD says the firefighters were blown the down the stairs when gases inside the building ignited, causing what firefighters call a "flash over." [TU] [Troy Record]
Troy fire officials says another Lansingburgh fire -- early Saturday morning -- is considered suspicious (map). TFD chief Tom Garrett says they don't know if it's connected to the rash of suspicious fires in North Central. [TU] [Troy Record]
Schenectady police say a man has died from injuries after an apparent assault on State Street Thursday night -- but what happened is unclear. [Daily Gazette]
Construction delays from the weekend deck resurfacing project on the Twin Bridges kept the northbound side closed during rush hour this morning. [WNYT]
Andrew Cuomo is threatening to use special investigative powers to look at the situation surrounding the allegations of sexual harassment in Vito Lopez's office, if the state ethics panel only focuses on Lopez and not the Assembly settlement. A member of the panel has resigned as part of the drama. And Tom DiNapoli (state comptroller) and Eric Schneiderman (state attorney general) continue to basically say, "Don't look at me!" about the settlement. Good government groups say the Lopez situation is a sign that the problem of sexual harassment at the Capitol isn't being taken seriously enough by legislators. [TU] [State of Politics] [NYT] [Daily Gazette]
Woz fest around the Capital Region, candidates trying to differeniate themselves in crowded fields, police: teens burned down historic house, man killed by falling tree
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak was in town yesterday, making appearances at multiple events. He toured Tech Valley High School -- "I wish I were a high school student today. I would have given anything to get into a school like this." -- and talked about his philanthropy, "I'd prefer being the nice guy to people, and being thought of that way, much more than starting Apple." And he appeared on a panel at GlobalFoundries about the future of this region, "There's something really big going on here in Tech Valley." One of the current obstacles to growing the tech scene here, as identified by members of that panel discussion at GloFo: lack of a presence from large venture capital firms. Said Peter Schultz, one of the co-inventors of fiber optics: "I'm going to tell you this is just the beginning. It is not time to pat yourself on the back. There are a lot more things that have to be built to be able to make this thing really go." [Troy Record] [News10] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [YNN]
Andrew Cuomo delivered a "stemwinder" to a crowd in Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention, and "sounded unmistakably like a man with ambitions well beyond Albany." The governor was at the convention for just one day, and otherwise kept a low profile -- a move that's parsed for potential presidential run implications. [NYT] [State of Politics] [TU]
Among the ways candidates tried to differentiate themselves in the field of eight for the 109th Assembly seat (to succeed Jack McEneny) at last night's forum: calling for an Albany/Lake Placid Olympic bid, calling for an outright ban on fracking, not supporting Sheldon Silver. With the crowded field, the candidates only got to answer a few questions. [TU] [WNYT]
Among the ways the four Democratic candidates for the 110th Assembly are trying to differentiate themselves: state legislature experience, lack of legislature experience, support for MMA, playing baseball with Mookie Wilson. [TU]
"People with knowledge" say the state ethics panel -- JCOPE -- has narrowed it focus on the Vito Lopez situation to the alleged sexual harassment by Lopez, and will not look into the actions of Sheldon Silver and the settlement reached with Lopez's accusers. [NYT]
Mathew Tully -- co-founder of the Tully Rinckey law firm in Troy -- was awarded a Purple Heart for being wounded during an attack in Afghanistan. Tully is serving with National Guard as a lieutenant colonel. [Troy Record] [Spotlight]
Soares office reportedly involved in Lopez harassment probe, Assembly/DA candidates square off in forums, strip club attorney says pole dancng is art and could become an olympic event
A number of candidate forums were held yesterday in the Capital Region:
+ Five of the candidates for the 110th Assembly district Five candidates for the 110th Assembly District took up a number of issues including fracking, jobs, health care and the tax cap. [TU] [Gazette]
+ The establishment of land banks to deal with vacant or tax foreclosed properties, the Albany Convention Center and hydrofracking were taken up by the candidates vying for the 108th Assembly District seat (there are two Democrats -- Carolyn McLaughlin and John McDonald -- for the 108th, not six as the article states). [Record]
+ Lee Kindlon and David Soares faced off in a debate in the Albany County DA race.[TU]
The AP is reporting that Albany County DA David Soares is joining a special prosecutor to help examine the sexual harassment case against Brooklyn Assemblyman Vito Lopez [AP/WNYT]
New York State Republicans are using the Vito Lopez scandal to leverage the upcoming election and push Sheldon Silver out of his speaker's post. [NYT]
A 20 year old Rensselaer County man is facing six charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, for allegedly leaving the scene of a deadly accident in Stephentown without telling anyone that there had been a passenger in his car who had been thrown from the vehicle. [WNYT]
A Hoosick Falls woman was charged with driving while impaired and leaving the scene of an accident, and may have been texting when she allegedly hit a bicyclist along Route 22 on Monday. The cyclist died after suffering severe head trauma. [TU] [News 10]
A 21-year-old Schenectady man was arrested for allegedly leaving the scene of an accident after hitting a roller blader with his car in Hamilton Hill. [Fox 23]
No BYOB at Larkfest, Lopez likely subject of a JCOPE executive session, Breslin/Morse debate highlights similarities, police dog named for former sheriff
In an effort to cut back on public drunkenness and other untoward behavior, the Lark BID announced Tuesday that coolers and BYOB will not be allowed at Larkfest this year. [TU] [ YNN]
The State's bi-partisan JCOPE commissioners held a special closed door meeting Tuesday, which is believed to have been about Vito Lopez. After a two and a half hour executive session the JCOPE panel said there was "no information being reported out." Sheldon Silver is being criticized for his role in authorizing a $135,000 settlement to two women who claim to have been harrassed by Lopez. Assembly candidate Frank Commisso Jr. said he won't support Silver in another term as speaker, and other assembly candidates are questioning his actions.
Meanwhile Vito Lopez has issued a statement saying the allegations against him are politically motivated and that he does not plan to step down but will let the voters decide in the upcomming election. Silver says expelling Lopez from the Assembly would require a criminal conviction. [YNN] [TU] [WNYT] [YNN] [Capitol Confidential] [NYT]
The family of a college student who died following a late night party in Saratoga in March of 2011 has dropped a $5 million lawsuit against the people involved with the party and is now offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone who may have committed a crime in the young man's death. [Saratogian]
Rape reported in Albany student neighborhood, two men shot in Schenectady, family says child was bitten by camel, eight generations at one house
Albany police say an 18-year-old UAlbany student reported being raped early Saturday morning at Western and Quail in Pine Hills (map). APD says the student reported she was walking alone when she ended up inside a home and was raped. APD says it's trying to piece together details of the attack -- it's not clear whether the student was taken inside the home by force or not, or whether she knew the person who attacked her. It says it's trying to determine which house she was taken to. APD says the student was "highly intoxicated" and had become separated from a friend who was with her. [APD] [TU] [YNN] [WNYT] [New10] [Fox23]
Albany police say they were 16 arrests in Pine Hills over the weekend. [News10]
A passport and a backpack prompted a bomb scare in downtown Albany Monday night (map). There were evacuations of some nearby businesses and residences. The suspicious bag turned out to not be a threat. [YNN] [TU] [Fox23] [WNYT]
Sheldon Silver says he's asked Brooklyn Assemblyman Vito Lopez to resign. Lopez is the Assemblyman accused of sexually harassing staffers, a situation that prompted the Assembly to pay out more than $100,000 in settlement money. Word of the settlement only got out after Lopez was recently censured (and not referred to the ethics committee) -- said Silver yesterday of the situation: "Ultimately, I'm the speaker and I'm responsible, and clearly mistakes were made." Last week state attorney general Eric Schneiderman called the Lopez settlement "wholly inappropriate and contrary to the public interest." State Democrats appears to still be supporting Silver -- he'll have the honor at the Democratic National Convention this week of announcing that New York's delegates are endorsing Barack Obama. [State of Politics] [NYT] [TU] [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
New York State has the highest per pupil spending in the country. [TU]
Local schools again tagged by state for lack of improvement, nothing definitive in death of teen, State Police pull thousands of pot plants, man found stuck in the mud
Schools in the Albany, Schenectady, and Troy school districts are on the state's "priority" list -- either for not making significant progress on raising standardized test scores or for having low graduation rates. Here are the "Accountability Designation Reports." [TU] [NYSED]
The state Department of Health says it's not sure what caused the death of 16-year-old Queensbury High School student Jonathan Vasiliou -- tests for the four most common types of bacterial meningitis were negative. Said a DOH spokesman: "That does not mean that we can rule out a communicable disease. But it's unlikely it is communicable." A physician for the school still suspects the original diagnosis -- "I do believe it was bacterial meningitis of some kind, but I cannot prove it." The school says it's been cleaning its athletic facilities (Vasiliou was a football player) and has switched from water bottles to paper cups. [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [Fox23] [News10]
More back-and-forth in the Albany County DA race: Lee Kindlon on the DWI plea deal policies instituted by Soares, the Signature Pharmacies steroids case, and Soares on the investigation of Kindlon's county time sheets. [TU] [TU] [TU]
Gloria Allred says the settlement two of her clients agreed to over alleged sexual harassment by powerful state Assemblyman Vito Lopez did not preclude the Assembly from referring the case to an ethics investigation, as asserted by Sheldon Silver. In response to Allred, a Silver spokesman said: "At all times, the Assembly has acted to protect the privacy of the victims and has deferred to their preferences in this matter." Meanwhile, the state comptroller's office responded to questions about its role in paying out the settlement by essentially saying, "Not it." [TU] [NYT] [State of Politics]
Pilot in Clifton Park plane crash dies, doctors still searching for cause of Queensbury student's death, more Lopez employees allege harassment
A State Health Department investigations shows that the Queensbury High School football player who died earlier this week did not have meningitis, but the cause of the student's death is still unknown. More than 100 student athletes at Queensbury are taking preventative doses of the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin.[TU] [YNN]
The pilot of the small plane that went down in Clifton Park several weeks ago, has died. Jim Quinn suffered a head injury in the crash that also killed his passenger, local businessman Walter Uccellini. The two men were part of the company behind the new City Station development in Troy, part of which is officially opening today. [TU] [Record] [Fox 23] [YNN]
Prominent attorney Gloria Allred, who represented one of the alleged harassment victims who received a $103,000 harassment settlement in the Vito Lopez case,
says Sheldon Silver was wrong in his claim that the settlement precluded the Assembly from investigating the matter further. Silver says he welcomes an investigation into the matter.
Meanwhile, five women who worked for Vito Lopez told the New York Times that Lopez requested they wear short skirts and high heels to work, berated them, made unwanted advances and used crude language. [NYT] [Capitol Confidential] [NYT]
Capital Region marks one year since Irene and Lee, Planned Parenthood allowed back into Shen schools, Queensbury H.S. football player dies of "serious infection"
Residents in Schoharie County, Waterford and other parts of the region gathered yesterday to mark the anniversary of tropical storms Irene and Lee. A year after the storms, some people in Prattsville are still living in FEMA trailers.
Other Irene and Lee related stories : FEMA will not cover the costs involved in replacing the historic Blenheim Bridge, destroyed last year in Hurricane Irene.
National Grid is finally catching up with reconnect and disconnect orders after the tropical storms.[WNYT] [Record] [WNYT] [WNYT] [YNN]
A Queensbury High School football player has died from a "serious infection." School and health officials are urging the rest of the team to take precautionary measures. There is still no word on what type of infection it was that killed the student. [ Post Star] [YNN] [TU]
The Shenendahowa school board voted to allow Planned Parenthood instructors back into health classes. Planned Parenthood volunteers had been teaching sex ed in Shen's health classes for about 20 years, but that arrangement was stopped last fall after a group of parents objected. [YNN] [TU]
Irene flooding pushed timeline for struggling towns, Schenectady bans smoking in parks, another state legislator in trouble, El Loco sold
State Assemblyman Peter Lopez on what Irene flooding did to many struggling towns: "It's like you were watching a DVD and hit the fast-forward button. Maybe it's like looking seven or 10 years into the future -- like this is what it would have looked like if the floods hadn't happened and these problems were not addressed. Now all these issues are in front of us." [TU]
Troy police have identified the man found shot to death in an apartment stairwell Sunday afternoon as Scott Danker. TPD says Danker was shot in the head. Police have announced a motive -- "a former neighbor and friend" says Danker "had some demons." [Troy REcord] [TU] [WNYT]
The Saratoga Springs employee who alleges that that accounts department was giving out preferential treatment in property tax assessment cases has been suspended, "pending a hearing to terminate." Mary Zlotnick alleges that condo owners represented by a consultant got a smoother path to having assessments changed. But accounts commissioner John Franck says the city had been assessing condos incorrectly, and many condos were changed outside the grievance process because the city knew they were wrong. [TU] [Saratogian] [Saratogian]
Schenectady's city council passed a ban on smoking in the city's parks and playgrounds. Schenectady police say enforcement will not be a priority. [YNN] [News10]
The city of Albany says it won't be enforcing its cabaret law for the moment in order to allow businesses to apply -- and appeal. [Fox23]
One year after Irene, man found shot to death in Troy apartment stairwell, Adelphi could open year round, Joe Bruno misses Shelly Silver
Coming up on the one-year mark of Tropical Storm Irene, there was a lot of Irene-one-year-later coverage this past weekend:
Times Union: After Irene | Irene photos then and now | Rebirth in Schoharie | Recovery celebrations
Daily Gazette: From ruin to recovery | Long term recovery is just beginning | Review of evacuation plans and shelters | Q&A about the status of the Gilboa Dam | Recovery and restoration in the Stockade | Recovery in Scotia | Recovery in Central Bridge | Recovery at schools | Damage in the Adirondacks | Damage to the canal system | Recovery of the Schoharie Creek ecoystem | Irene in their own words
Troy Record: Almost back to normal in Waterford | Still waiting for answers on landslide in Troy | Resilience in Rensselaer County rural towns | Disaster brought out the best in volunteers
NYT: Recovery and the ongoing challenges in Prattsville and other Catskills towns
YNN: Prattsville's supervisor: "I want to look forward. I don't want to keep dredging up the past."
Damage estimates for last year's tropical storms well over $1 billion, revised plan for St. Patrick's site in Watervliet, large pot bust in Schoharie County, DC water chief irked by Saratoga water
New York State damage estimates from tropical storms Irene and Lee have now reached $1.5 billion. A state report on the response storms figures the state has $574 million on aid to affected areas. The Cuomo administration has pledged another $500,000 for recovery efforts in Prattsville. [YNN] [TU] [News10]
Many streams and trails in the Adirondacks still carry significant damage from Irene flooding. [Daily Gazette]
The developer hoping to build a new Price Chopper at the site of St. Patrick's in Watervliet has released an updated plan it says it hopes will address some of the concerns about the project. The new plan includes architectural changes, more green space and sound barriers, and additional shops. Many speakers at the public presentation of the plan continued call for the preservation of the church building. The Albany Roman Catholic Diocese says it can't afford to restore the church. [Fox23] [YNN] [Troy Record] [TU]
The back-and-forth between David Soares and Lee Kindlon has gotten even more pointed -- Thursday's topic: ax murderers. [TU]
Schenectady among 10 NY districts with approved education plan, Glens Falls man gets 25 years for assulting infant,Cambridge woman named Top Model contestant
Schenectady is one of ten school districts whose education plan has been approved by the State Education Commissioner. Statewide, 700 districts must have approved plans in place by January 13th in order to get a portion of the $805 million increase in state aid. Schenectady's plan includes the ability to grade some teachers as part of groups.[News 10/AP] [TU]
A Glens Falls man received the maximum sentence of 25 years in prison for breaking the leg of a 7 week old baby. [YNN]
A 22 year old Albany man was killed on Wednesday morning when his motorcycle collided with an Albany Park, Ride, Fly van on Wednesday morning.[TU] [Record]
Latham family files $27 million suit in girl's death, Chaplin's lawyer says he has new witnesses in closed murder case, Schenectady's "Pizza King" has died
The family of the Latham girl who died when she was electrocuted on a mini-golf course at a Florida resort has filed a $27 million lawsuit claiming the "billion dollar company" hired an unlicensed employee who didn't get the proper permits or inspections for the work. [TU]
The attorney for Scott Chaplin, the man convicted last month in the 18-year-old murder case of Rosemary Crosier, says he has new witnesses and is appealing to have the case reopened. [TU]
A Schenectady jury convicted a Bronx gang member on Tuesday in a four-year-old murder case that started with a disagreement over a dice game [TU]
A new Siena poll shows New Yorkers are pretty evenly divided over hydrofracking. [WNYT]
Capital Region unemployment hit another two-decade high in July, reaching 8 percent. [TU]
Andrew Cuomo spoke at yesterday's meeting of New York's regional economic development councils. Cuomo is seeking changes in regulations, tax structure and what he called an attitude of arrogance toward business that he believes has led to stagnation in job growth, particularly upstate. [YNN]
Protest over Albany cabaret law, questions about assessments in Saratoga, shooting in Pine Hills, drought bad for pot crop, too many kittens
About 75 people turned up for a protest yesterday evening of Albany cabaret law, specifically a recent implementation of it that would make venues stop live entertainment at 2 am. An attorney representing Waterworks said he's looking at going to court over to stop the enforcement of the rule. Said Common Councilman Ron Bailey: "We're talking about a domino affect if we don't straighten this out, bars are going to close. People are gonna lose jobs." The law includes a provision for reviewing its implementation six months after its passage, which would be in October. [Troy Record] [YNN] [Fox23] [WNYT] [TU]
The state attorney general's office is reportedly investigating some property reassessments in Saratoga Springs after allegations surfaced that a consultant has been given the inside track on lowering assessments -- and, the allegation continues, she's been pitching that service to property owners. [TU]
Said pastor Willie Bacote at a North Central Troy neighborhood meeting about the recent rash of violence and suspicious fires: "The police are there to help us, police are there to further protect, but they can't solve our problems, we need to do the work." Frequent request at a at the meeting: more programs for young mothers and children. Troy police say they're still investigating the string of fires. [Fox23] [Troy Record] [YNN]
Questions about state's discipline of doctors, four arrested in multiple Niskayuna stabbing, huge number of apps for Schenectady teaching positions, wild boarpocalypse stalled
Even though the number of doctors in the state has increased over the last 20 years -- and the number of complaints have also increase -- the rate at which the state has issued the most severe disciplinary actions against doctors has decreased. [TU]
Question now circulating as municipalities in the state face even more difficult financial circumstances: should the state allow cities to declare bankruptcy, or have them taken over by a control board? [TU]
New York didn't ask the EPA to do testing for dioxins following the recent large fire at an electrical equipment recycler in Columbia County -- but Massachusetts did. [TU]
Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that allows the Albany County jail to house inmates from other states as a way of generating revenue. [TU]
The attorney for Annie George -- the woman accused of keeping an illegal immigrant from India at the Llenroc mansion in Rexford as a servant -- alleges the Indian woman is cooperating with federal prosecutors in an attempt to get legal residency in the United States. [AP/Saratogian]
Investigation into Clifton Park plane crash, Albany bar owners fighting cabaret licensing, land bank proposed for Albany County, rogue pig apprehended
Investigators from the federal National Transportation Safety Board say it may be a year before there's an official conclusion about what caused a small plane to crash in Clifton Park this week. Investigators were at the scene yesterday collecting evidence. They say they're hoping some electronic instruments include data that will help them understand what happened. The wreckage of the plan is being transported to a facility in Connecticut for further study. Walter Uccellini -- founder of the Troy-based United Group development company -- died in the crash, and the other man aboard -- James Quinn -- is still hospitalized. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [YNN] [Fox23] [Fox23]
Albany bar owners say they're planning to fight the city's cabaret licensing system after a batch of new permits required bars to stop live entertainment at 2 am. [TU]
People living near that large fire at chemical recycling company in Columbia County earlier this month are still uneasy about the possibly toxic after effects. The DEC says tests of the soot have been negative for PCBs. As for getting the word out about evacuations: "Plain and simple, there's no other way to put it, we dropped the ball," said a Columbia County Sheriff's Office lieutenant. Representatives from the company -- TCI -- did not attend the meeting. [TU] [Fox23] [WNYT] [News10]
Troy mayor Lou Rosamilia says the the police department's Street Crimes Unit "has not, and will not, be reinstated." (Supporters of the unit have been calling for it again because of the string of suspicious fires.) [Troy Record] [WNYT]
Well-known local developer killed in plane crash, NY could become the "silicon valley of yogurt," RPI students to aid in Mars rover Curiosity research
Yesterday's plane crash on a Clifton Park lawn killed well-known Troy developer Walter Uccellini. The developer behind Troy's recently completed City Station project was a passenger in the six-seat plane flown by Jim Quinn. Quinn was injured in the crash. The two were believed to be traveling on a business trip when Quinn radioed the tower that they were experiencing trouble and he was looking for a place to land the plane. State Police say Quinn's piloting skills helped avoid even more damage. [Record] [WNYT] [YNN] [TU]
Legislators, dairy farmers, and yogurt makers are working to make New York "the agricultural version of Silicon Valley." At yesterday's Yogurt Summit Andrew Cuomo announced that the state plans to ease regulations for dairy farmers, boosting the maximum allowable herd size -- a move that has environmental activists concerned about things like manure run-off. [NYT] [TU]
Police discovered the body of a woman in Green Island last night, but say they don't believe the death was suspicious. [TU]
Albany club and bar owners who hold newly-issued cabaret licenses are upset that the documents say they have to stop live music and DJs at 2 am. The city's cabaret law passed earlier this year doesn't have a stop time and many of the venues fear cutting off two hours early will hurt business. [TU]
Plane crash-lands in Clifton Park, admissions drop may cause layoffs at HVCC, Cuomo to host "yogurt summit"
A plane crash landed near the Colonie Reservoir at around 7:30 this morning. One person is dead and the pilot is injured. [TU] [WNYT]
A 13 year old bicyclist was hit by a car near the Northway entrance by Stuyvesant Plaza on Tuesday. Folks who live and work on Western Avenue say the ramp is dangerous it was only a matter of time before someone was injured there.[TU] [Fox 23]
Governor Cuomo will host a "yogurt summit" in Albany today to bring dairy farms together with yogurt producers and state officials to discuss how government to help encourage the industry, now that it has reached critical mass in New York. [YNN]
Police patrols are up in Troy while the department tries to determine who is responsible for a spate of suspicious fires in the city.Demolition crews took down the last four homes destroyed by the fire on Sunday in Troy's North Central District. Police believe the target may be a woman who lived in two of the buildings where the fires occurred. [YNN] [WNYT] [News 10]
Troy stepping up efforts on suspicious fires, three stabbed in Niskayuna, another county another nursing home problem, rabid beaver attack
Troy mayor Lou Rosamilia says two police detective are working the suspicious fires case full time, additional officers are being added to patrol, and firefighters will patrolling North Central during early morning hours. Councilman Mark McGrath says the rash of fires is the result of "a street fight that escalated." One of the fire victims says the fires are targeting a man involved in an earlier drug-related shootout -- and/or a woman may be the target. There's now a $2,000 reward for info about the case. This buildings hit on Sunday have been demolished. [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT] [News10] [Troy Record] [YNN]
Niskayuna police say three people were stabbed Sunday night in a park near Mohawk Commons (map). NPD says the stabbing was not random. Teens in the neighborhood say there was a fight involving four people. [Saratogian] [YNN] [WNYT]
Brent Dickenson -- the man arrested for threatening to "torture and murder" school children in Saratoga (and allegedly threatened Barack Obama) -- has pleaded guilty. [Saratogian] [TU]
More fires in Troy, apple crop way down this year, vacant houses a problem all over, state historic artifacts on display at Capitol, the Giants eat a lot
Two fires on the same block in Troy's North Central neighborhood early Sunday morning have displaced about two dozen people. The first fire was at a house already vacant because another fire a month ago. Crews responded to the second fire -- with flames 20 feet above the roof tops of multiple houses -- about four hours later. Fire officials say the buildings will have to be demolished. Troy's fire chief says the first fire was "definitely suspicious." It's the latest in a string of suspicious fires, and Troy police reportedly have a team of detectives working the case full time. [News10] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN] [Troy Recod] [WNYT]
This year's weird weather has had a severe effect on the apple crop both in the Capital Region and the state -- some orchards won't be offering pick your own as a result. Some trees have very few or no apples on them. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Said two women to police of the tractor trailer that flipped off I-88 in Schoharie County onto Route 7 below on Sunday: "The truck fell out of the sky!" The driver of the truck died, and the women are being treated for serious burns. [News10] [TU]
The way state Supreme Court judges angle for ballot spots is secretive, complicated, and odd. [TU]
Push back on comments about downtown Albany and crime, rash of thefts in Niskayuna, man killed after being swarmed by bees, boofing the money, how Steinbrenner tried to pick up women in Troy
The Jennings administration assembled a bunch of downtown Albany business owners and economic development officials yesterday to counter the assertion by Jillian's owner that people are afraid of crime in the area. And Albany police chief Steve Krokoff says crime is down in that neighborhood. The friction between Jillian's owner Ralph Spillenger and officials was apparent, with a prominent economic development official basically saying Jillian's failed because it wasn't good enough. Spillenger's son said the assembled group didn't represent business owners who operated after dark, and that's when the problems occur. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [WNYT] [TU] [YNN]
The three men on trial for allegedly being involved in the kidnapping and killing of an Albany drug dealer (and then dumping his body in sewer) have been found not guilty. [TU]
Most of the Democrats running to succeed Jack McEneny in the state Assembly support the Albany Convention Center (to some degree). [TU]
Burgess charged in fatal Voorheesville crash, Queensbury love triangle shooting victim hit by eight bullets, Jennings calls Pearl St. safety meeting, hot dry weather is bad for bears
An Albany grand jury has indicted the Voorheesville woman who lost control of her car, killing three women outside a church last year. LuAnn Burgess was indicted on five felony charges, including criminally negligent homicide and vehicular manslaughter. D. A. David Soares calls the case " one of the most tragic and complex motor vehicle crashes in this country's history. A nearly year long investigation into the incident focused on whether Burgess should have been driving while under the influence of medication she was taking to treat her Parkinson's disease. She had Xanax, Wellbutrin and Seroquel in her system at the time of the incident. Burgess' attorneys say it was an accident, not a crime. [TU] [Saratogian] [YNN] [Record]
Sheriff's deputies in Queensbury say Ralph Runnalls, the man killed in the Bay Road "love triangle shootout" earlier this week, was struck by eight rounds in his head torso and arms and died of a bullet wound to the head. Police say shooting appears to have been in self defense. [Saratogian] [TU] [Record]
The owner of Jillian's, who is closing the night club this week, says he's been approached by prospective buyers who are considering using the first floor of the club as a food market. [TU]
At a meeting with downtown business owners Wednesday, Jerry Jennings took suggestions on how to improve conditions near Pearl Street, but pointed out that a great deal is spent on police protection in the area. Jennings is expected to announce plans for the area later today. [Fox 23] [City of Albany Press Release]
New details in "love triangle" shooting, Troy housing officials investigated for double dipping scheme, Olympian's relative apologizes for pot brownies, Queensbury prepares for Spider Pig
Updated
New details in the "love triangle" shootout in Queensbury are surfacing: Ralph Runnalls, the man killed in the exchange of gun fire, married Jackie Kegan, the woman injured in the incident, just a few weeks ago. Kegan had a child 18 years ago with the other man involved -- Paul Wells, who was also injured in the incident. The incident involved a .357 Magnum, two other handguns, as many as 22 shots and zero gun permits. [WNYT] [Post Star ] [Fox 23]
Jah-Lah Vanderhorst -- the 17-year-old convicted of manslaughter for the death of Tyler Rhodes in an Albany park -- was sentenced to 25 years in prison this morning. Vanderhorst also got married shortly before the sentencing. Albany County DA David Soares called the nuptials "poor form." [YNN] [@RobertGavinTU] [@RobertGavinTU]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli's office says the Troy Housing Authority comptroller conspired with his boss so he could double dip. DiNapoli charges that Roger Rosenthal of Latham collected salary of $200,000 while also collecting a $50,000 state pension and alleges that Rosenthal submitted false documents when investigators questioned him about the arrangement. [WNYT] [TU] [Record]
Regulatory documents show that in the last year about 50,000 pounds of oil with relatively high levels of PCBs was frequently moved through the Columbia County transformer plant that caught fire last week -- but a former plant employee says that kind of material would only be stored at the plant for days at a time and is not a hazard and the state officials have released the results of safety tests that show there is no public health danger stemming from the fire. [TU] [WNYT]
A Troy police officer went into a burning building and carried out an 80-year-old disabled woman who was trapped in her 4th Avenue apartment. [TU]
Man beaten in South Troy now dead, apparent love triangle shooting in Queensbury, pawn shop law vetoed, police say 13-year-old stole car
The man who was apparently beaten on a bridge over the Poestenkill in South Troy this weekend has died. Troy police say the man was an undocumented immigrant from Mexico, and they believe everyone involved with the incident is undocumented. TPD says it appears there was some sort of argument that escalated and the man was hit with a blunt object. [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN] [News10]
One person was killed and two others injured in a shooting in Queensbury Monday afternoon. The Warren County sheriff described the situation as "some sort of apparent love triangle." The sheriff says it appears Ralph Runnalls confronted Paul Wells and Jacqueline Keegan* with a handgun -- and Wells then got a shotgun and fired back, fatally injuring Runnals. The sheriff says the 18-year-old son Wells and Kegan witnessed the incident. (*Some outlets are reporting that as "Keegan," others as "Kegan.") [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [News10]
The DEC says tests did not find PCBs in the soot spread by the large fire in Columbia County last week. The agency says it tested within a 15-mile radius of the fire. [TU] [YNN]
If not necessarily agreeing with Jillian's owner that "people are afraid to come to downtown Albany," other bar/restaurant owners there say business has been down significantly this summer. [TU]
State makes big addition to Adirondack preserve, mother hugs driver sent to prison for her daughter's death, police investigating beating in South Troy
The state has bought 69,000 acres of land in the Adirondacks, which it says is the biggest land addition to the Adirondack State Forest Preserve in more than a century. The land formerly belonged to Finch Pruyn paper company and the Nature Conservancy. It will be open to the public for the first time in 150 years. Much of the land is in Essex and Hamilton counties (map) (map), but the deal also includes a few tracts of land in Saratoga County. [Cuomo admin] [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette]
Brian Vecchio -- the 18 year old who pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide for the crash that killed Noelle Johnsen this past January in Saratoga County -- was sentenced to 1 and 1/3-to-four years in prison. Said Johnsen's mother at the sentencing to Vecchio: "I cannot honestly say that I forgive you right now at this very moment, but I will not hold a grudge, Brian." She then hugged him, explaining to the media: "Because if it was my son, I would want him to be safe. And I just felt like a mother and I just wanted to protect him ... told him to keep his chin up and I'd be here for him if he needed to talk to me and that I know that he was sorry and I was sorry." [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
Schenectady police say a man was shot Sunday afternoon on a street in Hamilton Hill (map). SPD is looking for a suspect and examining surveillance camera video. [YNN] [Fox23] [News10]
Almost a year after a woman lost control of her SUV and plowed into a Vorheesville church, killing three people, the Albany County DA's office has yet to announce whether it will pursue charges or not. [TU]
Focus turns to cleanup after massive Columbia County fire, customers get lei'ed at supermarket opening, yogurt summit planned for Albany
The massive fire at an electrical disposal company in Columbia County was "virtually out" by Thursday afternoon. Now officials are trying to figure what was in all that heavy smoke -- experts say that highly toxic substances could have been created and spread by the fire. the company processes old electrical transformers and related equipment, which often contain PCBs. Officials say initial tests did not indicate the presence of PCBs in soot spread by the fire -- tests for the presence of dioxins should be back today (dioxins are especially nasty pollutants). TCI -- the company that owns the Ghent facility -- said in a statement that "minimal regulated material was stored" in the building at the time it caught fire. Officials have issued a list of recommendations for how nearby residents should clean up the soot. One resident says he found an oily substance on his car, lawn, and pool. [TU] [TU] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [WHO] [Fox23] [Fox23] [News10]
An expert witness in the trial of three men accused of killing an alleged drug dealer and dumping his body in an Albany sewer testified yesterday that a body could in fact "disarticulate" in a sewer. [TU]
More than 300 people lined up ahead of the opening of Trader Joe's on Wolf Road this morning. The line was wrapped around the parking lot. The first person in line showed up at 10 pm last night. TJ's employees handed out leis to people in line. [TU] [JenIsGreen] [Fox23] [News10]
Evacuations and state of emergency declared after Columbia County recylcing plant fire, Richard Bailey's murderer suing Albany police, Clifton Park olympian loses in first round, Super Bowl trophy at Albany City Hall
A State of Emergency has been declared for the area surrounding around TCI of New Yorkin the Columbia County town of Ghent. A fire that began shortly after 10 pm on Wednesday at the hazardous waste disposal business, continues to burn into this morning and residents within a half-mile of the site are being evacuated. [YNN] [WNYT] [TU
Police say believe Tracey Zetzche, the Long Island woman who allegedly murdered her son to murder her 22 year old son in their Westerlo apartment earlier this week, had been suffering from financial problems.Zetzche apparently lived in the apartment with her son's body for several days before she was discovered on Tuesday. [TU] [Saratogian]
The man convicted of murdering Ualbany student Richard Bailey is suing six Albany police officers for $160,000 alleging they beat, pistol-whipped and Tasered him into unconsciousness. [TU]
A report by comptroller Tom DiNapoli shows local governments across New york State are burning through cash reserves and running up deficits in an effort to make ends meet. [NYT]
Westerlo woman charged with son's murder, driver charged with manslauter in Milton teen's death, Colonie braces for Trader Joe traffic, Godzilla returns to Voorheesville
The Westerlo woman whose 22-year-old disabled son was found dead in their home earlier this week, has been charged with his murder. Tracy Zetsche was charged with second-degree murder after an autopsy revealed that Gabriel Philby-Zetsche was killed by a stab wound to the chest and multiple skill fractures. [TU] [YNN] [WNYT]
The 21-year-old Rock City Falls man charged with driving drunk when his car struck and killed a teen on West Milton Road last month has now charged with vehicular manslaughter in the case. [Record] [TU]
911 tapes reveal that Robert Kowalik, the man dragged by a pick up truck this week hung on to the exterior of the truck, telling 911 dispatchers over his cell phone, "I can't hold on much longer." Walmart surveillance video shows that Kowalik was dragged by the truck. The driver of the truck -- the current boyfriend of the victims ex-girlfriend-- claims he stopped the vehicle several times and each time he tried to leave Kowalik jumped back on the truck. [TU] [News 10] [YNN]
Police in Waterford have arrested a man for robbing the Pioneer Savings bank on Saratoga Avenue yesterday. [TU]
A natural gas drilling company says local bans on fracking are illegal in New York State and plans to sue unless bans enacted by New York municipalities are reversed. [Record]
Police are warning residents of Albany's Washington Park neighborhood about a rash of recent car burglaries. Over the last two months 29 cars have been broken into - 10 on Monday night alone. [News 10] [YNN]
Sheriff's office says Westerlo death is suspicious, tax breaks for downtown Saratoga movie theater, field narrows for UAlbany president job, Capital District Community Gardens picks new home
The Albany County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death of a 22-year-old man whose body was found in a Westerlo apartment Monday morning. Sheriff Craig Apple says the man's aunt stopped to check on the man, who had a physical disability, after seeing his mother sitting on the steps outside the apartment. The man's body was found in a bloody scene, and Apple says the case is being considered suspicious. [YNN] [News10] [Fox23] [TU]
More unraveling of what allegedly happened (or didn't happen) during then-state attorney general Andrew Cuomo's 2009 investigation of possible political interference with the State Police. The latest bits: Cuomo allegedly discouraged State Police from obtaining legal representation during the investigation, according to "interviews with former officials and claims made in documents" (the Cuomo admin denies this). And David Paterson's administration allegedly tried get white state troopers on the then governor's security detail replaced with African American and Latino state troopers, which the acting State Police superintendent refused to do (a Paterson aide denies much of the allegation). [TU] [NYT] [NYT]
The alleged dragee in the Troy pick-truck dragging incident Sunday night says the alleged driver was giving him a ride home from the hospital -- but they got in a fight over a woman. [Troy Record]
The Saratoga IDA has awarded more than $950k in tax breaks to developer Sonny Bonacio for the proposed movie theater project at the site of the former Price Chopper in downtown Saratoga. Bonacio has yet to line up a theater operator for the project. [TU] [Saratogian]
Troy police investigating odd incident, Schumer and Gillibrand support minimum wage increase, pawn shops trying to head off new rules, flood prompts man to find lost family
Troy police are investigating an incident in which a man allegedly was dragged by a pick-up truck -- maybe by choice -- for three miles while he called police for help from his mobile. The alleged driver has been arrested. TPD says there are reports the man who was allegedly dragged had at one point tried to get into the window of the driver's door. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23] [YNN] [News10]
Saratoga Springs police are looking for help in figuring out what events led up to a man being found unconscious and not breathing on the street near the Beekman Street district early Saturday (map). Police say the man was taken to the hospital in critical condition. Noted, if not related: this incident isn't the man's first brush with death. [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [TU]
State Police say the man who allegedly fled a traffic stop in Glenville early Friday and then jumped into the Mohawk River was found dead in the river -- and it appears he drowned. They say they're not sure why the man ran. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Testified one of the men who was allegedly involved in the death of an alleged pot dealer in Albany of what happened when they allegedly decided to dump the body in a sewer in West Hill: ""He was stiff and knew from, like, watching movies that meant he was dead ... We thought we'd hear something, but there was no splash, and we didn't hear nothing at all." [TU]
WXXA -- Fox23 -- has been sold and apparently will be sharing some services with WTEN. [Business Wire] [TU]
Severe storms miss Capital Region, Guilderland bank robbed again, suspect allegedly flees traffic stop and jumps in river, healing with horses
The severe thunderstorms forecasted for Thursday passed to the south of the Capital Region -- this area only got about 1/10 of an inch of rain (and some ominous cloud formations). Parts of the Southern Tier were not so lucky. A tornado touched down in Elmira, accompanied by heavy rain, causing widespread damage. The Binghamton area also suffered significant storm-related damage, with three unconfirmed reports of tornadoes. As of last night, about 97,000 utility customers statewide were without power because of storm damage. [TU] [NWS] [Albany Weather Examiner Facebook] [Elmira Star Gazette] [Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin]
Quinnipiac poll: 80 percent of respondents oppose increasing the pay for New York State legislators. Both Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos say the issue hasn't been discussed. [Q Poll] [TU]
"People with knowledge of the matter" says Schenectady mayor Gary McCarthy has talked with Schenectady County sheriff Dominic Dagostino about taking on the role of city police chief. Current police chief Mark Chaires says he intends to retire before the end of the year. [TU] [TU]
The attorney for Annie George, accused by the feds of keeping an illegal immigrant under arduous working conditions for little pay at the Llenroc mansion in Rexford, says George didn't know about the woman's immigration status nor did she know how much was being paid. [Daily Gazette]
Albany picks school superintendent but there's a catch, New Yorkers like Cuomo as governor but for president--not so much, Saratoga County woman re-indicted for harboring illegal, planning board approves Spa City movie theater
The Albany school district's choice for its new school superintendent - currently a deputy superintendent in New Jersey-- must first obtain a waiver from the State Education department, since she isn't certified to be a superintendent in New York. [TU] [YNN]
A new Quinnipiac poll shows New Yorkers are happy with the job Andrew Cuomo is doing as governor, but don't think he should run for president. [WNYT]
Albany County has spent more than $75,000 defending the new redistricting plan in a voting rights lawsuit. [TU]
Only two days after charges against her were dismissed, Annie George has been re-indicted on one count of harboring an illegal alien for financial gain. The owner of Llenroc mansion is expected back in court today to be arraigned on charges of harboring an illegal alien in her home for nearly six years. [Saratogian] [TU]
The list of nine finalists vying for the UAlbany president's post includes the university's current provost, and a former RPI provost who stepped down in 2011.[TU]
GloFo expanding at Malta fab, Troopergate memo posted, teen suspect in fatal shooting to be tried as adult, former state police investigator accidentally shoots own knee in Sears dressing room, sold: one armory
GlobalFoundries marked the third anniversary of the groundbreaking for its Malta plant on Tuesday by announcing plans for a new $2.3 billion clean room expansion project. The company is also paying Malta the final $2.8 million of a $5 million donation. [TU] [Saratogian]
The TU has posted a Troopergate investigation memo from the office of then Attorney General Andrew Cuomo summarizing the investigation -- the Cuomo administration has argued the memo shouldn't have been made available in the state archives. The memo has been at the center of the question of whether the administration is editing Cuomo's A.G. records before sending them to the state archives. [TU] [NYT]
The 15-year old Montgomery County teen charged in the shooting death of two other teens will be tried as an adult. [TU]
A pair of Schenectady cousins purchased the city's 65,000 square-foot Armory building for $260,000. The owners of a local construction company with experience restoring old buildings say they'd like the building to house indoor sports programs. [TU] [Gazette]
Andrew Cuomo signed a new law that will provide incentives for film companies to do post-production work in the Empire State in an effort to attract the film industry to do more work in Upstate New York and help "make New York the television and film capital of the world. "
[WNYT] [YNN]
A retired police investigator accidentally shot himself in the knee while trying on clothing in the dressing room at the Colonie Center Sears. [YNN]
That was a lot of lightning, police looking for help in identifying body, jail plans video visitation system, mobile vet addresses "redonkulous" cat situation
Yesterday's thunderstorms dumped more than half an inch of rain (could be more of less depending on location). And at one point last night, there were about 100 lightning strikes every five minutes in the area. The area is still almost 2 inches short of rain compared to a typical summer. [NWS] [TU]
Bethlehem police are hoping the public can help them identify the man whose body was found in a wooded area off Route 9W in Selkirk this past weekend. They've released an image of a tattoo from the body. Authorities says the body may have been at the spot for as long as six months. [TU] [YNN] [Fox23]
NYT follows on the TU's story about Cuomo aides editing the collection of files sent to the State Archive from Cuomo's time as state attorney general -- and it includes allegations from the Cuomo admin that the TU is trying to "create controversy." [NYT]
A judge has dismissed the federal case against Annie George -- accused of keeping an illegal immigrant at the Llenroc mansion in Rexford for arduous working hours and little pay -- because prosecutors hadn't brought the case to trial in time (George isn't necessarily off the hook, though). [TU]
"Multiple sources" say the Albany school board's top choice for the superintendent is a deputy superintendent in New Jersey with a Phd -- but she might not be able to land in the job because she's not certified to be a superintendent in New York State. [TU]
Two Montgomery County teens charged with murder, rash of suspicious fires in Troy, Chaplin found guilty in Crosier murder, farms feeling effects of dry summer, an answer from afar
Two Amsterdam teens -- 16 and 15 -- have been charged with murder for the deaths of two teens -- 13 and 16 -- whose bodies were found in the Town of Florida. Authorites says the two bodies were found shot in a field. One of the victim's grandfathers says the two boys were last seen being dropped off at the house of on the suspects. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Fox23]
There were two fires in Troy's North Center neighborhood early Sunday, part of a rash of recent fires the Troy Fire Department says have either been deliberately set or are suspicious. It says there have been five such fires in the past week. One of the fires displaced a family that had already been displaced by one of the earlier fires. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [WNYT]
On Friday a Rensselaer County Court jury found Scott Chaplin guilty of the 1994 murder of Rosemary Crosier in Troy. Said Chaplin's father of the verdict: "They let the murderers walk and they hang an innocent guy!" -- referring to George Mott, who was acquitted in January. Chaplin's attorney says they're planning an appeal. Said Crosier's sister: "There were others involved and I hope they get justice as well." [Troy Record] [Fox23] [TU] [YNN] [TU]
The Cuomo administration's tight control on the flow of information and access extends to records from Andrew Cuomo's term in the attorney general's office -- the admin sent staffers to review and remove documents after the Times Union requested access to documents in the State Archives. [TU]
The state still doesn't technically own the Empire the State Plaza, even though its 40-year lease from Albany County -- which was planned to result in the state taking ownership -- ended almost eight years ago. [TU]
Opening day at the Saratoga Race Course on Friday was included a few problems -- example: overflowing toilets -- but they seemed to be mostly worked out by Sunday. [TU] [TU]
Blame the jet stream (and Canada) for no rain, overdose death at Camp Bisco, insurance company says it won't cover fracking land, 80 year old wins for life
The meteorological region for the long dry spell: a shift in the jet stream that's allowing dry air from Canada to move south, instead of the normal pattern in which wet air moves north from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. Increased water system usage -- as much as double the usual usage -- has caused problems in Niskayuna (stirred up sediment) and Rotterdam (pump gave out after two weeks working non-stop). [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
State Police say a man was found dead in his tent at the Camp Bisco site this week -- apparently of an overdose. The Schenectady County Sheriff's Department says at least six people at Bisco have been treated for overdose as of Thursday evening. Also: professional traffic engineering apparently solved most of the traffic problems for this year's festival (and Skrillex is happy to be back). [TU] [Fox23] [Daily Gazette]
Troy police are investigating the death of a man from a gun shot inside a North Central residence early Friday morning (map). [News10]
Former Troy city clerk William McInerney took the stand in the ballot fraud trial of former city councilman Michael LoPorto and testified that LoPorto was aware that absentee ballot forging was happening. And he said he placed forged ballots in an envelope that ended up with LoPorto. [TU] [Troy Record]
A man who says he was a pot friend of Scott Chaplin testified yesterday that after the murder of Rosemary Crosier, Chaplin told him that Crosier's purse "would never be found." Witnesses in an earlier case -- which co-defendant George Mott was acquitted of murder charges -- testified they heard that the purse had been thrown in a South Troy canal. [Troy Record] [TU]
Affair revealed in day one of Chaplin trial, father of 13 year old killed with shotgun thinks killingwas intentional, Albany gets cable access channel
The trial of Scott Chaplin, charged with the 1994 murder of Rosemary Crosier, got underway yesterday with opening arguments. Chaplin's attorney surprised the courtroom, admitting that Chaplin, then 17, was having an affair with the 43 year old Crosier. F. Stanton Ackerman told the jurors that DNA and bite marks on a paper towel roll being used as evidence did, in fact, belong to Chaplin ,and that his client was with Crosier the night of the murder, but he didn't kill her. [YNN] [TU] [News 10]
Testimony got underway on Wednesday in the voter fraud retrial of former Troy City Councilman Michael LoPorto. In an opening argument, LoPorto's new attorney, Cheryl Coleman, claimed there is no evidence to prove LoPorto knew ballots were forged. [TU] [WNYT]
The father of the 13-year-old who was killed when a shotgun when off in a room where the teen and another boy were playing, says he believes his son was shot intentionally. [TU]
Albany is launching channel 18, a new public access cable channel, where residents will be able to submit their own programming. [TU]
Second Troy ballot fraud trial to begin, 11-year-old faces felony charges for killing puppy, ShopRite to open Central Ave gas station
Opening statements are expected to begin today in the second ballot fraud trial of former Troy City Councilman, Michael Loporto. [News 10]
The trial of Scott Chaplin, the man accused of murdering Rosemary Crosier in 1994,is expected to begin this morning. [YNN] [Record]
An 11-year-old Lake George girl is facing two felony charges for allegedly killing her foster mother's cocker spaniel puppy out of spite after the woman refused to drive her somewhere. [YNN] [WNYT]
G.E. CEO Jeffrey Immelt says Schenectady's new $100 million battery plant already has $80 million in orders and he expects it to be a billion-dollar business by the end of the decade. [Gazette]
Shop Rite will open a 16-pump gas station on Central Avenue and is planning to offer discounts on fuel to people who shop at the chain. [TU]
GE unveiling Schenectady battery factory, naked woman falls from light pole, firefighter alleges he's being pushed out because of PTSD, cherry crop took huge hit this year
GE is unveiling its new battery plant in Schenectady today -- CEO Jeff Immelt will be in town for it. The company says it's investing $70 million more in the factory -- bringing the total to $170 million -- to double production capacity and will eventually employ 450 people there. [TU] [GE]
The Albany County legislature has passed legislation that requires secondhand goods dealers to be licensed and file with police a photo and written description of items bought. The legislation is intended to make it harder to move stolen items. [TU] [Troy Record]
The Schenectady city council is considering a law that would make it illegal take items that have been set out for garbage at the curb. [Daily Gazette]
Among the usual drug confiscations and mishaps from Phish weekend at SPAC: a naked woman, apparently drunk or high, climbed to the top of a 25-foot light pole in the parking lot and fell. [Saratogian] [TU]
St. Peter's Health Partners announced that its longtime CEO, Steven Boyle, is retiring in October. The health care group become the region's largest following its recent merger with Northeast Health and Seton Health. [St. Peter's]
Woman saves baby from fire, teen pedestrian allegedly killed by drunk driver, Cambridge to Guantanamo, wily woodchuck pegged for flag caper
Troy public safety officials say a woman ran into a burning apartment at Griswold Heights to rescue a baby early Sunday morning. The baby only suffered minor injuries and has been released -- but the woman suffered serious burns. Said a TPD captain of the woman: "Her actions were beyond heroic." Troy's fire chief says the baby had been left unattended -- the person who was supposed to watch the baby was next door. [Troy Record] [News10] [TU] [WNYT]
A 14-year-old pedestrian was hit and killed in Milton Saturday by an allegedly drunk driver, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbors say the driver, 21 years old, was coming home from a graduation party. He's been charged with DWI. [TU] [Fox23] [News10] [Saratogian]
The Saratoga County Sheriff's Department says a man died Saturday after a tree fell on him while he was using a homemade zip line. [Saratogian]
The Albany County legislature is looking at a possible county hiring freeze because of the county's faltering finances. The county recent sent out notices of possible layoffs. [TU] [Troy Record]
Mario Cuomo reportedly spoke openly about Andrew Cuomo running for president recently during a gathering at the Executive Mansion. [NYT]
GloFo appears to be expanding at Malta fab, school district says more votes cast than signatures registered, early sweet corn season, Bill Clinton dined in Chatham
It looks like GlobalFoundries is planning to fill out its manufacturing space at the Malta fab in what would be a $2 billion project. [TU]
A state oversight board has criticized NYRA for leaning heavily on revenue from video lottery machines, and using the VLT funding not to right the ship, but rather to just spend more. [Daily Gazette]
State officials in charge of scoring grant apps for economic development money concluded in a memo that the Capital Region has not done enough planning for what might happen if the state workforce is downsized. [TU]
Mark Richardson -- who pleaded guilty to beating an elderly man, John Siakala, to death during a robbery at a Cohoes apartment complex, as well as severely beating an elderly woman, in December -- has been sentenced to 30 years to life. Said Siakala's son in a victim impact statement read in court: "I'll never be able to forget, but I'm trying to find forgiveness." [Troy Record] [Fox23]
SPAC has announced that the New York City Ballet's season there next season will be one week instead of two. Said SPAC president Marcia White in a press release: "We are all operating in an environment where funding from both public and private sources is more scarce, while the costs of doing business have continued to rise." Ticket sales for both the ballet and Philadelphia Orchestra only cover about a third of the cost of each residency. The ballet has had a summer residency at SPAC since the venue's founding in the 1960s. [SPAC] [TU] [Saratogian]
Unruly passenger denied boarding at ALB, Guilderland passes fracking ban, 50 new citizens sworn in, Fuller Road reconstruction finished
A Wynantskill man who allegedly was drunk and unruly at Albany International Airport was not allowed to board his plane and is facing charges of felony assault, obstructing governmental administration and resisting arrest. [Record] [TU]
The Guilderland Town Board unanimously passed a ban on hyrdrofracking on Tuesday night. [TU]
The attorney for the Schuylerville woman who shot and killed her former boyfriend says the killing was an accident. [Post Star]
A father and son in Rensselaer County are facing charges for illegally possessing a machine gun after a three-month investigation led State Police to a cache of guns-- including sawed off shotguns , hand guns, long guns and high-capacity ammunition magazines -- at their Nassau home. [TU]
More details in Schuylerville shooting, big plans for Albany riverfront park, man accused of repeatedly hitting police horse, that's a lot of toe shoes
The woman charged with fatally shooting her (perhaps former) boyfriend Sunday in Schuylerville allegedly did so at point-blank range, according to Saratoga County DA Jim Murphy. The DA says Joey M. Paul has not claimed self defense and Matthew Furlani was not armed. "Friends" tell WNYT that the gun used was an AK-47. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [WNYT]
Colonie police say they arrested a mother for allegedly leaving her toddler alone in a car outside a store Monday afternoon. The windows were down and the temperature was 81 degrees. Police say the child was in the car for about 10 minutes. A passerby noticed the child and called police. The child ended up being OK. [WNYT] [TU] [News10] [YNN] [Fox23]
A Saratoga County Board of Supervisors committee has effectively stopped Saratoga Springs' bid to roll back last call to 2 am. [Saratogian]
The city of Albany bid for state economic development money includes plans for a big makeover of the waterfront park at the Corning Preserve. [TU]
It will take until the middle of next year for all the restaurants in Albany County to get new health inspections that will prompt the public display of the results. An Albany County law requiring restaurants to post health inspection results near the front door took effect on Sunday. [TU]
Gen. Martin Dempsey -- the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the nation's top military leader -- was in Troy Monday for a Wounded Warriors fundraiser. [Troy Record]
Fatal shooting in Schuylerville, Albany County restaurant inspection posting takes effect, Saratoga brew pub aims to open this summer
A Schuylerville woman has been charged with second-degree murder after she allegedly shot and killed her boyfriend Sunday. State Police said there apparently had been some sort of dispute in the couple's apartment. Troopers said the woman -- Joey M. Paul -- called the shooting accidental. A neighbors says Paul ran outside and yelled "I shot him. I shot him," and was covered in blood. [YNN] [TU] [Saratogian] [Fox23]
An Albany County Sheriff's Office employee has been collecting his public pension and sheriff's office salary under a waiver for 21 years -- the longest of any current public employee in the state, according to state records. The second longest: an NYPD retiree working hired by the state AG's office, but currently protecting the state commissioner of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. [TU] [TU]
Aircraft (not) Used in Speed Enforcement: New York State police haven't ticketed anyone for speeding based on airplane surveillance since 2005. [AP/TU]
The Albany County law requiring to restaurants to post the results of their new health inspections took effect on Sunday. [News10]
A large fire Sunday in Rensselaer eventually spread to five other buildings (map). Six fire departments responded to the scene. Two buildings are reportedly a total loss. The fire apparently started on the back deck of the apartment building. A resident of the building says he had been using a charcoal grill on the deck earlier in the day. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [News10] [TU] [WNYT]
Reaction to SCOTUS health care ruling, body found hours after car wreck, county spent $50k on low turnout primary, lobster prices down
New York State is already relatively far along in implementing its parts of the federal Affordable Care Act. Local reaction roundup to yesterday's Supreme Court ruling upholding much of the health care reform legislation. Reaction from Paul Tonko and Chris Gibson. [TU] [Troy Record] [Tonko's office] [Gibson's office]
The ruling was a campaign focus point last night for Republican Bob Dietrich, who's running against Paul Tonko for the new 20th Congressional District (Dick Morris was in Saratoga to campaign for Dietrich). And Democrats are going after Chris Gibson for his votes to repeal to the legislation. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [State of Politics]
Rensselaer County sheriff Jack Mahar says the man driving the car in a fatal wreck in Stephentown early Thursday morning left the scene -- the passenger who was ejected from the car and died wasn't found until several hours later. The man's body was found more than 100 feet from the crash. [YNN] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
A medical examiner in Florida has concluded that 11-year-old Ashton Jojo from Latham was accidentally electrocuted at a mini-golf course -- and a building inspector reported that it appears the wrong type of electrical breakers were used in the pond. [TU] [Orlando Sentinel]
Latham girl dies on Florida mini-golf course, Albany sheriff takes down attacker, parakeets removed from utility pole nest in Watervliet
Emails obtained from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation show the department laid out details of proposed fracking permits and regulations for industry representatives before those regulations were presented to the groups with concerns about fracking. [TU]
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple stopped an attack on a Court of Appeals security guard in a downtown garage on Eagle Street Wednesday evening, wrestling the apparently drunk attacker to the ground. [YNN] [TU]
After her complaints were dismissed, a former GE employee has filed a $50 million civil rights lawsuit against the company alleging bigotry, racism and sexism in her former schenectady workplace. [TU]
Authorities in Florida are trying to determine how an 11 year old Latham girl died on a time share mini golf course. Police believe she was electrocuted when she reached into a small pond to retrieve her golf ball. [TU]
Long will face Gillibrand in November, PEF president voted out, Guilderland library expansion denied, samaritan replaces stolen bike
Republican Wendy Long , a Manhattan attorney, will challenge Kristin Gillibrand for the U.S. Senate in the fall. Long defeated Nassau County comptroller George Maragos and U.S. Representative Bob Turner in Tuesday's Republican primary. [YNN] [TU]
In the 19th Congressional district Democrat Julian Schreibman will challenge Chris Gibson for his seat in the fall. [YNN]
After the Public Employees Federation agreed to a contract last year that included no raises and other concessions to Cuomo administration to avoid 3,500 layoffs, PEF president Ken Brynien
Voters in Guilderland defeated a $12.95 million proposal to expand the library by a margin of 3 to 1. A record 25.8 percent of voters weighed in on the issue.[YNN] [TU]
State police say an Averill Park man was under the influence of drugs when he drove 103 mph through a work zone in Halfmoon. Ryan K. Spiak was arrested after he crashed his car in Troy and tried to flee on foot. [TU] [WNYT]
Damaging our faith in human nature: Troy police have arrested one of four men who threatened a 13-year-old Rensselaer boy and stole his new bicycle.
Restoring our faith in human nature: Adam Coonradt, who helped the boy when he saw him crying by the side of the road, delivered him a new bike last night. [TU] [Record]
It's Congressional primary day, new principal at Albany High School, rash of burglaries in Albany, NYRA announces Saratoga giveaways
It's Congressional primary day in New York -- a lot earlier than primaries past (June vs. September). The unusually early date has prompted concern that turnout will be very low. Polls are open from noon to 9 pm. [TU] [NYT]
+ Three Republicans are vying to face Kirsten Gillibrand for the US Senate. [AP/Troy Record]
+ Two Democrats are competing to face Chris Gibson in the new 19th Congressional District -- which includes large parts of Rensselaer, Columbia, Greene, and Schoharie counties. [Troy Record]
+ Two Republicans are competing to face Bill Owens in the new 21st Congressional District, which includes northern Saratoga County. [Post-Star]
An audit by the state comptroller's office has concluded that a special education contractor in Troy inappropriately billed more than $830k "for services for no-show executives, inappropriate staff bonuses and other costs." The audit focused in part on an executive it said spent most of her time in South Carolina (she says she's done nothing wrong). Said another of Capital District Beginning's co-director in response to the audit: "We challenge the comptroller's findings and maintain there has been no misuse of public funds." Capital District Beginnings provides services to many school districts and educational programs in the area. [NYS OSC] [TU] [WNYT] [YNN] [Troy Record]
CDTA has installed 12 video cameras at BusPlus stations along State Street in Schenectady as part of a collaboration with the Schenectady Police Department. The SPD has 109 cameras around the city -- and 40 more will be added over the next year. Schenectady County DA Robert Carney says a camera on a CDTA station captured video of an alleged bank robber in a currently pending case. [CDTA] [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [TU]
The Albany school district has named a new (interim) principal for Albany High School -- Cecily Wilson is a 1995 AHS grad and has degrees from Princeton and NYU. "Inside sources" tell the TU that the school's current principal, David McCalla, is being reassigned because officials aren't happy about the pace of improvement at the school. Superintendent Ray Coluccielo highlighted the high school's low graduation rate -- 52 percent -- "This has got to be 60 [percent] and it's got to be 70 and it's got to be 80 and that can happen." Wilson said her top priority is increasing the graduation rate. And what she says she can bring to the school: "My connection and history with the district gives me some insight into what we struggle with from elementary school to secondary school." [Albany school district] [TU] [YNN] [News10] [Fox23]
Earlier: Capital Region high school graduation rates 2011 -- AHS had the lowest rate in the area.
Restaurant owner dies in freak elevator accident, movie theater proposed for downtown Saratoga, HVCC returns money to Bob Barker
A co-owner of the Bangkok Bistro in Schenectady was killed early Saturday morning after his head got stuck in an dumbwaiter used to move food from the basement. The man apparently was loading food into the small elevator when an employee activated it from the floor above and the man's head was trapped in the elevator, according to Schenectady police. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Health Administration (OSHA) will be investigating the death. [WNYT] [Daily Gazette] [News10] [Fox23] [TU]
Developer Sonny Bonacio submitted plans for a movie theater multiplex on the site of the former Railroad Place Price Chopper in downtown Saratoga Springs. Bonacio tells the Gazette he doesn't have a theater operator lined up, yet. [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
Drivers who stopped to help a man who had run off the road in Westerlo Saturday ended up blocking the man's car and taking his keys after suspecting he was driving drunk, according to Albany County sheriff Craig Apple. The sheriff's office says the man's BAC was 4.5 times the legal limit. It also says the man's license had been revoked because of a previous DWI conviction. [TU] [YNN] [Fox23]
In a statement to Colonie police, a 14-year-old who ran away for a home for girls in Albany says a man helped her prostitute herself at a motel on Central Ave. [WNYT] [TU]
Legislature passes restrictions on teacher eval disclosure, Vanderhorst found guilty of manslaughter, alt plan for St. Patrick's floated, thieves apparently posing as city employees
On its last day of the session, the state legislature passed a bill limiting public disclosure of teacher evaluations. The bill restricts the disclosure of the evaluations to parents and guardians of students in a teacher's class. But the bill does not restrict those parents from then releasing the info to other people. Andrew Cuomo introduced the bill just this past Monday, and said it "strikes the right balance between protecting teacher privacy and a parent's right to know." A lobbying group for school boards said it was worried wide disclosure of the info would lead to "teacher shopping." Cuomo's last-minute move with the bill prompted grumbling in the legislature -- but not enough to stop the bill. [NYT] [AP/Troy Record] [TU] [Cuomo admin] [WNYT] [State of Politics]
If the legislature doesn't return for special sessions, it will have passed the fewest number of bills in almost a century. [NYPIRG's Bill Mahoney, via State of Politics]
Thursday marked the last day of regular session for local Assemblymen Ron Canestrari, Jack McEneny, and Bob Reilly -- they're all leaving office. [TU]
A jury found Jah-Lah Vanderhorst guilty of manslaughter, not murder, in the stabbing death of 17-year-old Tyler Rhodes in Albany's Hoffman Park last summer. The decision indicates the jury believed Vanderhorst intended to cause serious injury to Rhodes, but not death. Vanderhorst faces up to 25 years in prison. [Fox23] [TU] [YNN]
An anonymous "supervisor for an Albany-based bus company" says the type of harassment captured on video of a school bus monitor near Rochester "happens every day." [TU]
NYRA takeover, minimum wage, teacher evaluations still up in the air on last day of legislative session, day 4 of deliberations in Vanderhorst trial, still hot.
It's still hot. [WNYT]
Legislators are racing to get to the end of the legislative session today. [TU]
Yesterday the Senate and Assembly passed Governor Cuomo's bill to create a justice center to protect disabled people from abuse and neglect and a plan to change the organ donation process on drivers license applications to raise the number of organ donations. [NY Times]
On the list of items that may or may not come to a vote today: Cuomo's plan to restrict viewing of teacher evaluations to parents and a vote on the takeover of NYRA and a plan to raise the minimum wage to $8.50 an hour. [YNN] [WNYT]
Andrew Cuomo says the Republican State Senate was too conservative for not taking up his plan to decriminalizeze small amounts of marijuana in an effort to reduce "stop and frisk arrests." [YNN]
The jury is entering day four of deliberations in the second degree murder trial of Jah-Lah Vanderhorst. Yesterday, jurors requested testimony readbacks from three witnesses and asked the judge to redefine "intent to cause serious physical injury.[TU] [YNN]
G. E. has reached a ten year agreement with the town of Rotterdam, Schenectady County and Shalmont School District that includes a $49 million payment in lieu of taxes in exchange for lowering the assessment on the Rotterdam portion of the main plant from 138 million to $132 million. [YNN]
It's hot, Troy man arrested with shotgun and 313 bags of heroin, Rosamilia signs Troy smoking ban, Bruno to throw 1st pitch at The Joe
It's the first day of summer - and mother nature has made the adjustment all at once. [TU]
A one month investigation led to the arrest of a convicted felon found with 313 bags of heroine and a rifle in the Troy home where he lived with a woman and her 9 and 17 year old daughters. Police say 49 year old James Hull was also found with over 50 grams of marijuana, a number of prescription meds, hypodermic needles, and scales.[YNN] [TU] [News 10]
The shotgun that killed 13-year-old Gary Cota at his home in Fort Edward earlier this month is undergoing forensic testing to help determine who shot him and if anyone will face charges. The gun was given to Cota as a Christamas gift last year. [TU]
Albany council approves streets for parking permits, Cohoes installing surveillance cameras, report: inmate got "flagrantly inadequate" medical care, a century-old day care
The Albany Common Council unanimously approved the list of streets to be included in the residential parking permit plan, opening the way for implementation of the system to begin. The system is scheduled to take effect October 1. [TU] [YNN]
Jah-Lah Vanderhorst testified Monday that he stabbed Tyler Rhodes last summer in Albany's Hoffman Park -- but he did so in self defense. The prosecution argued that the mobile phone video of the incident shows that Vanderhorst was the aggressor. Jurors were deliberating into the evening and were scheduled back this morning. [TU] [YNN] [News10]
Schenectady police say a man was shot near Jerry Burrell Park in Hamilton Hill Monday evening (map). The nearby playground and basketball courts were busy when multiple shots were fired. There have been multiple shootings near the park over the last few years. [Fox23] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
After Andrew Cuomo said Monday afternoon that a deal on if/how teacher evaluation info should be made public was probably not going to happen during this legislative term, his administration introduced a bill for it early Tuesday morning that would keep the evaluations from being subject to FOIL. A statement from Cuomo with the bill noted the teacher evaluation system doesn't start until next year -- so there's time to work things out in the next session. [AP/Troy Record] [State of Politics] [State of Politics] [NYDN]
It looks like the Cuomo administration's push to decriminalize the public possession of small amounts of pot won't make it out of this legislative session. [NYT]
Albany County exec Dan McCoy and sheriff Craig Apple have been pushing for the state legislature to allow the county jail to hold inmates for up to two years so the county can generate revenue by taking prisoners from Vermont. [TU]
State leaders reach agreement on agency for the protection of people with disabilities, dogs found locked in a storage container, wild parakeets in Watervliet
There's a lot of dealmaking going on at the Capitol ahead of the end of the legislative session this Thursday. Foremost among the deals: Andrew Cuomo, Dean Skelos, and Sheldon Silver announced an agreement on legislation to create the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, the new agency proposed to investigate cases of abuse and neglect of people with disabilities. The creation of the new agency was one of Cuomo's foremost goals for the current session and he said it was possible he would keep the legislature late in order to pass it. Critics of the plan say such cases should be handled by outside law enforcement, not by the state. [TU] [Cuomo admin] [State of Politics] [NYT]
Other deals among the Three Men and the legislature: a bill for the temporary state takeover of NYRA, a bill to make all viewing of online child pornography illegal, and cyberbullying legislation. [NYDN] [AP/Troy Record] [AP/TU]
After passing on a plea deal earlier last week, John Batease pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for the death of toddler Asiah Maxam in Schenectady last summer. Batease told the judge he had thrown the child against his crib twice, and then tossed him into the air and watched him hit the floor. Batease was supposed to have been taking care of the child, the son of his former girlfriend. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Fox23]
Medical marijuana is already legal in New York State under certain circumstances because of now largely-unkown law dating back to 1980. [TU]
Charges in fatal Salem house explosion, deal for ban on teen tanning, NYRA to announce Track giveaways differently, Cambridge Hotel bids farewell
A former Salem man has been charged with six counts of manslaughter for the house explosion there last summer that killed six people, including his girlfriend and her son. Prosectors allege Steven McComsey
Andrew Cuomo was noncommittal on whether the recent NYT report about a plan to allow fracking in some parts of the state was accurate. He said the DEC still needs to finish its review process. [TU] [YNN]
It's looking like the state legislature will pass the indoor tanning ban for teens under 17. And it apparently has the support of Andrew Cuomo. [NYT] [AP/Troy Record]
Neil Breslin is pushing a bill that would make dog owners financially responsible for the first bite by their dog. [WNYT]
The State Police Emergency Response Team was deployed in Cohoes (map) Thursday to apprehend three people suspected of being involved with the robbing and beating an elderly man early Thursday morning. Two men and one woman were apparently taken away as "people of interest." Neighbors of the house where the trio was nabbed say bad stuff is always going down there. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [WNYT] [News10]
Albany parking permits expected Oct. 1, defense claims Rhodes stabbed in self defense, toddler drowns in East Greenbush
Downtown Albany's long awaited permit parking plan is expected to go into effect on October 1st.
A pair of Gilboa teens were killed when their ATV collided with a dump truck on a busy section of Route 30.
Races for 8 of New York's 27 Congressional races are expexted to be competitive thanks largely to the new redistricting map.[NYT]
Hours after yesterday's NY Times suggested Andrew Cuomo had a plan to allow limted hydrofracking in specific parts of NY, a group of assembly democrats sent the Governor a letter registering their displeasure. [TU]
With the clock running down on the legislative session, Assembly democrats moved to pass bills on medical marijuana and microstamping bullet shells - but those bills don't have a lot of hope of getting through the republican controlled state senate. [YNN]
NYS fracking plan could require town approval, another Troy shooting arrest, 81 fake ids seized at DMB show, app to cut down wait for hot dogs at Valley Cats Games
A State DEC official says fracking would be limited to counties in the deepest areas of the Marcellus Shale region and would be subject to town approval, under a plan being pursued by the Cuomo administration. [NYT]
Troy officials say the city's PEACE initiative played an important role in the arrest of a city man in connection with a May shoorting on Sixth Avenue.U.S. Marshals arrested 18 year old Daquan Jones last night and charged with attempted murder for allegedly shooting Isaiah Cooper. [TU] [YNN]
81 underaged drinkers may lose their drivers licenses after they were caught using fake ids at SPAC's beer garden at last weeks Dave Matthews Show. Many of the ids were purchased from a Malaysian website.[YNN] [TU]
Agreement to strengthen domestic violence laws, sheriff: jail escape attempt was "a total breakdown," CEO accused of raiding pension fund, upset over possible knockdown in Troy
Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders announced a deal to strengthen the state's domestic violence laws. The measures are intended to better protect victims of domestic violence and increase penalties for repeat offenders. Among the measures: people accused of murdering their spouse will not be allowed control of their spouse's burial. [Cuomo admin] [Fox23] [AP via State of Politics]
The state legislature unanimously approved a bill creating a statewide tracking system intended to crack down on people who go doctor shopping for prescription drugs. [TU]
The Albany County Sheriff's Office says a county jail inmate was able to get through three unsecured doors and change out of his jumpsuit before being caught during an escape attempt last Friday. The inmate was out of the jail's control for two hours. Sheriff Craig Apple called the escape attempt "a total breakdown on our part." One corrections officer has been suspended without pay. Said Apple of the officers on duty: "... basically a couple of our officers had a flagrant disregard for our policies and procedures and, needless to say, they will pay the price for that." [ACSO] [Troy Record] [TU] [News10] [Fox23]
The Albany County legislature has approved the purchase of the county family court building for $22.8 million -- the purchase is projected to eventually save the county $1 million a year over what it would have been paying on the lease. [TU]
The Albany County legislature has passed a two-year ban on fracking on county-owned land. It prohibits the county from leasing county-owned land to gas companies intending to use hydrofracking. [YNN] [TU]
Colonie police say three homemade explosive devices were left outside a home in Latham -- apparently part of a series of vandalism (map). One device had already exploded. The explosive devices were two-liter bottles containing acid. [TU] [WNYT] [Fox23]
More focus on lobbying group backing Cuomo, guilty plea in fatal beating at Cohoes senior apartments, long allergy season, Post-It prank results in suspensions
The Committee to Save New York -- the lobbying group formed to support Andrew Cuomo -- is being described as being like a super super PAC. It recently came out that the gambling industry had contributed $2 million to the group -- on Sunday Cuomo said it wasn't his place to tell the group to disclose its contributors. [AP/Troy Record] [NYT]
In the Siena poll out today Cuomo's favorability rating has hit 70 percent again. [State of Politics]
There's some dispute over whether the Troy city council's recent smoking ban vote was legal. [Troy Record]
Mark Richardson, the man accused of beating a retired Cohoes man to death and robbing another woman at an apartment building for seniors, has pleaded guilty. He faces 30 years to life in prison. Said the son of the man who died: "I am sure my father is happy up there now that he got justice." [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23]
Troy city council passes smoking ban, Raucci's pension frozen, roundabout proposed for end of Green Island Bridge, maybe he wasn't a Titanic survivor
The Troy city council passed an ordinance banning smoking in city-owned playgrounds, pools, and other places children gather. The ordinance pass by a 5-4 vote after much discussion. [Troy Record] [WNYT] [News10]
A state appellate court has ruled that Steven Raucci's pension is not exempt from a state law that prohibits criminals from profiting off publicity from their crimes. The ruling opens the way for Raucci's pension to be frozen, and his victims to potentially get access to the money if they win lawsuits against him. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Marci Webber, the Nassau woman who killed her young daughter while visiting family near Chicago in 2010, was found not guilty by reason of insanity this week. Webber apparently had become gripped by severe paranoia and killed her daughter because she thought she'd otherwise fall victim to sex traffickers. [TU] [Chicago Tribune]
The assault case against former Albany County prosecutor William Conboy III has been dismissed after his wife, a top aide for Neil Breslin, refused to appear at trial -- and a recording surfaced in which it appears she threatens to frame him. [TU]
The state Assembly passed a bill this week that would require anyone under the age of 18 to get parental consent for piercing. [TU]
Plan to decriminalize small amounts of pot too vague for Senate Republicans, Troy arrest could lead to breaks in four shooting cases, Chopper gets funding for electric car charging stations
The Republican majority in the State Senate is not happy with Governor Cuomo's proposal to decriminalize open possession of small amounts of marijuana. Claiming the proposal is too broad, Majority Leader Dean Skelos said, "Being able to just walk around with 10 joints in each ear, and it only be a violation, I think that's wrong." [YNN] [NYT]
The idea for the Malaysian-financed convention center was first passed to Governor Cuomo by senior Genting executives at an October fundraiser in Westchester. The Cuomo administration maintains that more than $2 million in funding from gambling interests, including Genting, channeled through the lobbying group Committee to Save New York, did not influence policy making in the state. The Joint Commission on Public Ethics, headed by a Cuomo appointed chairwoman, says six and seven figure donors to the Governor's campaign may not be required to be revealed.[WSJ] [NYT] [WNYT]
The arrest of a Troy man for allegedly shooting a high school basketball standout may help Troy police wrap up four other recent shootings, including one that injured an innocent 15 year old girl. [TU] [YNN]
Albany police are looking into an early morning shooting on the 500 block of Washington Avenue this morning. [Fox 23]
Fort Edward 12-year-old fatally shot, mixed reaction to proposed St. Joeseph's brewery/pub, Spa City Council votes to move last call
A 12 year old Fort Edward boy was fatally shot on Tuesday. Police believe the shooter may have been the boys 13 year old friend. [WNYT] [TU]
Residents of Albany's Ten Broeck neighborhood had mixed reactions to a plan to turn the former St. Josephs church into a brewery and pub. [TU] [AOA]
After months of discussion, Saratoga's City Council voted last night to send a recommendation to the county to move last call for city bars from 4AM to 3AM. If the county approves the decision it moves on the State Liquor Authority Board which has already ruled that the city can't have a different last call time than the rest of the county. [ Saratogian]
Crime is up 26.5% in the city of Troy in the first quarter of 2012 over the first quarter of 2011. [Record]
Cuomo pushes private pot possession de-criminalization, Five Guys says debit card info exposed, odds changing on gambling expansion?, Ecovative expands in Green Island
Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that he's pushing the legislature to decriminalize the public possession of small amounts of marijuana. Holding small amounts of pot (just under an ounce) in private -- say, in your pocket instead of out in the open -- was already just a violation. This proposed legislation eliminates the public/private difference. (Smoking it publicly would still be a crime.) The change is being framed as an issue of fairness. Cuomo and Democratic legislature members point out that the people tagged under the current law are disproportionately young and either African-American or Hispanic. It's also largely a New York City issue -- 94 percent of such arrests in the state occur there, according to the Cuomo admin -- a product of the city's "stop and frisk" policies. There were 47 such arrests in Albany County last year, and just a few in other Capital Region counties. Said Rensselaer County DA Richard McNally of the proposed change: "I don't anticipate this affecting our area to a large degree." The legislation is likely to hit a speed bump in the state Senate. Dean Skelos wasn't at the announcement -- and members of the Republican conference are already saying they're skeptical. [Cuomo admin] [NYT] [TU] [Troy Record] [@thomaskaplan] [Albany Watch]
Troy police sergeant Patrick Rosney allegedly was talking about sex within 15 minutes of starting an online conversation with a person he allegedly thought was a 14-year-old girl -- and later exposed himself on a webcam, according to a deposition released by the Queens district attorney. The DA's office says Rosney was arrested before a meetup was arranged because NYC police were concerned about setting up a meeting with someone who could have been armed. [Troy Record] [TU]
Five Guys says it wasn't just Trustco customers whose debit card data was exposed during a security breach late last year. [TU]
A former Albany man was fatally shot by police in Florida last month in a case that's drawn a lot of attention there. [TU]
Apple crop significantly damaged by weird spring, Troy police sergeant arrested, Jim Coyne in the pool for state Assembly, Palace says it's aiming to book twice as many shows
A large share of the state's apple, grape, peach, and cherry crops have been significantly damaged by the odd spring weather, according to a recent estimate. One Capital Region orchard says it's lost 75 percent of its apple crop. A group of state legislators -- including Jim Tedisco, Hugh Farley, and George Amedore -- are pushing for a tax credit they say would help farmers cope with this year's losses. And Kirsten Gillibrand is asking for the USDA to declare 34 New York counties as disaster areas in order to allow affected farmers access to federal assistance. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [Kirsten Gillibrand]
Andrew Cuomo reportedly will be announcing a push to change state law to de-criminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana in public view. [NYT]
A Troy Police Department sergeant was arrested by NYC police for allegedly trying to solicit sex from a person he thought was a minor during an online sting. Patrick Rosney was arrested in uniform when he arrived for work on Friday. He's a 26-year veteran of the police department. The TPD was not part of the investigation, and it's now looking into whether there should be any local charges. [Fox23] [TU] [WNYT] [Troy Record]
Trustco alleges in a lawsuit that Five Guys didn't do enough after customers' debit card information was stolen and used to make almost $90,000 in fraudulent purchases. [TU]
Albany metro among nation's leaders in residents with grad degrees, court orders DA's office employee reinstated, school board president arrested, firefighters lift SUV off man
The Albany metro area ranks #8 in the nation for the percent of residents who have a graduate degree (among the largest 100 metros), according to data from the Brookings Institution. Yes, that's a good thing. [TU] [Brookings] [NYT]
A state appellate court has ordered former Albany County DA's office director of administration Richard Arthur re-hired with back pay and benefits in ruling he was ousted in a process that included multiple procedural errors. Arthur was fired in 2009 following a county audit that concluded he had displayed a "total disregard for fiscal management." [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Jerry Jennings says he had discussions with Albany police about the spa busted for an alleged act of prostitution -- but he didn't know the spa was owned by the wife of Times Union investigations editor Bob Port, and "I didn't even know the guy's name. I never heard of him." (Port alleged in the New York Times last week that the spa was targeted by law enforcement and Jennings' administration because of TU coverage.) [TU] [NYT]
The Cuomo admin announced it's getting rid of "outdated, obsolete and non-functioning trains that have been sitting idle in a weed filled industrial park in Glenville," as well as millions of dollars worth of unneeded train equipment being stored in a Rotterdam warehouse. The admin says the state was spending $150k a year to store the stuff. The trains are leftover from a $70 million Albany-to-NYC high-speed rail plan started in the late 90s that never panned out. Some of the warehoused parts for the special trains were never even opened until last month. Said state operations director Howard Glaser: "These trains may be the most expensive planters in the world." [Cuomo admin] [NYT] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
SPAC and law enforcement officials reiterated the ban on bringing alcohol to the venue and say they'll be patrolling the parking lot for people drinking ahead of shows. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Troy officials affirm current approach to violence, chair of state ethics panel being investigated, Schenectady taking crime reports online, 193 mph on Thruway, Philly Dake passes away
Following the recent rash of gun violence in the city, Troy police chief John Tedesco and mayor Lou Rosamilia say they don't support re-instituting the TPD's Street Crimes Unit. Former mayor -- now county legislator -- Harry Tutunjian has been pushing for SCU to be started up again.[Troy Record] [News10]
Colonie police are asking the public for help in shaking loose leads in the hit-and-run that killed a pedestrian last week on Central Ave near New Karner Road. Police say they haven't found a witness, yet, though they think they've spotted one on surveillance video. [Troy Record] [TU]
Another public meeting on the proposed Price Chopper at the site of St. Patrick's in Watervliet. Church officials say the property is just too expensive to fix and maintain. Opponents of the project cited the historic value of the property. Said developer John Nigro: "No one's come up with an idea except to stop the project, stop the razing. That doesn't solve anything." [Fox23] [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN]
The State Liquor Authority has ruled that any rollback of the last call time in Saratoga must also occur across the whole county. [Saratogian]
The Albany County Sheriff's Office alleges an Albany woman being admitted to the county jail tried to smuggle in hundreds of prescription pills and heroin. In a condom. Hidden inside her... well... you can probably guess. The condom apparently broke and spilled the pills on the floor of a holding cell. Sheriff Craig Apple said the situation highlighted why jail staff need to be able to strip search people. [YNN] [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
The chair of JCOPE, the state's new ethics panel, is reportedly being investigated for allegedly trying to line-up welfare benefits for her family's live-in maid. Janet DiFiore was Andrew Cuomo's pick for the panel -- and he said yesterday he was confident in selecting the Westchester County DA. [NY Post] [State of Politics]
Storms cause damage and power outages, another shooting in Troy, Albany charter school closing, fishermen help save woman from Mohawk, spelling runs in the family
Yesterday's violent thunderstorms knocked down power lines and trees, and stranded motorists around the Capital District. More than 21,000 National Grid customers were affected by power outages. [TU] [WNYT]
Troy police are looking for a suspect in a shooting on 10th Street on Tuesday night. A man was shot in the leg. The shooting occurred while power was out in the neighborhood. Troy Councilman Mark McGrath used the incident to again call for the city to renew is street crimes unit. [WNYT] [Fox23] [@kimmieoftroy] [Troy Record]
Katherine Seeber was sentenced to 14.5 years in prison for manslaughter in connection with the murder of her step-great-grandmother twelve years ago in Saratoga. This is Seeber's second conviction for the crime -- her original conviction was tossed by an appeals court -- and with time already served, she could be released as soon as July. [WNYT] [Saratogian] [TU]
Schenectady police have arrested a 15 year old for allegedly setting two fires on Monday. The SPD is looking into whether the teen is connected other recent suspicious fires. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Joe Bruno is scheduled to be retried on fraud charges on February 4, 2013. [AP/Saratogian]
The weekend in violent crime, GloFo pushing for infrastructure upgrades, head of Palace Theatre resigns, biker nabbed for allegedly going 150 mph, gold watch returned -- 45 years later
The weekend in violent crime:
+ Albany police say a 15-year-old was found stabbed Friday night in a yard in the South End (map). APD says he was taken to the hospital and was in critical condition Saturday. [APD]
+ Albany police say a Schenectady man was shot early Saturday morning in West Hill. APD says it's the third time this man has been shot -- he was also hit in 2010 and 2007. [APD]
+ Albany police say a man was shot Saturday night on Washington Ave near the downtown UAlbany campus (map). APD says he was shot in the foot, treated at the hospital, and released. [APD]
+ Schenectady police say there was a shooting at a banquet hall Sunday night in the Central State neighborhood, one man was hit (map). [YNN]
+ Schenectady police say a 17-year-old was found with a gunshot wound Monday afternoon in Hamilton Hill (map). SPD says it doesn't know if the shooting is connected to the banquet hall shooting. SPD says the teen wasn't cooperating with police. [CBS6] [Fox23] [New10]
+ Albany police say they made six gun-related arrests Friday and Saturday in multiple incidents. [WNYT] [TU]
In Troy, neighborhood activists pushed for attention to stopping violent crime. See Kim's Soapbox: "What to do about the guns" [Troy Record] [AOA]
Albany's Citizen's Police Review Board doesn't have the authority to directly listen to audio or or view video recorded by the Albany Police Department. [TU]
There were two fires in two nearby abandoned buildings Monday in Schenectady (map) -- and as with many of the recent fires in the city, they're being considered suspicious. Schenectady's fire chief says the first part of 2012 has seen fires "probably about twice the normal rate of previous years." [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [WNYT]
GlobalFoundries' CEO, Ajit Manocha, said Friday that upgrades in public infrastructure for the Malta chip fab -- including a backup water supply and new a gas line -- threaten future development there. "I'm not disappointed but I'd like to see more speed in infrastructure support. So far so good." [TU] [WNYT]
TU editor alleges wife's business targeted because of coverage, Soares censured by state court, 74 State remaining open through foreclosure, big semiconductor conference in Saratoga
Times Union investigations editor Bob Port alleges that a spa owned by his wife was targeted by local law enforcement in "a carefully planned plot to retaliate against me and my newspaper and my reporters for many stories we have done in recent years about the Albany police and the sheriff's office drug enforcement unit." The Times Union reports that the spa was the subject of an undercover investigation that resulted in an arrest of a woman (not Port's wife) working at the spa for alleged prostitution. [NYT] [TU]
Albany County DA has been censured by a state appeals court for comments he made about an Albany judge as part of the high profile prosecution of an alleged steroids ring in 2010. Soares called the words he used about the judge's decision "regrettable." [TU] [Daily Gazette] [State of Politics]
The proposed Albany convention center project is apparently still kicking -- the Albany Convention Center Authority recently acquired another parcel. [TU]
Andrew Cuomo in a speech before the Democratic State Committee: ""At the end of the day, after 18 months, people believe in state government once again. ... That is everything, and that is everything for us politically." [TU]
Alleged Ballston Spa bank robber nabbed after car crash, APD officers cleared in February shooting, AC Dems won't endorse candidate to replace McEneny, Spa City parade back on
A Ballston Spa man is facing a second degree robbery charge after allegedly robbing a branch of the Adirondack Trust Company. Nigel Guy was arrested after crashing his car in a getaway attempt. Ballston Spa Central School District schools went into lockdown mode during the attempt to apprehend Guy. [WNYT] [TU] [Saratogian]
Lincoln Elementary School in Schenectady went on lockdown for a short time Wednesday after shots were fired nearby. Police are investigating where the shots came from.[News 10] [TU]
Albany County Democrats decided last night not to endorse any of the candidates bidding for Jack McEneny's Assembly seat. Frank Commisso dropped out of the race earlier this week, but his son, Frank Commisso Jr is apparently considering a run and three more Democrats are officially in the race and another is expected to enter the race soon [WNYT] [TU]
Police say they're close to making an arrest in the shooting of a 15-year-old girl in Troy this week. City councilman Mark McGrath has ask the Mayor and the Troy P.D. to reinstate the city's Street Crimes unit. Troy police do say they're stepping up patrols in the city after the shooting. [WNYT] [Record] [News 10]
Troy teen shot on River Street, NYRA cedes control to NYS, Milton man tries to save Spa City Memorial Day Parade
A 15 year old girl was shot in the leg on the 700 block of River Street in Troy on Tuesday night. The girl sustained a non-life-threatening injury.Police do not believe she was the intended victim. [TU] [Record] [YNN]
A 19 year old Mechanicville woman died last night after the car she was driving veered into the path of an oncoming SUV on Route 146 in Halfmoon.[YNN]
Andrew Cuomo has selected Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and Assemblyman Keith Wright of Manhattan to be the new leaders of the state Democratic Party. [ TU]
The State Senate unveiled a counter measure to the effort to raise the minimum wage -- a $450 million business tax cut and incentive plan -- but Andrew Cuomo says he doesn't think it will fly in the Assembly and Sheldon Silver is already saying the plan is too costly. [YNN]
The state senate passed a law yesterday that would make the murder of an EMT, firefighter or other medical responder in the line of duty a murder-one offense -- carrying a mandatory life sentence with no possibility for parole. [YNN]
Fatal hit-and-run in Colonie, Cuomo says minimum wage increase a no-go politically, suspicious fires in Schenectady, vandal apparently unhappy about "The Joe"
Colonie police say a man was killed in a hit-and-run on Central Ave at New Karner Road Monday night. They say they're not sure where the man was crossing the street when hit or knocked into the street. Witnesses say a male driver in a green four-door sedan hit the man and then took off. [YNN] [Fox23] [News10]
Andrew Cuomo said on the Capitol Pressroom Monday that he supports "the concept of a minimum wage increase," but a bill wouldn't make it through the Republican-controlled state Senate. [Capitol Pressroom] [AP/Saratogian]
More Cuomo on Capitol Pressroom: Cuomo said the state's new ethics panel -- JCOPE -- needs fine tuning. The panel has been criticized most recently after it came out that state Senate deputy majority leader Tom Libous is under investigation. [AP/Saratogian]
Sheldon Silver is raising concerns about oversight of the new agency proposed to watchdog the treatment of people with developmental disabilities. Silver says there needs to be a non-state entity that can hear allegations of abuse or neglect. [NYT] [TU]
Fourth Albany shooting in 8 days, Cuomo pressuring NYRA, investors allegedly bilked by McGinn Smith revealed, SUV crashes through Congress Park, as common as a pink unicorn
Albany police say a man was shot three times near Swinburne Park Sunday afternoon, while families played in the nearby playground (map). The man was shot in the neck and survived, but his family says doctors say he'll likely be paralyzed. APD says it's looking for two men, one who reportedly left the scene on a bike, and says it's looking for tips from the community. It's the city's fourth shooting in 8 days. Another man was shot Friday night in Sheridan Hollow (map). [TU] [WNYT] [YNN] [Fox23] [YNN] [News10]
Albany police say a man fled from a traffic stop at State and Pearl early Saturday morning, ran into two women with his car, and then drove off again. APD says it caught him shortly after that. The women's injuries were not life threatening (though they sound serious, read the comments). [TU] [YNN] [Fox23] [News10]
By all accounts, Andrew Cuomo is seriously irked by recent problems with NYRA -- and "people close to those in the room" say that Cuomo told the NYRA board in a recent secret meeting to fix things or face state control or the racing org. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The city of Schenectady is essentially reducing all its property value assessments by four percent. [Daily Gazette]
The regional trash authority idea that was pitched as a potentially comprehensive solution to the trash problem faced by the city of Albany and other local towns: not moving. [TU]
Missing teen's body found in the Hudson, bear killed on UAlbany campus, driver who smashed car into New World sentenced, in the nude at SPAC
The body of Jesse Cale, the Schuylerville High School student who disappeared during a camping trip last week, has been found in the Hudson River near Greenwich. A friend said he spotted the body yesterday. Police aren't sure what happened to the teen, who disappeared after going to look for firewood. His body will be autopsied. His family said the teen had a history of seizures. [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [YNN] [Fox23]
The DEC says it killed a bear on the UAlbany uptown campus Thursday. It says it's the same bear that was captured in south Albany a few weeks back. The bear had also had to be removed from Coeymans last week and was transported to Delaware County. It traveled 90 miles from the relocation spot to the UAlbany campus. DEC says the bear had become a public risk because it wouldn't stay away from urban areas. [YNN] [News10] [AOA] [Saratogian] [WNYT] [Fox23]
DEC says the bear captured in North Greenbush this week has been relocated. [YNN]
Martin Kimber, the retired pharamcist accused of spreading mercury around Albany Med, has been indicted by a federal grand jury. Two of the counts against Kimber involve a law that prohibits "possessing, stockpiling, or using a toxic chemical as a weapon." Kimber allegedly released mercury at the hospital on four occasions since 2011. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
The Wateford man convicted of raping his former girlfriend in order to infect her with HIV has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The woman doesn't know yet whether she's been infected -- and in a statement read in court, described the torture of not knowing. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
Saratoga man arrested for kidnapping, Senate approves org to protect developmentally disabled and mentally ill,no shirt or shoes or other clothes--no service
The Senate unanimously passed legislation Wednesday to approve the creation of the Justice Center for the Protection of People With Special Needs, to help protect vulnerable people who are mentally ill or have developmental disabilities and Assembly Democrats say they plan to pass the bill with a few changes. [NYT]
Under a new Cuomo administration proposal, executives who make more than $199,000 at human health care services and health care agencies funded by New York State will have to sign a waiver to justify their compensation. [TU]
In keeping with a pattern seen around New York State local school budget votes passed by some very wide margins.
Officials in Stillwater, the only Capital Region district whose budget didn't pass, are considering their next move.[NYT] [TU] [Saratogian]
A Saratoga Springs woman is facing public lewdness charges and could spend up to 90 days in jail for going shopping at Curtis Lumber and Stewarts, but leaving her clothes at home. [Saratogian] [TU]
A Saratoga man was arrested for allegedly kidnapping his girlfriend and their two sons with a gun and forcing them into the back of a stolen box truck. [Saratogian]
Nearly all Capital Region school budgets approved, DEC preparing to remove bear from North Greenbush,Silver seeks public support for min wage, last call in Toga won't change for now
Nearly all of the Capital region school budgets that went before voters on Tuesday passed. Stillwater's $21.2 million spending plan, which would have decreased spending, needed a 60 percent super-majority because it exceeded the state budget cap, but only got 56 percent.[Record] [Post Star]
Albany voters also approved the more than $9 million library plan. [TU]
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is calling for public pressure to persuade members of the State Senate to pass the minimum wage increase. Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos blasted the $1.25 raise at a press conference on Tuesday, but refused to rule out an increase altogether. [News10] [Capital Confidential]
Mark Ruffalo, Melissa Leo, Natalie Merchant, Jon Sebastian and other famous names performed at last night's Anti-Fracking concert at The Egg, following a New Yorkers Against Fracking rally on the grand staircase at the Capitol. [News 10]
DEC officials are preparing to remove a bear from a tree on Meadow Drive in North Greenbush. [TU]
Minimum wage increase said to be "dead," Schenectady less broke than previously thought, state retirement fund invests in local social media company, LaFrate has stopped watching
It's school budget vote day. Don't know where to vote? Check your school district's website.
The state Assembly is expected to pass a bill today that would increase the state's minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50. But "officials" say the increase is dead because the state Senate has no plans to take it up. Earlier: a recent Siena poll reported strong support for a minimum wage increase. [YNN]