Morning Blend
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] [AP/Troy Record]
A federal jury has found former state Senate majority leader Pedro Espada guilty of stealing half a million dollars from his Bronx-based non-profit healthcare org. The jury didn't reach reach a verdict of a handful of other counts against Espada, after what sounds like some unusual discussion in the jury room. The verdict quickly became grist in the local Senate race between Neil Breslin and challenger Shawn Morse. [NYT] [TU] [YNN] [State of Politics]
An independent audit of the city of Schenectady's finances concludes that the situation isn't as bad as previously described. "The city is not anywhere near a position of being broke," said McCarthy after the new audit. But the audit also concluded that the city has been using budgets that planned to spend more than they bring in. One of the ways the city is planning to bring in more money: squeeze people behind on their property harder in order to get them to pay up. [TU] [YNN] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
The Saratoga-based Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, recently accused by the state attorney general's office of not properly caring for its horses, says the AG's complaint is "a product of misinformation and incompetence." The AG's office says it's received additional complaints about TRF since filing the lawsuit. [Saratogian] [TU]
First homicide of the year in Albany, Cuomo admin reportedly pushed for Obama visit at UAlbany instead of GloFo, Fuller Road re-opens, hey -- that's Christopher Plummer
Albany police say a 22-year-old man was shot in the Mansion neighborhood Saturday night and died from his injuries (map). There were apparently multiple shots fired. It was the city's first homicide of the year. [APD] [Fox23] [TU]
The APD says two teens were shot in Arbor Hill Sunday night (map). They were shot in the leg and they're injuries don't appear to be life-threatening. [APD]
Tuesday is school budget vote day. About 475 education jobs will be cut by local school districts under proposed budgets, according to a Times Union analysis.
"A person involved in the presidential visit" says the Cuomo admin pushed the White House to move the recent visit from the GlobalFoundries chip fab to Albany NanoTech. [TU]
Saratoga Springs police allege a woman drove her car into two houses, poured lighter fluid on three people, and threw knives at them, and then struck four cars with her vehicle on Saturday (map). [Saratogian]
There was a bear in Schenectady, tax cap quirks, removal of town justice recommended for allegedly fixed speeding tickets
Live local eyewitness action on your side team coverage alert: a black bear roamed around Schenectady yesterday before finally ending up in a tree in the Stockade. Schenectady police had been searching for the bear and called DEC officers when they found it. The DEC hit the bear with two tranquilizer darts before he fell about 50 feet (or 30 feet) from the tree. He's being kept for observation and will be released if he checks out. The scene turned into a bit of a zoo with a large of group of onlookers -- including Jim Tedisco -- live TV coverage, and his own Twitter hashtag. (photo gallery) [WNYT] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [AP/News10] [YNN] [Fox23] [@JamesTedisco] [Daily Gazette]
Three Capital Region school districts are asking voters to override the tax cap next week. The cap has resulted in some perhaps surprising results -- including an allowable double digit rate levy increase in Green Island, and a required decreases in Stillwater and Ballston Spa. [TU] [TU]
A state appellate court has ruled that five Capital Region counties must pay millions in fees levied upon them by the Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (a flood control district) -- just not as much as originally levied. The court also ruled the state must chip in, too. [Post-Star] [Troy Record] [TU]
The state's Commission on Judicial Conduct has ruled that East Greenbush Town Court justice Diane Schilling should be removed because she allegedly fixed a speeding ticket for wife of another judge and allowed one of her own tickets to "disappear." Schilling's attorney called the commission's decision "dead wrong" and said she's considering an appeal. [NY SCJC] [Troy Record]
Cuomo praises Obama's same-sex marriage support, Attorney General's office raids Saratoga Nissan dealership, ballet may cut back to 1 week at SPAC, Scotia's LaFrate in ANTM top three
Andrew Cuomo says President Obama's announcement that he supports same-sex marriage is a "major advancement for this country" . But Cuomo says he did not make a pitch for same sex marriage when he met with President Obama earlier this week. [NYT/CityRoom] [YNN]
Investigators from the Attorney General's office and the State Police raided the Saratoga Nissan dealership on Wednesday and removed business records. The investigators are not disclosing the reasons for the raid, but are asking anyone with complaints against the dealership to step forward. [TU] [Saratogian]
The NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities may fire as many as 200 employees with "substatianted allegations of abuse," as part of an effort to protect people with disabilities. [WNYT]
Jurors in the embezzlement trial of Pedro Espada told the judge they'd reached an impasse on Wednesday, but were told to keep deliberating. [NYT/ City Room]
The second ballot fraud trial of Troy City Councilman Michael Loporto is on hold until July so LoPorto's lawyer can have more prep time.
Meanwhile a key witness in the original trial, former Working Families Party Employee Sara couch, wants to add some words to her testimony which could change the meaning of her statements.[TU] [Record]
The day after DA candidate Lee Kindlon announced he'd walked into the Albany County Jail many times without signing in, security measures were stepped up at the facility, but Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple those measures were planned and the timing is just coincidental. [TU]
Obama lauds Albany at NanoCollege, Rosamilia wants Hedley Building for Troy City Hall, Marylou's Whitney Ball days are over
The President was in town yesterday. In a speech at the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering Barack Obama lauded the Capital Region as an example of a place where jobs are being created. "Now I want what's happening in Albany to happen all across the country," he said. NanoCollege CEO Alain Kaloyeros, thinks the presidential visit could eventually mean funding to expand the school. [AOA] [TU] [NYT/The Caucus] [TU]
At Tuesday's event President Obama laid out a "to-do list" for congress --including plans to eliminate tax incentives for companies to send jobs overseas, offer incentives to bring jobs back to the U.S. and cut red tape so homeowners can refinance their mortgages easily. [WNYT]
Meanwhile:
+A few people got to check out Air Force One[YNN]
+One Obama Fan was disappointed when the motorcade didn't pass her by. [TU]
+Jerry Jennings rescued some umbrellas.[WNYT]
A bit about how all that gets to be news.[AOA]
New York law enforcement agencies remembered their fallen comrades in a ceremony at the Law Enforcement Memorial at the Empire State Plaza onTuesday[TU]
Hundreds of gay, lesbian and transgender people were at the Empire State Plaza on Tuesday to lobby legislators for transgendered rights and the passage of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act.[TU]
Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia and his administration are working on plans to make the Hedley building the new home of Troy City Hall.[Record] [TU]
After more nearly 40 years , Marylou Whitney has announced they're calling an end to the traditional Whitney Ball. Whtiney and her husband John Hendricksons say instead,they'll focus on efforts to help racing's backstretch community. [TU] [Saratogian]
Obama Obama Obama, Cuomo admin pushes new agency to protect people with developmental disabilities, dog owner insurance requirement floated in Schenectady
You might have heard: Barack Obama is visiting UAlbany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering today. The venue for this visit was originally the GlobalFoundries chip fab in Malta, and the switch has prompted speculation about the change of venue: Was it because GloFo is owned by Abu Dhabi? Or maybe Saratoga County is too Republican? Or maybe it was just because Albany NanoTech is closer to the airport, and there wasn't enough parking and event space at the chip fab.
The President's remarks at the event are expected to cover proposals he'd like to push through Congress in an effort to help the economy. [TU]
Andrew Cuomo on what the Obama visit will say to the rest of the country: "There's something called upstate New York ... New York is not just New York City, but New York is also upstate New York, and it's also Albany and Syracuse and Rochester and Buffalo, and they're doing very cool, exciting things. Nanotech in Albany. Who would have believed it?" And Ron Canestrari on attending his third presidential visit during the past few years: "I'll be there. I'm a regular." [NYT] [Troy Record]
Because of the presidential visit, Monday and Tuesday are ending up as paid days off for the construction crews building the new NanoFab building. [TU]
Look ahead to Obama visit, Troy City Center project stalled, NYRA president fired, state workforce aging and shrinking, parents upset school didn't stop bully's beating of 11-year-old
Barack Obama's visit to Albany isn't officially a campaign stop, and New York isn't a swing state -- but highlighting advanced manufacturing fits with the administration's theme of transforming the economy. And, of course, there are influential politicians from New York -- Andrew Cuomo and both Clintons. The POTUS visit will also continue to focus national attention on the growing tech scene in this region. [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [Daily Gazette]
The NYRA board fired president Charles Hayward and general counsel Patrick Kehoe Friday afternoon because of the scandal in which the racing org allegedly knowingly withheld millions from bettors. Hayward says the report indicating NYRA knowingly held back the money "badly misinterprets documents and was prepared without interviewing me or any other individuals relevant to their investigation." A tax examiner for the state Department of Taxation and Finance, the last on-track parimutuel monitor, who might have caught the problem was encouraged to retire shortly before NYRA allegedly started withholding the money. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [TU]
The City Center project in downtown Troy is stalled after it came to light the project included subsidized housing -- the city has bounced the plan back to the developer to be reformulated as fully market-rate housing. [TU]
A partnership called The Albany Promise, modeled on initiatives such as the Harlem Children's Zone, is aiming to create a comprehensive support system for kids in Albany's poorest neighborhoods. [TU]
The workforces for the "bureaucratic cores" of state agencies have contracted by about 18 percent over the last three years because of early retirements, regular retirements, and cuts, according to a Times Union analysis. [TU]
The Cuomo admin is planning to propose a new law enforcement and oversight agency to oversee the care of people with developmental disabilities. [NYT]
Obama to talk about economy at GloFo, Bruno attorneys hit back at indictment, problems at nursing home "very troubling," hundreds ticketed for talking or texting while driving
There are still few details about Barack Obama's planned visit to the GlobalFoundries chip fab in Malta next Tuesday, which is expected to include a tour of the facility and a talk about the economy. Paul Tonko called the presidential visit "a powerful statement" that "acknowledges the investment we have made in this region and the attention we are garnering in this region." [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
Joe Bruno didn't make a public statement yesterday after pleading not guilty to the new federal indictment against him, which accuses him of taking bribes and kickbacks. But his attorneys hit back, arguing Bruno never took a kickback or bribe and alleging federal prosecutors are essentially using the same case against Bruno again. William Dreyer called the new indictment "a gross miscarriage of justice." Said E. Stewart Jones: "Seven years, tens of thousands of man hours wasted on this, tens of millions of dollars spent by the government of taxpayer dollars on this, and for what? To harm an 83-year-old man?" [TU] [AOA] [NYT] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
The state Court of Appeals -- the state's highest court -- has ruled that state Senate Republicans were within their constitutional right to add a 63rd state Senate district. [TU]
State attorney general Eric Schneiderman announced yesterday that he's suing the directors of the Saratoga-based Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation for allegedly "driving TRF into insolvency and failing to provide the funding that needed to care for the 1,100 horses in its herd." An investigation by his office allegedly found that horses were neglected and not given adequate feed. The org released a statement defending its operations, saying it "vehemently denies all the baseless allegations included in the Attorney General's complaint, which is replete with false statements, rash generalizations, distorted representations and facts manipulated and taken out of context." Its chairman says the org has veterinary reports "from every farm that the herd is in excellent condition." The group cares for more than 1,000 horses. [NYS AG] [TRF] [Saratogian] [TU]
NYS bishops lobby for minimum wage hike, Morse says mandates made him run, motorcycle clocked by police at 170 MPH, 2nd Bruno indictment may come today, legislature may consider state dog
Saying "it is becoming increasingly difficult for the working poor of our state to make ends meet" Cardinal Timothy Dolan and the New York State bishops had published a statement in the New York Times urging Albany lawmakers to raise the minimum wage. Sheldon Silver is proposing a minimum wage increase from $7.25 to $8.50. On Wednesday's Capitol Pressroom, Andrew Cuomo said he thought "a minimum-wage increase would be in order." [NYT] [Capitol Pressroom ]
Another problem from the NYS Pearson tests has been thrown out -- this one asked fifth graders to find the perimeter of a trapezoid that could not exist within the bounds of mathematics. And it turns out that the "correct" answer -- according to the Pearson test -- was not correct.[NYT]
A report by the Boston Globe shows six nursing homes in the Capital Region are giving antipsychotiic medications to patients who aren't diagnosed with a need for the drugs. [TU]
Albany County Legislative Chair Shawn Morse says state mandates that drive up property taxes are among the reasons he's primarying Neil Breslin. Morse announced his candidacy yesterday, telling supporters that Breslin has "lost sight of what residents in the district are struggling with."[WNYT] [TU]
An Albany man convicted of rape in March, claims his lawyer -- Albany County D.A. candidate Lee Kindlon, was so preoccupied with the race for D.A. that he didn't put forth enough effort on his case. [TU]
When state police finally caught up with a Saratoga County man they'd been chasing on a motorcycle from Ravena to New Paltz they clocked him going 170 MPH. When asked about his excessive speed he allegedly told police the bike can easily exceed 190 mph. [WNYT] [TU]
Arrests at Occupy Albany May Day return, two bank robberies in one day, Watervliet Church could be designated historic place, elephants return to Albany
In a first of its kind requirement, lawyers will soon have to provide at least 50 hours of pro bono legal work before they can be admitted to the New York State Bar. New York's top judge unveiled the new requirement at a Law Day ceremony yesterday, saying it could add up to as much as half a million hours of free legal advice a year for New Yorkers in need. [NYT] [TU] [Capitol Confidential]
Twenty Occupy Albany protesters were arrested in Lafayette Park late Tuesday night after protesting after hours. Earlier in the day three OA protestors were arrested for allegedly trying to erect a shelter in the park. They were charged with second degree obstructing governmental administration and disorderly conduct. DA David Soares says he won't prosecute protesters for non violent offenses. [TU] [News 10] [TU]
Only days after winning a long struggle for a new trial in a 12 year old murder case, the defendant, Katherine M. Seeber pleaded guilty to the crime. Under what is called an Alford plea, Seeber maintained that she did not strangle her set-great-grandmother to death in February of 2000, but admitted the charge could probably be proved by prosecutors. She is facing up to 17 years in prison, 12 of which she has already served. [Saratogian] [TU] [Post Star]
Troy police say the shooting outside a 6th Avenue home yesterday afternoon was not a random act, but rather "a targeted conflict." Four shots were fired with a semi-automatic handgun, hitting an adult but sparing some kids who were at the home. [Record] [TU] [YNN]
Two Capital Region bank robberies occurred within hours of each other on Tuesday. Police in Colonie arrested a man for allegedly robbing the Citizens Bank at Northway Mall. And in Troy, police expect that surveillance video will lead them to the man who robbed the First Niagra Bank at the Hudson Valley Shopping Plaza. [WNYT] [TU] [Record]
NYRA president placed on leave, Occupy Albany planning "re-emergence," holiday restrictions on Schenectady County alcohol sales removed, Herkmier diamonds pitched as state mineral
NYRA's president and general counsel have both been placed on leave as the racing org's executive committee looks into allegations that NYRA knowingly withheld millions from bettors (it had previously said the withholding was an unintentional oversight). Said a NYRA exec committee member: "We as a board couldn't be more embarrassed and sorry to have had this happen on our watch." The state report alleging NYRA officials knowingly withheld the money cites an email from from NYRA president Charles Hayward to the Daily Racing Form in which Hayward says NYRA was going to disclose the problem earlier "but political forces intervened" and the org held off because it was being "smacked around by Cuomo." Andrew Cuomo said yesterday the report is "shocking." NYRA operates the Saratoga Race Course, as well as Belmont and Aqueduct. A lot of the money owed to bettors is apparently still stuck in the system and getting it distributed could be complicated. [TU] [State of Politics] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [State of Politics] [Fox23]
The Cuomo admin has formed a commission it says is "bringing together nationally-recognized education, community, and business leaders to recommend reforms to the state's education system in order to improve performance in the classroom." It will be headed by former Citibank and Time Warner head Richard Parsons. At the announcement, Andrew Cuomo argued that an ongoing focus on education funding had warped the education discussion, calling it "a debating-society-meets-lobbying-society." Said Parsons: "We're going to be trying to figure out: How do you make excellence systemic reality across the board, as opposed to the exception?" [Cuomo admin] [TU] [NYT]
Occupy Albany is planning a return today to Academy and Lafayette parks in Albany with events ranging from noon until midnight. The group is touting the events as a "re-emergence." Albany Police chief Steven Krokoff says the department plans to enforce the 11 pm curfew in Academy Park. [Occupy press release] [TU]
A car crash into a power substation in Menands temporarily knocked out power at the Empire State Plaza this morning -- and caused the power to flicker in parts of eastern Albany County. [WNYT] [TU]
Report: NYRA knowingly withheld money from bettors, program allegedly placed kid in cardboard box, frost concern for fruit crop, Cuomo makes history all the time
The "unintentional oversight" that resulted in NYRA withholding $8.6 million that it owed bettors actually was intentional, alleges a report by the state's Racing and Wagering Board obtained by the New York Times -- and state budget director Bob Megna says report calls into question "the 'character and general fitness' of NYRA executives." [TU 2011-12-22] [NYT]
The BOCES system is intended to save school districts money by by sharing resources -- but an audit by the state comptroller's office concludes it actually ends up costing more. BOCES supporters say the audit's methodology for making comparisons between district and BOCES-provided services was flawed. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Around the state, 49 of 671 school districts are trying to override the new tax cap. [AP/Saratogian]
Though police are often called to Schenectady High School, few of the calls are for alleged crimes. [Daily Gazette]
A special needs program in Troy is being criticized for allegedly putting a 5-year-old in a cardboard "comfort box." [Troy Record]
The new "Price Chopper Limited" store -- a first of its kind small store format for the company -- has opened in downtown Saratoga Springs. [Saratogian]
Federal charges against man in Albany Med mercury case, state troopers suspended amid prostituion ring allegation, jet-threatening geese given to food banks, you're not too old
Federal prosecutors have filed charges against Martin Kimber, the retired pharmacist from the Hudson Valley who's accused of spreading mercury around Albany Medical Center. The feds allege Kimber was involved with four mercury incidents -- involving pounds of mercury -- at the hospital dating back to March 2011, including one incident in which a person ended up ingesting mercury. They also allege they found a book at his home "reflecting a sympathy for domestic terrorism." [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Troy Record]
Three state troopers in Western New York have suspended as part of an investigation into whether one (or more) was promoting a prostitution ring. The trooper at the center of the investigation is the son of a retired State Police colonel and had been assigned to Albany from 1998 to 2010. [TU] [Buffalo News]
The Court of Appeals -- the state's highest court -- heard arguments yesterday in the suit challenging the expansion of the state Senate to 63 seats. The court could rule on the case within a week. [AP/Troy Record] [TU]
Eight of the nine men being sued by the family of Alexander Grant -- the college student who died after an odd, apparently drunken night Saratoga in March 2011 -- are currently Skidmore students. [Saratogian]
Schenectady mayor Gary McCarthy wants RPI to remove the tiny nuclear reactor it owns at the former Alco site. [Daily Gazette]
Hayden allegedly told police he covered toddler's mouth, Cuomo trying to avoid presidential talk, next BusPlus plan: Albany to Troy, complaint about Mr. Ding-a-Ling
Robert Hayden -- the Troy man accused of suffocating a toddler he was supposed to be caring for -- pleaded not guilty to murder and manslaughter charges. Court documents indicate Hayden told police he had covered the boy's mouth to get him to stop crying. He also allegedly told police he performed two hours of CPR on the boy -- and then, after realizing the boy was dead, traded a rosary for pot and smoked it. [Fox23] [Troy Record] [New10] [TU]
The Albany man convicted of making hundreds of threatening, racist phone calls to African-American households and real estate agents in the New Scotland Ave neighborhood was sentenced to 1-3 years in prison. James Hennesey apparently tried to convince a probation officer that the calls were "almost like a teenage prank thing" -- the judge wasn't having any of that. [Fox23] [News10] [TU]
The parents of Alexander Grant -- the Boston College student who died of hypothermia in Saratoga after an odd series of events while visiting friends at Skidmore -- have filed suit against nine of Grant's friends. [Daily Gazette]
The city of Watervliet stripped its director of planning and community revitalization of her duty of representing the city at planning board and zoning board of appeals meetings -- just a few hours before the proposed Price Chopper at the site of the former St. Patrick's Church was due to be discussed at the planning board. Supporters of the development are touting the increased tax revenue the new supermarket would bring. [Troy Record] [YNN] [Fox23]
Andrew Cuomo is trying to not to get pulled into "Will he run for president in 2016?" speculation. He said yesterday at the Capitol: "All I'm working on is being the best governor I can be. That's where I am, because that's where I am -- that is really, really where I am in my heart. And that's where I'm going to stay." He also said such discussion risks upsetting collegiality at the Capitol. The situation has people hearing echoes of Mario. [TU] [NYT] [YNN] [Buffalo News]
Low local turnout for GOP primary, Jennings won't veto fracking law a second time but won't sign either, police recognize con-man's voice, jilted boyfriend allegedly hires guy to lob explosives at new boyfriend's house
An example of the low local turnout for Tuesday's Republican primary: In one Ward, as of 7PM, nobody had shown up to vote. [TU]
Jerry Jennings isn't planning to veto the Common Council's ban on fracking for a second time, but he says he won't sign it either. Jennings says his objection to the ban is the same as it was in October when he vetoed it -- that the question of fracking should be decided at the state and federal level. [TU]
Senate Democrats are holding a public forum on fracking today.[YNN]
Sheldon Silver has introduced a campaign finance reform bill that would establish a taxpayer funded system for state-level candidates. But he says he doesn't hold out much hope that republicans will embrace the plan. [Capitol Confidential] [State of Politics]
In a story that sounds like it belongs on a one hour TV police drama, a career con artist from Albany was caught in an alleged scam of his landlord when police recognized his voice-- mid scam-- on the phone. [TU]
What not to do when you don't like your ex girlfriends new boyfriend: hire someone to throw explosives at his home. Larry Ahrens of Rotterdam allegedly paid a guy $100 for each time he lobbed an explosive at the home of his ex's new boyfriend. Police arrested Ahrens for hiring Michael D. Chambers to throw the devices, Chambers for throwing them, and Chamber's girlfriend Amy L. Brzoza for driving the getaway car. [YNN] [TU] [Gazette]
It's Primary Day for NYS Republicans, Albany to host international conference on electornic governance, Morse wants county employeers to stop asking for Facebook passwords, HVCC earns top two year college award, Avett brother reads Bill Kennedy
It's Primary Day for New York State Republicans [TU]
The Cuomo administration may hand over some of the responsibilities for oversight and monitoring of vulnerable populations to a nonprofit advocacy group. In light of a recent NYT investigation into alleged patient abuses and sexual assaults in group homes, Senator Roy McDonald held a roundtable to discuss legislative options to prevent similar problems in the future. Jeffrey Monsour, a whistle blower from the embattled NYS Office of People With Developmental Disabilities was told that superiors in the department said he was not allowed to attend the hearing. That decision was reversed after the NY Times found out and was preparing to reveal it to the public. [NYT] [Fox 23] [TU] [Record]
In an effort to preserve and restore some programs lost or threatened by recent budget cuts, the State Education Department is considering a plan to merge certain school districts to create centralized regional high schools. [TU]
The Board of Regents is also considering making Global history and Geography regents exams optional for students focusing in on Science, Engineering and Technology. [News 10] [YNN]
County legislative chair Shawn Morse is planning to introduce legislation to keep county employers from asking for the social media passwords of prospective employees. [TU]
Albany will be the first U.S. city to host the International Conference on Theory and Practice of Electronic Governance.[YNN]
The Castleton woman who was driving while intoxicated when she crashed her car early Monday morning could face felony manslaughter charges in the death of her passenger. [TU]
Fight over reform of state care for people with developmental disabilities, power congestion said to cost Capital Region $100 million, this old house won't sell, man benches 900 pounds
The state's Office for People with Development Disabilities says it's making changes to better ensure the safety of people in state care -- but not fast enough, according to one critic. And a state Senate panel discussion on the topic scheduled for today has already turned into drama after another prominent critic was dis-invited -- and the re-invited. [TU] [NYT]
State attorney general Eric Schneiderman has chosen to pass on pursuing charges against former state wildlife pathologist Ward Stone based on the allegations in a recent state inspector general's report. [TU]
Democrat Angelo Santabarbara has officially tossed his hat into the ring for the 111th state Assembly seat (currently George Amedore, who's running for state Senate). If you're scoring at home, here's the scorecard for all the potential players for the three local state Assembly seats that will open in this year's election. [TU] [TU]
The drunken driving charge against a Schenectady police officer has been dismissed because protocol wasn't followed in giving a field sobriety tests to the off-duty officer. [TU]
The Saratoga County sheriff's department say it's identified the body found in the Mohawk River near the Rexford Bridge last week, and the death has been ruled a drowning. The man had a history of run-ins with the law. [Troy Record] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A babysitter is being credited with saving twin one-year-olds from a house fire in Colonie Saturday (map). [WTEN]
Opposition to proposed new Price Chopper in Watervliet, police say intruders shot dog, public bath completely stripped of copper, he saw her skating and said he'd marry her
Almost 200 people showed up for a meeting in Watervliet last night about the proposed demolition of the former St. Patrick's church in order to build a new Price Chopper. Golub CEO Jerel Golub told the crowd the company has been wanting to build to a larger, modern supermarket in the city, but it hadn't been able to find another suitable location. Among the concerns expressed by residents: traffic, noise, light pollution, and lower property values. One woman said she'd stop shopping at Chopper if the company built on the site -- and turned in her AdvantEdge card to Golub. [Troy Record] [WTEN] [YNN] [TU]
Economic indicators viewed as positive: there's been an upswing in in home sales and the number of jobs in the area. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
State attorney general Eric Schneiderman has filed suit against Sprint, alleging the mobile phone carrier underpaid its taxes by more than $100 million over seven years. In the case of Albany County, the AG says the county lost out on more than $500k in tax revenue because of the alleged underpayment. [NYS AG] [TU]
Neil Breslin is officially back into the pool for re-election to the state Senate. Albany County legislature chair Shawn Morse is continuing to circle the race. [Troy Record] [TU]
Body found in Mohawk, pawn shop tips lead police to suspects in church robbery, Albany man charged in $2 million California real estate scheme, woman charged with animal cruelty after dog dies in hot car, Sweeney shares the tale of his spiral with addicts
The Saratoga County Sheriff's office is looking into the discovery of a body in the Mohawk River near the Rexford Bridge on Wednesday.[TU]
Tips from pawn shops in Albany and New Haven Connecticut helped lead police to two suspects in the theft of silver from St. John's Episcopal Church last weekend. One of the men charged in the crime is also accused of robbing Glennpeter Jewelers in Colonie.[TU] [WNYT]
Schenectady police are reviewing surveillance footage in an effort to find the person who stabbed a man in the chest at the corner of State and Hulett streets on Wednesday night. [TU]
Albany police arrested a city man wanted in California for his alleged involvement in a more than $2 million real estate scam. [APD] (Press Release below)
The State senate voted overwhelmingly to legalize Mixed Martial Arts in New York, The bill now goes to the Assembly, where MMA legislation has met with opposition before. [Fox 23] [TU]
Cuomo's tax bill nearly $50k, 3-year-old left on school bus, UAlbany breaks ground on sports complex, little leaguer rescued after cardiac arrest, rats on cocaine and Miles Davis
Andrew Cuomo paid more than $46,000 in taxes on his $230,000 in income in 2011 -- a tax rate of just under 18%. Lt. Governor Bob Duffy and his wife reported a gross income of $238,00 in 2011. Oh, and if you happen to run into Bob Duffy at the Saratoga Racecourse this summer, ask him for a hot tip. [NYT] [YNN]
Two school bus company employees are facing charges after a three year old was left unattended on a bus for nearly three hours. The two men, a bus driver and a monitor, didn't notice that the child failed to get off the bus at a special needs program at Capital District Beginnings in Berlin. The child was treated for dehydration but was otherwise alright.[TU] [News 10] [WNYT]
Troy police have arrested two people in connection with the theft of valuable artifacts from St. John's Episcopal Church that took place over the weekend. [TU]
A 22 year old Rensselaer man is facing attempted murder charges, weapons and reckless endangerment charges in connection with an Albany shooting at Swinton and Thorton Streets last September. [APD] (Press release below)
Two Albany teens were charged with Robbery for allegedly punching a man in the face and attempting to steal his laptop computer. [APD] Press release below
A repeat felony offender from Albany was sentenced to three consecutive 16 year to life sentences for burglarizing three homes over the summer. [TU]
More beat cops will be walking the streets of Troy as part of the Collar City Peace Initiative, which pairs officers with community leaders who can help point out neighborhood hot spots and ease mistrust between police and the community. [YNN]
Albany council approves parking permits, another twist in Troy ballot fraud case, valuable items robbed from church, Cohoes toddlers apparently have problems staying clothed and at home
Yep, today is the last day to file your 2011 taxes.
The Albany Common Council approved the legislation creating a residential parking permit system near the Empire State Plaza in a 14-O vote. There was plenty of discussion before the vote, though, with arguments that the $25 fee for a permit was either too low or too high. The council must still approve parking spot designations, which could happen in May, with possible implementation of the system in the fall. [@RichardConti2] [TU] [WTEN]
The Albany Common Council also passed an ordinance banning hydrofracking in the city. [YNN]
The official high temp Monday: 91. That's a new record for the date (old record: 89 in 2002) -- and 32 degrees above than the normal high. The rest of the week is forecasted to be warmer than usual, but by only a few degrees (and then cool and rainy for the weekend). [NWS] [NWS]
Big fire in Albany's Mansion neighborhood, Schenectady police chief (maybe) not retiring, arrest for shots fired at drive-in, possible Schenectady food co-op
A large fire in Albany's Mansion neighborhood last night destroyed five historic row houses and displaced more than 20 people (map). The flames and smoke prompted an evacuation of the area surrounding the scene of the fire. A witness says (on Twitter) it appears the fire started on a back porch. Photos: intense flames | porch engulfed in flames | fire fighters trying to knock down the fire | aftermath, the next morning. [TU] [WTEN] [Fox23] [@_1134 (Abraham Hmiel)] [@DJTrumastr] [@YNNAlbany] [@patrickdodson] [@dylanboyce]
Contrary to what "sources" told the Times Union last week, Schenectady mayor Gary McCarthy tells the Daily Gazette that police chief Mark Chaires does not intend to retire this summer -- and Chaires "wants to fight the article." Not necessarily making things clearer: the police department issued a statement Friday that Chaires would not confirm or deny rumors. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
Marra's Pharmacy -- the drugstore run by Cohoes mayor John McDonald and his family -- is fighting a $1.46 million fine levied against it by the state for alleged Medicaid violations. [TU]
Among the names circulating for a possible run at the state Assembly seat currently held by the retiring Ron Canestrari: Cohoes mayor John McDonald, former Mike McNulty chief of staff Charlie Diamond, and Albany councilman Dominick Calsolaro. [Troy Record]
The Albany 12-year-old accused of being involved with yet another stolen car this past week was sent to a juvenile detention center. [TU]
Cuomo orders creation of healthcare exchange, Price Chopper wants to build new store in Watervliet, pot case involved buried treasure, Honest Weight looking to move forward on location
Andrew Cuomo issued an executive order to create a healthcare exchange for the state. The exchange is part of the health care reform package pushed by the Obama administration. Republicans in the legislature had blocked legislation that would have created the exchange. [Cuomo admin] [TU] [NYT]
Saratoga County DA Jim Murphy says an investigation by his office into the sale of two properties by Halfmoon supervisor Mindy Wormuth and her husband to a developer were made at market value. Murphy acknowledged to the Times Union that his office has potential conflicts of interest in the case. [Saratogian] [TU]
"Sources" say Schenectady police chief Mark Chaires is planning to retire this summer. [TU]
The developer looking to knock down the former St. Patrick's church in Watervliet has confirmed that Price Chopper would like to build a new supermarket on the site. The new store would be almost double the size of the current Chopper in the city. [Troy Record] [TU]
As part of a plea deal, a Wilton man involved in a large interstate marijuana operation (the one that also involved Missy "The Missle" Giove) revealed that $2 million in gold bars was buried in an empty lot in Queensbury. The seizures in the case -- which also included $2.5 million in cash -- could net Warren County $750k. [Post-Star][WNYT]
$61 million in state funds will help local governments recover from flood, residential parking for downtown Albany expected to pass, Levinson Ali film shooting in Albany, Scotia woman makes the next Top Model cut
Andrew Cuomo vetoed 122 items in the the state's $132 billion spending plan. He says the items, totaling about $640,000 in spending were "legislative pork" that slipped by in the voting process, but a speaker for Sheldon Silver's office says they're "not even bacon bits". [TU] [YNN] [Buffalo News]
Cuomo visited a Middleburgh firehouse to announce that New York State has put aside $61 million to help cover local governments share of rebuilding costs from tropical storms Irene and Lee. Cuomo said the money is for repair costs not covered by Fema. [Gazette] [TU]
A group of wealthy people, including one of the founders of Facebook and George Soros' son, are pledging to spend up to $1million to push campaign finance reform efforts in New York. [NYT]
Downtown Albany's residential parking permit system is expected to become law on Monday night but it will take a little time to put it in place. [TU]
The Desmond Hotel is getting criticism for its handling of a security breach that allowed a hacker to gain access to the credit card information of guests. [News 10]
A Troy judge convicted a former Albany cop and DARE officer for the repeated sexual abuse of a 16 year old boy. Paul Pierce faces up to four years in prison and is still facing a similar charges in Warren County involving the same boy and the boys 16-year-old sister. [TU]
After racking up more than $60,000 in legal bills, former Troy City Councilman Michael LoPorto is asking Rensselaer County for a public defender for his retrial. [TU]
High speed chase that ended in crash started with fight, expert witness from Casey Anthony case to testify at Albany trial, changing last call rules in Toga mean changing them for the county,alleged cat hoarders appear in court, Sinise will play Armory
Many Public Employees in Albany and other New York cities and counties are getting raises while working without contracts. Negotiations between the union and local governments are stalled in part because the local governments can't afford the raises -- but a state law called The Triborough Amendment protects longevity-based salary hikes until a compromise can be reached. [NYT]
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has created a Conviction Review Bureau, tasked with investigating potential wrongful convictions in questionable cases across the state.[NYT]
The announced departure of Ron Canestrari, Jack McEneny and Bob Reilly will make eight Democrats with over 15 years experience that have the assembly since 2010 and is fueling rumors that Sheldon Silver may step down by the end of the year. [TU]
The new state budget includes provisions to speed up teacher disciplinary hearings in an effort to cut costs. [TU]
Police say the high speed chase that ended in a fiery one car crash in Wilton yesterday, began with an argument in Dutchess County. Matthew Ripo of Wappingers led police on a 60 mile chase through four counties that reached speeds of 120 miles per hour after he allegedly tried to run over his girlfriend. Ripo was hospitalized when his car slid off the side of the Northway on Monday night and hit a tree. Ripo is facing a string of charges, including DWI and fleeing a police officer. [TU] [Saratogian] [Post Star]
An expert on body decomposition who testified in the Casey Anthony case will testify in an Albany murder trial. A judge will allow William Rodriguez III to testify in the trial of three men charged with killing a high level drug dealer in 2010. [TU]
Reports: Canestrari not running for re-election, another gruesome find in cat hoarding case, sections of state parks going smoke-free, man allegedly recorded people in CVS bathroom
Ron Canestrari told colleagues at the Capitol yesterday that he will not be running for re-election -- and he's expected to make an official announcement this morning. That means three of the Assemblymen from the Capital Region's core -- Jack McEneny, Bob Reilly, and now Canestrari -- are not running. [State of Politics] [TU CapCon]
Suspended Albany police officer Robert Schunk was fired Monday after a ruling by an arbitrator, the APD announced. Schunk had been involved in a string of incidents, most recently a domestic incident in Halfmoon in which he was found guilty of harassment and criminal mischief. Said Saratoga County DA Jim Murphy following the announcement
A state Supreme Court has ruled that the Colonie's landfill privatization deal didn't require an opportunity for the deal to go up for a public referendum. An attorney for Albany County comptroller Mike Conners, who challenged the deal, says an appeal is expected. [TU] [Troy Record]
State Police say 44 dead cats found in Rensselaer County are linked to the recent animal hoarding cases in Halfmoon and Schaghticoke. The Mohawk Hudson River Humane Society says it found 42 ziplock bags containing the decayed bodies of kittens, as well as two adult cat bodies wrapped in towels. Said Mohawk Hudson executive director Brad Shear: "The entire situation is extremely disturbing. We've never really run into a hoarding case like this." [Troy Record] [Mohawk Hudson Humane press release, below] [TU]
Large apartment fire in Halfmoon, supporters of legalizing MMA reorganizing, Troy officers credited for rescuing woman from river, Bob Reilly raises turkeys
A large apartment fire in Halfmoon early Sunday morning destroyed 10 units, displacing more than a dozen people. One woman says she probably would have slept through the fire if not for a neighbor who pushed open her unit's door and dragged her family to safety. [WTEN] [Fox23] [WNYT]
There were three overnight brush fires in Saratoga County. [WNYT]
Supporters of legalizing professional mixed-martial arts bouts in the state are regrouping in the state legislature. [TU]
State researchers are looking into ways other fungi could be used to control the spread of the fungus causing White Nose Syndrome in bats. [TU]
A former state employee alleges he was pushed from his job at the state Office For Technology because he complained the other people he worked with weren't being productive. [TU]
Among the popular changes made during the first year of Gary McCarthy's tenure running the city of Schenectady: the fire department now knocks down buildings that are a total loss from fire before environmental regulations -- or negligent owners -- can hold up the process. [Daily Gazette]
Union bounced from Frozen Four, state panel holds go-ahead for Albany County nursing home, Schenectady witness intimidation plot alleged, warm spring weird for wild animals
Today is Good Friday. Passover begins at sundown.
The Union College men's hockey team lost 3-1 to Ferris State in the Frozen Four yesterday afternoon. The game was tied until Ferris scored the go-ahead goal with 4:43 remaining in the third period. About 1000 people filled Messa Rink on the Union campus to watch the game. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
A state appellate court has ruled that Saratoga Citizen's petition to change the the city of Saratoga Springs' form of government should be on the ballot this November. Saratoga Citizen is pushing to change the city government from a commissioner-led model to one in which a city manager oversee operations and report to a council. The decision follows a long-running fight over the effort, for which the city has spent almost $50,000 on legal fees. City officials sound like they're ready to get it over with. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
A state Department of Health committee voted to hold off approving Albany County's bid to build a new county nursing home while it waits for more info about the project's finances. [TU]
The city of Troy has place economic development coordinator Vic Christopher on 30-day unpaid suspension . The unofficial word on why: allegations of building material theft from the city. [Troy Record] [TU]
The State Police bomb squad removed eight 1950s-era tank shells from a Ravena basement after the homeowner found them. His first call wasn't to police, though -- it was to the cable show Sons of Guns to find out if the shells were worth anything. Producers for the show told him to call the police immediately. [YNN] [Fox23] [WTEN]
Marchione to primary Roy McDonald, Amedore running for Senate, poll: New Yorkers think backroom budget meetings unnecessary, budget cuts may jeopardize Troy Flag Day parade
High winds contributed to a Rensselaer fire that destroyed three buildings, killed a dog and chased eight families from their homes. [WTEN]
Saratoga County Clerk Kathy Marchione will challenge State Senator Roy McDonald in a primary for his 43rd Senate District seat. Marchione has the endorsement of the Republican Committees in both Saratoga, where McDonald Resides, and Wilton, where he served as supervisor for 23 years. Marchione claims that McDonald's decision to break with the party and vote in favor of marriage equality, was only part of her decision. [YNN] [Record] [WNYT]
Republican State Assmeblyman George Amedore kicked off his campaign for the New York State Senate's 46th district yesterday. [YNN]
Sheldon Silver and other legislative leaders think state lawmakers have earned a pay raise -- while it's not necessarily on the table right now, it hasn't been ruled out. [YNN] [TU]
A new Quinnipiac poll Wednesday shows 55 percent of voters said closed-door negotiations weren't necessary to finalize New York's budget. The poll also shows Kirsten Gillibrand with a comfortable lead in her bid for reelection. [Record] [State of Politics]
The Albany City School District Board of Education has approved a $207.7 million budget plan that includes a 1.5 percent tax levy and calls for the elimination of 40 jobs. The plan goes before voters on May 15. [YNN]
Drug sweep in Schenctady nets 13 gang members and 23 arrests, Saratoga Springs students and a parent arrested in connection with fake IDs from China, LoPorto and McDonough will be retried separately,WNYT's Wyland wins 10 grand in hoops contest
Twenty-three people were arrested and four are still on the loose in a large scale drug sweep yesterday in Schenectady. Thirteen of the people arrested are allegedly involved with the Uptown Gang, or Gunners Gang. The gang is said to be a rival of the Four Block Gang, which was taken down in a sweep of Schenectady last spring. Last week, a probe by the state Attorney General resulted in dozens or arrests. [YNN] [TU] [Gazette]
Saratoga Springs police arrested 15 people --11 of them high school students-- for having sophisticated fake IDs from China. Among those arrested was a parent who allegedly helped his daughter pay for one of the fake IDs . The ID cards were so good that one police Lt. said they could fool police scanners in a routine traffic stop. [TU] [WNYT] [Saratogian]
A State Supreme Court judge has decided that Edward McDonough and Michael LoPorto will be retried separately in the Troy ballot fraud case. [Record]
Albany police arrested a Level 3 sex offender on charges of public lewdness and endangering the welfare of a child for allegedly masturbating on the street in front of children in a school bus. [TU]
Supreme Court passes on hearing Porco appeal, Albany Common Council approves borrowing for landfill, historic cemetery damaged by vandals, welding is a hot job, raccoon knocks out power
The Supreme Court of the United States has chosen not to hear Christopher Porco's appeal. Porco's attorney, Terry Kindlon, says he's planning one more appeal, in federal court. Said Kindlon: "We're not going to stop until there are absolutely no possibilities for further action. And I'm not sure that we ever reach that point." Said DA David Soares, who declared the case closed: "For Mr. Kindlon to continue to harp on the [Joan Porco's] head nod, as if that was the thing, the one fact that our entire case hinged on, is just to make light of the entire case that was put on by the people." (A key part of the case involved a head nod police say Porco's mother made indicated Porco was the attacker -- she later said she didn't recall indicating that.) [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN] [WTEN] [Fox23]
The Albany Common Council approved $9.3 million in borrowing for the Albany landfill after a deal with Jerry Jennings to set some of the money aside for future expenses. [TU]
The new court-drawn Congressional maps for New York State have put a handful of incumbents, including Chris Gibson, in what could be difficult races. [NYT]
The Saratoga man accused of threatening local school children and Barack Obama has pleaded not guilty to the local charges. [Saratogian]
State budget wrapped up, McEneny wants successor to support to convetion center, man allegedly chomps bartender's finger, no deodorant in the clean room, Albany mummies scanned
The state budget was wrapped up late Friday afternoon, ahead of the Saturday night deadline. [TU CapCon]
The new state budget included a provision that cancels the $25 charge for individuals who use tax prep software but still file paper forms. [TU]
Jack McEneny says he would oppose any successor for his seat that would do the job part time or oppose the Albany Convention Center. [State of Politics]
An update from Friday: Matthew Slocum was sentenced to 88 years in prison Friday morning for killing his mother, stepfather and stepbrother last summer in Washington County. [Post-Star]
Glens Falls police say a man bit off the finger of a bar employee Sunday night while he was being booted from a bar. The was getting booted for allegedly having sex in the bar's smoking room. [Post-Star] [TU]
No jail time for father in Wilton accidental shooting, CDTA cutting positions and trimming routes, Gibson one of few Republicans to vote against Ryan budget, a more walkable Bethlehem
Update: Matthew Slocum was sentenced to 88 years in prison Friday morning for killing his mother, stepfather and stepbrother last summer in Washington County. [Post-Star]
Edward O'Rourke, the father of the boy who accidentally shot and killed 12-year-old Nicholas Naumkin in Wilton in 2010, pleaded guilty yesterday to endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor. He will not serve jail time. "We don't feel as if there was any justice served," said Naumkin's mother, who along with the boy's father had been pushing for jail time. Saratoga County DA James Murphy says the endangering the welfare charge was the highest charge possible. Said Oksana Naumkin of O'Rourke: "He didn't say one word. He didn't even look our way, not once. We don't even think he feels any remorse because the only reason he pleaded guilty is because he wanted to avoid jail sentence." [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [TU] [YNN] [Fox23]
David Soares met with a a skeptical group of community members in Albany's South End neighborhood last night to talk about the Nah-Cream Moore shooting. Among the comments from the crowd: "There's just too many holes in the story ... At the end of the day it all comes down to race" and "You have to stop hunting our kids." Soares responded to some of the rumors about the case: "When you say it could have been candy, it was not candy ... Once Mr. Moore had been shot, the revolver that had been identified as the revolved used in the home invasion was the revolver on him and in his hand." Concluded one woman about violence in the neighborhood: "The community can't do it by themselves and clearly law enforcement can't do it by themselves so we have to collaborate." [WNYT] [TU] [YNN] [WTEN] [Fox23]
The state Department of Health has ordered a ban on the sale of synthetic marijuana. Law enforcement officials had been pushing for the ban. And the number of incidents reported to the Upstate Poison Control Center have been trending upward. [NYS DOH] [Post-Star] [TU]
Brent Dickinson, the man accused of threatening elementary schools in Saratoga and the White House, has been indicted on charges of making a terroristic threat for the alleged threats against school children. The alleged threats against Barack Obama will be handled by federal prosecutors. [Saratogian] [TU]
McEneny won't run again, suspect arrested in Albany shooting/robbery, Albany teen stabbed in Swinburne Park, state clothing tax hiatus begins Sunday, Schumer to chair inauguration, Jumpin' Jack's opens today
Assemblyman Jack McEneny declined the democratic party endorsement and officially announced last night that he will not run again. After 40 years in government and 20 years as an Albany assemblyman, McEneny says he feels it's time to "pass the torch". "Younger people are going to have different priorities for a different generation. The longer you hang on, you're denying them that opportunity," he told reporters yesterday. As many as sixteen people have expressed an interest in succeeding McEneny. Albany County Democratic Party Chairman Matt Clyne says the race to replace McEneny will be "A three ring circus." [YNN] [WNYT] [TU] [CBS6] [Capitol Confidential]
A plan to consolidate "back office" functions for state agencies (like purchasing office supplies, operating toll free information lines and buying vehicles) that is part of the soon to be passed state budget is expected to save nearly $1 billion in the next five years. The plan will put the Office of General Services in charge of purchasing for most state departments. [TU]
Senate Republicans say they won't challenge Andrew Cuomo's plan to establish a statewide health insurance exchange via executive order, even though they did not include the measure in the 2012-13 budget. [YNN]
State Legislators began voting on the $132.5 billion dollar state budget on Wednesday.The budget is still on track to be passed by Friday, two days ahead of the deadline.[Fox 23]
The Albany Common Council Finance Committee is recommending that the council not back a plan to borrow $9.3 million in new bonds for the city landfill.
An Albany teen was stabbed following an after school argument in Swinburne Park on Wednesday. The teen was taken to Albany Med with two stab wounds and a collapsed lung.[YNN] [News 10]
Budget agreement reached early, 52 arrested in massive Capital Region drug sweep, 135 cats found in Halfmoon trailer, plans for Colonie Shop Rite approved, Spa City bar owners fight to keep 4AM last call,Indian Ladder Trail open for season
Governor Cuomo and the legislature agreed last night on a $132 billion budget. They're expecting to start voting today and enact the new spending plan on Friday -- two days early. Cuomo says the spending plan is all about jobs. A few key points included: the New York Works Task Force to oversee investment in projects and facilitate job creation, a $1.2 billion plan to rebuild roads and bridges, $102 million in flood control projects and challenge grants for state economic councils and SUNY schools. Absent in the budget is a state health insurance exchange program that would comply with the federal health care overhaul -- a plan Cuomo says he'll enact through executive order. [NYT] [WNYT] [TU] [Capitol Confidential] [YNN]
A $7.8 million dollar "spin up" payment promised to Albany by Andrew Cuomo has been reinstated in the budget after being pulled as a bargaining chip earlier this week. The payment is advance on a payment in lieu of taxes on the Empire Plaza that the state must pay Albany in 2032 and it was considered a crucial to balancing the city budget.[TU]
Lobby groups spent more than $220 million in New York last year -- a $7 million increase from the year before. Leading the pack with $12 million is The Committee to Save New York, which has strongly supported Andrew Cuomo. [NYT]
52 suspects in the Capital Region and Vermont, including members of the gangs The Bloods and Orinial Gangsta Killas, were indicted Tuesday in the largest crackdown in the history of the Attorney General's Organized Crime Task Force. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said the drug ring "primarily supplied other drug dealers." Arrests were made in connection with a total of 261 drug related charges including the sale of heroin, cocaine and prescription drugs. One of the defendants was allegedly involved in a murder plot to avenge the Death of Richard "Shaddi" Gibbs, who was shot on November 29th. Another started working as an outreach worker form the SNUG anti-violence program on Monday.[WNYT] [YNN] [Record] [TU]
Nineteen of the 135 cats taken from a half-moon trailer park had to be euthanized after the trailer where they resided was declared unlivable. The director of the Saratoga County Animal shelter, where the cats were taken, says it's the most cats they've ever gotten at once.[YNN] [Gazette] [TU]
Concerns about city of Albany money in state budget, Troy police respond to rash of violence, massive gang bust in Albany, man arrested for 59th time, worry about apple crop
The provision for a $7.8 million "spin up" on the state's payment in lieu of taxes to the city of Albany for the ESP is not in the current version of the state Senate's budget bills. Without the advance on the state's payments, the city would be facing a significant hole in its budget. Update Tuesday afternoon: Albany councilman Richard Conti reports the money has been restored in a new bill. [TU] [@RichardConti2]
It looks like voting on the state budget bills could start Wednesday, meaning the budget could be wrapped up by the April 1 deadline (or earlier). One potential roadblock to getting the budget finished -- the establishment of a federally mandated health insurance exchange -- is being sidestepped and could be established by an executive order. If the budget is finished by the deadline, it would be just the 8th on time budget since 1975. [TU] [NYT] [YNN] [AP/Troy Record]
The Troy Police Department says it's addressing the recent surge in violent crimes with an increased emphasis on community policing -- including more officers on foot patrol and increased deployments in crime hot spots. The TPD is also filling out its tactical team and adding a K-9 unit. [WTEN] [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23]
Law enforcement agencies were in the process of arresting more than 50 alleged gang members in Albany Tuesday morning. The arrests are targeting drug operations in the South End. [WTEN] [TU]
State budget could be finished this week, Hudson among most polluted rivers, teller allegedly stole $95k from Trustco, man charged for drinking officer's water, woman celebrates 109th birthday
It looks like the state budget could be finished this week (the deadline is April 1). One of the remaining hold ups: details of the health insurance exchange required by federal healthcare overhaul. [AP/Troy Record] [TU]
Jack McEneny tells the Times Union that's he considering not running for re-election to the Assembly this year. [TU]
The Hudson River is the 24th most polluted river in the country, according to report by Environment New York. The biggest single source of pollution in the river: a paper plant in Glens Falls. [Saratogian] [TU]
More than a hundred people marched in a "Hoodies in the Hood" event in Albany Saturday protesting the killing of Trayvon Martin in Florida. Said an organizer to the crowd: "They think it's drama. We got drama for them. They think that this is sensationalism. Oh well, I'll get more sensationalistic. I'll give them whatever they need to hear so that they can understand that life has value, regardless of the color of your skin." [TU] [Fox23] [Daily Gazette]
A member of the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk school board has declared himself a "sovereign citizen", a declaration that others have used in an attempt to exempt themselves from the government's laws (or taxes, apparently -- he owes tens of thousands in back taxes). [TU]
Grand jury clears police in Moore shooting, former Golub employee gets jail for massive gift card theft, neighbors sue for $1 million over solar panels, killer skillet lightning
An Albany County grand jury cleared Albany police in the shooting of Nah-Cream Moore during a traffic stop in the South End last December. Said DA David Soares at a press conference: "We have a very accurate picture of what transpired on that evening." Soares said officers Gregory Mulligan and Jason Kelly tried to disarm Moore after spotting a gun, and Mulligan fired after Moore had turned in a way that exposed the officers to being shot. Soares says the situation presented "no other alternatives, other than deadly force" for the officers. The DA's office also released the police car dash cam video of the incident, though the struggle and shooting happened out of frame. In a statement, APD chief Steve Krokoff called Mulligan's actions "heroic" and said he likely saved Kelly's life. Said Common Council president Carolyn McLaughlin: "Nobody is winning in this situation ... The facts are what they are and we gain nothing dragging it out. We need to think positive and let Nah-Cream Moore's death not be in vain." [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [TU] [WTEN] [YNN] [APD press release] [Fox23]
Christina Pagano, the former Golub employee who pleaded guilty to stealing more than $300,000 from the company via gift cards, has been sentenced to 1-3 years in prison. Pagano still owes the company more than $140k in restitution. She stole more than 6000 gift cards over 10 years. She had worked for the Price Chopper parent company for 34 years. Said Schenectady County DA Robert Carney: "It's just not enough to pay it back and say I'm sorry and it won't happen again when it's a theft of that magnitude." [Daily Gazette] [WTEN] [YNN] [TU]
The Saratoga Springs Housing Authority board voted to not renew embattled exec director Ed Spychalski's contract. It's a five-year rolling contract, so Spychalski still has four years on the deal. The board's chair said they'll be re-evaluting Spychalski's salary. He makes significantly more money than the housing directors in Albany, Schenectady and Troy -- all of whom oversee significantly more units. [WTEN] [Fox23] [WNYT]
The Troy city council voted to not fund the raises mayor Lou Rosamilia gave to four top members of his administration without council approval. [Troy Record] [TU]
Teen shot in Troy dies, Rensselaer County won't pay McDonough's legal bills, LoPorto's attorney files for dismissal, suspicious package causes evacuation at SCCC, redistricting expert to review new legislative lines, bluesman Ernie Williams has died
The Troy teen who was shot in the head in the North Central neighborhood on Tuesday night has died. Phillip McMillan was the victim of a drive-by shooting. A dark-colord Chevy Impala connected with the shooting was discovered a few blocks away after it struck at least two parked cars. Phillip McMillian was recently released from jail and family members say he was trying to get his life back together. [YNN] [Record] [TU] [WNYT]
A Troy man was robbed and shot in the leg in Arbor Hill Tuesday night. The assailant got away with a gold necklace and earring, and fired three shots as he ran away from the scene.[TU]
Rensselaer County won't be paying Elections Commissioner Edward McDonough's legal bills incurred in his ballot fraud trial. The county is also looking into whether McDonough should be paid compensated for time he spent in trial. Meanwhile co-defendent Michael LoPorto's attorney filed yesterday to have charges against his client dismissed based on the fact that a mistrial was declared after eight days of deliberation. [TU] [Record]
Kevin McGrath, the Troy City Councilman who received immunity from prosecution in exchange for testimony in the Rensselaer County ballot fraud trial says he won't step down from his office. [TU]
The three-judge panel overseeing legislative redistricting has ordered the state to pay for a redistricting expert to review the newly drawn lines and make sure no further action is necessary. [Via State of Politics]
Record highs continue, Troy teen shot, prosecutor seeks to split LoPorto & McDonough's ballot fraud cases, 911 audio released in Frank Adams robbery, self-proclaimed "best dressed man in the world" shops Albany thrift stores
Record highs are expected to continue on this first full day of spring.[NWS]
A 17 year old Troy man is in critical condition after he was shot in the head on Ninth street in the city last night. Police are searching for a dark colored sedan in connection with the shooting. [Record] [YNN]
The special prosecutor in the ballot fraud case of Michael LoPorto and Edward McDonough has filed a motion that would allow the two men to be tried separately. Jurors told Smith that the case resulted in a mistrial because it was too long with too many counts to consider. [TU]
Police have released the audio of the 911 call from the Frank Adams Jewelers robbery in Stuyvesant Plaza last week. In addition, pictures of the suspects faces, taken from surveillance video, are up on a bulletin board on I-90 which has produced a few leads in the case. [WNYT] [TU]
Crossgates Mall will institute a ban on smoking outside the mall on May 3. (As reported earlier.) [TU] [KAB]
Occupy Albany protestors took aim at The New York Postyesterday, and parent company News Corp, owned by Rupert Murdoch. [News 10/AP]
Judges approve new Congressional districts for New York, new head of RensCo jail a first for Capital Region, new airlines express interest in ALB, military dog to retire with former handler
It's the first day of spring. Today's forecast: sunny and 78. [NWS]
A panel of federal judges has approved the lines for new Congressional districts for New York State (interactive map). The lines, drawn up by a federal magistrate, had been criticized for not protecting incumbents -- to which the judges essentially said, "too bad." The greater Capital Region will now be included in three districts. Noted: the cities of Albany, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, and Troy are now all in the same district (NY-20 / currently rep'ed by Paul Tonko). [NYT] [NYT] [State of Politics] [TU] [Saratogian]
Irked by the new "Tier VI" pension reform, CSEA says it's decided to "immediately suspend all state political endorsements and contributions" in order to "re-evaluate our political relationships and make judgments about the criteria we use in determining who has earned and deserves our support." The public employees union has been one of the bigger donors to the state legislators' campaigns. Sheldon Silver was typically unimpressed with the situation. [CSEA] [TU] [State of Politics]
An org that represents county governments is pushing for the state to give counties the power to set their own sales tax rates without approval from the state legislature. [Saratogian]
David Cook -- the Glens Falls man accused of sexually assaulting a 7-week-old baby -- has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. Court documents include statements allegedly made by Cook in which he describes how he had abused the child after he'd been drinking. He also reportedly wrote to the baby's mother apologizing, and asking her to stay with him. [WNYT] [YNN] [Post-Star]
Relatively calm St. Patrick's Day, police: hidden camera snapped pic of installer, challenger for Roy McDonald, last Catholic elementary in Schenectady to close, early end for maple season
St. Patrick's Day was relatively tame this year in Albany. Police were noticeably present in the Pine Hills neighborhood, and were active on the Pearl Street. Some businesses on Pearl Street said the adjusted parade route cut in their business. [WNYT] [TU] [Fox23]
Last week's middle-of-the-night deals at the Capitol bolstered Andrew Cuomo's rep for getting things done -- but the deals used a shortcut that's only supposed to be used in emergencies. Jim Tedisco is pushing legislation that would invalidate bills passed between midnight and 8 am. [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [Jim Tedisco]
As the state takes one step toward legalizing full casino gambling, powerful interests on all sides are lining up to influence the outcome. [TU]
The variables involved in the setting the state tax cap for school districts means that some districts -- such as Ballston Spa this year -- could be required to cut their tax levies. Economic development officials in Saratoga County say the tax cap is messing with their ability to use PILOTs to draw new businesses. [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
Troy police say the motion-activated camera hidden in the women's locker room at an RPI pool caught the man who allegedly installed in an image. Thomas McMartin pleaded not guilty after turning himself in on Friday. [TU] [Fox23]
Reaction to late night dealmaking at the Capitol, man convicted of trying infect woman with HIV by raping her, jewelry store at Stuyvesant Plaza robbed, camera found in RPI locker room
Albany police say this man is a person of interest in the Albany Med cafeteria mercury case.
Reaction of the middle-of-the-night dealmaking at the Capitol on redistricting, public employee pensions, the DNA database, and casinos:
+ Andrew Cuomo said he failed on reforming redistricting in the current cycle, but won on other issues. + Mike Bloomberg called the pension reform package (Tier VI) "a huge victory for the taxpayers of New York."
+ State comptroller Tom DiNapoli said Tier VI is "no quick fix."
+ CSEA president Danny Donohue: "Tier 6 shoved down the throat of state legislators fixated on their own self-preservation, will be devastating to 99 percent of New Yorkers."
+ The League of Women Voters' Barbara Bartoletti on the late night legislative action: "The day goes on and at night like the pole dancers, legislators begin to do their work."
[TU] [NYT] [TU CapCon] [State of Politics] [CSEA] [WTEN]
The deal includes the first step toward opening full casino gambling at seven sites around the state -- though the specific sites haven't been identified. Saratoga Casino officials say they're "confident" their facility will be one of the sites -- and they're already pitching area businesses on the new crowd a full casino could bring to the region. Says Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president Todd Shimkus of the potential: "This is something that could have a significant positive impact on Saratoga and it could have a significantly negative impact on Saratoga, depending on how all the details shake out." [Saratogian] [Fox23] [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
An HIV-infected Waterford man was found guilty of trying to infect his former girlfriend out of revenge by raping her. Saratoga County DA James Murphy says his office will push for the maximum sentence -- 32 years in prison. He called the man's actions "diabolical." [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [TU]
Dhoruba Shuaib, the 19-year-old convicted of being involved with the fatal stabbing of Tyler Rhodes in Albany's Hoffman Park, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison. Shuaib apologized to Rhodes' mother at the sentencing. Stacey Rhodes is speaking at local schools as part of an effort to turn her son's death into a lesson for other kids about bullying and violence. [YNN] [TU] [TU]
Redistricting, DNA database, Tier VI and other major policy decisions reached in legislative all-nighter, ballot fraud mistrial cost county $150 grand, APD arrests family while searching for armed 15 year old
Legislators were up all night hammering out a handful of major policy decisions. The legislative all-nighter involved some Albany style backroom dealings. Andrew Cuomo is expected to sign off on the legislative redistricting maps approved by the Senate and Assembly last night. Cuomo, who has promised since his campaign that he would veto any maps that were gerrymandered, softened his position in exchange for a constitutional amendment that would restructure the process after the next census in ten years. Lawmakers reached a deal on the maps and the amendment, though Senate democrats walked out in protest first. Legislators also approved a deal to to expand the states DNA database to include nearly every convicted criminal, an amendment that will allow up to seven full-fledged casinos on non-Indian land, teacher evaluations and a slightly modified version of Cuomo's proposed Tier VI pension plan. [TU] [Record] [NYT] [Fox 23] [Record] [CBS6] [Capital Confidential]
The Rensselaer County ballot fraud trial has already cost the county more than $150,000 already. The case resulted in a mistrial earlier this week. Jurors told Special Prosecutor Trey Smith that the case resulted in a mistrial because of a lone juror who refused to convict Edward McDonough and Michael LoPorto, but they also said they were overwhelmed by the number of counts. [YNN] [WNYT] [TU]
Albany police went searching for a 15 year old boy with a handgun on Lark Street and ended up arresting an entire family. The 15 year old was found under a bed in 53 year old Salah Osman's apartment. Osman jumped on a detectives back and his daughter, 18 year old Aia Osman tried to keep them out of the room. Osman's two sons were in the bedroom helping to hide the handgun. [APD] [TU]
An Army National guardsman will face charges today for allegedly going door to door in uniform to solicit money for the troops, then spending it on himself. [TU] [YNN]
Mistrial declared in ballot fraud case, hit and run injures five in Niskayuna, Espada allegedly used embezzled funds for birthday pony and Bently, Hollywood Drive-in goes digital
After eight days of deliberation the Troy ballot fraud case has resulted in a mistrial. Things apparently got ugly over the course of the deliberations, at times devolving into personal attacks. before the judge declared the jury deadlocked.[T.U.] [Record]
Governor Cuomo may be willing to accept the latest legislative redistricting proposals with conditions attached.[News10/AP]
The plan to require everyone convicted of a crime in NYS to provide DNA samples for a DNA database appears close to passing.
A financial executive who once served as treasurer for Senator Ruben Diaz's campaign has been charged with stealing as much as $400,000 from the church-related charity group he helped run. The Group, Christian Community Benevolent Association, was supported in large part through state grants arraigned by Senator Diaz. [NYT] [TU]
Former Senator Pedro Espada Jr. is facing charges for allegedly embezzling money from his health care clinics and using it for, among other things, a downpayment on a Bently and a birthday party pony. [NYT] [News 10]
The Bethlehem man who allegedly beat a 61 year old Albany man who tried to get him to stop selling drugs on his brother's stoop is now in the Albany County jail facing felony gang assault charges. Nasir Stratton has been in trouble with the law before. He took a a plea deal in an unrelated robbery case in 2007 when a defendant recanted his testimony. [AOA] [TU]
A hit and run in Niskayuna injured two adults and four children on Tuesday night. Police are looking for a black or gray pickup with extensive front end damage. [Gazette] [T.U.]
Police say a Union College student was driving a car that struck a pedestrian on Seward Place in Schenectady Tuesday. [T.U.]
Redistricting drama continues, Bob Reilly won't run for re-election, support for new Albany County nursing home re-affirmed, Dick Hill is really popular
There are new state Senate and Assembly maps from the state task force in charge of drawing new districts -- the Senate lines still include a new 46th district that would run through the southwest corner of the Capital Region. Despite earlier threats to veto the new lines, Andrew Cuomo appears to be leaning toward supporting them if they're paired with a constitutional amendment that would reform the redistricting process. The amendment has the support of some -- but not all -- good government groups. The whole process has been dysfunctional, as usual. [TU] [State of Politics] [NYT]
The federal magistrate who's now handling the drawing of the state's Congressional district lines has released her final proposed maps. [State of Politics]
The budget proposals from state Assembly Democrats and state Senate Republicans don't include the pension reform items favored by Andrew Cuomo, potentially setting up a budget deadline showdown between the governor and legislature. Cuomo is threatening to stuff pension reform into a budget extender, which would force the legislature to accept the reforms or shut down the government. [AP/Troy Record] [TU]
Colonie state Assemblyman Bob Reilly has announced he won't run for re-election. Said Reilly of his decision: "I get in, do my thing, and I get out ... That's what I'm doing, getting out. There's a difference between what I see as a citizen legislator and someone who makes a career of it. It's not a bad thing, it's just not me." Already into the pool to replace him: Kevin Frazier, an aide to Ron Canestrari, and Phil Steck, Albany County legislator -- both Democrats. [WNYT] [Troy Record] [TU CapCon] [WNYT]
There was a lot of criticism for the insurance industry at a state Senate committee hearing yesterday about insurance problems following Irene flooding. A Schoharie County man -- who had flood insurance -- recounted how he had to fight his insurance company issue by issue, through a series of insurance adjusters. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
There's still no verdict in the Troy ballot fraud case -- the jury is apparently stuck on some of the counts and asked yesterday if it could reach a "partial verdict." The judge said yes, but urged the jury to keep working. [Troy Record] [TU]
Redistricting drama plods along, arrest in South Troy shooting, police say man hid stolen money up there, clerk's office sends condelence notes to dog owners, it's tournament time
The state task force in charge of redistricting is expected to release revised maps for the state Senate and Assembly districts today -- even though it hasn't reached an agreement with Andrew Cuomo, who's been threatening a veto. [State of Politics] [TU]
One the potential state budget battles is over $200 million in aid for schools -- Andrew Cuomo wants to be distributed as competitive grants, but the legislature wants it go into general support for schools. [AP/Post-Star] [TU]
The Cuomo administration -- which touts itself as being a paragon of transparency -- takes seemingly forever to respond to FOIL requests. [TU]
Troy police say they've arrested the shooter in the fatal Thursday afternoon South Troy shooting -- but have only charged him with weapons charges while they gather more evidence. Police say they found Allen McBee of Watervliet hiding under a bed in a residence three blocks away following the shooting (map). Police say there were many witnesses to the shooting. [TU] [YNN] [Troy Record] [WTEN]
Suspended Albany police officer Robert Schunk was convicted of misdemeanor harassment and criminal mischief for his involvement in a domestic incident with his former girlfriend in her Halfmoon home two years ago. Saratoga County DA James Murphy alleged Schunk had crashed through a locked bathroom door and "pounced on" the woman. Said Murphy: "I don't think he should be a police officer." [Saratogian] [WNYT] [TU]
Slocum found guilty of murder, afternoon shooting in South Troy, push to post taxes on gas pumps, students: we'll walk for Latin, steeplechase coming to Saratoga
Matthew Slocum -- the Fort Edward man accused of murdering his mother, stepfather, and stepbrother, then their house to the ground -- was found guilty on all charges, including three counts of second-degree murder. The jury took just two hours to return a verdict. Slocum faces as much as 75 years to life in prison. After the verdict was read, the brother of Slocum's mother yelled "Rot in hell you coward." [Post-Star] [TU] [Saratogian] [WTEN]
Troy police say a man was fatally shot on the street in South Troy Thursday afternoon (map). The man -- Sha-kim "Pacino" Miller -- reportedly was confronted by three men in front of his house before they exchanged gun fire. A witness says she heard as many as six shots fired. Miller was a rapper who had recorded a track that
A budget deadline showdown between Andrew Cuomo and the legislature could be shaping over the proposed new public employees pension tier now that it looks like the Assembly won't include the "Tier VI" proposal in its budget bills. Cuomo appears to be somewhat less than interested in negotiating. [TU] [State of Politics]
The latest guess about what might have caused the odd medical symptoms in two Saratoga County teens: Lyme disease. The suggestion to investigate the possibility of Lyme came from a biologist at SUNY Adirondack who had seen their story on TV. [WNYT] [TU]
Slocum blames girlfriend on stand, juror illness threatens outcome of Troy ballot fraud trial, Troy Chopper robbed at gunpoint, alleged Schenectady bank robber tries get away in cab, school psychologist cleared of drug charges
Alleged murderer Matthew Slocum took the stand in his own defense yesterday. The Fort Edward man charged with murdering his mother, step father and step brother, then setting their home on fire blamed his girlfriend for the killings but admitted to setting the fire. [YNN][Post Star] [TU]
The health of a juror may jeopardize the Rensselaer County ballot fraud trial. One of the jurors was taken from the courthouse in an ambulance yesterday and the rest of the jury was dismissed for the day. If the juror can not return, it could result in a mistrial, as alternate jurors were released earlier in the trial. [TU][WNYT][Record]
Schenectady police caught a city man who allegedly robbed the Key Bank on Broadway and tried to escape in a cab. The suspect has also been connected to an October robbery at an Erie Blvd Sunoco.[TU][Fox 23]
Police are searching for a man who robbed a Troy Price Chopper at gunpoint on Wednesday night .[TU]
Bruno won't get $2 million in legal fees from NYS --yet, legislators using redistricting plan as template, DOT wants to clear up Northway traffic, gas station at proposed Colonie Shop Rite a deal breaker, guard says Slocum told inmates "I'm a murderer."
Legislative leaders are using the state redistricting proposal handed down by a federal magistrate this week as a template from which they'll make "the necessary deals." A three judge panel is expecting to see a final proposal by Monday. [NYT]
The Attorney General's office says Joe Bruno won't get reimbursed for more than $2 million in legal fees -- yet. Bruno's attorney has filed for the reimbursement under a public officers law that allows state employees to be repaid in criminal cases resulting in acquittal or dismissed charges. Eric Schneiderman's office has rejected the request deeming it premature. [TU]
A day after 2,000 state employees turned out at the Capitol to meet with legislators about Governor Cuomo's proposed Tier VI pension cuts, there may be signs of compromise on the issue. [TU]
New York State's Department of Transportation is looking for ways to clear up some of the traffic congestion on the Northway. On the list of options: widening the twin bridges and rerouting traffic with message boards. [YNN] [News10]
Under a newly hammered out plan Global Foundries would pay $12 million a year in taxes through 2059, making it the largest private property taxpayer in the Capital Region.[Gazette]
Deliberations continue today in the Troy ballot fraud case. Yesterday the jury requested a 40 minute read- back of the testimony of city councilman John Brown and Kevin O'Malley and asked to look at handwriting samples. [Record] [TU] [WNYT]
Eleven people testified yesterday in the murder and arson trial of Matthew Slocum. Slocum's cousin said he heard Slocum threaten to burn the house down the day before the murders. A guard from the Washington County jail said that when other inmates were taunting Slocum, he yelled back that they didn't know who he was and shouted "I'm a murderer." [YNN] [WNYT] [TU]
Proposed Congressional district would include Albany-Schenectady-Troy, cabaret law passes in Albany, man arrested for White House threats allegedly visited schools, duo busted for cannabis hard candy
The US magistrate trying to settle the New York's Congressional redistricting has released a proposed version of the district lines, which would spread the Capital Region over three Congressional districts. But it would also place the cities of Albany, Schenectady, and Troy in the same district. [State of Politics] [TU CapCon]
The Cuomo administration has told health plans serving people on Medicaid that the plans would lose state contracts if they deny women their choice of contraceptive until cheaper methods fail. [AP]
Said Albany County exec Dan McCoy during his first State of the County address of the county's fiscal situation: "The reality is, the county is close to running out of money." One of the cost-cutting options floated: privatizing the county nursing home. Also floated during the speech: the possibility of creating a community college for Albany County. [WTEN] [TU] [Troy Record]
The Albany Common Council passed the much-debated "cabaret law" last night -- though there was still criticism the rules are too complicated and don't do enough to exempt religious orgs. (earlier) [WTEN] [TU]
Glens Falls police say a man has been arrested for allegedly injuring and sexually abusing a 7-week-old baby. The man allegedly told police he abused the baby on three separate occasions while drinking. The baby was airlifted from Glens Falls Hospital to Albany Med and is listed in critical but stable condition. Police say the baby's mother left the child in the man's care. Police have not disclosed the man's relationship to the baby. [Post-Star] [WNYT] [YNN] [TU] [Fox23]
Healthcare workers acquitted in Northwoods case, mercury found in Albany Med cafeteria, Saratoga man arrested for allegedly threatening White House, the weekend in brawling
The four defendants in the Northwoods nursing home trial were acquitted by the jury on Friday. One of the defendants, a physicians assistant, said afterward that the state attorney general's office should have gone after the management of the facility instead of frontline health workers. [Troy Record] [TU]
Albany police say an Albany Med employee found mercury on a food tray in the hospital's cafeteria Friday, prompting a temporary shutdown of the food facility. A search then found mercury in other opened-container foods. The APD says the investigation is being treated as a criminal matter, and the State Police and FBI are assisting. [Fox23] [WTEN] [TU]
The Saratoga County DA's office says a Saratoga Springs man has been arrested for allegedly sending two threatening communications to the White House message board, one against the President and another against an unspecified elementary school, via email on Friday. The owner of the motel where the man was staying said the man had appeared "very frustrated ... talking bad about everybody." [Saratoga County DA] [Saratogian]
Albany County DA David Soares says he did allow a NXIVM rep to work with the DA's office developing a case against a business consultant to the group -- but says he resisted "tremendous pressure" from NXIVM and its allies to purse a second indictment against the man. [TU]
A study done for the state Department of Transportation concludes that traffic on the I-87/Route 9 corridor in Saratoga and Albany counties will "grow to intolerable levels" without some sort of new plan. More than 100,000 cars a day travel the Northway each day in the corridor. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Man apparently died in Schenectady fire while trying to alert neighbors, Troy ballot fraud trial nearing end, Niskayuna school district facing possible teacher layoffs, snag over new Lark Tavern sign
Schenectady fire officials and neighbors say the man found dead in the large apartment fire in the Central State neighborhood this week was an elderly man who was alerting neighbors about the fire. Schenectady Fire Chief Michael DellaRocco says they found the man's body near the door a second floor neighbor, whom he apparently had alerted. Said city public safety commissioner Wayne Bennett of the man: "You have to give him a tremendous amount of credit he could have just ran out the door and his concern was for his neighbors." [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [WTEN]
The attorney for Annie George, the Rexford woman who allegedly had kept a woman in service at the Llenroc mansion without pay or a proper visa, says his client denies the allegations -- and that "several allegations in the complaint are gross mis-statements." The Department of Homeland Security complaint alleges the woman, who's from India, worked for George's family from 2005 until May 2011, when she was removed from the house. [Daily Gazette] [CBS6] [TU]
Halfmoon supervisor Melinda Wormuth has resigned from the Saratoga County board of supervisor's public works committee following a Times Union report raising questions about two properties that she recently sold to a developer. Board of Supervisors chair Thomas Wood said he doesn't think Wormuth has done anything wrong and praised her integrity. Wormuth called the TU's original story a "smear campaign." [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
On the last day of testimony in the Troy ballot fraud trial, a State Police DNA expert testified that the adhesive trip of three absentee ballot envelopes had DNA that matched Ed McDonough. Neither McDonough nor Michael LoPorto ended up testifying in their defense -- though LoPorto apparently had to think about it until the last moment. [Troy Record] [WNYT]
Matthew Slocum's girlfriend testified yesterday that she saw Slocum shoot his stepbrother and set fire to their home. [Post-Star]
Bloomberg adds support for pension reform, McDonald faces loss of support for Marriage Equality Act vote, trooper says Slocum confessed to murders, charges that a witness lied in ballot fraud trial, fire temporarily closes Corning Tower
Leap day snow caused a sloppy commute and resulted in school closings, but with temps of 40-50 degrees anticipated, it's not expected to stick around long. [TU]
Mike Bloomberg joined a group of leaders from municipalities around the state at the Capitol yesterday to support Andrew Cuomo's pension reform plans. Bloomberg pointed out that the more than $8 billion NYC is spending on pensions this year is more than it will spend on police, fire and sanitation departments combined. [TU] [NYT]
A State Police investigator -- the first person to testify in the Trial of Matthew Slocum yesterday -- told the court that Slocum confessed to the murder of his mother, stepfather and stepbrother in July. The defense told the court that Slocum's girlfriend was responsible for the murders. [TU] [Post Star]
A defense attorney in the Troy ballot fraud case says longtime Democratic operative Anthony Renna lied on the witness stand when he testified he watched elections commissioner Edward McDonough forge votes. Renna says his statement that he watched Edward McDonough cast fraudulent ballots in front of him was "a mistake" and that he was the one who filled the ballots out. [TU] [Record]
The teen driver charged with the hit and run death of an Arbor Hill man this weekend pleaded not guilty to manslaughter charges. [TU]
A fire in the Wadsworth Lab at the State Department of Health resulted in a precautionary evacuation of the basement and first five floors of the Corning Tower. [TU]
Albany's proposed cabaret law has been reworked to include an expansion on exemptions for religious or education performances. [TU]
Alleged driver in Henry Johnson hit-and-run turns himself in, gambling org says casinos would bring jobs, car salesman arrested during test drive
It's February 29 -- leap day.
Albany police say the 19-year-old Bethlehem man who is the alleged driver in the Henry Johnson Blvd pedestrian hit-and-run turned himself in. The APD says Ian Eckhardt-Rigberg will be charged with leaving the scene of a personal injury auto accident resulting in death, which is a felony, as well as "several other" traffic violations. State Police say they were pursuing a speeding car on I-90 that night before the car exited at Henry Johnson. The APD says troopers stopped pursuit at the point, but allege Eckhardt-Rigberg went through the Henry Johnson/Livingston intersection at "a high rate of speed." Eckhardt-Rigberg had gotten three speeding tickets in a six-month period and was driving on a restricted license, according to the state DMV. [APD press release] [YNN] [WNYT] [TU]
Two of the accusers of former Syracuse basketball assistant coach Bernie Fine were at the state Capitol yesterday to push for a bill that would extend the statute of limitations in child sexual abuse cases. The bill has faced opposition from the Conference of Catholic Bishops because of a provision that would open a one-year window for alleged victims to sue regardless of the statute of limitations. A spokesman for the Catholic org says it doesn't oppose an extension of the statute of limitations, just the one-year window. [Fox23] [TU] [WTEN]
The latest drama over the state's new public ethics panel: whether the panel is under subject to oversight by the state Inspector General, which part of the executive branch (in other words: will legislators be subject to a watchdog ultimately controlled by Andrew Cuomo). Ellen Biben -- head of the panel and until just recently the state IG -- argued the panel would be independent. [TU] [State of Politics]
A gambling org study projects that full casino gambling will generate $3.3 billion in "economic output" for the state. It also asserts casino gambling would create about 400 jobs at the Saratoga racino. [State of Politics] [Post-Star]
"Governor Gumby" says he's flexible on pension reform, Federal judge takes control of legislative redistricting, teen chased for speeding before hit and run, another Albany bleach attack handwriting expert "virtually certain" some Troy ballots forged
Andrew Cuomo says he's flexible --like Gumby on pension reform. Cuomo made the reference while urging New York's mayors to contact their legislators to express support for his pension reform plan. Comptroller Tom DiNapoli also spoke to the mayor's conference about Cuomo's proposed tier VI pension reform-- telling the mayors the plan wouldn't save NY enough money and could could leave future retirees with very little.[Daily News] [Bloomberg] [WNYT]
Cities across NY are borrowing $750 million dollars from the state's pension system to finance their contributions to --- the state's pension system.[NYT]
Legislators couldn't agree on where lines should be drawn for New York's new congressional districts, so now a federal judge will decide. [TU]
Albany police are looking into the third bleach attack in a month. A 15 year old boy allegedly threw bleach in the eyes of his 15 year old girlfriend on Third Street in Albany. [YNN] [TU]
The trial of Matthew Slocum, the Fort Edward man charged with killing his mother, her husband and her husband's son and setting their home on fire last summer, is underway. Jury selection began yesterday after the judge rejected a defense request to postpone the trial. [TU] [YNN]
The Troy man accused of sexually abusing five teenage boys pleaded not guilty yesterday.
[Fox 23]
Pedestrian killed in hit and run, police say BB guns hard to distinguish from regular guns, trying to find 51 percent of a bridge, don't hold a grudge
There's still no agreement on redistricting for the state's Congressional districts. Candidates have to start circulating nominating petitions in March -- but until the lines are settled, they can't be sure about the shape of the districts. [TU] [NYDN]
Albany police say a pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run on Henry Johnson Blvd Saturday evening (map). A witness says the driver's car hit the man, then "busted a U turn and turned down Clinton and kept going." The father of the 19-year-old from Bethlehem who was allegedly behind the wheel says his son told them man appeared from behind a parked car and there wasn't enough time to stop. Given the set up of the street, neighbors said they figured a pedestrian would be hit there "sooner or later." [YNN] [Fox23] [TU] [WTEN]
The employment contract for Saratoga Springs Housing Authority director Ed Spychalski includes a rolling extension and what could be a $600,000 buyout clause. [TU]
Prompted by a recent local court decision in another part of the state, Albany Common Council supporters of a city ban on hydrofracking now appear to have a veto-proof number of votes. A spokesman for Jerry Jennings, who vetoed an earlier resolution banning fracking in the city, says the mayor's stance hasn't changed. [YNN] [TU] [WNYT]
The state Inspector General's office is expected to soon release what apparently is a very critical report of former state wildlife pathologist Ward Stone. [TU]
Apparent murder-suicide in Schenectady, Albany council passes ban on smoking in playgrounds, Campbell Ave in Troy closed again, early start for maple syrup season
Schenectady police are investigating what apparently was a murder-suicide in the Vale neighborhood (map). It appears that a man stabbed a woman and then hanged himself. The woman's ex-husband says he had talked to her that morning and she had been fighting with the man, with whom she had been in a relationship. Neighbors say the man had threatened to hurt the woman last week. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [WNYT]
Former Troy city clerk William McInerney testified during the ballot fraud trial yesterday about his role in the alleged scheme to control the Working Families Party line via forged absentee ballots. He admitted to forging many of the ballots himself. [Troy Record] [WNYT]
The Albany Common Council passed a ban on smoking in city playgrounds. The measure's sponsor, James Sano, says it could be a step toward banning smoking in all parts of city parks. Said a woman opposing the measure during a public comment: "You're trying to put us in a corner where we can't move, we can't breathe ... Every time you look around, there is a law for this and a law for that." [TU] [Fox23] [WTEN]
State Police say a man used an ID with his brother's name when he was pulled over for DWI last May in Halfmoon -- and was processed through the Saratoga County system under that name. [Saratogian]
Cuomo stands firm on pension reform, Albany and Schenectady school aid restored, state selling 500 cars on ebay, Schenectady man dies after being dragged by train, council delays caberet law vote, regional home sales up, salamanders get help crossing road
The Cuomo administration continues its push for pension reform to be included in the April budget. In a cabinet meeting yesterday Andrew Cuomo said the power struggle over reform in New York is not between the executive and legislative branch, but between special interests and the people. [Record/AP] [TU]
Millions of dollars in State Improvement Grant funding has been restored to Albany and Schenectady school districts after unions reached teacher evaluation agreements. [TU]
Gas companies and hydrofracking opponents are trying to figure out what this weeks ruling that allows individual towns to decide whether they'll permit fracking, means for them. [NYT] [Record/AP]
Law enforcement agencies in New York state have seized more than 60,000 cartons of Indian-made cigarettes discovered during traffic violations over the last eight months, but the state hasn't done much more to enforce a claim that it has the right to tax Indian made cigarettes that are sold to non-Indians. [NYT]
In an effort to pare down, New York State will be selling about 500 surplus vehicles on its ebay page. Among the items up for sale -- a $180,000 recreational vehicle intended for use as a DEC command center -- that the DEC commissioner didn't know he had. [Fox23] [TU]
The Albany Common Council will not be voting on the proposed cabaret licensing law tonight. The vote is being postponed so more work can be done on the wording in an effort to eliminate confusion. The council will hold a public comment period before its meeting tonight on another issue -- a proposal to ban smoking at city sports fields, swimming pools and playgrounds. [TU]
[YNN]
In an effort to ward off a county law suit, the Schenectady City Council has agreed that the city will pay delinquent county tax bills on property owned by city residents .[Gazette]
Redistricting challenge won't be dismissed, Schenectady mother faces arson and endangerment charges, mom's ex charged with death of baby, contractor faces nearly 400 counts for allegedly cheating workers, Jumpin' Jack's on schedule to reopen
A federal appeals court has refused to dismiss a challenge to New York State's proposed legislative redistricting plan.[CBS6/AP]
Hydrofracking opponents scored a victory yesterday in the town of Dryden when a state judge ruled that town officials can ban hyrdrofracking there. [NYT]
A second gas company is considering running a gas pipeline through Schoharie County to transport gas obtained through hydrofracking in the Pennsylvania Marcellus Shale. [Gazette]
New York prosecutors have secured the 40th conviction in Operation Blood Trail, a seven month drug investigation that led them to 41 members of the gang The Bloods from NYC through Albany Clifton Park, Watervliet, Schenectady, Troy and Cohoes. [TU]
The mother of two children who were found unattended by Schenectady firefighters earlier this week,has been charged with arson and child endangerment for allegedly setting a pile of clothes on fire after a fight with her boyfriend, and then leaving the children at home while she went to look for him. [TU]
A Troy man is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting more than five minors. [TU]
Schumer says flood recovery money held up by Congress, Saratoga WWII hero remembered, Albany considering ban on playground smoking, student accused of backing over safety officer
Chuck Schumer says $200 million in federal aid for Irene flood recovery is stuck in Congressional committees. He pushing members of the committees to move the money along. Paul Tonko says it's been difficult getting members of the House to approve flood recovery money because they've demanded budget cuts to balance the disaster aid spending. [WTEN] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Albany County DA candidate Lee Kindlon is pushing for an investigation of why David Soares' office allegedly allowed a top NXVIM aide to work with the DA's office in compiling a case against a NXVIM critic. Kindlon alleges the NXVIM aide "manipulated the grand jury process for her own ends." [TU] [Fox23]
Saratoga Springs public safety commissioner Chris Mathiesen is continuing the push for an earlier last call in the city to curb violence downtown. Says Mathiesen of the situation on Caroline Street around closing time: "It's out of control ... People have the right to feel safe on the streets 24/7, and that is not the situation right now." [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Clarence Dart, one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and a Saratoga Springs resident, died Friday -- he was 91. He flew 95 missions during WWII -- and was shot down twice -- earning numerous honors. But one of his sons said Dart didn't talk much about the war: "He was a quiet, humble guy. He didn't brag about the things he did, he just did them." And said one of his daughters: "I said, 'dad I heard you got shot down twice and he said yea I got shot down twice,' and that's all he said." Said Congressman Chris Gibson of Dart: "Here is truly an American hero." [TU] [WNYT] [Saratogian] [WTEN] [Daily Gazette]
Deal on teacher evaluation system for the state, SCCC president apologizes for Chevrolet remark, group concerned about bobcat population, citywide open house in Schenectady
The Cuomo admin and the teachers unions have reached a deal on a teacher evaluation system for the state. The broad outline of the system: 60 percent of a teacher's rating will be based on direct evaluation of teachers, and 40 percent on the performance of a teacher's students. The lowest-rated teachers could be fired if they don't improve. The agreement moves the state closer to holding onto $700 million federal education aid. [Cuomo admin] [TU] [NYT]
Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley is calling for the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development to investigate the situation at the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority. And the chair of the authority's board said yesterday it will be re-evaluating executive director Ed Sypchalski's salary. [TU] [Saratogian]
A former Working Families Party employee testified in the Troy ballot fraud trial yesterday that former councilman Michael LoPorto gave her about 30 sealed absentee ballots wrapped up in a newspaper (complete with a line about there being "some really good article in there"). She also testified that Democratic operatives suggested trying to make a secret deal with Republican operative Bob Mirch to make the scandal go away. [Troy Record] [WNYT]
As Albany County moves toward purchasing its family court building from a developer, there's some significant disagreement over how the building should be valued. [TU]
Minorities in Albany, Rensselaer, and Schenectady Counties are arrested, convicted, and sent to prison at rates much higher than their representation in the general population, according to a report from the Albany-based Center for Law and Justice. [TU]
State comptroller to audit Saratoga Springs Housing Authority, SCCC president says new job would be upgrade from Chevy to Cadillac, Brad Pitt producing film about Saratoga story
The state comptroller's office will be auditing the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority to "help provide the transparency and accountability" to the situation surrounding the recently embattled agency. Said SSHA executive director Ed Spychalski of the audit: "I think it will clear up a lot of misconceptions about the Housing Authority." [TU] [Saratogian]
The pest control company brought in to deal with the bed bug problem at the Saratoga springs Housing Authority's Stonequist Apartments says almost 25 percent of the building's units had bed bugs. [Saratogian]
Testified Democratic Party operative Robert Martiniano yesterday during the Troy ballot fraud trial: "We didn't want to know [if] they had a legal excuse because it was a common culture in Troy to collect ballots so they could be controlled." [Troy Record]
The Schenectady school board has picked Laurence Spring to be its next superintendent. Spring is currently the superintendent of the Cortland, New York school district. Said Spring of the job ahead: "We've got work to do with the community, trust to build." Interim superintendent John Yagielski says the district is currently facing a $7 million budget gap. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [YNN] [Fox23]
Deadline for teacher evaluation plan is tomorrow, New Yorks's top judge proposes special youth court, NY legislators won't honor Houston,Councilman knew ballot fraud actions were wrong but not illegal, Selkirk dog Best in Breed at Westminster
Tomorrow is the deadline for teacher's unions and the State Education Department to come to an agreement on teacher evaluation plans before Governor Cuomo puts his own plan into play. [YNN]
New York's chief judge said he would ask the legislature to create a new Youth Court to handle nonevent offenses committed by 16 and 17 year olds. In his annual judiciary speech yesterday, Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman also voiced his support for videotaping interrogations of criminal suspects and expanding DNA collection for all felonies and penal misdemeanors in an effort to prevent wrongful connections. [TU] [NYT]
New York legislators have decided not to pass a resolution to honor Whitney Houston. [Daily News]
"I knew it was wrong, but I did not think it was illegal," Troy councilman Kevin McGrath said yesterday about his efforts to get voter registrations and later have those voters sign absentee ballots. The Troy councilman,who was granted immunity for testifying in the election fraud trial of Michael LoPorto and Edward McDonough, said he took the applications to McDonough and watched him fill in the excuse boxes. [TU] [WNYT] [Record]
The 11 year old arrested for stealing a car and, earlier, for breaking into vehicles and a store in Albany allegedly stole wallets, purses and cell phones from other vehicles before making off with the Mercury Grand Marquis. [AOA] [TU]
A 15 month old Glens Falls boy is in Albany Medical Center with a critical head injury and his father is in the Warren County Jail facing assault charges for tossing the boy when he wouldn't stop crying. [YNN]
The Occupy Albany protestor who got in the way of a DPW worker attempting to break down a platform with an electric saw at the OA eviction in Decemberpleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge in a plea deal yesterday. William Preston is the first OA protestor that David Soares office has agreed to prosecute. After reviewing video Soares office decided not to prosecute two other OA protestors saying their behavior fell in the guidelines of a peaceful protest. A fourth protestor arrested that the same night has had his case adjourned for six months. [AOA] [TU]
Albany legislature confirms Marcelle as county attorney, Immelt says GE Schenectady is on "upswing," Cuomo says it's not love but tension, Amazing Wok building former home of Nuremberg prosecutor
Albany County legislators confirmed Thomas Marcelle as county attorney last night, in spite of protests from people concerned about Marcelle's connection with a conservative Christian group.[TU]
GE CEO Jeffrey Immelt says the Schenectady plant is on an upswing and the corporate labs in Niskayuna are at a "highpoint."[TU]
Andrew Cuomo says his relationship with the legislature is not based on love, but on tension [State of Politics] [via Capitol Pressroom]
The company that administers the GED exam is hiking its rates, prompting the state to
search for other ways for New Yorkers to obtain high school equivalency degrees. [TU]
Police around the state have given out about 7,500 tickets for texting while driving since the law was instituted in July. The federal National Traffic Safety Board is pushing for a ban on the use of all personal electronic devices in cars. [AP/Troy Record] [YNN]
Troy ballot fraud trial slows over inconsistent testimony, UAlbany football stadium reportedly moving ahead, family wants officer fired for shooting dog, Flavour Cafe rebuild stuck
An inconsistency in a witness' testimony has slowed the Troy ballot fraud trial. [Troy Record]
The Irene flooding has left behind people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental illness. [TU]
The state Department of Health says the odd illnesses of two girls in Corinth are not connected to illnesses of a group of teens near Rochester. The DOH apparently reached this conclusion without directly investigating the the cases of the two Corinth girls. [Saratogian] [TU]
A Schenectady 18-year-old has admitted to killing 19-year-old Terrill Reese Jr. with a shotgun in the Central State neighborhood in September 2010 (map). He said he pulled the trigger because had "problems" with Reese. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Construction on the UAlbany football stadium will begin in April, according to "multiple sources." [WNYT]
Former clerk says public housing residents were targeted in alleged ballot fraud, Tedisco pushes for 9/11 license plate, Saratoga County government not exactly a tech leader
Anthony DeFiglio, the former Troy Housing Authority clerk and Democratic Party operative, testified yesterday during the Troy ballot fraud trial that he and other party members targeted people in public housing for the alleged absentee ballot scheme because they figured the residents would be less likely to report the crime. DeFiglio also alleged that former city clerk Bill McInerney was involved in the alleged scheme because he'd lose his job if Democrats lost a majority on the city council. DeFiglio said it was "very stupid" for him to get involved with the scheme. [WNYT] [Troy Record] [TU]
The attorneys for the employees of the former Northwoods nursing home in Schaghticoke accused of not providing proper care for a patient argued yesterday that whatever mistakes may have been made were not criminal. Each employee has her own defense attorney, which resulted in a string of objections during the testimony of the facility's director of nursing. [TU] [Troy Record]
North Greenbush officials disputed the scathing state comptroller's audit of town finances last night -- said supervisor Al Spain: "We now have accurate information and we know exactly where we stand financially." He said the town ended last year with a surplus, but he didn't know the exact amount, yet. Officials say the town cleared up its record keeping problems after bringing in a new comptroller last year. [NYS OSC] [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT]
Bethlehem police say a spat over a paintball fort ended in a teen driving his car into three other teens in Selkirk, hitting one of them (map). Police say the driver apparently didn't intend to hit anyone, just scare them. [YNN] [TU] [Fox23] [WNYT]
Former clerk says absentee ballot application were collected "so we could win the line," boy allegedly sprayed with bleach, Caffe Lena planning renovations
Former Troy city housing authority clerk and Democratic party operative Anthony DeFiglio testified yesterday in the ballot fraud case that he helped former city clerk William McInerney collect absentee ballot applications at a city housing complex -- and that they never intended to give the residents their ballots. When accused by the special prosecutor why they were collecting the applications, DeFiglio testified, "So we could win the line, win the election." [Troy Record] [WNYT] [TU]
The former heads of the the Sheriffs Employees Association of Rensselaer County apparently spent tens of thousands of dollars of the union's money at restaurants and a strip club, according to bank documents obtained by the Times Union. A group of union members alleged last year that the union's leaders were involved in misconduct, including having "looted or wasted the corporate assets." [TU] [Troy Record 2011 November]
Saratoga and Schenectady counties saw job growth last year thanks to the tech and advanced manufacturing industries. [TU]
Albany police are investigating an incident in which a girl allegedly sprayed a teen boy's face with bleach last week outside the Arbor Hill branch of the Albany Public Library. The girl allegedly had bullied the boy inside the library before they were kicked out. Police say the boy was temporarily blinded in one eye, but is expected to recover. [TU] [WNYT] [YNN]
Appellate decision on teacher evaluations could run way past Cuomo's stop clock, felon faces 15 years for causing fatal car crash,police search for missing Petersburg woman, Mother of baby left at church facing endangerment charge, gas prices near $4
A State Supreme Court Appellate decision over teacher evaluations may be as much as two months away, even though Governor Cuomo wants a resolution by next week.
[TU]
An advisory panel made up of environmentalists, lawmakers and business people that was formed to help draft regulations in case New York legalizes hydrofracking is on hold until Department of Environmental Conservation officials review tens of thousands of comments on the draft environmental impact statement. [State of Politics]
NYS DEC has lost over $100 million in funding and about 650 staffers since 2008, and the Adirondack Council fears that those cuts could endanger the Adirondack Park. [CBS 6]
A $240,000 ad campaign to promote legalizing casino gambling in the state has begun with 60 second radio ads in Western NY. [NYT]]
The mother of the four month old baby dropped off at a local church by a man earlier this week, will answer to charges of child endangerment in Schenectady today. [YNN]
A convicted felon will spend up to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing a car and leading Albany police on a high speed chase that led to a crash that killed a Voorheesville man. [TU]
The cause of death on certificates of four of the victims of a Salem explosion last summer has been changed from accidental to homicide, but no suspect has been named. [TU]
New Yorkers like Cuomo but not legislative pay raises, Occupy Albany protests at budget hearing, Gillibrand visits Cohoes buisiness, man who died in high speed chase stole two cars, Giants fans awaiting the parade
Governor Cuomo is getting criticism from legislators for agreeing to give the Inspector General's office access to the tax returns of state workers who are under investigation. Legislators concerned that it will compromise privacy. [YNN] [TU]
Occupy Albany protestors staged a protest at a joint legislative hearing on the executive budget on Monday. About two dozen protestors showed up, chanting and waving banners, but as the hearing began only 3 of 207 legislators were present. [Capital Confidential] [NYT]
A new Siena poll shows New Yorkers are happy with Governor Cuomo and Kirsten Gillibrand, but not the idea of taxpayer funded raises for legislators. [YNN] [NYT] [Capital Confidential]
Kirsten Gillibrand oured Precision Valve and Automation-- a small business in Cohoes that ships worldwide. Gillibrand talked about boosting American competitiveness and bringing jobs to the Capital Region.
Auditors from the State comptrollers office say North Greenbush's finances were "so poorly maintained that the town board has no idea of the town's true financial condition." [TU]
Troy police are investigating an alleged child luring incident where a man allegedly tried to lure a 9 year old boy to get into his van. [YNN]
The Rochester man who died in a Thruway crash following 40 mile a high speed chase by police early yesterday was a convicted was a convicted felon driving a stolen car. [TU]
Police arrested a man for flashing a knife in a Road rage incident. [TU]
A recent parolee who spent 37 years in jail for murder was acquitted on charges related to a June burglary in Schodack . [TU]
Missing baby dropped off at church, man says he left dog duct taped so it would get help, 91-years-old and still skiing
The Giants beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl 21-17. [ESPN]
Police say the Schenectady infant who had been missing was dropped off by an unidentified man at a church on Central Ave in Albany on Saturday. Police are investigating how the baby ended up missing -- her mother has been charged with perjury for allegedly denying that she is the mother. The father is also facing charges. Said the priest of the man who dropped off the baby: "He looked kind of weather beaten and anxious ... he also looked sincere and serious about accomplishing this task and I give him credit for making the right decision." [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [WNYT]
A jury found Dhoruba Shuaib guilty of first-degree manslaughter Friday afternoon in the stabbing death of Albany teen Tyler Rhodes -- prosecutors had argued Shuaib had restricted Rhodes' movements before he was allegedly stabbed by another teen in Hoffman Park last April. Prosecutors had introduced mobile phone video of the incident as evidence, and Shuaib's attorney says the video was probably key in the jury deciding to convict her client. Said Rhodes' mother after the verdict: "I don't want any retaliation against those kids in the video ... Tyler was against it, he wouldn't want that." [TU] [Fox23] [WTEN]
The Saratoga Springs Housing Authority is now bringing in a professional exterminator to deal with the bed bug problem at the Stonequist Apartments. [Daily Gazette]
The state inspector general's office now has the power to look at the tax returns of state employees and others potentially connected to investigations, an arrangement that might be illegal. Update: The state Department of Taxation and Finance and the state Inspector General's office released a statement today calling the TU's article "misleading and inaccurate." [TU] [NYS DTF, NYS IG press release]
Loss of public sector jobs holds back local economy, youth club director accused of rape, problems for a winter carnival during the non-winter, sir -- is that a cattle prod?
The Capital Region's job market has been slow to bounce back from the recession in large part because of a loss of public sector jobs, according to a state comptroller report out this week. [TU]
State inspector general Ellen Biben has been picked to head the state's new Joint Commission on Public Ethics. Her selection came during a closed-door meeting and was only officially confirmed publicly two days later after it was reported by the New York Times. Biben has close ties to Andrew Cuomo and her selection has prompted questions about the independence of the new panel. A Cuomo spokesman argued Biben is "the most successful public integrity prosecutor in modern political history." [TU] [NYT] [YNN] [State of Politics] [AP/Troy Record]
A couple of voters witnesses in the Troy ballot fraud trial testified they never saw the absentee ballots that were allagedly intended for them. [Troy Record]
There were six cases of Legionnaire's disease connected to the Best Western hotel near UAlbany, according to the state Department of Health (map). DOH says there were higher than normal levels of the bacteria that cause the disease in the hotel's water system. The hotel says it's fully cooperating with DOH. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [WTEN]
Calls for mistrial in Troy voter fraud trial, state employees leaving Schenectady reportedly will be replaced by greater number, mobile phone video submitted as evidence in fatal stabbing case
Two voter witnesses in the Troy ballot fraud trial testified yesterday that the signatures on the affidavits submitted to the grand jury in lieu of their in-person testimony are not their signatures. That prompted the defense to ask for either the indictments to be dismissed or a mistrial declared. [TU] [Troy Record]
Andrew Cuomo described the push for his proposed budget as the "Battle of Albany," pitting him against teacher unions, "wholly unacceptable" legislative redistricting, and "a system that for 15 years has been dysfunctional." One of the weapons in Cuomo's arsenal: Photoshop. Also yesterday: education lobbyists continued to press their case that the state's education aid is falling short. [AP/Troy Record] [State of Politics] [Fox23]
The state has recovered 46 percent of the jobs it lost during the recession, according to a report from the state comptroller's office. [State of Politics] [NYS OSC]
The 240 state DOT employees moving from a downtown Schenectady office building will reportedly be making way for as many as double that number of employees to be moved in. [Daily Gazette]
Senate approves DNA samples for all convicted criminals, DOT moves 240 workers from Schenectady to Colonie, Jar of bed bugs at housing authority workshop,voters testify in Troy ballot fraud, national show features Rainwalker case tonight
The Senate has approved Governor Cuomo's proposal to require everyone convicted of a crime -- from felonies to misdemeanors -- to submit a DNA sample. Currently the law only requires DNA samples from those convicted of felonies and certain violent misdemeanors. A similar bill died in the legislature last year over democrats demand for a stipulation that would make it easier for defendants to get access to the information. [YNN] [Reuters] [NYT]
Senate Democrats filed suit yesterday in an effort to block the newly proposed legislative redistricting plan. [Newsday]
The Chairman of the board of commissioners of the Saratoga Springs Housing Committee said Tuesday that the Authority's embattled executive was doing the work of three people and tripled his salary through merit raises. The city held two meetings yesterday to look into allegations of mismanagment and a bedbug problem in the city's public housing. At a public workshop, residents spoke out in favor and against Spychalski -- and one Stonquist resident showed up with a jar of dead bedbugs he collected from his apartment. [Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
240 DOT workers will be moving from their offices in Schenectady to the DOT headquarters in Colonie as part of a cost saving "restacking" plan. Schenectady city officials are hoping another state department will move into the offices. [Gazette] [TU] [YNN]
A dozen voters testified in the Troy ballot fraud trial of Ed McDonough and Michel LoPorto yesterday, some claiming they were asked to fill out absentee ballot info, others claiming signatures on ballots with their names were not theirs. [Record]
,
Testimony has begun four weeks early in The Matthew Slocum murder trial. The gravely ill grandmother of one of the victims in the case was allowed to submit her testimony yesterday. Slocum is charged with murdering his mother, step-father and step-brother and setting fire to their home. [YNN] [WNYT] [Fox23]
One of defendants charged in the fatal stabbing of Tammi Washington in Schenectady on Monday served 60 days in jail for stabbing someone with a steak knife in Downtown Schenectady 3 years ago. [TU]
Police are searching for the man who robbed the Sunoco station across from UAlbany's downtown campus at gunpoint Monday night. [TU]
Silver proposes minimum wage hike, Common Cause proposes alternative redistricting plan,Saratoga Mayor calls for state audit of City Housing Authority, murder/suicide in Saratoga County, suspects arrested in fatal Schenectady stabbing
Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver says his proposal to raise the minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.50 is "a matter of human dignity." Silver proposed the minimum wage hike yesterday, but not everyone is happy about it. [Capitol Confidential] [WNYT] [YNN]
The group Common Cause New York has proposed an alternative legislative redistricting map. Assemblyman Jack McEneney says the former is being called the "incumbant protection program" and the later "the incumbent destruction program." [Common Cause][WNYT]
Spa City mayor Scott Johnson has asked the New York State comptroller to audit the city housing authority. A public hearing is slated for tonight
about concerns of nepotism and questionable financial practices in the housing authority.
[Saratogian]
Two people have been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a woman in broad daylight in downtown Schenectady yesterday. [ YNN] [TU]
Saratoga County Sheriff's deputies are investigating a murder/suicide. An 85 year old man apparently shot and killed his wife, and then himself on Sunday in their Porters Corners home. [YNN] [TU]
A 19 year old Albany man who passed the exam the Albany police officer exam last spring has been charged in the murder of Albany High School Student Tyler Rhodes. [TU]
A State Police investigator testifying in the Troy ballot fraud trial says former City Clerk William McInerney admitted to forging absentee ballots in the 2009 primary when he was questioned over the summer. Later, Working Party members whose absentee ballots were turned in to the County Board of Elections testified that they never cast ballots [TU] [Record]
Cuomo says he'll veto redistricting lines, talk of primary for McDonald because of same-sex marriage vote, Cops-like incident in Albany, fist bump for the record
Due to problems with our hosting company, AOA's website was offline Monday morning. So things were a bit (or a lot) delayed. Sorry about that.
Andrew Cuomo said Friday that he will veto the proposed plans for redistricting, which will most likely prompt negotiation over changes to the maps. In an op-ed in the Times Union Sunday, Neil Breslin argued the creation of a new state Senate district that would cover the southwest part of the Capital Region is unconstitutional and "outrageous": "... Albany County as we know it would be drastically distorted, separating communities and disenfranchising voters."[AP/WSJ] [TU] Earlier: The Capital Region's legislative districts, before and after proposed new lines.
Sheldon Silver is reportedly going to introduce a bill today that would increase the state's minimum wage to $8.50 and include yearly increases for inflation. [NYT]
Records indicate the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority has spent tens of thousands of dollars over the last two years on travel so employees could attend conferences around the nation. Among the reported expenses: more than $5000 to send a receptionist to conferences in Vegas and DC. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Schenectady County SPCA says a Great Dane was found tied to a tree near the Mohawk by SCCC, malnourished and shivering Friday night. It says it appears the dog wouldn't have made it through the night. Two people have claimed ownership of the dog. [TU] [WNYT] [WTEN]
Look for To Catch a Test Strip Black Marketeer, hosted by Paul Grondahl, next fall on a TV schedule. [TU]
Proposed legislative districts released to criticism and veto threat, brokers indicted on charges of stealing millions, idea for bank robbery allegedly started as joke, that's not a real diamond
The state task force in charge of drawing new legislative districts for the state released its proposed maps for the state Senate and Assembly. The lines immediately drew criticism. Said a spokesman for Andrew Cuomo: "At first glance, these lines are simply unacceptable and would be vetoed by the governor." And NYPIRG called the proposed districts for the state Senate "clearly the most gerrymandered lines in recent New York history." Said the League of Women Voters: "This was a partisan process, has been for decades, and it produced extraordinarily partisan lines where incumbents continue to have the upper hand ... they are designer districts done by partisans who want to select voters before voters get to select them." Said Jack McEneny, who served on the task force, when asked if he though the proposals are non-partisan: "No. I think it was done by people who are very much in politics and know exactly where they're drawing the lines." [LATFOR] [TU] [NYT] [AP/Troy Record] [State of Politics]
As proposed, the districts would cause a significant shake-up in the Capital Region. A new state Senate district -- NY Senate 46 -- would include large parts of Albany County (currently represented by Neil Breslin) and counties to the south and west. There's been speculation this district was created for current Assemblyman George Amedore, who said yesterday when asked whether he would run for the seat: "I've got a lot to think about." Other big changes: the Senate district that includes Roy McDonald would lose a large part of Troy. And in the Assembly, Jim Tedisco would no longer represent Saratoga Springs. [LATFOR] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [Saratogian]
Said George Mott III following a jury finding him not guilty of being involved with the 1994 death Rosemary Crosier, about the fact members of his family testified against him: "[T]he story my mother gave was the worst. It killed me." Mott also says that if he had been sent to prison, "I wouldn't drag my wife through that so I would have to tell my wife she has to go on her way, we would have to split up." Mott and his family were confronted by a group of men at their home following his acquittal, and one was arrested. A Troy police report said there's "no reason to believe this is connected to the Mott trial." [Fox23] [TU] [Troy Record]
Albany investment brokers Timothy McGinn and David Smith have been indicted by the feds on allegations they took millions from investor accounts and used it for their own expenses. The attorney for one of them men argues they weren't skimming money from accounts, but rather the losses were the result of the economy tanking. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The federal government has issued restraining order to the stop the Double Happyness busline from operating after it allegedly continued to do so following orders to shut down because of safety violations. Yesterday in Albany, buses were still showing up at the stops that have been served by Double Happyness. Though it's not clear which company is operating the buses. [CBS6] [TU] [WNYT]
Mott found not guilty in Crosier death, criticism continues over redistricting, CDTA head for near-record ridership year, Gordon Ramsay sighting
A jury has found George Mott III not guilty in the 1994 death of Rosemary Crosier in Troy. The jury reached the verdict around 9:40 pm, after three days of deliberations. Said Mott's attorney after the verdict: "It's not something to be happy about. Someone has died here. It's something to be relieved." Scott Chaplin, the co-defendant in the case, still faces trial, which is expected to start in April. [TU] [CBS6] [Troy Record] [YNN] [WTEN]
The new state Assembly and Senate district lines are expected to be released to the public sometime today (probably). The early word is that they include some significant shuffling of the districts in the Capital Region, including a new Republican-leaning district supposedly created for George Amedore. That district is expected to take a chunk of Neil Breslin's current district and he's already calling the new district's creation "illegal and unconstitutional." Breslin says his current district -- which is Albany County -- is "as close to a Senate district as you could draw, if you were drawing it properly." [State of Politics] [TU CapCon] [State of Politics] [CBS6] [AP/Saratogian]
Members of the state legislature seem less than enthused about the proposed new "Tier VI" for the state employee pension system. [TU]
A grand jury has started hearing evidence for the potential re-trial of Joe Bruno. [Troy Record]
Obama names Schneiderman to head mortage crisis investigation, Bloomberg praises Cuomo in Albany visit, Comptroller blasts NYRA, New York ranks 13 in teacher quality,judge rejects two mistrial motions in Mott murder case,movie to be filmed at T.U. Center
Andrew Cuomo called President Obama's SOTU message "a bold vision to strengthen the national economy, grow America's middle class, and protect consumers." [Record]
New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman will chair a Mortgage Crisis Unit, announced in President Obama's SOTU last night, which will investigate risky lending and mortgages that led to the housing crisis. [Fox 23]
Michael Bloomberg came to Albany yesterday and had all kinds of good things to say about Andrew Cuomo -- especially about his budget. [NYT]
A legislative redistricting proposal to create a 63rd district would divide Albany County.[News 10]
A report report from the National Council on Teacher Quality ranks New York 13th in the nation in teacher quality. [TU]
New York State DEC wants to fine Buffalo Based U.S. Energy for allegedly polluting a brook in Alleghany State Park as a result of hydrofracking efforts in Pennsylvania [TU]
Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli blasted NYRA yesterday saying the organization says has failed to implement 9 recommendations from two previous audits and would squander casino gaming revenue. [Saratogian]
Cheating on the SAT would be a felonly under a new law proposed by a downstate legislator. [Fox 23]
Authorities have dropped charges against the man alleged to have started the massive gasoline leak that led to fires and explosions in Fort Edoward last month. [CBS 6]
New state Senate district includes part of Capital Region, Albany treasurer sounding like a mayoral candidate, Beverly's in Saratoga is closing
The state task force in charge of redistricting is planning a new state Senate district that will include parts of Albany and Schenectady counties, according to "an official briefed on draft maps." [TU]
The Supreme Court of the United States ruled yesterday that law enforcement agencies need a warrant before they can place a GPS tracker on a person's car. New York State's highest court made a similar ruling 2009 regarding a case in which State Police had placed a tracker on the car of a man was convicted of burglary in Latham. There was a similar situation involving the car of a state employee at the Department of Labor in Albany who was accused of filing false time sheets. That situation resulted in a civil suit filed by the NYCLU, which called yesterday's SCOTUS ruling "encouraging." [NYT] [TU] [AOA] [WNYT]
More than 500 people showed up for an anti-fracking rally inside the Legislative Office Building yesterday. The rally was part of a push for legislation that would ban the method of extracting natural gas in the state. [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
The city of Albany has agreed to pay $200k to settle a civil suit filed by the family a 17-year-old who was killed in 2007 when his car was struck by a woman fleeing police. [TU]
The head of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority has responded to many of the allegations against him, arguing he did nothing wrong in hiring and promoting his children and addressing a bed bug problem. The housing authority has also hired a PR firm to help it respond to the allegations. [TU] [Saratogian]
Yet another criticism of state's redistricting process, settlement in Troy free speech suit, Clifton Park parents present alternative sex ed curriculum, "Hotel Hell" in Cambridge
Yet another criticism of New York's re-districting process: the dragged-out effort gives incumbents even more of an edge. [NYT]
At a community forum hosted by Paul Tonko, residents of Schoharie County expressed extreme and continued frustration in dealing with FEMA and insurance companies for flooding recovery. [Daily Gazette]
Twenty percent of Albany High School's teachers have already missed seven more days of school this year, according a district internal report. [TU]
The lawsuit involving the Sanctuary for Independent Media, the city of Troy, and former public works commissioner Bob Mirch has been settled. The org's suit alleged its free speech rights had been violated when it was temporarily shut down for code violations they day after a Mirch-led protest of Wafaa Bilal's "Virtual Jihadi" exhibit. [Troy Record] [TU]
In case you somehow missed it: the Giants will be playing the Patriots in the Super Bowl. [AP/SI] [AP/SI]
Jennings calls for creation of world-class high school, Double Happyness still running, Cuomo says massive convention center would cost state "bupkes," a long-developing talent
In his state of the city address, Jerry Jennings called for a new high school for the city and said the presidents of both UAlbany and St. Rose would be working to help the city create a world-class institution -- whether it's at the Harriman Office Campus or its current location. Jennings also reiterated his support for the convention center downtown, calling it a "transformational project." [YNN] [TU] [WNYT] [CBS6]
With the town of Colonie's deficit squared away following the leasing of the town landfill, supervisor Paula Mahan says she's now focused on creating a rainy day fund for the town. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The bed bug problem at a Saratoga Springs Housing Authority highrise has set off multiple complaints and inquiries into how the org is managed. The city's accounts commissioner is questioning why housing director Edward Spychalski's salary has increased 110 percent since 2006 -- he apparently makes more than the Albany housing director, who manages four times as many units. And the feds are now investigating the hiring of Spychalski's children by the authority. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [TU]
The Double Happyness bus line is still running between Albany and NYC, even though the feds ordered it shut down for safety violations. [CBS6]
Local Congressmen say they oppose SOPA, family files notice of suit in Latham gym death, Saratoga resident was a Tuskegee airman
Both Paul Tonko and Chris Gibson say they oppose SOPA, the proposed anti-piracy legislation that prompted online protests yesterday at websites such as Wikipedia. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both co-sponsors of the bill, released a statement: "We will continue to work with our colleagues to ensure a proper balance between stopping the theft of intellectual property and copyright infringement, and doing so without the unintended consequence of stifling or censoring the internet, which we strongly oppose." [Troy Record] [NYDN]
Jerry Jennings says he's "had some discussions with people about us having a [casino gambling] presence here," and revenue from such an operation could help fund the planned convention center in downtown Albany. [TU]
The Albany school district's business superintendent on the effect of lower-than-expect state aid for the district in Andrew Cuomo's proposed state budget: ""It's going to be harder than it ever was in history. We have to pull a rabbit out of the hat for the fourth year in a row." [TU]
Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order yesterday that places a $199,000 limit on the amount of state money that can be used to fund the salaries of executives at organizations that contract with the state to provide health or other similar services. The order also directs that 75 percent of public money must be used for services and not administration. [Cuomo admin] [NYT] [TU]
The mother of the Chad Brothers, who died following the incident at the Latham Gold's Gym, has filed notice that she intends to sue the town of Colonie and its police department. The notice alleges police "negligently and carelessly utilized excessive and unjustified force" in subduing Brothers. [Fox23] [TU]
Cuomo 2012 budget won't raise taxes-- ties education money to teacher evaluations, Teen charged in hit and run death of St. Rose student, jury selection begins in Troy ballot fraud case, Voorheesville teacher charged with biting student pleads not guilty
Governor Cuomo issued his $132.5 billion 2012 yesterday. The plan closes a $3.5 billion budget gap and includes no new fees or taxes. Cuomo called the proposal a "budget and reform plan." It includes a 4% education increase that requires schools to come up with a new teacher evaluation system within 30 days or Cuomo says he'll devise his own. Cuomo's spending plan also proposes a new pension tier --a portable defined-contribution option a la TIAA-CREF-- for new state employees. [AOA] [TU]
The spending plan does not include any money for hydrofracking. [CBS6]
The budget also includes plans to speed up a $7.8 million payment in lieu of taxes to the city of Albany for the Empire State Plaza. [TU]
Tuesday was day one of jury selection in the election fraud trial of Michael LoPorto and Edward McDonough, but no jurors have been selected yet. McDonough's lawyer has suggested that his client can't get a fair trial in Rennsselaer County because of the high profile nature of the case. [Record] [YNN]
19 year old Alfred Zwack Jr. was indicted by a grand jury in the hit and run death of 29 year old Saint Rose student James Oki. Charges include manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.[TU]
Cuomo releases budget proposal today, local family returns after surviving cruise ship wreck, Black Bridge to be rehabilitated by fall, airlift wing helps with Antarctic evacuation
It's a big day in state politics: Andrew Cuomo will present his budget proposal at 2 pm this afternoon. (Video will be livestreamed from the Cuomo's administration's site.) Cuomo's $130something billion proposed budget arrives as state revenue hasn't bounced back as much as originally forecasted last year -- and there's still a $2 billion budget gap. Of particular interest to the city of Albany: $7.85 million in advance PILOT money for the ESP that the city is hoping to use to balance its budget. [State of Politics] [AP/Troy Record] [AP/Post-Star] [TU]
At a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day celebration yesterday, Cuomo said disparities in the education system are a civil rights issue and instead of being "the great equalizer," education has become "the great discriminator." Cuomo has been critical of teachers' unions and school administrators, and yesterday said again he's pushing for a statewide teacher evaluation system. [TU] [NYT]
The Duanesburg family that was on the Costa Concordia cruise ship that crashed off the coast of Italy Friday is now back home. Says Joan Fleser of the moment the ship hit rocks: "There was this big lurch in the ship and I don't know if you ever saw the Titanic, but it was a scene like right out of the movie." The family says the most helpful cruise line employee during the panic and chaos of the evacuation was a showgirl. [CNN] [YNN] [WTEN] [WNYT] [TU]
The Saratoga County Water Authority has reached a deal to sell water to the GlobalFoundries chip fab in Malta. GloFo will be buying 4 million gallons of water per day. The company is the water authority's biggest customer. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
Feds question whether state has resources for fracking oversight, overflow crowd for GloFo jobs, religious leaders push for anti-gun program, hidden kidney beans and Buffalo crunchers
The Albany area got 2.6 inches of snow yesterday. That brings this snowfall season's total to 9.1 inches -- about 14 inches less than normal. [NWS]
A federal EPA response to the state's environmental review of hydrofracking questions whether the Department of Environmental Conservation has the resources necessary to oversee the drilling. [TU]
How has Malaysian gambling giant Genting gained a foothold so quickly in New York State: high-profile lobbyists and lots of them. [NYT]
An overflow crowd of more than 1,000 people showed up for the GlobalFoundries job fair. The company is looking to fill about 300 jobs this year. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The state is investigating whether NYRA allowed people to bet on credit. [TU]
Thousands of public comments on fracking, prosecutors allege Moore had involved with home invasion, inmates staffing DMV call center, the "sturdy farm girl" defense
The state Department of Environmental Conservation got more than 20,000 public comments on hydrofracking. DEC commissioner said in a statement that if fracking its approved for the state, "it will move forward with the strictest standards in the nation." [NYT] [NYS DEC]
An indictment has been handed up against an Albany teen who was allegedly involved with a home invasion/robbery in the South End that include Nah-Cream Moore as an accomplice the day before Moore was shot and killed by an Albany police officer (map). Albany County DA David Soares says Moore was found carrying the same revolver was that used in the alleged home invasion. Says Soares of the two cases: "Although two separate incidents, the facts and narrative are inextricably intertwined." [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [YNN]
What appears to have been a stray bullet hit an East Greenbush family's home, riccocheting inside before putting a hole in their TV. The family says they think the bullet came from a neighboring property. Police say there may be no charges because it appears the shot was fired at least 500 feet from the house. [WNYT] [WTEN] [YNN]
Neighbors of the GlobalFoundries chip fab say they continue to be bothered by a high-pitched noise from the factory, despite efforts by the company to dampen the noise. One neighborhood said she slept in a closet in an effort to get away from the noise. [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star]
Cuomo will seek legislative blessing in convention center decisions, 200 show up to speak on Shen Board of Ed's Sex Ed program, opening arguments today in '94 murder trial, Gold's Gym rage video released, "gentlman journalist" Viggluci dies at 84.
New York may be in danger of losing hundreds of millions in federal Race to Education aid because it's lagging behind in teacher evaluation systems. [WNYT]
Governor Cuomo informed legislators yesterday that he'll be seeking their blessings on any deal he makes with Malaysia's Genting Group regarding a $4 billion convention center at Aqueduct Race Track. [TU]
Today is the last day of the public comment period on the DEC impact statement on hydrofracking in New York State. Yesterday fracking opponents and supporters brought boxes filled with tens of thousands of letters to the NYS Capitol [YNN] [TU]
The Shenendahowa board of education says they're still reviewing their decision to pull Planned Parenthood sex ed classes. Last night about 200 people showed up for a public comment period on the issue. [TU]
A jury has been selected and opening arguments are slated to start today in a 1994 murder case. George Mott III is faces charges of second degree murder in the 1994 beating death of Rosemary Crosier. [TU]
SUNY chancellor: "systemness" is the word, downtown Troy bar threatened with shutdown, Occupy Albany shifts focus, Meals on Wheels unexpectedly benefits from theft
GlobalFoundries announced it's started making chips about the new chip fab in Malta. [GloFo] [AOA]
In her State of the University address, SUNY chancellor Nancy Zimpher said "systemness" is the key to the higher education system's success. One result: SUNY will be regionalizing some administration tasks (like payroll) in an effort to save money. And, yes, apparently she (or someone) made up the word "systemness." -- said Zimpher: "If Stephen Colbert can do it with 'truthiness,' so can we." [SUNY] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The pedestrian hit by a pickup truck on upper Washington Ave in Albany last month has died -- and police have yet to find the truck (map). [TU]
The 18-year-old driver of the pickup truck involved in the crash that killed a Ballston Spa High School student has been cited for a handful of violations -- including driving without a license. His father -- who owned the truck -- has also been cited for allowing unlicensed operation. [Saratogian] [Fox23]
Both the city of Troy and Troy police are threatening to get Broadway Brew shut down because of a string of violent incidents connected to the bar. [WTEN] [Fox23]
Troy police investigating toddler's death, plan to expand state Senate, outgoing director says morale is very low at State Museum, a cup of coffee goes a long way
Troy police say a toddler was found dead in an apartment at Griswold Heights Saturday evening (map). A TPD captain says a man who was apparently taking care of the child left the apartment and there was "a several hour gap between the presence of the caretaker and the discovery of the deceased." Police say they're not sure what happened to the child and are waiting on a toxicology reports. The caretaker was questioned and released, though the TPD captain says "Charges likely will be addressed in the future." [Troy Record] [YNN] [Troy Record] [WTEN] [CBS6] [TU]
Occupy Albany was back with more than 200 people in Academy Park Saturday for a rally (or maybe it was 100 people). MoveOn.org was also part of the rally. Said one protester: "I work nine to five, I am a single mother, I work to support two young daughters, I pay taxes, I go to PTA, I am not the stereotype that has been cast about occupiers, that we don't have jobs... " [TU] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [Fox23]
The task force in charge of drawing new legislative districts for the state has floated a plan to add a 63rd state Senate seat. [State of Politics]
Complaints about handling of a bed bug program were just the beginning of the criticism of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority director, who's now facing allegations of nepotism and a too-high salary. [TU]
APD chief directs scorching comments at Common Council, school psychologist arrested after babysitter allegedly stole pot, the Price Chopper "store of the decade"
Albany police chief Steven Krokoff appeared before the Common Council caucus last night to talk about the APD's actions during the removal of Occupy Albany -- and aimed a series of scorching remarks toward members of the council. Apparently also alluding to the recent situation surrounding the police shooting of Nah-Cream Moore, Krokoff specifically called out Anton Konev and Lester Freeman: "Shame on Councilman Konev and Councilman Friedman who seemed at every turn so willing to distort the truth of any situation, no matter how tragic and use it for their own personal gain." Konev accused Krokoff of having "selective hearing" and burning bridges. The struggle and pepper spraying at issue came after the APD grabbed the last Occupy tent -- Krokoff said officers moved in to take tent because they didn't want the tent to shut down traffic by taken through the streets again. [TU] [TU Local Politics] [WTEN] [@JessicaLayton13] [Fox23]
Hundreds of people attended the funderal for Nah-Cream Moore yesterday. Preached a pastor to the young men in the audience: "Instead of letting your pants hang beneath your behinds, get something in your minds. You're not lost yet. Don't let nobody tell you you're lost. You've still got breath in your body." [WTEN] [TU]
The woman who was injured during the murder/invasion/robbery at a Cohoes senior apartment complex has been re-admitted to the hospital. Residents of the complex say they want to see upgraded security there. [TU] [Troy Record]
Local State of the State reaction, Soares grand jury will examine police shooting, woman says barking dog alerted neighbors to home invasion
State of the State reaction from local reps -- Jack McEneny: "There's an awful lot people can agree with. But the State of the State is always a very positive time, and then the devil in the detail comes during the budget." Jim Tedisco on Andrew Cuomo's "compelling argument" for casino gambling: "At present, people are getting on planes, trains and automobiles and going to casinos outside New York. We're losing that revenue." Rensselaer county exec Kathy Jimino on Cuomo's call for a commission to look at mandate reform: "If we're going to live within the tax cap, which is something that we want to do, and also continue to provide local services, then we need relief from the growing costs of the state mandates." [TU] [Saratogian] [Troy Record]
Albany County DA David Soares says a county grand jury will examine the police shooting of Nah-Cream Moore and there will be a "resolution in the not-too-distant future." Soares responded to calls for the an independent investigator for the case: "They've got an independent investigator here in Albany County and that's my office." The DA also said people spreading "misinformation" about the situation "will be caught and be put under oath and asked to discuss what they've observed." [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN] [Fox23] [Daily Gazette]
An explosion leveled a house in Schenectady's Northside neighborhood yesterday, and damaged adjacent homes (map). The Schenectady Fire Department says it appears to have been a gas explosion -- a contractor reportedly had ruptured a gas line while trying to make an electrical repair. Said a neighbor: "It was like a bomb." [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [TU] [Fox23]
Troy police say an officer was stabbed in the leg while pursuing two suspects last night in North Central (map). The TPD says the officer fired several shots in self defense, but didn't hit the suspects. State Police helicopters were called in to assist in the search for the suspects, which is still ongoing. The TPD says the injury to the officer was not life-threatening. [Fox23] [WTEN] [Troy Record] [@TroyNYPolice]
State of the state today, APD guarding homes of officers connected with shooting, Albany and Schen school districts have 30 days to save millions, Cohoes robbery/assault suspect blames crack binge, Andrew Cuomo wants you to connect with him
Governor Cuomo's State of the State address is scheduled for 1:30 this afternoon. One of the things he's expected to announce -- a new statewide commission to examine education issues, including improving student performance and school accountability. Cuomo is expected to make his second year about making government agencies run more efficiently and cheaply. [NYT] [TU]
Albany and Schenectady have 30 days to request a hearing to reclaim millions in State Education grant funds. The districts are among 10 who lost funding for missing an application deadline. It could potentially mean about $3.3 million for Albany and as much as $6 million for Schenectady. State Ed says the most important requirement the districts still need to complete: create a system for teacher and principal evaluations. [TU] [News10]
Two internal memos from the Albany County Crime Analysis Center suggests gang members may be planning retaliation against police for the death of 19 year old Nacream Moore, who allegedly pulled a gun on officers during a traffic stop last week. The memo lists 19 gang members and friends of Moore, suggesting officers use caution in dealing with them. The APD is guarding the homes of the officers involved in the incident. [YNN] [WNYT] [TU]
The man charged with breaking into a Cohoes apartment building and assaulting two people -- one fatally, told police "I hurt those people, and I shouldn't have." Mark Richardson blamed his drug addition, claiming he'd been on a three day crack binge when the incident occured. "[T.U.]
Police arrested an Albany man this weekend after DNA evidence connected him to the assault and attempted rape. [TU]
Krokoff calls for patience on shooting investigation -- and defends tactics used to remove Occupy, man accidentally falls off bridge to his death, mind your old TVs and bear gall bladders
This just in: it's cold. Today's forecasted high is 20, with a low tonight near zero. Somewhat warmer temps are ahead Thursday. [NWS]
Says a pastor and community leader about the investigation into the incident in which Albany police shot and killed Nahcream Moore in the South End last week: "Just because we are patient doesn't mean we are going to let this die." Last week Albany police chief Steven Krokoff said officer Gregory Mulligan fired on Moore after Moore allegedly pulled a gun on two officers during a traffic stop, and an investigation by both the department and the district attorney's office is in progress. Common councilman Lester Freeman, who represents the South End, says he'd like to see an independent investigator examine the case. [TU] [TU] [YNN]
Krokoff yesterday defended the APD's actions during the removal of Occupy Albany last week, alleging protesters were trying to provoke a confrontation with police in order to raise their profile. [TU] [AOA]
An elderly man died following a home invasion at an apartment complex for seniors in Cohoes Friday night. Cohoes mayor John McDonald says the suspect arrested for the attack allegedly had been knocking on doors throughout the complex looking to rob residents and had also assaulted an elderly woman. Police say he appeared to be high on crack when he was arrested. McDonald says it's unclear how the man got into the locked building. [YNN] [TU] [WTEN] [Troy Record]
Occupy Albany's permit expires, police say grandmother sold presents for crack, gym employee accused of groping teen, meatball sub involved in pizzeria fight
Occupy Albany's permit allowing it stay overnight in Academy Park expired this morning. But the the group says it's planning to keep a 24/7 presence in the park -- and for the moment it doesn't appear the city will be booting them. [YNN] [Fox23] [TU]
Documents filed by the prosecution in the Troy voter fraud case includes evidence that suggests the absentee ballots of 49 voters were altered. [TU]
The plea deal offered to the owner of the two dogs that mauled a Schenectady woman in August includes jail time. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The state Racing and Wagering Board ordered NYRA to refund overcharges it made to bettors on some "exotic" bets. NYRA says the $8.6 million in overcharges were an "unintentional oversight." [Saratogian] [TU]
Troy city council president charged in voter fraud case, majority of new ethics commission first meeting closed to public, as many as 500 spots in planned Saratoga parking garage
Troy city council president Clement Campana was charged with five felonies and one misdemeanor related to the Troy voter fraud case. Campana pleaded not guilty. Democratic councilman John Brown and two party political operatives pleaded guilty to the charges against them. Campana's attorney says he was offered a plea deal, but "he would not accept it because he cannot plead to something he didn't do." [Troy Record] [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN]
Now-former state Senator Carl Kruger pleaded guilty to multiple felony bribery and corruption charges. The plea deal includes a recommendation for many as a little more than 11 years in prison. Kruger's situation was odd -- or, as it was described in NYT: "one of the more bizarre domestic tableaux -- even by New York standards -- ever uncovered by F.B.I. wiretaps. " [NYDN] [YNN] [NYT]
The majority of the new state ethics commission's first meeting was held in executive session, with the public closed out. After being challenged about it by the AP's Michael Gormley, the chair of the commission said the org would be trying to follow "the spirit of the open meetings law." [TU] [YNN]
Woman charged with child endangerment after leaving kid in car -- which was then stolen, Gibson says he'd vote for temporary payroll tax cut extension, Native American from Mohawk Valley approved for sainthood
Albany police say an SUV with a 3-year-old boy apparently still inside was stolen in Arbor Hill yesterday -- the boy was found by a mail carrier not long after and the SUV had been abandoned. The boy's aunt said she had left the kid in the running vehicle while she had gone into the house for a few minutes. APD says it's unclear if kid was actually in the SUV when it was stolen, or whether he had wandered off. The woman has been charged with child endangerment for leaving the kid in the SUV. [YNN] [CBS6] [TU] [APD press release] [WNYT]
Schenectady's city council is considering charging a fee for inappropriate or frivolous 911 calls. One example cited: a woman pulled a fire box alarm because her husband had been suffering from a toothache for four days. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The Albany common council passed an ordinance that would require vacant building owners to post a $10k bond -- it's intended to keep speculators from buying cheap buildings and not maintaining them. [TU]
Chris Gibson says he'll vote for the temporary extension of the payroll tax cut, if/when it comes up in the House. He also says the the House and Senate should work out a way to extend the tax cut for a full year. An apparent deal between the Senate and House on a package including the tax cut extension is in doubt after some Republican rank and file members of the House said they wouldn't support the deal. [TU] [WNYT] [YNN]
The six-year, $53 million renovation of the Albany County courthouse was officially unveiled yesterday. The project ended up being $18 million over its original budget. The building was first dedicated in 1916. [TU] [WNYT] [Troy Record]
Occupy Albany says it will be publicly presenting a demand this afternoon. Albany police say a protestor was attacked in his tent over the weekend. [OA press release] [TU]
Concerns about parking for consolidated state office space, "layaway angels" make local visit, primary care doctors harder to hire, snowy owl spotted
As the state consolidates office space and moves as many as 3,000 employees to downtown Albany, where are they all going to park? (And/or is it an opportunity for public transit and car sharing?) Related: more state office space and agency shuffling. [TU] [State of Politics]
The city of Albany has said that Occupy Albany needs to be out of Academy Park by Thursday -- but it doesn't appear the occupiers have plans to leave. Says Bradley Russell (he of the "Freedom Fort"): "Short of them physically removing us, I'm pretty sure everyone has intentions of remaining right in this spot." [TU] [Fox23]
Albany police say two men were shot on South Pearl Street early Sunday in what appear to be related shootings (map). The first shooting apparently happened inside the Simply Fish and Jazz restaurant -- and the second on the street down the block. There have been 49 people killed or wounded by gunfire in Albany this year. [APD press release, pasted below] [YNN] [WNYT]
"Layaway angels" have visited local KMart locations, paying off almost $2000 in merchandise. The manager of the Colonie store says the people paying off the layaway totals wanted to be anonymous. There have been similar stories all over the nation. [Fox23] [CBS6] [Google News]
Man allegedly said girlfriend dared him to pull the trigger, highway superintendent snagged in drug bust, Hannaford ground beef recall
Rory Poulin, the Wynantskill man accused of killing his girlfriend with a shotgun two weeks ago during a domestic dispute at their house, allegedly told police he had shot her after the woman dared him to pull the trigger. When North Greenbush police arrived at the house, Poulin allegedly told them, "I shot my girlfriend." Poulin's attorney argues his client never said he was guilty: "Admitting that he fired a weapon and that someone may have died from it does not make him guilty or that he may have caused that." [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
Schenectady police say two people were shot on a street last night in Hamilton Hill (map). Police responded and surrounded a house in search of a suspect, but didn't find they person they were after. The SPD says it doesn't know of a link between the two people shot. Their injuries are not considered life threatening. [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [YNN] [WTEN]
Two convicted killers from Schenectady are accused of conspiring to have two witnesses who testified against one of them killed. [TU]
The Albany County Sheriff's office says a Rensselaer man has been arrested for allegedly raping a woman in his car at the observation parking area at ALB. East Greenbush police say the man is also a suspect in the Walmart groping case. Update: the woman who was groped wasn't able to identify the man as the groper. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [WTEN]
Albany County legislature overrides budget veto, Saratoga County property tax increase first in a decade, USPS says it can't maintain footprint in Albany, learning to make butter beer
The Albany County legislature voted to override outgoing county exec Mike Breslin's veto of the budget. The version of the budget approved by the legislature includes an 8 percent tax increase. Breslin had warned that wouldn't be enough because the legislature was counting "on unrealistic savings and overly optimistic revenue estimates" -- specifically increased sales tax revenue. Incoming county exec Dan McCoy voted for the override, though he admitted the legislature had made a similar mistake in the past. Said Chris Higgins, the only Democrat to vote against the veto override: "We need to change the way this county does business. The county executive last year proposed layoffs, proposed closing the nursing home. These are issues that we as a governing body have to take a hard look at." [Troy Record] [Fox23] [TU] [WNYT] [WTEN] [YNN]
The Saratoga County board of supervisors made a few more cuts before approving its budget -- which will still includes a 3.5 percent property tax increase. It's the first property tax increase in the county in 10 years. Saratoga County's rate of $2.23 per thousand dollars of assessed property value will still be the lowest in the state. [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [YNN] [TU]
The state Department of Criminal Justice Services has a launched a new database that will pull together domestic violence incidence reports across jurisdictions -- so law enforcement will be able to search for incident info regardless of where it happened in the state. Prior to this database, domestic violence incident reports -- which police are required to file with the state -- were collected on paper and put in storage. Saratoga County DA James Murphy says the previous setup made it hard for law enforcement officials to get details when people were involved in incidents in multiple counties. [NYS DCJS] [TU] [Fox23]
Erin Loffredo, the former Albany County Sheriff's office employee sacking for using false addresses to meet a residency requirement, alleges in court documents that former sheriff James Campbell and her supervisor both knew about the false addresses and had directed her to use them. [TU]
State spending on home care for people with developmental disabilities soaring, conservancy upset about lights display in Washington Park, video released of alleged Walmart groping
The state's spending on home care for people with developmental disabilities has soared, even as the number of people receiving care has increased only modestly, thanks in part to reimbursement rates that far exceed what in-home workers are receiving as pay. [NYT]
Andrew Cuomo signed a bill that prohibits most insurance plans from requiring members to get their prescription drugs through mail-order pharmacies (often touted as a cost saving measure). The governor's signature came with came with an agreement that the legislature would pass a bill requiring regular pharmacies to match the mail-order prices if they wanted to be included. [NYT] [State of Politics]
Among the cost-saving measures proposed by the state's Medicaid Redesign Team: not paying for human growth hormone injections for short children. [TU]
Saratoga County is looking at what revenue it might be able to generate from its never-used landfill. The county legislature has been looking for budget cuts after a plan to increase the sales tax rate fizzled. [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
Upset about what it says is physical and aesthetic damage to the park, the Washington Park Conservancy the annual Holiday Lights in the Park display moved from the park. [TU]
Price Chopper has announced that Neil Golub will be stepping down as CEO at the beginning of the year, to be replaced by Jerel Golub. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Altamont fire officials say an elderly woman was found dead following a fire at her home yesterday morning. They say the woman was found laying inside the door. [TU] [YNN]
Breslin vetoes Albany County budget, alleged mugger chased by store employee, police investigating gropings at Walmart, longest tenured state trooper retiring
Outgoing Albany County exec Mike Breslin has vetoed the budget approved by the county legislature. Breslin says the budget puts the county's fiscal stability at risk because "by counting on revenue that won't be there." Of the revenue assumptions in in the budget, the chair of the audit and finance committee says: "... when we present something, it's factual, not a guess." Incoming county exec Dan McCoy, who's currently chair of the legislature, has scheduled a meeting of the legislature this week to consider an override of the veto. The budget as passed included an 8 percent tax increase. [TU] [Fox23] [YNN] [WTEN] [Troy Record]
Rensselaer County exec Kathy Jimino says her county budget has taken effect, despite the unanimous objection of the county legislature. [Troy Record]
Schenectady mayor-elect Gary McCarthy on his decision to collect his pension and receive his mayoral salary: "It's a loophole in the pension system, and I'm using it to minimize the city's contribution" [because the city won't have to contribute to the pension system for him]. McCarthy also said Jerry Jennings was doing something similar -- Jennings says he's not. [Daily Gazette] [TU Local Politics]
The members of the new state ethics commission have been named. And, of course, there's some controversy. [NYT] [State of Politics]
Six-year-old helps save mom, Occupy given partial credit for Cuomo change on taxes, popular music teacher charged with child porn possession, Christmas tree ticks
A six-year-old boy helped save his mother from a car wreck in Berne on Saturday. After swerving to avoid a truck and rolling down an a bank, Aaron Wright's mother was trapped in the overturned car -- so he found her mobile phone, climbed out of the car through the trunk, up a snowy bank in his socks, and called 911. Said acting Albany County sheriff Craig Apple of Wright: "He's a smart little fella." [Fox23] [WTEN] [YNN] [TU]
Says former state Assemblyman Richard Brodsky of the Cuomo's administration's decision to change course on income tax increases for the rich: "Time was austerity and tax cuts were the only acceptable place to be. Now, income inequality and the 99 percent dominate practical politics. [Occupy Wall Street] paved the way; Cuomo and [California governor Jerry] Brown seized the moment." Said an Occupy Albany protestor this weekend: "It's pretty obvious that the politicians are listening and they know we're here." [AP/TU] [WNYT]
Free pigs-in-a-blanket and bite-sized spanakopita are back on the menu for legislators after a change in ethics rules has re-opened the way for catered legislative receptions. [TU]
Schenectady mayor elect Gary McCarthy says he's filing for retirement from his investigator position with the Schenectady County DA's office -- which means he'll be collecting a pension in addition to his mayoral salary. [TU]
The city of Troy has submitted an offer for the former Verizon Building, which is currently the temporary (and perhaps future) city hall. [Troy Record]
The aftermath of Irene flooding has led to abundance of flood-damaged homes being put up for sale. [Daily Gazette]
DA's office: gym death not result of tasering, Cuomo told legislators to vote for tax bill or else, crime down in Troy, talk of commuter line from Saratoga to Albany
The Albany County DA's office and Colone Police say toxicology reports indicate that Chad Brothers -- the man who died after being tasered following a rampage at a Colonie gym -- had steroids and PCP in his system. The DA's office says Brothers died from "agitated delirium," a condition associated with drug use, and not from being tased multiple times. The DA's office says Colonie Police "acted appropriately and professionally under the circumstances and therefore no criminal liability exists." Earlier: Firsthand accounts of the Latham Gold's Gym struggle and death [WTEN] [Fox23] [TU] [Troy Record]
Says one of the leaders of the Capital Region Economic Development Council say on the Capital Region's non-win in the grant competition: "We absolutely wish that we came in on top, but we cannot complain about $62 million." One of the local projects that did get funded is a new maintenance hangar at ALB, which an official says will allow a company there to hire 30 new people. Among the projects that didn't make cut for the Capital Region's grants package: a $25 million supercomputer for RPI. (Post-Star headline for this story: "North Country beats Capital Region in competition for state economic funds.") [AOA] [Fox23] [TU] [TU] [Post-Star]
Andrew Cuomo reportedly called Assembly Republicans 30 minutes after the tax code restructuring bill was printed to tell them to unanimously vote for the legislation -- or else he would campaign against members who voted no. Eight Assemblyman voted against the bill. Among them was minority leader Brian Kolb, who said of the process: "I think it was rushed and I don't think it was open and transparent at all." Cuomo says the tax restructuring legislation essentially finished 50 percent of the next budget. [TU] [State of Politics] [YNN] [NYT]
The director of the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority says officials didn't a call a pest control company to handle for reports of bed bugs at the Stonequist Apartment high rise "because we didn't feel a need to address the issue." Officials say there's not a widespread infestation at the 176-unit building. But a pest control company says the whole building must be treated -- not just the handful of apartments where the bugs have been found. [TU] [Saratogian] [WNYT]
Legislature passes tax plan, thousands left without power, Saratoga housing projects residents say there's a huge bedbug problem
The state Assembly and Senate passed the state tax code restructuring bill during the night. Said Andrew Cuomo of the new tax brackets: "The more you make the higher rate you pay. That I believe is fair." The bill moved with unusual speed from announcement to passage, raising criticism about a lack of transparency. Some legislators said they had little time to examine the legislation, commented Jim Tedisco: "Pretty soon they'll just say, 'Stay home, and just send in your votes when we bring the bills out.'" [NYDN] [TU] [State of Politics] [NYT]
Occupy Albany has received a permit to stay in Academy Park for 24 hours a day until December 22. [TU]
Though there wasn't much snow to yesterday's storm, it left about 3,700 people without power around the region. [Daily Gazette]
Reaction to state tax restructuring, RPI board backs Jackson, four get prison for mortgage fraud, chainsawing as personal expression
Andrew Cuomo said in a recorded video message that "gridlock" in Washington prompted the tax restructuring deal announced yesterday (he didn't talk with the media, or take questions). [State of Politics]
Local legislator reaction: Said Ron Canestrari of the deal: "If this is the way to do it and equalize some of the other brackets and maybe give relief to some others where there are inequities, and of course there are inequities, then I'm all for it." Jim Tedisco said deal lacks a "long term solution to curing New York's chronic spending addiction" (he'd like to see a state spending cap). The deal also includes a pledge to push for a constitutional amendment to allow full casino gambling -- Roy McDonald says he's concerned that expanding casino gambling in the state could hurt Saratoga. [Fox23] [TU CapCon] [TU CapCon]
Good government groups criticized the way the deal came together, calling it "a continuation of the backdoor-deal making that has defined Albany culture." Sheldon Silver disputed that there wasn't enough public debate: "I think there has been open debate for a year and a half now on what we put forth in a millionaire's tax. There have been no secrets about it." [TU CapCon] [State of Politics]
The parents of a soldier from Clifton Park who was killed in a brawl outside a McDonald's in Washington D.C. last month are upset that no charges will be filed in the case. Sources said his death was ruled a "justifiable homicide." [TU] [Fox23]
Occupy Albany is waiting for the results of a visit from a code inspector yesterday to see if its violations were remedied. [TU] [YNN]
The RPI Board of Trustees voted in support of president Shirley Ann Jackson one week after the Student Senate passed a resolution for Jackson to be replaced if changes aren't made at the school. [Troy Record] [TU]
Cuomo's tax plan shifts more of burden to rich, Albany County legislature votes to override tax cap, armed intruders reportedly tried to enter dorm, Saints edge Great Danes
Andrew Cuomo's new tax plan calls for more income brackets, which would push more of the tax burden on the rich and less on the middle class. [TU] [Fox23]
The Albany County Legislature voted tooverride the 2 percent tax cap, and approved a budget with an 8 percent tax increase. [YNN] [TU]
For the third time in a year, the Albany common council has failed to override a mayoral veto -- this time, the council failed to override the veto of fracking ban. The council was one vote short of the 10 votes needed. [TU] [YNN]
The proposed Saratoga County budget cuts funding as of midnight on January 1, meaning that Saratoga's big fireworks display could be in danger. [Saratogian]
Cuomo pushing tax restructuring-casino-jobs plan, a look at the lives of transgender people, fatal shooting in North Greenbush
The Cuomo administration is putting together a package of legislation that includes changes to the state tax code, casino gaming in the state, infrastructure spending, and jobs initiatives. The administration is apparently hoping the legislature will take up the legislation this week. Says the Empire Center's EJ McMahon of the legislation: "It's about a tax increase. The rest of the stuff is to shift the talk." [State of Politics] [NYDN] [TU]
The city gave Occupy Albany protestors a cease-and-desist letter based on "health and safety concerns," but officials may be willing to issue the protestors a permit. OA could have until December 22. [YNN] [WNYT] [Fox23]
David Soares says the report about his romantic involvement with a staffer in the Albany County DA's office is "not newsworthy" and "clearly a political effort to malign my reputation." (Lee Kindlon officially announced last week that he'll be challenging Soares for DA.) The relationship was reported by ACO. [TU] [ACO]
A Times Union package looked at the lives of transgender people, exploring the lengthy process a local transgender woman took to go from male to female, and looking at the psychological process they go through. It also explored the number of LGBT people in the US and locally. [TU]
Gary McCarthy will be new Schenectady mayor, challenger criticizes DA for "cookie-cutter justice," emergency hotline for new mothers only staffed on regular working hours
A court has rejected a plea for another recount, making Gary McCarthy the official mayor-elect in Schenectady. [WNYT] [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
The woman who was struck and killed while walking on the ramp to the Northway Monday morning had been arrested a few hours earlier by Colonie police for allegedly being high in her car and possessing marijuana and was trying to walk back to Clifton Park. [YNN] [TU]
An appeals court ruled that a Shenendahowa bus driver who was fired two years ago after testing positive for marijuana should be given her job back because the district has no policy for firing employees for having drugs in their systems. [Daily Gazette]
The Rensselaer County Legislature unanimously voted against the 2012 budget, but it is just a symbolic measure. [Troy Record] [TU]
Shortage of ADHD meds, Troy approves 2012 budget, Rotterdam teens launch balloon camera
The Capital Region is facing a severe shortage of Adderall and other ADHD drugs. [TU]
After a long wait, the winner in the Schenectady mayor race may actually be announced today. Democrat Gary McCarthy is ahead by more than 80 votes. [YNN] [Fox23]
The FBI is looking into a threatening fax that sent to David Soares' office, apparently over the Albany County DA's decision to not prosecute Occupy protesters arrested in Lafayette Park. [TU]
The Troy City Council unanimously approved a 2012 budget that does not change the tax rate. [TU]
Friends and family of the woman who was struck and killed while walking on a ramp to the Northway near Wolf Road Wednesday morning say it was completely out of character for her to be walking on the highway in the dark. [TU]
More local school children living in poverty, uproar over Albany County proposed budget, high school students building political networking site
The percentage of students living in poverty in many local school districts has increased by double digits during the recession. [TU]
At an Albany County Legislature hearing last night, heads of municipalities said they are concerned that cuts to services could negatively affect their communities. Many are also upset over the proposed 19.2 percent increase. To pass the budget as is, the county will have to override the 2 percent tax cap. [TU] [YNN] [Fox23]
The Capital Region Economic Council made another pitch for its plan to spur development in the area economy yesterday, and focused on plans that would not require funding from the state (unlike items such as the $25 million supercomputer for proposed for RPI). [Daily Gazette]
A pedestrian was struck and killed near Exit 4 of the Northway and police are trying to figure out what happened. [TU] [Fox23]
A pizza delivery guy saves woman from burning home, recession has cost New York high-paying jobs, ski slopes are losing money because of warm weather
A pizza delivery guy saved an 83-year-old woman from her burning Clifton Park home. Said the 20-year-old: "I just did what anyone would have done in that situation." [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Roger Hull wants a hand recount of the more than 9,000 ballots cast in the Schenectady mayoral race. [Daily Gazette]
The League of Women Voters is pushing to stop the new Albany County nursing home, saying the funds are better spent on at-home nursing services. [TU]
A man was shot and killed early this morning in Albany's South End (map). He was found inside a crashed car, but police are unsure of the sequence of events. [YNN] [WNYT]
The RPI Student Senate has voted to request a formal review of president Shirley Ann Jackson, and her removal if changes in governance and strategy aren't made. The resolution says the Student Senate is "concerned by personal accounts from students, faculty, staff, and administrators, of President Jackson's leadership techniques, including top down leadership, abrasive style, existence of fear among staff and administrators, and lack of engagement on campus." [Troy Record] [Reddit RPI]
Local food pantries facing increased demand, search for car in fatal hit-and-run, stabbing outside Northern Lights, Occupy Albany shifting focus
Local food pantries are finding that they have to serve a larger demographic on a more regular basis because of increased unemployment and the number of emergencies the area has seen the past year. [TU]
Albany police are searching for a green Honda that allegedly hit and killed a man walking on Quail Street in Albany Saturday morning and then fled the scene. [WNYT] [WTEN]
The disputed ballots in the tight Schenectady mayoral race will be before a judge this morning. There are currently more than 100 contested ballots in the race. [YNN] [TU]
Rather than accept a bid from one of two companies to redo the state's troublesome Medicaid computer system, the state has instead extended the contract of the company that created an outdated, flawed system that cost the state millions in the first place. [TU]
Syracuse University has fired assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine after a third man reportedly stepped forward to accuse Fine of molesting him as a child. Head coach Jim Boeheim, who had earlier issued strong statements of support for Fine, called the firing "appropriate" and said "I deeply regret any statements I made that might have inhibited that from occurring or been insensitive to victims of abuse." [Syracuse Post-Standard] [Syracuse Post-Standard]
Meals on Wheels org says it needs help after van stolen, McCoy threatens closures and layoffs if no tax cap override, odd theft attempt thwarted by stop for soda
The Albany org whose Meals on Wheels van was stolen this week says it's looking for help to deliver its special Thanksgiving meals this year. And if someone has a vehicle to donate: 465-3322. [Spotlight] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
Albany County exec-elect Dan McCoy says the county will have to close its nursing home and layoff other county employees if there's not an override of the 2-percent tax cap. [TU]
Five Albany Diocese priests who were all accused of sexual abuse by the same man were were cleared of the allegations by the church after it says its investigation, overseen by a retired state Court of Appeals judge, found "no reasonable grounds." Says the head of a group that advocates for people who say they've been abused by priests: "I question how an organization can clear its own employees." [AP/Fox23] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
Saratoga Springs got 5 inches of snow last night. Thanksgiving forecast: sunny with highs in the upper 40s. [TU] [NWS]
Shock over terror suspect's connection to Schenectady, council funds anti-gun program, first batch of arrested Occupiers have cases bounced
While he was living in Schenectady, terror suspect Jose Pimentel was arrested for a credit card scam and was cited for failing to pay child support. The man's former neighbors said they were shocked to hear about his arrest and said they were scared to learn that someone so close to them could have been involved in making bombs. A tip from Albany police had led the NYPD to keep tabs on Pimentel. [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [TU]
In passing the city budget, the Albany Common Council voted unanimously to match $150,000 for the anti-gun violence program SNUG, but Jerry Jennings has said city funding for the program is not sustainable. The budget also added five more firefighter positions. [TU] [YNN]
As the first batch of Occupy Albany protestors had their cases dismissed, city judge Thomas Keefe said he hadn't seen many motions to dismiss made by prosecutors during his career. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
State Attorney General Eric Scheinderman said he's sought to increase his office's jurisdiction to include state corruption cases, but was denied by the Cuomo admin -- a former aide for Cuomo said the conversation never happened. [TU]
Former Schenectady man held in terror plot, Occupiers concerned arrests are becoming "redundant," man accussed of blinding girlfriend's baby, possible secret to long life: lager
A former Schenectady man was arrested in New York City this weekend for allegedly building pipe bombs and planning to attack members of the police force and postal service, as well as military personnel returning from active duty. Police say he's an Al-Qaida sympathizer. His family members at Mont Pleasant home where he used to live said he was easily influenced and got in with the wrong crowd. [TU] [YNN] [WYNT] [Daily Gazette]
An attorney who worked with Albany Count exec-elect Dan McCoy's transition team was given an $84,000 job with the county last month. [TU]
Kathy Jimino's budget for Rensselaer County funds all non-mandated services until April 1 -- if the budget doesn't find emergency funding by then, those services would be cut. [Troy Record]
More than 500 protestors march with Occupy Albany, state reps won't support Saratoga County sales tax increase, man arrested for fatal crash had many license suspensions
A photo from yesterday's Occupy protest, from Tim Raab's photoset.
More than 500 people protested at Occupy Albany as part of an international day of Occupy actions across the nation. They marched to Andrew Cuomo's office in the Capitol chanting "Hey you, millionaires, pay your fair share." There was only one arrest for violating curfew last night. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [YNN]
The man arrested for allegedly hitting and killed a 19-year-old woman with truck in Schenectady, and then fleeing the scene has 10 suspensions on his driver's license. He's already been charged with a variety of offenses, and police are awaiting the results of toxicology reports to see if he should be charged with DWI. [YNN] [Fox23] [TU]
Many absentee ballots in the Schenectady mayoral race were left uncounted because of simple errors. [Daily Gazette]
The proposed Saratoga County sales tax increase is apparently facing long odds after the county's state reps said they don't think it would be approved the state legislature. Both Roy McDonald and Hugh Farley said they wouldn't sponsor the legislation necessary for the increase. [Saratogian] [TU]
Joe Bruno likely to face another trial, Colonie town supervisor results could be known today, woman looking for husband's teeth and glasses
A federal appeals court vacated the conviction of former state Senator Majority Leader Joe Bruno, but he will now likely have to face a second trial for taking kickbacks from a friend to whom he had directed state funds. [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
The final result of the Colonie town supervisor race could be known today. [Daily Gazette]
On the first day, the team scrutinizing the absentee ballots for the Schenectady mayor's race made it through only 136 of the 631 ballots. That's about 10 ballots per hour. Taking into account those votes, Gary McCarthy's lead over Roger Hull widened slightly. [TU] [YNN] [WNYT]
Police are searching for an older Dodge Dakota with a missing tailgate that fled the scene of a crash that killed a 19-year-old woman at the corner of State Street and Erie Boulevard in Schenectady. Local streets were shut down for hours after the 7:30 pm crash as investigators searched for clues. [TU] [Fox23] [CBS6] [Daily Gazette]
Call for special prosecutor for Occupy arrests, nanotech wants to take over old train station, mall accused of allowing "suburban slum," two banks robbed
Occupy Albany protestors say the crackdown on Occupy sites across the country has only strengthened their resolve to stay through the winter. There was another round of arrests last night in Lafayette Park. Said the head of the Albany County Republican Party yesterday of David Soares' decision to not prosecute people arrested for breaking curfew in the park: "The State Police are being basically laughed at by the local DA. We have a curfew, we have a set of laws, and we should abide by it." The party chairman is calling for a special prosecutor. [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [TU] [AP/WNYT]
UAlbany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering wants to use the former train station in downtown Albany -- now called Kiernan Plaza -- as incubator space for startups. [TU]
The sixteen state Office of Family Services employees who are accused of spying on their co-worker after she was arrested say they wanted to know if she had been placed on a register for suspected abusers. [TU]
The Saratoga Race Track brought between $186 million and $213 million into the regional economy, but that number is down from the impact the track had in 2006. [WNYT] [TU]
Cuomo could appoint special prosecutor for Occupy Albany, state budget gap is growing, Albany airport scanners won't be able to see you naked
Occupy Albany protestors were arrested for a third night (tweet-by-tweet by @InnaePark), and the state could appoint state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman as a special prosecutor to supersede Albany County DA David Soares, who has refused to prosecute protestors. This news comes as Occupy Wall Street has been raided and cleared. [YNN] [TU] [YNN] [TU]
The state Division of the Budget says the current year budget gap has grown to $350 million due to a drop in tax collections. Andrew Cuomo says he's considering options and may call the legislature back to address the gap. [AP/YNN] [TU]
The Capital Region Economic Development Council's strategic plan aims to make the area a "destination of choice" by creating coalitions that help industries work together and share resources. Also: there's proposed funding for waterfront development in Troy and Rensselaer. [CREDC] [YNN] [TU]
Prosecutors plan to throw out Occupy Albany arrests, multiple shootings in Albany and Schenectady, record finishers in the Stockade-athon
The Albany County DA's office says it will not prosecute the Occupy Albany protestors arrested this past weekend for trespassing in the state-owned Lafayette Park because the protestors have remained peaceful. (Protesters say they were having a "meditation flash mob.") In addition to the two dozen Saturday night arrests, State Police arrested 13 more protesters Sunday night. [TU] [YNN] [AOA] [Fox23]
The counting of the approximately 530 absentee ballots in the Schenectady mayoral race will start today (Democrat Gary McCarty leads the Alliance Party's Roger Hull by 77 votes). In Colonie, there are still 950 absentee ballots to be counted in the still unsettled supervisor race (Democrat Paula Mahan leads Republican Denise Sheehan b 260 votes).[Fox23] [YNN]
There were two separate shooting incidents in Schenectady this weekend:
+ A man was killed outside of a bar in Mont Pleasant on Saturday morning, and two others were injured (map). [YNN]
+ A man driving through Hamilton Hill was shot in the leg Sunday as a bullet passed through his car door (map). [Daily Gazette]
Albany police say two people were shot in the Mansion neighborhood early Saturday morning -- one of whom appears to have been a bystander (map). APD says it responded to a call about multiple shots fired at Madison and Pearl at 3:15 am and found one victim, a man. About an hour later, they got a call that a woman had gone to the hospital after she had heard shots while on the corner of Madison and Trinity (a block up Madison from Pearl) and then felt a stinging in her upper thigh, and realized she had been shot. [APD press release, pasted below]
600 state jobs moving from Troy to Albany, a pro-hydrofracking coalition has been formed
The state has confirmed that 600 state Department of Health workers will be moved from Troy to the Corning Tower.. Says a rep from the one of the companies that owns the office space the employees currently occupy: "It's going to really have a negative impact on everything that Troy is trying to accomplish." [Troy Record] [TU]
A local man, who was one of the first African-American members of the U.S. Marine Corps, has found a renewed sense of connection with his service brothers. [TU]
Races for Schenectady mayor and Colonie supervisor won't be settled this week, Saratoga County sales tax increase proposed, grocery shopping after alleged kidnapping
The results of a handful of close local political races are still up in the air pending absentee ballot counts, including the Schenectady mayoral race and the Colonie town supervisor race. Absentee counting in the Schenectady race could start Monday. Absentee counting and machine recounts will start in the Colonie race next Wednesday and Thursday. Both the Saratoga Springs mayoral race is also technically still not settled and the Malta supervisor race are technically not settled, though it appears the incumbents in both races have comfortable leads. [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [TU] [Troy Record] [Saratogian] [Saratogian]
The League of Women Voters' Barbara Bartoletti called voter turnout in this election cycle "abysmal." [WNYT]
The ongoing ballot fraud case apparently has not hurt Troy Democrats at the polls in two consecutive elections now, as the party has taken back the mayor's office and possibly built its council majority to 8-1. On mayor-elect Lou Rosamilia's agenda Wednesday morning: teach a managerial accounting class. [TU] [TU]
The state Department of Health is planning to move 600 employees from Hedley Park Place and Flanagan Square in Troy to the Corning Tower, prompting concerns about the effect the loss of people will have on downtown Troy (map). [TU]
The proposed Saratoga County budget would increase the county's sale tax rate from 7 to 8 percent in order to help fill a budget gap. Saratoga County is currently one of only five counties in the state with a 7 percent sales tax. (Albany, Schenectady, and Rensselaer counties are all 8 percent.) [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
An Occupy Albany protestor says he plans to dare State Police to arrest him by staying in the state-owned Lafayette park past curfew (it's adjacent to the Albany-owned Academy Park where protesters have been staying). [TU CapCon]
Election results are in, town board member delivers baby at poll, carbon monoxide poisoning in Glens Falls, Troy family said city is "holding dog for ransom"
The election results are in for races all over the area. Here are a few of the biggest races:
Lou Rosamilia won the Troy mayoral race. [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN]
Incumbent Colonie supervisor Paula Mahan claimed victory by a close margin, but her opponent has not yet conceded. With absentee ballots not yet counted, Mahan has a 296-vote lead. [TU] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
The race between Schenectady mayoral candidates Roger Hull and Gary McCarthy is too close to call. The outcome won't be known until all the absentee ballots are counted. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Jack Mahar won reelection for Renssaeler County Sheriff. [YNN]
Democrats won big in the Schenectady County Legislature. [Daily Gazette]
It's Election Day, Schenectady cop arrested for DWI, teen shot in Troy, man hid a lot of meat in his pants
It's Election Day. Many news outlets ran voter's guides. Some commentators cited mayor and town supervisor races as the most important locally. Others hoped people would find their way to the polls. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
A Schenectady police sergeant was placed on 30 days of unpaid suspension after being arrested for drunk driving and could be fired if he loses his driver's license. [Daily Gazette]
A teen was shot during a fight last night in Troy's North Central neighborhood (map). The boy was taken to the hospital -- his injuries do not appear life-threatening. [TU] [YNN] [Troy Record]
A state DEC worker allegedly spent more than $38,000 worth of salaried time drinking at a bar. The 43-year-old biologist admitted that he went to the bar two or three times a week during working hours. [YNN] [Troy Record]
Woman who drove into river died of heart attack, student injured in bike accident wasn't wearing helmet, veterans finally receive medals
An autopsy revealed that an 84-year-old woman who was pulled from the Mohawk River this weekend died of a heart attack. The woman and her car ended up in the river after she called 911 to say that she was lost. Authorities and the woman's husband believe she had the heart attack before she was in the water. [YNN] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The new city rules laid out for Occupy Albany include allowing only three portable toilets, two propane heaters, one generator, and no clotheslines. [TU]
Concludes a NYT analysis of records relating to the deaths of people with developmental disabilities in state care, including some here in the Capital Region: "it is unusually common for developmentally disabled people in state care to die for reasons other than natural causes." [NYT]
"Two well-placed public officials" say Global Foundries is looking to trade future state tax incentives for cash now, reportedly raising concerns about GloFo's financial situation. [TU]
PEF approves contract, drugs allegedly found in Gold's Gym man's home, sheriff's candidate accused of ticket fixing
Andrew Cuomo on why the PEF membership approved the revised contract: "Cooler heads prevailed. You bring down the heat, bring down the partisanship, bring down the rhetoric and have a dialogue." About 3,500 who had received layoff notices will now keep their jobs. More than 70 percent of PEF members voted to approve the contract. [AOA] [State of Politics] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
"Three people with knowledge of the matter" say that what appeared to be cocaine and steroids were found in Gold's Gym man's Troy apartment. [TU]
Rensselaer County Sheriff candidate Gary Gordon was heard on phone conversations seeming to make deals to fix tickets for relatives of officials. Sitting sheriff Jack Mahar has asked the governor's office to have the state attorney general's office investigate the calls. [TU] [Troy Record] [YNN]
Cuomo hoping people want to work less, PEF vote results will be revealed today, counterfeit items seized from Crossgates
Cuomo is hoping that seven percent of the state workforce would like to work -and get paid for -less than five days a week. [TU]
The results of the latest PEF vote will be released today and those who have already received layoff notices will know if they are losing their jobs. [YNN] [TU]
Colonie Town Supervisor Paula Mahan and her rival Denise Sheehan debated last night about town finances, development and the landfill. [YNN] [TU]
Family says Gold's Gym man had no history of violence, FBI in on investigation into threatening videos, Colonie street usual target for Halloween pranksters, kids get anti-bullying measures and new urgent care center this week
The family of a man who turned violent at the Latham Gold's Gym and then died after being restrained by police said he was a nice man who had no history of violence. An autopsy into what caused his death is still inconclusive and investigators are still trying to determine if police used appropriate force against him. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
The FBI has been brought into an investigation into videos posted on YouTube that threaten Niskayuna students and town cops. The FBI is getting a subpoena to force YouTube to turn over the IP address of the poster. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Colonie street where a couple hundred teenagers went on a Halloween rampage, egging cars, spraying shaving cream and throwing empty cans at responding police, has been a popular target for years. [TU]
Police responded to gym rampage with multiple taser shots, Albany has no precedent for removing protestors, infamous pink building coming down in Latham
The "burly, incoherent" 32-year-old man who died after police Tasered him at the Latham Gold's Gym yesterday had thrown dumbbells and increased the speed of another customer's treadmill and punched him in the face. When police arrived, he continued to throw gym equipment and lifted an officer off his feet. Police said they tasered the man about four or five times with the weapons on stun mode. Earlier: Firsthand accounts of the Latham Gold's Gym struggle and death [Troy Record] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
Since Albany has never before enforced a curfew at Academy Park, law experts say officials are in the right for not enforcing it now. [TU]
Jack Cox Jr., who was bounced from Troy mayoral ballot by a judge but had planned to run a write-in campaign, has dropped out of the race and will instead back Democrat Lou Rosamilia. [Troy Record]
FEMA has extended its deadline by which people affected by storms Irene and Lee can apply for assistance. [YNN]
Near miss on huge snowfall totals, teen shot in Albany, man dies during struggle with police at Gold's Gym, local scientists develop more efficient process for popular drug
The snow storm this past weekend dropped a record amount of snow for the date -- 3.8 inches. Other nearby areas got much more -- western Mass saw more than two feet of snow. [TU] [Saratogian]
A 15-year-old boy was shot in the shoulder and knee on Friday night in Albany's South End neighborhood in Albany (map). [TU] [Fox23]
A man died during a struggle with Colonie police -- which reportedly included use of a taser -- at the Gold's Gym in Latham this morning. [TU]
A police chase ended in a five-car crash in near St. Rose in Albany Sunday night, including one vehicle that crashed into a house (map). [YNN]
Record snow for the date, NYSUT officials get big raises, Sneaky Pete's alleges racism in zoning rejection, Ken Jennings visits RPI
It snowed 1.6 inches yesterday, a record for the date. And now more might be coming. People are not to happy about it. [NWS] [TU] [Fox23]
As thousands of teachers around the state were laid off this year, top officials for NYSUT -- the big teachers union -- got large raises this year. [TU]
The Albany zoning board of appeals rejected Sneaky Pete's request for a variance in order to build a new night club in the warehouse district. An attorney for the club alleged it was "a patently racist decision." [YNN] [TU]
Schenectady police say a man was shot in the back while fleeing from a group attempting to rob him. [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
Cold weather comes to Occupy Albany, Crossgates evicting residential tenants, job openings are way down
The cold weather seems to have followed Occupy Albany into town. Will the protestors stick it out? Meanwhile, the state changed the curfew in the park to 11pm in response to the occupation, but there have still been no arrests made. And local union members are jumping on the Occupy Albany bandwagon. [TU] [TU] [Fox23]
The mass eviction of tenants living in homes owned by Crossgates has led to speculation that the mall is considering another expansion. [TU]
Inspectors are looking at a suspicious fire that started in the basement of Trader Ed's Nautical Pub and Restaurant in Troy. [Troy Record] [TU]
Doctor charged with forcibly touching patients, old school likely coming down to make way for Mormon chapel, mock rape trial in Troy
A Waterford doctor arrested on charges of forcibly touching his patient wants to be able to go on a religious pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. The doctor claimed he was only patting down addicted patients who brought in urine samples. [Fox23] [Post-Star] [TU] [YNN]
A judge has ruled that there's nothing "unique or significant" about the old St. Teresa of Avila Middle School in Albany. The building will likely come down to make way for a Mormon chapel. [TU]
Colonie Town Supervisor Paula Mahan is demanding a retraction on what she says are false statements made by her opponent, Denise Sheehan, regarding the sale of the landfill. [YNN]
Occupy Albany in for the long haul at Cuomoville, some groups want a no vote on the PEF contract, guy gets 15 minutes for making Altoids flashlight
With no arrests planned, Occupy Albany is planning to stay for the long-term. Meanwhile, some protesters have dubbed Occupy Albany "Cuomoville." [YNN] [YNN] [TU]
The Office for People with Developmental Disabilities is trying to fire 130 people for abuse or neglect of clients. [TU]
While the PEF president is urging the membership to approve the new contract, some splinter groups are campaigning for a "no" vote. [YNN]
A new report on a crash last winter between a state trooper car and a cab contradicts many of the details the troopers gave of the incident. [TU]
Occupy Albany made it through its first weekend as officials debate arrests, man dies while on a ladder, alleged drug dealer goes free after evidence lost
As Occupy Albany had its first full weekend, police and politicians were reportedly at odds over whether to arrest the protestors -- with the Cuomo administration reportedly pushing for arrests. Jerry Jennings said the arrests would open the city up to "civil liability." David Soares on the situation: "The backdrop to this is that on Friday we had three kids shot and you are going to try and tell [APD] Chief Krokoff to take his officers off those cases to arrest people who are playing the guitar and eating cider donuts?" The movement intends to remain camped out despite the cold weather. [TU] [Troy Record] [Gazette] [TU] [NYPost] [Gotham Gazette] [YNN]
The 10 candidates running for four Schenectady city council seats all have the same goals, but different methods on how to make them happen. [Daily Gazette]
A man working on his house in Troy died after the ladder he was on fell onto a live power line. [YNN] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
Occupy Albany starts today, local folks reacted to the death of Gadhafi, many more housing units coming to Albany
People from around the Capital Region reacted to news of Gadhafi's death with satisfaction and hope for Libya's future. But his death reminded some of old wounds. [TU] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
The coverage of Occupy Albany was, in some cases, straightforward, while other stories tried to suss out the occupiers' game plan and the nuances of camping at parks. Where they set up camp could decide who foots the bill. [YNN] [Fox23] [Tu] [TU]
A man in Schodack was charged with animal cruelty and had his house condemned after police found several starving dogs and three others that were already dead. [YNN] [TU]
Schenectady mayoral candidates remained civil, laid off teachers could be getting their jobs back, a woman is accused of stealing half a million from a blind woman
Growth in sales tax, business tax and income tax is lagging -- and the state comptroller warning of possible shortfalls. [TU]
The Schenectady candidates for mayor talked about city finances, dealing with distressed properties and abuses of power. The debate was surprisingly civil. [YNN] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Troy mayor race is still neck and neck. [Troy Record]
A federal bill would return about 7,500 teachers to their jobs, including many locally. [Troy Record]
NYCLU: police misusing tasers, county legislator's daughter charged with social services fraud, bored scratch-off pays off
The NYCLU says many police forces, including Albany, engage in unwarranted, improper and poorly documented use of tasers. [TU]
Prosecutors have decided to drop the child endangerment charge against Joseph McElheny. [Troy Record] [TU]
The daughter of Albany County Legislator Wanda Willingham has been charged with defrauding county social services over childcare. Willingham's husband was arrested last week for allegedly being paid to care for the children while their mother (his daughter) was not at work. [Fox23] [TU]
After New York's highest court upheld his conviction, Christopher's Porco's attorney says they'll apply to get his case heard by the Supreme Court of the United States. [TU]
The last student to plead guilty in the Troy High School gang assault received a summer vacation jail sentence. [TU]
New PEF contract goes to membership, Albany High School might move, Porco appeal denied,
The new PEF contract has been approved by union's board and will now go to the membership for a vote. If this contract is not approved, layoffs will go forward. [YNN] [Saratogian] [TU]
There is a plan to move Albany High to the Harriman state office campus, and tear down the old high school for a new college dorm project. [TU]
The Albany City Council has passed a ban on hydrofracking in the city. The ban passed 8-5, which leaves it vulnerable to a veto. [YNN] [Fox23] [TU]
The state Court of Appeals -- New York's highest court -- has upheld Christopher Porco's conviction. It ruled Porco's 6th Amendment rights were not violated by the admission of the Joan Porco's head nod, and "overwhelming evidence placed defendant at the family home." [TU] [Daily Gazette] [NYS Court of Appeals]
A driver fleeing from police in Albany hit a car and then crashed into a bus shelter in Albany that had a person in it. Both the driver and the person in the shelter were taken to the hospital. The shelter was badly damaged. [YNN] [TU] [@JCEvangelist_TU]
New PEF contract on the table, can region's city benefit fro tech growth, train station taxi company lowering fares
The PEF contract that the board will today decide whether to put before the membership for a vote runs four years instead of five, includes one two percent raise and nine furloughed days will be reimbursed. If the new agreement is ratified by the PEF membership, the 3,500 layoff notices will be rescinded. But just in case the new contract doesn't pass, PEF members are planning what they are going to do after they are laid off. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [YNN] [TU]
The Albany County Legislature is having little luck finding ways to lower the county's proposed massive tax increase. [TU]
Question for Capital Region urban centers regarding the construction of GlobalFoundries and the expansion of the Albany NanoTech: Can they capture new arrivals coming to the region to work at those jobs? [TU]
Capital Region doesn't get GE solar plant -- is getting PhDs, man arrested in case of trash bin cats, bus driver fired for snack stops, the apparently taser-proof woman
One hundred GE jobs planned for Schenectady and Niskayuna will include positions for ""Ph.Ds, scientists, high-end jobs, headquarters management jobs." This came after the Capital Region lost out on a bid to put a GE Solar Panel plant here. [YNN] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A Nassau man has been arrested and sent to jail after police say he admitted to sealing a mother cat and her babies in a box and throwing them in a trash bin. Police are not sure if Ryan Dorr is also the person who shot and paralyzed the mother cat. [Fox23] [TU] [YNN]
The heating assistance program HEAP is being delayed and funding cut for this winter. [Post-Star]
Father acquitted of killing his baby, state offices 25 percent vacant downtown, Troy LIbrary cutting services, Union College hockey coach appears in ESPN's Body issue
After a month-long trial and four days of jury deliberations, a Rensselaer county father was acquitted of killing his baby daughter.After being released last night, Joseph McElheny called the experience "surreal." [Troy Record] [YNN] [TU] [WNYT] [YNN]
After years of attrition, about 25 percent of the state's downtown office space is now vacant. [TU]
Those opposed to the relocation of Sneaky Pete's nightclub in Albany say the bar won't be able to control hundreds of patrons after they leave for the night. [TU]
The Troy Public Library's Board of Directors has decided to cut services rather than try to pass another tax hike. [Troy Record]
PEF accuses Cuomo off "walking away" from negotiations, animal abuser registry approved, Troy drops college requirement for new police officers, bee caused truck crash
PEF says there have been no new developments in its negotiations with the Cuomo admin -- and on Tuesday the union's president accused Andrew Cuomo of "just walking away from the negotiating table." PEF has been polling members about which concessions they might be willing to make. About 3,500 PEF members could be laid off without a contract deal. [TU] [State of Politics]
Supporters of the anti-gun violence program SNUG rallied near the Governor's Mansion yesterday in an effort shake loose funding for the program (map). The Cuomo admin has been silent on the matter -- and though Jerry Jennings says he thinks there will be money, but there are still no details. [WNYT] [TU]
The Albany County legislature unanimously approved the creation of a registry for animal abusers. The registry will include names, addresses, and photos of convicted abusers. The bill also includes a provision that requires anyone selling or giving away an animal to check the registry before handing over the animal. Supporters say the registry will help prevent abusers from abusing again. [YNN] [WTEN] [Fox23] [TU]
Albany International has moved its remaining manufacturing jobs in the area to Mexico -- and says it's "considering" it's options about its offices in Menands. [TU]
PEF has eight days to make a decision, a mother cat and three kittens were found in a trash bin, zombies in Troy
PEF has until October 19th to ratify an altered contract, or thousands of layoffs will move forward. Meanwhile, PEF members and their families are planning a rally this morning. [TU] [Fox23]
The jury in the case of the father charged with his infant daughter's death is going into its third day of deliberations. [Fox23] [YNN]
A mother cat and three baby kittens were found in a duct taped box in a trash bin in Nassau. The mother had been shot with a pellet and is now paralyzed. [TU] [YNN]
The Albany County Jail conducted a more-thorough-than-usual contraband sweep yesterday, and came up with a pile of illicit goods. [Fox23]
Strange case of attempted "suicide by cop" at newspaper offices, towns using their surplus to balance budgets, Angry Birds and Charlie Sheen popular Halloween costumes
The Daily Gazette is reviewing building security after a man attempted "suicide by cop" in the newspaper's offices over the weekend and was shot three times by police. The 21-year-old man's aunt said she'd tried to get him help in the days before the incident. Meanwhile, police are trying to figure out what led the man to the Gazette's offices. [TU] [WNYT] [YNN] [Fox23] [Daily Gazette]
A Schenectady shooting victim who tried to drive to the hospital didn't make it very far. The driver was one of two men shot in that incident. [TU] [YNN]
Of the $1.4 billion taxpayers gave to the upstart of the GlobalFoundries chip fab plant, tens of thousands of dollars went to luxury expenses such as apartment rentals and executive lunches. [TU]
The SUNY Research Foundation reached a $30,000 settlement with a former employee who alleged she had been fired after blowing the whistle on alleged alterations made to Medicaid data. [TU]
Albany County looking at nearly 20 percent tax hike, Cuomo might ask PEF to accept shorter contract, woman grateful that authorities took away her animals, Wilton might get a horse park
Albany County may face a tax increase that's nearly ten times the cap. In the past two years, the county has lost $17.6 million in sales tax revenue. During the same period, state funding has also tanked. [YNN] [WNYT] [TU] [Troy Record]
Cuomo pondered whether PEF members would accept a shorter version of a contract similar to the one they rejected. [TU] [YNN]
A Rotterdam woman said she was relieved when authorities showed up to take away her house full of cats. The house was covered with feces and fleas. The woman was charged with one count of misdemeanor animal cruelty. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [YNN]
Students protest tuition hikes and budget cuts, defense rests in trial of father accused of killing infant, Schenectady cops are looking for customer comments
The PEF leadership met Tuesday evening to determine whether to bring a new contract to a vote. [TU]
Students protesting at UAlbany on Wednesday won the promise of an upcoming town hall meeting to address concerns over rising tuition and budget cuts. The UAlbany contingent was one of many student groups that protested around the state. [WNYT] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
A passenger was killed in a one-car crash in Colonie. The driver, who police do not believe was drunk, was also injured. [TU] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
The defense rested in the case of a father accused of killing his infant daughter. [Troy Record]
Burglars are targeting Albany restaurants, more subpoenas in election fruad case, food pantries need help, Latham history is in demand
Burglars have hit at least a dozen Albany restaurants since last week. In most cases, they are breaking in through windows and taking money from cash registers. [TU] [Fox23] [YNN]
While sentencing a caseworker to probation for failing to check up on a child, Judge Karen Drago said the system is failing children. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A number of Board of Elections employees have been subpoenaed in the Troy election fraud case as accusations continue to swirl. [Troy Record] [TU]
A Schoharie rancher hasn't found any of the 22 horses he lost during Irene - but he's still looking. [TU]
Many of the jobs facing lay off from the state are local, the Occupy protest movement has arrived here, family fights off a home invasion in Cohoes, a 95-year-old drummer is still hitting the skins
About a third of the people who might be laid off in the PEF vs. state battle are Capital Region residents. [TU]
Keeping the new Schenectady County budget under the tax cap involved cutting about 200 positions and consolidating departments. [Daily Gazette]
The Occupy protest movement, quickly spreading across the U.S., has made it to Albany. [Saratogian] [[TU] [TU]
The Albany Common Council has proposed a ban on hydrofracking. [YNN]
Eliminated state jobs could be outsourced, FEMA housing has finally arrived, the new ShopRite was mobbed, the Albany High football team is really down on its luck
The steps thus far in in the contract battle between Cuomo and PEF have created a delicate game of chess - and both sides have a lot to lose. If those workers are officially laid off, the jobs will likely be outsourced. [TU] [TU]
The first wave of FEMA housing has arrived in the Mohawk Valley. Also, the FEMA assistance deadline has been extended. [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
Most Watervliet homeowners will be paying either higher or lower taxes by next year. [Troy Record]
The new Niskayuna ShopRite was mobbed on its first weekend. The ShopRite, Price Chopper, Hannaford price battle could mean good things for shoppers. [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [TU]
PEF would like to work it out, woman accused of killing man says he wanted it, convict wanted to pay debts by getting the band back together
PEF is still hoping to go back to the negotiating table with the state and avoid some layoffs. [YNN] [WNYT]
A Herkimer woman who is accused of running over a man who had his hands and feet bound claims that he paid her money to kill him. [TU] [WNYT]
An Army colonel from Malta has been promoted and will now be second-in-command at Gitmo. [TU]
A Slingerlands woman faces a long recovery road after suffering a brutal head injury -- but she's alive. [TU]
The family of a Rotterdam man who was run over and killed by a man driving away in his repossessed truck won a $1.2 million settlement. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Father accused of causing daughter's death takes the stand, $100 counterfeits in Troy, kitten being treated in oxygen chamber
The Troy father on trial for killing his baby daughter took the stand yesterday, testifying that he never abused the girl, and that she had health problems. [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN]
Local flood victims expressed anger at a meeting with FEMA officials last night. Complaints include slow processing of paperwork and strict guidelines for aid. [YNN] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
Heavy rainstorms are closing roads and snarling commutes. [TU]
The federal government is providing funds to hire more police officers in Albany and Troy. Albany's application cited a surge in quality of life crimes in the student ghetto. The APD says the money will enable it hire 16 new officers. [AOA] [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN]
PEF layoffs could begin immediately, fewer can afford community college, nano business is growing, it's been a month since Irene
The first wave of layoff notices are expected to come down immediately after PEF voted down a proposed union contract. PEF President Ken Brynien said the cuts the membership were expected to absorb were just too much. Meanwhile, Cuomo tried to blame the no vote on the union's leadership. [TU] [WNYT] [YNN] [Troy Record]
Fewer people can afford to go to community college. [Daily Gazette]
With the new nano businesses, the chips keep getting smaller and faster. And these tiny pieces will hopefully mean a giant boost to our economy. [TU] [YNN]
The Troy library vote failed by only 20 votes. [Troy Record] [YNN]
PEF is counting votes, town of Colonie still facing budget deficit, that wine store isn't a drive-thru
PEF members are anxiously awaiting the result of the contract vote count. A "no" vote could mean thousands of layoffs. [TU] [YNN]
The cash payment for the privatizing of the Colonie landfill should cover the town deficit until the end of the year, but will not stop the 2012 tax rate from increasing. [TU]
A man has been charged with attempted kidnapping and assault for attacking a woman at a Greenfield gas station. He allegedly got into the woman's car, assaulted her and then fled when she fought back. [YNN] [TU] [Saratogian]
Motions are still going back and forth in the Katherine Seeber murder case - 11 years after Seeber's grandmother was killed. [TU]
Engineers are working on fixing Schoharie County's flood sirens - many of which have been broken since the floods began. [Daily Gazette]
State preparing for layoffs, man shot and killed by troopers, gun violence up in Albany, Roger the cat wants to be mayor
State bosses are getting their layoff lists ready. If the PEF contract is rejected, layoffs could begin. [TU]
A man was shot and killed by state troopers in Schoharie County after firing a shotgun at them. Police called to scene found 27-year-old Richard Welden sitting in a car with his girlfriend, holding the loaded gun. [TU] [YNN] [WTEN] [WNYT]
A man sitting on the tracks in Albany was hit by a slow-moving train and suffered non-threatening head injuries. [WYNT] [TU] [WTEN]
Albany gun violence is spiking just as anti-violence programs may lose funding. [TU]
Two people were stabbed in separate incidents along Main Street in Cohoes last night (map). [YNN]
Median income levels down, convicted child molester will get to see his daughter in prison, man nabbed for alleged lewd check out at library, Pines crew had to save film by canoe
The median income in all four core counties of the Capital Region was down in 2010 compared to the year before, according to data from the Census -- and only Saratoga County had a median income level higher than 2006. The percentage of residents living in poverty in the city of Albany grew from 22.9 percent to 28.2 percent (though there are some caveats for those numbers). [TU] [TU]
The House of Representatives passed a bill that would provide new funding to FEMA -- though there's some doubt as to how it will match up with the Senate's preferred version of the legislation. The House bill had been voted down earlier this week, which prompted criticism from New York leaders -- including Andrew Cuomo -- who are looking to the federal government to help provide disaster recovery funding for Irene and Lee flooding. [NYT] [TU]
A man convicted of molesting eight boys in a Clifton Park classroom will get visitation with his young daughter in prison after the state Court of Appeals rejected an effort by his ex-wife to block the visits. [TU]
Some landowners around the state who have signed hydrofracking leases are reportedly now having second thoughts. [NYT]
West Nile virus in Albany, woman almost passed on winning lottery ticket, this summer's weather wasn't all that
Albany County reported its first case of West Nile virus in a human. All the recent flooding has led to a mosquito boom. [YNN] [WNYT]
Alexander Grant, the college student who was found dead in a Saratoga creek this past March, did not have drugs in his system -- but he was legally drunk. Authorities are still hoping for more information to help them complete the picture of what happened to him. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A doctor testifying as an expert witness in the trial of Joseph McElheny said yesterday McElheny's daughter had been abused before her death last year, and would have been screaming out in pain every time she was picked up during the last month of her life. [TU]
The family of Jonathan Carey, the autistic boy who was smothered by an aide from a state center in Schenectady in 2007, will get a $5 million settlement from the state. [NYT]
There was a vigil outside the state Capitol last night for Georgia death row inmate Troy Davis in the moments before he was executed. [YNN] [WTEN]
Many flood victims are still homeless and without aid, CTDA may face service cuts, New Yorkers favor casinos
Many people from along the Mohawk River are still homeless, as are many pets.[Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
Victims are wondering what could have been done to stop or mitigate the floods. [Daily Gazette]
State government can't decide how to deliver disaster aid. But some in the state are hoping to absolve those flooded from having to pay sales tax. [TU] [YNN]
An off-duty trooper who ran over a man lying in the road and then drove away has had all charges dropped. There appears to be no law against driving away and reporting an incident hours or days later when the only person at the scene is dead. The state trooper's girlfriend called emergency services from the road after her boyfriend had driven away. [YNN] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Bus riders and folks from CDTA held a rally to protest federal budget cuts for transportation. If the cuts go through, about 10 percent of CDTA service will have to be eliminated. [TU] [YNN] [WNYT]
The toxicology report for Alexander Grant, the college student who was found dead in the Putnam Creek in Saratoga this spring, indicates there was no evidence of drugs in his system. Grant was tracked through an odd series of events before he went missing. [TU] [Skidmore Unofficial]
Sheriff's office says skydiving death was suicide, new state initiatives for flood recovery, big development project in Bethlehem close to getting go-ahead
The Saratoga County Sheriff's office has ruled the skydiving death in Northumberland a suicide. An investigator says the Duanesburg man left behind a note, and a skydiving instructor who saw the fall says the man intentionally disconnected himself from his parachute. In 2008, a Schenectady man committed suicide by jumping out of a plane without a parachute -- he landed on a house in Duanesburg. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette 2008]
Andrew Cuomo announced a group of new initiatives aimed to help recovery efforts for Irene and Lee flooding. Among them: a temporary jobs program that will deploy people to assist with cleanup efforts. Cuomo says the statewide damage estimate from the storms is $1 billion -- and could go higher still. [Cuomo admin] [TU] [Fox23]
Cuomo's handling of the flooding situation has pushed his popularity to its highest level yet in the Q Poll. Despite 70 percent of people in a recent Siena poll saying they're concerned about future storms, more than 60 percent say they haven't done anything to prepare better for next time. [State of Politics] [TU]
Classes have finally started in the Middleburgh school district in Schoharie County. Five feet of water and mud caused more than $4 million in damage at the district's middle and high school. The Windham-Ashland-Jewett school district in Greene County still hasn't started its year, and is now aiming for next week. [Fox23] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
A Troy Record/Grammercy poll reports that Democrat Lou Rosamilia and Republican Carmella Mantello are essentially tied in the race for Troy mayor -- with almost a quarter of voters still undecided. [Troy Record]
Skydiver falls to his death, four shootings in a week, neighbors say pit bulls haven't been properly trained, Andrew Cuomo can't help not touching shiny things
The Saratoga County Sheriff's office says a man fell to to his death while skydiving after it appears his parachute detached Sunday afternoon. They say the 60-year-old man from Duanesburg landed in a farm field in Northumberland (map). The sheriff's office says it's not sure what happened exactly -- the owner of the skydiving company said the man was an experienced skydiver with more than 9000 jumps. Update: The Saratoga County Sheriff's office has ruled the death a suicide. [Saratogian] [CBS6] [Post-Star] [Fox23]
The candidates for Schenectady mayor are taking different approaches on neighborhood revitalization: knock down vacant buildings vs. trying to find new owner occupants. [Daily Gazette]
The candidates for Colonie town supervisor are going back and forth over whose ideas are best for developing business in the town. [TU]
Albany police say a man was hit in the face with bullet fragments after his car was shot at Thursday night in West Hill -- the city's fourth shooting in a week (map). [TU]
Cohoes' police chief says he's "baffled" why he can't get a copy of the train video from the fatal crash at a crossing in August. [WNYT]
An attorney in the state attorney general's office in Manhattan has been suspended, apparently because it came to light she'd been moonlighting as a dominatrix (the dominatrix-ing doesn't seem to be the problem, per se -- it's having an undeclared outside job). [NY Post]
FEMA distributing aid throughout region, Lark Tavern expansion approved, jewelry store chain hit twice in two days, bear sighting in North Greenbush
FEMA has distributed more than $40 million in recovery money to New Yorkers affected by Irene -- though the average award has been a little more than $5,000. FEMA teams have been going door-to-door in Schoharie County and other spots that were especially hard hit. Aid groups in Schoharie County say the need from flood victims is ongoing, and supplies are often distributed as fast they come in. [TU] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
The Senate and House haven't worked out a deal yet to replenish funding for FEMA, which is running out of money. [TU]
The state Department of Health says it's seen an increase in calls about mosquitos since Irene. And the Columbia County Department of Health reports a crow with West Nile was found there. The cold weather forecasted for the next few days is expected to knock down the mosquito population. [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [TU]
Wilton, Clifton Park and Ballston have stopped using water from the Saratoga County water system because of increased levels of a chlorine byproduct. The county water authority has been looking at the problem since at least last month. [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
Albany's zoning board of appeals has given the go ahead to the expansion of the Lark Tavern. The operator of "Flo's Lark Tavern" says he could open by November. [YNN] [TU]
The suicide crisis center opened in Schenectady following the suicides of four teen girls is slated to close because of a lack of funds. [Daily Gazette]
UAlbany says the alleged camera incident in an academic building's bathroom involved a mobile phone being held under a stall -- not a hidden camera, as originally reported. [YNN] [TU]
Costs piling up for flood damage, four officers injured during chase, third Albany shooting in a week, hidden cam found in UAlbany bathroom
The state's estimated costs for damage from tropical storms Irene and Lee is now close to $100 million (that's just costs directly covered the by state). The state has $150 million set aside for emergency management costs and FEMA might cover some of that, too. [TU] [State of Politics]
The 13-year-old Wilton boy who accidentally shot and killed his friend last December has been sentenced to two years of probation. The family court judge in the case said a psychiatric report concluded the boy is a "loving son" who is not a danger to the community. Said the mother of Nicholas Naumkin, the boy was killed: "We're just hoping that going forward we could make a difference, and change some laws regarding gun ownership." [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
Colonie police say four officers were injured Wednesday morning while chasing a suspect by car and on foot from Latham to Albany (map). The officers got hurt while jumping over a retaining wall that led to a six-foot drop. The string of events began when the suspect allegedly showed up with a gun at the Latham house of a man who owns a music production company (the suspect is apparently one of the company's artists) (map). Says a Colonie police lieutenant of the recent rash of violent incidents in the town known for having a low crime rate: "It's definitely been an anomaly." [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette] [CBS6] [TU]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli detailed how the former treasurer of the Charlton volunteer fire department in Saratoga County allegedly stole as much as $500k from the department over five years (map). A comptroller's office audit concluded the Charlton fire district "exercised virtually no oversight role" over the former treasurer. DiNapoli called the case "a classic fraud." The woman's attorney says his client is being scapegoated for the fire district's poor record keeping. [NYS OSC] [Saratogian] [TU]
Cohoes police say the driver at the wheel of the car struck by a train in August was blinded by the sun as he drove through the crossing. [WNYT]
UAlbany officials say hidden camera was found in a women's bathroom stall in one of the academic buildings on the downtown campus. [YNN]
The primary results are in, mold has become a huge problem, Chris Porco had an appeal hearing, apple crop expected to be huge
Yesterday was primary day and most of the results are in. [TU] [YNN]
John Clarkson defeated Kyle Kotary in the Democratic primary for Bethlehem town supervisor. [TU]
Robert Doherty ousted an indicted incumbent for Troy council. [TU[
In Troy, a write-in campaign prevailed. [Troy Record]
Many schools in the Mohawk Valley are still scrambling to clean up and open for classes. [Daily Gazette]
Mold is taking over the carpets and walls of buildings recently underwater. [TU]
The Erie Canal may be closed straight through the winter. [YNN]
In Rotterdam Junction, life is finally returning to normal and volunteer workers are leaving town. [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
Chris Porco's lawyers are arguing on appeal that his badly injured mother's nod should have been inadmissible evidence because she later had no memory of the ax attack or conversation. The prosecution is claiming that both sides have a right to confront a witness, even if the witness remembers nothing. Chris Porco stayed in prison during the hearing, but Joan Porco was in the courtroom. [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [YNN]
Push for federal aid for flooded areas, bus driver accused of duct taping girl's mouth, pit bull owner already faced dangerous dog charge, national recognition for Saratoga Farmers' Market
Today is primary day for the handful of elections this fall. Polls are open from noon-9 pm.
Rebuilding after the flooding continues. Route 2 in Rensselaer County is now open again -- as is Route 73 in the Adirondacks, which leads to Lake Placid (map). And schools are opening in Schoharie and Greene counties. [TU] [TU] [TU] [Fox23]
While in Amsterdam yesterday, Chuck Schumer said he'd push the US Senate to move quickly on authorizing funding for FEMA (the federal disaster agency is more or less out of money). As he said after taking a call from the head of agency: "We are going to need lots of help from FEMA." [TU] [State of Politics]
Flood damage along the Erie Canal between Waterford and Utica is so severe that the waterway has been closed indefinitely, probably until next spring. Brian Stratton -- who's now head of the state canal agency -- says its the worst flood damage the canal system has ever seen. The closed waterway has trapped boaters. The lock at Troy that connects the Hudson to the canal system is re-opening after divers cleared debris from the area. [TU] [Fox23] [TU] [CBS6]
Paul Tonko is pushing for the 4-year-old state taskforce charged with examining flooding issues along the state canal system to actually meet -- for the first time. [Daily Gazette]
An electrical transmission tower near Amsterdam fell into the Mohawk this past weekend after the river "basically rerouted itself" around the tower's abutment (the tower's fall is part of what knocked WEXT off the air). A helicopter was part of the effort to install a temporary fix yesterday to bring power back to 20,000 National Grid customers. [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
A bus driver in northern Saratoga County has been accused of duct-taping the mouth of a girl with a developmental disability. Police allege the driver abused the girl on multiple occasions this past winter. [WTEN] [WNYT]
9/11 rememberances led to reflection and soul-searching, Porco is up for appeal, it's almost bear hunting season
There were 9/11 memorials everywhere yesterday and people stopped to remember how that day changed their lives. [YNN] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
Vendors in NYC sold tawdry souvenirs. [TU]
Ten years later, Muslims still face fear and prejudice. [Saratogian]
That giant 9/11 memorial sculpture in Saratoga still hasn't found a home, but the new monument in Troy has been revealed. [Saratogian] [YNN]
Chris Porco's murder appeal will be partially based on statements his critically injured mother made to paramedics and police. [TU]
More flooding and concerns that structures could give, 9/11 remembrances start, former cop charged with sex abuse
The Capital Region scrambled to deal with even more flooding that washed out bridges and flooded homes. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
The Route 103 bridge to Rotterdam Junction is in danger. [YNN] [WNYT]
The soil around Lock 9 washed away, creating fears that Schenectady could be hit with even more water. [TU]
The Capital Region got its second federal emergency declaration in as many weeks. [YNN] [TU]
Some roads reopened this morning. [TU]
Dinosaur Bar-B-Que hopes to stay open through more flooding. [YNN]
A bunch of 9/11 remembrances have started throughout the area. Many who were there or worked there afterward talked about their experiences. [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [TU]
More rain and more flooding, bridges in region are "in intensive care and getting worse," discussion about casino gambling in Saratoga
It just keeps raining, and with that rain comes more flooding. There have been mandatory evacuations issued in parts of Schenectady County (Rotterdam Junction, Pattersonville) -- and evacuations are being encouraged in others (the Stockade). All roads in Montgomery County were closed overnight because of concerns about flooding. There's been more flooding in the Albany County Hilltowns and Clarksville. And there are road closures in Rensselaer County, [NWS] [YNN] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN] [WNYT] [Troy Record]
The village of Cobleskill in Schoharie County was cut off yesterday by flooding -- preventing anyone from entering or leaving the village. The elementary school there held students into the evening because of flooding -- and eight students stayed at the school overnight. SUNY Cobleskill said five of its dorms were affected by flooding. [Fox23] [WTEN] [CBS6]
People have had enough. Says a Cobleskill resident: "I think this is just ridiculous, and nature needs to stop." In Rotterdam Junction, where a wall of water inundated the hamlet last week like something from a movie, a resident says of the ongoing nightmare there: "Just pinch me. Pinch me and wake me up" [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette] [WTEN]
FEMA is building a command center in Colonie. Donations and help have been pouring into aid drives. And a local group that normally provides aid in other countries is sending aid to Schoharie County. [TU] [TU] [TU]
Chuck Schumer says the state's already deteriorating bridges have been hit hard by the all the recent flooding. Schumer says bridges in the eastern part of the state "are a patient in intensive care and getting worse." Schumer says he's also pushing for Congress to allocate $5.8 billion to fund FEMA, which has been running low on money. [State of Politics] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The state Department of Environmental Conservation has released a draft study on the potential social and economic affects of hydrofracking. It concludes fracking could generate tens of thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions in tax revenue -- but it would also include "significant negative fiscal impacts." (Interesting: almost every story about this report includes different totals for potential jobs and revenue.) [NYS DEC] [NYT] [TU] [Post-Star/AP]
More flooding possible, man in campground kills daughters and then self, Schenectady official wants to ban pit bulls
The Schoharie Creek and other bodies of water may flood again because of this new heavy storm. So far, only some minor street flooding has been reported in the Capital Region. This comes as people are still cleaning up from Irene and trying to make their homes habitable again. Supply centers have been set up to help move the process along. [TU] [YNN] [Fox23]
A man camping with his two young daughters in Lake George killed them and then himself. The mother of the older daughter had reported her missing earlier in the week. The owner of the campground found the bodies after he noticed the car hadn't moved in a while. Each of the girls had been shot more than once. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [Fox23]
Schenectady's corporation counsel wants to ban all aggressive dog breeds, including pit bulls. Other ideas to control potentially violent dogs in the city include a public list of registered dogs and a hotline for people to call about scary animals. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
An old city firehouse may have collapsed in Albany. [TU]
A man who was killed by a car while he was crossing Central Avenue to get back to his hotel was wearing dark clothing in the rain at night.The woman who was driving the car probably will not be charged. [YNN] [WNYT]
Tornado confirmed near Amsterdam, question of whether towns should rebuild, price tag for UAlbany's non-stadium stadium, man found dead said to climb buildings for fun
The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado ripped through parts of Montgomery and Schenectady counties on Sunday (video). NWS rated the tornado as an EF1 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, with winds as strong as 110 mph. The hamlet of Cranesville suffered the most damage (map). Said a woman who was a nearby restaurant: "Everyone was scared, I never saw or heard any noise that bad." [NWS] [NWS] [TU] [Fox23]
Andrew Cuomo says 2,000 people signed up to volunteer as part of the "Labor for Your Neighbor" volunteer effort for Irene recovery (and the state suspended signups after it hit that mark). The governor and First Lady-friend Sandra Lee were in Margaretville Sunday helping with the cleanup (map). [YNN] [NY Post]
The cleanup continues in hard-hit areas such as Rotterdam Junction, where some cellars are filling with water even as they're pumped out because of rising groundwater from rain (map). Chuck Schumer was there Sunday pledging he'd push for federal aid: "You can't ask a small community like Rotterdam Junction to pay millions and millions of dollars." [Daily Gazette] [TU]
For some towns in the Catskills devastated by Irene flooding, the question some are asking is not whether they can rebuild -- but should they? [NYT]
Rensselaer County designated for individual FEMA aid, assessments of farm damage bleak, call for info about fatal police shooting, big crowd for Saratoga lip dub
Rensselaer County residents are now eligible for individual aid from the feds after FEMA made the county eligible Thursday. Montgomery County still hasn't been eligible. [Troy Record] [YNN]
The head of the state's financial services watchdog agency warned insurance companies to not try to get out of paying by telling state residents that damage from Irene doesn't qualify as flood damage. Kirsten Gillibrand also says she watching her insurance companies, pointing to the experience of a woman in Middleburgh: "She spent $5,000 a year so she would have very complete coverage and her insurer literally told her, oh, it's not a flood, it's a hurricane. I'm sorry, seven feet of water in your home is a flood." [NYS DFS] [WNYT]
The Cuomo admin says 140,000 acres of farmland in the state have been affected by Irene flooding. It's calling the situation an "agricultural crisis" and is asking the feds for $45 million in aid. The timing of the flood has hit some farmers especially hard as they were just about to harvest large amounts of produce. In Schoharie County, a state official estimates 40 percent of the corn crop was lost -- which will now leave dairy farmers short on feed. And the owner of the Kilpatrick Family Farm in Washington County says it could lose as much as $100,000 in revenue from damaged crops -- and "It was such a beautiful crop." [CBS6] [State of Politics] [YNN] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star]
Andrew Cuomo's handling of the Irene response is drawing praise from both Democrats and Republicans. [TU]
Part of the cleanup process: dealing with the possible pathogens and toxics in all that flood mud. [TU]
Troy officials flooding on the Poestenkill caused the the stream's dam to shift, potentially opening the way for it to fail. They say it's being monitored and there appears to be no immediate flood danger. Some residents along the creek are criticizing the recent water flow management. [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
Some residents in Rotterdam Junction say the official evacuation order didn't come soon enough -- and they wonder if the Canal Corporation could have done more. [Daily Gazette]
Wateford's mayor was hit by a car while overseeing cleanup in the village. [TU]
In one devastated neighborhood in Montgomery County they've found a porch -- but no one knows where the house went. [Daily Gazette]
Guy Park Manor, the home of the Elwood Museum in Amsterdam, was hit very hard by flooding. [NYT]
FEMA will tour Troy, roads reopen, schools open late, Troy evacuates for non-Irene reason, it's fair season
FEMA will be in Troy today to look at houses threatened by a series of storm-related mudslides.Rensselaer County was not one of those that received a disaster declaration, but there's still a lot to clean up and it could be added to the list soon. [Troy Record] [YNN] [TU]
The section of Route 2 between Brunswick and Grafton has reopened. Closed sections of the Thruway also reopened. [TU] [YNN]
Many schools are starting late, including RPI and Schenectady County Community College. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Some animal shelters inundated with lost pets will hold onto them for longer than usual to give people affected by the storm time to come looking for them. [YNN]
The state's effort to respond to Irene will likely create more public jobs than it will cost. [TU]
Aqua Duck tours are back. [TU]
Surveying damage as flood recedes, top federal officials to tour damage, Schoharie and Greene counties hit especially hard, another pit bull attack in Schenectady
The flood waters receded in much the greater Capital Region -- and people began to survey the extensive damage. National Grid says it's hoping to all have power restored to customers in the area by Thursday. [TU] [TU]
President Obama has declared a major disaster to 8 counties in New York: Albany, Delaware, Dutchess, Essex, Greene, Schenectady, Schoharie, and Ulster. Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano, FEMA director Craig Fugate, and Andrew Cuomo will be touring Prattsville in Greene County today (map). Cuomo has been pushing for an expedited delivery of federal aid to the state: "Economically, that's the only bank for us to go to. Local governments are stretched, the state is stretched, we just went through a very tough budget process, but the federal help is going to be critical to us." [State of Politics] [WTEN] [TU]
Cuomo has been getting praise for his handling of the disaster -- he says he has a lot of experience dealing with disaster response from his time working in the federal government. The governor toured parts of the North Country yesterday that had bee hit by flooding. [NYT] [TU]
Irene could be end up being among the most costly natural disasters in the nation's history and private insurance may end up covering only about 40 percent of the damage because much of it is the result of flooding -- and many people don't have flood insurance. Locally, it appears very few people have flood insurance. [NYT] [TU]
In Montgomery County, a man was killed Monday after driving into the Schoharie Creek in an attempt to reach his business. [Daily Gazette]
As roads in Schoharie and Greene Counties opened back up, people started to assess the damage there and it's severe -- especially along the Schoharie Creek. Prattsville was almost completely destroyed. Windham's main street has been wrecked. And in other towns neighborhoods have been destroyed. People are vowing to rebuild. [Fox23] [Daily Gazette] [Reuters] [WNYT] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Freeman]
The Albany County Hilltowns -- Berne especially -- also got hit hard. [Fox23]
Widespread flooding from Irene, Cuomo says state will need help from feds, Catskills and Vermont devastated, farms swamped
The Albany riverfront along I-787 Monday evening.
Officials and residents started to survey the damage yesterday caused by flooding from Irene -- common comment from people: we've never seen the water this high -- in the Stockade, in Waterford, in Troy, around Lake George, in Greene County. Well, except for one woman who's lived in Green Island for 57 years and says she's seen higher, "But "I've never seen so much junk in the river before. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [Troy Record] [Post-Star] [YNN] [Troy Record]
Andrew Cuomo took a helicopter tour of areas to the west and south of Albany -- and brought along an official from FEMA: "I wanted to have FEMA see this firsthand, because we're going to need federal assistance." Areas all along the Hudson River valley experienced once-in-a-century to once-in-25-year rainfalls. [State of Politics] [TU] [NYT]
Schenectady County officials were advising Niskayuna residents near Lock 7 to evacuate because of concerns the lock could fail. Officials say they're monitoring -- and trying to repair -- erosion around the lock, but the dam there appears to have no structural problems. [CBS6] [Daily Gazette]
A couple was rescued after clinging to a tree in the Normanskill for 2.5 hours Monday after official say they ignored a cordon on Krumkill Road and tried to drive their car through the swollen creek. [TU]
The Twin Bridges were closed for a while Monday after a barge carrying a 30-foot crane got loose on the Mohawk and officials were worried it would slam into the bridges. The barge was secured before that happened. [WTEN] [WNYT]
The Green Island Bridge is still closed, and will be until possibly sometime Tuesday. [@TroyMayor]
The Thruway from Duanesburg to Herkimer is closed because of flooding. [TU]
Hurricane Irene aftermath, boy injured in alleged hit-and-run, lamentably ironic stabbing of the year, Stay Thirsty wins Travers
Chuck sent along this photo this morning from Green Island. He writes: "Normally that sign along the Green Island shore is about 10 feet above the water level. Now, as you can see, it's partially submerged. This photo was taken at approximately 6:45am this morning. The mayor of Green Island, Ellen McNulty-Ryan, has requested an evacuation of the Village for the day. Workers have already laid sandbags along the shore of Heatly School."
The storm that started as Hurricane Irene dropped 4.69 inches of rain in the Albany area Sunday (a record for the date). That's prompted a lot of flooding around the region -- notably along the Mohawk in Schenectady and the Hudson/Poestenkill in Troy (previous updates about flooding and evacuations). The flooding was initially expected to much worse (record levels), but projections have been downgraded. Acting Schenectady mayor Gary McCarthy says he was hoping the flooding would turn out to be "an inconvenience as opposed to a major catastrophe." New concern: high water levels hydroelectric dam at Johnsonville in northern Rensselaer County have prompted evacuations (map). [NWS] [TU] [Troy Record] [WTEN]
The Albany County Sheriff's office says a New Scotland woman was killed when she was swept away by the Onesquethaw Creek behind her home. The normally small creek was "a raging river" yesterday. [TU] [WNYT]
A mudslide did "significant damage" to multiple buildings in Troy near the Poestenkill (map). Said a resident of one of the buildings: "My kids were playing their games and all of a sudden I heard a bunch of screaming and then the house just started shaking, the walls started cracking, the windows started, like, tilting - they didn't bust or anything - and the floor started to, like, slide forward." [Troy Record] [CBS6]
A group of runaway boats floated down the swollen Hudson last night and tumbled over the Federal Dam. [@TroyMayor] [@TroyMayor]
Flooding along the Mohawk has prompted drinking water conservation advisories in Glenville, Scotia, Niskayuna, and Rotterdam because of concerns about potential damage/impairment to water treatment facilities. [WTEN] [WTEN] [WTEN]
There has been very serious flooding in Schoharie County, the Catskills, and Vermont. [Watershed Post] [Watershed Post] [NYT]
Fatal shooting in Latham, state looking into non-profits' exec salaries, concern about drinking water in Saratoga County, lesson: hurry up and wait
Hurricane Irene is projected to plow through New England sometime Sunday afternoon into the evening. [NWS]
Colonie police say a man was shot and killed at a house in Latham near the border with Watervliet last night (map). Police say they've arrested the man's girlfriend for allegedly being the shooter. They say the man was shot with a rifle while other people were in the house, including children. [Troy Record] [CBS6] [Fox23]
Shirleen Lucas, the Schenectady woman who was mauled by three dogs early Monday morning, said she prayed and screamed, "I'm not going out like this," during the attack (map). Lucas says her plastic surgeon is "very optimistic" about repairing her ears, parts of which were bitten off by the dogs. The Schenectady County SCPA is asking the city of Schenectady to allow it to start ticketing the owners of unlicensed dogs running loose. [TU] [CBS6] [Daily Gazette]
The attorneys for the LuAnn Burgess, who lost control of her SUV before it struck and killed three women outside a Vorheesville church, say their client has Parkinson's and was only taking prescribed levels of medication for the condition. [TU]
Schenectady police have identified the two men arrested for allegedly being involved in a 2008 murder in the Central State neighborhood (map). One of the men was arrested yesterday shortly after being released from prison on an unrelated conviction. [TU]
George Pataki has reportedly decided to not run for the Republican nomination for president (yes, of the United States). A "source close" to Pataki says the decision not to run was based on family concerns. [CNN] [State of Politics]
State prepares for Hurricane Irene, murder in Schenectady, shootings in Albany, robotic heart surgery
No one's sure how severe Hurricane Irene will be, but Andrew Cuomo is telling state agencies to coordinate and prepare. The hurricane plowed over the Bahamas today is expected to hit North Carolina Saturday and move up the East Coast Sunday -- with some forecasts predicting a second landfall in the New York City metro area. [YNN] [NYT] [CNN] [NYT]
Neighbors who witnessed the pit bull attack in Schenectady said the dogs were dragging the woman and tearing at her head. The attack left 58-year-old Shirleen Lucas with parts of her ears and scalp chewed off. Two of the three dogs have been euthanized. [TU] [WNYT] [YNN]
There was gunfire and then a police chase in Albany's West Hill neighborhood Wednesday afternoon. A man in his 20s was found outside of a Second Street house with multiple gunshot wounds. Albany police says they're not sure if the shooting and the men apprehended after the chase are connected. The APD also says the Trustco bank on Northern Blvd was robbed yesterday afternoon. [YNN] [TU] [WNYT] [APD press release below]
A Schenectady man has been arrested for a murder in the Central State neighborhood (map). [Daily Gazette]
The earth shook, woman mauled by three dogs, trouble checks in at Colonie motels, Albany County exec candidate will be unopposed, not so great year for local corn
You might have heard: there was an earthquake yesterday. The quake, a 5.8 magnitude with an epicenter in Virgina, was one of the strongest to hit the East Coast during the last century -- yet there appears to have been little damage. Andrew Cuomo said in a teleconference that the state had inspected both the Indian Point nuclear plant (see previous seismic concerns) and the Tappan Zee Bridge (old, already falling apart) -- and both were found to be undamaged. (There was some damage to landmarks in Washington, DC.) A geologist at the State Museum says the shaking in the Capital Region was the equivalent of about a 4something magnitude quake. The shaking prompted many buildings in the Capital Region to temporarily evacuate yesterday. One person who didn't reportedly evacuate -- the person working the crane about the state Capitol. Communications networks all along the East Coast were congested and slow for about 20 minutes following the quake. [AOA] [NYT] [State of Politics] [AP/Troy Record] [WNYT] [Troy Record] [State of Politics] [Fox23]
The unemployment rate was 7 percent in the Capital Region last month, according to data from the state Department of Labor. It's the lowest July rate since 2008 -- though the area had fewer jobs last month than July 2010. [NYS DOL] [TU]
The trial of parole officer Nicholas Kordas for allegedly raping one of his parolees was declared a mistrial yesterday after the jury decided it couldn't reach a verdict. [TU]
Former Troy city clerk William McInerney is scheduled to plead guilty Friday as part of the Troy ballot fraud investigation, "two people with knowledge of the matter" tell the Times Union. [TU]
Schenectady police say a woman lost both ears while being seriously mauled by three dogs in Hamilton Hill early Monday morning. [TU]
State report: women continue to be threatened by domestic violence, Gibson pulls back on push for nuclear plant, rash of street sign thefts in Guilderland, look -- it's Ray Liotta
The number of domestic homicides increased 10 percent last year, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice Services. DCJS reports that 44 percent of adult female homicide victims in the state last year were killed by an intimate partner (versus just 1.7 percent of male homicide victims). [NYS DCJS]
Colonie police say Rupert Alberga has been charged with the fatal stabbing of Mary J. Fyvie at a Central Ave motel this past weekend. They say Alberga was also injured during the incident -- police had been waiting to question to him. Police say Alberga had been Fyvie's boyfriend. [CBS6] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The sister of the woman who died in the alleged Day murder-suicide said the woman had stayed married with her husband because of their children. [TU]
You might think that local public employee unions would be offered the same relatively lean deal offered to the big state employee unions -- you might also be wrong. [TU]
The Troy public library board will have to re-vote on the proposed 15 percent tax increase because its previous vote didn't meet the threshold necessary for an override of the new 2 percent tax cap law. [TU]
Yesterday's storms took a toll, a woman was stabbed to death at the Super 8, murder-suicide in the Adirondacks, lederhosen in Albany
Yesterday's thunderstorm caused downed trees and power lines all over our area. Lightning struck a man riding his ATV in Schenectady County. Power was out all over the North Country, but it's mostly been restored. [YNN] [WNYT] [Saratogian]
A woman was stabbed to death and her male companion injured Sunday morning at the Super 8 Motel on Central Ave. in Colonie. The two lived locally and were only checked into the motel for one night. Other guests staying at the hotel said they didn't see or hear anything unusual. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [YNN]
A man strangled his wife and then shot himself in the tiny Adirondack town of Day. Their bodies were discovered by a family member. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Verizon workers who have been out on strike for the past two weeks are coming back to work today, now that contract talks are productive. Workers had accused the company of unfair bargaining. The biggest sticking points have been pension freezes and health care contributions. [WNYT] [YNN]
State Police: fatal home explosion caused by spark and propane, woman falls off roof, both hands on the wheel please, Duffy cracks about Jennings' tan
State Police say the Salem home explosion that killed six people was caused by a spark from a switch on the home's water heater ignited propane in the house. Police say there were two propane tanks that served the house -- but couldn't say from tank the gas had escaped. The water heater was located in the basement and it's likely the escaped gas settled there before being ignited by the spark. People in the house reported smelling gas before the explosion. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
A man drove his car into Saratoga Lake yesterday as he allegedly ran from police who had been responding to a call about a domestic incident at The Track. The flaw in this plan: the man didn't know what to do after reportedly "flooring" the car into the lake (the reader-submitted photo to the Saratogian of the man standing on his car while police watch is photo of the day). According to the witnesses, the man -- who's from Kentucky -- said to police: "I can't swim a lick. I'm going down with the car." The man was arrested after being pulled from the lake. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [TU] [Post-Star]
The school tax rate in Albany will actually be going down for 2011-2012. [TU]
More arguing and finger pointing among leaders in Troy over where city hall will end up (still not settled). Said Harry Tutunjian to the city council at one point during the meeting: "You can't do anything right." [Troy Record] [TU]
The Troy library board has proposed a 15 percent tax increase. [TU]
Guilderland High messes up regents, locals see more gloom in future home sales, Flo's Lark Tavern hits a snag
Guilderland High School students who mistakenly thought they passed their Regents exams due to teachers' scoring error won't have to take the tests again.Errors were found in more than 500 of the 3,163 exams that were given at the school. [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
A fake email claiming to be a ticket from the state DMV is actually a computer virus. [YNN]
Local home sellers don't believe Barack Obama's assertion that home sales will be back up in a year. Meanwhile, a homeowner in Troy is facing the city's wrath after his home became a money pit, forcing him to move out. [Fox23] [Troy Record]
The renovation of the Lark Tavern, which will now be called Flo's Lark Tavern, is moving along, but there are zoning issues. [TU]
The state has created "health homes" to save money on its most expensive and high-need Medicaid patients. [TU]
Road planners compelled to consider non-drivers, high mercury levels in Ravena, NAACP takes on Schenectady, Mendes serves up some tuna melts
Cycling and pedestrian activists are applauding a new state law that requires road project designers to consider non-motorists. [Daily Gazette]
A dozen employees of a state watchdog group have been given pink slips [TU]
Residents in Ravena are dubious of the Department of Health's declaration that some people living near the Lafarge cement plant have elevated but non-toxic levels of mercury in their bodies. [TU]
The NAACP is questioning the Schenectady police department about its use-of-force policy in the wake of the fatal shooting of a man last week.
Luis Rivera's sister-in-law witnessed the shooting and said "his lips were kissing the floor and his back was full of blood." [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
A rape suspect on trial in another courtroom helped catch a defendant who was attempting to escape from Albany County Court. That same day, Nicholas Kordas' defense suffered a blow when the judge ruled that it could not talk about the fact that the woman who was allegedly raped spent time in prison with famous murderer Pamela Smart. [TU]
Albany police are looking for two women who assaulted and robbed another woman last night. They stole the woman's purse and some money in the area around Lincoln Park. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
CSEA approves contract, witnesses say cops shot man in the back, The Track is filled with animals that aren't horses
The five-year state employee contract approved by members of Civil Service Employees Association yesterday calls for a three-year wage freeze, furloughs and increased health care costs, but will also save hundreds of jobs from potential layoffs. The vote was about 60 percent in favor of the new contract and 40 percent opposed. [YNN] [Fox23] [TU]
Some eyewitnesses claim that Luis Rivera, who was fatally shot Friday by three Schenectady police officers, was shot in the back. Schenectady County District Attorney Robert Carney says prosecutors are looking at video that captured much of the incident. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The woman who crashed into a Voorheesville church last week, killing three people, has hired a legal team that includes retired Albany County Judge Larry Rosen. Meanwhile, Carol Lansing, one of the people killed in the crash, was remembered at her funeral Monday as a generous woman who volunteered her time to a number of organizations. [TU] [YNN]
Police say a man took a 19-year-old woman to an Albany hotel room and held her captive in an attempt to force her into prostitution. The woman said she thought she was being taken to a party in New Paltz. Henry Douglas allegedly put photos of the woman online to advertise her services. [YNN] [Fox23]
Conflicting reports of what happend during Schenectady police shooting, Cuomo reportedly used state aircraft to commute, grenade found in Albany yard, Cinderella gets engaged
There are conflicting reports about what happened before Schenectady police shot and killed Luis Rivera Friday afternoon just off State Street (map). Schenectady police say Rivera had been robbed in Hamilton Hill Thursday night and had returned to the Hamilton Hill/Vale area Friday. They say they responded to a call that Rivera had a gun, and after trying to subdue Rivera told him to get down, he instead motioned the gun toward the officers and they fired 14 shots, killing him. People who say they witnessed the shooting report a sequence of events that disputes the SPD's version of events. The SPD says it has dashcam video, still unreleased, that backs up its version. Nearby residents say they're concerned police opened fire on a street where children were reportedly playing -- and that shots fired by officers ended up lodged in nearby porches. [WNYT] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [WNYT] [TU] [Fox23]
Troy police say an Albany man has been arrested for allegedly running over a 3-year-old Saturday night in North Central -- and then pulling a handgun when confronted by the child's father (map). The child reportedly suffered internal injuries that are not life-threatening. [Fox23] [Troy Record] [WTEN]
Data from the "black box" on the SUV that hit and killed the three women in Vorheesville last week indicates the Toyota Highlander had been traveling 38 mph shortly before the crash -- and then accelerated to 46 mph without braking just before the moment of impact. Albany County's acting sheriff says it's still unconfirmed that the driver had been taking prescription drugs. [WNYT] [TU] [WTEN]
The AP reports that Andrew Cuomo has used state aircraft to commute to/from his Westchester County residence after official state trips, which could be a violation or ethics rules. The Cuomo admin has been something less than forthcoming about records regarding the use of state aircraft. [AP] [TU]
Surprise -- Albany's been using single-stream recycling since July. [TU]
Investigation continues into crash that killed three, APD looking for public's help in assault investigation, meals could be happy for New York apples, she's from the place beyond the pines
The Albany County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate why the driver of the SUV in the fatal Vorheesville church crash lost control of the vehicle. The sheriff's office says Toyota is assisting the department in pulling data from the SUV's "black box." Also being investigated: whether prescription drugs played a role, and to what degree a possibly over-sized flip-flop might have gotten caught on the gas pedal. [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT] [YNN]
"John Doe," the boy accused of accidently shooting and killing 12-year-old Nicholas Naumkin in Wilton last December, told a Saratoga Family Court judge yesterday that he was holding the gun when it went off. The boy also told the judge he understood that the gun could be dangerous. The admission was part of a plea deal -- the Saratoga County attorney handling the case said he expected the boy to be sentenced to probation. Said Naumkin's mother of Doe after the hearing: "We're happy with the fact that he finally manned up." [Saratogian] [WNYT] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [WTEN]
Philemon Chavis -- the Albany man convicted of brutally attacking and kidnapping his wife -- was sentenced to 19 years in prison. [TU]
A memo from Harry Tutunjian to the Troy city council describes the recently authorized $2.2 million in bonding to renovate the Dauchy Building to become a new city hall as "fatally flawed since it is crafted to bond for a water project, not a rehabilitation/renovation project." Though Tutunjian hasn't formally vetoed the authorization yet, city council president Clement Camapana described the mayor's memo as being essentially that. [Troy Record] [TU]
Three friends killed by SUV, gas rupture in Guilderland, 9/11 artifacts on exhibit
A woman lost control of her SUV Wednesday morning, careening into a Voorheesville church, killing three friends who were standing out front. The three women, Fran Pallozzi, 81, of Waterford, Carol Lansing, 66, of Green Island, and Rosemarie Hume, 79, of Waterford, were members of a walking group that had stopped at St. Matthew's Catholic Church so that a friend could use the restroom. Another woman was also injured. The driver, Luann Burgess, had just dropped her foster child off down the road when she says her flip-flop got caught in the gas pedal, causing her to lose control of the vehicle. Police have not ruled out that she may have been using her cellphone or may have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Albany County Acting Sheriff Craig Apple called the scene one of the worst he's witnessed in his career. [TU] [WNYT] [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
Police went door-to-door evacuating people from Guilderland neighborhoods after a work crew burst a natural gas line along the Thruway Wednesday morning. Residents said they feared for their lives as they heard and smelled gas "spewing" throughout the area. [TU] [WNYT]
A man was killed in Troy Wednesday afternoon when his motorcycle hit the side of a minivan. Police have not ruled out speed in the accident that took the life of William Brennan Jr., 39. [YNN] [WNYT]
Jessica Thompson of Rensselaer was arrested this morning in connection with a bank robbery yesterday. Police say she robbed the School Systems Federal Credit Union in North Greenbush Wednesday afternoon and then sped off on a bicycle. [TU] [YNN] [WNYT]
Private casinos could be coming to state, fugitive siblings are driving car from Troy, man finds reel-to-reel of MLKJr. memorial service
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has directed his staff to develop policy recommendations for possibly allowing private casinos in the state. The administration is viewing casinos as a possible way to make money in a time of massive spending cuts to spare the deficit. [TU] [Fox23]
UAlbany's pitch for the NYSUNY challenge grant program: almost 200 new faculty, 1,350 more students, and $150 million biomedical research plaza. [TU]
A trio of fugitive siblings, who are wanted for a crime spree in Georgia and Florida that includes shooting at a cop, are driving a car registered to a Troy address.
Police believe the three, who were spotted making a purchase at a sporting goods store, may now be camping out in Colorado. [TU] [Troy Record]
The Rensselaer County legislature voted Tuesday night to remove the Hudson Valley Community College as a county agency, stating that a previous Democratic administration had added the school in an overreach of duty. Earlier this year, the legislature had appointed then-chariman Neil Kelleher to the HVCC board of trustees in violation of ethics laws. Kelleher chose to keep the trustee post and resign as county chairman. [Troy Record] [TU]
Prosecutors contend that a 51-year-old parole officer asked a young parolee what her freedom was worth to her before forcibly raping her during an unannounced visit to her Guilderland home last year. [TU]
An old reel-to-reel tape discovered by a Schenectady man turned out to have a memorial service for Martin Luther King Jr. given in an Albany church just months after he was shot. [TU]
Members of Troy City Council implicated in ballot fraud, "smart grid" could lead to lower light bills, Milton supervisor under investigation again, Gavin DeGraw attacked by mob
As former Troy City Clerk William Mcinerney was arrested on ten felony counts on Monday, many more people were also implicated in the scheme, including members of the Troy City Council. [YNN] [TU]
Officials are hoping a new $75 million "smart grid" plan by the New York Independent System Operator will lead to lower electricity bills. The NYISO broke ground on a new, $35 million control center in Rensselaer yesterday. [Daily Gazette] [WTEN]
The gap between white students' and black students' achievement on state proficiency tests has remained large, despite efforts to close it. In general, inner-city school districts fared far worse than those in suburban areas. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A fellow state trooper who purchased a GPS system that was allegedly stolen from the State Police Aviation Unit has testified against State Police Maj. Robert U. Kreppein, stating that he purchased the tool for $1,600 and had no reason to believe it was stolen. [TU]
Milton Supervisor Frank Thompson is now being investigated for failing to fill out an ethics form indicating that his wife, Deborah, is the building manager for a company that owns apartment buldings for elderly tenants. Deborah Thompson has been charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing $35,000 from a resident of one of those buildings. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Hugh Carey passes away, APD investigating whether attacks are related, "wealthy welfare mom" gets 2-6 years, the 4-year-old trash man
Former New York governor Hugh Carey has passed away Sunday -- he was 92. He's remembered for helping to keep New York City solvent as the city faced bankruptcy during the 1970s. Said Andrew Cuomo in a statement: "[Carey] was tough, he was smart, and he was the person our state needed to see us through crisis." Said Jack McEneny of Carey's administration: "To this day, a lot of people don't realize they were saved (by Carey)." (More reaction from current leaders.) [NYT] [AP/Post-Star] [Cuomo admin] [TU] [State of Politics]
Jack McEneny on all the controversy surrounding the redistricting in the state: "I think we could get to the point where we have it drawn up by Canadians." [TU]
The president of NYSUT, the powerful teachers' union, says recent developments in the state education policy have contributed to a "a conservative, right-wing agenda that is using a sort of hostage-terrorist approach to public service." [AP/TU]
One person was killed and another injured Friday night when a train struck a car at a crossing in Cohoes -- and then pushed the car for quarter mile. A witness says it didn't appear that the train's conductor immediately recognized that the car was being pushed by the train. There are conflicting reports about whether the gates were down at the crossing. [CBS6] [TU] [Fox23] [WNYT]
Albany police say they're investigating the mugging and attempted sexual assault of a woman on Yates Street early Saturday morning (map). It says detectives are looking into whether the attack is related to the one on Hamilton last week. Says a manager at Bogies, which is just down the block: "The later it gets, the more creeps come out it seems." [APD - press release after the jump] [Fox23]
A stretch of State Street in Schenectady and some adjacent streets will be closed today because of Place Beyond the Pines filming. [CBS6]
Albany and Schenectady schools get millions intended for fixes, bandage reportedly found in ice cream, make sure to warm up before sprinting toward the stars
The state Education Department announced yesterday that the Albany and Schenectady school districts will be getting millions in funding to improve "persistently lowest achieving" schools. The Albany school district will be getting $3.3 million to put toward implementing the "transformation" model at Albany High School and Hackett Middle School -- the district's superintendent says it's focusing on a new teacher evaluation system and "changing the way instruction is delivered." The Schenectady school district is getting $2 million for it high school -- its superintendent says the district's efforts will include identifying students are struggling in earlier grades. [NYSED] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The state legislative task force in charge of drawing legislative districts says it will be counting prison inmates with the communities from which they came -- not the communities in which they're imprisoned (this issue has been the subject of a lawsuit). Also: Albany common councilman Anton Konev testified before the task force, arguing that the city of Albany should be covered by just one Assembly district, instead of its current two. [TU] [YNN] [TU]
The Troy city council voted 7-1 in favor of borrowing $2.2 million to convert the Dauchy Building into a new city hall. Though it may have been a vote of principle more than a step toward action. [TU] [Troy Record]
Green Island police say a 29-year-old woman drove her teen nieces to a park so they could fight another teen girl with whom they had been feuding on Facebook. Police allege the woman also encouraged them to fight at the scene and then jumped in herself. Is there mobile phone video? Of course. Cue the video of the girls fighting? Of course. [TU] [Fox23] [WNYT]
A woman says she found a bandage in ice cream she was served at a newsstand in downtown Albany. (Be sure to read the quote at the end.) [TU]
Urban middle schools are failing, "Taj McCall" repair bill is huge, Cohoes man arrested in massive porn bust
Of the five district middle schools in Albany, Schenectady and Troy, four have not met state benchmarks, and risk being taken over and restructured by the state. [TU]
It looks like Troy's city council will hold off on a vote to authorize the $2.2 million in bonds to transform the Dauchy Building into a new city hall. Yesterday, a group of downtown business leaders said they were opposed to moving city hall to the Dauchy because of concerns about taking away potentially valuable commercial real estate and parking problems. [Troy Record] [TU]
A proposed felony agreement for former Troy city clerk William McInerney has fallen apart because the FBI refused to promise that he wouldn't face federal charges in the case. McInerney is accused of fixing ballots over several years, including during the 2008 presidential election. [TU]
The nearly $2 million taxpayers will pay to fix up the already-deteriorating Comptroller's building known by some as "Taj McCall" will largely go toward replacing the 820,000 bricks on the façade. [TU]
Carolyn Lorrain Wilson, the 55-year-old Guilderland women who calls herself a reverend, is scheduled to be back in town court today on charges that she sexually abused an 11-year-old girl. Police are now also looking into a second abuse complaint against Wilson, but no charges have been filed yet in that alleged incident. [YNN] [Fox23]
Gillibrand breaks with party on debt ceiling vote, cash crunch at Brighter Choice, traffic stop nabs driver with 40 license suspensions, 11-year-old competing for world championship - in Pokemon
Kirsten Gillibrand was one of only six Democratic US Senators to vote against the debt-ceiling bill. In Saratoga, a crowd including both supporters and opponents of Chris Gibson's "yes" vote on the deal had "a discussion" (the kind with signs and chanting). Earlier: What local Congressional reps said about the debt ceiling deal. [NYT] [Post-Star]
There's apparently some concern among state employees that the no-layoff deals struck by CSEA and PEF could be circumvented by "reorganizing" state agencies. [TU]
The family of the woman who died recently at the Albany County jail while awaiting deportation alleges she was not given the proper medication to manage a heart condition. [TU]
The latest Troy Record/Gramercy poll for the Troy mayor's race has Republican Carmella Mantello up on new Democratic candidate Lou Rosamilia 53-47. [Troy Record]
Andrew Cuomo signed a bill yesterday that will allow the State Museum to be open on Sundays (in exchange for closing on another day of the week). A law dating back to the 19th century had required the museum to be open during normal business hours every weekday. [Cuomo admin] [Daily Gazette]
The family of the the 13-year-old who drowned in backyard pool in Colonie this past weekend says the girl had been playing a game to see who could hold their breath the longest underwater. [TU]
Local reps split on debt ceiling vote, shovel that sidewalk or else, new body scanners coming to airport, Troy ballot fraud case could involve feds
The House passed legislation that would raise the federal debt ceiling, 269-161. Chris Gibson voted "yes," Paul Tonko voted "no". Gibson said he voted in favor of it even though he thinks the the deal doesn't do enough to curb the deficit, and Tonko said cuts place too much of a burden on the middle class. People on the street in the Capital Region were irked that politicians seemed to be playing games with the situation. [NYT] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
The First Niagara purchase of HSBC's upstate locations will more than double the Buffalo-based bank's market share and will also most likely lead to some job cuts as the branches are consolidated. But the purchase means that the majority of the 1,900 jobs upstate now held by HSBC employees will be spared, which they would not have if the branches had simply closed down. [TU] [YNN]
The Albany Common Council passed an ordinance that will allow for fines of up to $300 for property owners who don't shovel snow from sidewalks. [TU]
The new body scanners coming to the Albany International Airport are meant to show less and preserve some of a traveler's privacy. A TSA official at ALB said people actually prefer the scans to full-body pat downs. [YNN] [TU]
Leaders at odds over landfill deal, totem pole given temporary extension, accused deacon still in post at church, 105 years and 87 seasons at The Track
It's the first day of August.
Jerry Jennings is apparently irked about the deal to privatize the Colonie landfill because he says it will make it harder to form regional garbage consortium. "We're doing what's best for the taxpayers of Colonie," says town supervisor Paula Mahan of the potentially $100 million deal that would wipe away the town's budget deficit. [TU] [WNYT]
Democrat Lou Rosamilia officially announced he's into the pool for Troy mayor. Rosamilia is the Democratic replacement candidate for Clement Campana, who left the race because of allegations related to a few different scandals. [Troy Record] [TU]
Former NYSTI head Patricia Snyder has settled her case of alleged nepotism and misuse of taxpayer funds with the state attorney general's office by paying $200,000. Snyder neither admits nor denies guilt as part of the settlement. [Troy Record] [WTEN] [TU]
The people with the totem pole on Jefferson Street in Albany have been given an extension of 30 days to make their case for why they should be able to keep the pole. Said Jerry Jennings of the situation: "We can't just say, 'They're nice people' and let it go ... There's a process." [Fox23] [TU]
RPI's Jackson and SEFCU CEO to head up economic development council, Crowne Plaza looks for tax break, Gibson says he'd vote for debt ceiling plan, Gosling Gosling Gosling
Andrew Cuomo announced that RPI president Shirley Jackson and SEFCU president and CEO Michael Castellano will head up the Capital Region's economic development council, along with a smattering of other prominent business people from the area. There are 10 regional councils around the state -- each team now has 90 days to submit an economic recovery plan for a chance at part of $1 billion in state funds. [YNN] [TU]
The Colonie Town Board approved the lease of the town landfill to a California waste management company in 6-1 vote last night. The lone "no" vote came from the board's only Republican, who argued the deal would cost the town in the long run. The vote came after a public comment period in which many Halfmoon residents urged Colonie to close the facility they say has led to bad odors and decreased property values. [Troy Record] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The owners of the Crowne Plaza hotel in Albany are seeking a tax break deal that they say will help the hotel hold onto its franchise, which is probably necessary to keep the hotel open. [TU]
After being closed for two weeks, the South Mall expressway will reopen today. The state Department of Transportation added new supports to the cracked beams holding up the elevated highway -- permanent repairs on the highway will begin next year. [CBS6] [YNN]
Cuomo to name local economic development council, Colonie landfill vote tonight, 91-year-old grandmother entering World Series of Poker, scooter riding dog in Niskayuna
A new Capital Region economic council will compete for a share of $1 billion in state funds. Representatives from SEFCU, Albany Medical Center, RPI, and the University at Albany are expected to be part of the council, which Andrew Cuomo will announce this morning. The council will cover the counties of Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Warren, Columbia, Greene, and Washington. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The Colonie Town Board is expected to vote tonight on a plan to privatize the town landfill. The town has refused requests to release the full contract ahead of tonight's vote. The $100 million deal would help close the town's budget deficit. [YNN] [TU]
CDTA is attributing a 7 percent increase in ridership this past spring to higher gas prices. Local scooter and motorcycle dealers also say they've seen an increase in business because of gas prices. [CBS6] [Fox23]
Airfare prices at ALB were up 11 percent last quarter compared to the year before -- to an average of more than $400, according to federal Department of Transportation. [TU]
Several area post offices face possible closure, the state tax system is confusing, Saratoga County's strict sex offender law struck down, sweet corn season
Fourteen Capital Region post offices are on a list of possible closures -- including locations in Albany, Schenectady, Lansingburgh, Coeymans and north and south Bethlehem are on the possible chopping block. (One of the Albany locations was cited by the USPS as an alternative to city locations that were closed in the last round.) The postal service says it will be notifying residents of public meetings regarding possible closures. Nationwide, the Postal Service is considering shuttering more than 3,200 of its 36,000 locations in a effort to cover an $8 billion loss last year. [Fox23] [WTEN] [TU] [WNYT] [NYT]
Capital Region residents followed Barack Obama's suggestion and deluged local Congressional reps' offices with calls about the debt ceiling and federal spending. Chris Gibson's office says it needed 12 people answering phones to handle all the calls. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The state's tax system is "inefficient, confusing, unfair and outdated," according to a survey by an org that studies tax issues for businesses. The survey granted granted New York a grade of F -- above only Delaware, Illinois and Pennsylvania. [TU]
The city of Albany is forcing a couple to remove a totem pole from in front of their Jefferson Street house because the city says it's on the city's right of way (map). [TU]
Lawsuit filed over same-sex marriage, plane crashes near Berne, county exec candidate's campaign fund built with developer money, "vegetarian piranha" caught in the Hudson
The first lawsuit over same-sex marriage has been filed -- a group called New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedom is arguing that the state Senate violated open meeting laws before passing Marriage Equality Act. (The suit may not make it far because of... Fred Dicker.) An informal survey indicates that more than 1,200 same-sex marriage licenses have already been issued across the state. [AP/Troy Record] [TU CapCon] [NYT]
Troy city clerk William McInerney announced that he's resigning. The special prosecutor in the Troy ballot fraud cause reportedly had offered McInerney a plead deal earlier this month that would have required his resignation. [Troy Record] [TU]
The potentially $100 million plan to privatize Colonie's town landfill -- and wipe out the town's deficit -- could be voted on this Thursday. Denise Sheehan, the Republican challenger to supervisor Paula Mahan in the fall election, is calling for the plan to be put on hold so it can be examined more thoroughly. [TU] [YNN]
Colonie police say two recent armed robberies in Latham appear to be connected -- and the escalation in violence from the first to second robbery is "troubling." Police say the three men who robbed the Friendly's on Loudon Road early Sunday morning had a gun and used duct tape to bind five employees. The first robbery was at a Domino's, also on Loudon Road. [Fox23] [TU] [YNN]
The pilot who died when his Piper Cherokee crashed into the hills near Berne Monday was in cloud cover so severe that a state police helicopter would not fly in it. Acting Albany County sheriff Craig Apple said it appeared the plane had hit tree tops. [TU] [YNN]
Same-sex couples get married all around New York, man found shot in car, mayor says allegations of racism are "totally irresponsible," suddenly underwear everywhere in Saratoga
There were same-sex marriages across the state Sunday as the Marriage Equality Act took effect. Albany city hall was opened just before midnight Saturday for ceremonies -- six couples got married there. (We'll have a speed read of all the coverage a little later today.) [NYT] [TU] [CBS6]
A Schaighticoke man faces aggravated vehicular manslaughter charges after a car crash Friday night that killed his son and son's girlfriend. State Police allege he was driving drunk. [Troy Record] [YNN]
Albany police say an officer responded to the sound a gunshot early Saturday morning in the South End and found a man shot in a car (map). They say he was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead. Witnesses say the man's car had crashed into a building. [APD] [TU]
Colonie police say Agostino Jubrey, the suspect shot twice in the head by police during the shootout last week, died Friday afternoon. [WTEN]
Attendance on opening day at The Track Friday: 25,155, up about 2,000 from last year. [CBS6]
Still hot, more details on Colonie shootout, Saratoga club owner says his bar was targeted because of race, Colonie Extreme Makeover house for sale
(Cue the bugle) Today is opening day at the Saratoga Race Course.
This just in: it's hot. Today's forecast: a high temp of 93 and lots of sun. [NWS]
The high temperature Thursday was 99 degrees -- just short of the record for the date (101 in 1930). It was the hottest day here in 16 years. The tarmac at ALB reportedly reached 131 degrees. Demand on the upstate New York electricity grid set a new record. And it appears demand caused a transformer and power lines in Saratoga to overheat. [NWS] [Fox23] [WTEN] [Fox23] [Saratogian]
More details about the Colonie shootout: Police say a total of 13 shots were fired as officers and Agostino Jubrey, who was shot twice in the head, were just 10 feet from each other. Officials say it's unclear if Jubrey will survive. State Police allege Jubrey had been coming back from a drug lab in Columbia County. [Fox23] [TU] [WNYT]
Two same-sex couples were waiting at the Albany city clerk's office Friday morning to get a marriage license ahead of Sunday. Said one woman: "Through all of this advocating I never really saw the end of it. It was just like let's get through today, let's get through this goal, let's get through sitting and waiting for 12 hours so now it's like, I do like you. I'll keep you." [WNYT] [Fox23]
Shootout in Colonie, excessive heat warning issued, Cuomo says regions will compete for $1 billion, server saves choking diner
Colonie police say an officer shot a man in the head after the man allegedly fired on officers Thursday evening (map). Police say the officer and a Columbia County sheriff's deputy had gone to see Agostino Jubrey about a hit-and-run accident in Kinderhook earlier in the day. Police say Jubrey had already shot his stepfather in the hand during an argument. They say he then fired on the officers' vehicles, got into a car, and continued firing. Colonie police say they're not sure exactly what started the shooting. Police say Jubrey was in stable condition at Albany Med. [TU] [WTEN] [WNYT] [CBS6] [Fox23] [YNN]
The National Weather Service has issued an "excessive heat warning" for today. Temps are expected to reach the upper 90s, with high humidity. [NWS] [NWS]
The heat has prompted talk of possibly canceling the first day of racing at the Saratotga Race Course on Friday. Trainers don't seem to be too worried, though. The only time racing has been canceled in the 142-year history of The Track was August 2, 2006 when the heat index (a combination of air temp and relative humidity) was expected to his 110 (that is, it would feel like 110). [TU] [Daily Gazette] [AP/USA Today]
Tapes of conversations with Albany County sheriff's office officials were allegedly found in the office of Leonard Crouch, the recently fired head of the county's anti-DWI program. [TU]
Cuomo says focus is on creating jobs, wedding prize taken away because of contest mishap, cheaper food prices at The Track, Gosling "inundated" with fans at the Van Dyck
You may have noticed that it's hot. Act accordingly. [standing outside]
Andrew Cuomo says the next phase of his administration will "operationalize" his plans for state government and focus on creating jobs, especially upstate. (He also apparently will have a focus on using consulting buzzwords.) [State of Politics] [NYT] [TU]
The contract deals reached with CSEA and PEF amount to just about a third of the workforce savings for which the Cuomo admin had been aiming. [TU]
The state Department of Labor will be assessing businesses up to $21.25 per employee to cover the cost of interest payments on the state's unemployment insurance fund. [TU]
Troy Democrats are backing county legislator Lou Rosamilia as their candidate for Troy mayor, now that Clement Camapana is out of the race. [Troy Record]
One of the new Schenectady police recruits sworn in this week was let go Tuesday after the Daily Gazette raised questions about the credits he received from an online college alleged to be a diploma mill. Schenectady's police chief says the recruit, a Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, did not attempt to mislead city and SPD officials. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Emails evidence that Raucci was a huge jerk, Albany parking permit ordinance introduced, Bradley Cooper in Schenectady, deep-fried Kool-aid
Internal Schenectady school district emails released to the Times Union and Daily Gazette pretty much confirm that Steven Raucci often acted like an enormous jerk at work. In one of the emails Raucci tells a person with whom he's annoyed: "I should also inform you that I know where you live, what you drive, what you do after you leave work and what you had for dinner last night." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Albany County sheriff's office anti-DWI program employee who allegedly used false addresses to claim she lived in the county was recently suspended because she allegedly secretly recorded conversations with recently-retired sheriff James Campbell, according to "people with knowledge of the matter." [TU]
The proposed Albany residential parking permit plan has been introduced as an ordinance to the Common Council. [TU]
Neil Breslin on the contract deal the Cuomo admin reached with PEF: "I don't think anybody is happy with the contracts. It's a very difficult economic time and I'm delighted there are no layoffs and the people in my district will continue to have a job." [TU CapCon]
Another town clerk, this time in Central New York, has resigned because she doesn't want to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Says the clerk: "I know what the Bible says. My conscience, my faith, my God says I can't sign these licenses." [TU] [YNN]
Layoffs averted in Cuomo admin-PEF deal, donations pour in for McDonald, another movie to shoot locally, purple bookmobile sold
The Cuomo admin and PEF announced this past weekend that they have reached a contract deal that heads-off planned layoffs. The deal is similar to the one worked out with CSEA a few weeks back -- it includes no general salary increases for three years, furlough days, and increased employee contributions for healthcare. It also includes "broad layoff protection" for PEF members through April 2013. Said PEF's president in a statement: "This was a difficult agreement to reach, but with our members' jobs in peril and the state's fiscal hardship we've stepped up and made the necessary sacrifices." The contract still has to be approved by the PEF membership. [Cuomo admin] [NYT] [TU] [PEF]
Leonard Crouch -- the Albany County sheriff's office anti DWI program coordinator -- was "separated" from the department on Friday. Crouch had been under scrutiny after the Times Union reported that a program employee he supervised had allegedly been using fraudulent addresses to claim she lived in the county. [WNYT] [TU]
Roy McDonald has seen a surge of campaign donations following his vote on the Marriage Equality Act. The chairman of the Saratoga County Republican party says he doesn't "want to speculate" at this point whether McDonald will get the committee's endorsement next year. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Bar and restaurant owners on Pearl Street in Albany say business is down -- perhaps because of public perception that the area is a hotspot for drunken rowdiness. The business district's BID has launched a marketing campaign and promotions in an attempt to fight the perception. [Fox23] [WNYT] [TU Table Hopping]
Once thought to be headed in the right direction, residents say Schenectady's Hamilton Hill neighborhood is sliding backward as muggings and larcenies are increasing. [Daily Gazette]
Dealing with the aftermath of a gruesome day, S Mall Expressway to stay closed until at least August, escaped horse hit by tractor trailer in Saratoga
Matthew Slocum, the man police had wanted in connection with a fatal fire Wednesday in Washington County, has been charged with murder and arson. Police allege Slocum shot three people -- his mother, stepfather, and stepbrother -- and then set their house on fire. Said a victim's family member of Slocum outside town court: "I hope he rots in hell." [Post-Star] [TU] [Saratogian] [Fox23]
State Police say a fifth person -- an infant -- has now died from injuries from the explosion that leveled a house in Washington County Wednesday. The father of three people who died in the explosion alleges that residents had complained to the landlord about leaky gas stove for months. One of the victims was a promising young pastry chef-in-training on a scholarship at the Culinary Institute of America. [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
After such an unusual and gruesome day -- an alleged murder/arson, a house leveled by an explosion, eight deaths -- emergency responders in Washington County are getting counseling. [WNYT]
Albany County undersheriff -- and, as of now, sole candidate for county sheriff -- Craig Apple resigned yesterday so as not to violate federal law that prohibits local public officials from running for political offices. Apple's resignation leaves the sheriff's office in a bit of a situation -- Apple had been running the office after the former sheriff retired and it now has no one who can sign paychecks or other contracts. But Apple's attorney is asking a county court judge to appoint Apple to fulfill the duties of sheriff. Update: And the request was reportedly granted Friday morning. [WNYT] [TU] [Troy Record] [@JCEvangelist_TU]
Tragic and weird day in Washington County, Campana out of Troy mayoral race, Guilderland clerk says faith prevents her from performing same-sex marriages, few details on UAlbany football stadium
A tragic and weird day in Washington County yesterday: State Police say an explosion at a house in Salem killed four people and injured seven others (map). Police say the cause of the explosion is under investigation, but it appears to have been a gas leak. The explosion completely leveled the house (the photos are remarkable -- it's like tornado hit the site). [CBS6] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
Meanwhile, police were searching for a man wanted for question in a White Creek house fire that killed three people (map). The man -- and his girlfriend and child, who may have been held against their will -- later turned up in New Hampshire. [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [Fox23]
Clement Camapana announced last night that he's dropping out of the race for mayor of Troy. The Democratic candidate, and Troy city council president, had been facing controversies over his father's placement in a publicly subsidized apartment and a possible connection to a ballot fraud case. Said Campana in a statement: ""When I decided to run for Mayor I expected attacks against me, I expected a lively debate about the issues facing this city. What I did not expect was such ruthless, politically motivated attacks against my family." [Troy Record] [TU]
Colonie supervisor Paula Mahan says a proposal to privatize the town landfill could bring the town as much as $100 million, wiping away the town's deficit. Denise Sheehan, a Republican running for supervisor, says she's skeptical of the proposed deal. [TU] [YNN]
Guilderland's town clerk says she's resigning her status at the town's marriage officer because her Catholic faith prevents her from performing same-sex marriages. [TU]
Mosely sentenced to life in prison, Albany metro ranks highly for green jobs, UAlbany says plan to build football stadium moving forward
Michael Mosley was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the 2002 murders of Arica Lynn Schneider and Samuel Holley in Troy. Said Schneider's father during his victim impact statement: "Every time I use a household knife, I see it being plunged into my daughter." Mosley continued to profess his innocence at the sentencing. Rather than a harsh denunciation of Mosley, judge Robert Jacon delivered a subtle -- and perhaps more stinging -- message. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [TU] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo signed legislation that makes texting (or using some other handheld electronic device) while driving a primary offense, meaning drivers can now be pulled over specifically for that. The law takes effect immediately. Cuomo also announced that getting caught texting while driving, or talking on a mobile without hands-free device while driving, will now be three points on a license. Said Cuomo of what he's noticed while teaching his daughters to drive: "If their thumbs aren't moving they don't know if they're alive. And they get in the car and that device bings and bongs and vibrates or whatever it does and you can see that they have to answer that device now." [Cuomo admin] [Fox23] [YNN]
The Albany metro area near the top of national rankings for the number of "green" jobs, according to a Brookings Institution report. It calls the metro area "a surprise leader in the green economy." [Brookings] [TU]
Guilderland soldier remembered, arrest in Eddie Stanley shooting, Duffy pays almost $2k/month for his Albany apartment, Ken Bruno is selling cars
"His smile. That's what I'll always remember. He had the biggest smile," says one of the sisters of Army spc. Rafael A. Nieves Jr., the Guilderland High School graduate who was killed in Afghanistan Sunday. The husband and father of two would have turned 23 next week. He graduated from Guilderland in 2008. [TU] [DOD] [Fox23] [WNYT]
Schenectady police say a Brooklyn man has been arrested for allegedly shooting 15-year-old Eddie Stanley at a party in June. They say James Wells was nabbed by federal marshals and the NYPD in Brooklyn. Police allege that Wells shot Stanley five times -- "Kind of hard to say it was not intentional," said Schenectady public safety commissioner Wayne Bennett. Bennett says they're looking for more people connected to the case. [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [Fox23] [TU]
The chairman of the Rensselaer County Democratic Party is calling for Clement Campana to drop out of the Troy mayoral race. [Troy Record]
Albany County legislators and law enforcement officials are pushing a bill that would require secondhand shops in the county to photograph items they buy, record descriptions of the item and seller, send the info to police, and hold the items for 10 days in an effort to crack down the sale of stolen items. The head of a local business group says the law would "have no effect at all" other than slowing business and causing some shops to close. "We don't want to put anyone out of business, we just want to make sure we recover stolen property," says the bill's sponsor. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [TU] [WNYT]
Albany city hall will be open for first day of same-sex marriage, Cuomo and PEF at odds over contract, murder-suicide in Lake George, Giants not coming to UAlbany this year
Albany officials say the city clerk's office will be open on Sunday July 24 in order to issue marriage licenses on the day the Marriage Equality Act takes effect. Officials from other local municipalities -- including Troy, Watervliet and Cohoes -- have said they will not be open that day. Municipal clerks around the state are still waiting to get the proper forms and instruction from the state Department of Health. [TU] [Troy Record] [Poughkeepsie Journal]
The family of Rafael Nieves, Jr., a former Guilderland High School student, says the Army infantryman was killed in Afghanistan Sunday. [YNN]
Andrew Cuomo said Friday that his administration offered the same contract deal to PEF that it offered to CSEA, and now "it's up to them." Cuomo said "the fact that CSEA accepted the contract adds to the credibility of the offer that's not going to change" and PEF can accept the deal or have layoffs. PEF says Cuomo "must have been misinformed" because the offered contract "differs significantly." [TU] [Fox23] [State of Politics]
GlobalFoundries says it would like to build an R&D center, as well as a second chip fab, at Luther Forest if it can work out a deal with the state. It appears that New York is in competition with sites in Asia for the second fab. [TU] [TU]
GloFo says negotiations for second incentive package are less than fab, jumping off a bridge when they get to it, Andrew Cuomo's future foreshadowed by washing machine
Somewhat conflicting reports on the situation surrounding the possibility of a second GlobalFoundries chip fab at Luther Forest. The Saratogian reports "multiple company officials" say GloFo is in "preliminary discussions" with the Cuomo admin about a second massive package of incentives for a second fab. (The package for the first fab is worth about $1.37 billion.) But a GloFo spokesman tells the Times Union that there had been a "window of opportunity" to negotiate a deal with the state and the "window has passed." GloFo says it has already started installing tools at the Luther Forest fab, two months ahead of schedule. The company says the fab will create 6500 jobs, directly and indirectly. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Post-Star] [Fox23]
An official with the development company behind The Alexander, the large apartment complex that's seeking a big tax break from the city of Albany, says it's seeking the break in part because it made a mistake in its earlier requests for tax help. [TU]
PEF says some of its members were originally given just an hour to make bumping decisions following layoff notices from the state this week. [TU]
Two federal agencies are pushing for the Hudson River PCB dredging project to include more parts of the river than originally planned because they say contamination is higher than previously expected. A regional official for the EPA, which has been the federal agency coordinating the project, says the agency is "not inclined" to change the cleanup agreement it has with GE. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
GloFo looking for state cash for second chip fab, Mosley ladyfriend says marriage would preserve their family, alleged poker operation busted in Colonie
GlobalFoundries has reportedly approached the Cuomo administration about landing another huge incentive package for the construction of a second chip fab at Luther Forest -- but state officials are apparently less than enthusiastic about giving the company another massive bundle of cash. [TU]
The company that owns the The Alexander, the huge apartment complex at Patroon Creek in Albany, is looking to score a PILOT that would mean more money for the city upfront -- and much less in the long term (map). [TU]
A national group opposed to same-sex marriage says it will spend $2 million in New York campaigning against Republican state Senators who voted for the Marriage Equality Act, including Roy McDonald. [YNN]
The first wave of layoff notices went out to state employees yesterday, many of them PEF members. (The union hasn't reached a contract deal with the state, yet.) [TU]
Michael Mosley's longtime lady-friend says she and the convicted killer are trying to get married ahead of his sentencing in order "to preserve our family." A spokesman for the state Department of Correctional Services says Mosley could still get married after he's sent to prison -- even with a life sentence. [Troy Record] [WNYT]
Property tax cap concerns, convicted murderer wants to get married before sentencing, Gibson calls US involvement in Libya "illegitimate," one of CDTA's "best ever" drivers retires
The property tax cap passed by the state legislature last week has local municipal leaders talking (even more) about the burden of state mandates. In Albany, taxes for homeowners could still end up increasing by more than the capped amount (yep, it's complicated). [YNN] [WNYT]
NYSUT, the big teachers' union, has filed suit against the state over the new teacher evaluation system, arguing it places too much emphasis on standardized test results. [TU] [YNN]
State Police say the woman injured in a car crash with a state trooper car this past weekend in Malta has died from complications that arose during surgery to replace a hip damaged in the crash. The trooper had reportedly swerved to avoid a different car pulling out and ended up slamming into the woman's car in the oncoming lane. [TU] [WNYT]
A State Police helicopter hovered over Albany's Pine Hills neighborhood yesterday and police flooded the area looking for a 3-year-old who was reported missing. It turns out the kid had been with a family friend the entire time. Apparently there was some miscommunication. [Fox23] [TU] [YNN]
Michael Mosley, recently convicted for the murders of Arica Lynn Schneider and Samuel Holley, wants to get married before his sentencing in July. Among the possible reasons to get married while facing what could be a life sentence: conjugal visits. [Troy Record] [TU]
Clerks trying to figure out start of same-sex marriage, Saratoga club was under investigation before brawl, Cuomo says he won't "fuel" speculation about 2016
City clerks are waiting to hear from the state about the start of licensing for same-sex marriages next month. The law takes effect on a Sunday (July 24), and there's uncertainty about whether clerks will be able to issue licenses ahead of that date (their offices are closed on Sundays) -- which would be necessary for couples to get married on that day, because there's a 24 hour waiting period. If nothing can happen until the next business day, the first same-sex marriages would be on July 26. [YNN] [Fox23] [WNYT]
Sararoga Springs law enforcement officials say State Liquor Authority allegedly found numerous alcohol-related code violations Friday night at Club Shadow, the bar at which the big Caroline Street brawl started early Sunday morning. They say they had asked the SLA to investigate the club. Said public safety commissioner Richard Wirth of Club Shadow: "If it keep's going this way, it shouldn't be operating." Club Shadow's owner says he'll stop serving beer in bottles (a thrown bottle allegedly set off the fight). A manager at another Caroline Street business says the lower half of the street, where the club is located, "is generally more where the larger fights happen." A man who says he witnessed the fight this past weekend alleges that Saratoga police harassed people taking mobile phone video of the brawl and resulting arrests. [TU] [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [WTEN] [YNN] [WNYT]
There was a shooting reported in Albany's West Hill neighborhood overnight (map). There aren't many details, but reportedly one person was shot. Update: Police say shots were fired from the backyard of a house a bullet grazed the nose of man inside, causing a minor injury. [YNN] [Fox23] [CBS6] [TU]
Huge brawl spills onto Caroline Street, Cuomo's national profile rising, study recommends regional garbage authority, Schenectady police getting tasers, even Jimmer's a little tired of Jimmer Mania
In case you somehow missed it: the state Senate passed the Marriage Equality Act Friday night and Andrew Cuomo signed it just before midnight. The law takes effect July 24. [AOA]
Also passed Friday in the end-of-session flurry: a property tax cap, NYC rent control, and a bill allowing SUNY to raise tuition. [TU] [AP/Saratogian] [AP/Saratogian]
Cuomo was hailed as a hero at the pride parade this past weekend in New York City. And his string of victories over the first six months of his administration has prompted admiration from members of both major parties. A that's prompting talk (already) of a run for the White House in 2016. Cuomo is reportedly trying to shut down that talk. [NYT] [NYDN] [Washington Post] [NY Post]
Saratoga Springs police say a riot/brawl/melee involving 40-50 people spilled out of a Caroline Street club early Sunday morning into the street (map). Despite having 15 SSPD officers on the scene, backup had to be called in -- 10 county sheriff's officers, four state troopers, and two officers from Ballston Spa. Police say four officers were injured responding to fight. They say four people were arrested. [Saratogian] [TU] [CBS6] [WTEN]
There could still be 4,700 state employee layoffs from PEF's ranks if the union can't reach a contract with the Cuomo admin. [TU]
State Senate stalls on same-sex marriage and other major issues, pedestrian killed in Schenectady, video exposes fraud attempt, RPI experiment on last shuttle mission
The state Senate adjourned last night without taking up the high profile bills -- including same-sex marriage. The Marriage Equality Act is stuck in a tangle of late-session legislation that doesn't appear to clearing as fast as many had predicted. Democrats accused the Republican majority of "a complete work stoppage." The Senate is expected back in session this morning, to what effect is anyone's guess. Dean Skelos says the same-sex marriage bill won't be brought up until all the other major issues (tax cap, mandate reform, rent control) have been addressed. Liz Benjamin on the scene at the Capitol: "It doesn't help matters that the Capitol is increasingly feeling like a small country under siege, with poor ventilation, insufficient food stocks and overflowing garbage cans." [TU] [NYT] [AP/Troy Record] [State of Politics] [Daily Politics] [State of Politics]
Schenectady police say pedestrian was killed in Schenectady yesterday after a two-car collision caused the vehicles to veer off the street in Hamilton Hill (map). Another pedestrian was also hit and suffered minor injuries. [Fox23] [TU] [YNN]
Yesterday was Albany County sheriff James Campbell's last day on the job after 21 years. Undersheriff Craig Apple is taking over for the retiring sheriff on an interim basis -- and he's also the Democratic Party establishment's pick to run for the job in the fall. [CBS6] [TU]
The former pastor at a church in Albany alleges that the parents of a deacon accused of engaging in sexual conduct with two boys are blocking efforts to remove the deacon (map). [TU]
Legislative session grinds slowly ahead, CSEA reaches contract deal that includes no layoffs, rabid kitten found in Rensselaer County
Bills covering many high-profile issues continued to be caught in the state legislature's end-of-session tangle. A deal to finally move on the tax cap, rent control, and a SUNY tuition increase reportedly is near (sounds familiar). The same-sex marriage bill continues to be stuck, waiting for a vote in the state Senate -- apparently talks over religious exemptions are still continuing. Andrew Cuomo called for patience. [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [NY Post] [AP/Post-Star] [YNN]
One thing that did shake loose yesterday: an agreement between the Cuomo admin and CSEA on a new contract that would protect the state employee union from layoffs for the next few years. The deal includes a three-year wage freeze and furloughs this year and next. PEF, the other large state worker union, says it's still waiting to hear from the Cuomo admin on its contract offer. [TU] [NYT] [YNN]
The horror: legislators and lobbyists -- unfamiliar with the strange ways of laundromats, dry cleaners, and non-designer underwear -- are running out of clothes as the extended session drags on. [NYT]
Adam Croote, the man accused of raping and attempting to kill a 10-year-old girl in Berne, has a complicated, troubled past -- a story that includes an appearance in the Oval Office at the White House. An anonymous relative described him as "a monster." [TU] [CBS6]
End-of-session deal but still no movement on same-sex marriage bill, questions about NYRA's books, babysitter accused of "brutal, horrific attack," fox that bit woman was rabid
The Three Men in a Room said yesterday that they had reached agreement on a deal that would open the way for a property tax cap and the extension of NYC rent control. Also part of "The Big Ugly" end of session deal: no new pension tier for state employees and a $300/year tuition increase at SUNY schools for the next five years. [TU] [State of Politics] [Daily Politics]
A vote on the same-sex marriage bill in the state Senate is not part of that deal, though there were some indications it could come up soon (which is what they've been saying for days now). Andrew Cuomo says he thinks the Senate will bring the bill up for a vote and is "cautiously optimistic" about its chances of passing. Sheldon Silver indicated the Assembly, which has already passed the bill, is open to amendments that would provide protections for religious orgs -- an apparent sticking point for the Senate. [TU] [Daily Politics] [AP/Troy Record]
There are signs that GlobalFoundries is strongly considering building a second chip fab at Luther Forest, though the company won't confirm or deny it. One issue that still hasn't been resolved for the already-committed fab: a backup water supply. GloFo has been moving employees into the facility over the last week. [TU] [Post-Star] [Post-Star]
The separation agreement between superintendent Fadhilika Atiba-Weza and the Troy school district will pay Atiba-Weza $250,000 this summer -- plus provide health insurance for the rest of his life after retirement. [Troy Record]
Little movement on same-sex marriage, police say toddler's death was homicide, film crew setting up in Schenectady
Protesters at Monday's PEF rally against planned state employee layoffs. (Here are more photos from a set by Rob Gierthy.)
There was little or no movement on same-sex marriage legalization yesterday at the Capitol as the issue has gotten stuck in a late-session tangle of issues, most notably NYC rent control. Also holding up a Senate vote on same-sex marriage: the ongoing concerns about protections for religious groups that don't want to participate. After a meeting of the Three Men in a Room, Dean Skelos nothing seems close at the moment -- and Sheldon Silver said frustration had set in. [NYT] [NY Post] [AP/Troy Record] [Fox23] [YNN]
While the politicians frustrated each other, protestors -- for and against same-sex marriage -- protestors jammed the Capitol, chanting and singing. Some of the interactions were heated -- in one case two rabbis were seen yelling at each other. [AP/Post-Star] [WNYT]
Outside the Capitol, thousands of state employees rallied against the plan to layoff 9,800 state workers. The Cuomo admin says it still plan to start issue the first round of layoff notices this Friday. [Troy Record] [TU]
Schenectady police say they're investigating the death of 20-month-old boy as a homicide (map). Neighbors in the Northside neighborhood say the boyfriend of the boy's mother had brought the child across the street looking for help because the boy had stopped breathing. The boy's mother says she wasn't home at the time, but says her boyfriend told her the child had fallen out of a crib. The boy's father says he had asked the mother to not leave the children alone with the boyfriend. No one has been charged, yet. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [WTEN] [YNN]
Same-sex marriage bill part of end-of-session rush, plans for Exit 3 are off, man allegedly rams police car with tractor, no Whitney Gala this year
Today is the last scheduled day of the state legislature's session, but there's a clog of late-developing legislation that could extend the session later into the week. Caught in the end-of-session rush: the Marriage Equality Act. The sticking point still appears to be Senate Republicans' worries about protections for religious groups that refuse to participate in same-sex marriages. Said Dean Skelos on Friday: "There is a concern right now as to the unintended consequences of some of the religious clauses, carve outs, protections, and we're reviewing that." That review is reportedly almost finished and a deal is said to be close. [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [TU] [NY Post]
Andrew Cuomo's prominent support of same-sex marriage legalization is raising his profile around the country. On Friday, Cuomo tried to emphasize that the Marriage Equality Act applies to "marriage in a civil context," not a religious one. [AP/Troy Record] [State of Politics]
There was an interfaith rally for same-sex marriage this past weekend in Troy. [Fox23]
A federal appeals court heard arguments Friday on whether federal prosecutors should be allowed to re-try Joe Bruno. Bruno says the whole process has been "exasperating." [Troy Record] [TU]
Same-sex marriage bill stuck in Senate, GloFo bumps CEO, keghead sentenced to jail, yearbook photo girl debuts song, too many cats
The Marriage Equality Act is currently stuck in the state Senate as the Republican majority has yet to decide if/when the bill should come up for a vote. It seems one of the main sticking points is still exemptions for religious orgs that don't want to participate in same-sex marriage. Andrew Cuomo met with three Republican Senators yesterday, possibly about that topic. There appear to be two or three potential swing votes. Mike Bloomberg met with the Republican conference yesterday and afterward said he thinks the bill will pass if it comes to the floor. [TU] [State of Politics] [NYT] [AP/Troy Record] [NY Post] [NYDN]
Not making things any easier: the NYC rent control issue is holding up pretty much everything else. [TU]
Saratoga Springs' public safety commissioner says the investigation into the police chief sexting situation is continuing. The attorney who had been representing Laurie Masi, the woman who's accused Christopher Cole of sending her unwanted texts, is no longer her attorney after "We just decided the best thing to do was go our separate ways." [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette]
GlobalFoundries bumped its CEO, named an iterim, and is looking for a new one. The company says it's still committed to the Luther Forest chip fab. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Assembly passes same-sex marriage bill, alleged cocaine ring busted after anonymous letter, yearbook picture student says story is over
The bill that would legalize same-sex marriage passed in the state Assembly yesterday (as expected). How local Assembly members voted:
Yes: Canestrari, McEneny, Reilly
No: Amedore, Jordan, Tedisco, McLaughlin
Said Jim Tedisco after the vote: "I think it's going to really lead to us having legislators look at the dictionary, look at concepts, look at words and say, 'let's do an omnibus bill, there's a lot of words here and concepts that I want to change to fit my lifestyle.'" [State of Politics] [State of Politics] [Fox23]
What's going to happen in the state Senate on this issue continues to be unclear. The Republican majority conferenced for four hours yesterday without coming to a conclusion about whether to bring the bill to a vote. One the apparent sticking points is that some Republicans don't think the bill includes enough exemptions for religious orgs that don't support same-sex marriage. It looks like the bill is still one vote short of being able to pass. [NYT] [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
A group of state and local law enforcement agencies say they've busted an alleged drug ring that had been a major supplier of cocaine to the Capital Region. Albany police chief Steve Krokoff says an anonymous letter sent to him by a parent set off the investigation. Officials say 37 people have been arrested so far as part of the bust. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [CBS6]
Records indicate that Laurie Masi, the woman who's accused Sararoga Springs police chief Christopher Cole of sexting her after she asked him to stop, allegedly threatened the career of a Schenectady police officer after a disagreement in 2008. There were other complaints filed against -- and by -- her in Rotterdam and Scotia. Yesterday in an on-camera interview with WNYT, Masi accused Cole of "texting in his office half the day and going on dates in his city-owned car." [TU] [Saratogian] [WNYT]
McDonald: "let's all just live our lives," alleged police chief sexts released, Albany schools head "very disappointed" about grad rates, yellow teeth prompt SSHS admin to take scissors to yearbook
Roy McDonald on his decision to vote "yes" on legalizing same-sex marriage: "I'm not out to hurt some gay guy, gay woman. Live your lifestyle. That's not my lifestyle, but God bless 'em -- it's America. Be nice to people, and let's all just live our lives." McDonald represents the 31st vote for the legislation (32 needed to pass), and the second Republican state Senator in the "yes" column. A handful of other Republican Senators are reportedly also considering a "yes" vote. It's looking like the bill will come up for a vote on Friday. [TU] [NYT] [NYDN]
Hugh Farley reiterated yesterday that he plans to vote "no" on legalizing same-sex marriage. [Saratogian]
There's a knot involving multiple bills -- notably rent control extension -- that's starting to clog the final days of the legislative session. That could lead to an end-of-session rush known as "the big ugly." [NYT] [TU]
The attorney for Saratoga Springs police chief Christopher Cole released a series of text messages allegedly exchanged by Cole and Laurie Masi that indicate their sexting was consensual. In one of the alleged exchanges, Masi asks for Cole to send her an explicit pic. (Also: the exchanges are extraordinarily cheesy.) [Saratogian] [WNYT]
This morning Schenectady police raided a house across the street from where Eddie Stanley was shot and killed this past weekend (map). They say the raid was related to Stanley's death. One person was taken into custody. [CBS6] [WTEN] [TU]
Same-sex marriage closer to getting enough votes, Saratoga police chief put on leave, more tax breaks for GlobalFoundries, 108-year-old woman in Saratoga County
Four state Senators have publicly switched to "yes" votes for legalizing same-sex marriage. That leaves the measure two votes short of the 32 needed to pass. Among the four switching to yes Monday was Jim Alesi, the first Republican to publicly state he'll support the measure (remember, Alesi was the Senator who seemed to agonize over casting a no vote the last time). With 29 of 30 Democrats in the Senate now supporting it (Ruben Diaz is the one who doesn't), two more Republican would have to switch -- though it may actually have to be four Republicans so that none of them gets tagged as the deciding vote. Dean Skelos says the Senate could vote on the measure this week. Said Hugh Farley, who's against the measure: "Everybody is voting what they believe in." [NYT] [AP/Saratogian] [TU] [New York Now YouTube] [YNN] [State of Politics] [Daily Politics] [Fox23]
The state ethics reform legislation passed both the Senate and Assembly yesterday. Among the provisions of the bill: greater disclosure of outside income by legislators. A New York Times analysis concluded that the state has awarded $7.4 billion in contracts over the last five years to clients represented by law firms that employ state legislators. [WNYT] [TU] [NYT]
Saratoga Springs has placed police chief Christopher Cole on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into the sexting situation. Richard Wirth, the city's public safety commissioner, says there's no timeline for the investigation. The attorney for Laurie Masi, the woman who had been exchanging texts with Cole, said his client has Cole to stop sending her messages on "several occasions." Cole's attorney says that's not true. [Saratogian] [YNN] [TU] [Post-Star]
Schenectady police say there was a shooting this morning in Hamilton Hill (map). They say it appears to be related to a domestic dispute. [YNN] [CBS6]
Schenectady police say they're trying to track down about 40 people who were at the party where Eddie Stanley was shot and killed over the weekend. The SPD says it's trying to figure out what exactly happened -- and it's yet to make an arrest. One of Stanley's cousins say witnesses haven't been talking. A $1000 reward has been put up for info about the case. [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [TU] [YNN] [WTEN]
Teen shot and killed in Schenectady, pressure builds on same-sex marriage, UAlbany grad student back after being imprisoned in Iran
A 15-year-old was shot and killed early Sunday morning in Schenectady's Mont Pleasant neighborhood (map). A witness reported hearing "at least five or six" gun shots after some sort of altercation at a house party spilled into the street. It's Schenectady's first homicide of the year. The teen, Eddie Stanley, was a rising basketball star at Schenectady High School. Police haven't made an arrest yet. [YNN] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [WNYT]
Albany police say there was a reported shooting in West Hill Friday night (map). They say the victim reported being robbed and shot in the leg. The APD says it's investigating. [TU] [Fox23]
The eight state Senators who are publicly undecided on legalizing same-sex marriage are feeling pressure on all sides. Andrew Cuomo is reportedly pulling marriage equality supporters in for a strategy meeting today ahead of a possible vote this week. Roy McDonald says Cuomo asked him not to publicly state his position until talking with the governor again this week. [NYT] [NYT] [Post-Star]
The woman in the Saratoga Springs police chief sexting situation has hired a lawyer, who says the woman "wants justice" (not specified: what justice would entail). He says the woman asked the chief to stop sending her messages, but alleges the chief continued. City officials say they woman never filed an official complaint against the chief. [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [TU]
Cuomo proposes SUNY tuition increase, exotic dances ruled taxable, alleged one-handed bank robber nabbed
The Cuomo admin has introduced legislation that would allow all SUNY schools to raise tuition five percent a year for the next five years -- and it allows the large universities, including UAlbany, to tack another three percent onto that increase. Sheldon Silver has been the main obstacle in the legislature to allowing SUNY to raise tuition -- his office didn't comment on Cuomo's plan. Senate Republican spoke in favor of the plan. [State of Politics] [Cuomo admin] [TU] [NYT]
State agencies have been asked to submit lists of positions that could be eliminated in layoffs by Monday. CSEA's president called the threat of layoffs "obscene." [TU] [YNN]
Saratoga Springs public safety commissioner Richard Wirth said "everything is on the table" for possible disciplinary action against police chief Chris Cole following Cole's admission that he sexted from his city hall office. Wirth says Cole has been an "excellent" chief. [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [WNYT]
Clement Campana says his father will have to move out of his publicly subsidized apartment in Troy after his father was found to be $111 over the income limit. [TU] [Troy Record]
A state appeals court has ruled that exotic dances are not art, and as a result, a Latham strip club must pay sales tax. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Cuomo admin reportedly planning layoffs for July, driver in Troy hit-and-run pleads guilty, another bust for Elza, more trouble at Troy co-op?
This just in: it's hot. Wednesday's high temp was 93, which tied the record for the date (normal high temp: 76). Thursday's forecast: highs near 90 with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. (Here are a few hail pics from Wednesday's storms.) [NWS] [NWS] [AOA]
The Cuomo admin is planning to start the first round of state employee layoffs on July 15, according to a memo obtained by the Times Union. The admin and the unions have yet to reach a deal on a new contract, and Cuomo has said 9,800 layoffs could be necessary without cost-savings from a new contract. [TU]
The Cuomo admin also released legislation that would create a new pension tier for new state employees (we're up to Tier VI if you're counting at home). Among the provisions: increasing the retirement age from 62 to 65, ending early retirement, and excluding overtime from the calculation determining average salary. The bill would not shift the system toward a 401(k)-type of plan. The admin says the plan would save the state $93 billion over 30 years. Advocacy groups for local municipalities gave the plan a thumbs up. The state employee unions were annoyed -- the words "grandstanding" and "draconian" were both used. [Cuomo admin] [NYT] [TU] [State of Politics]
Roy Sanders, the man who drove the pickup truck that hit Jahvion Perez in Troy, pleaded guilty at his arraignment yesterday. Sanders told the judge that no one had coerced him into pleading guilty, but the mother of his children told the media they had been threatened. [Troy Record] [WNYT]
It's hot, Sanders says he's sorry about fatal hit-and-run, Tedisco and Reilly at odds over MMA, police searching for alleged bank robber who's missing part of an arm
The forecasted high for today is 95. [NWS]
There are more details about the bill that would reform state ethics rules -- and questions about odd provisions in the bill. [TU] [NYT]
The state Conservative Party is trying to flex its (small, but influential) muscles against legalizing same-sex marriage. [State of Politics]
Update: Sanders pleaded guilty today at his arraignment (no, that doesn't often happen). | Roy Sanders, the man accused of being the driver in the hit-and-run that killed Jahvion Perez, in an interview with Fox23: "I'm sorry that their little boy had to go like that. If I could take it back, I would. I swear I would. And God knows it was only an accident, and I'm so sorry." Both Sanders and his parents say he didn't stop after the accident because people were throwing stuff at him. [TU] [Fox23] [WNYT]
Turning the former Cinema Arts theater into a meeting space for a new Troy city hall at the Dauchy Building is now apparently off the table for the moment after Tuesday's city council meeting. Earlier in the day, Republican mayoral candidate Carmella Mantello again said the city shouldn't take over the space on River Street because it could become taxable prime real estate. [Troy Record] [Troy Record]
Arrests in 1994 Troy murder cold case, jewelry stolen from Cinderella project, law firm falls for email scam, do androids dream of electric golf?
Troy police say they've made two arrests in a 1994 murder case that had gone cold. Police say Troy residents Scott Chaplin and George Mott will both be charged with murder in the death of Rosemary Ellsworth Crosier. She had been found beaten to death and robbed at the home for people with disabilities which she had been working in Sycaway (map). Police say Chaplin and Crosier knew each other from working together in the mailroom at the Troy Record. A special prosecutor has been named for the case because Rensselaer County DA Richard McNally worked in the public defender's office when it represented Chaplin during a previous inquiry into the case. [TU] [WNYT] [WTEN] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
The proposed state ethics overhaul includes a provision that would allow just three of a proposed commission's 14 members to block an investigation from going forward. Good government groups call the proposed system flawed, but an improvement over the current situation. [NYT] [TU]
Follow-up from the NYT article this week about the treatment of people with disabilities in state-run facilities: Jonathan Carey's father is pushing for state legislation that would cap the number of overtime hours employees could work at state-run facilities for people with developmental disabilities. And a large advocacy org is pushing to make it easier to fire employees who participated in substantiated cases of abuse. [NYT] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The state Assembly passed a bill that would extend the moratorium on fracking until 2012. It might not make it through the state Senate, though. [State of Politics] [TU]
Ethics deal would require legislators to disclose outside income, police officer kicked by horse, thousand turn out for Schenectady movie audition, backhoe used to rescue kitten
The Three Men in the Room announced a deal on new state ethics laws late Friday afternoon. The "Clean Up Albany Act of 2011" would require legislators to disclose outside income, create of database of who's appearing before the state, could take away the pensions of officials convicted of felonies. It would also create a new commission to enforce ethics laws for the legislature, executive branch and lobbyists. Andrew Cuomo called the plan "tough and aggressive." The provision for disclosing outside income reportedly caused some rank-and-file members of the legislature to "freak out" as the deal was coming together Friday, with some telling leaders that they wouldn't run for re-election. [NYT] [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [Daily Politics] [State of Politics]
Of particular interest to local food businesses: the proposed ethics law would up the allowed value of meal given to legislators from the value of a cup of coffee to $15. [TU]
The SUNY board of trustees accepted the "voluntary separation" of John O'Connor from his job both as head of the SUNY Research Foundation and vice chancellor on Friday. (Remember, O'Connor had been the one accused of giving Susan Bruno an alleged no-show job.) Shortly after that announcement, the system released a report describing the billion dollar Research Foundation as "flawed at both the governance and operational levels." The state Commission on Public Integrity says it will continue to investigate O'Connor. [TU] [TU CapCon] [TU]
Roy McDonald continues to publicly say he's undecided on same-sex marriage legalization, despite lobbying efforts both overt and subtle. [Troy Record]
The plan for a parking permit system around the ESP in Albany is coming together. [TU]
Reaction to Mosley trial guilty verdict, Albany County sheriff retiring, bill would allow SUNY tuition increases, Karner Blue season
Reaction to the guilty verdict in the Mosley trial: Said Arica Lynn Schneider's father: "There's no winners here today. They lost a son, we lost a daughter. His kids lost their father." Said Samuel Holley's brother: "Yeah we have closure, we know who did it, but still it ain't gonna bring him back, or her back." Said Terry Kindlon, Mosley's attorney: "I think, at the end of the day, the DNA evidence proved impossible to overcome." [TU] [Fox23] [YNN] [Troy Record]
Albany County sheriff James Campbell announced yesterday that he's retiring. Campbell says he supports current undersheriff Craig Apple to replace him. Campbell has held the position for 21 years. Campbell said the death of Gene Eaton, the former Rensselaer County sheriff and a close friend, last winter helped prompt his decision to leave. Among his retirement plans: "I would imagine we're going to be doing some traveling because the furthest I took my wife was to Green Island once." [TU] [Fox23] [Troy Record] [CBS6] [YNN]
Andrew Cuomo lobbied Roy McDonald one-on-one yesterday, trying to gain McDonald's vote in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage. McDonald says he's still undecided (he voted "no" in 2009). A billboard urging McDonald to vote "yes" started displaying on I-787 yesterday. Troy's city council unanimously passed a resolution supporting same-sex marriage legalization yesterday. [TU] [YNN] [AOA] [Troy Record]
Clement Campana's father's income was $111 over the limit to qualify for a subsidized apartment from the Troy Housing Authority, according to income tax returns. Campana, a Democrat, continued to assert his dad didn't get special treatment from the Republican controlled agency: "There's no way they would do favors for me, believe me." [TU] [Troy Record]
Rensselaer County man shot and killed by State Police, state leaders leaning toward SUNY tuition increase, Albany charters sue school district, Clifton Park looking to put there there
State Police say a sergeant fatally shot a Poestenkill man Tuesday night after he pointed a gun at the sergeant (map). They say troopers had asked the man to drop his rifle, and he then pointed the gun along the beam of the sergeant's flashlight. Police had gone to the man's house after getting a call from his sister that he was armed and threatening to kill himself. A neighbor says the man had been acting strangely that day. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [YNN] [TU]
The man who owns the truck that allegedly hit and killed Jahvion Perez in Troy told police in a statement that he had allowed Roy Sanders, the alleged driver, to use the vehicle in return for crack. Sanders turned himself in yesterday after being convinced to do so by his mother, according to police. There were two warrants for his arrest, one for leaving the scene of a fatal accident and the other for driving with a suspended license. Neighbors near the scene of the accident are pushing for a lower speed limit. [TU] [Troy Record] [YNN] [WNYT]
Mosley trial: the jury is now deliberating the case. The defense and prosecution made their closing arguments yesterday (link includes video). The prosecution focused on the DNA evidence, the defense on the lack of an identified motive. [Fox23] [Troy Record] [WNYT] [TU]
Clement Camapana's father is not financially eligible for the subsidized apartment he got through the Troy Housing Authority, according to a letter from the feds to the THA that was obtained by the Times Union. Campana, who's city council president and running for mayor, again said yesterday that the scrutiny of his father's placement is politically driven. [TU] [Troy Record]
The Three Men in the Room seem to be leaning toward approving a five percent tuition increase for SUNY. Also: both the state Comptroller's office and the state Inspector General have started investigations into the SUNY Research Foundation. [TU] [TU]
Alleged driver in fatal hit-and-run arrested, investigation into how council president's dad got subsidized apartment, Schumer: something "rotten" about gas prices, SUNY impact pegged at $20 billion
Update: Roy Sanders surrendered to police Wednesday. Sanders reportedly said "I'm sorry. I didn't know." while sobbing as he was led away. [TU] [@nicolon10] [@WMcClureFOX23]
Neighbors along the Troy street where 6-year-old Jahvion Perez was killed after being struck in a hit-and-run say drivers often speed along the street and they'd like to see speed bumps and more speed limit signs. Troy police have yet to arrest Roy Sanders, the person allegedly driving the pick-up truck that hit Perez. Sanders had been charged with allegedly shooting a man earlier this year, though it appears that case won't move forward. Said a man who said he witnessed the collision: "He just hit him, stopped for a second, then kept going." A neighborhood said Sanders had "waved to me and next thing I knew he was hitting the little boy and it was like just crazy." [WNYT] [Troy Record] [Troy Record] [WNYT] [CBS6]
Mosley trial: Jurors took a field trip yesterday to visit the Poestenkill Gorge, where Michael Mosley said he had injured his hand snowboarding the evening before the murders. The prosecution has tried to the make the case that there wasn't enough snow for snowboarding. Closing arguments are scheduled for today. [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT]
The Troy Housing Authority is investigating how the father of city council president -- and mayoral candidate -- Clem Campana ended up in a subsidized apartment ahead of others on a long waiting list. Campana says his father "got no breaks or bargain." [Troy Record] [TU]
State attorney general Eric Schneiderman announced he's suing the federal government "for its failure to commit to a full environmental review of proposed regulations" of fracking. The state Department of Environmental Conservation is expected to release its rules for fracking by the beginning of July. A top Cuomo admin official recently told the DEC to review what happened during fracking accidents in Pennsylvania before completing the New York rules. [NYS AG] [TU] [State of Politics]
Stewart's says its recent ice cream recall was prompted by bits of Teflon and metal that may have broken off a machine. Inspectors were at the plant yesterday and gave it the OK to continue production. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Six year old killed in hit-and-run, woman falls 75 feet into Plotterkill gorge, another measles case, Siro's opening a second location
Troy police say a six-year-old boy was killed in a hit-and-run accident Monday evening (map). The TPD has identified a Troy man as a suspect. Troy police say they've recovered the pickup truck allegedly involved in the incident. Harry Tutunjian has put up a $500 reward for info leading to the suspect's arrest. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23] [CBS6]
Troy police say four people were injured during a shooting early Monday morning in South Troy (map). The TPD says found no victims -- only empty cartridges -- at the scene, but then the injured started showing up at local hospitals. Police say they're searching for the shooter(s). [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23] [YNN]
Officials from the federal Department of Justice say they haven't heard of anything like the teen suicides linked to a Schenectady gang and will add the info to its body of gang statistics. The parents of the girls who killed themselves say their daughter had been tormented by members of the gang. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Mosley trial: On Friday during cross examination Michael Mosley repeatedly denied murdering Arica Lynn Schneider an Samuel Holley. Prosecutors also called former local TV weatherman Howard Altschul, now a forensic meteorologist, as a witness to challenge Mosley's assertion that there had been enough snow to snowboard the day before the murders. [Troy Record] [WNYT]
More alleged details are leaking out about the situation surrounding SUNY Research Foundation head John O'Connor and the alleged no-show job Susan Bruno once had at the org. SUNY has apparently hired a law firm to look into its relationship with the Research Foundation. [TU] [TU]
Prosecutors say gang linked to teen suicides, Mosley testifies in his own defense, mugging in Center Square, ultimate frisbee rising
Federal prosecutors announced the arrests of 35 people they say are connected to a Schenectady gang that controlled a section of Hamilton Hill. Authorities say they started investigating the gang after there appeared to be a connection between it and a string of suicides by teen girls in the neighborhood. They allege three suicides were directly connected to harassment by members of the gang. Parents of the teens describe a toxic social environment that gradually destroyed their daughters' lives. [WNYT] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
Michael Mosley took the stand in his own defense yesterday. He testified he did not kill Arica Lynn Schneider and Samuel Holley. He said he found their bodies the next morning when he stopped to pick up Holley -- but didn't say anything to anyone because, "I didn't want someone who did this to think I knew something, so I just let it go." He also explained that his blood got on a bed when he reached his injured hand in after he heard a phone ring. [YNN] [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23] [WNYT]
Roy McDonald is among a small group of state Senators who haven't taken a public stance of legalizing same-sex marriage and thus have become the focus of lobbyists on the issue. Joe Bruno, who previously held McDonald's seat, said in an interview on TALK 1300 yesterday that he now supports marriage equality (Bruno also said he considers himself an "Andrew Cuomo Republican"). [TU] [State of Politics] [State of Politics]
The Troy city council saw proposed designs for the possible move of Troy city hall to the Dauchy Building. Among the concerns about moving to the River Street location: parking. Mayor Harry Tuntunjian says he's opposed to moving city hall to the Dauchy Building. [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
DA says no more plea deals after skipping breath test, Mosley's mother says he was home the night of murders, Albany library will try again with smaller tax increase, two years for punching a man four times his age
Albany County DA David Soares says DWI suspects who refuse the breath test will no longer be offered plea deals for DWAI, a lesser charge. Asked by Fox23 whether the change in policy was a result of the James Miller case, Soares said: "I think, with respect to the last several cases that are very high-profile, it's just amplified the existence of that loophole." [TU] [Fox23]
Albany police chief Steve Krokoff said yesterday that spokesman James Miller was allowed to come back because of his experience with the department and his guilty plea to a misdemeanor. The APD released the dash cam vide of Miller's arrest. And Miller was apologizing on every local TV news outlet. [TU] [YNN] [YNN] [Fox23] [CBS6] [WNYT] [WTEN]
Michael Mosley's mother testified yesterday in her son's defense that he was home with her the night Arica Lynn Schneider and Samuel Holley were murdered. And she testified that Mosley hurt his hand snowboarding with his son. Prosecutors noted that weather reports indicated there was no snow on the ground that day. [Fox23] [TU] [Troy Record]
Two Momentive employees were airlifted to a hospital in Westchester County early yesterday morning after a flash fire at the plant in Waterford. The company says it's investigating the cause of the fire. Said a union rep: "We've been filing complaint after complaint about safety. Unfortunately, this was coming. I hope our issues will now be addressed. Everything can be prevented." And Waterford's supervisor accused the company of not communicating well enough about what was going on. [TU] [Fox23] [Troy Record] [YNN]
State leaders say there's a tax cap deal, Miller returning to work with APD, GloFo challenging property tax assessment, would you buy a car from Al Jurczynski?
The Three Men in the Room announced that there's a tentative deal on a property tax cap. The two percent cap includes exceptions for some pension costs and capital projects. What seems to have prompted Sheldon Silver to move forward on the cap in the Assembly was a deal to link the cap with an extension of rent control regulations. Dean Skelos said a sunset provision for the cap is still not worked out. Said Andrew Cuomo of the cap: "I think when you put the budget together with a property tax cap in this state, it's going to be a game-changer and it's going to change the trajectory of this state." Interest group reaction roundup. [NYT] [TU] [Daily Politics] [Daily Politics] [State of Politics] [State of Politics] [Daily Politics]
Mosely trial: Michael Mosley's attorney cross-examined the prosecution's blood stain expert witness for almost 4.5 hours in an attempt to poke holes in the expert's polished, TV-like presentation. The final prosecution was Mosley's former boss, who testified that Mosley took six days off from work sick following the date of the murders. He said Mosley returned to work with cuts and bruises on his hands -- and a doctor's note. [Troy Record] [TU] [TU] [Fox23]
The Albany Police Department announced that suspended spokesman James Miller will be back on the job this Friday. Miller will lose his designation as a detective. And though he's returning as spokesman, his duties will including training a replacement. He told WGY that he plans to retire from the department at the end of February 2012. Miller pleaded guilty to DWAI and internal administrative charges. [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23] [WGY] [CBS6]
Fulton County: a state trooper accused of fatally hitting a pedestrian with his car in Broadalbin and then leaving the scene of the accident has turned himself in. He's been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, and has been suspended. Fulton County law enforcement officials say an autopsy concluded the man had been run over by a vehicle -- and his blood and tissue were on the undercarriage of the trooper's personal pickup. [Fox23] [TU] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
Expert witness: murders were "sloppy" attack by one person, "bath salts" banned in the state, kegs and eggs legal cleanup, buidling collapse in Troy
A blood-stain evidence expert brought in from North Carolina for the Michael Mosley trial testified yesterday that the evidence pointed to an "unplanned," "sloppy" attack out of anger by a single person. (This expert had reportedly formed this theory back when prosecutors originally planned to charge two other people with the crime.) She also laid out a possible sequence of events before and after the killings. And she cast doubt on the Mosley team's assertion that the defendant's DNA was left at the scene from a previously bandaged hand. [Troy Record] [WNYT] [Fox23] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo posted a video message supporting same-sex marriage. "When it comes to fighting for what's right, New Yorkers wrote the book, and marriage equality is the next chapter of our civil rights story," said Cuomo. There's anti-same-sex marriage rally planned for outside the Capitol today. [Cuomo admin] [CBS6]
The state Senate voted to legalize mixed-martial arts bouts. MMA's toughest legislative fight will be in the Assembly, where's its push for legalization has failed before. [YNN] [Daily Politics]
Education reform cross fire: state officials and school district officials argued at a state Senate hearing yesterday that it's too hard to fire bad teachers -- while NYSUT, the big teachers' union, argued the new teacher evaluation system places too much emphasis on test scores. [AP/Troy Record] [TU]
The Nigro Companies has apparently been picked to redevelop the former Troy city hall site. [TU]
Soares won't prosecute Paterson as part of Yankee ticket scandal, restaurants say ethics rules are hurting business, IBM donates supercomputer to Union College
Albany County DA David Soares won't charge David Paterson with perjury as part of the Yankees World Series ticket situation. Even though a previous ethics investigation found it "reasonably likely" that Paterson had lied, Soares said in a letter that there wasn't enough evidence to pursue a criminal case. [NYT] [NYDN]
A Times Union FOIA request for FBI documents related to the late-1980s investigation of former Albany mayor Thomas Whalen turned up a few bits. [TU]
The Albany and Schenectady school districts include about the same number of students -- but Albany spends $53 million more per year. [TU]
Albany police say a man was shot in the leg early Sunday morning in downtown Albany (map). The APD says the victim is not cooperating and they currently don't have a suspect. [Fox23] [CBS6]
Recordings submitted as part of a pretrial hearing include alleged Albany gang members talking about how they "take out" people accused of snitching. [TU]
The "most potent" obstacle to same-sex marriage in New York State, bar employees chase alleged tip jar thief, boom chicka-wah-wah added to soundtrack of Troy city hall space hunt
Conservative Party chairman Mike Long is "the single most potent -- and immovable -- obstacle to the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York," according to NYT's Nick Confessore. Andrew Cuomo is reportedly working behind the scenes to provide political cover to state Senators looking to defy Long. Meanwhile, Republican state Senator Marty Golden introduced a bill that would stop the state from recognizing same-sex marriages from other states (the bill has basically no chance of making it through the legislature). [NYT] [YNN] [State of Politics] [Daily Politics]
It looks like the Albany library board will probably a new budget back to voters this summer -- perhaps with the tax increase reduced from 25 percent to 18 percent. Said one board member of the originally proposed 25 percent increase prompted by the demands of the library's new branches: "Did we miscalculate? I don't think so. Did anyone ever build a house and then realize I need a new couch it doesn't fit. We thought it was going to fit." [WNYT] [TU] [Fox23]
After repeatedly denying having a role in the murders of Arica Lynn Schneider and Samuel Holley, Michael Mosley told police on tape: "If I go to trial, it's going to be very simple to explain." Mosley's attorney has said his client is expected to testify in his own defense. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
Employees and patrons of the Bombers on Lark Street chased a guy through the surrounding neighborhood who had allegedly stolen the bar's tip jar. They caught him as he tried to jump a fence. Police say there had been about $140 in the jar. [TU] [YNN] [Fox23] [WNYT]
Possible movement on property tax cap, SUNY police officer busted for alleged pot grow house, Kaczynski says Unabomber auction is "profoundly troubling"
There appears to some movement on a property tax cap in the legislature, with Dean Skelos saying he would look at proposed adjustments to the cap. The Assembly has not taken up the bill -- and Sheldon Silver says "there are a few minor details that have to be changed" for the cap to move forward. [TU] [State of Politics]
Silver and Skelos traded shots on the revived millionaire's tax. Silver: "The moral imperative is that Senator Skelos stand up for 99 percent of the taxpayers, not the 1 percent he's protecting who are millionaires and multi-millionaires about to get yet another tax windfall in six months." Skelos: "It's over with. There's not going to be a millionaire's tax." [State of Politics] [YNN]
Andrew Cuomo yesterday on the push for same-sex marriage: "I'm doing everything I can." [Daily Politics]
A lawyer for John O'Connor, the SUNY official who recently took a leave of absence after accusations that he gave Joe Bruno's daughter a no-show job, says the commission that investigated O'Connor has swipe card records for Bruno's daughter and 30,000 emails from her that show she was working. [AP/Troy Record]
The few local school districts whose budgets did not pass are working through their options (put a new budget up for vote, go with a contingency budget). The Rensselaer school district budget, which failed by 7 votes, will be modified and put back up for a vote. Averill Park's school board hasn't decided which direction to take, yet. [Troy Record] [TU]
The Albany library board is hoping a re-canvassing of voting machines will result in a passed budget -- and if not, it's not sure yet what direction it will take. [TU]
A SUNY police officer assigned to the UAlbany campus was busted this week after state police allegedly found about 100 pot plants growing in a heated barn on her Duanesburg property. [TU]
Most school budgets pass -- Albany library budget maybe not, financial backers push Republicans on same-sex marriage, Joe Bruno sighting, measles case at RPI
Almost all of the local school budgets passed (as did 93 percent statewide). Those that didn't: Berne-Knox-Westerlo, Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk, and Averill Park. The result in Rensselaer is unclear. [TU] [State of Politics] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [TU]
The Albany school district's budget passed by fewer than 200 votes. Records obtained by the Times Union via FOIL revealed that the anonymous direct mail campaign against the budget was sponsored by a group with ties to the city's charter schools. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
As of Wednesday morning, it appears the Albany library budget -- which included a 25 percent tax increase -- had failed to pass by 28 votes. [TU]
Potential new source of school revenue: ads on school buses. [YNN]
Mike Bloomberg was at the state Capitol yesterday lobbying Republican senators to support the legalization of same-sex marriage. Bloomberg has been big financial backer of state Republicans -- and donors are starting to line up to support Republicans who are in favor of marriage equality. [NYT] [TU]
Sheldon Silver has re-introduced the "Millionaire's Tax" -- this time as an actual millionaire's tax. [NYT] [State of Politics]
New state pension tier would reportedly raise retirement age, new teacher evals place greater emphasis on test scores, body found in Mohawk, Guilderland post office could close
Voting on school budgets is today. Don't know where to vote? Check your school district's website.
Word is leaking out that Andrew Cuomo will propose a new pension tier for new state employees that would include a defined contribution option (like a 401(k)) and attempt to end pension padding. It would also raise the retirement age to 65. The two big public employee unions are irked. [TU] [YNN] [State of Politics]
The state Board of Regents has approved a new teacher evaluation system which includes a greater emphasis on the use of standardized test scores. Andrew Cuomo had been pushing for the greater use of test scores. NYSUT -- the big teachers' union -- is reportedly "furious" about the testing provision. [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [NYT]
The new state education commissioner is John B. King Jr, who's been serving as a deputy commissioner. Before joining NYSED, he had been involved with the creation of charter schools. He's also a graduate of Harvard, Yale, and Columbia. [TU] [NYT] [Troy Record]
John O'Connor, the SUNY vice chancellor who also heads up the SUNY Research Foundation, is taking a leave of absence following the allegation that he gave Joe Bruno's daughter, Susan, a no-show job at the foundation. Top SUNY officials say they're cooperating with an investigation into the matter. O'Connor said in a statement that he's "extraordinarily distressed" that his integrity is being questioned and said he's filed a complaint with the state Inspector General over the Public Integrity Commission's handling of the situation. [TU] [Daily Politics] [State of Politics]
A movie starring Ryan Gosling -- and Bradley Cooper, perhaps -- will reportedly be shooting in Schenectady this summer. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Commission: Bruno's daughter had no-show job, Schenectady's roads in bad shape, use of "Schenectadoid" apparently on the decline
The state Commission on Public Integrity alleges that John O'Connor, the head of the SUNY Research Foundation, set up a no-show job for Joe Bruno's daughter, Susan -- she left the job in 2009, a few months after a Times Union story about the situation. O'Connor's attorney released a statement saying the commission has "eviscerated its reputation by leaking information to the press and failing to safeguard the rights of those under its jurisdiction." [Daily Politics] [TU] [State of Politics]
Andrew Cuomo continues his public campaign to poke the legislature into doing what he wants. Said Sheldon Silver of Cuomo's campaign: "Members [of the legislature] would like to get things done rather than listen to speeches." [TU] [NYDN]
Cuomo says the state should make more use of test scores to evaluate teacher performance -- the chair of the state board of regents says she agrees. The teachers unions aren't happy about that. [Cuomo admin] [NYS Board of Regents] [TU]
Recently released Albany police department documents about the chase that preceded a fatal crash in 2007 indicate officers may have continued to chase the suspect after being told stop the chase. [TU]
Cuomo rails against "bloated" school district management, man dies in wreck right after buying motorcycle, woman accused of embezzling $100k from employer, sex ed -- opt-in or opt-out?
Andrew Cuomo continued his criticism of school districts for "bloated management." [TU]
Dan McCoy, chair of the Albany County legislature, formally announced he's running for county exec. Most of the county Democratic establishment has lined up behind him to replace Mike Breslin. [Troy Record] [TU]
Testimony at the Michael Mosley trial focused on the alleged state of Samuel Holley's drug business at the time of the murder (not good because of an alleged falling out with some bikers), and DNA evidence. [TU] [Troy Record]
Colonie police say a man who had just bought a new motorcycle died in a crash on Central Ave right after the driving the bike off the lot. [Fox23] [YNN]
Bethlehem police say a Delmar couple was arrested for allegedly having a greenhouse with 92 pot plants (map). Cue the shocked neighbor soundbite: "I had no idea. I'm surprised. This is a pretty quiet street, there's a lot of kids. I had no idea, I'm very surprised." [CBS6] [Fox23]
The Albany County sheriff's office says a New Scotland woman embezzled $100,000 from the carpentry company for which she worked. (The best line about this story, from CBS6's Chris White: "She was supposed to be keeping the books, but investigators said she was cooking them, too.") [Fox23] [CBS6]
Cuomo and legislature poking each other over ethics, "wealthy welfare mom" pleads guilty, reports of big season for ticks, ice cream prices rising
Andrew Cuomo says there's "no war against lawmakers," but his public campaign to push the legislature toward his agenda is getting more pointed. Said Cuomo in a video message released yesterday: "the legislature doesn't want to pass real ethics reform." Dean Skelos responded by suggesting that ethics laws for the executive branch could also use some attention -- and said Cuomo's tactics are starting to appear Sptizer-like. [WNYT] [Cuomo admin] [State of Politics] [AP/Troy Record]
Cuomo says he doesn't want a same-sex marriage to come up in the state Senate unless it's sure to pass. Opponent seem to think passage is becoming more likely -- they're ramping up efforts against legalization. [NYT] [TU]
On negotiations for a new contract with the state's biggest public employee unions, Cuomo said things are close, but: "It really is very easy to get close. It's the last few inches that are the problem." [Fox23]
Clement Campana, president of the Troy city council and a Democrat, formally announced he's in the pool for mayor of Troy. Among his pledges: that city hall will move to the Dauchy Building. Camapana made the announcement in front of the partly-demolished former city, of which he said: "I didn't want the demolition of this building. There was no council approval and [Harry Tutunjian] went ahead and did it anyway."" [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN]
Cuomo campaigns for property tax cap, Schenectady County legislature adopts weighted voting, mountain bikes banned from "wild" part of park, Wilma's back home
Said Andrew Cuomo yesterday in Syracuse on the first stop in campaign for his remaining legislative goals (tax cap, ethics reform, same-sex marriage): "Tell your legislators it's very simple: pass the bills or don't come home." Cuomo said the property tax cap is "job one." This being New York politics, though, nothing is straightforward. [NYT] [AP/Troy Record] [TU]
There's now a bill in the Assembly for marriage equality -- but it's not, as expected, a bill from the Cuomo admin. The Cuomo admin's top economic development official yesterday framed legalizing same-sex marriage as an economic competitiveness issue. And a national org pledged $1.5 to fight same-sex marriage in the state. [State of Politics] [TU] [Daily Politics]
Polling data points to Andrew Cuomo being one of the most popular governors in the country. [NYT]
The contract Andrew Cuomo said he hoped would serve as a model for other contracts with state employee unions has been rejected. The state's two big public employee unions had lobbied members of Council 82 to reject the deal. [TU] [State of Politics]
The prosecution in the trial of Michael Mosley, accused of killing Arica Lynn Schneider and Samuel Holley in Troy in 2002, showed a gruesome video of the crime scene yesterday in court. And a friend of Holley's testified that Mosley had run drugs for Holley. Another bit from the friend's testimony: he said he and Holley would "flip" money for people -- basically investing it in drugs -- including $10,000 from a college professor. [Troy Record] [YNN] [TU]
The man who pleaded guilty to attacking a Skidmore student last spring in downtown Saratoga Springs has been sentenced to 18 months in prison and is scheduled to be deported afterward. The woman bit the man in her effort to escape -- she said in a statement read at the sentencing: "You chose to mess with the wrong person." [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star]
Attorney says Mosley arrived at crime scene after victims were killed, county redistricting prompts allegations of hoodwinking and bamboozling, man pleads guilty to crushing puppy with couch
The attorney for Michael Mosley, the Averill Park man on trial for the 2002 murders of Arica Lynn Schneider and Samuel Holley in Troy, argued yesterday that Mosley didn't kill them -- but rather found them dead upon arriving at their apartment, briefly touched the phone (prosecutors say Mosley's DNA was found at the scene), and then exited the apartment. The prosecutor described a grisly scene in the apartment -- "like a horror movie," in the words of a police officer. [TU] [CBS6] [Troy Record]
Albany school district officials are irked about the "Albany School Taxes Are Too Damn High" mailer that was recently sent out to homes in the district. The district says the mailer's claim of a 20 percent tax increase over the last two years is incorrect. The mailer was sent via a company that's worked with the org that backs the Brighter Choice charter schools -- but both Brighter Choice and the org denied involvement. [WTEN] [WNYT] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo's "People First" campaign starts today in Syracuse -- Cuomo will be campaigning around the state in support of ethics reform, a property tax cap, and same-sex marriage. [Cuomo admin]
A federal appeals court has ruled that the state can collect taxes on cigarettes sold on Native American reservations. The Seneca Nation president vowed to continue fighting the tax collection, and the issue may end up at the Supreme Court of the United States. The new state budget included $130 million in expected revenue from taxing cigarettes sold on nation land. [TU] [Buffalo News] [YNN]
Schumer proposes "no ride" list for trains, too many chiefs in Colonie?, Pastor Charlie's church expanding, the new Tulip Queen
Chuck Schumer is proposing a "no ride" list for train travel in the country (you know, like the "no fly" list for air travel). Evidence from Osama Bin Laden's compound had pointed toward Al Qaeda thinking about targeting US trains. Schumer says Amtrak carried 28.7 million passengers in 2010. [NYDN] [LAT] [NY Post]
There's a rally for same-sex marriage today at the state Capitol, with lieutenant governor Bob Duffy, Miss New York Claire Buffie and a bunch of other officials scheduled to appear. [State of Politics]
The Town of Colonie has 12 fire districts; more fire department vehicles than Albany, Schenectady and Troy combined; and it's all-volunteer districts spend more than Schenectady's professional fire department. [TU]
After sensor reported a sudden drop in pressure on the dam that holds back the Great Sacandaga Reservoir, officials say a faulty reading may to be blame -- not impending disaster. The reading had prompted a reverse-911 call to nearby residents warning of a "potentially hazardous situation." [Post-Star] [YNN]
GloFo looking for more tax breaks for possible expansion, another medical campus planned for southern Saratoga County, precocious kid longs for fast food job
GlobalFoundries says it may eventually add a $2 billion expansion onto the fab in Malta -- and ask for another $300 million in tax breaks as part of it. [TU] [Post-Star]
Bill Clinton is giving his support to efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in the state -- and Chelsea Clinton is reportedly going to be an involved with a phone bank on the effort. As supporters ramp up to make another push on the issue, opponents of same-sex marriage are reportedly getting "fired up." [HRC] [Daily Politics] [NYT]
More than $213 million was spent on lobbying in the state last year, according to data from the Commission on Public Integrity. That's up almost 8 percent from the year before. Wilson Elser reported the highest take at $10.6 million. There was a big jump in spending on advertising, thanks in large part to the American Beverage Association spending $12.4 million to fight the proposed soda tax. [NYS CIP] [Daily Politics]
The documents and emails related to the Steven Raucci case that the Schenectady school district announced it will release will only be made available to the Times Union and Daily Gazette. [Daily Gazette]
The two men accused of killing a man across the street from the Executive Mansion in 2009 were given plea deals that include just a a few years in prison because of "severe evidentiary problems." [TU]
Worries about PCBs in flood sediment, bill would ban indoor tanning by minors, brake for beavers, from homeless shelter to college
As flood waters recede along the upper Hudson, there's a new worry: the sediment deposited by the water could have PCBs in it. GE says it's collecting samples from multiple locations to test for contamination. The US Geological Survey says many gauges in the Adirondacks and upper Hudson recorded record-high levels recently. And flooding shut down Amtrak service between Albany and Montreal. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [AP/YNN]
Andrew Cuomo is planning to tour the state to campaign for a tax cap. [YNN]
A state Assembly bill would ban indoor tanning by minors. If passed, New York State would be the first state to do so. [AP/WTEN] [Fox23]
A conservation easement being drawn up by the state Department of Environmental Conservation could effectively close off future expansion of the Albany landfill. [TU]
Questionable decision of the week: Rensselaer police say a man ran from police and jumped in the Hudson yesterday because he thought there was a warrant out for his arrest -- but there wasn't. [TU] [Troy Record]
APD fires officer arrested for DWI, bill would ban neck ties on doctors, Clifton Park teen named a Presidential Scholar
The Albany Police Department announced yesterday that it's fired Brian Lutz, the officer who was arrested for alleged DWI in Menands last December. The APD say Lutz was fired because his driver's license was revoked following the arrest because he refused an alcohol test -- and you need valid driver's license to be an officer. But what about spokesman James Miller, who also refused the test? Chief Steve Krokoff says because Miller pleaded guilty to DWAI (a violation) he was able to apply for a conditional driver's license. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo says a new plan for the Capitol restoration project will cut two years from the timeline and save $2.3 million. (The project started in 2000 and was projected to finish in 2014 at a cost of $48.7 million.) Said the governor of the long timeline: "It shouldn't take 15 years. When a project takes that long, I think it's problematic from a project management point of view." Cuomo called the changes to the project a metaphor for the "new attitude we want to bring to state government.". [Cuomo admin] [TU] [State of Politics]
The state Senate has passed a bill that would make texting-while-driving a primary offense -- meaning drivers could be pulled over just for that. The offense would also add two points to a license. [Daily Politics] [YNN]
Keith Dare, the convicted rapist accused of attacking a woman in her apartment on Dove Street in Albany last November, has pleaded guilty. He faces 25-years to life in prison. [TU] [YNN]
Reaction continues to Bin Laden's death, Albany teachers agree to pay freeze, Dague says he doesn't think he made a difference
Of Osama Bin Laden's death, said Kay Canty of Schenectady -- whose son died when the World Trade Center collapsed: "We are very happy for America and the world that bin Laden is now gone. But it does not bring closure. Nothing will bring Mike back." Said the father of Lake George native Benjamin Osborn, who died serving in Afghanistan last year: "He's (Bin Laden) brought a tremendous amount of misery to a lot of individuals as well as our country as a whole. He was not a good man. He deserved this." [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star]
The Cuomo admin said yesterday that it's been working to make sure all arms of the state government "are properly coordinating with each other" and federal and local agencies to evaluate security needs following the death of Bin Laden. Andrew Cuomo said officials currently don't have any evidence of a specific credible threat at the moment. (Also Cuomo said he first heard about Bin Laden's death last night the Executive Mansion from... "a member of the media.") [Cuomo admin LiveStream]
Andrew Cuomo and SUNY chancellor Nancy Zimpher unveiled the "NYSUNY 2020 Challenge Grant Program," which will make $35 million in capital funding available to SUNY's four research centers -- Albany, Buffalo, Binghamton, and Stony Brook -- if the schools meet a list of criteria. Cuomo also said he supports allowing the four flagship campuses to charge higher tuition than the other schools in system (SUNY's undergrad tuition is currently about $5k a year). The NYSUNY 2020 plan follows concerns that UAlbany was being relegated to a "second tier" because it was left out of a summit at Buffalo. [Cuomo admin] [NYT] [AP/Saratogian] [TU]
Albany police say two teens have been arrested for the stabbing death of 17-year-old Tyler Rhodes near Hoffman Park Saturday night. Police allege one of the teens held Rhodes in place while the other stabbed him in the chest. [CBS6] [TU]
New York leaders hail death of Bin Laden, police dog sinks teeth into suspect who allegedly fired at her, alleged kidnap scheme was over $100
Farther afield: The United States has killed Osama Bin Laden. [White House]
Andrew Cuomo on Bin Laden's death: "New Yorkers endured Bin Laden's most devastating and destructive attack, and his death brings back the horrific images and emotions of that terrible day. However, his death also reminds us of our strength, courage, and unity as a people in our response to his actions." Chuck Schumer: "This is a thunderous strike for justice for the thousands of my fellow New Yorkers -- and citizens from all over the world -- who were murdered on 9/11." Chris Gibson: ""I appreciate the detailed planning, hard work and discipline that goes in to executing a mission such as this and I commend our service men and women and our counter-terrorist specialists on this monumental achievement." [State of Politics] [State of Politics] [email press release]
Albany police say a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed Saturday night near Hoffman Park (map). The APD says the teen was stabbed during a fight with an unknown attacker. [TU] [Fox23]
Albany police another 17-year-old was stabbed about two hours later Saturday night across town in West Hill (map). His injuries are reportedly not life threatening. The APD says it's unknown if there's a connection between the two stabbings. [TU] [Fox23] [CBS6]
Troy police say two men were arrested after a chase during which one of the men allegedly fired shots at a police dog and, possibly an officer, Friday evening (map). The suspect who allegedly fired the shots was taken into custody without pants because police say Elza -- the police dog -- bit him and shredded the pants. [TU] [Fox23]
Flooding on the Hudson, longtime Albany city official retiring, punches thrown during road rage blowup, the fountain will be turned on
Rain and snow melt have caused flooding in Warren County and along the upper Hudson. Flood water has covered many roads and fields from Schuylerville to Stillwater. Residents say the water hasn't been this high for at least a decade. The river is expected to keep rising through tonight. So far, the Mohawk is still below flood stage. [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [Fox23] [WNYT] [Daily Gazette]
The head of Saratoga Springs' water plant says the system handled the extraordinarily high turbidity caused by the collapse of a nearby pond into the city's drinking water supply "like a champ." [Saratogian]
A group of prominent business leaders in the state is releasing a letter urging the legislature to support same-sex marriage -- because it will help companies attract and retain talent. Meanwhile, the state public policy arm of the Catholic church is raising doubt that the votes to pass same-sex marriage still exist in the Assembly. [NYT] [TU]
The nation's 15 highest taxed counties are in New York State, according to an analysis by a tax policy org. [TU]
The Federal Trade Commission has approved the merger of St. Peter's, Northeast Health and Seton Health. [TU]
Cuomo says "time is getting short" on negotiations with state employee unions, concerns about UAlbany slipping to second-tier status, Chipotle for Niskayuna
The thunderstorms that rumbled through the area this morning.
Today's forecast: showers and thunderstorms, cloudy, highs around 75. [NWS]
Andrew Cuomo on negotiations with state employee unions, and possible layoffs: "We're in the middle of those conversations now, and we don't have any conclusion at this time. But time is getting short ... and the decision will be coming shortly." [TU]
Cuomo on the proposed two percent property tax cap: "The answer can't always be: more money, more money, more money. And if you say 'here's more money,' do you know what a school district is going to say? Do you know what a government is going to say? Do you know what a person is going to say? 'Give me more money!'" Critics say a cap won't work if it's not also coupled with mandate reform that would stem rising costs for local governments. [Fox23] [YNN]
NYT's Thomas Kaplan on yesterday's Cuomo admin cabinet meeting: "In a bizarre spectacle even by Albany standards, the governor's cabinet members emerged one at a time from Mr. Cuomo's ceremonial office into a scrum of television cameras. Each time, they refused to discuss the meeting. And then, as if reading from the same Hallmark greeting card, they praised Mr. Cuomo." Brian Stratton's post-meeting explanation: "Everybody's happy." [NYT] [NYDN]
The state Department of Taxation and Finance has issued guidelines in an attempt to clear up the ever-confusing issue of whether a bagel (or other food) should be taxed. [TU]
Capital Region officials are irked that UAlbany wasn't invited to a higher education summit being organized by the Cuomo admin in May. The conference will focus on a plan that could give the University at Buffalo more freedom to set tuition and develop public-private collaborations -- and the worry is that if UAlbany is left out of such a deal, it could slip to second-tier status in the state. [TU] [YNN] [WNYT]
McCarthy officially into the pool for Schenectady mayor, mixed-use proposal for former Troy city hall site, alleged communication with inmate was "classified"
Schenectady city council president -- and acting mayor -- Gary McCarthy has officially declared he's running for mayor of Schenectady. McCarthy says neighborhood revitalization would be one of the priorities of his administration. Also: "I'm not an academic. I find solutions to problems" (a shot at Roger Hull, the former Union College president who's also running). [Fox23] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
GlobalFoundries employees will start moving into the Malta complex in May. Full volume production is expected to start in 2013. [Post-Star] [YNN]
An influx of out-of-staters moving to the area because of the chip fab and nanotech is pushing up the rental market in the Saratoga area. [Saratogian]
Different takes on local results from an air quality report: "Strict rules lift air quality" | "Region's air quality not up to snuff" [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The FBI is reportedly investigating the allegations of voter fraud in Troy. [TU]
Sister says convict doesn't want heart transplant, Hull says McCarthy shouldn't be council prez and acting mayor, recipe for Lake George: smothered clams
Today's forecasted high: around 75. [NWS]
The sister of Kenneth Pike -- the convicted rapist who's serving time at the state prison in Coxsackie and is being considered for a heart transplant -- says the man does not want a transplant. [Fox23]
The new contract the Cuomo admin has proposed to Council 82 -- which Andrew Cuomo says could be a model for the larger public employee unions -- is facing heavy criticism from within the union. [TU]
Albany police say they've arrested a downstate man for allegedly stabbing a man near the scene of the kegs and eggs riot the morning of March 12 (map). Police say the man stabbed the victim because he wouldn't allow him into a party. [WNYT] [TU]
The case involving the Albany man who allegedly tortured his wife and tried to ransom her to family appears to be even weirder than first described. [TU]
Guilderland police say vandals tagged the Christ the King Catholic church Easter night (map). The vandals Some of the messages refer to the holiday, and there are obscene markings on a statue of Jesus. [Fox23] [YNN]
Police say man was abducted because he owed money, former UAlbany president passes away, local redistricting moving slowly
Troy police say the man abducted from his South Troy home Saturday night allegedly owned money and was taken to an ATM so he could pay up (map). The TPD says the incident was not drug related and not random. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [CBS6]
Albany police say a man was shot in the leg early Sunday morning in Arbor Hill (map). The APD described it as a drive-by shooting. [Troy Record] [TU]
Albany police say they've arrested the man who allegedly robbed the Citizens Bank on Washington Ave on Friday (map). The APD says the man was picked up in the South End after an officer recognized him from surveillance video. [Troy Record] [TU] [WTEN]
Suspended Albany police spokesman James Miller is back on the payroll and the state DMV has granted him a conditional license (his future with the department is still unclear). [TU]
Former UAlbany president Vincent O'Leary has passed away. He was 86. [UAlbany]
Two guilty pleas from kegs and eggs, electric car pilot program in Albany, pizza king pleads guilty
Two of the men arrested for being involved with the kegs and eggs riot have pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges. Both face 60 days in the county jail. One man was a UAlbany student (now expelled), the other was here visiting friends. [CBS6] [Fox23] [TU]
New York State has the highest level of income inequality in the country, according to Census Bureau data. [TU]
An 11-year-old from Schenectady was shot in the face Wednesday while visiting family members in Rochester. A family members says she's doing well and has been released from the hospital. [WHAM] [Rochester Democrat and Chronicle] [Fox23]
The Albany Common Council approved a temporary exemption of the city golf course, and the Washington Park and Buckingham lakes, from an (ignored) ban on certain pesticides. [TU]
The City of Albany will be involved with a pilot program for electric vehicle recharging stations. The project will eventually include 15 stations around the city. The $200k project is being supported by the state and city, as well as a local car dealership and engineering firm. [Fox23] [YNN] [TU]
IG: OGS worker went to bars while on the clock, Benson found guilty, worries about ability to respond to chemical spills related to chip fab
The state inspector general alleges that Gregory Ruth, a building construction manager for the state Office of General Services, "routinely" spent afternoons at bars, not on the job as he reported on time cards. Documents filed with the Ruth's arraignment allege his supervisor signed off on the time cards even though he knew the Ruth had been at bars. Ruth was allegedly spotted at taverns in Colonie while when he was supposed to be on the clock. He's been suspended. [NYS IG] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN]
Ayerious Benson, the Troy teen accused of fatally shooting Tunham Tate, was found guilty of second-degree murder. Jurors deliberated for more than 16 hours, reportedly stuck on whether emotional distress from an earlier confrontation with Tate had caused Benson to snap (as his attorney had argued). Benson could get 25 years to life. [Troy Record] [YNN] [WNYT]
Saratoga County honored Clarence Dart yesterday -- he's a 90-year-old WWII veteran and was part of the Tuskegee airmen. Dart flew 95 missions over Europe and was shot down twice. Said Jim Tedisco to Dart: "You stood up for the United States of America when in some instances it wouldn't stand up for you." Said Dart's wife of her husband's service in the war: "He's so quiet. We brag more about it than he does." [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star]
Albany County had the highest number of foreclosures in the state last month. [Daily Gazette]
The Capital Region housing market continues to be slow. [TU]
Police say kids left in car while parents were in bar, state backs off designating wiffle ball as dangerous, parents say students humiliated by school discipline
Colonie police allege that two parents left their toddlers in the car outside a bar so they could go inside and drink. Police say a man heard the kids crying in the car and called police. Upon arriving at the bar, police allege they found the parents drunk. The father told CBS6 that they were in the bar for 10 minutes. [TU] [YNN] [Fox23] [CBS6]
The Cuomo admin announced its picks for the Spending and Government Efficiency Commission (SAGE) that will work to "right-size" state government. The panel is being described as "very business-heavy." Many of the members were big donors to the Cuomo campaign. The admin says state government hasn't has a major reorganization since 1927. [Cuomo admin] [TU] [Gannett via State of Politics]
The state Department of Health says it's dropping the list of games -- including wiffle ball and kickball -- that were said to pose a "significant risk of injury" and would trigger additional regulation for community programs. [TU]
The DEC says it's removing the trap from the yard of the Greene County woman who was knocked by a bear last week -- because it hasn't caught a bear. [TU]
The campaign for legalizing same-sex marriage in New York is ramping up again. [NYT]
State to study possible effects of former weapons factory in Colonie, Cuomo made about $200k in 2010, says still-working 90-year-old: "just keep going"
The state health department will be study records of residents near the site of the former NL Industries weapons plant in Colonie, which is contaminated with depleted uranium (map). The plan reportedly released at least five tons of depleted uranium dust during its 24-year operation. [TU] [UAlbany 2007]
Andrew Cuomo had income of about $200,000 last year, according to the tax return his admin released. About 70 percent of that came from his salary as state attorney general -- the rest from interest and dividends. Lieutenant governor Bob Duffy reported about $123k from his job as mayor of Rochester and another $70k from his police pension (not including his wife's income). [NYT] [TU] [AP/WSJ]
Richard Ravitch, who served as lieutenant governor under David Paterson for no salary, was told by the state that he'd have to pay taxes on about $9,500 in fringe benefits he's said to have received while performing the job. [NYT]
Judges in New York State haven't gotten a raise since 1999 -- but they do get a $10k expense allowance, which they spend on items such as iPads and GPS units. [Gannett via State of Politics]
State Police: police car ran light in Albany crash, police say teen had sawed-off shotgun at mall, Pig Pit says Dino has been good for business
State Police released a statement about the state police car / taxi cab crash in uptown Albany this past February -- and it was the police car that actually ran a red light before the collision (map). The initial statement by the State Police following the crash indicated that the taxi cab was at fault. An attorney for the taxi driver says his client, who was ejected from the cab by the crash, suffered serious injuries. State Police released this new statement on the crash early Friday evening, after the troop spokesperson and commander had left the office for the weekend. [Fox23] [TU Feb 2011] [CBS6 Feb 2011] [WNYT] [TU]
The Albany County sheriff's office has bought expensive "take home" vehicles for investigators using seized money. [TU]
Guilderland police say they arrested a teen at Crossgates Mall Friday for allegedly carrying a loaded sawed-off shotgun in backpack. They say the picked up the teen because of a shoplifting accusation. They say the teen didn't threaten anyone. [Troy Record] [YNN] [Fox23]
The Saratoga County sheriff's office says the woman who reported being attacked by a man at the Vischer Ferry nature preserve made up the story. It says the woman has been charged with falsely reporting a crime. [Saratogian] [YNN]
Former state comptroller Alan Hevesi was sentenced to 1-4 years in prison Friday for the "pay to play" scandal involving the state pension fund.
Officials allege Albany markets part of multi-million dollar scheme, Savage stepping down, man jumps from bridge after chase, more residential development for downtown Albany
Officials say four Albany markets were involved in schemes in which they would give people cash for credits on food stamp debit cards -- for a total of more than $6 million fraudulent in transactions. It's alleged that two markets -- Frank and Giovanni's (La Marqueta) and Franze's Market -- both took in more than $2 million through the scheme. Albany County DA David Soares says officials were tipped off by transactions that were, on average, $100 higher than a typical transaction. [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [TU] [YNN]
Schenectady County legislature chairwoman Susan Savage has announced that she's leaving office to take a job with the Cuomo administration in the Department of Taxation and Finance. The salary in her new job: $106,000. The county legislature's vice chair, Judy Dagostino, will become the new chair. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN]
As the two major state employee unions prepare to negotiate with the Cuomo admin on new contracts, a Times Union story asks: Would older union members rather see younger ones laid off than take a freeze which they believe could hurt their retirement? Andrew Cuomo said the pay freeze included in the contract reached with a different union this week "recognizes the economic realities that we're in." CSEA and PEF are reportedly working behind the scenes to get the membership of that union to reject the contract. [TU] [State of Politics] [NY Post]
An audit returned to the Troy Housing Authority reports the agency had $3.8 million in operating losses in 2008 and 2009 because of a lack of budgeting. [Troy Record]
Former UN weapons inspector -- and Delmar resident -- Scott Ritter was convicted on six counts in Pennsylvania yesterday related to an online underage sex sting. [AP/Troy Record]
Cuomo admin pushing for concessions from state employee unions, DMV supevisor accused of helping son cheat on driver's test, details on proposed Saratoga brew pub, bear attack
The Cuomo administration touted concessions it got in a new contract with a union that reps some state law enforcement employees -- notably a salary freeze, no step increases, and increased employee contributions to health care premiums. Andrew Cuomo called it "a model the other unions negotiating with the state can follow." -- that could head off a potential 9,500 layoffs. PEF says it was offered a similar contract, but says it turned because it "would impose an unfair burden" on union members and "would not ensure PEF members would not be laid off anyway." [Cuomo admin] [TU] [PEF]
A Menands police station video obtained by the Times Union shows how two Albany police union reps counseled an APD officer during his arrest for DWI last December -- among their advice: don't take the alcohol test. [TU]
The state Inspector General's report alleges that a Rensselaer County DMV supervisor helped her son and a friend cheat on the written exam for a commercial driver's license. The woman has been charged with three felonies -- she pleaded not guilty yesterday. Said Rensselaer County clerk Frank Merola: "... Lori was a great employee. She just made one mistake." [NYS IG] [TU] [WNYT]
An Albany man (and substitute teacher) has pleaded guilty to giving indecent material to a minor. He was arrested last year after State Police say he tried to meet two 14-year-olds for sex. State Police say they had received complaints that had been contacting minors via Facebook. [TU] [CBS6] [Fox23]
Officials say Tulip Fest alcohol restrictions not a reaction to riot, three man tango over property tax cap, school boards cut to make budgets, fracking is gassy
Jerry Jennings says the new, stricter alcohol rules for the Tulip Festival are not a reaction to the kegs and eggs riot -- but rather an attempt to the make the event more "family-friendly." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Albany County exec Mike Breslin announced he's not running for re-election when his term is up at the end of this year. A spokeswoman says Breslin has no current plans to join the Cuomo administration (as has had been speculated) -- at least, not yet. Speculation now turns to possible candidates for the county exec job. [Breslin admin] [TU] [Troy Record]
The Three Men in a Room are engaging in the ever popular three man tango as they negotiate/talk past each other/whisper sweet nothings/feint on a property tax cap deal. Republicans are trying to cast Sheldon Silver as the one holding up the process -- but Silver says he's open to it, with some exceptions. Dean Skelos says the Senate has passed Andrew Cuomo's tax cap bill and has no interest in watering down the bill. Silver, in turn, says Skelos actually wants the Assembly to "to do a better bill that takes into consideration certain things that have to be taken into consideration." Where's all this heads (aside, perhaps, group therapy): a trade of rent control renewal for a tax cap. Maybe. [NYT] [YNN] [State of Politics] [State of Politics] [AP/Troy Record] [Buffalo News] [TU]
State legislators are making noises about restricting the sale of "alco-pops" -- sugary malt liquor beverages such as Four Loko. [YNN]
The 13-year-old witness who allegedly saw Ayerious Benson shoot Tunham Tate seven times broke down on the stand yesterday while recalling the series of events. Tate's fiancee testified that Benson told her, "I'm going to go get a gun and shoot him." [TU] [Troy Record]
Farther afield: Newburgh police say a woman drove her minivan into the Hudson River with three of her children inside -- all four died. [Poughkeepsie Journal]
Enviro groups rally against fracking, Mantello officially running for Troy mayor, from police chief to big house to pancake house
The anti-fracking rally at the Capitol -- here's a photoset.
About 500 people showed up at the Capitol yesterday for anti-fracking rally organized by environmental groups. The natural gas industry is pushing for the state to speed up its review process of the extraction technique. The state DEC commissioner has said a decision could come by the end of the summer. (Here's a photoset and post about the rally, which includes some good background, by Bennett.) [YNN] [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
Is passage of a property tax cap tied to passage of rent control renewal for NYC? Maybe. [YNN]
Republican Carmella Mantello is officially into the pool for the Troy mayor's race. Mantello is the former head of the state canal corp, and ran for mayor in 1999. She appears to have the backing of the Republican establishment. Five Democrats have expressed interest in running for the office. [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT] [YNN]
The attorney for Ayerious Benson, the Troy teen accused of fatally shooting Tunham Tate last year, told jurors yesterday that Benson did shoot Tate -- because he "snapped" after Tate allegedly threatened him. Benson's attorney says his client has an IQ of 66. [Troy Record] [TU]
A Saratoga County family court judge has ruled that the media will be allowed into the proceedings involving the 12-year-old accused of fatally shooting his friend in an accident. Among the restrictions: the boy's name can't be used in the coverage. A county attorney, as well as the attorney for the child's family, had opposed the motion to open the proceedings to the media. [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [TU]
The Schenectady County legislature is considering a plan that would weight legislators' votes based on how many people they represent. [Daily Gazette]
Three weekend shootings in Albany, Cuomo's political role model is Bill not Mario, local colleges report record-high application totals
Police say there were three shootings in Albany over the weekend. The APD says a man was shot while entering his West Hill home Saturday night -- they say he's not cooperating with the investigation (map). Early Sunday morning, the APD says a man and woman were assaulted/robbed on the street in the West End neighborhood (map) -- and the man shot in the head, though the wound was not life threatening. And then around 10:30 am Sunday morning, the APD says another man was shot in West Hill (map). All three shooting occurred within a half-mile radius. [WNYT] [Fox23] [TU] [TU] [Fox23] [Fox23]
State officials have confirmed that the body found on Peebles Island Friday was Nadia A. Trinkala, an artist and former business owner in Cohoes and Troy. Police say they don't suspect foul play. (Matt Baumgartner's memories of "Trink.") [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT] [Friday Puppy]
Albany police say two men were arrested early Saturday morning after they allegedly beat a man unconscious near the intersection of Quail and Madison (map). Both the arrested men are UAlbany students. [Troy Record] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo's apparent political role model: not his father, but rather Bill Clinton. [AP/Troy Record]
There's an anti-fracking rally at the state Capitol today. [EANY]
Focus at Capitol shifts to property tax cap, lawsuit alleges kids were subjected to unnecessary dental work, the allure of the Ken Griffey Jr rookie card, class ring turns up 50 years later
The next fight at the state capitol: the property tax cap. [YNN]
Andrew Cuomo: pragmatic centrist or progressive turncoat or aspiring presidential candidate (or all three)? [NYT]
The five local counties -- Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren and Washington -- that filed suit to avoid paying $4.5 million to a Hudson River flood control district will have to pay the levy, after a state supreme court justice tossed their suit. The flood control district had never levied the counties during its almost nine decades of existence until it lost the ability to charge hydroelectric dam operators. Albany and Saratoga counties are both on the hook for more than a million dollars. Rensselaer County exec Kathy Jimino says the counties will likely appeal. [TU] [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [Troy Record]
Proposed state legislation would require the use of biometric scanning devices in an attempt to cut down on Medicaid fraud. For example, a palm scan would be required for a prescription to be filled. [State of Politics] [TU]
A lawsuit filed this week in Schenectady County accuses the local office a national dental chain of subjecting kids "to an emotional and physical nightmare" by doing unnecessary dental work on them so the office could meet quotas. [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
At issue in Saratoga County family court: should the proceedings involving the Wilton 12-year-old who allegedly shot and killed his friend be open to the media (a group of local media outlets are arguing they should be open)? Family courts aren't like regular courts. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
Funding for solar energy center prompts talk of sunny future, bill would require answer about organ donation, onion as state vegetable?
UAlbany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering is getting a $57.5 million grant from the feds to set up a solar energy research consortium (this is the grant Chuck Schumer had been in town pushing for this week). UAlbany and the University of Central Florida are partnering with Sematech, the semi-conductor research org now based on Albany Nanotech, on a consortium for research into materials for generating solar energy. The consortium has already lined up $400 million in other funding. [Chuck Schumer] [TU] [Troy Record]
The Albany Police Department says officer Josiah Jones was suspended after an investigation determined he had allegedly acted inappropriately during a traffic stop (there was no further explanation). [TU]
The state DMV has suspended the driver's license of Albany police spokesman James Miller for one year because he refused a blood alcohol test during his arrest (Miller pleaded guilty to DWAI last week). Miller can apply for a license that would allow him to drive for work. The APD says Miller will be suspended without pay until mid-April, at which point he'll be able to start collecting salary again. [YNN] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Andrew Cuomo's newest stick for waving at the legislature: the threat that he'll institute ethics investigations if it doesn't make progress on ethics reform. [TU]
There's proposed state legislation that would require people renewing their driver's license to answer whether or not they'd like to be an organ donor. [TU]
A Bethlehem man was convicted of felony assault for throwing a plastic beer mug at a woman at Wolff's after the USA-Ghana World Cup game last year. The trial included a subplot in which the man's attorney -- Terry Kindlon -- wore his Purple Heart during closing arguments. [TU] [TU]
Push for federal solar energy and high-speed rail funding, girl in fight video: "people should just let it go," shooting in Troy, 0-60 in three seconds
A state task force has formulated a new plan to evaluate teacher performance in the state, in part based on students' scores on standardized tests. [TU]
Chuck Schumer is pushing for UAlbany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering to get $100 million from the feds for a new solar energy research consortium. Albany Nanotech emperor Alain Kaloyeros says there's another $400 million in private and state funding available if the federal money comes through. If successful, the project could bring thousands of jobs. [Chuck Schumer] [TU] [Fox23]
The Cuomo admin is pushing for $517 million in federal funding that would be put toward the state's high-speed rail efforts. Among the projects to be funded, if the money's granted: final construction of a fourth track at Albany-Rensselaer and "major upgrades" at Schenectady's station. The money would come from the $2.4 billion in high-speed rail funding that Florida returned. [Cuomo admin]
Saratoga County officials are considering legislation that would limit protests at military funerals in the county. County leaders have taken up the issue after the recent Supreme Court decision that such protests are protected speech. [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [NPR]
The girl who says she was the victim in the Shen fight video that surfaced recently, to Fox23: "I think people should just let it go. It should have been erased last year. The issue is done with, and it's old news and it had nothing to do with them, and I think just the fact that they're putting it out there on TV and all over the internet, it's just not right." The district says the assistant principal shown shoving a student in the video "acted appropriately." WNYT tracked him down -- he had no comment. [Fox23] [TU] [WNYT]
Rotterdam police say the 13-year-old who was tased at the Rollerama Friday night was warned "four or five times" before being zapped. [Daily Gazette]
Miller pleads guilty to DWAI, 13-year-old tased during fight, another Albany post office to close, construction starts again on Fuller Road
Albany police detective James Miller -- the department's spokesman -- pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired by alcohol Friday afternoon. DWAI is a violation -- Miller will have to pay fines, attend a victim's impact panel, and drinking and driving program. The APD says Miller is still on unpaid suspension and an investigation into the case is ongoing. [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Rotterdam police say they tased a 13-year-old during a fight at the Rollarama Friday night. A police department lieutenant says the boy was out of control: "They say he came out of the door swinging. He was just swinging punches at everybody. He was screaming off the top of his lungs." [Fox23] [WNYT]
"Insiders" say Andrew Cuomo's aides are pushing for the admin to next focus on getting a property tax cap in order to avoid backlash from "Cuomo hikes" -- increases in local taxes because of state budget cuts. But The next item on Cuomo's legislative agenda reportedly is ethics reform. By the way: Cuomo is apparently looking to former governor Al Smith for inspiration. [NY Post] [NYDN] [TU]
A Times Union story reports: "State email records suggest a top Health Department official used the agency's influence in her mother's bid to obtain a kidney transplant at Albany Medical Center Hospital." The Department of Health says it did not happen -- and AMC says it manages its transplant list "according to the highest ethical and medical standards." [TU]
Brian Stratton's last day as mayor of Schenectady was yesterday. City council president Gary McCarthy now takes over as interim mayor (officially a part-time job). The first item on the city council's agenda for tonight: selling the city-owned SUV that Stratton drove. [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [TU]
Snowy apocalypse fizzles, Cuomo takes victory lap, Albany planning board sued over church, peace sign billboard mystery revealed
Mother Nature was just joking about the Icy, Snowy Apocalypse. The forecast for the rest of today calls for... rain. [NWS]
Following passage of the on-time state budget, Andrew Cuomo took a video victory lap. The thing about making budget cuts, though -- there's less money to go around. [State of Politics] [NYT]
Good government groups are irked about the way public access to the Assembly and Senate chambers was closed off during the budget protests this week. One group is considering filing suit over the matter. [Daily Gazette] [State of Politics]
The man accused of hitting a Senate staffer with a cymbal during the protest has been told to never re-enter the Capitol. [Fox23] [YNN]
The final version of the state budget includes about $2 million in VLT aid for Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County. [Post-Star]
The former New York State prisons official accused of skipping work on Fridays for 17 years taken a plea deal that will that includes six months in jail. The official headed up the system's food program -- so, uh, bon appetit. [TU] [Daily Politics]
Cobleskill police say they haven't identified a specific cause of death for Elizabeth Corneilus, a SUNY Cobleskill student and 2009 Saratoga Springs High School grad -- but they don't believe foul play was involved. [TU] [Saratogian]
State budget passes on time, Bethlehem latest district to close a school, a couple all the way to the end
With protesters outside the chambers, the state legislature passed the budget late last night/early this morning. And, for what's it worth, it's on time (the deadline was the end of today) -- the first such budget in five years. The $132.5 billion budget represents a spending cut of about two percent from last year. In a released statement, Andrew Cuomo called the budget "historic and transformational." Sheldon Silver called the final budget "sobering" in a statement. Said Dean Skelos: "People did not want to have taxes raised and we did what we had to do." [AOA] [NYT] [NY Post] [AP/Troy Record] [Cuomo admin] [Daily Politics] [Daily Politics]
The budget cuts about $700 million from aid to school districts. The cuts for each school district are now out. Capital Region school districts will see cuts ranging from about one percent (Albany) to about 10 percent (Niskayuna). Said Silver of the cuts to district aid: "It's raining in New York. It's been raining now for two years. Whatever you have put aside now is the time to use it." Said Roy McDonald: "Everybody's taking a hit. We don't have the money." [Fox23] [State of Politics] [TU] [YNN] [Fox23]
State employees will get step increases this year -- there was apparently some though the Cuomo admin might try to hold them back as part of negotiations with the unions for a new contract. [TU]
A SUNY Cobleskill student was found dead in her apartment Tuesday evening. Said the Cobleskill police chief: "Obviously a young lady found to be deceased causes us to be suspicious." The woman is a 2009 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. [Fox23] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
State legislature working through budget bills as "camp-in" planned, two more alleged keggheads arrested, Bob Barker donates to HVCC
The state legislature is working through the budget bills ahead of the Friday deadline (Will it be early? Stay tuned for the exciting conclusion.) Advocacy groups opposing budget cuts have planned a large "camp-in" tonight at the Capitol -- apparently there will be pizza and s'mores. [YNN] [TU]
State cuts in education funding may just bump large tax increases down to the local level -- especially with a possible property tax cap in the future. [TU]
There is no funding allocated in the state budget for SNUG, the anti-gun violence program that's been operating in Albany and other cities. [TU]
Officials say the danger from the overturned propane tanker on Route 7 in Rensselaer County has largely passed -- and the road should re-open in the next day or so. [YNN] [Troy Record]
The state lottery says the winning Mega Millions ticket sold in downtown Albany has been turned in -- and it hopes to reveal the winners soon. [TU]
Census data indicate the Capital Region has become more diverse over the last decade. [TU]
Concern about possible explosion in tanker crash, state budget details being worked out, Albany considers smaller common council, could an Exit 3 be on the way?
A portion of Route 7 in Rensselaer County is still closed because a propane tanker trunk rolled over and caught fire yesterday near Hoosick Falls (photos) (map). Officials are concerned about possible explosions, including "an extreme fireball," and have evacuated the surrounding area in a one-mile radius. They say it could be two days before the stretch of road is open again. [Troy Record] [CBS6] [Fox23] [YNN] [TU]
State legislators are still finalizing details on the budget deal announced Sunday. Among those anxiously awaiting the details: school districts, which still don't know how the deal will affect their funding levels (aside from being lower). Education groups say they will keep pushing for an extension of the income tax surcharge in an attempt to restore some funding. [YNN] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Apparent conventional wisdom on this budget process: Andrew Cuomo played the game expertly, and Sheldon Silver's power is diminished. For now. [NYT]
The winners of the $319 million lottery ticket sold in downtown Albany have not yet claimed the prize -- but the seven state employees who apparently have the ticket reportedly did not show up for work yesterday. [Fox23]
There's a state budget deal, $319 million lottery ticket sold in Albany, focus on code enforcement following riot
The Three Men in a Room have announced there's a state budget deal. The plan closes the $10 billion gap and includes no new taxes. It also cuts spending about two percent compared to the year before -- the first such rollback since the mid-90s. If the legislature approves the budget this week, it would be the first early budget since 1983. [NYT] [TU] [WSJ] [NYDN]
The budget ended up not including some contentious provisions: the income tax surcharge extension ("millionaire's tax"), a property tax cap, rent control extension, or the medical malpractice cap. [State of Politics]
Andrew Cuomo hailed the budget -- and the process the led up to it -- as "a new day for New York." And Cuomo is being hailed as the big winner in the budget game -- "the true steamroller." [AP/Post-Star] [NYDN]
The winning ticket in Friday night's $319 million Mega Millions lottery was sold at Coulsen's in downtown Albany. The winners can't claim the prize until today -- but the word circulating is that a pool of seven state employees have the winning ticket. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
Officials say a Milton man killed his wife -- and then killed himself -- Friday. Police say the couple had been separated. A joint funeral is planned for this week. [Saratogian] [TU] [TU]
Feds want to re-try Joe Bruno, Krokoff says alcohol in law enforcement is issue, GE innovations include tax avoidance, buzzer sounds on Jimmer's college career
Federal prosecutors have asked a federal appeals court to vacate Joe Bruno's conviction and allow a new trial on three fraud counts. One legal expert says a new trial is "almost a certainty." The appeal was prompted by the Supreme Court of the United States decision last year that the law under which Bruno was convicted -- the "theft of honest services" law -- is "unconstitutionally vague". In May 2010, Bruno was sentenced to two years in prison, a term that has yet to start. [Troy Record] [TU]
The word of the day at the Capitol yesterday with regard to the budget process: "optimism." There's was even talk of a hand-shake deal before the end of today. Even Sheldon Silver expressed "cautious optimism." One thing that reportedly won't be in the deal: the extension of the "millionaire's tax" for which many groups have been pushing -- Dean Skelos said the provision is "dead." [TU] [State of Politics] [Fox23] [YNN]
A man who grew up in Colonie alleges that three Catholic priests used him "pretty much like a child sex slave" starting around age 9. [TU]
Albany police chief Steven Krokoff yesterday on TALK 1300 about James Miller: "I think the bigger question is the alcohol involvement in law enforcement. It has become an issue and been an issue in our department. I think it is coming more towards the forefront now because of what is coming an intolerance amongst the rank and file for that kind of conduct amongst the rank and file." [YNN]
Says a woman selling her house in Albany's student ghetto: "I really feel bad for leaving the people that are still there ... I had sworn that they would take me out of there in a pine box, but I just couldn't do it anymore." Residents say a big part of the problem in the neighborhood is absentee or neglectful landlords. APD chief Krokoff also called attention to landlords in the neighborhood yesterday. [TU] [TU] [Fox23]
Cuomo waves stick around, "tipping point" on student drinking in Troy, aggressive driving blamed for running tanker off Route 7
Andrew Cuomo released a video message in which he said: "I am working very hard to cooperate with the Legislature, but in the end, I will not compromise the important work you elected me to do, and I will not back down from my promise to the people of this great state" (translation: if I don't get what I want, I'm going to ram it through using budget extenders). The message prompted consternation among legislative leaders, who accused Cuomo of unnecessary stick waving. Legislators say the budget process is on track to finish by the April 1 deadline. [Cuomo admin] [TU] [WNYT]
One potential sticking point on the budget: whether a renewal of NYC rent control laws should be rolled into the budget. [State of Politics]
Thirty-three members of the union that reps CUNY faculty and staff were arrested at the Capitol yesterday during a protest of state budget cuts. The members, whom state police described as "very cooperative" were arrested for blocking a hallway with a sit-in. [TU] [Troy Record]
Troy police say they'll be cracking down on student drinking and vandalism in the Beman Park neighborhood because the situation there has "reached a tipping point." Said a neighborhood resident: "When I saw what happened in Albany, I said, 'We're not far behind.'" [TU] [TU]
Schenectady police say it appears $70,000 worth of tree grates and tree fences have been stolen from around the city. [CBS6]
A Schenectady police officer has been suspended after being arrested for a "domestic incident" last week. The man and his brother are both fourth-generation Schenectady cops. [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
Deal could return some VLT aid to Saratoga, Cuomo pushes for Indian Point closure, Troy elementary school recommended for closure, Billy Fucillo really is huge
Hugh Farley and Roy McDonald say a state budget deal on video lottery terminal aid to municipalities will result in Saratoga Springs getting about $1.5 million, and Saratoga County about $500k. The provision still has to be approved as part of the larger state budget. The last time Saratoga got state money for hosting a racino was 2008. [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo is continuing to threaten the use of extender bills to push through "a good budget" on time. The budget deadline is April 1 -- and there's been talk that it might even come in early. [State Politics] [AP/Troy Record]
The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission says a review of the Indian Point nuclear power plant's ability to withstand an earthquake is its top priority. Andrew Cuomo yesterday again said he's pushing for the plant to close. (Indian Point is about 30 miles from NYC, 100 miles from Albany -- and roughly 12 miles from Cuomo's residence in Mt. Kisco.) [TU] [NYT]
Said Chuck Schumer said yesterday "there is no dobut" that Henry Johnson should receive the Medal of Honor. Schumer says three new pieces of evidence turned up by his staff are "monumental" and make the case for the WWI hero. [TU] [Troy Record]
Following the recent arrest of department spokesman James Miller for alleged DWI, the Albany police department says its reviewing its policy on officers who refuse alcohol breath tests at traffic stops. [Daily Gazette]
It appears that someone stole a bunch of the grates that protect sidewalks from tree roots in Schenectady and sold them to a scrap yard -- and "sources" say the person was driving a city vehicle. [CBS6]
APD spokesman pleads not guilty to DWI, Schumer pushing for Henry Johnson to get Medal of Honor, Gibson opposes Libya intervention, couple says hole in the road looked like a puddle
Albany police department spokesman James Miller appeared in court yesterday and pleaded not guilty to the DWI charge against him. Miller also released a statement to the media that said, in part: "I would just like to say that I am saddened and regret the negative publicity that this situation has put on my family, the entire Albany Police Department and the citizens of Albany." People "familiar with the case" tell the Times Union that the officer who arrested Miller had seen him shortly before the traffic stop and told him not to drive. Because of Miller's position, a local defense attorney says she expects to the DA's office to go "after him harder than they would come at a regular citizen." [Troy Record] [Fox23] [TU] [WNYT]
UAlbany's student association president urged students to not attend the unsanctioned Fountain Day events being organized because "it sends the wrong message and makes matters worse." Also: "If you look on Facebook right now, people who are complaining about President Philip have misspelled his name. That does not help our message." [WNYT] [Fox23]
A survivor's group for people abused by priests is questioning why the three Catholic priests who were placed on leave by the Albany diocese this past weekend were cleared during an investigation seven years ago. The group says the new allegations match those made by another alleged victim in 2003. [WTEN] [TU] [Fox23]
Chuck Schumer will be in Albany today to push for Henry Johnson to posthumously receive the Medal of Honor. Schumer's staff has reportedly turned up documents that support the WWI veteran's case. [Fox23] [TU]
UAlbany suspends Fountain Day because of kegs and eggs riot, "disturbing" case of animal cruelty in Schenectady, alleged burglar gets the shaft
UAlbany has cancelled Fountain Day this year because of the kegs and eggs riot. Said university president George Philip in a letter to students: "I regret that this action will punish students who had no role in the disturbing events of March 12. But the need to proactively respond and to uphold our reputation has never been greater." Remarked a UAlbany senior to the Gazette: "There's 18,000 students on campus. Everyone is getting punished for the stupidity of 40 kids." Inevitable Facebook protest page. [TU] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette]
UAlbany also announced that will be moving next year's spring break up a month so that it covers St. Patrick's Day. Another student was arrested last week for allegedly being involved with the riot. [TU] [Troy Record]
About 150 UAlbany students turned out for the neighborhood cleanup on Friday. Said student association president Justin Wax Jacobs: "We're going to own up to it and clean up the mess."
James Miller, the spokesman for the Albany Police Department, was arrested for alleged DWI Friday night in downtown Albany while allegedly driving an unmarked department car (map). As per what apparently is standard operating procedure for cops arrested for DWI, he allegedly refused an alcohol test. The APD says Miller has been placed on unpaid leave. Said chief Steven Krokoff of the arrest: "It definitely makes a strong statement that officers are not conducting business on any differentiated scale." (It appears Miller did not appear in the APD's mugshot release for Friday arrests.) [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN] [Fox23] [APD via @g_p_g]
How well protected from earthquakes are the two nuclear reactors at the Kesselring site in Saratoga County? Good question. [TU]
Cuomo and school districts at odds, police surge in student neighborhood, Watervliet officials using iPads, a whole lot of corned beef
Andrew Cuomo and school district officials from around the state were odds yesterday as the governor reiterated his cry for districts to reduce spending by cutting administrators' salaries, finding efficiencies, and reducing waste and abuse. Cuomo accused the groups protesting cuts to education aid of using threats to distract people from a political game. Shen superintendent Oliver Robinson called Cuomo's remarks "absolutely obscene." One of the main points of contention: whether districts should use fund balances to fill budget gaps created by cuts to state aid. [Buffalo News] [AP/Troy Record] [TU] [State of Politics]
Said a project manager at the Knolls Atomic Power Lab during a meeting with irked Niskayuna residents last night about the problems with a radioactive cleanup at the site: "We shouldn't have had the errors we did have last fall." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
This just in: St. Patrick's Day can be celebrated without rioting. [TU]
Albany police and code inspectors have surged into the student ghetto following the kegs 'n eggs unpleasantness. An officer said almost every house they visited with code enforcement had some sort of violation. [WTEN] [TU]
Albany County DA David Soares on whether Albany police should crack down more on public drinking: "Pulling people away from managing crowds and dealing with abusive individuals to write General City Ordinance Violations would not be the most appropriate use of those resources." [WNYT]
Optimism for on-time state budget, student turns himself in after riot wanted poster released, ballistic squirrel terrorizes Bennington
The Three Men In a Room say they're optimistic the state budget will be finished by the April 1 deadline (there was even a suggestion it could be early -- gasp). It sounds like Sheldon Silver is still pushing for an extension of the income tax surcharge, which Andrew Cuomo opposes. Cuomo also reiterated that he's preparing to force his version of the budget through extenders if there isn't a deal among the Three Men. [TU] [YNN] [Daily Politics] [Saratogian] [State Politics]
After much mystery (well, among the press) about Andrew Cuomo's whereabouts on Tuesday, the governor turned up in Saranac Lake pumping gas while wearing jeans and "a rather sporty pair of sunglasses." [ADE] [NY City Room]
A rally against state cuts to education drew about a thousand people to Albany's Hackett Middle School yesterday. Organizers say about 700 Capital Region school jobs are at risk and they called for an extension of the income tax surcharge to help cover the cuts. [WNYT] [WTEN] [Fox23] [CBS6]
The Albany police department posted a bunch of still images pulled from the kegs and eggs riot video in an effort to get help identify alleged rioters. The APD says an 18-year-old turned himself in after the images were released. Police and college officials went door-to-door through the neighborhood yesterday trying to turn up info on rioters. That apparently didn't go over well with some of the students living there. [AOA] [CBS6] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
The kegs and eggs riot has dampened bar owners' enthusiasm for St. Patrick's Day -- though they're not so eager to use the term "kegs and eggs" now. [TU]
SUNY students rally against cuts,Legislators to probe abuse in state homes for disabled, Troy riverfront developement plans announced, Giants bring World Series trophy to Troy
Both the Senate and the Assembly passed their budgets yesterday. Only a few hundred million dollars stand between their budgets and Governor Cuomo's proposed spending plan.[NYT]
State legislators will hold hearings into abuses in group homes for people with developmental disabilities. [TU]
The Capital Region's economic recovery has been slowed by the loss of more than 5 thousand state jobs, according to a Brookings Institute report. [TU]
The attorney for the Troy election commissioner charged with voter fraud thinks the special prosecutor is conducting the case "Campaign Style." Attorney Brian Premo is asking for a gag order to prevent anyone from speaking publicly about the case against Edward McDonough. [Troy Record]
SUNY students rallied against cuts to the system at the Capitol yesterday. The protests took place just days after the Kegs and Eggs Riot in Albany's "education district." Students at the protest say this weekends rioters are a small section of the student population at SUNY. [YNN]
Stern message for kegs and eggs rioters, Albany man accused of grusome plot, Carl Kruger made to sit in the corner
More than 40 people have now been charged in connection to the kegs and eggs riot. And the incident prompted a stern response from law enforcement officials DA David Soares said more arrests are coming, and promised "who felt or believe now that you've gotten away with something": "The pain is forthcoming, you will be held responsible." UAlbany president George Philip issued a letter apologizing for students' conduct and said the school would help law enforcement identify students in the videos. A UAlbany spokesman says the school also won't wait to discipline students who were involved. (There's a neighborhood cleanup being organized for Friday.) [TU] [Fox23] [CBS6] [YNN] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Earlier: Scanning reaction to the kegs and eggs riot.
Albany police have arrested a Center Square man for allegedly trying to ransom his wife to her family for $100,000 this past weekend (map). The ransom attempt allegedly followed a gruesome attack on the woman that involved him slamming her head into concrete, pouring bleach on her, and choking her. The woman is in critical condition. As police approached the man, he allegedly said: "I guess I'm going to have to switch over to the dark side." [CBS6] [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
In the face of the ongoing nuclear energy emergency in Japan, Chris Gibson says he still supports the construction of a new nuclear plant in his district. He told the media in a conference call: "We have to understand what happened in Japan and incorporate it into what we build." Scientists say the threat of earthquakes here is not big enough to endanger a nuclear plant (probably). There are already three small nuclear reactors in the Capital Region. [NYT] [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
The state Assembly and Senate have released their official responses to the Cuomo administration's proposed budget -- and they're largely similar to Cuomo plan, though they call for more education spending and the Assembly is pushing to extend the income tax surcharge on people making more than a million. [YNN] [TU]
Kegs and Eggs rioters to appear in City Court today, parking fees on the rise in Capitol Complex, Dog pulled from the Mohawk,Schuylerville debates its existence, teens take over the Capitol
Dozens of people will appear in Albany City Court today on appearance tickets connected with the Saturday morning riot in Albany's student ghetto. The riot broke out early Saturday morning at Hudson and Ontario streets. [ YNN ] [AOA] [CBS6]
It's going to cost more to park in the state garages at the Capitol Complex. [Capitol Confidential]
Governor Cuomo has forced two top officials at the Office of Developmental Disabilities to resign after a New York Times investigation revealed employees have not been disciplined for abusing residents in group homes. [NYT]
Governor Cuomo thinks the public should know who is funding lobbyists in New York. [Daily News]
One of the newest Cuomo administration hires is a former speechwriter for Bill Clinton. [NY Post]
Flooding forecasted, state Senator allegedly piled up $1 million in bribes, man guilty of harassment via IM, laptop explodes
Elsewhere: A huge earthquake, and resulting tsunami, hit Japan today. A tsunami warning has been issued for a long list of nations that border the Pacific, including the the west coast of the US and Hawaii. Photos from Japan. [NYT] [CNN] [The Atlantic]
The Mohawk River is expected to hit flood stage at Schenectady late tonight or tomorrow morning. [Daily Gazette]
In the complaint against Carl Kruger, federal prosecutors allege the Democratic state Senator piled up at least $1 million in return for political favors. Said the federal prosecutor in a statement about the charges against Kruger, state Assemblyman William Boyland and others: "Every single time we arrest a state senator or assemblyman, it should be a jarring wake-up call. Instead, it seems that no matter how many times the alarm goes off, Albany just hits the snooze button. Maybe this time they will get the message." [NYT] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo used the accusations against Kruger to again push for ethics reform. Sheldon Silver called the charges the "deplorable" actions of "a few bad apples." And the head of the state Republican Party, who apparently has a selective memory, called corruption "definitely a Democratic problem". Kruger has already been crossed out of his position in Senate minority leadership. [State of Politics] [TU] [State of Politics] [State of Politics] [Daily Politics]
A man who says he was abused by convicted priest Gary Mercure is pushing for the elimination of the state's statute of limitations for sexual abuse. He also criticized the New York public policy arm of the Catholic church working to keep the statute of limitations in place. [TU] [YNN]
Threat of flooding, Cuomo reportedly to push for same-sex marriage, scraping the bottom of the salt pile
The weather forecast includes rain all day (and tomorrow). And with all that rain, plus snow melt, plus frozen ground, plus the possibility of ice jams and blocked drains -- there's a threat of flooding. [NWS] [NWS]
Carl Kruger -- a Democratic state Senator from Brooklyn (you may remember him from the "four amigos" drama) -- reportedly will turn himself in this morning on federal corruption charges. "Sources" say Kruger will be charged with allegedly trading political favors for money. Said a "Democratic political operative" to the Post: "Everyone knows that Carl has been using his post to take money for years, so this isn't surprising. What's more surprising is that it didn't happen 10 years ago." [TU] [NYT] [NYDN] [NY Post]
During a closed-door meeting with same-sex marriage advocates yesterday, Andrew Cuomo reportedly said he was planning to give the issue his "full attention" this spring. The discussion reportedly focused on how to move a same-sex marriage bill through the state Senate, where it was voted down in 2009. [NYT] [State of Politics]
An Albany County sheriff's clerk has been arrested after it came out that he allegedly forged military documents to cover up a prior conviction for sexual contact with a minor. The sheriff's office says the clerk never would have been hired had it known of the man's past. The clerk's situation came to light after the sheriff's office got a complaint accusing the clerk illegally accessing the email account of a Little League with which he had been involved. [TU] [WNYT] [Troy Record]
Saratoga Springs police say they don't suspect foul play in the death of Alexander Grant. The Saratoga County coroner says Grant was suffering from the effects of hypothermia before his death, and police are investigating whether that might account for Grant's actions (people suffering hypothermia sometimes experience a condition known as "paradoxical undressing"). [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [TU]
Saratoga Springs police investigating death of college student, Cuomo reportedly planning push on same-sex marriage, arrest in Center Square attack, two alleged grocery robberies
Saratoga Springs police say they're investigating how the body of Alexander Grant ended up submerged in four feet of water in the Putnam Creek. The 19-year-old was last seen early Sunday morning on security video at a nearby medical office wearing just shorts, a long-sleeve t-shirt and one sock after he reportedly left a house party earlier in the night. The SSPD says Grant had probably been drinking, but toxicology reports will take a few weeks. Police say the case is not closed and they haven't ruled anything in or out. Said chief Chris Cole: "Bottom line is we need to find out what kind of condition he was in that caused him to act like he did." [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [WNYT]
The body of David Mark, an Albany resident who had been missing in Boston, was found on the shore of a river in East Boston. His parents said he was headed to see a sister in Boston, but never met up with her. He was last seen at bar new Fenway last Wednesday. [Boston Globe] [Newton Patch] [Boston Herald]
The EPA announced it's adding the Dewey Loeffel Landfill site in Rensselaer County to its Superfund National Priorities List (map). The site is contaminated with PCBs (and other toxic stuff). The first order to clean up the dump came in 1968, and the state took over the project in 1980. Says a member of a grassroots group pushing for a cleanup of the site: "... the EPA has more teeth so hopefully they will bite a little harder." [EPA] [EPA] [TU] [Troy Record]
Andrew Cuomo is reportedly holding a "confidential" session with gay-rights activists today to plan strategy on a push for same-sex marriage in the state. [NYT]
As for governor-Food Network star marriage, Albany's Catholic bishop says it's a private matter between individuals and pastors. [NYT]
Search continues for teen missing in Saratoga, region's electricity prices among the highest in the state, Van Dyck to brew beer
There's more snow forecast for Wednesday night, changing over to periods of heavy rain on Thursday, with more rain on Friday. It sounds messy and wet. [NWS]
Update Tuesday afternoon: Authorities say the body of Alexander Grant has been found in a creek off Route 9N. The Saratoga County DA says there will be an autopsy and the investigation is ongoing. [Post-Star] [@JimMurphyIII]
____
The search continues for the 19-year-old Alexander Grant who went missing Saratoga Springs this Sunday after he allegedly broke into a medical office wearing only a pair of shorts, a long-sleeve t-shirt, and one sock. As many as 50 people have been involved with the search, using helicopters and snowmobiles. Police say friends reported last seeing Grant around 11:30 leaving a house party. Police say Grant is a Boston College student from Westchester County who was in Saratoga to visit friends at Skidmore. [Saratogian] [Fox23] [TU] [YNN] [Post-Star]
Albany police say a woman was sexually assaulted early Sunday morning while walking on Hudson Ave, just off Lark Street (map). They say the attacker pushed the woman into the vestibule of her apartment and assaulted her. They say she was able to get away when he looked in her wallet for cash. The suspect was last seen running up Hudson toward Washington Park. Update: APD says it's made an arrest. [Fox23] [WTEN] [TU] [WNYT] [WNYT]
The prices paid for electricity in the Capital Region are often among the highest in the state. [Saratogian]
The East Greenbush school district administration says it must make a series of budget cuts -- except to administrators' salaries, which are slated to increase. [WNYT]
Colonie police say a man was holding a rifle while watching his neighbors shovel snow because he was upset shoveled snow was getting on his property. [WTEN]
Winter still making an effort, Sweeney says he's deserved what's happened to him, Clinton speaking fee was $200k, fire hits family of 18
This just in: it's snowing, and icing, and generally being wintry. The snow is forecasted to continue through the morning and end around noon. Total accumulation in the Capital Region is expected to be 3-7 inches, with as much as half-inch of ice -- though areas to west and north are expected to end up with totals as high as 1-2 feet. The National Weather Service is predicting travel as "treacherous." Rensselaer County has declared a state of emergency. [NWS] [NWS] [Troy Record]
The Cuomo admin is looking at how it might reduce how the amount of money state employee retirees can knock off their health insurance premiums by using unused sick time. [TU]
There are indications voter fraud may have been going in Troy before the 2009 events that prompted the recent indictments of two officials. [Troy Record]
John Sweeney on the damage caused by his drinking: "Losing a seat in Congress wasn't my biggest loss. It was the loss of myself and the loss of everything that went with it, the harm and hurt I created for people around me who I love and love me." [TU]
The Schenectady woman recently picked on her 9th arrest for DWI can't have her license permanently suspended because her prior convictions are spread out over too long a period. [TU]
Saratoga Springs police say they're looking for a 19-year-old who allegedly broke into a medical office early Sunday while wearing only a pair of shorts, one sock, an a long-sleeve t-shirt. They say they found a broken window and large amount of blood. Police say friends of the teen, Skidmore students, reported him missing yesterday after last seeing him at a party. [TU] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
UAlbany's student association paid $200k for Bill Clinton's talk at the school last week. [ASP]
Big fire in Green Island, Albany school board asks for pay freeze, 9th DWI arrest for woman
There was a huge fire at the R.K. Freedman scrap yard in Green Island yesterday evening. The building that caught fire is an old railroad building that dates back to the 1870s -- it was currently being used for office space. There was a fire "as big as a football field" at the scrap yard this past fall. At the time, Green Island's fire chief said they're called to the site about three times a years for fires. [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN] [Troy Record 2010] [TU 2010]
A former Troy city council candidate alleged a city councilman John Brown intended to forge voters' signatures on absentee ballots in 2009, according to an affidavit filed in court this week. The councilman denies ever saying would do so. Democratic elections commissioner Edward G. McDonough and city councilman Michael LoPorto have already been indicted as part of the investigation into alleged voter fraud. The special prosecutor in the case says has not ruled out more indictments. [Troy Record] [TU] [Troy Record]
The Albany school board approved a motion asking district employees for a pay freeze, and approved an extension of the contract for superintendent Raymond Colucciello. A charter school advocacy group had been running radio spots criticizing the school board for what the org says was a "sneaky vote" to extend Colucciello's contract ahead of a possible superintendent salary cap. But the district says Colucciello contract is being extended at the rate of $170k/year -- $5k less than the proposed cap limit. The advocacy group shares connections with the Brighter Choice Foundation, whose non-profit status is now being questioned because of the huge signs it hung on school buildings criticizing Albany's city treasurer.. [YNN] [CBS6] [TU] [Fox23] [WNYT] [TU]
Brian Stratton's last day as mayor of Schenectady will be April 3. [Daily Gazette]
Seventeen arrested at Capitol, state Senator goes shopping for gun accessories, Sage to continue mission of NYSTI
City's lesson for school: that sign is too big.
A Cuomo admin official said yesterday that planning for state employee layoffs would begin if a deal isn't reached with unions by April 1. [TU]
State police say seventeen protesters were arrested at the Capitol yesterday for blocking an entrance to the building. A group of about 150 were protesting budget cuts and the end of the "millionaire's tax." It appears that getting arrested might have been part of the plan. [AP/Post-Star] [TU] [Fox23]
Critics of Andrew Cuomo's proposal for new statewide teacher evaluations say the actual legislation wouldn't repeal the "last in, first out" rules as Cuomo seemed to promise. [NYT]
It appears the Cuomo administration traded a medical practice damages cap for hospitals' support on the Medicaid redesign -- and the state's trial lawyers are lining up for a fight. [NYT]
State Senator Eric Adams is pushing for a state ban on gun clips that hold more than 10 rounds. A loophole allows larger clips to be sold in the sate -- and to demonstrate, Adams bought such a clip in Rensselaer this week and brought it, along with an assault rifle, to the Capitol. [TU] [YNN] [NYDN] [Fox23]
During his talk last night at UAlbany Bill Clinton emphasized what the privilege that education represents, and the interconnected nature of the modern world. (photos) (video clip) (tweets) [TU] [Troy Record]
The city of Albany says the large signs criticizing city treasurer Kathy Sheehan that the Brighter Choice Foundation hung on some of its school buildings violate city code and must be taken down. (photo above) [TU]
Cuomo floats new teacher evaluation system, clearing snowy sidewalks for scofflaws, bricks from town hall crash into cars, back from New Zealand
Andrew Cuomo is proposing a new statewide evaluation system as an alternative to "last in, first out." Cuomo's announcement came shortly after the Republican-controlled state Senate passed a bill that would end the use of seniority as the determining factor for layoffs in the New York City public schools (Mike Bloomberg has been pushing hard for the bill). Cuomo's proposal might be better received in the Democrat-controlled Assembly. [Cuomo admin] [NYT] [NY Post] [TU]
It sounds like the property tax cap Andrew Cuomo is pushing will have a tough time in the Assembly. [TU]
In a turnabout, Sheldon Silver says the Assembly will pursue an extension of the "Millionaire's Tax." (Andrew Cuomo has opposed an extension.) [NYT]
Ed Koch says Dean Skelos has gone back on a pledge he made to adopt independent redistricting. Koch rolled up (and in) to the Capitol in an electric car to scold Skelos on the issue. Skelos says he still support redistricting reform, but prefers to do it via constitutional amendment. [TU] [NYT] [State of Politics]
The city of Albany has spent almost $13k this winter on clearing snow from the sidewalks of scofflaw property owners. Map of the properties. [TU] [TU]
School superintendent cap would affect about half of districts, Schenectady fires another cop, performances now free of popcorn noises
Andrew Cuomo released his proposal to cap the salaries of school district superintendents. The size of the cap would slide according to the district's enrollment. About half of the current superintendents in the state would be affected if the cap is approved. It would save about $15 million total. Said Shen superintendent Oliver Robinson ($198,689 in 2009, according to SeeThroughNY) in response to the proposal: "I put 150 percent of my job, my time, my effort into my job, and I don't apologize for that because I was hired to do that, and quite frankly I think should be appropriately compensated for that." [NYT] [Daily Politics] [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [YNN]
Jerry Jennings on a property tax cap: "Two percent would allow us to raise two million dollars more, when I'm facing a 20 million dollar deficit next year. I've used most of my surplus last year. We eliminated about 150 positions last year. We're talking, probably, 250-300 positions in order to balance a budget with a tax cap." [WNYT]
Brian Stratton announced that Schenectady has fired another police officer. The termination process against Darren Lawrence started after a 2006 incident in Colonie where he was accused of driving drunk and crashing a car (he was acquitted of the criminal charges). He was then allegedly involved in a bar fight in 2008. [TU] [YNN] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
The Town of Bethlehem's bid for the Normanside Country club was not successful. The bank that controls the property won't say who was the winning bidder. And the town won't say how much it bid in case it gets another chance at the property. [YNN] [Fox23] [TU]
The UAlbany student association says the final fee for Bill Clinton's appearance this week hasn't been nailed yet. The former president often gets more than $100k for a speech. [Daily Gazette] [Washington Post]
Cuomo expected to push for school superintendent salary cap, odd case involving stolen safe, advice: kick the butt of those who are not the best
Andrew Cuomo reportedly will push this week for legislation that would cap school district superintendents' salaries. The governor criticized superintendent salaries during his budget presentations earlier this month. He's also praised district administrations that have taken pay cuts or canceled scheduled pay increases. [WSJ] [NYT] [NYT]
Cuomo's fill-in-the-blanks approach to budget cuts appears to be working so far -- to the surprise of many, including him. In spite of -- or perhaps because of -- that, he's sounding a bit steamroller-ish on the budget process. [NYT] [TU]
As in last year's budget, the Cuomo budget does not include funding for "member items" -- and it turns out people are starting to miss the pork. [TU]
The Albany school board will reportedly ask the teachers union to accept a wage and benefit freeze. [TU]
Dhanashar Persaud, the Schenectady man accused of killing Ganesh Ramgoolam on Maple Ave last year, has pleaded guilty. Prosecutors say the killing was the result of a feud between two Guyanese groups. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The Saratoga County sheriff's office says a safe with more than $35k stolen from Northern Lights two weeks ago was found in the Hudson near Pougkeepsie. They say two suspects from Rensselaer County were arrested in New Jersey with $33k of the money. And a club employee who was questioned about the theft -- and said he wasn't involved -- has committed suicide. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [Fox23] [TU]
It's snowing -- more than expected, Cuomo's Medicaid redesign team releases cuts, Schenectady's fill-in mayor will be part time
It's snowing. And it's forecasted to keep snowing (or some sort of precipitation) all day.
Noted: you can be fired for not showing up to work because of weather. [Daily Gazette]
The Cuomo admin's "Medicare Redesign Team" approved a package of recommendations yesterday that are intended to save $2.3 billion over the next fiscal year in the massive state program. The package includes a 4 percent annual cap on increases in the state's contribution to the program, as well as what are basically concessions from both the hospital lobby and health care employee unions. The panel approved the package ahead of schedule, which some criticized as rushing the process. [TU] [NY Post] [State of Politics] [NYT]
A State Police car was involved in a wreck with a cab in uptown Albany on Washington Ave early this morning (map). There have reports that four people were taken to the hospital. [TU] [CBS6]
After Brian Stratton leaves office, Schenectady city council president Gary McCarthy says he will take over the duties of the mayor's office on a part-time basis (by law, he can't be paid a full-time salary for the job). [Daily Gazette]
It appears that flu season has hit its peak locally. [TU] [Google Flu Trends]
Snow and rain on the way, Bethlehem bids on bankrupt country club, Stewart's sales top $1 billion again, incubator idea pitched for Kiernan Plaza
There's snow moving in tonight, with accumulation of a few inches possible -- and a few more inches tomorrow. Temps are predicted to be relatively warm, though, so the snow is expected to switch over to rain. If it doesn't, accumulations will be higher. Whatever happens, Friday just looks generally wet and sloppy. [NWS]
The Cuomo admin is expected to propose a yearly cap on Medicaid increases that would prompt millions in cuts at hospitals, nursing homes and other health care outlets. [NYT]
Albany Med will pay $4.5 million as part of a settlement in a lawsuit that alleged the medical center and a group of other regional hospitals had conspired to fix wages for nurses. AMC says it denies any wrongdoing and settled to "limit the expense and distraction of additional court proceedings." Three other hospitals had settled in 2009. The suit against Ellis is still pending. [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [TU] [WTEN]
Bethlehem town leaders announced during last night's town board meeting that they have submitted a bid in for the bankrupt Normanside Country Club. The town supervisor says it's their desire to "operate it as a public course at break even or better." The town board says it won't release how much it bid -- or how board members voted -- until the bank-administered bidding process is over because with such disclosure "there is a substantial possibility that the cost of any town acquisition would have rapidly increased." That led to frustration among critics at the meeting. [YNN] [TU] [Fox23] [WNYT] [Spotlight]
North Greenbush's former town comptroller criticized the recent audit that reported a $3 million account had been opened without the town board's consent or knowledge -- and said he was never given a chance to respond. A councilman says the town will be pursuing a "a more in-depth forensic audit." [Troy Record] [TU]
Adrian Parbhudial, the Schenectady man accused of firing on officers as they raided at home on Maple Ave last year, was convicted of attempted aggravated murder. The raid was connected to an investigation into a murder for which three of Parbhudial's relatives are now charged. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Questions about Cuomo adviser, big donation for RPI, North Greenbush's unknown $3 million account, airlift wing members OK after NZ quake
Jeffery A. Sachs, an influential Cuomo administration health care policy adviser and reportedly Andrew Cuomo's best friend, is also a consultant who represents many large health care clients -- and NYT reports that "state officials have made decisions that surprised many in the health care industry but were favorable to Mr. Sachs's clients." (By the way: this Jeffery Sachs is not the Colubmia Jeffery Sachs -- he's Jeffery D. Sachs.) [NYT]
Despite the Cuomo administration's call for a state employee wage freeze, the proposed budget does include fundings for step and longevity increases. [TU]
New York Congresswoman Louise Slaughter on what the state should do about the string of sex scandals involving politicians over the last few years: "I think the answer to that is to elect more women." [State of Politics]
Two of the Skidmore students involved in the Compton's incident have pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct -- a violation, instead of a misdemeanor -- as part of a plea deal. An attorney for one of the students says the outcome is "the equivalent of a dismissal." Attorneys for the students say witness statements collected after the incident were inconsistent with those collected by police (the statements aren't being released). [TU] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
Albany city treasurer Kathy Sheehan says she voted against the Brighter Choice Foundation's application for tax-free financing for buildings not because of a position in the charters vs. public school debate, but rather because she says the city has too much classroom space. [TU]
An RPI alumnus has donated $1 million to the school. [RPI]
Details on the new GloFo building planned for Malta, legislation would freeze charter school funding in Albany, not just another clown
Details on the office building that GlobalFoundries announced late last week that it's building at the site of the chip fab in Malta: 450 jobs (maybe 1,500 eventually), the building will be the size of three Walmart supercenters, construction cost is in the $20-$30 million range, completion in summer 2012. GloFo says construction on the fab building itself is about 75 percent complete -- chip manufacturing is expected to start in 2013. After touring the site yesterday, the scale of the project left Chuck Schumer in a very unusual state: almost speechless. [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [YNN] [Fox23] [WNYT] [TU]
State workforce contracts with CSEA and PEF end April 1, but the Cuomo the administration has yet to open formal negotiations with the unions -- and with the admin looking for $450 million in workforce savings, union leaders are reportedly getting "antsy." [TU]
Chris Gibson voted for the federal budget amendment that cuts off funding to Planned Parenthood. Said a Gibson spokesperson: the "Congressman voted in support of the Pence amendment because he believes that no taxpayer funds should be used to perform abortions." [Saratogian] [NYT] [WNYT]
State legislation sponsored by Neil Breslin and Jack McEneny would freeze reimbursement levels for charter schools in the city of Albany at 2008-2009 school year levels (the Albany district is currently withholding funding beyond that level from the charters). The Brighter Choice foundation, which backs the city's charter schools, says the schools are legally entitled to the funding. [TU] [WNYT]
The Albany fire department says one person died in a large fire on Grand Street last night (photos)(map). Three other residents were injured -- two of them jumped from an upper floor to escape. [YNN] [Mr. Slow Loris] [Troy Record] [TU]
The Albany police department has started an investigation related to the photos the Times Union turned up of APD officers drinking in uniform at a party. The head of the police officers' union says the officers were off duty or relieved, and the photos were "stolen." [TU] [CBS6]
Cuomo pushes for independent redistricting, another post office closure in Albany, Harmony Mills developer looking in Troy, come on down!
Andrew Cuomo has introduced legislation that would create an independent commission to draw the lines for Congressional and state legislature districts, which advocates say would help end gerrymandering. Democrats have argued that Republican control the state Senate not because they got more votes from the public, but because of the way the districts are drawn. Dean Skelos said in a statement yesterday that redistricting reform is important -- but not currently a priority. [NYT] [TU] [State of Politics]
Observers say Cuomo is trying to expand the powers of the state's executive branch. [WSJ via State of Politics]
Pedro Espada's state Senate office spent $1.2 million from April to September last year, the most of any senator (by about $300k). The now-indicted former senator had a staff of 50 people working for him. [TU] [NYDN]
The state Public Service Commission approved a plan to build a new high-voltage transmission line from from northern Saratoga County to Rotterdam. Many property owners along the path of the line opposed the project. The $66 million line will help power the GlobalFoundries fab in Malta. [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
Said a GloFo spokesman yesterday about the fab's economic impact on this area: "We think it's going to lead to very positive impacts, (but) we don't have a crystal ball into the future." Economic development officials say they're already seeing interest from companies looking to do business with the fab, but there's a lack of suitable office/warehouse space currently available. [Troy Record] [Post-Star]
The US Postal Service say it's closing the Patroon Station post office in north Albany (map). The USPS says it still hasn't made a decision about the Pine Hills Station on South Allen. [TU] [Fox23]
A Brighter Choice Foundation bid for financing through an economic development arm of the city of Albany was rejected, a decision some are placing in the larger context of the ongoing charter school debate. [TU]
Mercure sentenced to 20-25 years in prison, is that cocaine in your underwear or are you just happy to see me, Tedisco wants to save money and trees
Gary Mercure, the local priest convicted of raping two boys in Western Massachusetts during the 1980s, was sentenced to 20-25 years in prison. Said the judge: "You're not a priest. You're no more than a common thug ... You preyed on these boys not with weapons, but with the very tools you were given to help them." Mercure reportedly smiled broadly as he left the court room. He had served as a priest at a handful of Capital Region parishes, most recently in Troy. Mercure was suspended from acting as a priest in 2008 -- the Albany diocese says it now has asked the Vatican to formally remove him from the priesthood. [Fox23] [Troy Record] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
Colonie police say they've arrested an Albany man for the shooting in a bowling alley on Central Ave earlier this week. The victim has been released from the hospital. [CBS6] [Fox23]
The Saratoga Springs police officer who resigned this week after an investigation began into whether he had been targeting friends of an ex with traffic tickets will not face criminal charges. [Saratogian]
A convicted sex offender in Clifton Park has filed a suit against Saratoga County arguing that a county law restricting where sex offenders can live is unconstitutional. [Saratogian]
The Albany County sheriff's office says it nabbed a guy at the Albany bus station who allegedly had $170,000 worth of cocaine sewn into his underwear. They say the man told him he was being paid $1,000 to transport the coke from Arizona to Lake Placid. [WNYT] [TU]
The Saratoga Springs Borders store, slated to be closed, had been paying about $60k/year in school and library taxes. [Saratogian]
Saratoga police say they're still investigating McCormick cold case, push for greater fines for unshoveled sidewalks, tough guys don't eat cupcakes
Saratoga Springs police say they're not declaring the deceased man whose name surfaced this week as a "person of interest" in the Tammie McCormick cold case as a killer. They say the investigation has taken them to western New York and out of state, and it's still ongoing. They say they didn't want to release the man's name because they feared it could jeopardize the investigation. [Saratogian] [WNYT] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A Saratoga Springs police officer resigned yesterday after the department started an investigation into allegations officer had used police records to identify the cars of his ex-girlfriend's friends so he could pull them over and ticket them. The officer was charged with misdemeanor stalking of the former girlfriend last summer. [Saratogian] [WNYT] [TU] [Post-Star]
Andrew Cuomo continued his campaign against public school bureaucracies yesterday. Bob Duffy picked up the ball during a legislative budget hearing, arguing "so much" of the money spent on education in the state "gets invested in areas that do not touch the lives of children." [CBS6] [TU]
State comptroller says the Cuomo admin's proposed budget includes $4 billion in unspecified "placeholder" savings. [State of Politics]
The Cuomo budget includes a measure that would give the executive branch wide ranging investigative powers over the financial industry. [NYT]
A property developer was awarded $40k in damages after a contractor working for the city of Albany made a demolition mistake in 2007 that resulted in the developer's Sherman Street property also having to be razed. (The demolition contractor is the same company currently knocking down Troy's old city hall.) [TU] [Troy Record]
It's cold again, diocese first heard accusations against priest eight years earlier than previously disclosed, suspect in 25-year Saratoga cold case, car crushed by falling snow
Yesterday's high temp was 53. Today's high is forecasted to be 22. [NWS] [NWS]
The Albany diocese said yesterday that it had gotten a complaint about now-convicted priest Gary Mercure in 2000 -- it had previously said it heard the first accusations of abuse in 2008. The diocese says it didn't follow up on the 2000 accusation because the accuser didn't want to follow through and Mercure denied the accusation. [YNN] [TU] [WNYT]
A programming error at the state Department of Taxation and Finance resulted in some families being told they no longer qualify for the STAR property tax exemption. [TU]
The Schenectady city council approved an overtime payout of almost $73k to fire chief Robert Farstad when he retires this spring. Council members say they were "stuck with" having to give the payout because of an old contract. The city's top lawyer cited a letter from the state comptroller's office reporting the payout won't affect the chief's pension (there had been accusation the payout was pension padding). [CBS6] [YNN] [TU]
Republican Peter Guardelli has decided to not run for mayor of Schenectady, and it looks like Republican support could be lining up behind Alliance Party candidate -- and former Union College president -- Roger Hull. Guardelli ran against Brian Stratton in 2003 and came up 300 votes short. [Daily Gazette] [Marv Cermak] [TU]
The Albany police officer accused of DWI after he was allegedly found sleeping in his car on I-787 in December has his license back after the arresting officer didn't show up for a DMV hearing. [TU]
Saratoga Springs police say they've identified a suspect in the disappearance of Tammie McCormick, a 13-year-old who was last seen in 1986. [WNYT]
First homicide of the year in Albany, Cuomo at home at the Executive Mansion, Bethlehem residents upset about cell tower, will Buddhists return to Amsterdam?
Albany police say a man was killed after being stabbed in the stomach during a 50th birthday party at a private club in Arbor Hill early Sunday morning (map). Another man was hospitalized after being stabbed in the head. The APD hasn't reported any arrests and says it's investigating. It's the city's first homicide of 2011. [YNN] [TU] [Troy Record] [WTEN] [Fox23]
Colonie police say there was a shooting at a bowling alley on Central Ave just past midnight Monday morning (map). They say it appears there was a fight during a party and a man was shot in the chest. Police say they're still looking for the shooter. [YNN] [Fox23] [WNYT]
New York State's chief judge is expected to announce new rules this week that would bar judges from hearing cases in which the lawyers have made significant contributions to their campaigns. [NYT]
Some of the interests affected by the budget increase formulas Andrew Cuomo has framed as a "sham," say the budgeting was neither secret nor imprudent. [AP/Troy Record]
Dean Skelos' response to whether the Republican majority in the state Senate will support independent re-districting: "We'll see what happens." [AP/Troy Record]
Andrew Cuomo seems happy to be living in the Executive Mansion -- and in Albany itself -- again. [TU]
The apparent consensus on Brian Stratton's tenure as mayor of Schenectady: he successfully took on the police force, and got the city's finances back on track. [Daily Gazette]
Priest convicted of rape, SUNY chancellor calls for tuition increases, hoping to catch the wave of Jimmermania
Gary Mercure, a Catholic priest from the Albany Diocese, was found guilty of raping two boys in Berkshire County in the 1980s. Mercure was also accused of abusing the boys in Warren County, but the statute of limitations had run out in New York -- so prosecutors referred the case to Berkshire County, where Mercure was accused of rape during trips to Western Massachusetts. Mercure spent time at a handful of parishes around the Capital Region. The diocese removed him from service in 2008. [TU] [Troy Record] [Berkshire Eagle/Post-Star] [CBS6] [YNN]
Robert Schunk, the Albany police officer accused of domestic violence, was found not guilty on all count against him in Albany County court. He still faces charges in Saratoga County. [TU] [WNYT]
During her recent parole hearing, Marybeth Tinning -- the Schenectady woman convicted of killing one of her children, and suspected of killing seven others -- said she was "a very damaged and just a messed up person." Of her time in prison, she said: "I have tried to become a better person while I was here, trying to be able to stand on my own and ask for help when I need it, others when they need it." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
SUNY chancellor Nancy Zimpher yesterday called for modest and predictable tuition increases for the system. She told legislators: ""What we're trying to do is level out the expectation for the cost of college so that people can be painful so they aren't a freshman at one point price and at the sophomore year they have a huge hike in tuition..." [NYT] [YNN]
The owner of a car that was allegedly wrecked after a Rensselaer police cruiser crashed into it says the department told him the officer had fallen asleep at the wheel. [WTEN]
Stratton move sets off speculation in Schenectady and Troy, Cuomo says he'll push for same-sex marriage vote, Ballston Spa wants you to b there, p-e-c-u-n-i-a-r-y
The selection of Brian Stratton to head up the state canal corporation has prompted speculation about what's next for Schenectady -- and Troy. Stratton says he's aiming to leave the mayor's office in mid-March. Schenectady city council president Gary McCarthy would then assume the duties of mayor -- but by law the city won't be able to pay a mayoral salary, nor can the council appoint him to the job. [TU] [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
So, why is Stratton leaving? He says he didn't push for the job, but two unnamed city officials say Stratton's head hadn't been in the game recently and that he was probably looking to make more money. [Fox23] [Daily Gazette]
What expertise does Stratton bring to the canal job? "Water goes in, boats go down. Water goes in, boats go up." [Fox23]
So, what's this got to do with Troy? The current head of the canal corp is Carmella Mantello, who ran for mayor of Troy in 1999 and there's now speculation she'll run again. Mantello said yesterday she wouldn't rule out a run for the job. [Troy Record] [WNYT]
Andrew Cuomo said yesterday that he would push the legislature to pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage during this session. [NYT]
Farther afield: Christopher Lee, a Congressman from the Buffalo area, resigned yesterday after Gawker exposed that he had tried to pick up a woman on Craigslist by claiming he was a 39-year-old divorced lobbyist (he's actually 46 and married) and sending the woman a topless photo of himself. And, of course, you knew this was coming: Lee warned about the potentially "serious consequences" of using the internet in a 2009 op/ed. [NYT] [Gawker] [State of Politics]
Stratton reportedly leaving mayor's office for job with Cuomo admin, letter says Skidmore students "repeatedly misrepresented" after alleged assault, crows know the schedule
The Times Union reports that "two people familiar with the mayor's plans" say Brian Stratton will resign as Schenectady mayor to take a job with the Cuomo administration. An official announcement is expected today. Stratton's position with the state has not been disclosed, but "two sources with knowledge" say he's been picked to head up the state canal corporation. Stratton's up for re-election this November. City council president Gary McCarthy would take over as mayoral duties if/when Stratton resigns. [TU] [State of Politics] [TU CapCon] [WNYT] [CBS6]
Jim Tedisco says Andrew Cuomo told legislature Republicans at the Governor's Mansion yesterday that if the legislature hasn't passed a budget by April 1, he will then employ the "Paterson school of budgeting" and stuff his proposed cuts into a budget extender -- which the legislature could approve, or let the state government shut down. [NY Post] [Saratogian]
There's criticism rising that Cuomo's proposed budget is so vague about what to cut that legislators can't figure out what actually will get axed. [Buffalo News]
You know that "SAGE" panel that Andrew Cuomo has been saying will find efficiencies through state government? It's yet to meet and hasn't even been filled out yet. [TU]
The owners of the Kings Ransom dairy farm in Saratoga County say they could end up losing 100 cows as a result of the barn roof that collapsed under weight of snow. Collapsed roofs have apparently become a problem throughout the Northeast this winter. Four local counties are seeking a disaster designation so farmers can get federal assistance. [Saratogian] [NYT] [Daily Gazette]
Many of state's high school graduates not ready for college, contractors busy with roof snow, St. Rose looking to buy piece of dead-end street, Mr. DeFazio passes away
Only 41 percent of New York State's high school graduates in 2009 tested at levels that indicate they were ready for college-level course work, according to data released by the state Department of Education. [NYT]
Sheldon Silver says he now supports new ethics rules that would require state legislators to disclose their outside income with narrow ranges, and also require legislators who are lawyers to disclose their clients (Silver's past unwillingness to disclose his clients has been an ongoing criticism of the speaker). Andrew Cuomo has reportedly been pressing the legislature behind the scenes to take action on new ethics rules. [TU] [NY Post]
The City of Albany has already plowed through its budget for snow removal. And local contractors say they've been busy clearing roofs of snow. [WTEN] [TU]
Troy is looking for more developers to submit proposals for the redevelopment of the old city hall site. It's already gotten three "request for quotes" responses. [Troy Record] [TU]
Cuomo's proposed budget more or less well received -- so far, snow continues to cause roof problems, outhouse team finishes number one
The general concepts in Andrew Cuomo's proposed budget appear to be going over well -- at least until people figure out what exactly is going to be cut. Informal, "back-channel" talks have reportedly started between the Cuomo admin and the state employee unions about ways to achieve the $450 million in workforce savings in the proposed state budget. (Andrew Cuomo has said if the target can't be reached, layoffs of as many as 9,800 people are possible.) [AP/Troy Record] [TU]
Located just across the border in Western Mass: lower taxes. [Buffalo News via State of Politics]
The $23 judges "hotel" being built for members of the Court of Appeals in downtown Albany reportedly includes Carrera marble and cherry furniture. [NY Post]
With Republicans now controlling the state Senate, the passage of a medical marijuana law seems less likely. [Daily Gazette]
A "person with knowledge of the matter" alleges that Robert Schunk, the suspended Albany police officer who goes on trial today for domestic violence, and "some" members of a now-disbanded patrol unit "occasionally" drank and played cards at Schunk's residence while on duty. [TU]
One possibility for the Albany landfill: "gasification," a process which supporters say could turn trash into energy. The landfill has struggled to capture and make use of the methane it already produces. And while it's not methane (which is odorless), neighbors say much stinkiness currently escapes from the landfill. [TU] [TU] [TU]
Callicut gets life in prison for Bailey shooting, snow collapses barn with 250 cows inside, ticketing and towing threatened in Troy's voluntary snow emergency, cat returned after five years
Devon Callicut, who was convicted of killing UAlbany student Richard Bailey, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Said Bailey's mother after the sentencing: "Actually, life in prison is not enough for me. I don't think any sentence would ever have been enough. He's breathing and my son is not..." Said Callicut's attorney of her client's life: "I know everyone feels good about him going away, but in reality he had about as much chance of making it as an elephant has passing through the eye of a needle." [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT]
Andrew Cuomo and Bob Duffy were on the road yesterday in an attempt to sell the Cuomo admin's proposed budget to voters (strategy -- try to use public opinion as leverage against the legislature and lobbyists). Cuomo said yesterday that reform of public employee pensions is his next goal after the state budget. [YNN] [AP/Fox23]
Education, public employee unions and advocates for the poor have banded to together to push for an extension of the "millionaire's tax," which was not included in Andrew Cuomo's proposed state budget. [State of Politics]
State parks have seen rise in attendance in recent years, but their funding has been reduced in the Cuomo budget. [Post-Star]
Snow collapsed a barn at one of Saratoga County's largest dairy farms, killing 25 cows (or more) (250 cows were in the barn). More than 200 community members turned out to help remove wreckage and tend to the cows. [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star]
"Blockbuster" storm kind of a dud, Cuomo says budget will "shake up" the establishment, Niskayuna couple continues to push chicken issue, that's a lot of... shoes
The combined snowfall total from Tuesday and Wednesday: 10.8 inches -- quite a bit less than had been forecasted (30 inches?). [NWS]
In a video message posted online yesterday, Andrew Cuomo said his proposed budget "will shake up the Albany establishment, but that is exactly what we must do." Earlier: Speed reading the coverage of Andrew Cuomo's proposed budget. [Cuomo admin]
There's a campaign calling for changes at the state agency that disciplines judges. [NYT]
Albany police say a man was shot in the leg Wednesday afternoon in Arbor Hill (map). [YNN]
The person with the winning $48 million Powerball ticket sold on Christmas day in Wilton has finally come forward. Also: a Cohoes woman won $3 million from a scratch-off ticket -- and, more importantly, she'll get to meet Yolanda Vega. [TU] [CBS6]
Icy, Snowy Apocalypse falls a bit flat, Cuomo presents budget proposal, DA says Saratoga assault wasn't a hate crime, woman arrested for allegedly making up story about ex threatening mayor
This just in: it continues to snow. Though the Icy, Snowy Apocalypse hasn't quite lived up to the hype (yeah, not 30 inches), another 3-5 inches are expected the rest of the day, with sleet. As for closings: if you think it could be closed or delayed, it probably is -- call ahead if you're not sure. [NWS]
Andrew Cuomo presented his proposed $132.9 billion budget yesterday, which represents a 2.7 percent decrease in total spending from the year before. We'll speed read details and reaction a little later today. [Cuomo admin]
The Skidmore student accused of assaulting a man in Compton's Diner in what police originally called a hate crime has pleaded guilty misdemeanor assault. The Saratoga County DA said after further examination of the case, the incident didn't warrant the hate crime tag. The DA says there's no evidence that the group of students questioned why an African-American man was sitting with a white man, as had originally been alleged. [Saratogian] [TU] [Post-Star]
The recession has resulted in a high office space vacancy rate in downtown Albany. [TU]
It's snowing -- a lot, Cuomo budget proposal lands today, bald eagle recovering local animal hospital
This just in: it's snowing. And there's a whole lot more on the way.
Andrew Cuomo is scheduled to release his budget proposal this afternoon. In an op/ed release to the media yesterday, Cuomo described the state's budget process as a "sham" and he criticized formulas that automatically increase spending each year. The op/ed was read as an opening shot at the legislature. As usual, Sheldon Silver seemed unimpressed. [NYT] [Troy Record] [TU] [State of Politics]
The Cuomo budget proposal is expected to include 10,000+ state employee layoffs, which is casting a cloud over the Capital Region's economy. [TU]
The state Senate passed the property tax cap bill that Cuomo's been pushing. All the local state senators voted for it -- including Neil Breslin, who was one of 9 members of the Democratic conference to do so. [NYT] [State of Politics]
The unrest in Egypt has local media outlets looking for local connections: rally in Albany, an Egyptian UAlbany professor, the Saratoga shop keeper from Egypt, the Altamont native now reporting in Egypt. [TU] [Fox23] [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette]
The Capital Region has one of the tightest rental markets in the nation -- and even upscale apartment buildings are full. [TU]
Wheels turning on tax cap bill, Colonie-based org allegedly looked into setting up own country, soaked by a back water bill, Schenectady man a thousandaire
Andrew Cuomo has submitted a property tax cap bill to the state Senate -- and the chamber is expected to pass the bill this afternoon. The surprise move is apparently a bit of political strategy aimed at the cap-skeptic Assembly. [NYT] [TU] [State of Politics]
Cuomo is scheduled to release his budget proposal -- the one that reportedly includes 10,000+ layoffs -- on Tuesday. [NYDN]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli has proposed a bill that would revoke the pensions of state officials who are convicted of a crime related to their public office. For example, former state comptroller (and convicted felon) Alan Hevesi receives an annual state pension of more than $100k. [NYS OSC] [TU]
Among the allegations made during testimony in a lawsuit related to NXIVM, the Colonie-based "executive success" program: the org was looking into whether it could set up its own sovereign country. [TU]
Two Troy politicos up on forgery charges, UAlbany students skip class over state cuts, it's "so long" for Channel 10's McLoughlin, fake ID's are a no-no
Councilman Michael LoPorto and Rensselaer County Democratic Elections Commissioner Edward McDonough were indicted Friday morning on charges they forged absentee ballots in the city Working Families Party 2009 primary. The indictments were handed down from a county grand jury, and were the result of an investigation launched in October 2009, alleging that Democrats were forging voters' signatures and casting fraudulent primary ballots. [TU] [Record]
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has picked the head of the state Business Council to lead the
Empire State Development Corp. The governor described his choice of Kenneth Adams as a step toward changing the state's business climate. The appointment requires approval by the state Senate. [TU] [Post Star] [YNN] A Marist poll shows Cuomo with a 71 percent approval rating. [WRGB]
UAlbany students staged a walkout Thursday to protest funding and program cuts at the university, including the elimination of five humanities programs. The students are planning a Capitol march next week. Gov. Cuomo's budget plan, to be released Feb. 1, is expected to contain further cuts. [TU] [YNN] [WRGB]
New Yorkers want it both ways, long-range plan for Albany's garbage, threats against mayor allegedly a plot against ex-boyfriend, he wants to be a millionaire
It was that close.
The Capital Region just missed on the big storm that dumped snow along the East Coast -- including 15 inches in Central Park. [NYT]
In polls, New Yorkers say they'd like to balance the state budget through cuts instead of taxes -- but they don't seem too interested in actually making cuts. Andrew Cuomo is expected to reveal his budget next Tuesday. [TU] [TU CapCon]
The final draft of the long-range plan for Albany's (and many other communities') garbage includes an expansion of recycling, composting, and a new regional authority. [TU]
The president of Troy's city council has filed a complaint with the state attorney general's office against mayor Harry Tutunjian over the demolition of the old city hall. [Troy Record]
The Colonie man who police say met underage girls on Facebook and then raped two of them has taken a plea deal that includes 12-13 years in prison. Police say the man had friended more than 700 teens and young women. [YNN] [TU]
Troy cited for not removing asbestos from former City Hall, UMass basketball players make emergency landing at ALB, NY may ban electronic cigarettes, Proctor's buys Muddy Cup
No mention of Schenectady in the president's State of the Union address, but lots of talk about innovation, similar to what we heard in the Electric City last week. Everyone is giving their post game today. Here's reaction to the speech from our legislators. [Record]
The State Labor Department issued three violations against the city of Troy for failing to remove asbestos from the former City Hall building before it began demolition. Mayor Tutunjian says the city has not violated any laws, since the demolition hasn't officially started yet, only "exploratory excavation." [Record] [YNN]
The UMass men's basketball team's plane made a emergency landing at Albany International yesterday after pilots noticed smoke in the cockpit. [TU]
New York may become the first state to ban electronic cigarettes. [WTEN}
Focus forming around property tax cap, senators squabble over seating arrangements, cable rates increasings, that's a lot of laundry
Yep, it's still cold. But today's high is forecasted to be in the upper 20s (heat wave). And there's a chance of snow. [NWS]
The various actors at the Capitol now appear to be pointed in the direction of a property tax cap -- and the push back is now focused on getting a "circuit breaker" provision (ties a property tax rebate to income) and stronger rent control. Andrew Cuomo said yesterday he's not on board with a circuit breaker. [YNN] [TU] [State of Politics]
The big drama at the Capitol yesterday: the seating arrangement in the state Senate. [State of Politics]
A study of a potential consolidation of police services in Schenectady County concludes that the various agencies are not willing to merge -- but they are open to sharing some administrative services, which could save the City of Schenectady as much as $560k/year. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
It's really cold, Stratton flying high from AF1 trip, Gibson pushing for nuclear power plant, Alternate Route 7 just keeps rolling
This just in: it's cold. Last night's low was almost -12. At 10 am this morning, it was -4. And today's forecasted high is 7. [NWS] [NWS]
The Capital City Rescue Mission says the shelter has been "packed" the last few nights as people look for refuge from the extreme cold. The Saratoga Springs school district canceled classes because of the cold. [Troy Record] [Saratogian]
Still NOT a good idea: using a blow torch to melt ice on your house. [Daily Gazette]
It sounds like it's going to take Brian Stratton a while to come down from the high of hanging out with Barack Obama on Friday. The Schenectady mayor met with the President in the Oval Office, rode with the him from the White House via helicopter, and then aboard Air Force One up to the Capital Region. Stratton called the experience "surreal." He also scored some presidential M&Ms. [TU] [CBS6] [Daily Gazette] [WTEN] [Fox23]
One of Chris Gibson's top priorities is getting a new nuclear energy plant built in the region. [Post-Star]
Obama visit to Schenectady today, Cuomo says there will be pain, Albany fiscal outlook "bleak," hospital offering "warranty" on heart surgeries
Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Schenectady today (you may have heard). The President will be appearing at the GE campus with CEO Jeffery Immelt. The White House announced yesterday that Immelt will head up its panel of outside economic advisers. All sorts of local and state officials will also be there, some of them accompanying the President on Air Force One. [AOA] [NYT] [Saratogian]
The Secret Service reportedly talked with the Niskayuna Five Guys about a potential POTUS lunch stop. [Daily Gazette]
Though he wouldn't attach a number to the reports of plans for state employee layoffs, Andrew Cuomo did say yesterday of the next budget: "There is going to be, no doubt, a period of short-term pain." There have also been reports that Cuomo is threatening to shut down the state government if he doesn't get the cuts he wants -- yesterday he said that was "possible" but "I don't believe there will be a shutdown." [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
Jack McEneny says the number of layoffs being talked about would be an "absolute disaster" for the Capital Region. [State of Politics]
In his state of the city speech, Jerry Jennings said Albany's fiscal outlook is "bleak" if it doesn't get more funding from the state (this is an ongoing issue -- the city has contended it should receive more money because so much of its land is tax exempt state property). Without the funding, the mayor says there will be significant cuts to services such as fire, police, and trash collection. Says Jennings of his friend Andrew Cuomo: "His leadership of our state gives me cause for hope because I know he is committed to the continued revitalization and success of our capital city." [WNYT] [CBS6] [TU]
The Buddhist org that's talked about investing $1 billion in the area around Amsterdam now says it's fed up with the way it's been treated -- and it's thinking about leaving. The World Peace and Health Organization invited to the media a tour of a property were piping and wiring had been removed -- the org says the theft was a hate crime (Amsterdam officials say the theft was probably just a regular robbery, not a hate crime). Prior to this incident, valuable Buddha statutes have been stolen from the org and it was the target of a weird road block allegedly constructed by a pizza chef. [CBS6] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [TU] [Fox23]
Reports: Cuomo looking to cut as many as 15k state jobs, plan would have SUNY campuses compete for funding, county legislator accused of felony forgery
Two reports this morning that the Cuomo administration is considering a plan that would cut as many as 15,000 state jobs. There's also talk of a "Tier VI" pension plan that would be more along the lines of a 401k than the current state employee pension. Also reportedly on the table: big cuts to public school funding and Medicaid. [NYT] [TU] [WSJ]
There continues to be talk that Cuomo is threatening to shut the state government down if he doesn't get the cuts he wants. [NY Post]
The state Senate passed a bill that moves the ball ahead (a little bit) on putting a spending cap into the state constitution. It also approved a bill that would require 2/3 vote in the legislature for new taxes. [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli said this week that the state could be facing an $11 billion budget gap. [NYS OSC]
In the first-ever "State of SUNY" address, chancellor Nancy Zimpher unveiled a plan in which campuses for would compete for some types of funding, based on criteria such as research, student retention and degree completion. She also said the university system has the potential to create 40,000 jobs. [SUNY] [TU] [YNN] [Fox23]
Albany beat patrols begin, Schenectady trying to rally support for taxing non-profits, cows roaming free in Glenville
The Albany Police Department's new neighborhood beat patrols began yesterday. Chief Steven Krokoff said in a statement that the beat officers "will be instrumental in reconnecting with the citizens of Albany." Here's a map of the beats. There are no beats west of Manning Blvd. [TU] [APD] [@TULocalPolitics]
The City of Schenectady is sending out a letter to other cities in the state in an effort to see if there's interest in mounting a campaign for state legislation that would cities to tax non-profits (this has has been an ongoing issue in Schenectady -- the mayor talked about imposing a "curb fee" on non-profits last year). [TU]
A handful of Saratoga County municipal entities will be getting money from a payment in lieu of taxes from the federal government for the Kesselring nuclear facility. [Daily Gazette]
The Committee to Save New York, the coalition of business leaders which has apparently been working in some sort of conjunction with Andrew Cuomo, will register as a lobbying group after all. [TU]
Whatever small sting Andrew Cuomo's top advisors felt from their five percent pay cut was probably soothed by the big bonuses he awarded them from his campaign fund. [State of Politics]
David Park's widow tells the TU she had filed her now-withdrawn lawsuit against the Buffalo-area homeowner who fatally shot her husband in order to get "access to information to understand and piece together the final minutes of my husband's life." [TU]
The Albany woman who suffered a heart attack the day after her husband and dog died in a house fire has passed away. [TU]
Snow and ice, Gibson says he'll vote to repeal health care reform, maybe your environmental issue needs more Ruffalo, company leaves newlyweds without wedding photos
The snow arrived early and now it's turning to sleet. Leave early. Take it slow. Icy, Snowy Apocalypse Watch | NWS radar
Andrew Cuomo, preaching transparency, has been not so transparent about the level of coordination going on between his administration and the group of business leaders he's helped assemble to push back against other interest groups in the state. [NYT]
Chris Gibson says he will vote Wednesday in the House to repeal the health care reform act. He says there are aspects of the legislation he'd like to keep -- and would have preferred a replacement bill would be ready for an immediate vote. [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette]
The widow of David Park, the Albany teacher shot and killed when he entered the wrong house in a Buffalo suburb last year, has dropped her wrongful death lawsuit against the homeowner. [Buffalo News]
The City of Albany has settled recently reached a $39k settlement in a civil rights lawsuit related to a 2007 arrest. [TU]
Obama visit to Schenectady rescheduled for Friday, Albany police sergeant accused of interferring with DWI stop, store accused of charging extra sales tax
Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Update: Details on Obama's visit to Schenectady.
Barack Obama's visit to Schenectady has been rescheduled for this coming Friday. As in the previous plan, the President will tour the Schenectady GE site. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Andrew Cuomo is reportedly threatening to shut down the state government if the next state budget doesn't include a $10 billion cut in spending. [NY Post]
Albany police say a sergeant has been suspended after he allegedly interfered in a DWI stop early Saturday morning. The off-duty sergeant allegedly arrived on the scene of the stop and instructed the suspect to not cooperate with the arresting officer. The suspect allegedly refused field sobriety tests and a breathalyzer. [CBS6] [TU] [Fox23]
A statement given to Troy police by the Price Chopper employee who was allegedly groped by a Troy police officer details the alleged incident. The officer was off-duty at the time -- but wearing his Troy police uniform, which the department says he wasn't approved to do. [TU] [Troy Record]
A man and dog died in an Albany house fire late Friday afternoon (map). The next morning, the man's wife suffered a heart attack. [TU] [TU]
A Schenectady city councilman says he opposes the "I am gay" billboards that have gone up around the Capital Region because "This kind of billboard is putting the stamp of approval on a gay lifestyle." [TU]
The head of Albany's parking authority is talking about the possibility of allowing residential parking permits to be sold. [TU]
State Police dodge questions about raises, Troy police officer arrested, more plans for residential development in downtown Albany, someone's missing out on almost $49 million
The Albany snow emergency ended early -- it was canceled at 8 am this morning. [City of Albany]
A top State Police official dodged questions yesterday about the raises that he and other top officials got at the end of last year. [WNYT]
A Troy police officer has been arrested on charges that he inappropriately touched an employee at the Price Chopper in Lansingburgh while working there off-duty -- in uniform (the TPD says he wasn't authorized to do that). Troy police are moving to fire the officer. The head of the Troy PBA says the officer denies the charges. [Troy Record] [YNN] [WTEN] [Fox23]
An Albany man has been arrested on allegations he hired two men to abduct Steven Jackson, the man authorities say was kidnapped from a residence off New Scotland Ave so he could be interrogated about information related to a drug deal (in this case, reportedly 500 pounds of pot) (map). [TU]
Rensselaer County exec Kathleen Jimino says mandate reform has to be part of a property tax cap. She says 89 percent of the county's tax revenue goes toward state-mandated programs. [TU] [Troy Record]
Cuomo "shocked" by State Police raises, Gillibrand visits Giffords, Union College chips in, traffic stop allegedly turns up 27 jars of shrooms
Andrew Cuomo called the raises given to top State Police officials last month "problematic" and "insensitive." He said he was "shocked" when he heard about them. [WNYT] [TU] [Fox23]
We have now apparently entered the "muscle-flexing stage" of the state budget process. [TU]
Operators of the state's racinos -- including the one in Saratoga -- say they want the planned Catskills casino blocked because it will cost the state tax revenue and "may well spell the end of the New York horse racing industry." [TU] [Saratogian]
Kirsten Gillibrand was reportedly holding the hand of Gabrielle Giffords when the injured Arizona Congresswoman opened her eyes yesterday for the first time after the shooting. Gillibrand had flown to Tucson with Barack Obama and other officials for the memorial service. KG told reporters on Air Force One that she and her husband are friends with Gifford and her husband -- and recently went on a double date with them. [AP/CBS6] [State of Politics] [State of Politics]
The state Board of Regents is changing curricula all the way down to the kindergarten level in an attempt to get high school students in the state better prepared for college. [TU]
The plan to re-organize Albany High School has prompted concerns that the school's honors classes will be watered down. [TU]
It snowed, Schumer says Capital Region is a "high-risk area" for terrorism, chicken law discussed in Albany, nation a Twitter about Jimmer
This just in: it's snowed. The snowfall total forecast for the Capital Region has been revised upward -- we're now looking at 10+ inches by the time the storm moves on (probably sometime this afternoon). A snow emergency has been declared in Albany, starting tonight (Wednesday) at 8 pm with parking on the EVEN side. Parking flips to the odd side Thursday at 8 pm. [NWS] [City of Albany email press release]
While appearing in Albany yesterday to push for increased domestic security funding, Chuck Schumer said the Capital Region is "a high-profile and thus high-risk area." Schumer criticized a cut in funding that would have helped pay for a radio system to allow emergency responders across the region to communicate with each other. [WTEN] [Troy Record] [TU]
State Police top brass got pay increases of as much as $28,000/year late last year in order to address a "pay inequity" caused when a union member achieved the rank of major, and thus would have made more than his supervisors. [WNYT]
Beth Whitman-Putnam was sworn in as fire chief in Gloversville last night -- she's the first female fire chief in the history of New York State. [WNYT] [Fox23]
Rotterdam police say a longtime Golub Corp. employee stole $300k from the supermarket company over the course of a decade. They allege the woman, who reportedly was in charge of the employee rewards program, skimmed extra gift certificates from the program. Investigators say they were able to pull data from the woman's use of her AdvantEdge card that allowed to them bring the alleged plot to light. [WNYT] [TU] [Fox23]
The Three Men discuss property tax cap, Clifton Park neighbors not so sunny about solar array, special delivery in Stillwater
"Collegiality" was the word of the day yesterday for Andrew Cuomo, as The Three Men convened in the Governor's Mansion for lunch. Though on his push for a property tax cap, Cuomo's collegial approach seems to be his way -- or else. Publicly, at least, that had Sheldon Silver retreating from his vow to link a tax cap with stronger rent control in NYC -- though it sounds like the Assembly is trying to influence the specifics of the cap. [State of Politics] [NYT City Room] [NYDN] [NY Post] [AP/Troy Record]
The highest-paid person in the Governor's office is not the governor, but Larry Schwartz -- the former top aide to David Paterson, who was not required to take the 5 percent pay cut. [TU]
The Capitol's newest greeter: Andrew Cuomo. [NY Post]
Neil Breslin is now the deputy leader of the Democratic minority in the state Senate. [TU]
The State Police say they won't release the record(s) they have related to Breslin's traffic stop last October. [TU]
King Modest, one of the lookouts during the Richard Bailey shooting, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Modest had taken a plea bargain and testified for the prosecution during the trial of the shooter, De Von Callicut. [YNN] [TU]
Obama visit to Schenectady postponed, 25 Troy employees make $101k or more, so much snow -- not enough tickets
The planned Barack Obama visit to Schenectady this Tuesday has been postponed because of the shooting in Arizona. The White House says it expects to reschedule the trip (a possible new date hasn't been released). Local officials were supportive of the decision -- and both Paul Tonko and Chris Gibson issued statements of sympathy for Gabrielle Giffords, their House colleague. [White House] [TU] [YNN] [Troy Record] [Troy Record]
Giffords' chief of staff, Pia Carusone, is a 1999 graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. She was in DC at the time of the shooting. [TU] [Troy Record]
The possible trade-off for getting the state Assembly to support a property tax cap? Stronger rent control in NYC. [NYT]
The median Capital Region rent was $833 in 2009 -- up 12 percent from 2007, according to Census Bureau data. [TU]
Thanks to overtime, the City of Troy had 25 employees that made more than 101k last year -- the mayor not among them. [TU]
Still few details about Obama's visit to Schenectady, first settlement in Raucci case, three accused of kidnapping man who's still missing and presumed dead
There are still few details about Barack Obama's visit to Schenectady next Tuesday, though the White House has now confirmed that he's actually coming. (Brian Stratton says he got the official word that President Obama would be visiting via a call on his mobile from the White House yesterday at 2 pm.) "Sources" are telling news outlets that the President will be visiting the GE campus, specifically the new battery plant being built there. Whatever the reason, local officials are chuffed. [WNYT] [YNN] [TU] [State of Politics] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The Saratoga County Water Authority has filed a $27 million lawsuit against GE, arguing the PCB contamination of the Hudson River made the authority's construction of a new water system more expensive than it otherwise would have been. [TU] [Post-Star]
The Schenectady school district approved a $250k settlement for one of the former employees who says he was harassed by Steven Raucci. The district will pay 60 percent of that, insurance will cover the rest. There could be as many as five other cases up for settlement. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [WNYT]
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health report that almost 10 percent of the people near the LaFarge cement plant in Ravena had mercury levels that exceeded state and federal guidelines. The cement plant is one of the state's largest sources of mercury emissions, though the researchers say the can't yet say that the mercury in the study participants' bodies came from the plant. [Fox23] [TU]
Paul A. Walker Jr., the man convicted of shooting a pizza shop manager in Troy in 2009, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. [Troy Record]
Cuomo's State of the State gets positive reaction, Schenectady officials say they did what they could in fatal fire, SUNY schools praised for being good values
Andrew Cuomo's State of the State speech, described as both "emphatically pro-business and centrist" and "sobering - and occasionally soaring," appears to have been generally well received. [NYT] [NYDN] [TU]
The secondary storyline at the Capitol yesterday was the formation of an independent caucus by four Democratic senators who say they can't "in good conscience" support the current Democratic leadership in the chamber. (Republicans hold a 32-30 majority.) Jeff Klein, one of the breakaway senators, said Andrew Cuomo is "supportive" of the move. [TU] [AP/WNYT]
Schenectady public safety commissioner Wayne Bennett on how the body of Patrick Sheehan sat in a burned out house for weeks: "When four of the residents say we have no indication anyone else is in there, nobody is reported missing for at least two weeks and the property owner is saying the third floor is vacant, what other conclusion should we have made?" The landlord now denies that he ever told fire crews the third floor of the apartment building was vacant. Sheehan was reported missing when his brother came to the apartment on Christmas Day and saw that the building had been destroyed. Says Sheehan's brother: "Whether they could have saved him in time or not, I don't know. But they should have found his body much earlier." [YNN] [Fox23] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
State police say two of the five gunshot wounds on the man at the center of the hostage situation in Albany last month were self-inflicted (it appears state troopers hit him three times after he lowered his gun at them). [TU]
State of the State this afternoon, Saratoga family dealing with two tragedies, bars react to early close request, gravity -- and maybe vandals -- got the ball rolling
The State of the State speech is this afternoon at 1:30. Andrew Cuomo will deliver the speech not in the Assembly chamber, but in the ESP's convention center -- which some are reading as a Cuomo message to the legislature that he's now calling the shots. One other apparent addition to this year's speech: "a unique audio/visual presentation utilizing state-of-the-art graphics projected on at least three large screens." [Cuomo admin] [TU] [NY Post]
The Cuomo administration announced that it's picked Joseph Martens to head up DEC. Martens is presdent of the Open Space Institute and chair of the Olympic Regional Development Authority. Environmental groups seem happy with the pick. [Cuomo admin] [TU]
Cuomo has still not named a budget director -- and his administration seems to be slow in making selections for many top posts. [NYT]
State police say the pedestrian killed on the Northway Monday night in Wilton was Oleg Moston -- the grandfather of Nicholas Naumkin, the 12-year-old killed in an accidental shooting just before Christmas. Moston's daughter -- the boy's mother -- says Moston and his wife had visited the boy's grave shortly before the accident on the Northway. She said her parents don't drive, and they had been out running errands on foot. Police say they're not sure why Moston tried to cross the interstate, but it doesn't appear he walked into traffic on purpose -- they say he might have been disoriented. Moston was an accomplished professional pianist who had played at many institutions, most recently Skidmore and the Glens Falls Ballet and Dance Company. Said Moston's daughter after her father's death: "I don't know why this is happening to my family." [Post-Star] [CBS6] [TU] [Saratogian] [WNYT] [Fox23] [GFBD] [Daily Gazette]
Albany bar owners say they're reluctant to go along with Jerry Jenning's request to close at 2 am because the move will cause them to lose a significant amount of business. Meanwhile, it seems the APD is willing to name names about which establishments are regarded as problems. (And the story has prompted a whole lot of puns to be spilled.) [WNYT] [Fox23] [YNN]
Cuomo and other top officials taking pay cut, Jennings pushes for bars to close earlier, Sandra Lee visits local foodbank, cop accused of calling in false report, Troy time capsule missing
Andrew Cuomo announced that he's cutting his own pay by five percent -- that's almost $9k before taxes (and just a tiny speck in the $9 billion budget gap). Lieutenant governor Bob Duffy and other senior administration staffers will also take a 5 percent cut. New state AG Eric Schneiderman and comptroller Tom DiNapoli also say they'll follow suit. Cuomo said the state needs to cut spending and he wanted to lead by example. Said Dean Skelos of Cuomo's cut: "It has to be more than symbolism, it has to be action and results." [Cuomo admin] [TU] [Buffalo News] [NYDN] [NYT] [State of Politics]
Of course, this is all ahead of negotiations with the state employee unions about a pay freeze. Cuomo says he's "looking forward to sitting down at the table in a cooperative way with labor leaders all across the state." The union at least seem willing to talk -- said a CSEA spokesman: "Quite frankly, for the last two years, New York has really had a leadership vacuum in the Governor's office, so I see this as a very positive thing that he's trying to set a good tone." [YNN] [State of Politics] [WNYT]
State police say a pedestrian was killed last night while apparently trying to walk across the Northway between Exits 14 and 15 (map). They say the man was reportedly hit by a car, which stopped, then by two tractor trailers. The trucks reportedly kept driving. [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [CBS6]
State police say a woman walking her dog in Nassau found the body of a man hanging from a tree. The man hasn't been identified, but East Greenbush police say there's a suspicion it's the man who's been missing since an alleged hit-and-run on 9 and 20 last September. [TU] [Troy Record]
Schenectady police have identified the body found by a demolition crew in the apartment building that burned down in December as Patrick Sheehan, the building tenant who had been missing. The SPD says it's treating the case like a possible homicide. Said Sheehan's brother: "I just want to know why he was dead on the couch for 21 days and no one knew. It's gross. It's just not right to die that way." [Daily Gazette] [TU] [WNYT]
Jerry Jennings is pushing for bars and restaurants in Albany to voluntarily close at 2 am. [TU]
Cuomo expected to push for state worker pay freeze, demo begins on old Troy city hall, 103 mph on the Northway, the Capital Region's first baby of 2011
New York State has a new governor: Andrew Cuomo (you may have heard of him). He took the oath of office New Year's Eve. In his inaugural address on New Year's Day, Cuomo said he approaches his job with "constructive impatience with the status quo of Albany" and:
"New York faces a deficit, a deficit that we talk about all day long: the budget deficit, the budget deficit. But it's actually worse. The state faces a budget deficit and a competence deficit and an integrity deficit and a trust deficit. And those are the obstacles we really face."
After the inaugural, Cuomo said he will carry through on the 900 state employee layoffs initiated by the Paterson administration and declared there will be "no new taxes, period." The Cuomo administration is requiring ethics training for staff members. And, in somewhat symbolic move, Cuomo has ordered the concrete barriers removed from the Capitol's south entrance and the opening of a hallway in the Capitol's executive suite. [NYT] [Cuomo admin] [TU] [State of Politics] [AP/Post-Star] [TU] [NYT]
Cuomo's first state of the state speech is this Wednesday. He's expected to push for a pay freeze for state employees and a property tax cap. [NYT] [NYDN]
While Cuomo has named a handful top administration officials, many top positions are still unfilled. Jerry Jennings was MC of the Cuomo inaugural -- and though there's speculation the longtime Cuomo friend will take a position in the administration, Jennings said last week: "I'm staying where I am." [NYT] [Fox23] [TU]
Saying a million dollar state grant was at risk, Harry Tutunjian pushed ahead with the demolition of the old Troy city hall Friday. The demolition defies an order by the city council to delay the action. [Troy Record] [TU]
Demolition crews discovered the body of a man Friday while taking down a Schenectady apartment building damaged by fire December 10 (map). The family of a building resident who's been missing fears the body is that of their missing brother. The building's landlord said he had originally been told that everyone made it out of the fire safely. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
There were a combined total of 12 homicides in Schenectady, Albany and Troy in 2010 -- 8 in Schenectady, and two each in Albany and Troy. [TU]
The number of hate crimes was down slightly last year in the Capital Region, compared to the year before. [Daily Gazette]
NYSTI board votes to close theater institute, GE says it will go along with phase 2 of dredging, demand up at local homeless shelters, Siena tops Georgia Tech
Aggregated links for the Albany hostage situation.
The NYSTI board voted unanimously to close the theater institute at the end of this year. The acting head of NYSTI had asked the board to allow the org to pursue a line of credit to keep it running with the hope that it would get funding in the next state budget. The chair of the board (who's also David Paterson's top aide) says NYSTI's assets will be put in escrow until the new administration decides what to do with them -- or the legislature dissolves the org. [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
Andrew Cuomo has picked Joseph D'Amico, currently the head investigator in the state attorney general's office, to be the next State Police superintendent. [NYT]
GE says it has decided move along with the second phase of the Hudson River PCB dredging project under the guidelines recently laid out by the EPA. [AP/CBS6]
Concessions made by Schenectady firefighters in a new contract will head off 14 planned layoffs. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Western New York eyed for loss of House seats, police say students accused of racially motivated attack were drunk, police looking for another alleged big box store purse snatcher
After the Census Bureau reported yesterday that New York State will be losing two House seats, the talk is that the two seats will come from the western half of New York -- because the population in that part of the state is shrinking. The state legislature is in charge of drawing the districts -- and the fighting has already begun. [AOA] [NYT] [TU] [TU CapCon]
The campaign account David Paterson's been using to pay his legal fees (including his almost $1000/hour attorney) is almost empty. [NY Post]
Saratoga Springs police say the four Skidmore students accused of assaulting a man, in what police say was a racially-motivated attack, were intoxicated at the time of their arrest (they're all underage). Two of the students are members of the Skidmore basketball team. The students declined to comment after their arraignment yesterday. [Saratogian] [TU] [Post-Star]
The Troy man accused of being involved in a stolen car chase last year that resulted in one person dying and two others being seriously injured has pleaded guilty. He faces 9 years in prison. [Troy Record] [TU]
Albany police say a five-year-old got away from his daycare center yesterday morning by unlocking a door (map). He was found wandering the neighborhood in his Sponge Bob Squarepants pajamas. Police say he was only gone for about 10 minutes. The owner of the daycare reportedly said she didn't know the boy had wandered off. [TU] [WNYT] [YNN] [Fox23]
More details in alleged Saratoga assault that police say was racially motivated, Paterson fined for Yankees tickets, proposal submitted for ShopRite on Central Ave
More details in the alleged assault in Saratoga Springs over the weekend that police say was racially motivated. Saratoga Springs police say four Skidmore students assaulted two men in Compton's around 5:30 Saturday morning. Police say the students -- all African-American or Hispanic -- questioned "why a black man was sitting with a white man and began taunting them and making racially derogatory statements toward the two" (not clear is what prompted this alleged exchange). One of the students is facing two felony charges, both marked as hate crimes, for allegedly smashing a plate over the head of one of the men. Police say the student told them after he was arrested: "Yeah, so I hit him with the plate. It's not like if he had the chance he wouldn't have hit me with the plate." There are conflicting reports about whether Skidmore is suspending the students. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [YNN] [CBS6]
David Paterson was fined a little more than $62k by the state Commission on Public Integrity for soliciting and accepting free Yankees World Series tickets. The commission says Paterson gave "false testimony" in the case, and that he "set a totally inappropriate tone by his dishonest and unethical conduct." An attorney for Paterson says the commission "wildly misrepresented the facts." [NYT] [TU] [NYS CPI] [Fox23]
An Albany Common Council override vote of the veto to funding for Public Bath No. 2 failed 8-6, during a sometimes heated meeting. Councilman Anton Konev -- a supported of the pool -- was not present because he was visiting family in Russia, and his request to vote via Skype was rejected. [Fox23] [WNYT] [TU]
The Saratoga County IDA has approved $111 million in sales tax exemptions for a possible future expansion of the GlobalFoundries chip fab. It seemed reluctant to offer tax exemptions to a "flex space" project in Malta that's apparently aiming to house GloFo suppliers. [Post-Star] [Post-Star]
Paterson worries about post-office life, possibility of state worker pay free raised, zoo sounds like it's been a zoo, mysterious green mist in Colonie, warning about foxes with distemper in Troy
David Paterson says he's concerned about how he'll make a living -- and how he'll generally get around -- after he leaves office. [NYT]
There's talk about the possibility of a pay freeze for state employees. [AP/Post-Star]
There's growing pressure for the City of Albany to cut back on the health benefits provided to police and fire department retirees. [TU]
Rules issued by the EPA for the next phase of the Hudson River PCB dredging project are aiming for more precise dredging and fewer re-supsended PCBs. If GE agrees to the rules, the project starts up again in May. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Albany police say man was shot multiple times Saturday night on Elk Street (map). The APD says the shooting appears to not be random and they're looking for two suspects. [Fox23] [CBS6]
Luke McDermott, a Marine from Westerlo, returned to a big welcome at ALB this weekend. McDermott lost parts of two legs during a roadside explosion in Afghanistan this past summer. [YNN] [Fox23]
Cuomo inauguration to be low-key, bar owner found not guilty in organizing Barnes attack, trash truck drivers looking out for crime
The Cuomo administration is planning a low-key inauguration. Andrew Cuomo and Robert Duffy will take their oats of office in private New Year's Eve and there will be a small swearing-in ceremony New Year's Day in a chamber at the Capitol known as "The War Room." Said a "Cuomo ally" about the plans: "They don't do anything without a message tied to it." [NYT] [TU] [NYDN]
The Cuomo administration has made its first agency head appointment: Dr. Nirav R. Shah will be the next state health commissioner. The press release describes Shah as an "expert in use of systems-based methods to improve patient outcomes." [NYU] [AP/CBS6] [State of Politics]
Former Union College president Roger Hull announced yesterday that he's running for mayor of Schenectady. Hull will be running with the support of the newly formed Alliance Party, which bills itself as an effort to end one-party Democratic Party rule in the city. As president of Union, Hull declined to make payments in lieu of taxes to the city because he said the school couldn't have been sure that money would have been spent wisely by the city. Current mayor Brian Stratton released a statement saying, basically, that it's too early to start talking about next year's mayoral race. [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [CBS6] [WTEN] [TU]
A jury found Timothy Rankins, the owner of Envy Lounge, not guilty of organizing the attack on Steve Barnes and a friend at Stuyvesant Plaza in 2008. Both of the men who admitted to carrying out the attack aren't getting jail time because of prosecutorial errors in one case, and in the other case, a deal cut for testimony in the Rankins case. Wrote Barnes on Table Hopping last night: "The most important and disturbing principle of this matter, of course -- whether the attacker was a pro fighter trying to impress friends by taking initiative or had been commissioned to do it -- is that someone judged violent reprisal to be the appropriate response to truthful journalism." Here's the post that apparently prompted the attack. [TU] [WNYT] [Table Hopping]
Paterson making the rounds in last days as governor, police warn of purse thefts in parking lots, rumors of Proctors/Cap Rep merger denied
David Paterson on his unplanned ascension to the governorship in 2008: "Next time I'm going to know when I become governor, and next time I want to be a governor with money rather than without it." He says becoming governor was the "Most exciting thing that happened to me in my life. Something that I never expected. And, a challenge, difficult, acrimonious at times, always a struggle." And on his record: "People may not agree with everything I've done, but I think we have governed carefully and expeditiously." [Troy Record] [YNN] [Daily Politics]
A state archivist says Paterson could have sent his papers to the state archive for free -- instead of spending $250k in state money to give them to Cornell. [TU]
The head of NYRA says NYC OTB's collapse could end up being good for horse racing in the state over the long term. At an Assembly hearing yesterday, there was discussion of consolidating the state's various OTBs in an effort to create efficiencies, though some say they're concerned about a loss of local control. [TU] [YNN] [Saratogian]
A former chef at Envy Lounge testified yesterday that owner Timothy Rankins had made threatening comments about Steve Barnes -- and said she called investigators a day after the attack. [TU]
Guilty verdict in Bailey murder trial, Saratoga County reportedly in talks to buy Luther Forest tech park, NYRA head says horses will run at Saratoga next season
A jury found De Von Callicut guilty in the murder of UAlbany student Richard Bailey. Said Bailey's father after the verdict: "A little closure came today ... I mean, it's never going to bring Rick back, but I guess that justice prevailed and we're ecstatic. We really are." [link digest] [TU]
Albany County exec Mike Breslin is now supporting the construction of a new county nursing home -- he had been pushing to permanently close the facility -- after reaching a deal with the county legislature. Breslin also rescinded an unannounced veto of the county budget. [Troy Record] [TU]
Saratoga County reportedly has "the framework of a deal" to buy the Luther Forest tech park, which would head of a state takeover of the campus. [Daily Gazette]
The state attorney general's office and the feds announced a criminal indictment of state senator Pedro Espada and his son for allegedly "stealing in excess of half a million dollars from Bronx clinics." The pair is accused of embezzling money to pay for a string of personal expenses and extravagances. The Espadas say they're innocent. Said Neil Breslin: "It's a reflection on us all [in the state Senate] and it's a sad day." Said state senator Liz Kruger: "I sometimes wonder how the criminal justice system can take so long when it all seems so obvious." Andrew Cuomo told reporters he "couldn't leave [the AG's] office on a better note." [NYS AG] [NYT] [State of Politcs] [WNYT] [NYDN] [State of Politics]
The mixed martial arts fighter accused of attacking Steve Barnes in 2008 testified yesterday that the hit was his idea -- and not that of bar owner Timothy Rankins. [TU]
A Schenectady family has boarded up its house after it's been serially terrorized by people shooting at their home with paint ball and BB guns. [Daily Gazette]
Jurors deliberating in Bailey murder case, Troy council overrides budget veto, museum says rare hood ornament stolen, police dog hears call of the shopping plaza
Richard Bailey murder trial Jurors will be back for another day of deliberation today. During closing arguments yesterday, prosecutor David Rossi cited boasts about the crime that De Von Callicut allegedly made in letters sent from prison. Callicut's attorney continued to try to cast doubt on prosecution witnesses, whose testimony she argued had been "bought and paid for." [YNN] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The Troy city council voted to override the Harry Tutunjian's budget veto. The mayor had rejected the budget because of concerns it drained the city's contingency fund too low. Said Ken Zalewski, one of the council members who voted to override: "Residents in the city don't care about the contingency fund. They care about taxes and this budget keeps taxes as low as possible." [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT]
Capital Region police officers have a go-to move after being pulled over for suspected DWI: refuse the blood alcohol test. [TU]
The criminal trial has started for Timothy Rankins, the Albany bar owner accused of setting up the attack on Steve Barnes at Stuyvesant Plaza in 2008. [TU]
The Paterson administration has confirmed that former top aide David Johnson, who's been accused of domestic violence, has been fired. Payroll records indicated Johnson was let go in mid-November. [NYT] [AP/YNN]
Closing arguments today in Bailey murder trial, Colonie salon's alleged recidivism rubs cops the wrong way, Albany schools face $5 million gap
Richard Bailey murder trial A handwriting expert testifying for the prosecution said the letters allegedly sent by De Von Callicut from prison did match Callicut's handwriting. Callicut's attorney called Ricardo Caldwell -- whom prosecutors said served as a lookout -- back to the stand as she argued that Caldwell and King Modest -- another alleged lookout -- were actually responsible for the shooting. Closing arguments in the case are scheduled for today. [TU] [Fox23] [Fox23]
A Rensselaer County court jury convicted Paul Walker Jr. for the shooting of a Hoosick Street pizza shop manager in June 2009. He faces up to 30 years in prison. [TU] [Troy Record]
The final list for state employee layoffs includes 891 people -- though not all of them will end up being let go. Both PEF and CSEA were predictably irked. [TU] [PEF] [CSEA]
Jerry Jennings vetoed the Albany budget amendments that funded Public Bath No. 2 and would have cut $95k in overtime. Of the public pool, the mayor said: "We're talking over $225,000 a year. And that's too much money to spend on a very small number of people that use it." [TU] [YNN]
A Colonie massage salon was busted for the third time on allegations of prostitution. Police say they're frustrated because the salon's owner managed to get out of the previous arrest with a $375 fine -- only $55 more than what cops spent on massages as part of a sting operation. Colonie officials say they're trying to figure out if they can shut the operation down some other way. [Fox23] [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
Questions about why sex offender was released, letters at issue in Bailey murder trial, teen gets "bionic" hand, Andrew lives in Sandra's house
Keith Dare, the convicted sex offender accused of the Dove Street rape, was referred to the state's Office of Mental Health for review for possible civil confinement (holding a sex offender beyond their sentence). State officials say they can't release the reasons why Dare ended up getting released. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Richard Bailey murder trial Prosecutors called state prison officials to the stand as they prepared to introduce letters allegedly written by De Von Callicut in which he admits to the shooting. Callicut's attorney tried to raise doubts about the authorship of the letters -- and accused prison officials of tampering with evidence. [Fox23] [WNYT] [YNN] [TU]
While testifying in his defense yesterday, the man on trial for allegedly shooing a Troy pizza shop manager during a robbery last year said the idea that he would come to Troy from Queens to rob the store "doesn't even make any sense." [Troy Record]
Citing a steep reduction in the city's contingency fund, Harry Tutunjian has vetoed the budget passed by the Troy city council. Democrats on the council -- who have a 7-2 majority -- are expected to vote to override the veto. [Troy Record] [TU]
Rensselaer County exec Kathleen Jimino says the county will have to lay off 40 employees after the public employees union rejected a change in health insurance carriers. [WNYT] [YNN]
After its high school was tagged as a "persistently lowest achieving" school by the state, the head of the Schenectady school district says changes are already underway at the school. Albany High School was also on the list (again) -- the Albany schools superintendent says reforms at the school have already resulted in better attendance and grades. [AOA] [Daily Gazette] [CBS6]
Top state aide says closure of Saratoga is "definite possibility" because of NYC OTB mess, arrest in Dove Street rape, Jimmer doesn't disappoint in homecoming
State horse racing industry officials were scrambling yesterday in reaction to the closure of the NYC OTB. Top Paterson admin aide -- NYC OTB chairman -- Larry Schwartz said the closure of the Saratoga Race Course is a "definite possibility" because of the OTB failure. NYC OTB represented almost half of the amount bet in the state on horses -- and contributed about half of NYRA's purse money. Hugh Farley said state Senate Republicans are working on a bill that will "take care of the OTB in New York City, the OTBs in upstate and it will take care of NYRA." Of course, Farley also said this week he would have "probably voted for" the NYC OTB bill that failed in the state Senate, but he didn't cast a vote because he was late. [TU] [TU CapCon] [NYT] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [State of Politics]
Albany police say they've arrested a convicted sex offender for last week's Dove Street rape. They say DNA evidence on file connected Keith Dare to the crime. Dare was convicted of raping a woman in 1989 and served a full 21 year sentence -- he was released this past June. [TU] [YNN] [Fox23] [WNYT]
Richard Bailey murder trial: the two alleged accomplices to De Von Callicut testified yesterday about their recollection of the events the night Bailey was murdered. Callicut's attorney suggested that one of the alleged accomplices was actually the shooter. Another prosecution witness, who said Callicut showed up at his house the night of the murder and admitted to firing a shot, offered inconsistent testimony. [TU] [WNYT] [TU]
Worries about state racing industry after NYC OTB bill fails, survey concludes cars on many streets around ESP are from commuters, it's Jimmer time
The measure that would have propped up NYC OTB failed to pass during a vote in the state Senate yesterday. The vote tally was 29-21 against -- and if you're scoring at home, that means 10 senators did not vote. Among the non-votes: Hugh Farley, who said he was "a little bit late" because he had been talking to Dean Skelos. The chairman of the NYC OTB said the org is "out of business" because of the vote and could leave the state on the hook for the org's $600 million in liabilities. An official with state racing and wagering board described the effect of the OTB's closure on the state's racing industry as "a boulder hitting the pond" and every part of the state's racing industry will experience adverse impacts. The OTB owed NYRA more than $25 million. Senate Democratic majority leader John Sampson called the bill's failure "the nail in the coffin for the racing industry in the entire state of New York." [TU] [State of Politics] [TU CapCon] [NYDN] [NY Post] [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [State of Politics]
During opening arguments of the Richard Bailey murder trial, the attorney for De Von Callicut -- the alleged shooter -- tried to cast doubt on the truthfulness of the prosecution's witnesses, which include three associates of Callicut. Her opening statement was also interrupted by the prosecution with an objection after she said that Albany police department's investigation of the case considered "every criminal in the Albany area, who was also black, a suspect." During its opening the statement, the prosecution said Callicut had gone on a robbery spree for "free money" after losing money playing dice. [WNYT] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
An APD spokesman says "stranger on stranger" rapes, such as two recent crimes on Dove and Quail, are "very, very rare" in the city. [TU]
During the trial of one of the men accused of robbing a Troy pizzeria at gunpoint last year, the shop's manager described being shot a combined six times by the two assailants -- including four times in the eye. [Troy Record] [TU]
A survey of streets around the ESP by the City of Albany Traffic Engineering Division concludes that many of the cars parked there during the day belong to commuters. On some streets, more than half cars were tagged as belonging to commuters. [TU] [ACO]
Grad student accused of having dangerous chemicals says he had nothing to hide, trial starts in Bailey murder, Soares sued for $75 million, did Cuomo eat a piece of New York?
Jason Sanchez, the RPI grad student arrested last week after Bethlehem police said they found dangerous chemicals in his apartment's basement, took the Times Union on a shopping trip to Lowe's to demonstrate that he had "nothing to hide" and that the chemicals were easily obtainable. [TU]
The Albany County legislature approved a budget that includes a five percent property tax increase and 33 layoffs. Legislators also approved a bill that would move the ball forward on building a new county nursing home (county exec Mike Breslin has been opposed to building a new facility). [TU] [Fox23]
The union that reps Albany police officers has gone to court against the city to protest a shift in work schedules related to the department's new community policing initiative. Officers were scheduled to start walking new beats this Friday. [TU] [CBS6]
Opening arguments are scheduled to start today in the trial of De Von Callicutt, the man accused of killing UAlbany student Richard Bailey in 2008. The jury consists of 10 women and 2 men. [TU] [YNN]
Albany police say a UAlbany student was raped by an unknown attacker early Sunday morning on Quail Street (map). An APD spokesman says there's "not enough to go on" to believe this attack is connected to last week's rape on Dove Street. He also urged people to be cautious: "Trying to reinforce, 3:30 in the morning, 21-year-old female should not be out walking alone." [CBS6] [WNYT] [TU] [YNN] [Fox23] [YNN]
Republicans appear to have taken back state Senate, shooting in night club on Pearl Street, bells ring after a ton of crap, UAlbany tops Siena in OT
It appears Republicans will take back control of the state Senate during the next session. The Republicans are claiming a 32-20 majority after a judge denied the request for a recount in a Long Island race. The new apparent organization of the legislatures has prompted speculation that Andrew Cuomo will now have an easier time pushing his budget plans with Republicans controlling the Senate. Dean Skelos -- the will apparently be the once-again majority leader -- basically said as much this weekend: "Cuomo and I are in synch ... His issue is going to getting Speaker Silver on board." [NYT] [State of Politics] [NYT] [NY Post]
A "source close to Cuomo" says the administration is planning an "austere" inaugural ceremony. [NY Post]
Last week while he urged the legislature to make cuts to close the current year budget gap, David Paterson was approving more than $16 million in state grants. [TU]
As the economy continues to scuffle, local counties are seeing big increases in the number of people relying on Medicaid and other public assistance. [Troy Record]
Albany police say two people were shot in the leg early Saturday morning in a Pearl Street night club (map). Police say there was one shooter. No arrests have been made. [Fox23] [WNYT] [WTEN]
Schenectady pension reforms proposed, GloFo pushing for more tax breaks, Corning Tower observation deck to close Saturdays, Don Weeks signs off
Brian Stratton says overtime payments for Schenectady city managers have been frozen and he's proposed a plan to reform the city's pension system. Stratton also says fire chief Robert Farstad will retire with the pension he was originally scheduled to receive (it was a plan to pad Farstad's pension that set off this whole episode). [YNN] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Jerry Jennings said today on TALK 1300 that he would probably veto some of the amendments to the budget approved this week by the common council. [TU Local Politics]
GlobalFoundries is trying to get more substantial breaks on sales tax for machinery at the Luther Forest chip fab. This week a GloFo rep said: "We're constantly looking at our global options and taxes are a huge issue when it comes to cost competitiveness." [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
Mary Jane Vautrin, the Ballston Spa woman convicted of stabbing her husband while he slept last year, was sentenced to nine years in prison. During his statement in court before the sentencing yesterday, her husband said he still loved her and asked: "Why would you want me dead?" The attack was allegedly part of a plot to cash in on a life insurance plan. [Saratogian] [TU] [Post-Star]
Said John Pikus, who's retiring from heading-up the local FBI field office, of the sting against Yassin Aref and Mohammed Hossain: "We had to do whatever we can to identify if this individual was a threat to the United States." He said the number one issue in the area his office covers is public corruption. [YNN] [CBS6]
Grad student arrested in Delmar hazardous chemicals case, disputed budgets in Rensselaer County and Troy, state projected to lose Congressional seats, Hannah's Hope alleges fraud in grant voting
Bethlehem police say they've arrested Jason Sanchez following the discovery of a group of dangerous chemicals in the basement of his Delmar apartment building Tuesday. Police say experts told them the chemicals "represented an extreme danger to people." They say they also found a commercial-grade vacuum chamber in the basement. Sanchez is a grad student at RPI. His brother was badly burned in an explosion at a house in Delmar last December. [TU] [Fox23] [WNYT] [Troy Record] [CBS6]
The long-term unemployment benefits of 9,000 people in the Capital Region will run out at the end of December. [TU]
Yesterday on WFAN, David Paterson said being governor has been "very challenging, very difficult, very painful at times." And he said of the legislature: "I think the caliber of people I work with in Albany 25 years ago, and I am sorry to say this, is far superior than it is now." [Daily Politics] [State of Politics]
Paterson reportedly looked into bringing a bill to legalize same-sex marriage up during the recent lame-duck special session, but apparently couldn't find enough support in the legislature. [NYT]
Kirsten Gillibrand says WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange should be "thrown in jail for a very long time." [State of Politics]
The Rensselaer County legislature passed a 2011 county budget that includes a 2.5 percent tax increase last night -- but the minority is arguing the budget didn't get enough votes. [TU] [Troy Record]
The Troy City Council approved a budget that includes 1.9 percent tax increase -- and the last minute "stealth" re-allocation of $300k from the city's contingency fund. [WNYT] [Troy Record]
WTEN reports Jerry Jennings will veto the budget passed by the Albany Common Council because it includes funding to keep Public Bath No. 2 open. [WTEN]
Cuomo says legislature "failed the people of New York," hazmat team called for chemicals at Delmar apartment, Albany school district now advertising for students, fish eggs in spaaaaccceee
After apparently making nice with Assembly Democrats during lunch, Andrew Cuomo then told reporters outside that the legislature "failed the people of New York" for "kick[ing] the can down the road" by not doing anything at this week's special session about the $315 million current year budget gap. [Daily Politics] [TU] [YNN]
The hazmat team was called to an apartment complex in Delmar yesterday after "suspicious-looking" chemicals were found in the basement (map). A "law enforcement sources" say that the older brother of the teen burned during a house explosion last December in Delmar was experimenting with the chemicals in the basement. [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT] [Fox23]
Albany police say they're investigating the rape of a woman in her apartment Monday morning around 9:30 on Dove Street near Washington Ave (map). They say the woman reported answering her door and the man pushed his way into her apartment and attacked her. The APD says there doesn't seem to be a previous connection between the woman and the attacker. [WTEN] [YNN] [Fox23]
The EPA is investigating whether there was an "air release" of radioactive material during a demolition project at the Knolls Atomic Power Lab in Niskayuna in September. [TU]
The Saratoga Springs city council passed a budget that includes a 4.45 percent property tax increase. [Saratogian]
State legislature doesn't take up deficit reduction, Albany Common Council passes budget, judge says alleged admission in Bailey murder should be tossed, woman has 300+ Barbies
The state legislature did not take action to close the $300something million current year budget gap during yesterday's not-so-special session. Senate Democrats blamed the lack of action on the Paterson administration, saying they didn't have enough time to review the deficit reduction bills. The Paterson administration said the legislature was just "making excuses to push this year's responsibility further into the future." Said Roy McDonald of the failure to act: "... if I were the public, I would say to us, 'Don't go home. Stay right here. Work through the holidays. Welcome to the real world!'" [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [NYT] [Fox23]
Also not taken up during the special session: a measure to prop up the bankrupt NYC OTB. The betting operation could shut down as early as Friday -- and could result in a significant loss of revenue for the state's horse racing industry. [State of Politics] [NY Post] [TU]
After a marathon session, the Albany Common Council passed a budget that includes a 2 percent tax increase includes a 7.5 percent tax increase, 34 projected layoffs and saves Public Bath No. 2. Jerry Jennings has said he'd veto the budget if it includes funding for the public pool. [ACO] [CBS6] [TU] [Fox23] [@TULocalPolitics]
Special session expected to be anything but, Colonie EMS improves heart attack survival rates, push to finish projects for tax credits, a proposal in lights
The legislature is back today for the special session called by David Paterson to address the $300something million current year budget gap. Another issue up today: the impending shutdown of NYC OTB. It sounds like not much will come of the session, though. (In part because so many legislators are irked at Paterson.) [TU] [AP/CBS6] [State of Politics] [NYDN]
Andrew Cuomo and Sheldon Silver have reportedly been holding "several" "peacemaking" meetings. [NY Post]
Jonathan Lippman -- the state's top judge -- is expected to push for a $100 million increase in the budget for providing legal services to the poor in civil cases. [NYT]
Colonie EMS has increased its heart attack survival rates over the last few years by incrementally introducing new techniques, including therapeutic hypothermia. [TU]
Paterson and Cuomo appear to be collaborating, another turn in Schenectady overtime story, dogs found in Troy apartment appear to have been invovled with fighting
The weather forecast over the next few days: now through Thanksgiving day looks to be cold, but OK. Thanksgiving night through Saturday morning includes a chance of rain mixed with snow. Traffic info from 511. [NWS] [511NY]
Based on his agenda for the upcoming special session of the legislature, it appears David Paterson is collaborating with Andrew Cuomo. (He is "almost Mr. Cuomo.") [TU] [State of Politics]
State racing industry officials say they're concerned about what effect the proposed Catskills casino could have on the Aqueduct racino, which is project to provide a stream of funding for the state's racing industry. [Saratogian]
Albany County legislators say they've found a way to cut the proposed tax increase from 15 percent to 5 percent -- though county exec Mike Breslin questions the numbers. [WNYT]
Members of Schenectady's city council say it appears many past top officials in the city's police and fire departments routinely increased their pensions through extra overtime in the year ahead of retirement. Of the recent council outrage about overtime for the current fire chief, Brian Stratton says the city council had been notified about the extra time (the council says it didn't know). [Daily Gazette] [WNYT]
Cuomo says staffed-but-empty facility is symbol of state's problems, alleged hydroponic pot operation busted in Albany, retail stores opening on Thanksgiving this year
After touring the empty -- but still staffed -- state Tryon Residential Center for boys in Johnstown yesterday, Andrew Cuomo called the facility a symbol of the state's problems. "We're paying 30 staff people to babysit an empty building," he said. The facility is still staffed because of a state law that requires a one year closure notice for such facilities -- a law that Cuomo says needs to be changed. [TU] [YNN] [NYDN] [NY Post]
Cuomo on next year's state budget, projected to have a $9-$10 billion gap: "All the choices will be hard choices next year." [YNN]
A federal draft report obtained by the Times Union concludes that workers for the contractor at the Knolls Atomic Power lab that was allegedly responsible for the radioactive spill into the Mohawk felt pressured to ignore safety issues in order to get their work done faster. Federal officials say the contractor could be fired. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Chuck Schumer on getting federal approval for the deal that would open the way for a proposed casino in Sullivan County: "I will use what clout I have in Washington to make them say yes." [TU]
Layoff letters go out to state employees, Cuomo pushing for current year cuts, Dino founder says opening in Troy was a delight, baffling beavers
Layoff letters have gone out to almost 900 state employees whose positions are scheduled to be cut at the end of this year. [AP/Post-Star]
Andrew Cuomo will reportedly press the legislature to approve David Paterson's plan to cut $315 million from the current year state budget. [NY Post]
Nearly two-thirds of New York State's natural gas transmission lines were installed before 1970 using a lower-quality welding technique no longer widely used. [TU]
An increase in the Albany County sales tax appears to be off the table -- though the legislature and county exec Mike Breslin are still have significant differences on the budget. [TU]
GlobalFoundries continues to make unhappy noises, Stratton trieds to defend chief's overtime, rumors of more Chipotles and Fresh Markets
The Empire State Development Corporation has released more than $8.5 million for infrastructure at the Luther Forest tech park. The money was originally slated to go to the org that runs the tech park, but the state instead redirected the money to the Town of Stillwater in order to "allow for the completion of these critical infrastructure projects at the campus and the GlobalFoundries project to move forward." The ESDC recently moved to take over the park after GloFo raised concerns about infrastructure delays at the site. The company is now making noises that the delays, and issues related to taxes and inspections, could lead it look elsewhere if it decides to build two more chip fabs. [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo -- in his role at state attorney general -- announced two lawsuits against high profile hedge fund manager Steven Rattner, as part of the investigation into the "pay to play" scandal with the state pension fund. Cuomo said Rattner "is in many ways the worst example of this fraud." A Rattner spokesman alleged that Cuomo has been spinning the press on the case through "continual improper leaks." Rattner headed the federal task force that re-organized GM and Chrysler. [TU] [State of Politics] [NYT]
Former state DEC commissioner Pete Grannis got a hero's reception a state assembly committee yesterday, with one assemblyman saying Grannis was "fired for telling the truth" in a leaked memo about the consequences of job cuts at the agency. The new acting head of DEC also testified, saying that two years of jobs cuts at agency will result in slower responses. [WNYT] [TU] [YNN]
Brian Stratton says he instituted the now-cancelled overtime pay plan for Schenectady fire chief Robert Farstad, without the consent of the city council, to "provide equity and fairness to the chief." Stratton said he intended to give the chief $117,000 over the next year because he said that Farstad wasn't in line to get what he was actually owed because of the setup of the pension system. One city council member called it "a dirty, secret deal and nothing more than pension padding." [WNYT] [Daily Gazette] [CBS6] [WTEN]
Delmar doctor to get Medal of Freedom, ALB could get full body scanners next year, Paterson calls legislature back, new supermarket chain reportedly headed to Albany
Tom Little -- the Delmar optometrist who was killed in Afghanistan while doing humanitarian work -- will be posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Barack Obama. It's the nation's highest civilian honor. This year's group of recipients also includes Warren Buffett, Maya Angelou, George H. W. Bush, Bill Russell and others. [TU] [CBS6] [Whitehouse]
The National Weather Service says a tornado touched down in Ghent in Columbia County Wednesday morning. The NWS says the storm was an EF1 on a the scale for tornadoes (that's on the low end). A woman in Ghent says it sounded like a jet engine or a freight train. [TU] [Fox23] [YNN]
Albany County prosecutors allege a Colonie woman fraudulently received $100,000 in welfare and social security benefits. She showed up for her arraignment with a LV purse and told reporters she didn't do anything wrong before riding off in a Lincoln Navigator. [CBS6] [TU] [YNN]
The gang database that the City of Albany's gang prevention specialist said he created... apparently does not exist. [TU]
The org that backs Albany's charter schools wants to rearrange its finances using tax-free public financing. [TU]
ALB could get the new full-body scanners sometime next year. [Troy Record]
Federal prosecutors aim for new trial for Bruno, state's high court hears case about golf etiquette, Troy taking bids for city hall demo, again no skating at ESP
Federal prosecutors said in a letter to Joe Bruno's attorney that recent Supreme Court rulings make a reversal of Bruno's conviction "appropriate." But they also indicated they could attempt to re-try Bruno, arguing there's enough evidence to convict him -- even under the new interpretation by the Supremes. The feds are asking Bruno to drop his appeal and head straight to a new trial -- a move Bruno's camp has already turned down. [State of Politics] [NY Post] [TU] [NYT] [Troy Record] [WTEN]
An Indian tribe from Wisconsin is reportedly close to deal with the state to open a full-fledged casino in the Catskills. The deal could mean hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue each year for the state. [NYT] [TU]
More than 200 state DEC employees have received letters warning of potential layoffs. [TU]
Saratoga County DA James Murphy has turned down the role of special prosecutor in the Signature Pharmacy steroids case. An Albany County court judge had tried to appoint Murphy to the role after disqualifying Albany County DA David Soares. [YNN] [TU]
The state Court of Appeals heard a case yesterday in which the question was whether a golfer should be liable if he doesn't yell "fore" before taking a shot and the ball hits someone. Oral arguments yesterday included a discussion of what constitutes a shank. [TU] [WNYT]
Soares bumped from steroids case, state budget gap widens, State Museum to close on Sundays, men accused of stealing from Holiday Lights in the Park display
An Albany County judge has dismissed the indictment against the five pharmacy operators from Florida involved in the Signature Pharmacy steroids case -- and ruled that Albany County district attorney David Soares should be bumped from the case because the defendants' federal civil case against Soares created a conflict of interest. The judge named Saratoga County DA James Murphy as special prosecutor for the case. In a statement, Soares said the judge's decision is "a get out of jail free card for every criminal defendant in New York State. His message to defendants is: 'if your DA is being too tough on you, sue him, and you can get a new one.'" An attorney for the defendants says the case was a publicity stunt that shouldn't have been prosecuted in New York. [NYT] [TU] [CBS6] [YNN] [WNYT]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli reports that the state's current year budget gap is almost $1 billion -- three times the size projected by the Paterson admin. And his office figures next year's budget gap is about $9.5 billion. Next year's budget puzzle is even harder to put together because of the loss of federal stimulus money. [AP/Troy Record] [State of Politics] [TU]
The State Museum will be closed on Sundays next year because of budget cuts, according to a memo obtained by the Times Union. [TU]
The family of the RPI student found dead in his Troy apartment from a gunshot wound in 2008 are suing city police for details from the still-open investigation. [TU]
Four Loko is reportedly "flying off the shelves" of local stores after word of the impending voluntary ban in the state. Stewart's says it pulled the beverage from its stores Tuesday morning. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Cuomo names RFK Jr. to transition team, Jackson no longer highest paid president, money stolen for scholarship in honor of fallen soldier
Andrew Cuomo has named his former brother-in-law, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to his transition team. [State of Politics]
Chuck Schumer is calling for a federal investigation into the lead content in reusable grocery bags. [AP via WTEN]
New York won't be prosecuting Joe Bruno for allegedly using state employees for personal business, in spite of a proposal by the U.S. Attorney's office.[TU]
40 New York State security guards will lose their jobs as part of state worker layoffs. [The State Worker]
The absentee ballots have been counted in the race for the 109th Assembly seat and Bob Reilly held on to his job by 542 votes. [TU]
Newly elected Congressman Chris Gibson is preparing to represent the 20th congressional district. Among other moves, Gibson hired a former aide to Jerry Solomon -- who held the 20th Congressional District seat for 20 years. [TU]
Mario Cuomo won't go on CNN because of Elliot Spitzer. [NY Observer]
Cuomo names transition team, Mark Ruffalo leads anti-fracking rally at UAlbany, Pastor Charlie gets $30 thousand from Sears, Two Saratoga Co. Soldiers honored, 109th Assembly results expected today, " Taps composer Union alum
Andrew Cuomo named his Lt. Governor elect to lead his transition team. Robert Duffy will lead a bi-[artisan team that includes former Comptroller Carl McCall and Republican Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. Cuomo also named members of a new committee to advise him on the budget. That team includes Home Depot Founder Ken Langone -- a guy Elliot Spitzer allegedly told he wanted to "drive a stake" through his heart."
Cuomo also named all four leaders of the state legislature to a committee for personnel search committee. [CBS6, AP, NY Observer, ]
On a NYC radio program yesterday Andrew Cuomo said he would support hydrofracking if it was safe for the watersheds and created jobs. [Fox23]
Meanwhile here in Albany, vocal anti-fracker, and Western NY native, actor Mark Ruffalo held a Fracking Awareness rally at UAlbany.[YNN]
Kirstin Gillibrand was in Afghanistan yesterday, talking about women's rights with Hamid Karzai. [CBS6]
Crime may be up in Albany, but in some neighborhoods, violent crime is down.[TU]
Two fallen soldiers were honored yesterday in Saratoga County. The names of David Taylor Miller and Major John Paul Pryor were added to the Saratoga County Veterans monument at the Saratoga National Cemetary. [YNN]
Victory Church Pastor Charlie Muller got a $30 thousand check from Sears yesterday for the Albany Boys and Girls Club on Delaware Avenue. [CBS6]
Cuomo says state can't employ workers "who literally have no function," syndrome continues to devastate bat populations, alleged theft of pricy cat reportedly the result of valium
Today is Veteran's Day.
In a video message scheduled to play around the state today, Andrew Cuomo reiterated many of his familiar talking points (clean up government, no higher taxes) and said he would "lift the veil of secrecy that is now around Albany." [embedded above]
After touring a prison yesterday, Cuomo said: "I understand the economic consequences of losing state jobs. The answer can't be we are going to employ state workers who literally have no function." The state's prison population is declining and Cuomo is expected to push for the closing of some facilities. [AP/WSJ] [NYT]
The uncertain balance of the state Senate is casting doubt (well, even more) on the outcome of David Paterson's proposed special session to close the current year budget gap. [TU]
With David Paterson on his way out and shifting majorities at the federal and state level, some African-American Democrats in the state are lamenting what they see as a loss of influence. [NYT]
As absentee ballots were county in the Assembly race between incumbent Bob Reilly and challenger Jennifer Whalen, it appears that Reilly will hold on for the win. [WNYT]
Yesterday during the trial of Bruce Vroman, the man who allegedly threw him into a bonfire in East Greenbush, Derek George testified that Vroman said before the alleged incident: "I'm a crazy redneck. We do crazy s..." [Troy Record]
Records and interviews suggest that Marci Webber -- the Nassau woman accused of killing her four-year-old daughter in Illinois -- suffers from mental illness. [TU]
Cuomo calls for "re-design" of state programs, questions about radioactive spill, an upgrade to "reverse 911," Malta looks to control growth, where's the pumpkin?
During a joint appearance with David Paterson yesterday in Manhattan (live blog), Andrew Cuomo reiterated that he does not see higher taxes as a way out of the state's budget problem: "You have no economic future if New York is the tax capitol of the Nation. It's that simple. Raise taxes, raise revenues, that's not the answer." Instead, he called for "program re-design," asserting that "there's plenty of waste and there's plenty of fraud and there's plenty of abuse" in the operation of the state. Paterson said he was confident Cuomo would do a good job as governor: "If he had walked in with a baseball bat, I might've thought a little differently." [David Paterson Flickr] [Daily Politics] [YNN] [TU CapCon] [NYT]
The judge in the evidence tampering case against Jeffrey Hampshire, who was allegedly involved in the fatal hit-and-run in downtown Saratoga on St. Patrick's Day, has declared a mistrial after a police detective mentioned a prior investigation of Hampshire during her testimony. Saratoga County DA James Murphy says his team made it "crystal clear" the detective was not to mention to Hampshire's history. [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [TU]
Detectives from Illinois were in Rensselaer County on Monday searching for evidence as part of the investigation into Marci Webber, the Nassau woman accused of killing her daughter in a Chicago suburb. They left yesterday after reportedly collecting evidence at the woman's home. [Troy Record] [TU]
Cohoes mayor John McDonald says the city wasn't alerted by officials about the radioactive spill into the Mohawk River from the Knolls Atomic Power Lab. An official with the federal Department of Energy says the contractor working to decommission the portion of the KAPL site from which the spill originated could be fired. [TU] [NYT]
Cuomo says raising taxes not on the table, Albany County considers sales tax increase, reported abduction attempt near RPI, 96-year-old donates e-readers to fellow nursing home residents
The official snowfall total yesterday: 1.3 inches. [NWS]
At a conference in Puerto Rico, Andrew Cuomo said raising taxes is not an option for closing the state's $9 billion budget gap. [NY Post]
Swirling rumor at the conference: that an attempt to overthrow Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver might be simmering (with or without Cuomo's hand at work). Silver seemed unimpressed by the rumors. [NY Post] [NYT] [NYDN]
David Paterson line at the conference: "Before we hear from the governor-elect, we will hear from the 'governor reject.'" [YNN]
The DEC says more than 600 gallons of radioactive water spilled from the Knolls Atomic Power Lab site in Niskayuna into the Mohawk last month. [TU]
Up for discussion at the Albany County legislature meeting: a potential .5 percent sales tax increase. Legislators say the increase would fill $28 million of the county's $40 million budget gap. The bill was sent to committee where it could sit for months. [WTEN] [CBS6] [TU]
In the face of a "mountain of proof," 13 alleged members of one of Albany's most notorious gangs are expected to plead guilty. [TU]
Troy police say a woman reported that two men tried to abduct her near the RPI campus early Sunday morning (map). They say the woman was able to get away and run for help. [Troy Record] [YNN]
The Greenfield man charged with stabbing his mother and brother in January has taken a plea deal and expects to get 7 years in prison. [Post-Star]
Rensselaer County woman charged with daughter's death in Illinois, report concludes excavation caused Albany row house collapse, Cuomo a tough boss, local chef comes up just short on Food Network
A Rensselaer County woman has been charged with the murder of her four-year-old daughter in Illinois. She's accused of stabbing the child and then trying to kill herself last week. Prosecutors say the woman told police she killed her daughter to keep from being sold as a sex slave. [TU] [Troy Record] [Chicago Tribune]
The state Commission on Judicial Conduct found that former Saratoga County Family Court Judge Gilbert Abramson demonstrated "profound disregard for the rule of law" and "continuing insensitivity to the overriding importance of protecting the rights of litigants." In one case, the commission says a man served 268 days in jail after being sentenced by Abramson without counsel and without a hearing. Abramson resigned last month after losing a Republican party primary for the position. The commission says he would have been removed if he hadn't resigned. [NYSCJC] [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette]
Troy police say they're investigating an apparent shooting in South Troy early Saturday morning (map). Police say they had gotten a tip that something was about to go down in the area. [Troy Record] [WTEN]
Saratoga County DA James Murphy says law enforcement officials were able to bust a ring allegedly responsibly for more than 60 burglaries in the Capital Region. He says police got their break when a 62-year-old Ballston Spa woman followed a man who allegedly broke her house. As the woman said: "He was surprised that I was chasing him." [Fox23] [TU] [WNYT]
An engineering report on the collapse of the row house on Madison Ave in Albany this past August concludes excavation for construction on the adjacent lot was responsible for the collapse. Earlier: photos from the collapse [TU]
Notification letters have started to go out to state employees about layoffs. [TU]
Cuomo aims to change tone at Capitol, state Senate situation could be "interesting," GloFo worried about backup water supply, Albany neighbors concerned about new dorm
In his first interview since Election Day, Andrew Cuomo told Fred Dicker on Talk 1300 (mp3) that his priority is to change the "rampant negativity and dysfunction" at the Capitol. But: "If someone wants to say everything should change on day one, I'm going to say, 'Been there, done that.'" (Spitzer dig) Dicker also asked about Jerry Jennings as a potential OGS commissioner (Jennings and Cuomo are friends) -- Cuomo said Jennings is a "very talented guy" who "could do anything he wants to do" -- but probably wants to stay mayor. [TALK1300] [NYDN] [Fox23] [CBS6] [WTEN]
Control of the state Senate is still up in the air, although it looks like the chamber could be headed for a 31-31 tie. That situation could lead to quite a bit of chaos as each side tries to pull members from the other. Said Ruben Diaz, who caucuses with the Democrats (well, usually), to Jimmy Vielkind: "It's going to be very interesting to see what Senator Diaz will do. Believe me." (Also, Carl Kruger: apparently no longer an amigo.) The potential tie also has both sides reading up on the tie breaking rules. [State of Politics] [TU CapCon] [State of Politics] [State of Politics]
The state is facing a $315 million gap in the current year budget, and David Paterson wants to bring the legislature back to fix it -- but legislators seem less than enthusiastic about taking it up the cuts before Cuomo becomes governor. [CBS6] [TU]
The Troy city council's override of a mayor veto sets them up to again have to the power to block demolition of the old city hall. The move prompted accusations of thumb twiddling and stubborness. Harry Tutunjian says he's still going to solicit bids for the building's demolition. [Troy Record] [WNYT] [YNN]
Also up for discussion at last night's Troy city council meeting: the ongoing Facebook page drama, which prompted dueling accusations of shame and a post-meeting confrontation that had to be broken up. [UStream] [TU]
The Colonie town board approved a budget that includes a 7 percent tax increase. [TU]
Cuomo transition underway, control of state Senate unclear, complaints about privacy in new voting setup, deer crashes through window of vet's office
The Cuomo administration transition is already underway. The governor-elect has said his administration would make a big push on many of its initiatives during its first six months. [NYT] [TU]
The makeup of the state Senate -- and who controls it -- won't be known until at least next week. It looks like Republicans could very well take the majority, or at least tie with the Democrats. [TU] [NYT]
Even though the smaller "third" parties got many more votes this year, only the Green Party was able to secure the 50k need for an automatic ballot spot. Warren Redlich and the Libertarians fell just short. [NYT] [TU]
Bob Reilly's lead on Jennifer Whalen for the 109th state Assembly district is 577 votes (unofficially) -- and the race will be settled by absentee ballots. [Troy Record]
Says Albany County elections commissioner Matthew Clyne: "No question there was more privacy with the lever machines." On the whole, optical scan voting seemed to go smoothly. [TU] [Saratogian]
Albany police say an off-duty Colonie police officer was stabbed seven times outside a bar near the intersection of Ontario and Madison last night (map). They say a friend of the officer was also stabbed. One report indicates the off-duty officer was trying to break up a fight. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
Cuomo says "mandate is to clean up Albany," balance in state Senate not yet clear, Gibson beats Murphy, owner of Miss Albany Diner passes away
Here's a quick scan of statewide and locally-relevant election results.
Said Andrew Cuomo last night following his big win in the race for governor: "The mandate tonight is to clean up Albany and to have elected officials who represent the people of this state and not the special interests, and not the lobbyists." Cuomo's margin of victory -- roughly 27 points -- ranks among the largest in state history. Cuomo becomes the first son of a New York governor to also be elected to the job. Last night Mario said his son is facing a serious challenge: "I can't imagine this being any harder than it's going to be." [NYT] [TU] [NYT] [State of Politics] [Daily Politics]
Carl Paladino said during his concession speech that he won't be running for office again, but "You have not heard the last of Carl Paladino." And he offered Andrew Cuomo use of his baseball bat. [Buffalo News] [State of Politics]
The makeup of the state Senate is unclear as the outcome of a few races in the closely split chamber were still undetermined this morning. An even 31-31 split is possible. [NYT] [TU]
Chris Gibson (R) beat incumbent Scott Murphy (D) in the NY20 Congressional District. In his victory speech, Gibson said he would be pursuing fiscally conservative, business-friendly legislation in Congress. And he threw a bone to Murphy: "Scott was a very successful businessman and, come January, he is going to part of the vanguard of small business owners that are going to be part of the solution." [TU] [YNN] [Saratogian]
The Republican Party picked up five (possibly six) Congressional seats in New York. [State of Politics]
Campaigns make final push ahead of Election Day, state budget gap wider than projected, cops now walking beat in downtown Troy, whooping cough case in Saratoga County
It's Election Day. Here's how to find out where to vote.
Candidates were all over the state yesterday in the final push. Andrew Cuomo hopped around the state, including a stop in Buffalo and a moment of giddiness in Albany. Carl Paladino stuck to western New York for a handful of "mad as hell" rallies and said the Siena poll that has him behind 25 points is "garbage." Paladino also released a somewhat somber 13-minute video message invoking the memory of his son, who passed away last year. [NYDN] [YNN] [State of Politics] [YNN] [NY Post] [TU] [YouTube] [NYDN]
George Pataki endorsed Carl Paladino. You might remember that Paladino called Pataki "a degenerate idiot." [State of Politics] [Daily Politics]
Rick Lazio says he has no regrets about dropping out of the race for governor. [State of Politics]
How a big win for Cuomo could help set up his agenda as governor (though it didn't seem to help Eliot Spitzer). [NYT]
What could be the two closes statewide races: attorney general and comptroller. [YNN] [State of Politics]
Bill Clinton stops in Saratoga, the big push ahead of Election Day, family says they were treated harshly because they're Muslims, Mr Food's "ooh, it's so good" career
Bill Clinton made a stop in Saratoga this morning in support of Scott Murphy. [Post-Star]
A bunch of other notable politicians made a swing through the Capital Region this past weekend as part of the final push before Election Day. Carl Paladino stopped in Albany and Saratoga on Friday. Andrew Cuomo was in Ballston Lake on Saturday in support of Murphy. And on Sunday, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand stopped in Albany for pie. [TU] [Saratogian] [TU CapCon] [YNN]
Despite Andrew Cuomo's big lead in the polls, state Democrats don't seem to be feeling a very strong pull from his coattails. [TU]
Libertarian gubernatorial candidate Warren Redlich was the target of an attack flyer sent out in the Capital Region recently, apparently by one of the other "third" parties. His wife called it a "horrific smear." [TU] [State of Politics]
Luther Forest officials respond to state takeover move, Paterson details layoffs, Bill Clinton scheduled to appear before sunrise
Speaking publicly for the first time since the state announced its intention to take over the Luther Forest tech park, Michael Relyea -- the head of the tech park -- said: "We're the experts on this. We know how to get this done." He said the org was surprised by the state's takeover move. And he said two of the incomplete infrastructure projects at issue could be completed relatively quickly -- if the state puts up the money for them. But how to resolve the issue of a backup water supply is unclear. GlobalFoundries says regardless of whether the tech park becomes state owned or not, it's not looking to get out of paying property taxes. [WNYT] [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [TU]
David Paterson detailed the 898 state employee layoffs he says his administration will be pursuing before the end of the year. They includes cuts of 150 at DEC and 140 at DOT. Andrew Cuomo has said he supports the layoffs. Both the big civil service unions were predictably irked. In turn, a Paterson statement criticized the unions for their "alarmist rhetoric, intransigence and excuses." [CBS6] [WNYT] [AP/Post-Star] [PEF] [CSEA] [Paterson admin]
Contrary to what a state Senate spokesman said earlier, Neil Breslin says he did have a few drinks the night he was stopped by a state trooper (he passed a field sobriety test). [State of Politics] [TU]
A YouTube video has been circulating this week that shows state senator Hugh Farley saying "same-sex marriage is an abhorrent situation." Farley says he "may have chosen the wrong word." [YouTube] [WNYT]
Cuomo continues to hold big lead, state workforce smaller than last year, incumbent as a dirty word, Mexican Radio's spot in Schenectady
Andrew Cuomo continues to hold a big lead on Carl Paladino, according to a Q Poll out Wednesday. It reports Cuomo is up 55-35. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand also had a big leads in their races. [Q Poll]
It sounds like Andrew Cuomo and Bill Clinton have a bit a of a bromance going on. [NYT]
Noted: if we're elderly and in failing health, we won't allow Carl Paladino to manage our finances. [NYT]
The state workforce is down about 5,000 employees from this time last year -- but layoffs could still be on the way. Update: David Paterson says there will be 898 state employee layoffs. [TU] [TU CapCon]
GlobalFoundries showed off its new test lab at the Saratoga Technology + Energy Park yesterday. The lab will be used to test processes and train workers for the full-scale fab being built at Luther Forest. [TU] [WNYT]
About Luther Forest... the head of the org that runs the tech park is expected today to speak publicly for the first time about the state's announced intention to take over the park. The chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors said he had a "very productive" meeting about the situation with officials from the state's economic development arm (what was productive about it wasn't clear). Local officials have said they're concerned what a state takeover might mean for taxes and zoning. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star]
The TU declares that "bedbugs have officially infiltrated the Capital Region." [TU]
Cuomo prepares for three-dimensional chess and weathervanes, police say man used Facebook to meet and exploit teens, replacements planned for Latham Circle bridges, class is on the ball
Andrew Cuomo tells the Times Union editorial board that he will play the budget process as a "three-dimensional chess game" and legislators will be "weathervanes." [TU]
Has Andrew Cuomo done a good job as state attorney general? Depends on who you ask. [NYT]
With the early gubernatorial exit of Elliot Spitzer in mind, maybe it's a good idea to know a little bit more about the lieutenant governor candidates. [TU]
After the Siena poll reported Chris Gibson was up 9 points, Scott Murphy's campaign says its internal polling has it up by three. [AOA] [Post-Star]
The proposed Saratoga County budget includes no property tax increase. Spending is up five percent. The chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors called the county "an oasis" of fiscal calm. [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [YNN]
About 100 people showed up for the anti-hate rally in Albany's Townsend Park yesterday. There's still a dispute over whether the incident that prompted the rally -- the alleged assault of a gay man in a Central Ave pizza shop -- was actually motivated by an anti-gay sentiment. [Fox23] [WNYT]
Central Warehouse fire considered suspicious, local officials upset about state takeover of Luther Forest tech park, crazy about Halloween
Officials say the fire at Central Warehouse is mostly out. And they say a search of the building found no bodies. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Jerry Jennings says officials consider the fire suspicious -- and he says the people reportedly working in the building with torches the day of the fire did not have permission to be there. For now, it appears the fire hasn't changed the building's prospects: too expensive to demolish, but too difficult to redevelop. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [TU] [CBS6] [WNYT] [TU]
The chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors called the state's plan to take over the Luther Forest tech park "heavy handed" and said no one from the state alerted local officials. He and other local leaders say they're concerned a state-operated tech park would be exempt from local zoning. The state's move was prompted by GlobalFoundries' concern about the
All this was going on while the federal Secretary of Commerce was visiting the GloFo site yesterday to tout high-tech manufacturing in the US. [Saratogian]
After a 90 minute interview, NYT's Nicholas Confessore remarks that Carl Paladino sounds "more like a small-business technocrat than a right-wing ideologue." [NYT]
Neither Paladino nor Andrew Cuomo have many women in top positions for their campaigns. [NYT]
The two candidates for state attorney general debated yesterday. The Aqueduct racino mess was one of the main topics. [YNN] [WNYT]
Central Warehouse fire still smoldering, state moves to take over Luther Forest tech park, the last place Carl Paladino still polls well, Snooki in Wonderland
The fire at Central Warehouse is still smoldering this morning. Officials say they're no longer concerned about a possible collapse, but it's still not safe to send firefighters into the building. So far, air quality tests from the site have not indicated there's a danger to people in the area. Fire investigators say there were workers in the building on Friday, though it's unknown whether their presence has any connection to the fire. [CBS6] [Troy Record] [TU] [TU]
Earlier: a whole bunch of photos from the Central Warehouse fire. [AOA]
The state's economic development arm has moved to seize the Luther Forest Technology Campus because of concerns over infrastructure delays that reportedly have the potential to jeopardize the GlobalFoundries chip fab project. A GloFo spokesman says "nothing is off the rails," but says the company is concerned about the slow pace of development for a road and utilities. The tech park has also reportedly fallen behind on paying back loans to the state. The president of the tech park says the org's board hasn't decided yet whether to fight the takeover. [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette]
Andrew Cuomo says his effort to transform the state will include a permanent campaign against the state's labor unions and interests groups -- and a soft touch with the legislature. [NYT]
The gubernatorial debate has raised the profile of Libertarian candidate Warren Redlich, who's from Guilderland. [Daily Gazette]
Bill Clinton will be campaigning for Scott Murphy next Monday in Saratoga Springs. [Post-Star]
An Albany man alleges the owner of a pizza shop on Central Ave assaulted him and used homophobic slurs early Saturday morning (map). In the man's version of events, the incident was set off when he accidentally spilled parmesan cheese. The shop's owner says he never called the man any names and alleges the man hit him in the face with a slice of pizza and the owner responded by hitting the man once. [YNN] [WNYT] [Fox23]
Murphy-Gibson and Gillibrand-DioGuardi debates, DEC commissioner fired, APD adopts neighborhood policing plan, squabble over Troy Facebook page
Among the topics covered in the debate between Scott Murphy and Chris Gibson: health care reform, the economy, energy policy, taxes, the Hudson River dredging project and Don't Ask, Don't Tell. [Post-Star] [Troy Record] [TU]
In the debate between Kirsten Gillibrand and Joe DioGuardio, the challenger said Gillibrand has "flunked" her two-year tryout for the job. Live blog: one, two, lightning round, three. [Troy Record] [State of Politics x4]
Andrew Cuomo released his "urban agenda." The 200something page pdf is posted on his website. [TU] [Cuomo campaign]
People in Buffalo on Carl Paladino now: yeah, maybe not so much. [NYT]
The Paterson administration has fired DEC commissioner Pete Grannis over a leaked budget memo that was critical of cuts at the agency. Grannis says the memo was leaked without his knowledge and that administration wouldn't let him meet with Paterson before he was axed. [AP/Post-Star] [TU]
The Albany Police Department has a new plan for community policing. The "Neighborhood Engagement Unit" includes beat cops for neighborhoods. [TU] [Fox23]
All sorts of political campaign back-and-forth, woman reportedly gets 22 years to life for fatal fire, Boom Boom Brannigan signs off
Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino have very contrasting plans for improving the state's economy. [TU]
The Cuomo campaign reportedly will release its "urban agenda" today in an attempt to appeal African-American and Latino voters. [TU]
The unluckiest guy this election season? It could be Carl Paladino's running mate. [NYT]
The debate between incumbent state senator Neil Breslin (D), Bob Domenici (R) and Michael Carey (Reform) kept coming back to morality and social issues. [TU] [WNYT]
Angelo Santabarbara, the Democrat challenging George Amedore for the state Assembly, alleges that Amedore tried to lean on Santabara's employer in an attempt to keep him out of the race. [Daily Gazette]
The campaign for state Assembly candidate Steve McLaughlin posted video that apparently shows incumbent Tim Gordon pulling McLaughlin's yard signs from a stretch of Krumkill Road in Slingerlands. Gordon admits to pulling up the signs. He says they were placed on his property and that of a neighbor who didn't want them. [YouTube] [CBS6] [WTEN] [TU]
And when the two candidates aren't talking about yard signs and video recording, what's the the main topic: jobs. [TU]
Murphy and Gibson differ on range of topics, new ballots are cramped, National Grid getting heat for expenses,
During a debate last night in Queensbury, Scott Murphy and Chris Gibson differed on the role of the federal government in education, the health care reform law, and the federal stimulus. There were also accusations of the dreaded flip-flopping. The two candidates will be debating again on WMHT Thursday night. [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
Carl Paladino says the format of the gubernatorial debate was "terrible" and is pushing for a one-on-one debate between him and Andrew Cuomo. But Cuomo says he won't debate again. [AP/CBS6] [AP/Post-Star]
Rick Lazio, watched the gubernatorial debate on his computer after the fact. [NYT]
The two challengers to Neil Breslin for the state Senate have criticized the incumbent for going along with the a downstate Democratic establishment that hasn't done enough to reform the state. [TU]
Dan Donovan, the Republican running for state AG, says his Democratic opponent Eric Schneiderman is a "card-carrying member of the Albany cesspool." [NYT]
It sounds like the new optical scan ballots are rather cramped, which is leading to some confusing alignments. [TU] [YNN]
Gubernatorial debate recaps, UAlbany president defends cuts, improvements at The Track still around the bend, FiOS TV on its way
Last night's gubernatorial debate was more entertaining than edifying. Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino basically ignored each other during the 90 minute debate. Cuomo cruised through his answers. Paladino struggled at times to deliver his answers and looked nervous. The most pointed attacks on Cuomo came from Charles Barron, the Freedom Party candidate and a NYC councilman. He actually provoked a response from Cuomo at one point. Libertarian candidate Warren Redlich came across well -- he criticized Cuomo directly and was a better advocate for the conservative viewpoint than Paladino. Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins got his points in. Anti-Prohibition party candidate -- and former madam -- Kristin Davis cracked some zingers and was composed. The breakout "star" of the debate, though: Jimmy McMillan from The Rent is Too Damn High Party. [NYT] [AP/Troy Record] [Fox23] [TU] [Daily Politics] [YouTube]
Live blogging from the debate: State of Politics (one, two, three) | NYT City Room | Daily Politics | AOA | debate video via YNN
A NYT poll reports that Kirsten Gillibrand is leading Joe DioGuardi 50-25 among likely voters. [NYT]
Hugh Farley and Susan Savage debated yesterday. [Daily Gazette]
Jack McEneny on Carl Paladino, who he says has shifted the state's political landscape toward Democrats in an otherwise tough year: "... we should give him an award." [TU]
The state DEC is telling the Paterson admin it won't be able to cover all of its duties if it has to follow through on requested job cuts. An oil and gas industry group is also calling for a halt to the DEC cuts (it's worried about getting permits on time). [TU] [AP/CBS6]
Albany's city treasurer reports that the city has collected about $900k more this year in parking ticket fines compared to last year thanks to a new computerized ticketing system. [TU]
UAlbany president George Philip defended the recently announced program cuts before a school senate meeting packed with faculty and students. Said Philip: "I understand the importance of having languages on campus. I just need to have a plan in place that addresses the fiscal circumstances we are in." In addition to the cuts to foreign language and drama, it appears the school is also cutting into programs such as journalism. [YNN] [Fox23] [TU]
Bouncers hired for tonight's gubernatorial debate, the weekend in crime, reward for info on dog shooting now $2k, final whistle for Bob McNamara
Ahead of tonight's gubernatorial debate, people are asking how the campaign ended up so... muddy. A NYT poll of likely voters released Sunday reported Andrew Cuomo leading Carl Paladino 59-24. [AP/Troy Record]
With seven candidates lined up for the debate, no one seems sure what to expect tonight. Andrew Cuomo has reportedly been pre-occupied with prepping for the unpredictable exchanges. And organizers of the debate have hired bouncers to wait in the wings, ready to break things up on stage. [NYT] [NYT] [NY Post]
The state attorney general's office has been slow to release records of Cuomo's schedule. [TU]
Kirsten Gillibrand and Joe DioGuardi traded attacks about their respective records in a debate Friday night. Said DioGuardi while going after KG for changing positions on issues after becoming a senator: "I haven't changed my views on anything in my whole life." [YNN] [Saratogian]
Chris Gibson on why he decided to run for Congress against Scott Murphy: "I wasn't going to sit around and complain. I was going to do something about it." [TU]
Steve McLaughlin, the Repulican challenger to state assemblyman Tim Gordon, on the state's current leadership: "This is the Empire State, but they've turned it into the Vampire State." [Troy Record]
State Senate candidate Susan Savage, who's challenging incumbent Hugh Farley, has $70,000 of credit card debt. [TU]
The race for state attorney general has focused on abortion issues. [YNN]
Election season heating up, power plant in Rensselaer up and running, frat's purchase of former church OK'ed, protecting kid critic from spotlight's glare
The two candidates for the 21st Congressional District -- incumbent Democrat Paul Tonko and Republican Ted Danz -- debated last night on WMHT. They differed on a range of issues -- the stimulus bill (Tonko: it helped locally; Danz: it didn't), the health care reform bill (Tonko: aiming for perfection, got progress; Danz: what a bunch of baloney), the economy (Tonko: "failed policies brought this economy to our knees"; Danz: "We don't even have knees anymore.") [WMHT] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [TU]
Whoever's elected governor, it looks like state spending cuts are on the way. [Bloomberg via Daily Politics]
Andrew Cuomo's business and political relationship with Andrew Farkas, a businessman investigated by HUD when Cuomo was housing secretary, is continuing to draw attention. [NYT]
Chris Gibson, the Republican challenging Scott Murphy for the 20th Congressional District, has suggested that unemployed people might be steered toward farm work. [TU CapCon]
State senator Hugh Farley and challenger Susan Savage continue to sling mud at each other, somewhat awkwardly. [WNYT]
Bob Domenici, the Republican challenger to Neil Breslin for the state Senate: "I'm not for gay marriages because I'm Catholic, but, dammit, you know I had people in my unit who were gay. I never turned them in because they were the best damn soldiers I ever had." [TU]
The two candidates for the 105th state Assembly district -- incumbent Republican George Amedore and Democrat Angelo Santabarbara -- seem to agree on most topics (well, except for who should be elected). [TU]
A TV spot for incumbent Democratic assemblyman Bob Reilly (Colonie) touts how his donated legislative salary is helping "find a cure for cancer." [TU CapCon]
Update: Due to Greg's inability to copy and paste correctly, the rest of today's Morning Blend was lost. A few of the links have been added after the jump.
All Carl all the time, more patients allege dentist touched them inappropriately, Sage dropping the SAT, alleged burglar calls 911 for help
The orthodox rabbi who arranged the event at which Carl Paladino made his now apologized-for remarks about homosexuality has pulled his endorsement from the gubernatorial candidate. He accused Paladino of having "chickened out" and said Paladino's family had urged the candidate to make the apology because of Paladino's nephew (who's gay). A representative of a New York rabbinical org said the ultra orthodox rabbi's viewpoint "doesn't represent the flavor of Judaism for me and for most of the Jewish people in the world." [NYT] [YNN] [NY Post] [State of Politics]
WNYMedia has turned up more lewd emails it says were forwarded by Carl Paladino (definitely NSFW). His campaign released a statement attacking the site and said of the email: "none of it is relevant." [WNY]
The overriding theme of this year's state legislature elections, regardless of party: legislature bad. [WNYT] [TU]
Two more patients have alleged that a Rotterdam dentist touched them inappropriately while performing dental work. Court papers indicate the dentist is accused of touching the female patients' breasts. [YNN] [Daily Gazette]
Saratoga Springs police say a man robbed a bank on Broadway yesterday with a note that read: "Give me all your money and God will love you." The teller handed over almost $7,000 -- and then the man allegedly left the money on a counter before exiting the bank. Police say they arrested the man was on a bike three blocks away when he was arrested. The man is scheduled for a court-ordered mental health evaluation. [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [TU] [WTEN]
Paladino apologizes, dentist accused of touching patients inappropriately, witnesses report fireworks shot at house that caught fire, early end to apple picking
Carl Paladino released a statement yesterday apologizing for his Sunday remarks about homosexuality. (Democrats called Paladino's statement a "non-apology.") "I am 100 percent in favor of gay rights, as I've been my entire life, my entire career has been to fight discrimination of any type of minority group -- including the gays," he said while talking with the press outside a fundraiser in Colonie. The statement his campaign released also reiterated that he does not support same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, Paladino's gay nephew -- whom Paladino has referenced and who had been working on his uncle's campaign -- has been trying to stay out of the spotlight. [State of Politics] [Buffalo News] [TU] [Daily Politics] [NYDN]
During a candidates forum last night in Saratoga County, Hugh Farley criticized Susan Savage for her "little miracle called Schenectady" commercial and Savage criticized Farley for supporting Carl Paladino. The forum also included Jim Tedisco and challenger BK Keramati. [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [Saratogian]
State police say a Rotterdam dentist has been arrested for allegedly touching several female patients inappropriately while they were under his care. They say the group of patients includes teens and one adult woman. [CBS6] [YNN]
Police say a Ballston Spa man has been arrested for allegedly beating his girlfriend and killing her dog. They say the man threw the 3.5 pound Chihuahua to the floor and then tried to hide the body behind his house. He's being charged with a felony under Buster's Law. [TU] [YNN] [Saratogian] [WTEN]
Response continues to Paladino's comments about homosexuality, Albany County proposed budget includes big tax increase, police say two dogs shot, really big pumpkins
Carl Paladino continued to respond to the outrage over his Sunday remarks about homosexuality. He said yesterday during the Columbus Day parade in Manhattan that he "unequivocally" supports gay rights, but, "The one thing that I don't [support] is [same-sex] marriage, all right?> I'm a Catholic." And he appeared frustrated by the continued focus on the issue. Meanwhile, other Republicans tried to distance themselves from Paladino. The remarks appears to have fired up Democratic constituencies. Andrew Cuomo called Paldino's comments "reckless" and "divise." And responding to Paladino's criticism of having taken his daughters to a gay pride parade, Cuomo said: "He's probably the last person I'll take advice from on how to raise my daughters." [State of Politics] [State of Politics] [NYT] [Daily Politics] [TU] [Daily Politics] [State of Politics]
Paladino has said he would like to cut the state gas tax, which funds infrastructure projects around the state. [TU]
Cuomo was paid more than $1 million from 2004-2005 while working for a company whose owner had been investigated by HUD while Cuomo was the federal housing secretary. [TU]
Scott Murphy has voted the same way as Nancy Pelosi 85 percent of the time -- and 63 percent of the time with John Boehner. [NYT]
The Albany County proposed budget includes 14.9 percent tax increase -- and the elimination of 511 jobs. [TU]
Gubernatorial candidates -- all of them -- to debate, man accused of Bailey murder allegedly admitted to it in letter, push to block buying of soda with food stamps, a whole bunch of bugs
Carl Paladino's three minute televised "special message" Thursday evening was a reiteration of his clean-up-state-government platform. And he tried to explain his altercation with Fred Dicker in Bolton Landing. And, in reference to the attention on his personal life, Paladnio wondered why the media hasn't focused on Andrew Cuomo's past, dropping this bizarre line: "Andrew's prowess is legendary." [YouTube] [TU] [NYT] [YNN] [Daily Politics]
Paladino also asked why Cuomo wouldn't agree to debate with the other candidates for governor, but Cuomo outmaneuvered him by announcing shortly before Paladino's recorded message that he would be debating five of the other candidates -- except for Paladino, who hadn't yet agreed. Paladino's campaign accused Cuomo of "playing games" and agreed to join the October 18 debate on Long Island. (In other news, it looks like that debate is going to be a circus.) [State of Politics] [Buffalo News]
The man accused of killing UAlbany student Richard Bailey in 2008 allegedly admitted to the crime in a letter he sent from prison in 2009, according to court documents turned up by the Times Union. [TU]
A report prepared for the City of Albany by a consultancy concludes that the city lags way behind other upstate cities in the amount of state aid it gets. And considering that 60 percent of the land in the city is tax exempt (much of it state owned), the report argues the city isn't receiving an appropriate amount of state aid. [TU] [YNN]
The Troy City Council voted to block the awarding of any contract to knock down the old city hall without the council's approval. But mayor Harry Tutunjian says he's moving ahead with the process unless the council comes up with a way to move city government back to the former city hall. [TU] [Troy Record]
Hevesi expected to plead guilty, Paladino to make some sort of announcement, officer talks man off ledge, state employee accused of using state credit card at casino
Former state comptroller Allan Hevesi is expected to plead guilty today to a felony charge connected to the "pay-to-pay" state pension scandal. He could get as much as four years in prison. Hevesi had previously pleaded guilty to a charge related to having state employees chauffeur his wife. [NYT] [Daily Politics] [State of Politics]
Carl Paladino is scheduled to deliver some sort of message this evening around 5 pm on TV across the state. There's no word on what the message is going to be about. (It's not to announce he's dropping out, apparently.) [NYT City Room] [Daily Politics] [State of Politics]
NYT reports that a significant portion of the money spent by Paladino's campaign has gone to companies connected to... Paladino. [NYT]
The Business Council of New York State has endorsed Andrew Cuomo -- which is unusual in that it's usually a Republican-leaning group, and it doesn't usually endorse gubernatorial candidates. [TU]
Both Cuomo and Chuck Schumer appear to have no interest in debating their electoral opponents -- to the chagrin of the challengers and good government groups. [AP/Post-Star]
Public safety officials in Saratoga Springs are criticizing the plan to merge the city's emergency dispatch with that of the county. And the head of the Saratoga Springs police union says his members are "adamantly opposed" to the plan. Officials say city dispatchers are currently responsible for more than just responding to calls -- and county dispatchers wouldn't cover those duties. [Saratogian] [TU] [YNN]
Paladino interrupting his own message, Saratoga Springs proposed budget includes 8.5 percent tax increase, congregation goes Martin Luther, Albany looking to rebrand neighborhood
Carl Paladino seems to be trying to talk about policy issues -- but, well, then he says something else. Yesterday he called Sheldon Silver "a criminal," a statement that turned off even the groups that might be most amenable to his ideas. And now David Paterson is taking shots at him. [NYT] [YNN] [Buffalo News] [Daily Politics]
The proposed 2011 budget for Saratoga Springs includes an 8.5 percent property tax increase and several cuts. It also calls for the city's emergency dispatch department to be merged with the county dispatch system. Finance commissioner Ken Ivins said it was the hardest city budget he's put together. [Fox23] [TU] [Saratogian]
The Schenectady County legislature approved a 2011 budget that lowers taxes by 0.2 percent -- but also uses $9.6 reserve funds. The lone Republican present voted against the budget, criticizing it for having "a lot of holes" and arguing it was just kicking a big tax hike down the road. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Non-profits in the City of Schenectady seem resigned to the "curb fee," essentially a new tax in the proposed city budget that would charge property owners based on their property's frontage. The city's two biggest non-profits -- Ellis Medicine and Union College -- both indicated some acceptance of the idea. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The Jennings administration argues that if the City of Albany got the average amount of per capita state funding given to other large upstate cities, it would get $33 million more next year. [TU]
That task force in charge of developing a residential parking permit system for the area around the ESP in Albany got together for the first time to consider its options. The director of the city's parking authority encouraged the committee to think creatively and even floated the possibility of allowing people to sell their permits on a secondary market. One of the foremost issues, though: what area exactly will be covered by the system. [WTEN] [TU] [YNN]
Schenectady budget would "severely" cut into services, criticism of UAlbany's plan to cut language programs, family says dog was shot in their backyard
Schenectady's proposed budget includes a 4 percent tax increase, a "curb fee" that would apply to property owners (including non-profits), and would "severely" cut into city services. Among the cuts: 19 fire department positions and a fire house. The cuts could also keep city parks closed. Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton says it's the worst budget situation he's ever seen. [Daily Gazette] [CBS6] [TU] [Fox23]
The two candidates running for state comptroller -- incumbent Democrat Tom DiNapoli and Republican Harry Wilson -- focused on their respective backgrounds in last night's debate. DiNapoli defended his time spent as a state legislator and Wilson defended his experience as a hedge fund manager. Live blog: one, two, lightning round, three. Debate video. [TU] [NYT] [YNNx4]
Local leaders say it's hard to say exactly how many jobs were created by local projects funded by federal stimulus money. [Troy Record]
Local auto dealers say "Cash for Clunkers" did stimulate sales of cars. (A recent working paper reported that the program simply moved up many car purchases nationally.) [Troy Record] [Marginal Revolution]
Non-profits -- including the Veggie Mobile -- are feeling the pinch from delayed funding from state agencies. [TU]
Proposed Albany budget includes 7 percent tax increase, state police say man tried to have pregnant woman stabbed, report says many Troy elevators not properly inspected
The proposed 2011 Albany city budget includes a 7 percent tax increase and numerous cuts -- including the elimination of 155 positions. The city is facing a $23 million budget gap. [City of Albany] [TU] [Fox23]
The proposed 2011 Troy city budget includes a 5.5 percent tax increase. The budget expects a 41 percent increased in pension contributions. [TU] [Troy Record]
State police have accused a Schenectady man of paying $500 -- and a pressure washer -- to an undercover officer in an alleged plot to abort his former girlfriend's pregnancy by having her stabbed in the stomach. They say the man appears to be the father of the child. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [CBS6]
Unexpected analogy: Carl Paladino as Harry Truman and Andrew Cuomo as Thomas Dewey. [AP/Post-Star]
Unnamed sources say Cuomo's campaign suffers from "paralysis by analysis" because Cuomo is a micromanager. [NYT]
UAlbany president George Philip has announced that the school will be cutting 160 positions by 2012 -- some of them through layoffs. It also appears to be headed toward eliminating its programs for classics, French, Italian, Russian, and theatre. [UAlbany] [TU]
A whole lot of rain, reaction to Paladino vs. Dicker, boy hit by bus, research continues at disease that's killing of bats
The glob of rain (technical term), as depicted by the NWS radar.
It's raining. And it has been raining. A lot. Yesterday's rainfall totaled 2.68 inches, breaking a 90-year record for the date. Today's forecast includes more rain into the afternoon. There are flooded streets around the Capital Region, in many of the usual spots. [NWS] [CBS6]
Following the Bolton Landing Brouhaha, Carl Paladino said Thursday that he was not accusing Andrew Cuomo of having had affairs -- though he still used the "furnishing [the evidence] at the appropriate time" line last night on Capital Tonight. And the New York Post's editor-in-chief denied allegations that his paper had sent photographers after Paladino's 10-year-old daughter -- Paladino's campaign stuck to its claim that a Post reporter and photographer "lurked" outside the girl's home. Fred Dicker said yesterday that the Bolton Landing altercation started after "just a normal kind of questioning that got heated as the Paladino people and Carl Paladino himself became increasingly aggressive." [Buffalo News] [State of Politics] [Politico] [State of Politics] [CBS6]
The Albany school district announced that Albany High School will be split into four "themed academies" next fall. The transition will be funded with $7.5 million in federal money. Albany High's principal says the reformulated school will produce significant academic improvement in within three years. The state has labeled AHS as a "persistently lowest achieving" school. In 2009, its graduation rate was 53 percent. [Albany school district] [YNN] [TU]
The four percent state sales tax on clothing under $110 starts back up again today. [YNN]
Paladino gets conservative party nod, Ward Stone retires, body discovered in Saratoga, Glenville coach accused of having sex with teen
Now that Rick Lazio has bowed out of the race for governor, the state conservative party has given its endorsement to Carl Paladino. Seventeen members of the nominating committee either abstained or voted against the endorsement. [TU] [WTEN]
The pro-choice group NARAL has endorsed Andrew Cuomo. [NY1]
The Cuomo campaign is charging that some of Paladino's top aides "couldn't pass a simple background check for state employment." [NYT]
State wildlife pathologistWard Stone has retired. Stone took the early retirement incentive offered to state workers. Of the scandal that broke in the Times Union last spring, Stone says he "may have violated some insignificant rules" but that his science has been untouchable. [Fox 23] [TU] [CBS6]
A hiker discovered human remains in the woods off Route 50, just south of Spa State Park in Saratoga. [TU]
Damian Burkett was sentenced to 25 years to life, the maximum, for the murder of his girlfriend in Troy. [Record]
A volunteer coach for the Scotia-Glenville girls hockey team is facing charges for allegedly having sex with a 15 year old girl. [TU]
Cuomo says voters have "very stark choice," deputy cleared in shooting near ALB, truckers upset about rest stop closings, exec assistant no longer in danger of being crushed
Andrew Cuomo campaigned in western and central New York yesterday in an effort to highlight what he called the "very stark choice" voters have between him and Carl Paladino (he continued to call Paladino's ideas "extreme"). Cuomo called the "beast" of state politics and corruption "disgusting" -- and blamed a whole range of state officials from over the years (well, except his dad). [YNN] [TU] [State of Politics] [State of Politics]
The New York Times reports that top officials in the Paladino campaign are "plagued by brushes with the law and allegations of misconduct" -- and Paladino's campaign manager responded by saying: "This is a campaign of junkyard dogs, not pedigreed poodles." [NYT]
A Marist poll reports that the more people see of Paladino, the fewer who think he's fit to be governor. [NYDN]
Nate Silver's polling data model still gives Paladino almost no chance of winning. [FiveThirtyEight]
A grand jury has cleared the Albany County sheriff's deputy who fatally shot an undocumented immigrant from Mexico along a dark road near ALB in March. Police say the immigrant had thrown a chunk of concrete at the deputy and acted aggressively. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Aaron Dare, the former Albany community leader convicted of fraud and larceny, was sentenced to another 8-24 years in prison. Albany County judge Thomas Breslin called Dare a thief "of a magnitude that's rarely been seen in this court." [CBS6] [TU]
State police say an elderly man died in Brunswick Tuesday after crashing his car into a house on Pawling Avenue. They say it appears he suffered some sort of medical problem before losing control of the car. [Troy Record] [TU]
Prominent local developer dies, Cuomo calls Paladino views "extremist," man accused of being married to two women, early foliage change
Donald Led Duke -- the chairman of owner of BBL Construction services, the Capital Region's most prominent developer -- was found dead Monday morning. He was 64. Led Duke was highly connected and BBL has been involved in many projects around the region, especially in the City of Albany (Led Duke was a longtime friend of Jerry Jennings). A former mason, he's remembered for building BBL into a very effective company. [Troy Record] [CBS6] [TU] [YNN] [Post-Star]
Andrew Cuomo said yesterday that Carl Paladino has "extremist" views. [NYT]
There are questions about why Cuomo's cousin was involved in a setting up a meeting for a firm looking for investment from the state pension fund. As state AG, Andrew Cuomo has been investigating "pay-to-play" arrangements involving the fund. [NYDN]
The Paterson administration has announced that Genting, the winning bidder for the Aqueduct racino project, has delivered its promised $380 million upfront payment to the state. Some of the money is slated to go toward propping up horse racing in the state -- including a bunch of improvements at Saratoga. [Paterson admin] [WTEN] [Saratogian]
Schenectady police have a man will be charged today with the fatal shooting of a customer at a deli on Eastern Avenue last year (map). They say he was found in Kentucky, where he was being held on a federal parole violation. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Scrutiny of Paladino's policy positions, district fires bus driver after girl allegedly left on bus, woman crashes car into apartment, prodigy now potty trained
Carl Paladino is long on anger, but short on policy details -- especially when it comes to his pledge to cut the state's Medicaid program by 40 percent. [TU] [Buffalo News]
Some African-American leaders say Andrew Cuomo not done enough to reach out to minority voters. [TU] [NYT]
Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino said they support David Paterson's plan to lay off 2,000 state employees by the end of the year. [AP/Troy Record]
SUNY chancellor Nancy Zimpher says she's giving up her $90k housing allowance to pay for the $30k raises she gave to three top system officials. [TU]
A federal jury has found that three Troy police officers did not violate the civil rights of two men arrested in Menands in 2008. [Troy Record]
Harry Tutunjian and the Troy city council are squabbling over the proposed demolition of the former city hall building. [Troy Record]
The Albany school district says it's fired a bus driver after a six-year-old girl was left on his bus and ended up wandering onto Central Ave. [TU]
UAlbany's NanoCollege is being used as a blueprint for economic development across upstate New York. [TU]
State planning to cut 2000 jobs, polls provoke response from Cuomo, car chase burns through Albany and Rensselaer
State budget director Robert Megna sent out a memo yesterday to state agency heads indicating the state will cut 2000 jobs by the end of this year. There's some question as to whether there's enough time to go through the complex state employee layoff process. The head of PEF says it's possible the jobs cuts will come through attrition. [State of Politics] [TU] [CBS6]
Apparently prompted by the polls this week showing Carl Paladino closing in, Andrew Cuomo's campaign released a TV ad attacking Paladino for getting "insider deals from Albany." That led to dueling assertions about who's being a hypocrite. And on Capital Tonight, Paladino called Cuomo a "nasty, nasty man." [NYT] [State of Politics] [TU] [State of Politics]
Eliot Spitzer, talking on CNN about Andrew Cuomo: "... the problem that Andrew has is that everybody knows that behind the scenes, he is the dirtiest, nastiest political player out there..." [Daily Politics]
Despite the recent shooting on State Street in downtown Schenectady, police department stats indicate the area is among the safest in the city. [Daily Gazette]
Colonie police say Shen bus driver was arrested for driving while under the influence of drugs. They say they got a call that the bus was swerving over the double-yellow line and had hit a mailbox. There were four students on board the bus. Police say the man said he had taken prescription drugs. The school district says on its website that the driver will be "removed from his driving responsibilities" until an investigation is complete. [Fox23] [TU] [Troy Record] [YNN] [Shen]
Saratoga Springs police say they're halting the intensive ground search for Ellie Adams, the 69-year-old woman who's been missing since September 12. They say they haven't found any sign of Adams and haven't ruled out any possibility. [Saratogian]
Alleged local gang network busted, Lazio not saying what he's going to do, the ladies love Brett Michaels
The state attorney general's office announced that 41 alleged members of the Bloods who were operating in the Capital Region and beyond have been indicted -- and 32 are in custody. The AG's office alleges that gang was involved in "a massive and violent drug operation." Officials say the alleged local leader of the network was
David Paterson said again Thursday morning that state employee layoffs would start before the end of the year -- but it doesn't sound like much is actually being done toward that end. [State of Politics] [TU]
Carl Paladino said the Q Poll reporting him to be just six points behind Andrew Cuomo shows that Cuomo can be beaten. Cuomo said he takes the poll results "with a grain of salt." The poll reportedly has some Democrats calling for Cuomo to, as one person put it, "Stand up and fight the guy -- do something!" [Buffalo News] [Daily Politics] [NYT]
One important factor in the race for governor: Rick Lazio, and whether he'll continue his run on the Conservative Party line. He wouldn't say yesterday what his plans are -- though he did say he has "every intention of being a strong voice for the next six weeks." [State of Politics] [TU]
Rudy Giuliani was in Schodack yesterday to campaign for Chris Gibson. Giuliani framed the race between Gibson and Scott Murphy as "a vote against Chris is a vote for Nancy Pelosi." [Saratogian] [TU]
Porco to get appeal before state's highest court, questions about Albany's gang prevention program, elderly women busted for allegedly growing pot
Christopher Porco has been granted an opportunity to appeal his conviction to the Court of Appeals, the state's highest court. The appeal centers on the head nod prosecutors say Porco's mother gave indicating he had been the person who assaulted her and killed her husband (Joan Porco has since said she believes her son did not the commit the crime). Porco's attorneys have argued the nod should be inadmissible. There are conflicting opinions on whether disallowing the nod would have affected the case. It could be seven months before oral arguments are heard in the appeal. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [YNN] [Fox23] [Troy Record]
Leaders of the state Republican Party have asked Rick Lazio to not run for governor on the Conservative Party line. [TU]
New York State currently pays Carl Paladino's companies about $5 million/year in rent for offices in Buffalo -- and Paladino says, if he's elected governor, he'll push for lower rents (the businesses would have to be turned over to a trust). [TU]
Local African-American community leaders protested Paladino's racist and sexist email forwards. [CBS6]
Albany common council members pressed Faye Andrews, the city's Youth and Workforce Services Commissioner, for evidence that the efforts of city gang prevention specialist Ron "Cook" Barrett have been successful. (Barrett has been on administrative leave after the the TU reported he had been using sick time to take outside speaking gigs.) They didn't get many answers -- and a few council members openly doubted Barrett's work. [TU] [CBS6] [WTEN]
Race for governor getting dirty, Albany school taxes up 10 percent, search continues for Saratoga woman, summer was hotter and drier than normal
The race for governor has already turned into a bit of mud fight, with dueling photoshopped images of the candidates. Carl Paladino's current strategy seems aimed at annoying Andrew Cuomo into responding -- and Cuomo is reportedly wondering if he can just call Paladino an ---hole. [Daily Politics] [TU] [NYDN]
Noted: Paladino loved the The English Patient and has a soft spot for Kristin Scott Thomas. [NYT]
The biggest potential roadblock to reforming New York State's $50 billion Medicaid program? The legislature. [TU]
Voters in the Albany school district approved a tax levy increase of 3.87 this year. But when school tax bills went out this mont, the district's tax rate went up 10 percent. [TU] [Fox23]
The Albany Common Council has given the final go-ahead to the Albany Med expansion project, which will now keep Myrtle Ave open during construction. The medical center's expansion is expected to include 1,000 new jobs. [TU]
Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton is pushing ahead with a study of the possibility of consolidating police services in Schenectady County. A research group from Columbia University will take up the project. It sounds like officials from Niskayuna -- including county legislature chair Susan Savage -- aren't so happy about the idea. [CBS6] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
David Paterson signed a bill that allows unmarried couples -- including same-sex couples -- to adopt a child in New York. [AP/CBS6]
Two shootings in Schenectady, Paladino taunts Cuomo, reports of bed bugs in Capital Region, State Museum acquires rotting whales
Schenectady police say an 18-year-old was shot and killed Saturday afternoon in the Central State neighborhood (map). They say they're looking for the shooter, who used a shotgun. Early Friday morning, a man was shot in the leg across the street from Bombers in downtown Schenectady -- police say the shooting followed an argument. [YNN] [TU] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Albany police say they arrested two women for allegedly assaulting and robbing a woman uptown of the St. Rose campus in Pine Hills early Sunday morning (map). [Troy Record]
Albany police say four men assaulted and robbed three people at gunpoint early Sunday morning near the Delaware Ave Price Chopper (map). [CBS6]
Albany police say they've arrested a man for allegedly trying to rob a UAlbany student by placing a gun to the student's head early Friday morning in Pine Hills (map). [TU]
Carl Paladino, in a letter to Andrew Cuomo: "Come out and debate like a man." [NYT]
Lt. Governor Richard Ravitch is scheduled to release a report today that recommends significant changes to New York's $50+ billion Medicaid program. [NYT]
Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton says the city has spent $1.23 million to fire eight cops. [Daily Gazette]
Albany Med was included on a "watch list" for "below-average safety performance" in a patient safety analysis. [TU]
Paterson: state employee layoffs coming, the "little miracle" of Schenectady, Lady Gaga calls Schumer and Gillibrand, family accused of jumping troopers
David Paterson says state employee layoffs will start before the end of this year because the early retirement incentive didn't result in large enough savings. CSEA and PEF were predictably irked. [TU] [YNN] [TU CapCon]
Paterson also said yesterday of Carl Paladino: "I don't think he is fit for public service." The media pressed Andrew Cuomo for his take on Paladino, but the Democratic nominee dodged. [AP/Post-Star] [NYT]
Meanwhile, Paladino's campaign manager says his candidate is "willing to put in whatever money it takes" to win the governor's race. And Republicans are wondering what Paladino's ascent means for the status of their state party. [Buffalo News] [TU]
The two candidates for state attorney general -- Eric Schneiderman (Democrat) and Dan Donovan (Republican) -- are already going at each other. [TU]
A TV spot for state Senate candidate Sue Savage (currently Schenectady County legislature chair) touting the "little miracle" of Schenectady is raising eyebrows. [TU CapCon] [TU]
Residents of Cambridge lined the streets for the procession carrying the body of Philip Charte, the Marine who was killed in Afghanistan. Said one person: "It's a dose of reality, and shows you what can really happen when you're at war." [YNN] [Post-Star]
Race for governor re-organizes around Paladino, questions about design of new ballot in Albany County, the $800k laptop
It appears that relatively large turnout upstate pushed Carl Paladino to his big win over Rick Lazio in the Republican gubernatorial primary. Democrats and the Cuomo campaign are already trying to define Paladino as a "wacko." And a pundit described a potential Paladino governorship as the state "moving from dysfunction to psychosis." Paladino -- with his black belt duck -- doesn't seem worried about what people are saying. [TU] [NYT] [Buffalo News] [NYT]
There was an usually high number of write-in votes cast in Albany County on primary day -- and it sounds like ballot design could be the reason. (See Terry's comment here on AOA about what might have been the problem.) [TU] [AOA]
Three top SUNY officials have gotten $30,000 raises -- along with other benefits, even as other system employees are being forced to take furlough days. [TU]
Global Foundries is slated to get another chip in Abu Dhabi -- which the company says is a good thing for the Malta fab. [WSJ/Post-Star] [TU]
Saratoga Hospital and Albany Med say they're teaming up to open an urgent care facility in Malta near Northway Exit 12. The facility would be open 24/7. They're aiming to open in 2012. [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [TU]
The City of Troy and the Albany and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany are in a dispute over whether the diocese should have to pay property tax on closed churches in the city. [Troy Record]
Judge approves warrant for DNA samples in Troy ballot fraud investigation, go-ahead for new development at Harriman campus, fade out for Harold Gould
Carl Paladino won the Republican primary for governor. More about Paladio's win -- and other primary results highlights.
A judge has approved a search warrant that allows State Police to collect DNA samples from Troy city councilman Michael LoPorto and city clerk William McInerney as part of the investigation of alleged ballot fraud in the city. Attorneys for both men have described the DNA requests as "fishing expedition." [TU] [Troy Record]
Nine former nurses at Northwoods nursing home in Troy were indicted on charges related to allegations of neglect and falsifying medical records. The indictments stem from a state attorney general's investigation. [Troy Record] [Troy Record March 2010]
The state's economic development arm has approved $921k in funding for the demolition of the former Troy city hall. [TU]
The board of directors for the Harriman State Office Campus in Albany has given Columbia Development the initial go-ahead to construct new office buildings at the site, despite the objections of Jerry Jennings. [ESD] [TU]
Final approval for Aqueduct racino deal, church group says 88-year-old woman's family prompted eviction notice, driving-while-talking ticket cancelled for amateur radio operator
Today is primary day. You can look up your polling place on the NYS Board of Elections site.
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli has signed off on the Aqueduct racino contract. That was the last step in the approval process. Genting, the winning (and, in the end, only) bidder, says it will be sending New York State its $380 million upfront payment this month. Among the planned uses of the money: propping up the faltering horse racing industry in the state. The president of the New York Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association says he's not ready to pop the cork on the champagne yet, "but at least you could probably chill it now." Saratoga Springs supervisor Joanne Yepsen called the deal "a huge win for our local and state economy." [NYS OSC] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Ariel Myers, the Troy 19-year-old convicted of shooting Robert Guynup, got the maximum sentence -- 25 years in prison. Guynup suffered brain damage from being struck in the head and, in her victim impact statement, his wife said she now hugs "the shell I call my husband" and remembers when he could hug her back. Myers said he felt bad for what happened, "But at the same time, I'm just an innocent kid. I didn't have anything to do with it." [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
The body of Marine Cpl. Philip Charte is scheduled to return to Washington County today. Community members, with 1000 American flags, will be lining the streets of Cambridge for the procession this afternoon. [TU] [Post-Star]
Momentive merging with Ohio company, relative few tickets for texting while driving, Albany native commands rescue of ship from pirates
Momentive Performance Materials, the big silicones manufacturer with a plant that employees 1000 people in Waterford and another 100 in Colonie, announced today that it's merging with an Ohio-based company. The company says it will maintain a "significant presence" in in the Capital Region. [TU] [Momentive]
Albany police radio broadcasts indicate at least one person was shot last night in West Hill (map). [TU]
Albany police say they've arrested two men who allegedly were involved in recent acts of public lewdness. They say one man was picked after exposing himself to a woman on Washington Ave Friday (map). And they allege the other man was exposed himself in two separate incidents in Arbor Hill at the end of August (map). [TU] [Fox23] [WTEN]
A Schenectady man convicted of almost strangling his then-12-year-old son to death was released on Friday -- after serving a little more than a year, as opposed to the eight year minimum he was facing -- because a judge reduced the charges against him from felonies to misdemeanors. [Daily Gazette]
The Albany County district attorney's office has filed a motion that seeks to uphold the Signature Pharmacy steroids indictment -- and responds to the recent criticism of the case from a federal judge. [TU] [earlier NYT]
State budget "precariously balanced," flaming rum shots and sparklers blamed for house fire, panel picked for residential parking permit plan, dryers texting Siena students
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli's final analysis of this year's state budget concludes the plan is "precariously balanced using $16.7 billion in temporary and non-recurring resources, most of which will disappear within three years." The Paterson admin accused DiNapoli of Monday morning quarterbacking. [NYS OSC] [Daily Politics]
A Rensselaer County court jury found Daiman Burkett guilty of killing Des-Hawn Parker. Prosecutors had argued the Troy woman had been a victim of domestic violence and was trying to cut all ties with Burkett when he strangled her to death in February 2009. [TU] [YNN] [Troy Record]
Hudson police say they've arrested three men for allegedly being the vandals who spray painted an ethnic slur on the side of a mosque. People in the increasingly mutli-cultural city said they were upset and disgusted by the act. [CBS6] [TU]
The man shot in the leg in Schodack Monday is criticizing the Rensselaer County for charging the alleged shooter with assault instead of attempted murder. [Troy Record]
Troy's fire chief says college students drinking flaming shots of run and using sparklers indoors accidentally caused the fire that displaced a group of RPI students from an off-campus house. The union that represents Troy firefighters is apparently going to use the incident to push its case that too-low staffing levels near the campus resulted in a delayed response time. The fire chief says the fire had a head start on the department because the students tried to put the fire out themselves before calling for help. [TU] [YNN] [CBS6] [Troy Record]
Fight over DNA sample in Troy ballot fraud investigation, as many as 500 turn out for Dino jobs, Green Island mayor takes War on Crows into her own hands
Seven of the nine people who have been asked for DNA samples as part of the investigation of the alleged Troy ballot fraud have said they'll turn over sample. The attorney for Michael LoPorto says the city councilman will fight the request -- and the attorney for city clerk William McInerney says his client hasn't decided, yet. [Troy Record] [TU]
Whether because of anti-incumbent sentiment or something else, an unusually large amount of money is being spent on primaries in New York State this year. [TU]
Raymond Van Clief, accused of fatally shooting a man in Schenectady's Hamilton Hill neighborhood this past December and then waiting for police to arrive on the scene, will get 23 years in prison as part of a plea deal. [TU]
The two brothers who pleaded guilty to the fatal Aquarius bar shooting last year in Schenectady each got 18 years to life. [Daily Gazette]
A mosque in Hudson was vandalized with an ethnic slur. [Fox23]
Marine from Washington County killed in Afghanistan, frat gets OK to take over former church property in Troy, Dinosaur now eyeing late October opening
A Marine who grew up in Washington County was killed in Afghanistan. Philip Charte had lived in Cambridge before moving to New Hampshire in 2007 -- he has family in Salem. [Union-Leader (NH)] [Fox23] [TU]
The City of Saratoga Springs has settled a lawsuit over the assessment of David Silipigno's mansion and will give him $180,000 in property tax refunds and credits (map). The house reportedly has seven bedrooms and 13 bathrooms. [Saratogian] [Zillow]
Troy's zoning board approved an RPI fraternity's application to use the former St. Francis de Sales Church property on Congress Street as a frat house. Phi Sigma Kappa is a dry frat because of an alcohol violation six years ago. [Troy Record] [Fox23]
NYRA's president says the first priority in the $100 million-worth of improvements slated for the Saratoga Race Course is upgrading accommodations for backstretch workers. The conditions for backstretch workers have been described as "hidden shame of Saratoga." [Saratogian] [NYDN]
Schenectady woman accused of stabbing teen, Albany police investigating flashings/burglaries, Route 9P bridge closed, local centenarian credits exercise for her longevity
Schenectady police say they've arrested a woman for stabbing a 14-year-old boy early Saturday morning (map). They say they had responded to the scene after multiple reports of a fight. [Daily Gazette] [WTEN]
Schodack police say a man was shot in the knee during an argument last night. [CBS6]
Albany police say there's been a string of burglaries in which a suspect has climbed in through a window. In one of the cases, a
A federal judge in Florida has harshly criticized Albany County DA David Soares for his role in the prosecutions of people connected to the Signature Pharmacy steroids case. [NYT]
Neil Breslin, on running for re-election to the state Senate amid the strong anti-incumbent sentiment: "I think I can differentiate myself from the rascals." [TU]
Pension problems could mean higher taxes, falling tree kills woman, Troy ramps up for the War on Crows
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli announced that a big jump in state pension fund contributions will be necessary to keep the fund afloat. He says state and local government will need to come up with $1.3 billion more next year. And you know what that means: budget cuts, higher taxes -- or both. Local leaders are irked. Harry Wilson, the Republican candidate for comptroller, argues the state's pension situation is even worse than what DiNapoli describes. [NYS OSC] [YNN] [TU] [WTEN] [Wilson campaign]
A federal grant will allow Saratoga Springs to fill seven vacant fire fighter positions. The city cut the positions earlier this year to cover a budget hole. [Saratogian] [YNN]
A multiple-car crash on alternate Route 7 killed one person and shut down the road in both directions Thursday evening. [TU] [CBS6]
It's hot, Breslin and Martland debate term limits, underwear blamed for Cohoes sewage pump failure, 28 cats dropped at shelter in boxes, a Bombers for Troy?
This just in: it's hot. Today's high is forecasted to be 93. There's an air quality alert for ozone. [NWS] [NWS]
Term limits were one of the most-discussed issues at the debate between Democratic state Senate debate between Neil Breslin and Luke Martland. Said Martland of the incumbent: "If you believe that New York state is on the right track and that the status quo is working, then you should vote for Neil Breslin." Said Breslin: "... when people see the accomplishments, that I've had, see what I've done in terms of reform and cleaning up the Senate, I'm sure I'll be re-elected." [YNN] [TU] [WTEN]
Cohoes mayor John McDonald says the city has fixed the pumps whose failure had resulted in sewage being discharged into a tributary of the Hudson. He says the rags that damaged the pumps have been identified as children's clothing and underwear -- and police are investigating where they came from. [CBS6] [Troy Record]
Troy police say a man died yesterday after being hit by a car while crossing River Street (map). They say the man may have walked into the street from between two parked cars. [YNN] [Troy Record]
The Troy Fire Department says an elderly man died during a fire in his apartment early Wednesday morning. They say the fire may have been started by a cigarette. [Troy Record] [TU]
Pump failure causing sewage to be dumped into Hudson tributary, Breslin calls Paterson "an absolute, total failure," Saratoga Spring Water's blue bottles catching eyes in China
The state DEC says the failure of pumping station in Cohoes has led to thousands of gallons of raw sewage being dumped into a tributary of the Hudson. Cohoes mayor John McDonald says that rags "that should not have been disposed in the system" caused the pumps to break. [TU] [Troy Record]
The former director of the state prison system's food production operation -- and his staff -- "routinely traded favors and gifts with favored businesses that were rewarded with millions of dollars in state purchases," according to report from the state comptroller and state inspector general. The former director, who's since retired, has previously been accused of taking every Friday off for 17 years. [NYS OSC] [TU]
Neil Breslin says David Paterson "has been an absolute, total failure" as governor. Luke Martland, Breslin's Democratic primary opponent, says the state legislature "doesn't do what's right by anybody" except themselves. Breslin and Martland debate tonight at St. Rose. [TU CapCon] [Troy Record]
A gambling police expert on New York's use of racino money to prop up horse racing: "For New York, the public policy question comes down to this: Should we spend $400 million to save racetracks or to save education and other things that are also in great need?" [NYT]
Allegations of excessive force in RPI student arrest, collapsed row house owner says he'll rebuild, state's first all-girls charter high school opens in Albany
Witnesses to the arrest of an RPI student Saturday night in Troy allege that police used excessive force in subduing the man, who's accused of pushing an officer. What's said to be video of the incident is on YouTube, but it's blurry. The student who shot the video says he was arrested after he was seen recording the incident (the TPD says he was arrested for allegedly not leaving the scene and for allegedly having an open container). TPD chief John Tedesco said the officers acted appropriately: "They acted in self-defense and just because you have a badge on does not mean you are a punching bag." [Troy Record] [YouTube] [TU] [YNN]
David Paterson signed the Albany residential parking permits bill yesterday. The city's Common Council now has to take up the process of establishing a system. Common councilman Richard Conti says he'd like to see a system in place "before this year is out." Earlier: Details on what the bill allows [YNN] [TU] [WTEN]
Paul Tonko is one of the eight New York Congressional reps who are receiving public pensions in addition to their congressional salaries. Tonko says he filed for his state pension after resigning from NYSERDA to run for Congress because I didn't know if I would have another job." The spokesperson for a budget watchdog group says the arrangement doesn't violate any rules. [NYDN] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Nine day manhunt ends in Rensselaer County barn, investigation into row house collapse, $150 for premature bike path ride, adios Willie Colon
State police say they found Abel Jimenez, the undocumented farm worker accused of injuring a state trooper in Washington County, Sunday morning hiding behind bales of hay in a barn in Brunswick in Rensselaer County. A group of law enforcement agencies had been searching for Jimenez for nine days -- using more than a hundred officers, helicopters, an airplane and dogs. [TU] [Troy Record] [Post-Star]
Troy police say an Albany man died in police custody Saturday after a traffic stop. They say it appeared the man had a white powder around his mouth and then vomited and went into convulsions in the back of a police car. They say they found a white powder and crack in the man's car. They say they suspect he overdosed. [YNN] [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23]
Albany fire chief Robert Forezzi says the department is still investigating what caused the collapse of the row house at 600 Madison Ave. [TU] [AOA]
The Army report that concluded Colonie soldier Amy Seyboth-Tirador committed suicide said she appeared "different and defeated" in the weeks leading up to her death. [TU]
Independent counsel: Paterson was "inaccurate and misleading" about Yankee tickets, bomb squad called in Saratoga, local apple crop coming in early
David Paterson was "inaccurate and misleading" during the investigation into whether he had intended to pay for tickets to a World Series game at Yankees Stadium last year, according to a report from independent counsel Judith Kaye. The report concludes that the evidence "warrants consideration of possible criminal charges" against the governor. It leaves that decision up to Albany County DA David Soares, whose office said the matter is "under review." Paterson's lawyer says the governor "did not lie when he testified about the Yankee tickets." NYPIRG's Blair Horner says Paterson apparent actions in the case have "made what was an ethical molehill into an ethical mountain." [NYT] [YNN] [NYS AG] [TU] [NYT] [State of Politics] [Daily Politics] [Fox23]
Scott Murphy and Chris Gibson met in a debate last night in Glens Falls. The economy was foremost in the discussion. They differed on the recent federal stimulus package (Murphy: in favor, Gibson against) letting some of the Bush tax cuts expire (Murphy: yes, Gibson: no) and the recent health care reform legislation (Murphy: improve it, Gibson: repeal it). The debate was closed to the general public, but organizers say the video will be posted on YouTube. [CBS6] [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [Fox23]
In a letter to his mother, Army Staff Sgt. Derek Farley -- the Rensselaer County soldier who died in Afghanistan while defusing a bomb -- wrote of his work: "... I keep fighting because there are thousands of mothers out there just like you who want to see their sons and daughters again." [TU]
Town lines streets for return of fallen soldier, horse puncher gets 30 days, alleged indoor pot farm busted in Delmar, local outbreak of Bieber Fever traced to hair
Residents of Nassau lined the Rensselaer County town's streets yesterday for the motorcade carrying the body of soldier Derek Farley, who was killed in Afghanistan while trying to defuse a bomb. Said one sign: "Ssgt Derek Farley, Everyone's Son." [YNN] [TU] [Troy Record]
The father of Colonie soldier Amy Seyboth-Tirador -- who the military says died in Iraq from a self-inflicted gunshot (an assertion her family has disputed) -- says he and Seyboth-Tirador's husband had her body exhumed in May so famed medical examiner Michael Baden could perform a second autopsy. Seyboth-Tirador's mother said yesterday she didn't play a role in the exhumation and the secrecy made her suspicious. The Army said yesterday Seyboth-Tirador's death was ruled a suicide and her case is closed. [TU] [YNN] [YNN]
The search for Abel Jimenez, the man State Police allege dragged a trooper with his pickup truck last week in Washington County, has widened to include part of Rensselaer County. The police have been using dozens of officers, dogs, helicopters and an airplane in the hunt for the undocumented immigrant. There's now a $1000 reward for information. [Troy Record] [Post-Star] [TU]
The Saratoga County sheriff's office says sergeant Brent Dupras has been suspended after he was arrested for allegedly breaking into a former ladyfriend's house in Halfmoon. Fox23 reports the Dupras had been charged with harassment several years ago, but the charges were dropped. Say's the man's attorney: "Mr Dupras has a story to tell and he's looking forward to telling it." [TU] [Post-Star] [Fox23] [WTEN]
The man Saratoga Springs police say punched a police horse on Caroline Street pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 30 days in jail. [Fox23] [Saratogian]
New York wins federal education money, man accused of punching police horse, man allegedly stole puppies at gunpoint
The feds awarded New York State almost $700 million in "Race to the Top" education funding yesterday. New York's application was apparently aided by a deal with teachers' unions to incorporate standardized test scores into teacher evaluations. And to emphasize that the US Secretary of Education -- Arne Duncan -- will be appearing at NYSUT headquarters in Latham on Monday. The state education director said more than half of the federal money will got directly to local school districts -- though it could be a while before local districts know what they're getting and when. (Also: Which race was this, governor?) [NYT] [TU] [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [Saratogian] [WNYC]
The three Republican candidates vying to challenge Kirsten Gillibrand for the US Senate debated last night in Schenectady. Recap: one, two, lightning round. The three candidates generally agreed that the federal government is spending too much money. Bruce Blakeman caught attention for saying KG is an "attractive, bright woman, who I believe is a good mom" when asked to say something nice about her. She's apparently clairvoyant, too -- her "reaction" statement was released before the debate. [AP/Troy Record] [State of Politics x3] [TU] [YNN] [State of Politcs]
Saratoga Springs police say a man punched a police horse in the face two weekends ago on Caroline Street. They say Jupiter, the horse, is OK after the alleged punch. [TU] [Saratogian]
Services for Rensselaer County soldier this week, sheriff's office says teen got special delivery from California, Schenectady teacher swapping jobs with Englishwoman
Officials say the body of Derek Farley, the Rensselaer County soldier who died while trying to disarm a bomb in Afghanistan last week, will travel in a motorcade from ALB to the town of Nassau on Wednesday. There will be calling hours on Thursday in Rensselaer. Farley was ABC News' person of the week last week. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23] [ABC News]
The infant injured when she was hit by a car -- along with her mother and a sibling -- on Broadway in Menands this weekend has died. Colonie police say the driver didn't have time to stop when the family darted into the street -- and will not be charged. [YNN] [TU]
State police say an Albany man -- and substitute teacher -- was arrested for allegedly trying to meet two teen girls for sex. They say the man has taught in several local districts. There are also indications he worked at a local camp. [TU] [CBS6] [Fox23]
An administrative law judge for the National Labor Relations Board has ruled that Hearst, the Times Union's parent company, broke the law when it laid off 11 TU employees last year -- and ordered the employees re-hired. The TU's publisher says "we strongly disagree with the judge's decision" -- and, pending an appeal, the paper won't re-hire the employees. The newspaper guild's president says the appeal is "meant only to drag the case out." [Albany Newspaper Guild] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
The New York State health plan for people with pre-existing conditions, who haven't had health insurance recently, is starting to take applications. [AP/CBS6]
Final tally on state budget, police say man stabbed over gas grill, Washington County Fair opens
The final tally on the 2010-2011 New York State budget: $135.5 billion. The projected budget gap for next year's budget: $8.2 billion. [NYS DOB] [TU]
Because of the late state budget -- and the still unallocated federal aid -- local school districts don't know how much state aid they'll be getting this year. [TU]
Compared to their counterparts in other local counties, Albany County legislators aren't shy about passing local laws aimed at issues such trans-fat, sex offenders and sippy cups. [TU]
Opposition to the proposed Muslim community center and mosque near the World Trade Center site has become a centerpiece of Rick Lazio's gubernatorial campaign. [NYT]
Carl Paladino on New York State politics, during an interview with the Troy Record editorial board: "It's a minefield of disloyal, distrustful people all interested in themselves. It doesn't matter what the party label is. It's a ruling class. We have to take out the ruling class." [Troy Record]
Schenectady school district officials say they're revising district policy to allow students to wear rosaries. The school board president says the new policy will focus on what students do, not necessarily what they wear. The district had been sued earlier this year after it middle school student was told to stop wearing his rosary outside his clothes. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Two children were still in the hospital Sunday night after they -- and their mother -- were hit by a car on Broadway in Menands on Saturday. Police say the family was waiting for the bus when one of the children ran into the street. They say the mother, carrying the other child, went after the kid and they were all hit by the car. [YNN] [WTEN] [WNYT] [Fox23]
David Paterson on Larry King, Nassau soldier killed in Afghanistan, highest paid Schenectady cop resigns, DEA bust in Saratoga County, rabid fox bites woman in Warren County, the Guv's dinner with Pink Floyd
David Paterson appeared on Larry King Live last night to talk about the proposed Islamic Cultural Center two blocks from the world trade center site. The Governor referred to the situation as a "Greek Tragedy" where right is facing right and offered to sit down and talk with both sides to help broker a solution. [CNN]
Four NY State House Democrats have come out against the building of the cultural center. [State of Politics]
Today's Village Voice has an expose on Rick Lazio, which probes the relationship between Lazio and Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation head Charles Millard. The piece suggest Lazio used influence to obtain a lucrative contract that would sink retiree benefits into risky investments and to try to help to get Millard a job. Lazio's campaign is trying to play down the charges. [Village Voice] [Capitol Confidential]
A 24 year old Rensselaer county man was killed attempting to disarm a roadside bomb in Afghanistan on Tuesday. Flags are being flown at half mast today in honor of Army Staff Sgt. Derek Farley. [YNN]
The remains of a WWII veteran were flown to Albany International Airport yesterday. 1st Lt. Ray Fletcher had been considered missing in action since 1944. He'll be burried near his home in Vermont. [WNYT]
Paterson's free tickets may cost 93 grand, Albany Crime Analysis Center opens, 90 cats rescued from condemned building, 2nd trial begins in Saratoga Winners arson,Seneca Indian Nation sues Paterson, Fresh Market opens in Latham
Five free NY Yankees tickets may end up costing Governor David Paterson $93,000 . Yesterday the Public Integrity Commission recommended its highest fine yet for Paterson, for allegedly wrongfully acquiring the free tickets. . The Governor did not show up for the Public Integrity Commission hearing yesterday, but his former top press aid, Peter Kauffmann was there. Kauffmann testified that he urged Paterson to pay for the tickets. The final decision on the civil penalty for Paterson won't be made until October. [TU] [YNN] [NYT]
A new Siena poll says that while Carl Paladino has closed the gap against Rick Lazio, they'd both still get pretty well thumped against Andrew Cuomo. [Capitol Confidential]
Surpise! Andrew Cuomo and Rick Lazio don't really get along so well. Here are some of the reasons why. [NYT]
The Seneca Indian Nation is suing Governor Paterson over cigarette taxes at Native American stores. [Capitol Confidential]
Governor Paterson wants to talk with the developers of the proposed Islamic Cultural Center near ground zero.
Albany County has a new crime fighting tool. The Albany Crime Analysis Center --a countywide database, open since April --was formally dedicated Tuesday. The database will help authorities share the latest information across municipal boundaries and track crime trends. [YNN]
In a rescue effort reminiscent of the Berlin Airlift, Albany animal control and volunteers violated condemned property laws to rescue 90 cats and two dogs from a condemned building on Orange Street back. They're now looking for homes for the animals. [TU] [WNYT]
Panel recommends longer PCB dredging project timeline, attendance down at the Track, police say mustard marked alleged serial burglar
A draft report from the panel of experts reviewing the Hudson River PCB dredging project concludes that the process should be slowed down so efforts could be more precisely targeted. The panel says complications arising from inaccurate or incomplete surveys of the contamination led to higher than expected levels of PCB re-suspension (in other words, more of the PCBs were stirred up into the water than expected) -- and "substantive changes" need to be made for the next phase of the project. GE says it's already spent about $561 million on the project. [EPA] [TU] [Saratogian] [NYT] [AP/Post-Star]
The Schenectady police department says car break-ins have reached "epidemic levels" (heat map). A crime analyst for the city says there appears to be an upswing in Rotterdam and Niskayuna, too. The SPD says the thieves are after items such as iPods and GPS units. [CBS6] [CBS6] [TU] [Fox23]
Jerry Jennings said yesterday that an independent counsel will look into allegations that Ron "Cook" Barrett, the city's gang prevention specialist, was using sick time to do paid speaking gigs elsewhere. Jennings says Barrett seemed to be doing a good job with the city's kids, but common councilman Dominick Calsolaro said last night he was concerned about a lack of results. [TU] [WTEN] [CBS6]
Albany police say they've made an arrest in the June 27 fatal stabbing in Arbor Hill. They say the man arrested was found shot that same morning. The victim's mother says as many as 30 people witnessed the stabbing, but police have had trouble finding cooperation. [CBS6] [WNYT] [Fox23]
Rensselaer County man charged with murder of infant daughter, man allegedly went nuts at ALB parking gate, veteran awarded Purple Heart 65 years after earning it
A Rensselaer County man has been charged with killing his infant daughter earlier this year. Joseph McElheny has pleaded not guilty to the charges. State police say the girl had broken bones and showed signs of blunt force trauma. A note taped to the family's front door said the state had made "the process of grieving impossible" and "We are confident the whole world will soon know what a loving wonderful father Joe is." [TU] [WTEN] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
A Times Union investigation has raised questions about whether the city of Albany gang prevention specialists has been doing outside speaking gigs while claiming sick time. [TU]
The Albany police sergeant who allegedly tried to cover up a detective's drunk driving was "untruthful" about the events surrounding the incident and showed no remorse for his role, according to an arbitrator's ruling. [TU]
There's now a general road map for the Albany Police Department's community policing effort. [TU]
The former CEO of a Catskills gambling/resort company is trying to cast doubt on the trustworthiness of Genting, the company close to securing the deal to develop a racino at Aqueduct. There's hope among local officials that the almost-finished Aqueduct deal will bring stability and much-needed upgrades to the Saratoga Race Course. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Albany County Sheriff's office say a man who apparently couldn't pay the $5 to exit ALB's economy lot on Friday jumped out of his car, tried to commandeer a fire truck by asserting that he was an air marshall, then stripped off his clothes and yelled that he had a bomb in his car. [WNYT] [TU] [WTEN]
Woman fights off alleged kidnap attempt, car drives through wall of restaurant, casting agent says word's getting around about Albany
Colonie police say they arrested a man for alleging trying to a rob and kidnap a woman at a Wolf Road office yesterday while wielding what turned out to be a BB handgun. Witnesses say as the man tried to force the woman into her car, she hit the man with her purse and then ran to safety at Professor's Java's. A co-worker told WTEN that the woman knew from watching Oprah that she should not get in the car with the man. [TU] [YNN] [Fox23] [WTEN]
If the Aqueduct racino deal goes through -- as it appears it will now -- it will splash money all over the racing industry in New York State. The president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce said the impact in Saratoga is "huge." [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
The feds are reportedly now investigating whether someone illegally accessed Sherr-una Booker's medical records the day after NYT asked David Paterson about the alleged incident of domestic violence involving Booker and now-suspended aide David Johnson. Johnson was arraigned on five charges yesterday related to the alleged incident. When asked about the case yesterday, Paterson didn't say much. [NYT] [State of Politics] [Daily Politics]
The Albany County sheriff's office says it arrested a 62-year-old man at his South Mall Towers apartment in Albany yesterday for allegedly having heroin, cocaine and oxycontin. They say residents had complained about the man dealing drugs. An inspector said it's not often they bust someone that age for dealing. [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT] [YNN]
Aqueduct racino deal moving forward, roundabout causing frustration, cigarette sales reportedly way down since tax hike
Sheldon Silver has given his OK to Genting's Aquaduct racino project bid, opening the way for a final contract. Money from the deal will go toward propping up NYRA, which operates Saratoga. The org has $150 million in improvements it would like to make at The Track. [State of Politcs] [TU] [TU]
David Paterson says the legislature must return soon to decide how to distribute the recently passed federal aid to schools. There are two formulas from which the legislature can pick. [State of Politics] [WTEN]
Paterson aide David Johnson is expected to be charged today with misdemeanor assault for the alleged incident of domestic violence involving Sherr-una Booker. An independent counsel recently concluded that evidence in the case warranted "consideration of possible charges" against Johnson and that the governor made "errors of judgment" during the situation surrounding the alleged assault. [NYT] [AOA]
The state budget wasn't actually finished when everyone thought it was -- because the Assembly sent the wrong bill to the governor and he signed it. [Buffalo News]
Bethlehem police say they've arrested a 17-year-old for allegedly setting fire to a house in Delmar August 4. They say the teen knew the family that lived in the house (they were away at the time). [YNN] [WNYT] [Fox23]
An Albany County official asked people to be patient with new Maxwell Road roundabout in Colonie (map). The construction around the new intersection has been causing long backups -- and frustrating drivers. [TU] [WTEN] [YNN]
Federal aid headed for local school districts, indicators of domestic violence up, state moving some employees out of downtown Albany
Capital Region school districts are in line to get about $44 million from the $26 billion package of aid for states passed by the House of Representatives passed yesterday. Before the money reaches districts, the state legislature has to decide how to distribute it. And local districts say it's unclear whether the money will arrive in time to save the jobs of laid off teachers. [Schumer press release] [NYT] [State of Politics] [Daily Gazette]
The federal aid bill has become a topic in the the race between Scott Murphy and Chris Gibson for the 20th Congressional District. Murphy praised the bill for helping school districts and Medicaid while closing what he called tax loopholes. Gibson called the bill "new spending we simply cannot afford." [Post-Star] [TU] [Gibson email press release]
Genting's Aqueduct racino bid has gotten the OK from the state Senate. Sheldon Silver still has to OK the deal before it moves forward. Money from the deal would be used to prop up NYRA, which operates Saratoga. [Saratogian] [TU]
State officials say indicators of domestic violence have continued to increase for the third year in a row. There were 89 people killed by intimate partners last year, according to a state report. [NYS DCJS] [Daily Gazette]
The Troy neighborhoods up for residential parking permit consideration are downtown, Beman Park and Hillside. [TU]
Albany County has notified three bakeries that they were found to be in violation of the trans-fat ban. [TU]
Aqueduct racino final deal close?, county legislator calls for anit-smoking ad to be yanked, developer surveying interest in downtown apartments
There appears to be support in the state Senate the Genting's Aqueduct's racino bid -- that doesn't necessarily mean the deal is close to being finished. Money from the deal will be used to prop up NYRA, which runs Saratoga. [Saratogian] [NYDN]
Both attendance and the amount bet are down at the The Track over the first two weeks of this season compared to the same period last year, according to NYRA. [Saratogian]
The TU reports that at least 12 state legislators have hand gun permits. There's been a debate lately over whether the state's hand gun permit database should publicly available in whole. [TU]
State senator Diane Savino and Assemblyman Matt Titone called state senator Ruben Diaz "a media whore" yesterday while waving a wig and a high heeled shoe at him. Really. There's video. [State of Politics]
The Troy school district has fired a district official whose doctorate was revoked after it was alleged he plagiarized parts of his dissertation. [TU] [Journal News]
The chairman of the Rensselaer County legislature is upset about the anti-smoking ads being run by the state health department that depict a child crying because he's been left by his mother. Martin Reid says the ads should be taken off the air. The producer of the ad has said the kid really was crying. [Troy Record] [WTEN] [Today Show/YouTube]
Schenectady is recycling less of its garbage now than it was in the early 1990s. Schenectady is thinking about moving to "single stream" recycling, which appears to be working in places such as Watervliet. [TU] [Troy Record]
Delmar man killed in Afghanistan, the weekend in crime, Marylou's numerous admirers
An optometrist from Delmar was one of the 10 aid workers killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan last week. Tom Little and his wife Libby had spent much of their lives doing humanitarian work in Afghanistan, providing eye care to people in poor and remote areas. It's estimated he treated about 250,000 people there. Members of local congregations that helped support their work remembered Little as dedicated and humble. Libby Little wasn't with her husband on this latest expedition because she was here in the Capital Region with one of their daughters, who's expecting a child. She's heading back to Kabul for his burial. [NYT] [AP/Troy Record] [TU] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [CBS6]
Schenectady police say they've arrested a man for the fatal shooting in June on Crane Street. The people who drove the victim of the shooting to Ellis Hospital crashed their car into the emergency department doors. [Daily Gazette] [YNN]
Albany police say they're arrested four teens for allegedly throwing a man through a basement window on Washington Ave Saturday evening (map). They say they don't know what prompted the altercation, which appeared to be unprovoked. Another victim says they were walking their dogs when the teens approached them. [TU] [Fox23] [YNN] [WNYT]
Albany police say a teen was shot in the arm Saturday night in West Hill (map). [WNYT]
Capital Region in line for millions in federal aid, APD sergeant fired, Pastor Charlie wins $30k prize, ice cream trucks return to Niskayuna
Capital Region counties are in line to get millions in Medicaid funding as part of the $2.6 billion in federal aid that it appears New York State will be getting (pending approval by the US House of Representatives). Aid for school districts is also part of the package, though there are some questions about how much the money will help local districts. And the state's budget directors says the money won't head off the planned state employee layoffs. [Troy Record] [TU] [TU]
It sounds like the state Senate is in no hurry to sign off on the Genting New York bid for the Aqueduct racino project. The deal also needs the OK from David Paterson and Sheldon Silver. (Money from the deal would be used to prop up NYRA, which runs the Saratoga Race Course.) [Daily Politics] [Saratogian]
The City of Albany fired police sergeant Peter McKenna yesterday after an arbitrator found him guilty on multiple disciplinary charges. The charges were related to the events surrounding the arrest of an off-duty detective for DWI in 2009. [YNN] [TU] [CBS6]
Michael Mosely, the North Greenbush man accused of killing Arica Lynn Schneider and Samuel Holley, has pleaded not guilty. Said Mosley's attorney after the arraignment: "Simply stated, he didn't do it, and we don't know who did. I dare say, neither does the Rensselaer County District Attorney's office." Two other men had originally been charged with the crimes. [Fox23] [Troy Record]
Boat erupts into flames on Hudson, state comptroller says budget "was not worth the wait," breathalyzer tests for jockeys
A 34-foot boat caught fire on the Hudson near Troy yesterday and burned before sinking (map). The vacationing couple on the boat jumped into the water and were rescued by a passing boat. The fire, which burned for hours, produced bright orange flames and a tower of black smoke (lots of photos). The Troy Fire Department waited until the boat drifted toward shore before hitting it with foam and water. As it happens, the TFD has a firefighting boat on order -- scheduled to arrive at the end of this month. [YNN] [Fox23] [CBS6] [TU] [WNYT] [Troy Record]
Albany police say they drained Tivoli Lake as part of investigations into multiple cases, including Ashley Carroll -- and say there was no evidence found "relative to the investigation" (which investigation was not specified). [WTEN] [TU]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli, in a statement: "this budget was not worth the wait."
There's no guarantee the budget process under Andrew Cuomo, were he elected governor, would go any more smoothly next year. [NYT]
The clothing tax restored by the state budget won't start up until October 1 -- and is scheduled to eventually be phased out again. [TU]
New York State is in line to get $2.6 billion in federal aid after the US Senate passed a package of aid to states and school districts (it still has to pass in the House). [WSJ] [NYT]
State budget finally finished, APD drains pond for investigation, horse sells for $1.2 million, war temporarily declared on Troy
The state budget is essentially finished. The state Senate passed the final revenue bill 32-28 along party lines last night with little debate. (David Paterson still has to sign the bill, which he's expected to do.) The final bill includes a handful of tax increases, including the restoration of sales tax on clothing items under $110. The overall state budget is projected to total $136.5 billion, up 2.4 percent from last year. [TU] [NYDN] [Fox23] [YNN] [NYDN] [NYT]
Not a part of the final budget deal: a bill that would allow SUNY campuses to set their own tuition rates. A Buffalo-area senator had been holding out for the measure, but relented after a "framework" for the issue was announced. Neil Breslin called the SUNY act's failure to move "a huge disappointment." [Buffalo News] [State of Politics] [AP/Post-Star]
The state lottery division has recommended that Genting New York win the rights to develop a racino at Aqueduct. Genting's bid includes an upfront $380 million payment to the state, some of which would go towards propping up NYRA (the org that runs the Saratoga Race Course). Genting was the only remaining bidder in the process -- and it's unclear whether David Paterson and legislative leaders will all provide the necessary OKs. [Saratogian] [TU] [Post-Star] [YNN]
Albany police drained Tivoli Lake yesterday as part of the investigation into the disappearance of Ashley Carroll -- though the APD says it has no information she was located in the pond. The only thing they reportedly found yesterday was an old car. [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT]
Another attempt at finishing state budget, ALB fares highest in state, police say kids tried to mug man using BB gun, woman credits "hot sex" for longevity
The legislature is back today in an attempt to finish off the budget -- and state Senate Democrats say they'll have all their members in attendance this time. Legislators are now blaming David Paterson for holding things up. [AP/Fox23] [State of Politics] [YNN]
Despite the stuck budget, legislators have found time to play golf and raise money. [NY Post]
State police major Charles Day, the head of David Paterson's security detail, is being transferred to the state police's traffic services division. Day was criticized in the Kaye report on David Johnson situation. [NYDN]
David Paterson signed a bill yesterday that bans the use of the chemical BPA in plastic baby bottles, sippy cups, pacifiers and straws. He vetoed a bill that would have required sippy cups to come with warning labels about tooth decay. [TU] [AP/WNYT]
Albany police say they're investigating a reports of racist, threatening phone calls to families. Last week an Albany family said someone was faking caller ID to make threatening calls. [WNYT] [WTEN]
The Albany International Airport had the highest average fare of any major airport in New York State during the first quarter of this year, according to data from the federal Department of Transportation. The average fare at ALB was up 14.6 percent over the last year. [TU] [USDOT]
Budget approaching latest-ever, Albany close to winning one from Austin, state worker says office made him depressed, huge act of kindness
State budget status: still not finished. The main players are apparently now focused on whom to blame for the stalled process. And it's approaching the date for the latest-ever budget, August 11. [NYDN] [NY Post]
Carl Paladino appears to be gaining on Rick Lazio for the Republican nomination for governor. [TU]
A negotiated-but-not-yet-finalized deal would move the remaining operations of Sematech, the semi-conductor research consortium, from Austin to Albany in a $100 million deal. [TU]
Following last week's fatal wrong-way driver on I-787, the fourth in four years, are the signs for the interstate's on-ramps clear enough? [TU]
"Sources briefed on the investigation" say federal prosecutors allege that officials from the state health department and the SUNY Research Foundation may have collaborated to influence audits of the state's Medicaid program. [TU]
The final cost of the Schenectady school district's settlement with former superintendent Eric Ely: $144,500. [Daily Gazette]
Albany police say four teens were stabbed in a parking lot near Westgate Plaza Friday night (map). They say the stabbings followed a nearby party. [TU] [WNYT]
Police say medical condition may have disoriented wrong way driver, Paterson pegs layoff number at 1000+, more funny money
State Police say the man who drove the wrong way on 787 and died in a crash with an oncoming tractor trailer may have been disoriented because of a medical condition. They say it appears the man entered the interstate at Exit 2 and headed north in the southbound lanes all the way past I-90 overpass (that's about 3 miles). They say about 80 calls were made to 911 reporting the wrong-way driver. The tractor trailer was carrying almost 20 tons of paper products -- and burst into in a flames. Said the driver of the truck, who was not seriously hurt: I don't think I will function correctly for a while." [Troy Record] [TU] [YNN] [Fox23] [CBS6] [Daily Gazette] [WTEN]
David Paterson said yesterday there will be "at least 1000" state employee layoffs. [TU CapCon]
One of the big holdups on finishing the state budget is ongoing struggle among Democrats in the legislature over the proposal to allow SUNY campuses to set their own tuititons (with limits). One of the meetings about the issue yesterday reportedly included a senator storming out of the room. [TU [State of Politics]
A state Supreme Court jude has tossed AEC's challenge to the Aqueduct racino bidding process. For now, that leaves a Malaysian firm as the sole remaining bidder for the project. The state Lottery Division is expected to make a recommendation next week. Money from the deal will be used to prop up NYRA, which runs the Saratoga Race Course. [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
GlobalFoundries is taking its Town of Malta property tax assessment challenge to state court. The company says the project should be assessed based on what it would currently sell for, not how much has been spent on construction. GloFo and Malta are separated by $104 million. [TU] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
The not-so-special session, nasty wreck closes 787, Saratoga Springs soldier buried, Daisy Baker's building for sale
Yesterday's "extraordinary" session of the legislature was less than special. Nine state senators -- including five from the Democratic majority -- weren't even there. The sessions in both chambers lasted only a few minutes. And now David Paterson is threatening to sue the legislature in an attempt to get to it do something to finish off the budget. [TU] [Troy Record] [YNN] [State of Politics]
The state Education Department reports that a little more than half of students in grades 3-8 were proficient in English and 61 percent were proficient in math. That's down significantly from last year -- NYSED says the drop is attributed an adjustment in the "cut scores" that made the tests harder to pass. The Shen school superintendent called the change "unfair to kids at best." And the Guilderland school district sent a letter to parents that said "the results released by SED today do not reflect the ability of Guilderland students to learn or Guilderland teachers to teach." [NYSED] [NYT] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
State police investigators are seeking to get DNA samples from nine people alleged to be involved in a Troy voting fraud scheme during last year's Working Families party primary. The TU reports the list includes the Democratic elections commissioner for Rensselaer County, three Troy city councilman and the city council president. [Troy Record] [TU]
Update: One person has died in the crash. A nasty-looking crash and fire on 787 this morning closed the interstate in both directions. A car reportedly drove the wrong way and hit a tractor trailer. [CBS6] [CBS6] [TU]
And independent film shoot will close a few streets in Arbor Hill today (map). [CBS6]
Legislature back for not-so-special-sounding extraordinary session, Niskayuna approves ice cream truck trial, Soares says surveillance video supported Van Plew, Saratoga Springs policia
The legislature is back today for the extraordinary session David Paterson called in an attempt to finish off the budget -- but it doesn't sound like much is going to get accomplished. One stumbling block (of many): there's some question as to how many Democratic senators will show up. (Senate president pro tem Malcolm Smith is reportedly on vacation. We kid you not.) [TU] [State of Politics] [NY Post]
You know how David Paterson has been talking about how state employee layoffs might be necessary to close the budget gap? NYT reports that it's hard to say exactly how many people work for the state -- and no one knows for sure. Also: it looks like a chunk of state workers won't be eligible for one of the early retirement incentives. [NYT] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo's gubernatorial campaign is focusing on a proposed two percent property tax cap. [State of Politics]
The Troy teen charged with the stabbing death of a man in North Central on Father's Day turned himself in -- and was out on bail a few hours later. Both the teen's attorney and the Rensselaer County DA say the case will be challenging for the prosecution. [Troy Record] [TU]
The Niskayuna town board voted 3-2 to allow ice cream trucks to operate in the town for a monthlong trial. The trucks have been banned for more than three decades because of safety concerns. Said the eight-year-old whose petition prompted the vote: "I think it's a great idea because kids love ice cream and everyone likes a nice summer treat every once in a while." Said one of the residents who opposed lifting the ban: "It's a diabetes truck." [Daily Gazette] [CBS6] [TU] [Fox23]
Paterson renews talk of layoffs, backstretch worker accused of stabbing, plans for solar energy facility, ice cream truck vote tonight
David Paterson renewed the possibility of state worker layoffs yesterday, saying the planning "is going to have to begin immediately." Said the governor: "Since the work force would not negotiate lag pay, which would have been a shared sacrifice for everyone, or a furlough, in which everybody would give a little, some unfortunate people who don't deserve it are going to get laid off and it burns me to have to say it because I don't think its fair to them." The state employee unions were annoyed. The head of PEF it was "unconscionable for the governor to continue scapegoating state employees" for the state's fiscal problems and the head of CSEA reiterated the unions' position that they have a binding no-layoffs agreement with the governor for this year. [TU] [WNYT] [PEF] [CSEA]
Rensselaer County DA Richard McNally said yesterday that a 16-year-old suspected of fatally stabbing a man in Troy's North Central neighborhood in June was expected to turn himself in today. [TU] [Troy Record]
Saratoga Springs police say a backstretch worker was arrested yesterday for allegedly stabbing another backstretch worker multiple times Saturday night near the Oklahoma Training Track. They say the man is in the country illegally from Guatemala. [TU] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
The management of an apartment complex in Scotia denied allegations made by the state attorney general's office that the complex discriminates against potential renters who are African-American or have children. The AG's office says it has audio recordings of the allegedly discriminatory actions. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [YNN]
Paterson reportedly "fed up" with budget delay, no prosecution for pranked Bethlehem man, Murphy officially running for re-election, Lazy Dog busy
A spokesman for David Paterson says the governor will call the legislature into extraordinary session Wednesday -- and possibly beyond -- in an attempt to get the budget finished. A "source close to the governor" tells the Post that Paterson is "fed up" with the legislature and plans "to make their lives miserable" if there isn't progress. Paterson's agenda for session includes all the familiar items: a property tax cap, the SUNY tuition bill, Medicaid contingency funding, and the return of the soda tax. [Paterson admin] [NY Post] [State of Politics]
Ding-dong drama It appears that Albany County DA David Soares' office will not prosecute Daniel Van Plew for allegedly tackling one of the teens allegedly involved in the prank. Said the attorney for the teen's family to the TU: "This all seems political to me and it doesn't pass the smell test." [WNYT] [TU]
Police say a Troy woman was arrested after the three-year-old she was caring for was found wandering the neighborhood around Stowe Ave Saturday morning (map). They say three hours went by before the woman noticed the child was missing. The woman told WNYT that the child probably unlocked a door and wandered off. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [WNYT]
A Troy police officer is being credited with saving a choking baby. Jeff Combs was following up on a complaint at a nearby address when the baby's mother frantically approached him to to help the baby, who was choking on a staple. [Troy Record] [TU] [WTEN]
The Albany school district says it has changed its form and will update its website after the NYCLU said the district's policies appeared to unlawfully discourage the enrollment of immigrant students. [TU] [AOA]
The Track opens today, family's attorney says Bethlehem homeowner should face additional charge, neighbors lift car that was crushing man's leg
The season at the Saratoga Race Course opens today, under clouds both literal, financial and legal. This year's meet will be 40 days long, the longest season in more than a hundred years. [NWS] [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
Ding-dong drama The attorney for the family of the teen allegedly tackled by a Bethlehem homeowner after a prank this past weekend says not only is the family not dropping the charges -- but the homeowner should face additional charges for detaining the teen. "The child was significantly injured," contends the attorney for the family, who says they're not condoning their son's actions. There are also now significant differences in the versions of events being described by the attorneys from both sides. [WNYT] [WTEN] [CBS6] [YNN] [TU]
Carl Paladino's campaign is touting a poll that reports him running more-or-less even with Rick Lazio against Andrew Cuomo. Paladino has recently been speaking out against plans for a mosque near the World Trade Center site, saying -- as governor -- he would use eminent domain to block the project. NYC mayor Mike Bloomberg's response: "Huh? He's not going to get elected, so let's go on to the other topic." [State of Politics] [Daily Politics] [TU] [Daily Politics]
The early-retirement option for state workers apparently has some public employees making the case that their jobs could be eliminated. [TU]
Pranked Bethlehem man says he feared for his family's safety, planning for state worker layoffs could start soon, Albany city hall clocktower fixed
Said Daniel Van Plew, the Bethlehem man arrested for tackling a teen who was part of a group that pranked his house this past weekend, "I was afraid. I thought I was being robbed. I have two kids. Put yourself in my shoes." Said Rob Madeo, the father of the teen, "I don't condone [my son's] actions under any circumstances and we'll deal with this in the harshest possible way" (yep, the Rob Madeo). With the police standing in his living room and his son looking roughed up, Madeo says he was asked if he wanted to press charges and he said yes. Bethlehem police say Van Plew should not have pursued the teens. [Fox23] [TU] [WNYT] [WTEN]
Robert Megna, the state budget director, tells New York Now that planning for possible state worker layoffs will begin soon, after the results of the early retirement incentive are known. Megna said layoffs would be "a lengthy process" that would stretch into next year. [New York Now] [TU]
With the state budget still stalled short of the finish line, David Paterson took steps toward calling another special session of the legislature. "It is clear to me that this Legislature would rather play parliamentary games than finish a budget that is fifteen weeks late due to their inaction," said Paterson in a statement. The leaders of the state Senate and Assembly say they've been meeting on their own -- without Paterson. [State of Politics] [Paterson admin] [TU]
Shooting in Albany, commissioner says more budget cuts needed in Saratoga, rash of daytime robberies in Rotterdam
Albany police say a man was shot in the head in West Hill Tuesday afternoon (it reportedly hit him in the ear and grazed his head) (map). Police say the man was conscious when he was taken to the hospital. They say the shooter may have been in a maroon Honda. [YNN] [TU] [WTEN] [Fox23]
State police are searching the Hudson River near the Congress Street bridge for a swimmer who went missing yesterday evening. Another man who was with the swimmer was pulled from the river last night -- the two men were reportedly swimming near the Troy side of the river. A helicopter and divers were reportedly part of the search last night. [TU] [Troy Record] [YNN] [@TroyMayor]
Saratoga Springs police say a man robbed the Saratoga National Bank & Trust Co. branch on West Avenue Tuesday afternoon -- and was caught almost immediately after (map). [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
A Bethlehem man was charged with endangering the welfare of a child after he was accused of tackling a teen who allegedly was part of group that allegedly pounded on the man's door and "skulked" around his property Saturday night. [TU]
A Poestenkill man alleges that a Rensselaer County sheriff's deputy ignored his testimony that an off-duty Troy police officer was driving the car that plowed into his fence and a utility pole early Sunday morning. [Troy Record]
Selection of Krokoff for Albany police chief confirmed, state says bar was set too low on standardized tests, bank robbery in East Greenbush, new owners for Siro's
The Albany Common Council unanimously confirmed the selection of Steven Krokoff for police chief. The confirmation marks the first time the council has had official input on the selection of a chief. After the vote, Krokoff continued to stress the idea of community policing: "We're going from a team that was 338 [officers] to a team of 95,000 [city residents] as we work together with the people in this city." Krokoff is 40-years-old, making him possibly the youngest police chief in the city's history. [YNN] [WNYT] [Fox23] [TU]
New York State's general fund ended the first quarter of the fiscal year in the red, according to state comptroller Tom DiNapoli. It's only the second time in "modern history" that's happened, DiNapoli's office says. [NYS OSC]
The state Department of Education says the "bar was set too low" on the state tests for English and math that are given to students in grades 3-8. Said education commissioner David Steiner: "The word 'proficient' should tell you something, and right now that is not the case on our state tests." NYSED says it will change the "cut scores" used to classify a student's proficiency, and as a result, more students will end up being classfied as not meeting or partially meeting learning standards. [NYSED] [NYT]
Rick Lazio on the huge gap between his campaign fund total and that of Andrew Cuomo: "It's an election, not an auction." [State of Politics]
Double shooting in downtown Troy, Cuomo makes local campaign stops, rabid fox attacks man, cricket feud in Schenectady
Troy police say two people were shot Sunday morning on Congress Street between 3rd and 4th streets (map). They say both victims are expected to survive. The TPD says it's looking for a black Cadillac with chrome wheels that may have been involved with the shooting. [YNN] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
Andrew Cuomo's RV campaign tour stopped at the Albany Democratic Party picnic on Saturday (Jerry Jennings called him "a great friend of mine for many, many years.") Commented Cuomo on the huge pile of campaign cash he's pulled together, to Jimmy Vielkind: "One of the opponents is a multi-millionaire who has said he can put his hand in his own pocket and spend millions of dollars ... And if you don't have the money to run a campaign you're not competitive." (That "multi-millionaire" opponent to whom he refers is Carl Paladino.) Cuomo also stopped at the Troy Pig Out. [Fox23] [TU] [TU CapCon] [Troy Record]
The two Democratic challengers to Mike Neil Breslin for the state Senate are hoping to ride an anti-incumbent wave. Also: is this the "year of the woman" in elections for the state legislator? [TU] [TU]
David Paterson's campaign fund has paid $700k over the last four months for legal bills related to the three public integrity investigations currently in progress that involve the governor. [Fox23]
Charges have been dropped against Bryan Berry and Terrence Battiste, the two men originally accused of killing Arica Lynn Schneider and Samuel Holley in Troy in 2002. A different man, Michael Mosley, was recently accused of the crime after prosecutors say his DNA matched a sample found at the crime scene. Berry and Battiste are currently in prison on unrelated charges. [TU] [Troy Record] [WTEN]
A man who says he was present at the attack on Steve Barnes and a friend at Stuyvesant Plaza two years ago has pleaded guilty and says he will cooperate with the case against Timothy Rankins, the bar owner who allegedly organized the attack. [TU]
Said the mother of the two boys shot near Schenectady's Jerry Burrell Park recently of the alleged shooter, a 17-year-old: "I was looking for a monster, like I said, and I saw a baby." [Fox23]
APD says video shows shooting was justified, Cuomo piling up the campaign cash, Price Chopper says it's also getting on sustainable seafood boat
Said Albany police spokesman James Miller of the video showing the fatal Quail/Spring Street shooting in February: "I think it's pretty transparent that [the officers'] actions in that case were justified." He also said: "If you don't have that video all you rely on would be TV and newspaper reports and people would have to draw their own conclusions by what they're hearing. Now, they can draw their own conclusions by what they're seeing." The video came from two sources -- the dashboard camera from the patrol car and a nearby surveillance camera. [TU] [WNYT] [TU]
John Tinkler, the Troy man convicted of killing three-year-old Zoey Sandercox, was sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. Said Sandercox's mother during her victim impact statement: "No 3-year-old deserves to be beaten on because a grown man cannot control his anger." [Troy Record] [TU]
The brother of Anthony Delgado, the man shot in the Poestenkill triple shooting, says his brother tried to wrestle the gun away from Robert Pryor, Sr. He says his brother is recovering. [Fox23] [WNYT]
Yelled the mother of the two kids shot near Jerry Burrell Park in Schenectady at the arraignment of the alleged shooter: "You shot my sons. You shot my mother-[expletive] sons. They're waiting for you upstate you mother [expletive]." [Daily Gazette]
Investigation continues into Poestenkill shootings, two-thirds of Albany city payroll goes to non-residents, Paterson turns to kabbalah, another cupcake truck
The son of the man who shot two people and then himself in Poestenkill this week had called 911 after a talking with his father on the phone shortly before the incident -- but by the time the call was transferred to Rensselaer County, it was too late. The Rensselaer County sheriff says investigators are looking into whether Robert Pryor Sr. was suffering from mental health problems. Pryor's cousin says he was on a lot medication for various health problems. The two people Pryor shot are still hospitalized. [TU] [Fox23] [Troy Record] [YNN]
One of the rejected bidders for the Aqueduct racino contract has been granted a restraining order that could hold up the already drawn-out process. State lottery officials say they'll continue to push the process forward until they're officially served with the order. Money from the Aqueduct deal will be used to prop up NYRA, the org that operates the Saratoga Race Course. [TU] [Daily Politics] [Saratogian]
Schenectady police say they've arrested a 17-year-old for the double shooting near Jerry Burrell Park last month. The victims in the shooting were brothers, age 18 and 11. [Daily Gazette] [WTEN]
Rensselaer County's 911 dispatch center was damaged by lightning Tuesday. A Troy Police Department mobile command center has been helping keep the center fully operational. [Troy Record] [WNYT]
Almost 2/3 of the Albany city payroll goes to employees who live outside the city, according to a report from the city treasurer. [Troy Record]
Three shot in Poestenkill home, municipal budgets in bad shape, Fresh Market aiming for August opening in Latham
Police say an elderly man shot two people at his home in Poestenkill yesterday afternoon then turned the gun on himself (map). They say the
In attempt to unstick the stalled state budget process, David Paterson offered a revised revenue bill yesterday. The bill included a property tax cap and the provision that would allow SUNY campuses to set their own tuition (with limits). The legislature refused to formally accept the bill for consideration. [YNN] [Buffalo News] [TU]
Chris Gibson, the Republican challenger to Scott Murphy, has reportedly had a strong fundraising quarter -- but Murphy still holds a big lead in overall money. [Politico] [TU]
The budgets for many for Capital Region municipalities are in bad shape. [TU]
State comptroller: NYRA on very shaky financial ground, Albany police chief pick stresses engagement, could Sarah Palin be coming to Saratoga?
NYRA is in financial jeopardy for next year because of a lack of revenue and continued mismanagement, according to an audit released by state comptroller Tom DiNapoli. He says the horse racing org, which runs Saratoga, will need revenue from the still-not-completed Aqueduct racino deal to stay afloat. Only one firm remains in the bidding process for that contract. And AEG -- the group that won, then lost, the contract in a previous bidding process -- has filed a lawsuit that could stall the process the again. In NYRA's response to the audit, it notes that it's managed to cut costs 2.2 percent over the last two years. [NYS OSC] [Saratogian] [TU] [NYS OSC]
Albany police chief pick Steven Krokoff stressed community involvement during last night's hearing before the common council's public safety committee. He said there's a "reassurance gap" in the city -- that is, a gap between what crime stats report and citizens' perceived levels of crime. Said Krokoff of his aim to create greater engagement between police and neighborhoods: "We have to tailor our community policing services towards the neighborhood... not the neighborhood towards the community policing." [YNN] [TU] [Fox23]
Brian Stratton on Schenectady city worker layoffs: "[They're] probably going to be necessary." [Daily Gazette]
One of David Paterson's thousands of recent budget bill vetoes could result in the Albany school district distributing as much as $7 million more to charter schools than originally budgeted. [TU]
Bakeries in Albany County are continuing to push for an exemption from the county's ban on using trans-fats. [TU]
Officials say kid set fatal Schenectady fire, Saratoga woman killed by falling tree, poop scooping a growth industry, fourth grader fights ice cream truck ban
The Schenectady Fire Department says the house fire that killed two people last week on McClellan Street was set by a child, who caught a box of pancake mix on fire and then dropped the box on a bed (map). Authorities say they believe the child set the fire intentionally, but didn't intend to hurt anyone. [WNYT] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [YNN]
A ">Saratoga Springs woman was killed this weekend when a tree fell on the tent she was sleeping in while camping near the Hudson in the Warren County, according to the county sheriff's office. The woman's boyfriend, who was also in the tent and managed to free himself, reportedly cut the fallen tree with an axe in an effort to save the woman. [WNYT] [Post-Star] [TU]
The state budget is now
The New York Post reports that the Paterson administration awarded a $297 million no-bid contract to the health plan that employs the governor's wife. [NY Post]
As of mid-June, 248 people have been arrested in the first six months under New York's Leandra's Law, which made it an automatic felony if a driver is busted for driving drunk with kids in the car. Just this past weekend, state police say they arrested a man in the Town of Scotland under the law. [NYDN] [Fox23]
Stillwater police say they arrested a mother this weekend for allowing her toddlers to wander the village. They say the woman was arrested for the same thing back in April. Neighbors say they've often seen the kids outside unattended. [Fox23] [CBS6] [Fox23]
State budget hits more snags, APD says safety plan for Center Square is in early stages, push to increase state unemployment benefits, it's lonely at the top
The state budget is still not finished. The latest hang-up to passing the final revenue bill: the state Senate has now decided there needs to be a contingency plan for the possible loss of $1 billion in federal Medicaid money (David Paterson has been pushing this for sometime). Another snag: whether SUNY and CUNY "flagship" campuses should be allowed to set their own tuition rates -- Neil Breslin apparently was willing to his withhold his vote from the majority when UAlbany wasn't included in the pilot program. [TU] [NYDN] [Fox23] [AP/Post-Star] [TU]
David Paterson is scheduled to start vetoing all 6,900 of the legislature's appropriation bills today -- a task that could take him 29 hours. [CBS6] [NY Post]
The budget snags aren't stopping a "veritable flotilla of special-interest bills" from moving through the legislature as the session nears its end. [NYT]
Proposed Albany police chief Steve Krokoff says the APD is in the early stages of developing a new safety plan for Center Square. Appearing at the same press conference on Lark Street (along with Jerry Jennings), David Soares said the assault and mugging of a man following the Capital Pride festival were "crimes of opportunity" -- and not hate crime. Police allege the three people arrested for that attack were also involved in a mugging on Lancaster Street. [TU] [Fox23] [YNN]
Albany police say a man was shot in the leg early Wednesday morning in the South End (map). Police say the man told them he was fired at from a car. [CBS6] [Fox23]
State budget maybe close to finished, water main break closes Hoosick Street, support for changing racinos to full casinos, wall lettuce
The state budget is maybe close to being finished. David Paterson is still peeved the legislature hasn't planned on how to deal with a possible $1 billion shortfall in federal Medicaid funding -- and he's threatening to call the legislature back into session during this fall's campaign season. [TU] [NYT]
Schenectady's school board voted to accept the resignation of superintendent Eric Ely. The district's settlement with Ely could pay him more than $200k in cash and benefits depending on what kind of job he gets next and when. News of the settlement prompted shouting from the some of the public at the board meeting. The word going around is that former Shenendehowa Superintendent John Yagielski will be hired as interim superintendent. [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [WNYT] [CBS6]
A water main break has closed Hoosick Street between 15th Street and Burdett Ave in Troy (map). There's also a boil water advisory for people near the break. [Troy Record] [@TroyMayor] [City of Troy Facebook]
Revenue from the Albany landfill will increase more than $800k during the next year after the city renegotiated contracts with trash haulers. [TU]
Albany police say two of the three people arrested for allegedly attacking a man after the Capital Pride festival are also accused of being involved with a recent mugging on Lancaster Street in Center Square. [TU]
Paterson vetos budget bill, Ely to resign from Schenectady schools, bad day to be a drug dealer in the Capital Region, General Petraeus contacts family of fallen soldier, NYRA cautiously approaches Saratoga meet, Scotia woman wins HGTV Green Home
The state legislature passed its budget plan, which included hundreds of millions of dollars that David Paterson had tried to cut. And then, as promised,Paterson started vetoing the new appropriations in it. Paterson apparently plans to use his line item veto on 6,900 different appropriations. The most significant:$420 million in education aid the legislature added back into the budget. Also on the slate for a veto: member items (you know, pork). Paterson scolded the legislature for using what he called http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2010/06/gov-paterson-vetos 419-million.html that has characterized fiscal management in this state for far too long." The legislature can now
try to override the vetoes, but that could be a tough task in the Senate because of the close split between Democrats and Republicans. [NYT] [AP/Troy Record] [State of Politics] [TU] [TU][Daily Politics] [State of Politics]
Rick Lazio says if he were Guv., he wouldn't get himself into the the current budget predicament. [NYT]
Schenectady school district superintendent Eric
Ely is resigning, effective Wednesday. Ely had been facing criticism for the Steven Raucci situation -- and had openly been seeking other jobs in other school districts. The school board hasn't released details of its settlement with Ely -- he still had two
years left on his contract. [SCSD] [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
Federal prosecutors announced they busted 22 people on drug-related charges as part of a region-wide sweep yesterday. They say they seized thousands of dollars worth of heroin, cocaine and pot, along with 14 guns. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
General David Petraus sent a letter to the parents of a Lake George man killed in combat earlier this month in Afghanistan. General Petraus expressed his condolences to the parents of Benjamin Osborne, and urged them to listen to the opening statement at his confirmation hearing today where he'll address their concerns about Rules of Engagement. [WNYT]
A lawsuit filed against the use of electronic voting machines in New York State suggests the machines are flawed and could lead to thousands of votes being thrown out. [WTEN]
Budget drama continues, car delivering gunshot victim crashes into ER, bear sighting in Guilderland
Something's going to happen on the state budget today -- although no one seems sure what exactly that is. In an attempt to end the budget game, David Paterson stuffed a bunch of provisions (including a property tax cap and wine in grocery stores) into the extender for this week. The legislature responded over the weekend by putting together
The Albany man stabbed on Morris Street Thursday has died. The APD has arrested an 18-year-old for the crime. They allege the teen attacked the man over some stereo equipment. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [TU]
Albany police say a man died -- either of a stab would or gunshot -- after a fight in Arbor Hill early Sunday morning (map). They say the man managed to drive himself to the hospital before passing away. They also say another man was shot, apparently as part of the same incident. [TU] [Fox23] [CBS6]
Schenectady police say a man was shot and killed early Sunday in Mont Pleasant (map). They say the car driving him to Ellis Hospital's McClellan campus crashed through the doors of the emergency department in its attempt to deliver him. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
Travis Carroll, the man who pleaded guilty to hitting Ryan Rossley with his car St. Patrick's Day night in Saratoga, was sentenced to five to 15 years in prison on Friday. [Saratogian]
Question of kickbacks could affect Bruno case, car-train collision, "huge narcotics market" around Saratoga
Whether Joe Bruno will be let off the hook by yesterday's Supreme Court decisions could hinge on what's considered a kickback. The US attorney for Northern New York says the effect of the ruling on Bruno's case is "being carefully considered and will be addressed in future court filings." There were hints that prosecutors might argue that some of the payments Bruno received could qualify as a kickback. Said Bruno in a statement: "I have maintained my faith and trust in the justice system since the very start and the Supreme Court's decisions reaffirm that belief." [TU] [Troy Record] [NYT] [WTEN]
John Tinkler, the Troy man accused of causing the death of three-year-old Zoey Sandercox, was found guilty of second-degree manslaughter and endangering a child -- but was acquitted of a second-degree murder charge. He faces a possible 5-15 year sentence. [TU] [Troy Record] [YNN]
The Albany County sheriff's office say a car carrying two people was struck by a train this morning just off New Scotland Rd (photos) (map). The New Scotland fire chief says teens in the car had minor injuries after trying to beat the train at a crossing. [WNYt] [CBS6] [YNN]
Albany police say a man was stabbed last night on Myrtle Ave near Lincoln Park (map). Update: the APD says the address was actually 118 Morris Street, in Park South (map). [YNN] [Fox23] (Thanks, LG)
State Police say a trooper was injured at Fuller and Washington in Albany yesterday when his car was struck by another car. They say the trooper was stopped in the intersection with his emergency lights on to assist a large truck making a left-hand turn. [YNN] [WTEN]
The brother of the man originally arrested for the attack on Steve Barnes and a friend has been arrested after being indicted for allegedly being involved with the attack. [TU]
Brothers -- 11 and 18 -- shot in Schenectady, budget gap could be partially plugged with sales tax, woman bitten by fox in Albany
Schenectady police say two brothers -- one 11-years-old, the other 18 -- were shot yesterday near Jerry Burrell Park (map). The SPD said it had a suspect in custody last night. Police say they're not sure if the brothers were the intended targets. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [CBS6]
The latest turn in the state budget drama: the
Chuck Schumer has recommended Albany attorney Mae D'Agostino for a judgeship in the New York's Northern District of federal court. She would be the first woman from Albany to serve as a federal judge in the district -- and would be the only woman on the federal bench in upstate New York. D'Agostino went to Siena and Syracuse law. Her law practice has been focused on representing doctors, hospital and insurance companies in medical malpractice cases. [Schumer release] [TU]
As he rails against "special interests" in gubernatorial campaign, Andrew Cuomo has been racking up campaign cash from... special interests. [NYT]
Albany police say they've arrested a NYC cop for allegedly trying to lure a 5th grader into his truck yesterday morning on Washington Ave (map). They say the man allegedly asked the girl repeatedly if she wanted to "make some money." [CBS6] [TU] [WTEN]
Saratoga Springs grad killed in Afghanistan, Paterson continues threats he'll force the budget situation, bears!
The family of David Taylor Miller, a 2009 Saratoga Springs High School grad, says the Army soldier was killed this week in Afghanistan. Said the superintendent of the Saratoga Springs school district: "We graduate young men and women to be courageous and of good character. David Miller's service to our country has humbled us." [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
David Tinkler, the man accused of killing three-year-old Zoey Sandercox, testified that he didn't hurt the child and didn't know how she sustained the injuries that pathologists say caused her death. [Troy Record] [TU]
The bill allowing the City of Albany to set up a residential parking permit system around the ESP passed in the state Senate yesterday. Assembly majority leader Ron Canestrari predicts the bill will pass the Assembly this week. [WTEN] [TU]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli says all of the state employee payroll will go out on time this week, despite the budget extender missing the deadline. [State of Politics]
David Paterson is continuing to threaten he will attempt to force an end to the state budget process by stuffing a bunch of measures into next Monday's extender. Administration sources say the all sorts of stuff the legislature doesn't like could be in there: the soda tax, wine grocery stores, a tax on hospitals. Sheldon Silver seemed unimpressed by the threat. [State of Politics] [NYDN] [Daily Politics]
The biggest sticking point to actually finishing the budget is apparently cuts to education spending (the governor wants about about three times the amount the legislature wants). Another apparent sticking point: Paterson wants legislature to give up control over SUNY tuition increases. [TU] [NYT]
David Johnson, the former Paterson aide accused of domestic violence, has reportedly taken the Fifth in the investigations into his behavior and his alleged role in the Yankees tickets mini-scandal. [NYT]
In his first public comments following his nomination for Albany police chief, Steve Krokoff said he was "thrilled" to get the nomination and said he's aiming for the department to better embrace the community. He said: "It's more than just beats, it's more than seeing an officer on a bicycle. It's the interaction between the police department and the community it serves. It's group problem-solving. It's getting to the root cause of problems and fixing those problems instead of triaging them." [Fox23] [WNYT] [WTEN]
Legislature passes another extender and higher taxes on tobacco, Phish scene reportedly calmer this year at SPAC, Troy businessman indicted for alleged Ponzi scheme
The state legislature passed two emergency budget extenders last night, keeping the government open for another week. One of the bills included a tax increase on tobacco products -- the state tax on a pack of cigarettes will go from $2.75 to $4.35. The bill also includes a provision that would attempt to collect taxes on cigarettes sold on Native American lands -- a Seneca leader said recently such a move would be considered "an act of war" (when the state tried this in the 90s, a group of Native Americans shut down the Thruway in western New York). The other budget extender was an appropriations bill -- Roy McDonald was the sole Republican state senator to vote in favor. The bill was passed after the deadline for ensuring state employee paychecks will go out on time, so some state workers could see a delay. [NYT] [TU] [Daily Politics] [Fox23] [Buffalo News] [WNYT] [WTEN] [AP/TU]
A Watervilet man has charged in the stabbing deaths of his child and former girlfriend in Bath, New York. An order of protection had been issued against Bryan Ashline in Watervliet last year after a string of domestic incidents. He had been a star basketball player at Watervliet High School. [Fox23] [TU] [Troy Record]
Albany police say two men were shot in West Hill last night (map). [WTEN]
Albany police chief pick praised, another budget extender, fatal stabbing in Troy, former RPI employees allege age discrimination
Reaction to Jerry Jennings' pick of Steve Krokoff for Albany police chief seems to be generally positive. Multiple members of the common council have expressing their support, praising Krokoff for his efforts to push the department toward more community policing. The council must still sign off on the pick -- council president Carolyn McLaughlin says she expects "unanimous confirmation." Jennings said this weekend that Krokoff's performance as acting chief prompted the pick. [TU] [YNN] [CBS6] [WTEN] [Fox23] [WNYT]
There's another state budget extender up for a vote today in the legislature. The latest bill includes a big increase in taxes on tobacco -- taxes on cigarettes would go from $2.75 to $4.35/pack, the highest in the nation. On Friday, the legislature passed a bunch of budget bills -- but the "big ugly" cuts to education aid still remain. The state budget is now more than 11 weeks late. [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [CFTFK] [TU] [YNN]
Troy police say a man was fatally stabbed near a bike path early Sunday morning in North Central (map). [Fox23] [TU]
Albany police say a man was shot in front of his house Friday night in the South End (map). [Fox23] [WTEN]
There have 10 muggings in Albany's Center Square neighborhood over the last five weeks. The latest: five people were charged with mugging two women on Lancaster Street last week (map). [WNYT] [TU]
Albany County could run out of cash, alleged exotic sports bar visit gets city workers in trouble, bogus Benjamins in Bethlehem, peripatetic peacock captured
Albany County's budget director has said in a letter to other officials that the county could run out of cash before the end of this year. [TU]
The Saratoga Springs man convicted of stabbing his mom last year was sentenced 15 years in prison. The man has a history of mental illness and his mom said a better mental health care system might have helped prevent the incident. She said she would "never give up hope for him." [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
The medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Zoe Sandercox, the Troy three-year-old prosecutors allege was killed by her mother's former boyfriend, testified yesterday that the girl's injuries were consistent with abuse. [Troy Record]
Attorneys for the two men originally charged with the 2002 murders of Arica Lynn Schneider and Samuel Holley in Troy say the case against their clients was built on unreliable witnesses who were looking to cut deals with prosecutors. Another man, Michael Mosley, was arrested Monday after prosecutors said his DNA matched a sample found at the crime scene. [TU]
A homeless man from Schenectady was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison for having sex with an underage teen from Connecticut. Prosecutors say the man had been living in a baseball dugout at SCCC and used a library computer to meet the teen. They say he stole a car in Schenectady, drove to Connecticut and brought her back. [CBS6] [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
Two Troy city workers were reportedly suspended this week after they allegedly took a city vehicle to an "exotic sports bar" in Watervliet. [Troy Record]
GE is contesting the assessment on its plant in Schenectady and Rotterdam. [Daily Gazette $]
Paterson sets budget deadline, Queensbury soldier dies in Afghanistan, MMA legislation advances, teens rescued from river island
David Paterson told legislative leaders yesterday that if the budget isn't finished by June 28, he's going to stick his remaining budget measures into a budget extender. (That would force the legislature to either pass the measures or shut down the government.) Said Paterson at yesterday's public leaders' meeting: "I'm not threatening anyone; I'm just making a promise." Sheldon Silver said after the meeting he thinks a budget deal could be done before the deadline. One potential stumbling block: borrowing, which John Sampson is still pushing (when he's not at the Yankees game). [NYT City Room] [TU] [Daily Politics] [NYT] [NYDN]
Benjamin Osborn, a Army specialist from Queensbury, was killed this week in Afghanistan. His father says Osborn shot during a Taliban ambush. [Post-Star] [WTEN]
Neil Breslin says he's "very optimistic" the bill allowing Albany to start a residential parking permit system near the ESP will become law. [WNYT]
The state Senate passed a bill that would legalize mixed martial arts fighting in New York State. [TU]
Prosecutor says DNA links man to Troy murders, earlier bar closing time measure fails, yet another attempted bank robbery
Prosecutors allege that DNA evidence connects Michael Mosely to the scene of the 2002 murders of Samuel Holley and Arica Lynn Schneider in Troy. Prosecutors say a state database matched his DNA after he submitted a sample in December after pleading guilty to different crime. Two other men were scheduled to go on trial the murders -- the Rensselaer County DA wouldn't comment on the status of those trials. [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN]
The public employee unions continued to assert they have a binding no-layoffs agreement with David Paterson for this year, after the governor said yesterday that he may pursue layoffs in 2010. Said a CSEA spokesman: "It's a non-issue and he should stop talking about it in public." [TU] [AOA via Capitol Pressroom] [Fox23]
The state Senate passed legislation that would allow no-fault divorce in the New York. An odd couple opposing the legislation: both the National Organization for Women-NYS and the New York State Catholic Conference. New York is the only state without such a measure. [TU] [State of Politics] [WNYT] [WTEN]
The measure that would roll last call in Saratoga Springs back to 2 am failed to pass the city council last night. The vote was 2-2, with mayor Scott Johnson abstaining because of his business interest in two downtown restaurants. Family members of Ryan Rossley, the man killed during a hit-and-run downtown the night of St. Patrick's Day, pushed for the council to approve the earlier closing time. [Fox23] [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [WTEN]
The revised Schenectady school district budget was voted down in yesterday's re-vote. Said a school board member: "We've got to get faith back in the district." That means the district will go to a contingency budget. (The revised Cohoes school budget passed.) [Fox23] [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Troy Record]
No state government shutdown, police investigating muggings around Washington Park, flag and flagpole stolen, Don Weeks retiring
The state budget extender passed -- and, as a result, the government did not shutdown. As promised, Democratic senator Ruben Diaz voted "no." But three Republicans voted "yes" -- including Hugh Farley and Roy McDonald. Both Farley and McDonald said the voted for the extender out of concern for constituents who work for the state or rely on state contracts. On the Senate floor, Farley said his vote shouldn't be counted on for future budget extenders. And said McDonald of the overall budget situation: "We have lost the respect of real people in this state." [TU] [Fox23] [YNN] [WNYT] [NYT] [AP/Post-Star]
So what is the status of the overall budget? David Paterson and the legislature are still somewhere between $2 billion and $1.3 billion apart, depending on who's talking. [Buffalo News]
Ward Stone on allegations he dropped the ball during the West Nile virus outbreak in 1999: "I didn't blow anything, that is totally bull." [TU] [YNN]
There are school district budget re-votes in Schenectady and Cohoes today. [TU] [Troy Record]
Troy police say they've made a third arrest in the 2002 murders of Arica Schneider and Samuel Holley. [Troy Record]
Albany police say they're investigating a string of late night muggings in the greater Washington Park area. They say many of the victims were intoxicated or walking alone. [TU] [WNYT]
State government shutdown vote today, high schoolers arrested for pranks, police say driver hit pedestrian and fire hydrant and utility pole
Will the state government shutdown? The state legislature votes on the next budget extender today, which includes more than $300 million in cuts. "Insiders" say the bill is expected to have enough votes in the state Senate to pass (the Assembly has been passing the bills easily). After making noises about voting "no," Pedro Espada says he'll vote "yes." But Ruben Diaz continues to say he won't vote for the bill. That means at least one Republican will have to vote "yes." Roy McDonald says that vote could come from him. There are indications Hugh Farley might also vote "yes." [YNN] [AP/Troy Record] [TU] [State of Politics] [NYDN] [NY Post]
So, where are things at on the whole state budget? Negotiations have apparently broken down as Paterson and the legislative leaders are still $2 billion apart. [NYT] [WTEN]
A grand jury has cleared the two Albany police officers involved in the fatal shooting of the man who pinned an officer against a fence with his car on Quail Street in February. [TU] [YNN]
Former Schenectady police officer John Lewis has been arrested. Again. This time he's accused of assaulting his wife. [TU] [Fox23]
Schenectady officials say there's a new culture in the city's police department after the firing of five officers (including Lewis). [Daily Gazette $]
Is state shutdown ahead?, Flabby Tabby adopted, cab ride vouchers for Alive at Five, David Paterson is not a first-time caller
State Senator Ruben Diaz, a Democrat, says he's planning to vote "no" on the next budget extender, which could send the measure to defeat -- and, as a result, shut down the state government. Pedro Espada has also indicated he might vote "no." John Sampson, the head of the Senate Democratic conference, downplayed the shutdown threat. (If Diaz and Espada follow through, a few Republicans would have to vote "yes" to pass the extender. So far, state Senate Republicans have all voted "no.") Without a budget extension, state agencies wouldn't be funded and state employees would be working unpaid. [AP/TU] [State of Politics] [Buffalo News] [NY Post]
The Warren County sheriff says there are indications the boat involved in the fatal capsizing of a Peter Snyder's kayak on Lake George struck the kayak. The driver of the boat has been charged with reckless operation. The sheriff says Snyder and his wife, who was in another kayak, put up their paddles in an attempt to signal their presence -- but the boat driver didn't see them. Snyder had retired as the head of residence life at RPI in 2007. [Post-Star] [WNYT] [TU] [YNN] [Troy Record]
A Troy middle school teacher has been charged with having child porn on his work laptop. The district says the teacher was reassigned from classroom duty after the material was allegedly found last year. [WTEN] [TU]
The Albany school district says it "failed" by taking more than three weeks to notify the mother of a six-year-old North Albany Academy student that a classmate allegedly stuck his/her hands down her daughter's pants. [YNN]
First Lt. Joseph Theinert, the 2008 UAlbany grad who died last week in Afghanistan, is being credited with saving the lives of soldiers under his command during the incident in which he was killed. [TU]
Moody's Investors Service has downgraded the Sage Colleges' debt to junk status. [TU]
The Flabby Tabby has been adopted -- to a family that's going to put him on a diet. The humane society says it turned down five potential adopters before finding the right family. (Earlier on AOA: The Secret Photostream of the Flabby Tabby) [WTEN] [CBS6] [TU]
Officials preparing for government shutdown, kid found wandering along Route 7, cemetery ownership mystery, king and king of the prom
State officials are reportedly preparing for a possible shutdown of the government next Monday in case the next budget extender doesn't pass. It's unclear whether the situation is actually headed that way. Yesterday's public leaders' meeting at the Capitol on the budget was filled with bickering. But Dean Skelos says some Senate Republicans could vote for the extender if there are "real cuts" in it. And Democrats Pedro Espada and Ruben Diaz backed off their threats (sort of) to vote against the extender. (So far, the extenders have passed on party line votes of 32-30, so if any Dems jump ship and no Republicans switch, the up-or-down bill would fail). The state budget director said yesterday that a shutdown of the state government would have "disastrous consequences." [NYT] [TU] [TU CapCon] [NY Post] [AP/Saratogian] [Buffalo News]
The state Senate passed a measure that requires health plans to cover treatment for autism. Neil Breslin and Roy McDonald have both been pushing for the bill. [NY Senate] [WNYT] [TU]
The head of state Senate's Racing and Wagering Committee has proposed legislation that would allow full casinos to operate at some of the state's horse tracks -- maybe the ones in Saratoga. [TU]
Schenectady police say a seven-year-old was found walking along Route 7 yesterday after wandered off from school. They say there were notified by concerned passers-by. They say the school did not contact them, but was following its protocol. [Fox23] [WTEN] [CBS6]
State police are investigating the prank that spread oil around the Berne-Knox-Westerlo secondary school yesterday, canceling classes. The district's interim superintendent called the prank "devastating." [TU] [YNN]
Judge says Raucci took pleasure in victims' suffering and fear, progress on budget?, police say man posed as state trooper, school closed because of prank
In sentencing Steven Raucci to 23 years to life, judge Polly Hoye told Raucci the evidence against him was "voluminous and convincing and, at times, even overwhelming." And she said, "You took pleasure in [your victim's] suffering and fear." She also said: "I hope you spend up enough time incarcerated to understand the destructive path your life has taken." Raucci's attorney read statement written by his client which said of the sentence: "As far as I'm concerned, this is a death sentence for something I did not do." Schenectady County DA Bob Carney said it's unlikely Raucci will get parole after 23 years. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN] [CBS6]
David Paterson's inclusion of $775 million in health care cuts in the last budget extender appears to have maybe prompted some overall action on the delayed budget. Paterson, Sheldon Silver and John Sampson had what the governor described as a "very productive conversation" yesterday. And while he apparently plans to include more cuts in the next budget extender, Paterson reportedly won't include cuts to school aid. But, wait: Pedro Espada and Ruben Diaz are making noises about not voting for the next extension (which, if the Senate Republicans also vote no, would shut down the state government). [TU] [Daily Politics] [NYT City Room] [AP/Troy Record]
The investigation into David Johnson, the Paterson aide accused of domestic violence, is slow going. [NYT]
The family of the man who died in the St. Patrick's Day hit-and-run in Saratoga has filed papers to reserve its right to sue the city on the allegation that it did not provide adequate police protection in the area that night. [TU]
Legislature passes budget extender with health care cuts, LarkFest stabber sentenced to 65 years, sixth grader is kickass
Steven Raucci's sentencing is scheduled for today. [Daily Gazette $]
The legislature passed the budget extender that included $775 million in health care cuts. Legislators were not happy that David Paterson put the cuts in the vote-up-or-shut-the-government-down bill -- Jack McEneny called it "gubernatorial blackmail." And Republicans said they were left out of the process. Paterson is expected to include other cuts to future extenders. [NYT] [Buffalo News] [TU] [Fox23] [NYDN]
Also passed yesterday: a measure backed by Neil Breslin that requires health plans to get approval from the state insurance department before raising rates. [NY Senate] [WTEN]
Albany police say a 19-year-old was shot in the leg during a robbery of his Delaware Ave neighborhood apartment early Monday (map). Police say the apartment may have been targeted because of a possible connection to pot sales. [YNN] [TU]
The man convicted of stabbing three people last year at LarkFest was sentenced to 65 years in prison. [TU]
GlobalFoundries has convinced to the state keep secret how it will be spending state subsidies in order to protect "trade secrets." [TU]
The chairman of the state Racing and Wagering Board says New York needs to look at allowing casinos at places other than race tracks. [Saratogian]
A subsidiary of the Galesi Group has bought a large portion of the former ALCO site in Schenectady. A big mixed-use development is planned for the brownfields site. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
Paterson putting cuts in budget extender, peace group kept out of parade, bat in the bedroom leads to rabies treatment, silly for Silly Bandz
David Paterson has included $385 million in healthcare cuts in the budget extender up for a vote by the legislature today (the hospital lobby says the cuts would reduce funding for hospitals in the Capital Region). A "source close to the administration" told the NY Post that the administration will continue to insert cuts into the up-or-down votes, adding "We're not afraid; we have a big pair of balls." [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [NY Post]
State Park Police says they were 17 arrests and 175 tickets given out at the Dave Matthews Band concerts this past weekend at SPAC. Law enforcement officials apparently followed through on the promise of stepped-up enforcement of alcohol rules at the park. [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [TU]
A DMB fan was struck and killed by a car while trying to cross Route 9 Friday night. [Saratogian]
Albany police say a teenager was shot multiple times Saturday night in West Hill (map). [Fox23]
The Saratogoa-Wilton Elks Lodge won't let the local chapter of Veterans for Peace carry a banner during the upcoming Flag Day parade. "If you want to protest the flag, you have 364 days a year to do it," a parade organizer told the TU. [Daily Gazette $] [TU]
GOP primary for Gillibrand Challenger, Cuomo not accepting WFP nomination-yet, Paladino will attempt to challenge Lazio, Troy City Council tables vote on moving to Proctor's, Stratton fires another Schenectady police officer, Changes at Rev. Hall
One of the activists killed in the Israeli military raid in Turkey this week was born in Troy. 19-year-old high school student Furkan Dogan moved to Turkey with his family at the age of 2. [TU] [Troy Record]
Andrew Cuomo is not accepting the Working Families Party nomination for Governor-- yet. But he wants the option. Cuomo wants the WFP to name a "placeholder" candidate who could be replaced with his name after the Primary in September. [Daily Politics] [NYT]
Buffalo Businessman Carl Paladino will attempt to collect the 15 thousand signatures necessary to challenge Rick Lazio in a Republican primary. [WBFO]]
There will be a Republican primary to determine who will challenge Kirsten Gillibrand in November. Former Nassau County legislator Bruce A. Blakeman will face off against David Malpass, a former chief economist at Bear Stearns [NYT]
On the list of people who won't challenge Kirsten Gillibrand in November -- Mike Bloomberg's "companion" Diana Taylor [NJ.com]
Jeb Bush tried to spread a little Florida Sunshine at the NYSGOP convention
Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton has fired another Schenectady Police officer. Andrew Karaskiewicz used "excessive force" in the arrest of a DWI suspect in 2007.
Troy city council withdrew a resolution to make Proctors in Troy the new city hall after learning they can't use a $4 million restore new york grant to help pay for the project. [Troy Record] [YNN]
Republicans give Lazio nod for governor, rash of muggings in Saratoga Springs, local Marine back after being wounded in Afghanistan
Rick Lazio got the nod as the preferred candidate for governor at the state Republican Party convention. Neither Steve Levy nor Carl Paladino had enough support to force a primary, though Paladino is talking about petitioning his way onto the ballot and Levy hasn't ruled out a third party run. [NYT] [Buffalo News] [TU] [State of Politics]
The Republicans picked Staten Island DA Dan Donovan to run for attorney general. [Daily Politics]
The pun of the Republican convention: "Reject the status Cuomo." [State of Politics]
David Paterson on the stuck budget: "I'm taking over." The governor says he will start inserting cuts into the weekly budget extenders. That could cause drama because the legislature has to vote those bills up or down with no modification. [WNYT] [TU]
Police say there's been a rash of muggings and burglaries in downtown Saratoga Springs. Police say they've arrested two suspects for one of the muggings. A police lieutenant says the cluster of crimes in a short period of time "does raise our concern a little bit." [Saratogian] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [YNN]
The attorney for Chad Rubin, the bank robber who pleaded guilty to a proposed plot that involved kidnapping former Rensselaer County DA Patricia DeAngelis, says he will try to have his client's plea revoked. Rubin's attorney is upset that the judge gave Rubin a longer sentence than the one in the plea deal. And he contends that DeAngelis' "If you come near me or my family, I will kill you" victim impact statement was "inflammatory" and "prejudicial." [TU] [Troy Record] [YNN]
Tess Collins says the Lark Tavern will be back -- but maybe not at its original location. [TU]
Paterson confirms state worker layoff planning, judge blocks student from being suspended for rosary, pro poker player folds on pot delivery
David Paterson confirmed that his administration is planning state worker layoffs for the start of next year. Paterson won't be governor then, but he said, "...I want this ready to go on January 1st so that the next governor has this option should the next governor choose to use it." The governor also didn't rule out layoffs that could come earlier -- he said he thought the no-layoffs agreement he has with the state employee unions could be broken because the state's increasingly dire fiscal outlook. The state's budget director said the number of layoffs would depend on how many employees take the "25/55" early retirement option. The state worker unions accused Paterson of engaging in "threats and counterproductive rhetoric" and alleged he is "less interested in savings and more interested in getting a pound of flesh from state employees." Paterson said he got the "sinister feeling" that the unions were actually pushing him to layoff workers -- instead of furloughs or salary freezes -- because laid-off workers don't vote in union elections. [AP/Post-Star] [YNN] [NYT City Room] [TU] [CSEA] [PEF] [Daily Politics]
Robert Megna, the state's budget director, says the state was carrying a negative balance of $500 million to start June. [TU]
Raymond Hosier, the Schenectady middle school suspended for openly wearing a rosary after being asked to tuck it inside his clothes, will be back in school today after US District Court Judge Lawrence Kahn issued a temporary restraining order preventing the school district from suspending him. The American Center for Justice and Law said it filed a lawsuit on behalf of Hosier yesterday. The district said Tuesday it hadn't been served, yet. [Fox23] [ACLJ] [ACLJ] [Daily Gazette $]
The TU reports that toxicology tests on Marcos DeJesus Alvarez, the man and killed by an Albany County sheriff's deputy near ALB, indicate the undocumented Mexican immigrant did not have drugs or alcohol in his system. [TU]
The Troy Record reports that the special prosecutor investigating allegations of voter fraud in last fall's Working Families primary in Troy is seeking DNA samples to test against saliva taken from absentee ballot envelopes. [Troy Record]
GlobalFoundries will be getting as much as $15.8 million more in state aid -- and possibly hundreds of millions in tax breaks -- for the planned expansion of its cleanroom facility at the Luther Forest chip fab. [Post-Star]
Report: Paterson admin planning state worker layoffs, questions over banned pesticide use in Albany, how to be arrested, bumper crop of farmers markets
A "senior administration official" tells NYT that the Paterson administration is preparing a plan to lay off thousands of state workers January 1. That date marks the end of Paterson's term and the end of his no-layoffs pledge with the state worker unions. [NYT] [NYDN]
The state legislature has approved a measure that would create a "55/25" early retirement option for state workers. [TU]
A former contractor from Loudonville who's serving a 25-year sentence for violating asbestos laws has asked a federal judge to temporarily let him out of prison so he can donate a kidney to his son. [TU]
Albany's parks and rec commissioner says he didn't know about the ban on the pesticide that was being sprayed at Ridgefield Park. City agencies also haven't been filing required reports on their use of less toxic pesticides. [TU] [TU]
SUNY's top attorney apparently hasn't been showing up for work -- but he's still getting paid. [TU]
Smoke from a large cluster of forest fires in Quebec hung over large portions of the North Country this weekend, including Lake George. [Montreal Gazette] [Fox23] [WTEN]
Parks deal may really be in place this time, former DA threatens man who plotted to kidnap her, employees credited with foiling alleged bank robbery attempt, lucky guy
There appears to be a deal to open the closed state parks, including Thacher Park. The Assembly passed the measure during the night -- and the state Senate is expected to pass it this morning. [TU] [YNN] [State of Politics]
Andrew Cuomo accepted the Democratic Party's nomination for governor yesterday. In his speech, Cuomo said he would be building an army "ready not just to win an election in November, but to turn this state around in January." Apparently it wasn't all rah rah rah -- from NYT: "there was lingering unease in some party circles about [Cuomo's] ascension, partly by Mr. Cuomo's own design." Said the chair of the state Republican Party: "He's talking like a Republican." And there was this sideshow. [TU] [New York Now] [NYT] [Buffalo News] [Daily Politics]
At the sentencing yesterday for the convicted bank robber who pleaded guilty to plotting to kidnap her, former Rensselaer County DA Patricia DeAngelis said: "If you come near me or my family, I will kill you." The judge sentenced the man to a longer sentence than the one proposed in the plea deal. The man's attorney argued that DeAngelis' victim impact statement influenced the sentence. [TU] [YNN] [Troy Record]
After residents complained about chemicals being sprayed in an Albany park, officials found out the herbicide being used is banned in the City of Albany. [WNYT]
Deal reportedly in place to open parks, GloFo says fab worth much less on open market, former RPI employee arrested for alleged embezzlement, "an old-fashioned scorcher"
David Paterson and the legislature have apparently reached a deal that would allow the closed state parks to open in time for this weekend. David Paterson said this morning on a radio show that the deal still involves a cut to the state's Environmental Protection Fund. [Buffalo News] [Daily Politics]
US District Court Judge Lawrence Kahn heard arguments yesterday in the challenge to the state worker furloughs. The judge said he expected to have a decision "in the next few days." [State of Politics] [NYT]
SUNY System Administration has announced that it will be furloughing management/confidential employees. [CBS6]
In talking about Robert Duffy, his pick for lieutenant governor, Andrew Cuomo said: "We're going to be tangling with public employee unions going forward." [NY Post]
In its challenge to the tentative property assessment of the Luther Forest chip fab, GlobalFoundries is arguing that it could sell the facility for only a small percentage of the money spent so far on its construction. If the fab is assessed at the level for which GloFo is pushing, it would mean about $2 million less in property tax revenue for the surrounding municipalities and school districts. [Post-Star] [TU] [Saratogian]
Cuomo picks Rochester mayor as running mate, GloFo fighting tax assessment, residents worried about UAlbany dorm expansion, remembering Jay Gallagher
Andrew Cuomo is expected to announce today that he's picked Rochester mayor Robert Duffy to run alongside him for lieutenant governor. Duffy was re-elected to a second term as mayor last fall; he was previously Rochester's police chief. He's being described as "squeaky clean" and "well-suited to the number-two position." While in Troy yesterday to pick up the Independence Party nomination, Andrew Cuomo said of his then-unnamed pick: "I'm looking for someone who is prepared to be governor." [NYT] [City of Rochester] [State of Politics] [TU CapCon] [Troy Record]
David Paterson and the legislature say they're talking about possible ways to free up money for to open the closed state parks. Assembly minority leader Brian Kolb said the parks issue is "about posturing more than anything else." [TU] [WNYT]
A early retirement measure that would allow state and local government employees to retire at age 55 with 25 years on the job is moving through the legislature. [TU]
There are calls for the state Office of Children & Family Services commissioner to resign after a tape surfaced that reportedly shows sex acts at "a social" for inmates at a prison for teens in Columbia County. A whistleblower alleges the party was just one of many problems at the facility. [TU] [NY Post] [Times Herald-Record]
GlobalFoundries is reportedly looking to get the $160 million assessment for the Luther Forest chip fab reduced to $55 million. [Daily Gazette $]
Sematech -- the chip research consortium -- is reportedly moving one of its institutes to Albany from Austin, along with possibly 60 jobs. [Austin American-Statesman via TU]
Legislature approves loan to save Saratoga season -- parks money blocked, Schenectady rosary student suspended again, bank robbery in Saratoga
It looks like the racing season at Saratoga will go on this summer after the state legislature approved a budget extender bill that includes a $25 million loan for NYRA. Some legislators criticized how the deal came together. Said Ron Canestrari after the vote: "All of the scare tactics going on, well, they may have worked." Roy McDonald said the money is "only the first step" to stabilizing the state's racing industry. [Saratogian] [TU] [CBS6] [WTEN]
The state legislature did not approve a measure that would have allocated money to open the state's closed parks, including Thacher Park. The measure would have pulled $110 million from the Environmental Protection Fund -- even though only $6 million was needed to open to the parks. Sheldon Silver called the Paterson administration's attempted re-allocation "inappropriate" and said "the governor never should have closed the parks." [TU] [State of Politics] [CBS6] [YNN]
Spa State Park says it's already raised half of the $250k in private money it needs to renovate its Geyser Park area. [Saratogian] [TU]
Raymond Hosier showed up at Schenectady's Oneida Middle School yesterday again wearing his rosary -- and he was suspended again. His mother said they planned to send him to school again today. The American Center for Law and Justice says it will sue the district if it doesn't allow the boy to openly wear the rosary. [WNYT] [Fox23] [TU]
Andrew Cuomo will be in Troy today to accept the nomination of the Independence Party's executive committee. [Daily Politics]
Paterson admin says parks could be opened, nervous over fate of Saratoga season, Savage to challenge Farley, school bans hugging, growling over dogs in downtown Saratoga
As has been reported everywhere: Andrew Cuomo is running for governor. Officially. (We'll speed read the coverage later today.)
The Paterson administration says the state's closed parks -- including Thacher Park -- could be opened for Memorial Day weekend if the legislature passes a measure expected to be introduced today. The bill would pull $6 million from the state Environmental Protection Fund to cover the costs of operating the parks. [AP/TU] [AP/Fox23]
NYRA says it will stop racing and layoff 1400 employees if the state doesn't come through with the money it's promised the horse racing org by June 9. David Paterson says assistance is forthcoming. The situation is making people nervous about the season at Saratoga. [TU] [Saratogian] [TU] [Saratogian]
The TU reports that a ban on the use of coal fly ash (which contains mercury) at the LaFarge cement plant in Ravena has been stuck in a Paterson administration office since 2008. The air pollution permit for the LaFarge plan is up for review and a community group has been investigating the extent of contamination related to to the plant. [TU]
The last two emergency state budget extenders included money to temporarily fund construction projects such as the Exit 6 SPUI. [Daily Gazette $]
Albany police say a man was shot three times Friday night near Swinburne Park (map). The APD says the victim told him he was shot by a group of six men. [Fox23] [YNN]
Troy police say a man was found shot on 9th Street Saturday morning after the gunfire was picked up by ShotSpotter (map). [Fox23] [YNN]
Suspended student says he'll keep wearing rosary, Jennings for Lt Gov?, Troy considering more parking meters, Saratoga girl to dance with NYC Ballet
Raymond Hosier, the Schenectady middle school student who was suspended for wearing a rosary at school, says he will return to school from suspension on Monday -- wearing the rosary. His mother says the issue has become one of freedom of religion and speech and "I will take this as far as it needs to go." The school district says students are allowed to wear beads or rosaries if they're hidden underneath clothing. But public display of beads is forbidden because of their possible use as a gang sign. A school official says gang members often try to say their beads are a religious display. Hosier's mother says the rosary honors the boy's brother and uncle, who have both passed away. [CBS6] [WNYT] [WTEN] [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [Fox23]
WTEN reports "Word is that Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings is under consideration as [Andrew] Cuomo's running mate for lieutenant governor." Jennings' office says it's not commenting on the rumor. [WTEN] [CBS6]
Jack McEneny says he'll quit the Assembly if Thacher Park it still closed after the state budget is passed. [TU]
The state Inspector General alleges that a former Department of Taxation and Finance employee was selling cocaine and marijuana to co-workers at the Harriman State Office Campus. The IG's report says the transactions were often coordinated over office email using code words such as "cheese" and "crackers." The DTF declined comment about the situation. The Department of Labor says it's "actively and aggressively pursuing disciplinary action" against one of the employees who's alleged to have bought the drugs. [NYS IG] [CBS6] [TU]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli says the financial condition of the state's regional OTB operations has "substantially deteriorated over the last five years" and "the current business model just doesn't work." His office reports that the net amount bet at Capital OTB is down 10 percent over the last five years, operating revenue is down 12 percent and the payouts to local governments are down 34 percent. [NYS OSC] [NYS OSC]
Stabbed Troy teen was to testify at trial, overtime for state workers stopped, student says he was suspended for wearing rosary, hoarding case in Troy, Sandra Lee's a hugger
The school boards in Schenectady, Troy and Cohoes are trying to figure what path to take after their budgets were voted down. The two new members of the Schenectady board are pushing for more cuts. [TU] [TU] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette $]
Troy police say the teen stabbed outside the Boys & Girls Club this week had been subpoenaed to testify in the Ariel Myers trial -- and the hit doesn't appear random. The Rensselaer County DA and Myers' public defender are continuing to squabble over who's responsible for the mistrial in the case. [Fox23] [Troy Record] [WTEN]
In a bid to save money, David Paterson has stopped state agencies from paying overtime. [NYDN]
The Paterson administration is now pitching the soda tax with a twist -- the elimination of sales tax on diet soda and bottled water. [NYT]
Rick Lazio has picked Gregory Edwards, the Chataqua County exec, as his potential running mate for lieutenant governor. [NYT]
Carl Paladino started an Erie Canal campaign tour yesterday in Albany. Paladino said if he doesn't win the Republican or Conservative nominations, he'll form his own party to run for governor. [TU] [State of Politics]
School budget vote results, Paterson says state will come up with money for Saratoga season, mistrial in Troy shooting case, breeder gets two years for starving horses
All but seven school district budgets were
Among the budgets that did not pass: Schenectady, where record voter turn out also bounced the school board president. Troy's budget failed by 58 votes. And Cohoes' budget was voted down for the first time. [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [Troy Record] [Troy Record]
Steve Valente, the Averill Park school board member criticized for photos and comments on his Facebook profile, was voted out. [Troy Record]
The Albany school district's budget passed by a wide margin. An increase in the library tax levy also passed. [WTEN] [APL]
NYRA says it will run out of money before the season at Saratoga starts if it doesn't get help from the state. The racing org says it needs $20 million. David Paterson says the state will come up with the money. [Saratogian] [TU] [AP/Saratogian]
During yesterday's apparently fruitless state leaders meeting on the budget (the lowlights), David Paterson said he would call a special session next week to keep legislators at the Capitol all five days. That would keep Democrats from their party convention. [NYT City Room] [WTEN] [TU]
Paterson calls talk of layoffs "speculation," police union leaders sue over "mental anguish," body pulled from Hudson, big fire in Schenectady,
It's school budget vote day.
David Paterson said yesterday that talk about state worker layoffs is "more speculation" rather than a decision he's made. He said earlier in the day that if the furloughs are permanently blocked, "we have other plans" to get $250 million workforce savings. And he said he might not have to adhere to the no-layoffs pledge his administration signed with the unions last year. [YNN] [Daily Politics] [Buffalo News]
Paterson and legislative leaders are scheduled to have a public budget meeting this morning. A meeting last night between Paterson and Assembly Democrats apparently made little progress. One major point of contention is whether the state should borrow $2 billion for this year's budget. Said Richard Ravitch last night on what it would take to get the budget done: "I do not know at this point. I wish I did." [TU] [Fox23] [Daily Politics] [Daily Politics]
Bethlehem state assemblyman Tim Gordon showed up at the now-closed Thacher Park yesterday to mow the overgrown grass. His photo op was interrupted by electoral challenger Steve McLaughlin, who called Gordon's mowing an act of "grandstanding." [WNYT] [YNN]
By the way: the state parks office says it would take $250,000 to open Thacher Park this summer. [TU]
The heads of the union and umbrella union that rep Albany police officers have sued Albany County DA David Soares because they say they suffered "mental anguish" after Soares implied that they lied while campaigning against him in 2008. [TU]
The Albany Common Council approved the borrowing necessary to proceed with the Albany landfill expansion. [TU]
State worker layoffs reportedly "on the radar," Thacher and other parks now closed, man gets almost six years for trying to buy a child for use as slave, car on airplane hit-and-run
With state worker furloughs off the table (for now), the New York Post reports that state worker layoffs are now "on the radar screen" for the Paterson administration. State budget director Robert Megna says the four percent raises for state workers are included in the next budget extender -- but only for the most recent pay period. (The temporary restraining order blocking the furloughs also ordered the Paterson administration to stop withholding the raises.) Megna also says the administration could hold back another $1.5 billion in school aid next month in order to keep the state solvent. [NY Post] [TU] [NYDN]
Forty-one state parks -- including Thacher Park -- are now closed because of budget cuts (though it sounds like maybe Jack McEneny is organizing a picnic). The closings are saving $11 million. [TU] [YNN] [WTEN] [CBS6]
NYSTI producing director Patricia Snyder has retired. She sent her letter in last week on the same day David Paterson called for the theater org's board to quit. [TU] [CBS6]
Paterson criticizes judge for blocking furloughs, school board member defends Facebook photos, kidnappers called "as low as it gets," 50 years of Caffe Lena
David Paterson criticized US District Judge Lawrence Kahn's decision to grant a temporary restraining order blocking the state worker furloughs. And he accused Kahn of hindering his ability to act as CEO of the state. [State of Politics] [WTEN]
Jimmy Vielkind calls Neil Breslin's anti-furlough resolution a "classic political defense for a legislator stuck between a rock and a hard place" (Breslin voted for the budget extender). Jack McEneny told WNYT he voted for the furlough-including extender because "I felt in confidence the courts would reverse it." [TU] [WNYT]
Paterson says he won't take a pay cut this year, but a furlough... [NYT City Room]
So why is the budget process stuck? Perhaps because the legislature is bad at playing tennis. [YNN]
The state's 2007 ticket scalping law is about to expire -- which could mean no more sites like StubHub in New York. [NYDN]
The TU reports that the Facebook page for a 23-year-old Averill Park school board member includes photos of keg stands and other potentially objectionable content. The man told CBS6: "Every meeting I come to I'm clear-headed and what I do on the weekends to socialize with my friends has nothing to do with my fiscal responsibility." [TU] [CBS6]
Reaction to furlough block, Jack McEneny leads Trojan Horse of a tour, dog torturer gets two years, Kayaderosseras has rock snot
A spokesman for the Paterson administration said it's "disappointed" with the decision by a federal judge to issue a temporary restraining order against the state worker furloughs (the decision allows temporarily blocks the admin from holding back the scheduled four percent raises). The unions were chuffed -- and asserted the furloughs would be permanently blocked after a hearing this month. [Paterson admin] [AP/Post-Star] [CSEA] [PEF] [UUP]
After the restraining order, Paterson told reporters it was "unfortunate" that for the moment "the state work force will not be making any sacrifice in our deficit-reduction plan." He also asserted that everybody would eventually participate in the plan -- "Because if these individuals are frustrated now, they have no idea how angry and anxious they'll be if the state runs out of money and you start having first-come-first-serve payments and difficulties all over the place." Paterson wouldn't address Richard Ravitch's earlier claim that layoffs could be ahead. [NYT] [TU CapCon] [TU]
Adding even more drama (or comedy) to yesterday afternoon at the Capitol, a group of Assembly members led by Jack McEneny staged a sit-in in Paterson's office. Said sitter Tim Gordon of Paterson: "He's not engaged. He likes to talk on the television and the radio, but he won't talk to the Assembly." Paterson later tried to put the blame back on the legislature. McEneny called the impromptu meeting with Paterson "cordial" and "productive." So how did McEneny get the group of Assembly members into Paterson's office? He acted like he was giving them a tour. [Daily Politics] [Daily Politics] [State of Politics] [Fox23] [State of Politics]
Almost all of Thacher Park will soon be closed to the public. [TU]
Unions sue over furloughs, outrage over Paterson staff raises, cathedral to reopen after massive restoration
CSEA, PEF and United University Professions have all filed suit in an attempt to stop the state worker furloughs. Legal experts say the unions' legal case is strong. Lt. Gov Richard Ravitch said if the courts bounce the furloughs, layoffs may be next. [TU] [Buffalo News] [YNN]
Of the challenge to furloughs, David Paterson said: "We're asking everybody for their fair share of sacrifice in a recession." And then word got out that five of Paterson's staffers are getting pay raises. Four of the staffers are in the press office and Paterson's spokesman says the staffers are taking on more responsibility because of departures (the administration says total salary for the office is down $300k). A PEF spokeswoman said the raises are a "slap in the face to state employees." Update: The administration says the raises have now been withdrawn. [AP/Post-Star] [CBS6] [NYDN] [Fox23] [NY Post] [TU CapCon]
The non-union management/confidential state employees will get their scheduled step raises this month. [TU]
By the way: there's still no state budget. Speaker Sheldon Silver says it's not the Assembly's fault. And John Sampson, the head of the majority Senate Democrats, is in... DC. [Daily Politics] [Daily Politics]
The wife of the man shot in the head after trying to quiet down a fight in Troy's Griswold Heights last testified yesterday that she and her husband had called 911 five times before the shooting. She says her husband will likely full-time care when he comes home from the hospital. [TU] [Troy Record]
Legislature passes budget extender with furloughs, police say abduction was made up, Troy's most wanted
Both the state Senate and Assembly passed the budget extender that includes furloughs for state workers. Said David Paterson in a statement:
"I commend the Legislature for approving my emergency appropriations legislation, which will ensure the continued orderly operation of government and achieve necessary workforce savings through State employee furloughs."
CSEA says it's already filed for a temporary restraining order in federal court. PEF says it's doing the same. Sheldon Silver said he believed the courts would overturn the furloughs. [NYT] [Paterson admin] [CSEA] [PEF] [Daily Politics]
The budget extender vote was along party lines in the Senate (Democrats for, Republicans against), but some Democrats in the Assembly also voted against the measure. Among local reps, Republicans voted against the budget extender and Democrats generally voted for it (exceptions: Bob Reilly and Tim Gordon). Ron Canestrari said the alternative to voting for the budget extender -- shutting down the state -- "could have been uglier." Said Jim Tedisco: "I think maybe it's time to look at shutting down state government and telling them to do their job if they're serious about their constituents." [Buffalo News] [Daily Politics] [TU] [WNYT] [WTEN] [Fox23]
State workers were fired up before the vote at yesterday's protest at the Capitol. Said CSEA president Danny Donohue of the giant inflatable rat at the rally: "Somebody said the rat is a good symbol of the governor. I say that's an insult to a rodent." Other messages for the governor were more succinct. [Troy Record] [AOA] [Rob Gierthy] [NYT City Room] [State of Politics]
If the one-day-a-week furloughs stand the court challenge, they're scheduled to start next week. [AP/Post-Star]
State worker furlough vote today, Bruno continues defense in media, father allegedly let nine-year-old drive
As promised, David Paterson included furloughs for state workers in the budget extender bill up for a vote today in the legislature. The bill includes a measure that would eliminate the furloughs if other savings could be negotiated with the state worker unions. In an interview that aired Friday on New York Now (embedded above), Paterson said he'd prefer to lag the pay of state workers rather than furlough them. The unions say Paterson is negotiating through the media, instead of directly with them. They've planned a protest at the Capitol today at noon. [TU CapCon] [TU] [TU CapCon] [WTEN] [CBS6]
This morning, Paterson predicted "gloom and doom" if the budget extender is not passed and the state government has to shut down. He also described himself as a "free duck" (as opposed to a lame duck) because he doesn't "have to placate anybody." And he says he doesn't know if he's invited to President Obama's appearance in Buffalo this week. [TU CapCon] [State of Politics] [State of Politics]
Lt. Gov Richard Ravitch on the budget process: "This is like slow strangulation." [NYT]
Joe Bruno in an interview with the Troy Record: "If you're a moral person who wants to do the right thing, as I believe I was, you'll do your best not to break the law. I did my best not to break the law." [Troy Record]
Horse breeders and business leaders in Saratoga County say they'll sue the state if it doesn't agree to a $17 million loan to keep NYRA afloat. They say the state should loan the racing org the money because state leaders botched the awarding of the contract for the Aqueduct racino. A NYRA board member says the org is scheduled to run out of money before the season at Saratoga starts. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette $] [TU]
Most of the NYSTI board members have resigned. David Paterson told them last week to quit -- or he'd fire them. [Troy Record]
Owner of Lark Tavern says she'll rebuild, Paterson tells NYSTI board to resign, family says strangers saved father from burning wreck, raccoon knocks out power
Joe Bruno was sentenced to two years in federal prison, with three years of post-release supervision and $280,000 in restitution. He's allowed to stay out on bail until the Supreme Court rules on theft of honest services cases before it. (A speed-read all the coverage.) [AOA]
Investigators are still looking into what started the fire at the Lark Tavern. Firefighters say the fire started in a back kitchen prep area. Albany's fire chief credited the building's 1877 construction for holding up to the fire. The kitchen and bar apparently can be saved, but everything else was ruined. Tess Collins says she's planning to rebuild: "A lot of the things that people came in here to see have been ruined, but we'll make something else that's just as cool." The community is rallying support for Collins and her staff. Matt Baumgartner reports that the Lark Tavern Fire Fund has already raised more than $10,000. [WTEN] [WNYT] [Fox23] [CBS6] [YNN] [TU] [Friday Puppy]
David Paterson is threatening to (maybe) keep the legislature in special session until it passes a budget. [Daily Politics]
Paterson sent a letter to the NYSTI board telling the members to resign -- or he'll fire them. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
Chris Gibson, the Republican challenging Scott Murphy for the NY 20th Congressional District, says the Department of Homeland Security should be eliminated. [TU]
Bruno sentencing scheduled for today, Paterson says lag pay could stop furloughs, fares flying lower after Southwest
Joe Bruno is scheduled to be sentenced today. If he's sent to prison, he'd be one of the oldest inmates in the federal prison system. [NYT]
Democratic state legislative leaders say they won't stop the proposed state worker furloughs. Hugh Farley says Republican senators plan to vote against the budget extender if it includes a furlough. Local assemblyman Bob Reilly -- a Democrat -- said he also said he would vote against it if it included furloughs. There are still a lot of questions about the details of the proposed furlough. The state labor department says furloughed employees wouldn't be eligible for unemployment. [NYDN] [AP/Daily Gazette $] [TU CapCon] [TU] [CBS6]
David Paterson said yesterday that the state worker unions could avoid the furloughs if they accept five days of lag pay. [TU CapCon]
By the way: there's still no budget. And the legislature has gone home. [YNN] [State of Politics]
The consultancy hired to help Troy site a new city hall has recommended either the former Verizon Building (currently serving as the temporary city hall) or the old Proctor's Theater. [TU]
Reaction to Paterson furlough proposal, powerful storm blows through, Ponzi scheme alleged, heated discussion about Saratoga bar closing time
Said David Paterson yesterday of the promise to include state worker furloughs in the next budget extender: "We're taking an extreme effort to make sure we reach a solution." And on the possibility of being sued over the furloughs: "I've been sued before." State Senate majority conference leader John Sampson says he thinks Paterson's proposal is illegal, but "I'm not going to shut government down" -- and his conference will vote for the extender. Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver wouldn't say whether he would support the measure. As expected, the two major state worker unions were irked. The head of CSEA accused Paterson of "creating more chaos and crisis" -- and PEF's president says the union has offered Paterson cost-saving suggestions but "he's decided to do is take it out on us." [AOA] [State of Politics] [YNN] [Daily Politics] [State of Politics] [NYT] [CSEA release] [Fox23]
The short, powerful storm that ripped through the area yesterday afternoon included gusts as strong as 60 mph, knocked out power thousands of households, uprooted trees, crushed a house in Lansingburgh (via a tree), and made kittens cry in Schenectady. (The Gazette had the best photo of the aftermath.) [Daily Gazette $] [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23] [Fox23] [Daily Gazette $]
For a moment yesterday, it appeared the Troypocalypse was upon us. The huge snake had something to do with it. [Troy Record] [@esposj]
Jerry Jennings called the Albany Common Council's rejection of a bonding measure necessary to expand the Albany landfill "very irresponsible." [TU]
The Securities and Exchange Commission has accused a businessman with offices in downtown Troy of running a Ponzi scheme. The SEC complaint alleges the man raised more than $6.5 million as part of the scheme. The man's attorney says his client denies the allegations. [Troy Record] [SEC] [SEC] [TU]
More talk about state worker furloughs, panel says NYSTI board should be swept, challenger calls for Breslin disclosure, kiwis can be hard to peel
David Paterson continued to threaten that state worker furloughs are a possibility if the state budget isn't finalized. And there continue to be questions about whether such a move would actually be legal. Paterson also raised the possibility of a government shutdown, a situation in which "nobody gets paid." [YNN] [TU] [WTEN]
Paterson says he's creating a panel to review pardon requests by legal immigrants facing deportation. The idea could put New York at odds with the feds. The panel would apparently be the only of its kind in the country. [Paterson press release] [NYT] [TU]
The state Authorities Budget Office is recommending that David Paterson suspend or dismiss the NYSTI board due to "a persistent pattern of neglect." The ABO says it based its conclusion on the state Inspector General's report and "additional information we have at our disposal." [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [Daily Gazette $]
The state Inspector General's office says it has started an investigation of state wildlife pathologist Ward Stone. [AP/Post-Star]
The CSEA regional president says the union heard about concerns related to Steven Raucci -- but she says no one ever came forward with specific information. [Fox23] [TU]
The Albany Common Council again voted down a bonding measure necessary for the expansion of the Albany landfill. [TU]
Guilty verdict in Saratoga kidnapping, GloFo fab assessed at $160 million, man accused of killing puppy with shovel, Charles Grodin doesn't want Joe Bruno to go to prison
Victor Hernandez-Perez, the man accused of kidnapping a woman in Saratoga Springs last summer, was found guilty on 13 counts Friday evening. He faces 8-25 years in prison -- the Saratoga County DA says he'll ask for the maximum. Hernandez-Perez's attorney says they'll appeal. Hernandez-Perez is in the country illegally -- and the woman he kidnapped told WTEN that she hopes "he does his time and when its over that he leaves this country and doesn't have the chance to do it to someone here again." [TU] [Saratogian] [TU] [WNYT] [Fox23] [WTEN]
Andrew Cuomo told a Democratic Party gathering this weekend that this year's election is "the most important election for the State of New York in my lifetime." David Paterson says he'd vote for Cuomo. [State of Politics] [Daily Politics]
A group of contractors is suing the state over the withheld state funding for road projects. [TU]
The value of GlobalFoundries' Malta chip fab has been assessed at $160 million for tax purposes. [Daily Gazette $]
Albany police say two men were shot in the South End Friday night (map). [TU] [Fox23]
Police say DNA pulled from a mobile phone has connected a NYC man to last summer's shooting at a pizza place in Troy. [Troy Record]
Paterson admin says no decision on furlough, Wash Ave Y transferred to church, county expands sex offender website, armed robber chased off with stick
A spokesman for David Paterson says "no final decision has been made" on whether the governor will include the proposed state worker furlough in the next emergency budget bill. Yesterday, Richard Ravitch said the administration is trying to get people to focus on how serious the budget situation is -- or as he put it, the state has "no fairy godmother." Ravitch also said the soda tax is dead (unless it's not). [TU] [State of Politics] [YNN]
John Sweeney was scheduled to be released today from jail this morning. He'll have served 17 days of his 30 day sentence. [CBS6] [Saratogian]
The state attorney general's office has accused a former state Department of Health mailroom supervisor from Delmar of stealing more than $16k in postage to mail items he sold on eBay. If convicted, he could get up to seven years in prison. [Fox23] [TU]
State police say the former head of the scandal-plagued state Institute for Entrepreneurship tried to pass himself off as a state official while allegedly trying to get out of a speeding ticket in Colonie. [TU] [CBS6]
The Washington Ave YMCA in Albany is now closed -- and the building is being transferred to the First Israel AME Church on Hamilton Street. The church's pastor says the building will be turned into a community center for kids. Jerry Jennings had been trying to work out a deal to turn the building over the Albany Police Athletic League. [CBS6] [WNYT] [TU]
Albany common councilman Anton Konev is pushing a measure that would ban entertainment acts using exotic animals (for example, the circus). Animal advocates such acts are cruel. [TU]
Paterson threatens to force legislature's hand on furloughs, Snyder taking leave from NYSTI, researchers studying Berne earthquakes, shop's bid to sell adult items bounced
David Paterson said yesterday that he's prepared to include the proposed state worker furlough in next week's emergency budget extender. If the legislature balks at the move, it would lead to the shutdown of the state government. Says Jack McEneny: "We'd probably have to vote for the furloughs, rather than shut down the state." There's some question as to whether the furlough would be legal (the unions say it's not). Ron Canestrari called the situation surrounding the budget negotiations "very disheartening." And, by the way: the legislature has gone home for the week. [NYDN] [TU] [WTEN] [State of Politics] [Fox23]
Andrew Cuomo announced the he's suing Pedro Espada for violating labor laws "by creating a sham job training program that cheated workers and shortchanged State coffers." The suit alleges that Espada ran the training program out of a for-profit company that provides janitorial services to his Soundview health care non-profit -- and paid "trainees" as little as $1.70/hour. Cuomo's office alleges that Espada's son made $150,000 heading up the company in 2008. Espada denied the allegations and accused Cuomo of "political assassination." [NYS AG] [NYT] [AP/Troy Record]
Patricia Snyder is taking an unpaid leave of absence from her position at NYSTI. Snyder said in a statement that the absence "will allow time for a clear response to the false allegations" (that would be the allegations raised by the state Inspector General). A spokesman for the NYSTI board says the panel "will continue to look at specific issues raised in the report to make corrections where they believe it to be appropriate." [TU] [WNYt] [Troy Record]
It appears that the plan for the old Proctor's Theater in Troy now does not include demolition of the theater itself. [TU]
Paterson says state worker furloughs possible, new parking ticket system for Albany, hockey team close to moving to TU Center, snow in Adirondacks
David Paterson said yesterday he will introduce a measure that furlough state employees one day a week until the new budget is passed. Paterson said health and safety employees would be exempt, as would management confidential employees because their annual raise has already been eliminated. The state budget director said about 100,000 state workers would be subject to the furlough. The move would save the state $30 million a week. The Paterson administration says it plans to introduce the furlough measure as stand alone legislation -- but said it also could be tacked on to an emergency budget bill. PEF's president called the proposal "illegal" and the head of CSEA issued a response to the idea that simply read "Nuts" (he also said the union wouldn't "just roll over and play dead"). It doesn't sound like the legislature is too keen on the idea, either. [Paterson press release] [TU] [NYT City Room] [PEF press release] [CSEA press release] [WTEN] [Fox23]
Paterson is also asking the legislature to vote his most recent budget proposal up or down. [YNN]
A state Assembly bill would make New York a "presumed consent" state for organ donations. That is, everyone would be presumed to be an organ donor unless they had specified otherwise. [TU] [AP/WNYT]
The City of Albany has a new computer system for handling parking tickets. The city treasurer says the new system will be more accountable. Among the details that can be stored in the system's database: images of the parking violation. [TU] [Fox23] [WTEN]
The chairman of NYSTI's board says "we believe in according Dr. Snyder a measure of due process as we fully evaluate the Inspector General's findings." A letter sent to the board from 24 NYSTI employees expressed "unqualified support" for Patricia Snyder. [Daily Gazette $] [Troy Record]
Police say an Albany woman set fire to an apartment in alleged attempt to get back at another woman. Everyone got out safely. [TU] [YNN]
Alleged kidnap survivor testifies, Paterson calls for NYSTI head to be fired, new details in fatal police car crash, deer causes trouble in Troy
The woman prosecutors say was kidnapped in Saratoga Springs last year testified yesterday at the trial of her alleged attacker, Victor Hernandez-Perez. She said the man who abducted her hit her in the head, put her in a van and told her to strip at gun point. She said he told her he was going to rape and kill her and "He asked me if I had ever seen a crazy person. I said no. He said I was going to see one tonight." The woman said she escaped by jumping from the moving vehicle. Said the woman in an interview with WTEN yesterday: "I'm not even close to over it. I just kind of deal with it everyday." [Daily Gazette $] [Saratogian] [TU] [Post-Star] [WNYT] [WTEN]
David Paterson has written a letter urging the NYSTI board to fire producing director Patricia Snyder. A report out last week from the state Inspector General accused Snyder of nepotism and improper spending. [TU CapCon] [AOA]
The FBI and IRS raided the offices and homes of people connected to Albany investment firm McGinn, Smith and Co. last week. An SEC complaint filed last week accused McGinn, Smith of investment fraud. [TU] [SEC]
The EPA has announced that will cover the extra costs associated with Halfmoon and Waterford using the Troy drinking water system because of the Hudson River PCB dredging project. The agency had been previously only been paying when PCB levels spiked. The EPA's announcement could collectively save the two towns as much as $800k/year. As part of yesterday's announcement, the agency also reported that some sensors used to monitor PCB levels had been "covered with mud and vegetation" -- and that may have affected recent readings. [EPA] [Saratogian] [TU] [Post-Star]
There is still no state budget. But there is squabbling. [TU] [AP/Post-Star]
Feds want to send Bruno away for 8 years, Martland to challenge Breslin, burglars stole while homeowners slept, Paladino forwards because he cares?
Federal prosecutors have recommended that Joe Bruno be sentenced to eight years in prison because, in their view, "the nature and circumstances of this offense are particularly egregious." Bruno's attorneys have asked for no prison time and a fine. The judge in Bruno case could issue a sentence ranging from no jail time to up to 10 years. Sentencing is scheduled for May 6. [TU] [NYT] [AP/Saratogian] [Daily Gazette $]
In an op/ed for NYT, David Paterson criticized proposals for the state to borrow money to solve the budget gap: "It only imposes a burden on future generations without a corresponding benefit." The budget fix worked up by lieutenant governor Richard Ravitch includes $2 billion in... borrowing. [NYT]
Roy McDonald called the state's cutoff of funding to construction project such as the Exit 6 SPUI "dangerous" and "financially stupid." McDonald is also proposing that NYRA be allowed to borrow $17 million against the money it's scheduled to get from the (proposed, possible, theorized, maybe someday) Aqueduct racino deal. [Saratogian] [Saratogian]
Luke Martland has officially announced that he's challenging Neil Breslin for the Democratic nomination for the 46th state Senate district. Said Martland in a statement: "Someone has to stand up and say 'enough,' and fight to end the dysfunction, corruption and incompetence that is crippling New York. I am running because I decided to stand up and say 'enough.'" At an event on Sunday, he criticized Breslin for having "done nothing to stop the politics-as-usual, pay-to-play ethical corruption and dysfunction." [Martland press release] [Martland press release] [TU]
Warren Redlich, an attorney from Guilderland, has been nominated as the Libertarian party candidate for governor. [TU]
According to the SEC complaint against Albany-based investment firm McGinn Smith and Co., president David Smith allegedly wrote in an email to an investor: "We purposefully make the accounting confusing so that you never really know where you are. Not as devious as Bernie M, but fairly efficient." [Daily Gazette $]
Cuomo investigation of Espada continues, turmoil in Troy over alleged drug investigation, indictment for shooting death near governor's mansion, Dino delayed
Andrew Cuomo has subpoenaed the state Senate for work records from members of Pedro Espada's staff. Said Cuomo: "We want to know where these people worked and when." "Sources" say the AG's office is trying to determine if Espada staffers were double dipping by working for both the Senate and Espada's Soundview health care org at the same time. [TU] [NYDN] [NY Post]
Economic indicator: the amount spent on lobbying at the state Capitol fell last year -- by 3.5 percent. That almost never happens. [TU] [NYT City Room]
Troy officials say they plan to bring in outside investigators to look into allegations of drug use by city employees. Harry Tutunjian said Troy PBA president Robert Fitzgerald's public disclosure this week of an ongoing investigation "warrants review." Fitzgerald says the investigation is "far and wide known throughout the City of Troy." Police chief John Tedesco says he can't confirm or deny the investigation. [Fox23] [Troy Record] [YNN] [WNYT]
When confronted with criticism at at school board candidates forum last night, Schenectady school district president Maxine Brisport blamed former president Jeff Janiszewski for creating the current "situation" at the district. [Daily Gazette $]
New Troy police chief emphasizes community policing, still no state budget, Cannon Building owner files for bankruptcy
Troy's new police chief says he's looking to emphasize community policing efforts across the department -- a re-organization that will draw responsibilities away from special units in department units. The local PBA president alleged the re-organization is actually retribution to a unit that he says is investigating alleged drug use by city employees. The PBA president says they're also concerned about overtime. [Troy Record] [TU] [CBS6] [WTEN] [YNN]
Police say a Schenectady woman used her car to hit another woman -- and the stroller carrying the woman's baby -- and then backed up to allegedly hit the woman again. [Fox23] [TU]
The Saratoga Springs man accused of stabbing his mother last year has pleaded guilty to all the charges against him. He's expected to get 15 years in prison. The man was originally found to be unfit for trial because of his psychological condition. [Post-Star] [TU] [Saratogian]
There is still no state budget. [YNN]
Neil Breslin says Pedro Espada should step down from his leadership post in order to "bring some dignity and respect back to the New York State Senate." [State of Politics]
The Warren County sheriff's office says a motel owner in Queensbury used almost $20k in food stamps to buy supplies for the free breakfasts at the motel. [Fox23] [TU]
Espada lashes out at Cuomo, allegations of nepotism at NYSTI called "bogus," smoking ban extended in Schenectady, upset over Chipotle
State Senate majority leader Pedro Espada called the civil suit filed against him for allegedly "looting" his health care non-profit by Andrew Cuomo's office "simple political payback for what the establishment likes to call the Senate coup" and "the steamroller approach." He also asserted that Cuomo had supported the Senate coup as a means of weakening David Paterson and presented a flow chart to accompany his argument. Cuomo said yesterday that "criminal charges are a very real possibility" in the case. The offices of Soundview, Espada's org, were raided this morning by the feds and investigators from the state AG's office. [AOA] [Daily Politics] [TU] [WTEN] [Fox23] [NYT] [NYT City Room]
The attorney for NYSTI director Patricia Snyder said the nepotism allegations in yesterday's state Inspector General's report are "bogus" and called the investigation a "hatchet job" and said the report is "mean-spirited and short-sighted and ignores policies, practices and traditions well established in this industry." NYSTI's chairman says the board is "deeply concerned" about the allegations. [AOA] [NYT] [TU] [Troy Record]
Jim Coyne has been hired to manage Sandy Horowitz's troubled properties in Troy (Horowitz owns a large chunk of downtown Troy, including the Cannon Building). Coyne, a former Albany County exec, helped develop the Knickerbocker Arena (now TU Center) and redevelop the Washington Ave Armoy. He also was convicted of a taking a bribe from the architect of the Knick. [TU] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette archive]
Charlie Muller says a loaded assault rifle was turned in to the Albany gun buyback. [WNYT]
Questions about moving Saratoga bar closing time, council votes down prayer before meetings, state high-speed rail program off the tracks, Funny Cide turns 10
There's some question as to whether Saratoga Springs could legally move the bar closing time to 2 am. Business owners don't seem to be too keen on the idea, either. [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
Albany police say a man arrested last week for allegedly possessing heroin has a rap sheet 58 pages long. Since 1974 the man the has faced 123 charges and been convicted 48 times. [TU] [Troy Record]
A non-governmental oversight body has accused Albany brokerage firm McGinn, Smith & Co. of securities fraud. The org alleges that the firm sold fraudulent securities connected to companies managed by the firm's president. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
Congratulations, Charlton -- you have the Capital Region's highest census response rate. (The census is publishing this data on the web.) [TU]
The Albany Common Council voted down the prayer-before-meetings measure. [TU]
There's still no state budget. [YNN]
Surprise guilty plea in Saratoga hit-and-run, Raucci report release, state high-speed rail director quits over "lies," stranded in Paris
Travis Carroll, the alleged driver of the car that hit and killed Ryan Rossely in downtown Saratoga Springs, unexpectedly pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter Friday (the case had been scheduled to go to a grand jury this week). He faces 5-15 years in prison. Carroll's attorney said his client pleaded guilty so he "move on with his life." The Saratoga County DA said witnesses interviewed said it didn't look like Carroll aimed to hit Rossley. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [YNN] [Post-Star] [TU]
Police arrested the 18-year-old who allegedly shot and killed Tunham Tate at the Corliss Park Apartments in Troy last week. Ayerius Benson was arrested in Menands in an effort that involved five departments and a helicopter. Police say Benson had been upset because he thought Tate had embarrassed him during an argument. Benson has been charged with second-degree murder. [Troy Record] [TU] [TU] [WTEN] [Fox23]
Troy police say one man was shot during a shoot out in North Central Friday afternoon. Both men reportedly fled and the TPD apprehended the man who was shot after a chase. [TU] [Troy Record]
Schenectady police have arrested a suspect for one of the fatal shootings on Hulett Street last month. They say Dashaun Terry is the brother of one of the victims in double shooting. The SPD says it picked up Terry while he was at class at SCCC -- they say they found a gun in his backpack. [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [CBS6] [WTEN]
The Schenectady school district has posted the internal report on Steven Raucci (response from superintendent Eric Ely). The school board president says the district is working on implementing recommendations from the report. The report doesn't include many details that were made public at Raucci's trial. [SCSD] [SCSD] [Fox23] [Daily Gazette $]
Paramedic service response times in Rensselaer County could be longer because of a policy change. [Troy Record]
Man shot and killed in Troy, Raucci report leaked, the next Troy police chief, early tick season
Troy police say a man was shot and killed at the Corliss Park Apartments yesterday. They say the suspect is still on the loose. For a while yesterday afternoon police thought the suspect was in an apartment at the complex and the department's Emergency Response Team was called to surround the building. It turned out the only person inside was an elderly woman who police say is the suspect's grandmother. [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN] [WTEN] [WNYT]
The State Police SWAT team responded to a call of a man holed up with a gun in a Halfmoon yesterday. Police say the man did fire the gun, but he was taken into custody without injury. [Fox23] [WNYT]
The Times Union says it's gotten of a copy of the Schenectady school district's internal report on Steven Raucci. The school district had previously released the report, but it was heavily redacted. [TU]
David and Michelle Paterson's income was $328,284 last year, according to their tax return. That's up about $50k from the year before largely because of a raise Mrs. Paterson received at her job. [TU] [Daily Politics]
Still no budget, town supervisor accused of arson, Sweeney goes to jail early, RPI construction is a blast, lottery winner tired of being told he's a fool
There is still no state budget. There is squabbling, though. And legislators have gone home. Said David Paterson: "We're going to have to exert a greater effort to get this budget done." [TU] [Fox23] [WTEN] [YNN]
State leaders couldn't work out a plan to save New York City OTB -- and the betting operation could close on Sunday. NYRA, which runs the Saratoga track, is funded in part by NYC OTB -- and businesses in Saratoga say they're starting to worry about this year's season. [Daily Politics] [YNN] [TU] [Post-Star]
One measure that legislators have found time to work on: a bill that would regulate the sale of returned underwear. [CBS6]
Henry Traver, the Coeymans town supervisor, was arrested yesterday on the charge that he burned down his own house in 2008. The Albany County DA's office says the house wasn't insured and Traver never filed a claim. An investigator said there had been no apparent motive at the time -- but an unnamed person stepped forward with info this week (a "source" tells WNYT it may have been... Traver). Traver's only been supervisor for three months. [WTEN] [YNN] [TU] [CBS6] [WNYT] [Fox23]
John Sweeney reported to the Saratoga County jail yesterday to start serving his 30-day term for DWI. Sweeney wasn't due to report until at least next week after his scheduled sentencing. Sweeney's attorney says the former Congressman wanted to get on with his life. With good behavior, Sweeney could be out in 20 days. [TU] [Saratogian] [WNYT] [CBS6]
Investigation reports $500k fraud by former state prisons worker, Paladino un-invited by local Republicans, paper streets at issue in Cohoes
The state comptroller and inspector general report that a former Division of Corrections director engaged in fraud that cost taxpayers $500,000. They say an investigation concluded that the man, who headed up a food production center in Oneida County, didn't work Fridays for 17 years and submitted fraudulent travel vouchers and hotel invoices. They say the audit also revealed that supervisors "looked the other way." The Oneida County DA is now reviewing whether criminal charges should be filed. [NYS OSC] [NYS OSC] [YNN]
The Paterson administration is reportedly preparing early retirement incentives for state workers. Yesterday CSEA filed a formal contract grievance over the withheld four percent raises for state workers. [TU] [WTEN]
David Paterson's office says an operator for the planned Aqueduct racino will be selected by the time the Saratoga track opens for the season. A group of Republican state legislators -- including Roy McDonald and Tony Jordan -- are pushing for an outside accounting firm to vet bids for the racino. They say the plan would open up the process to the public and more bidders. McDonald called the selection process so far "embarrassing." [Saratogian] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN]
Local Republican leaders un-invited Carl Paladino to a forum scheduled in Colonie on Friday. A Tea Party organizer said at yesterday's rally that Paladino is "incompatible with anything we stand for." And a bomb threat was reportedly called in to Paladino's headquarters in Buffalo. A Paladino spokesman said the developer is continuing his gubernatorial campaign. [TU CapCon] [AOA] [Buffalo News] [YNN]
Schenectady police say the man found dead in a house on Wendell Ave is a victim of homicide. It's the city's fourth of the year. [YNN] [TU]
State workers to get step increases, Troy school district considering cutting sports, law would require fryer oil disclosure, warm weather could be bad for apples
It appears that state workers will still be getting their "step" increases in salary (the incremental raises that come along with working a certain amount of time in a pay grade). The Paterson administration announced last week that it's withholding the four percent annual raise for all state workers that's part of the union contract. [TU]
Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton announced yesterday that the city has officially fired suspended cop John Lewis. Stratton said that Lewis is "exactly the opposite of what the people of Schenectady expect and deserve in their police officers." Lewis was one of a handful of cops the city's been trying to fire. The city estimates it's spent $1 million dealing troubled officers. [TU] [WTEN] [Daily Gazette $] [Fox23]
The woman police say was attacked while walking home Saturday in Saratoga Springs credited her self defense training for helping her fight off her attacker. Officials say the man arrested for the attack is in the country illegally and he's already been deported to Mexico twice. [Saratogian] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette $]
After a meeting with the Albany police chief search committee yesterday, Jerry Jennings said he hopes to have a final selection by the end of May. One of the search committee members says the panel didn't rank the four finalists so as not to "tie the hands" of the Common Council (which gets to sign off on the mayor's choice) or the new chief. [YNN] [TU]
The Troy school district says it's now considering cutting extracurriculars -- including sports -- instead of closing its elementary school in North Central. [Troy Record] [CBS6]
Carl Paladino was criticized by both Democrats and Republicans yesterday for racist and sexist emails that he forwarded. He told the Buffalo News that he "shouldn't have sent [the emails], no question about it." Said Paladino during a press conference: "I'm not a racist, and I say that even in some of the e-mails that they hacked from my computer." And one of Paladino's campaign staffers alleged that Andrew Cuomo's campaign was responsible for the leak. [NYT] [WNY Media] [Buffalo News] [State of Politics] [State of Politics]
State could run out of cash by June, police say man was dragged by stolen SUV, Schumer protesting carry-on fees
Robert Megna, the state budget director, says the state will probably run out of cash in June. David Paterson is reportedly willing to wait that long to get a "fiscally responsible" budget. [TU] [NY Post]
The Schenectady school board president says the district should release an un-redacted version of the report from its internal Steven Raucci investigation. [TU]
Saratoga Springs police say a man was arrested early Saturday morning after he allegedly assaulted a woman walking up Circular Street and forcibly kissed her (map). They say the woman was able to fight off the alleged attack and ran to a firehouse. [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
Schenectady police say the owner of an SUV was dragged for a block after his vehicle was jacked from the parking lot of a deli on Crane Street Sunday night. [CBS6] [YNN]
Albany police say a group fight on South Pearl Street early Sunday morning ended in three people being stabbed. [Fox23] [YNN]
Paterson holding raises for state workers, police say parents let toddlers wander off, criticism of APD chief search
David Paterson says he's withholding the four percent raises that state workers were scheduled to get starting April 1. The administration is holding back the raises by not including funding for them in the next temporary budget extender -- it says the raises will proceed when the state has finalized budget. CSEA said that it will "have to take some sort of legal action because the Governor is breaking our contract." Paterson said earlier this week that the unions "want to avoid making the same sacrifices that everyone else is making." [NYT] [NYDN] [TU] [YNN] [Capitol Pressroom]
The state parks commissioner said yesterday that without funding in place, her office has to operate as if the 55 parks slated for closure will stay closed. The National Parks Service has notified the state that the parks closures could threaten money from the feds. The late state budget is holding up general maintenance work at all the state parks. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [YNN]
Stillwater police say two parents have been charged with endangering the welfare of a child after their two toddlers allegedly wandered off -- into traffic. Police said the parents didn't know the kids were missing. Police say one child was found wearing only a diaper and the other didn't have shoes. [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [CBS6]
Two people died in a car wreck on Route 40 in Rensselaer County yesterday. State police say the car the two had been riding in was driving erratically and passing in no-passing zones before it hit a pick-up truck head on. The driver of the pick-up had minor injuries. [YNN] [CBS6] [TU] [Fox23]
Four finalists for Albany police chief, apparent murder suicide in Columbia County, RPI refinancing almost hundreds of millions in debt, the next Siena basketball coach
The Albany police chief search committee has submitted the names of four finalists to Jerry Jennings. APD depty chief Steve Krokoff, who's been heading up the department, is among the finalists. Jennings says he will interview the four finalists during the next few weeks. He'll then submit his pick for confirmation by the common council. [CBS6] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN]
There's still no state budget. Senate Democrats offered a plan for reforming the process, which prompted Republicans to point out that maybe they should focus on the late budget first. David Paterson is now saying legislative leaders won't meet with him. And there was a six-foot-tall beaver roaming the halls of the capitol. [Daily Politics] [YNN] [TU] [Daily Politics] [TU CapCon]
Apparently some public employee union locals are willing to forgo this year's raise. [AP/TU]
Police say it appears a father killed his five-year-old son and then himself in southern Columbia County. [CBS6] [TU]
A man's body was found in the Hudson River near Hudson yesterday. [Fox23]
Schenectady police say a man was shot in the foot during an incident in which several shots were fired last night near Central Park (map) [WTEN] [TU]
Troy hoping to talk with RPI about loudspeaker, Paterson says Aqueduct deal by June, name change proposed for North Central, Sinus Buster creator is back
Troy police say they're still looking for the suspect who robbed a check cashing store on Hoosick Street yesterday. City officials said they're hoping to to talk with RPI about its use of the loudspeaker during the campus lockdown that was prompted by the hunt for the suspect. The siren reportedly could be heard as far away as Watervliet and Menands. Said a TPD sergeant to Fox23: "RPI really has a sacred obligation to take care of their students and if they need to do that, we support that." Earlier on AOA: A few thoughts about campuses communicating with their surrounding neighborhoods [Troy Record] [Troy Record] [YNN] [Fox23]
David Paterson said yesterday on The Capitol Pressroom that there would be a new winning bidder picked for the Aqueduct racino project by June (money from the deal is expected to keep the horses running at Saratoga). He also said yesterday that the winning bid will be chosen according to the state procurement guidelines -- and he will make the final choice. The legislature is back in session today. [Capitol Pressroom] [YNN] [YNN]
Carl Paladino stopped in Albany yesterday as part of his bus tour. In declaring his frustration with the situation at the capitol, Paladino told reporters: "I have my own sandbox, I have my own toys from my own sandbox, and I'm not inviting any of the current players to play in it." He also blamed Andrew Cuomo for policies that contribute to the housing meltdown (Cuomo was HUD secretary in the Clinton administration). [TU] [TU CapCon] [WTEN]
Saratoga Springs finance commissioner Ken Ivins reported last night that the city has an unexpected surplus of $2.3 million, thanks in part to higher-than-expected sales and property tax revenues. Ivins says layoffs are still on the table, though. [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [Saratogian]
Paladino officially enters gubernatorial race, hunt for stick-up suspect in Troy, poor sap, from Bethlehem to Fox News
Carl Paladino formally announced that he's running for governor. His announcement was preceded by the "mad as hell" clip from Network. Said Paladino during his speech: "the Albany ruling class will soon learn the strength of our movement." He also mocked Andrew Cuomo. Earlier on AOA: Who is Carl Paladino? [YNN] [NYT] [YouTube] [TU] [NYDN]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli says no one really knows the size of the state budget deficit. David Paterson, Richard Ravitch and John Sampson talked about the budget at Peter Luger yesterday. [NYT] [NYT]
New York State has the highest rates in the country for health plans bought on the individual market, according to a trade group. [TU]
Troy police say a man stole $40k-$50k in a stick-up of a check cashing store on Hoosic Street this morning. The suspect reportedly was sighted near RPI's linear accelerator facility and the school issued a campus alert urging people to stay in their building with windows and doors locked. There were also reports of the suspect being sighted near the east campus athletic village. [TU] [RPI Alert] [Troy Record]
State police say a mother and daughter died afer their car was rear-ended on the I-90 Berkshire bridge over the Hudson. Police say the car was stopped because of flat tire. [CBS6] [Troy Record] [WTEN]
Paterson says he never promised to not lay off state workers, Paladino into the pool for governor, police officers suspended, local family going to White House for Easter egg roll
David Paterson on the deal he struck with the state worker unions last year to trade the new, cheaper pension tier for a no-layoffs pledge: "I never promised I would not lay anyone off." Appearing at an Easter egg hunt in Albany Sunday, the governor said: "it's time for everyone to make a sacrifice." [TU] [WNYT]
Buffalo-area real estate developer Carl Paladino is scheduled to announce this afternoon that he's running for governor as a Republican. He says he's willing to spend $10 million of his own money on the campaign. If he elected, he said: "I will chop and I will chop their budget until they stop their nonsense." The Buffalo news describes Paladino as "outspoken" and "a man of contradictions." [YNN] [AP/Troy Record] [AP/Troy Record] [Buffalo News]
An employee of the state Department of Labor has apparently been assigned to sit at home and call into the office twice a day -- at a salary of $115k/year. [TU]
A Rotterdam family has reached a $5.2 million settlement with two obstetricians and Albany Med over a mother's death following a Caesarean section. The family's attorney said the death was caused by a "cascade of errors." As part of the settlement, Albany Med is funding a 20-year lecture series on patient safety and is investing in equipment for additional training. More than a third of births in New York State are via C-section. [Daily Gazette $] [WTEN] [TU] [TU]
The 12-year-old girl authorities said was forced by her mother to climb through pet doors to assist in robberies, in her victim impact statement: "Tell my mom that I will never forgive her." [TU]
Raucci faces possiblity of 100 years to life, Paterson asks state workers to forgo raises, Troy reassessment bond approved, new license plates now available
Schenectady County DA Robert Carney says Steven Raucci now faces as much as 100 years to life for the 18 counts on which he was convicted Thursday. A juror said that the undercover recordings of Raucci "pushed a lot of us over." The jury foreman said the panel struggled over the terrorism charge, ultimately deciding Raucci not guilty on that charge. Raucci's attorney said it was his client's choice to not take the stand in his own defense -- and they plan to appeal 14 of the counts. [Daily Gazette $] [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Fox23] [CBS6]
Carney said after the trial that Schenectady schools superintendent Eric Ely's email to Raucci about the investigation didn't appear to be criminal, but "but we're not closing the door to anything." Ely said his "heads up" email was his way of confronting Raucci about the allegations -- and he said he "never had any idea [Raucci] could commit those kinds of crimes." The school board president said the district needs to restore the public's trust by making "personnel changes." [TU] [Fox23] [WTEN] [Daily Gazette $]
The Raucci case has raised questions about the role of CSEA leadership. [Daily Gazette $]
Raucci's conviction doesn't affect his $79k/year pension. [Daily Gazette $]
David Paterson released a statement publicly urging the state worker unions to forgo their scheduled raises. CSEA said Paterson's actions demonstrate "the governor's total lack of credibility." [Paterson admin] [CSEA]
State budget officially late, Gibson to challenge Murphy, Troy schools hoping for funding Hail Mary, investigation into drive-thru stick-ups
The state budget is now officially late. David Paterson released a video statement about the budget yesterday in which he said:
"I cannot overstate the magnitude of the fiscal problems confronting this State. So I will continue to stand up for the taxpayers even if it means that our budget is late, because a responsible budget is more important than what time it is actually passed."
The legislature isn't due back in session until next week. [NYT] [PatersonTube] [YNN]
The state worker unions say the Paterson's administration's leak/threat of "massive" layoffs is attempt to distract people from the administration's "incompetence and inability to address the budget situation." And they say they won't open their contracts for re-negotiation. [Fox23] [TU]
The state budget extension in place doesn't include funding for construction projects such as the Exit 6 SPUI, which contractors say is hitting them as just about the worst possible time of the year.
The state attorney general's office announced that 14 employees of a nursing home in Troy have been charged with neglect and falsifying documents. The AG's office says the investigation of the charges includes hidden camera surveillance. The nursing home was temporarily barred from receiving money from Medicaid and Medicare last year after allegations of neglect. [NYS AG] [TU]
Police in the Buffalo suburb where David Park was shot say it appears the Albany teacher entered the wrong house through an unlocked door. The attorney for the man who shot Park says his client fired from the second floor, after repeated warnings, when Park appeared at the bottom of the stairs. [Buffalo News] [TU]
Chris Gibson will be the Republican candidate to challenge Scott Murphy in the NY 20 Congressional District. In a press release, he said his endorsement by county chairman is "proof that a message of reducing taxes, curbing government spending, eliminating onerous regulations and reducing health-care costs resonates with the citizens of the 20th District." At a press conference yesterday, he said "This campaign represents a chance to renew our republic and enact policies to make us feel safe." Republicans at the appearance invoked the name of Jerry Solomon -- but made no mention of John Sweeney. [email press release] [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
State delays billions in school aid, noises about state worker layoffs, naked man at center of police standoff, another bank robbery
The Paterson administration announced yesterday that it's delaying $2.1 billion in aid to school districts. The money was scheduled to be distributed today -- though the administration says it's not required by law to send it out until June. Local school districts were expecting millions in funding -- the Albany school district alone was scheduled to receive $8.7 million. The Shenendehowa school district was expecting $6.3 million -- and its superintendent says the short notice has the district hurrying to find a way to cover its bills. [Paterson press release] [TU CapCon] [Fox23]
The Empire Center think tank reported yesterday that school districts around the state have added more than 20,000 employees over the last decade -- even as enrollment has dropped by more than 120,000. NYSUT -- the big teachers union -- responded that thousands of retired teachers have not been replaced. [Empire Center] [AP/Saratogian]
The Paterson administration also announced it was stopping construction on projects not funded by stimulus money. That includes the SPUI at Exit 6 in Latham. [AP/Saratogian] [TU]
And an unnamed Paterson administration source says state worker unions are risking "massive" layoffs because they're not willing to make budget concessions. [Buffalo News]
Steven Raucci trial The jury is still deliberating. Raucci was briefly on suicide watch yesterday. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
Students at Schenectady High School were asked to turn t-shirts memorializing a gunned down classmate inside out yesterday. At a community vigil for the two recent shooting deaths in Hamilton Hill, a mother said the streets are full of guns. [Daily Gazette $] [Fox23]
Many questions in teacher's death, deliberations start in Raucci trial, what happens in Vegas stays on Facebook
Police near Buffalo say there are still many unanswered questions surrounding the shooting death of Albany elementary school teacher David Park. The attorney for the homeowner who fired the shot said his client and wife were "terrorized" during the episode and were protecting themselves. The principal at Arbor Hill Elementary, where Park taught, said he "exemplifies everything you're looking for in a teacher." One of Park's co-workers said the "whole faculty is devastated." [Buffalo News] [WTEN] [TU] [YNN]
Steven Raucci trial Jurors have begun deliberations. During closing arguments, Raucci's attorney used a bag of plastic Easter eggs to represent doubts about the prosecution's case. Schenectady County DA Bob Carney urged jurors to send the message that "street justice is no substitute for real justice in a court of law." [Fox23] [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
The stepson of Virginia Gratto Utigard told WTEN that his stepmother "is wound differently than anyone I've ever met and I wish I'd never met her." [WTEN]
The SUNY Board of Trustees voted again to close the New Covenant charter school in Albany, this time 6-0 with four abstentions. Four hundred students about $3 million in funding could be headed back to the Albany school district. [SUNY] [TU]
This week in Which Way Northway? State police say a man led troopers on a chase from Exit 13 to Exit 8 Saturday night. And on Sunday, state police say a man drove south in the northbound lane at Exit 10 and hit a tractor trailer. Police say the man's blood alcohol level was more than three times the legal limit. [TU] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN]
Local elementary school teacher shot and killed in Buffalo, McCaffrey leaving Siena for Iowa, state budget will almost certainly be late, a seven-year-old philanthropist
An Albany elementary school teacher was shot and killed in a Buffalo suburb this past weekend. Police there say the man appears to have gone into the wrong house and was shot by the homeowner -- though they some of the details are unclear. The Albany school district says the man was "a loved and respected teacher with a strong commitment to his students and their families." [TU] [CBS6] [Buffalo News] [Fox23]
Schenectady police say two men were shot and killed in Hamilton Hill Friday night (map). The SPD says there was a crowd on the scene and it appears there had been some sort of argument -- though it's not sure whether the victims were at odds or on the same side. [Daily Gazette $] [WNYT] [TU]
Siena men's basketball coach Fran McCaffery is leaving to become the head coach at Iowa. McCaffery's teams were 112-51 at Siena and went to the NCAA tournament three times. [Iowa press release] [TU]
Local state legislators says GlobalFoundries request for another $300 million in state subsidies for the Luther Forest chip fab will have a tough time. GloFo says it wants expand capacity at the not-yet-open facility to include the world's largest clean room. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
Steven Raucci Trial Closing arguments are expected today. On Friday, a CSEA union leader took the stand as a defense witness. The testimony continued didn't seem to help the union get out from under the negative light cast by the case. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [TU]
A daughter-in-law of Virginia Bellerose Gratto Utigard, the sole survivor of a Cohoes fire that killed eight people 32 years ago, says Gratto Utigard went to Washington State a few weeks post-fire after receiving a sympathy card from a man there. She ended up marrying the man's brother a week later. Gratto Utigard's brother said last week that his sister was "absolutely not" capable of setting of fire. [TU] [Troy Record] [WTEN]
Attorney says hit-and-run suspect feared for his life, possible development in decades-old arson case, GloFo looking for more state money, warm spring tough on maple syrup producers
The attorney for Travis Carroll, the man who allegedly drove the car involved in the fatal hit-and-run on Henry Street in Saratoga, says his client was fleeing the situation because he feared for his life after a fight. Carroll's attorney says his client had been beaten with a belt buckle and threatened with a knife. Saratoga Springs police and Carroll's attorney differ on the amount of time that separated the fight and the car collision. Police alleged that Carroll removed the damaged windshield from his car shortly after the collision in attempt to hide the evidence. Carroll's been charged with two felonies -- leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with evidence. [Post-Star] [Fox23] [Saratogian] [TU] [WNYT] [YNN]
Local investigators are reportedly in Washington State to pursue leads in a suspected case of arson that killed seven children and a father in Cohoes in 1978. The lone survivor of that fire -- the mother and wife of the victims -- now lives there and says she was questioned by investigators. The woman, Virgina Utigard (formerly Virginia Gratto), told a Spokane television station KXLY that she was pressured into a signing a confession. Utigard reportedly told KXLY that her relationship with her first husband had been abusive. [TU] [Daily Gazette archive] [Troy Record] [KXLY] [WTEN]
Steven Raucci trial Day 18 A state police forensic scientist testified that DNA found one of the unexploded bombs matched DNA collected from Steven Raucci. And FBI employees testified that devices allegedly used by Raucci were much more powerful than firecrackers. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
David Paterson reportedly was involved with drafting a statement the he hoped would be issued by the woman who accused his former aide of domestic abuse. The woman reportedly refused to go along with the statement, which indicated the incident was non-violent. [NYT] [NYDN]
GlobalFoundries is reportedly asking New York State for $300 million more in incentives so it can add extra capacity to the Luther Forest chip fab. [TU]
Paterson says budget will be late, Jennings says Wash Ave Y will become community center, woman turns 107, DiNicola passes away
David Paterson said yesterday that he and the legislature are "too far apart" and the budget will most likely be late. The legislature's two budget plans are about $2 billion bigger than Paterson's proposed budget. The Paterson administration has put together emergency appropriation bills to keep the state running after the April 1 budget deadline. [NYT] [TU] [Daily Politics]
State Senate Democrats apparently offered labor unions special access -- for $50,000. NYPIRG called it a brazen example of pay-to-play. Said Senate Democratic conference leader John Sampson: "Nobody's twisting anybody's arms." [NY Post] [AP/YNN] [Daily Politics]
The YMCA and Jerry Jennings announced the Washington Ave location will now stay open until May 1 -- and after that the city will work to turn the location into some sort of community wellness center. Jennings says the city will have to find money to keep the facility open. [TU] [WNYT] [YNN]
Steven Raucci trial Day 17 A state police investigator testified that an explosive device was found in Raucci's school district office. And a state police sergeant testified that the explosive devices used in the incidents allegedly connected to Raucci were not firecrackers, as the defense has argued. The judge also ruled that she would allow attorneys in the case to review portions of the school district's internal investigation of the situation surrounding Raucci. At last night's school board meeting, board president Maxine Brisport said she was "stunned that any of these alleged events were so safely guarded for such a long time." District superintendent didn't say much when questioned about the allegations last night. [Fox23] [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [TU]
Saratoga Springs police say they've arrested a man for the fatal Henry Street hit-and-run. [Post-Star]
SUNY board votes to close New Covenant, senators says parks will stay open, Baden reportedly will perform autopsy on Colonie soldier, woman's engagement is a Good Thing
The SUNY Board of Trustees voted yesterday to close the New Covenant charter school in Albany. The vote was 4-1 -- with six abstentions. The school had argued that it had made significant progress in recent years, which the board acknowledged -- but concluded it wasn't enough. New Covenant's principal also argued that a vote to close the school would remove the students from the "stability" of the school and subject them to "the chaos that exists at the Albany district." The Albany school district says it has enough capacity to absorb the New Covenant students. The students will bring more than $3 million in funding to the district. [SUNY] [WNYT] [WTEN] [YNN] [Fox23] [TU]
Steven Raucci trial Day 16 Testimony focused on two bombings from the early 1990s -- incidents that prosecutors argue Raucci was behind, but weren't connected to his job with the school district. The prosecution alleges both incidents were retribution for perceived wrongs against Raucci friends. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Fox23]
Both Neil Breslin and Roy McDonald say the state won't be closing any of its parks this year because of budget cuts. [WTEN] [Saratogian]
The NAACP is calling for an investigation of allegations that Troy police used racial slurs and undue physical contact while interacting with some teens. The alleged incident apparently involved a snow ball being thrown through the window of a police car. The city says it's looking into the allegations. [YNN] [WTEN] [WNYT]
The Troygle Google Fiber rally in Monument Square yesterday evening drew about 100 people -- including Harry Tutunjian on a Segway. The group touted Troy as "an ideal partner" for the high-speed internet project. (Lou's take on the pitch) [Troy Record] [LouTube] [TU]
Authorities say man shot by deputy was here illegally, Murphy defends healthcare vote, charges against alleged Barnes attacker tossed because of mistakes, man says he stumbled over human remains
Albany County sheriff James Campbell says the man shot and killed by a deputy this past weekend near ALB was in the country illegally from Mexico. The sheriff's office says the earlier arrest of three other illegal immigrants helped them track down the man's identity. Authorities say the investigation led them to an apartment on Central Ave near Henry Johnson in Albany where the man apparently had been staying (map). Undersheriff Craig Apple said rapid escalation of the encounter justified the deputy's use of deadly force. Apple says the deputy spoke to the man in Spanish and identified himself as police and told the man to put his hands up. Authorities aren't sure why the man was walking down the road. [TU] [WNYT] [YNN] [Fox23] [WTEN] [Troy Record]
Scott Murphy was making the virtual rounds yesterday to explain his "yes" vote on the healthcare reform package. Murphy was touting the bill as being "truly fiscally conservative." National Republicans apparently are planning to try to portray him as a flip-flopper who voted for "a government takeover of health care." Chris Gibson, one of the two Republicans looking to challenge Murphy in this fall's election: "We clearly need health care reform but we went about it wrong in this bill." [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Gibson email release]
Steven Raucci Trial Day 15 Prosecutors played audio -- recorded by an informant wearing a wire -- in which it sounds like Raucci discusses or refers to his involvement with the acts of vandalism and terrorism at issue in the case. He also says at one point that he had been "tormenting" two vandalism victims and "making their lives miserable." Raucci's attorneys tried to portray the informant, a former cop who's testifying under an immunity agreement and intentionally blew a different undercover case, as unreliable. [Fox23] [Daily Gazette $] [TU]
The state Senate passed a budget "road map" resolution yesterday that would cut school funding by $1.4 billion. The plan doesn't include the soda tax or a tax increase on cigarettes. It would keep the state parks open. The resolution passed on a party line vote -- Republicans complained they weren't included in the process. [NYT] [AP/WTEN] [NYDN] [AP/CBS6] [TU] [YNN]
Murphy and Tonko vote for healthcare reform bill, man shot and killed by sheriff's deputy by airport, man arrested for walkin dogs with overweight chains, RPI going smoke-free
Both Scott Murphy and Paul Tonko voted for the healthcare reform package that passed in the House this past weekend (by a seven vote margin). Murphy had voted against the previous version of the bill -- he said he voted in favor of the new version after concluding it's "much more fiscally conservative" and will "slow the growth of out-of-control health care costs." Murphy's vote will almost surely be one of the main issues in the NY 20 election this fall. There are now two Republicans in the running to challenge Murphy. [Scott Murphy] [Paul Tonko] [NYT] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [TU]
The Albany County sheriff's department says a deputy shot and killed a man early Saturday morning after the man allegedly made a threatening motion toward the deputy. The sheriff's department says the deputy had stopped to ask the man, who was walking a long a road near ALB, what he was doing. The sheriff's department says that's when the man threw a chunk of concrete at the deputy and then raised his arm from behind his back and the deputy fired two shots at the man. Officials haven't been able to determine the identity of the man. The sheriff's office says it will release the identity of the man this afternoon. [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23] [YNN] [WNYT] [WNYT]
Schenectady schools superintendent Eric Ely sent Steven Raucci a "heads up" email about allegations that the former facilities head was the subject of an ongoing investigation, according to evidence presented by the prosecution on Friday at Raucci's trial. A former school board member says she doesn't recall the email being mentioned in the report from the district's internal investigation of the situation. The president of the school board says information coming to light as part of the trial "may mean making some drastic changes at various levels of the school district." Two district employees who worked under Raucci testified on Friday that they had seen Raucci with explosive devices. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [Daily Gazette $]
Man dies after hit-and-run, woman dies in Saratoga Springs jail, alleged nude photo shoot in cemetery, Whitney gala to return
Saratoga Springs police say a man was struck by a car on Henry Street near the library early Thursday morning and later died of his injuries. They're calling the incident a hit-and-run -- and are looking into whether it was carry over from an earlier fight. Police are looking for the driver. [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [TU] [Fox23]
Two men pleaded guilty yesterday for their involvement in the bizarre and brutal safe theft/kidnap incident that spanned Albany, Troy and Schenectady last year. The woman was kidnapped and tortured during the incident told her harrowing story yesterday during a public meeting with the woman who helped save her. Said Albany County DA Soares of the series of events: "It was literally something out of a Quentin Tarantino movie." [Troy Record] [WTEN] [Fox23] [TU]
Saratoga Springs police say a woman died in their lockup yesterday after being picked up on a bench warrant by county sheriff's deputies. They say the women "appeared normal" when she was put in the cell. An autopsy is being performed as part of the investigation. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette $] [Post-Star]
As David Paterson's World Turns The governor said yesterday during a radio interview that he was the person who told the media about his call to the woman who was seeking a order of protection against one of his top aides. The New York Times, which was first to report the call, said Paterson's statement is "not accurate." It sounds like the investigation into the situation surrounding the alleged incident of domestic violence has a lot of calls to sort out. [YNN] [NYT City Room] [NYT]
Suffolk County exec Steve Levy's expected announcement that he's switching to the Republican Party and running for governor is driving a wedge into the state GOP. Rick Lazio -- who is/was the presumptive Repbulican nominee -- called Levy a "rank opportunist" yesterday. [YNN] [TU] [NYT]
One in five living in poverty in Albany, Schdy, Troy; pressure on Murphy from all sides, state running out of cash, North Greenbush kid gets lead role on Broadway
New York State's poverty rate is 14 percent, according to a report from the New York State Community Action Association. More than 20 percent of the people in Albany, Schenectady and Troy live in poverty. And about one third of children in those cities live in poverty. Of the four core Capital Region counties, Saratoga had the lowest poverty rate at 6.9 percent. The poverty line for a family of four is $22,000. [NYSCAA] [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Troy Record] [YNN]
As David Paterson's World Turns The governor said yesterday that he did not try to convince Sherr-una Booker to drop her domestic violence case against David Johnson. Paterson also said Kirsten Gillibrand threw him under the bus when she said he should resign if the allegations against him turn out to be true. Also yesterday: Marissa Shorenstein, Paterson's press secretary, resigned. "Due to the circumstances that have led to my unwitting involvement in recent news stories, I can no longer do my job effectively," she wrote in her resignation statement. Translation: I didn't know what Paterson might really have been trying to do when he told me to get in touch with Sherr-una Booker. [AP/YNN] [Fox23] [NYT] [Daily Politics] [NYT March 1]
Raucci Trial Day 12 Deborah Gray testified that her family's house and cars were vandalized on multiple occasions after Steven Raucci accused her of writing an anonymous letter to unions officials complaining about his leadership. Gray also testified that a former friend told her that Raucci was going to "take care of things" after the former friend told Raucci about her friends with a former partner (an unexploded device was later found at the former partner's house). A former co-worker of Raucci also testified that his vehicles were vandalized after he filed a sexual harassment claim after Raucci played the "man game" with him. [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [WTEN] [YNN]
Ron Canestrari says talk of a cancelled racing season at Saratoga is a pressure ploy by NYRA. Roy McDonald and Tony Jordan have written a letter to David Paterson urging to review the already-existing bids for the Aqueduct racino (money from that deal was going to prop up racing in the state). [WTEN] [Saratogian]
The Schenectady man accused of killing two dogs and torturing another has pleaded guilty. The plea deal includes two years in prison. [YNN] [Daily Gazette $]
State delaying refund checks, Save the Y rally, father of American Idol judge to challenge Kirsten Gillibrand, Hasbrouck makes NBA
From yesterday's Save the Y rally -- here's a photoset from Sebastien B.
David Paterson says the state is delaying the distribution tax refund checks in order to keep the state afloat. Paterson and legislative leaders are finally meeting to negotiate the budget. [TU] [TU]
Paterson said yesterday that "we wouldn't project that the Saratoga racing season is in jeopardy at this point." Members of the racing industry have said recently the Saratoga season could be in doubt because of problems with New York City OTB and the stalled-again Aqueduct racino. [YNN]
Paterson signed The Family Health Care Decisions Act yesterday, which allows family members and close friends to make decisions on behalf of a patient who lacks capacity. The law has broad support, but was hung up in the legislature for 17 years. [YNN] [TU]
More than 100 people showed up yesterday for the Save the Y rally outside the Washington Ave location in Albany (photo above -- more photos here). Protesters criticized the Capital District YMCA and city officials for their handling of the location's now-imminent closure. A spokesman for the Y says it "just wasn't possible" to keep the location open. [Fox23] [Sebastien B] [TU] [YNN]
Day 11 of the Steven Raucci trial focused on testimony by former Schenectady school district athletic director Gary DiNola, who testified that an un-exploded device left on his car and vandalism of his house had "terrorized" his family. The testimony featured a heated exchange between DiNola and Raucci's lawyers, who objected to his characterization of the situation. Emails introduced as evidence indicated Raucci at one point wrote to DiNola: "I'm not a tolerant person to begin with. I'm even less tolerant of people who show me disrespect." In an email from DiNola to district superintendent Eric Ely, DiNola said that he had "learned to park my beat-up Volvo in front of the security cameras near the loading dock." [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Fox23] [CBS6]
Little hope for on-time budget, pressure on Murphy over healthcare vote, soda tax flat, Capital Region spelling bee winner
Neither David Paterson nor the legislature seem to have any hope of getting a budget done by the April 1 deadline. Paterson said yesterday that he's "not optimistic at all about it." And Ron Canestrari says there's been a "shocking" lack of activity. [YNN] [NYDN] [TU] CapNews9 is now YNN
The US House of Representatives is expected to vote on the healthcare reform package Thursday -- and Scott Murphy says he's still not sure how he's going to vote (he voted "no" the first time around). He says he won't make a decision until he reads the final language of the bill. Murphy reportedly talked about the bill with President Obama last week. [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [Politico via Daily Politics]
Much of the testimony yesterday at the Steven Raucci trial came from Harold Gray -- a former employee of Raucci's who prosecutors allege was the target of multiple acts of vandalism. Raucci allegedly retaliated after he thought Gray's wife wrote a letter to union leadership challenging Raucci's position. Raucci's former secretary also testified that she saw with explosive devices. [TU] [Fox23] [Daily Gazette $]
Said North Greenbush's police chief of the teen party that allegedly trashed an unoccupied home: "If it could be damaged, they damaged it." Some of the damage, according to police: holes in walls, broken chandeliers and urine on the carpet. [WTEN] [Fox23]
Washington Ave Y closing, track season at Saratoga threatened, little hope for on-time budget, police say teen party caused $200k in damage
The Washington Ave YMCA will close March 31, according to a letter dated March 11 from Capital District YMCA president David Brown. The letter cites the $400,000 annual loss from the Washington Ave location and calls the decision to close the branch "very painful and difficult." The Y has said the location has been losing money for the last two decades. [Save the Y Facebook] [TU] *
A state police report on the fatal police car crash on Madison Ave in Albany last summer concludes that both drivers were at fault, according to the APD. The primary fault was laid with the civilian driver, who the report concludes failed to yield to the oncoming police car. The driver has said she didn't hear the car's siren (the report concluded the car's siren was on). The report says "secondary contributing factor" to the crash was the "failure to drive with reasonable care for all persons using the highway" on the part of APD officer Christopher Orth. [Troy Record] [WTEN] [TU] [Fox23]
Leaders of New York Thoroughbred Breeders Inc say "there will be no Saratoga race meet this summer" if that state doesn't find a way to get $15 million to NYRA -- either by fixing the bankrupt NYC OTB or finding a new winning bidder for the Aqueduct racino contract. Saratoga business owners are anxiously watching the situation. [NYTB] [TU] [WTEN]
Potential bidders for the Aqueduct racino apparently believe that the contract is step towards the legalization of casino gambling in New York State. [NYT]
Troy police say they're investigating the shooting of a 14-year-old Saturday night. They say the gunfire was picked up by the ShotSpotter system. [WTEN] [Fox23]
State police say a man pulled over for driving the wrong way on 787 Saturday afternoon had a blood alcohol level almost three times the legal limit. [WNYT] [YNN] CapNews9 is now YNN
Cuomo hands off Paterson investigation, movie theater planned for Troy, Porco conviction upheld, bizarre chase ends in tasering
Andrew Cuomo has handed off the investigation of the Paterson administration to former chief judge Judith Kaye. Cuomo said a "preliminary review" of the situation concluded "there are credible issues to be resolved." He said he was turning the investigation over to Kaye because of an "abundance of caution, or a zeal to ensure that the public has total confidence in the investigation." (The sharp drop in Cuomo's approval rating in a recent poll might also have had something to do with that.) Kaye has never worked as a prosecutor. She won't be paid to head up the investigation. [NYT] [TU] [Daily Politics] [NY Mag] [NYT] [Daily Politics]
The Paterson administration announced that the tentative agreement with AEG to run a racino at Aqueduct is now off the table. The deal would have paid the state $300 million and revenue from the racino would have helped fund NYRA -- including improvements at Saratoga. That has some now saying that this year's season at The Track could be in jeopardy. [NYT] [TU] [Saratogian] [Saratogian]
Testimony in the Steven Raucci trial yesterday focused an explosive device that attached to the door of a Rotterdam home in 2001. Prosecutors allege that Raucci planted the device in attempt to retaliate over a union matter -- but they say he put it on the wrong house. [Daily Gazette $] [TU]
The Saratoga County sheriff's deputy accused of forcing four women to perform sex acts on him while he was on duty took a plea bargain yesterday. The deal includes six months in jail and a resignation from the sheriff's department. He won't have to register as a sex offender. [Daily Gazette $] [CBS6] [WNYT] [Saratogian]
A $160 million development proposed for the Congress-Ferry corridor in Troy includes a movie theater. The city's planning board also gave the official OK to the new Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, which is now expected to open in August. [TU Places and Spaces] [Troy Record] [Fox23] [CapNews9]
Ravitch says budget gap too big for one year, man accused of stabbing puppy, Pataki endorses Lazio, it's a belt buckle - it's a gun -- it's both
While presenting his budget process reform plan yesterday, Richard Ravitch said the state's budget gap is too big to tackle in one year. The lieutenant governor's plan includes up to $6 billion in borrowing over the next three years. Depending on who you read, the legislators either "reacted with cautious interest" or "were hesitant to embrace" the proposed reforms. [Daily Politics] [NYDN] [TU] [NYT] [AP/Troy Record]
"Sources" tell the NYDN that Sherr-una Booker, the woman who sought an order of protection against Paterson aide David Johnson, told investigators that she didn't feel threatened when David Paterson called her just before the hearing for the order. Booker didn't show for the hearing. [NYDN]
One place where David Paterson appears to still have strong support: his old street in Guilderland. [TU]
Witness testimony continues to portray Steven Raucci as just about the last boss for whom you'd want to work. Among the allegations: Raucci liked to be referred to as "God." [Daily Gazette $] [TU]
A Schenectady man has been accused of fatally stabbing a puppy, allegedly as retaliation against his girlfriend. The man has been charged with a felony under Buster's Law. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Fox23]
Ravitch plan would reform state budget process, calorie counts coming to Schenectady County, another state police official resigns, pair arrested for allegedly switching drivers while speeding
Lieutenant governor Richard Ravitch is proposing a five year plan to fix the state budget process. Among the set of reforms: moving the budget deadline to July 1 and a panel that would decide whether the budget passed by the legislature is balanced according to generally accepted accounting principles. The plan also includes borrowing money to cover holes in upcoming budgets. [NYT] [AP/Post-Star] [TU]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli floated his own plan for changing the budget process. It would give more power to... the state comptroller. [Fox23] [CapNews9]
Hoping to help fill a budget gap, Jerry Jennings argued before a state Senate committee yesterday that the state should pay more upfront in its payments in lieu of taxes to the City of Albany. [TU]
The Schenectady County legislature has passed a bill that will require calorie counts on menus at chain restaurants -- much like the law taking effect in Albany County. The Schenectady County law will take effect late this year. [Fox23] [TU]
Renssealer County exec Kathy Jimino is projecting a $14 million budget gap next year. She said the gap is being created by state mandates. [Troy Record] [TU]
Witnesses at the Steven Raucci trial testified yesterday about tactics and planning Raucci used to rise to head of the district's buildings and grounds department. The district's business manager, whose testified yesterday, also is retiring at the end of this school year. [Daily Gazette $] [Daily Gazette $]
It looks like the relationship between the YMCA and the group trying to save the Washington Ave location has come apart. [TU] *
Siena headed to the NCAA tournament, Colonie soldier's death ruled a suicide, rabbi sentenced to 60 days in jail, man accused of trying to sink state-owned boat
The Siena men's basketball team is heading to the NCAA tournament after beating Fairfield 72-65 in overtime in the MAAC tournament final. The Saints trailed by 11 at halftime -- but as coach Fran McCaffery said after the game: "We were phenomenally resilient in the second half." [ESPN] [TU]
A former Schenectady school district carpenter and co-worker of Steven Raucci testified yesterday that Raucci told him "I can get even with you and your family anytime I want" after an argument in 1995. The carpenter also testified that he saw Raucci in a school office with an explosive device in 2008. (The carpenter's testimony was for background --it wasn't related to any specific charge against Raucci.) A former elementary school principal testified that he complained, with seemingly no effect, to school district leaders about Raucci ordering a janitor to distribute flyers before school board elections. [WNYT] [Daily Gazette $] [Fox23] [Daily Gazette $] [TU]
Colleen Murphy, the mother of Amy Seyboth Tirador, says military investigators have officially concluded that the Colonie soldier's death in Iraq was a suicide. She says the family has hired its own attorney and investigator to pursue the case. Of the case, Murphy says "someone is covering something up." [Fox23] [CapNews9] [TU]
Albany Med is getting $10 million in federal and state stimulus money to increase its research capacity. The money will be spent on new lab space and 20 new employees. It's the biggest grant in the medical college's history. [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Fox23]
Albany county exec Mike Breslin warned yesterday that the county is facing a projected budget gap of $35 million next year -- which could involve a 50 percent property tax increase. [WNYT] [TU]
The idea of higher taxes and fees came up repeatedly in discussions yesterday about how to close Saratoga Springs' $2.2 million budget gap. [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
Paterson say continues to say he's staying, state stepping up tax audits, another Republican into NY 20 pool, pay by mobile in Saratoga, Dickens letters found
David Paterson told a Brooklyn congregation on Sunday that he will "keep governing till the end of the year." He also said that finishing the term would "fulfill the mission in which God placed me." [NYDN] [NYT]
It's not clear which agency will end up investigating the allegations that Paterson perjured himself during questioning about the Yankees tickets. [TU]
If Paterson were to leave office, lieutenant governor Richard Ravitch appears to be widely respected at the Capitol for his competence, experience -- and bluntness. Of course, that would mean another lt gov appointment, which could be tricky. [TU] [TU]
During opening statements in the Steven Raucci trial, prosecutor Robert Carney alleged that Raucci planned his alleged attacks for night so as to maximize their impact. Carney also alleged the Raucci's actions stole his alleged victim's "peace of mind, their comfort, their security." It also came out on Friday that a key undercover witness for the prosecution is a former cop whom Raucci's attorney called a "crook.". [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [Daily Gazette $]
Fred Lebrun says he thinks the state legislature will find a way to keep the state parks open. [TU]
The state has stepped up the number of audits in an effort to find more tax cheaters. [Daily Gazette $]
The state Board of Regents is reportedly considering cutting some Regents exams in order to save money. [TU]
One man died and a car hit a house as part of a two-car crash in Colonie Saturday. The driver who survived has been charged with Driving With Ability Impaired (drugs). Residents who live near the crash site say the residential intersection is notoriously dangerous because drivers often go through the stop sign there. (map). [CapNews9] [Troy Record] [CBS6] [TU] [Fox23]
Paterson now snagged in Yankees ticket flap, new Troy city hall won't be cheap, Proctors expanding, cookies for Oscar
The state Commission on Public Integrity announced yesterday that it's asked prosecutors to look into whether David Paterson should be charged for giving false testimony during an ethics inquiry about Yankees World Series Tickets. The commission says it found:
"... there is reasonable cause to believe that Governor Paterson solicited, received and accepted an unlawful gift; and falsely testified under oath that he had always intended to pay for the tickets for his son and his son's friend when, in fact, the Governor's intention was to receive and accept the tickets without paying for them until a press inquiry caused him to submit a backdated check as payment for the tickets."
When asked yesterday whether he lied during the ethics investigation, Paterson said: "No." Paterson's story about how he ended up with the tickets has changed multiple times. In response to one of the Paterson administration's versions, the president of the Yankees told the NY Post the governor was "a liar." The Paterson aide who reportedly approached the Yankees: David Johnson. [NYS COPI] [TU] [NYT] [NY Post] [NYDN]
Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio was in Scotia yesterday and told a gathering of Republicans that "the people of New York deserve better than what they've been getting." He also criticized Andrew Cuomo for "ducking and bobbing and weaving - avoiding taking positions." [CapNews9] [Daily Gazette $] [Fox23]
"Several hundred" people showed up for yesterday's state parks rally outside the Capitol. Jack McEneny said he's been getting more mail about the parks closures than all proposed budget cuts combined. [TU] [Troy Record]
The 12 jurors for the Steven Raucci case have been selected. Potential jurors were screened for their thoughts on firecrackers and the use of informants. As part of jury selection, potential witness lists surfaced -- and many current and former top officials for the Schenectady school district are on the lists. [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [WNYT] [Daily Gazette $]
Consultants for the City of Troy report that building a new city hall could cost somewhere between $21 million and $25.5 million. Here's a live blog transcript from last night's meeting. [TU] [City of Troy]
Conflicting reports about what Paterson said, Sararoga paid parking off the table, another potential Gillibrand challenger drops out
The friend David Paterson allegedly enlisted to talk with the woman who sought an order of protection against a top aide reportedly has told investigators that Paterson asked to pass along this message to the woman: "Tell her the governor wants her to make this go away." A Paterson spokesman said last night that it was not the message the governor sent -- and when he did talk with the woman, it was about getting the media off her back. [NYT] [TU]
Harry Corbitt, the New York State Police superintendent, announced last night on Capitol Tonight that he's retiring -- he said the "media fire storm has really disrupted my ability to function in that capacity." Denise O'Donnell, the state official who oversaw the state police, resigned last week after saying she couldn't "in good conscience" remain a part of the Paterson administration. The head of the State Troopers Police Benevolent Society released a statement yesterday trying to distance rank-and-file troopers from "the reported actions of a few people in higher positions." [CapNews9] [TU CapCon] [CapNews9]
David Paterson has called a cabinet meeting this morning at the Capitol. [Daily Politics]
Saratoga Springs' finance commissioner says downtown paid parking is now "off the table at this point." The city's budget had included $1.35 million in revenue from parking. [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
Paterson reportedly directed contact with aide's accusor, first Exit 6 ramp closure this weekend, NYRA wants to dump maitre d's at track, brothers out of running for smartest siblings
"Two people close to" David Paterson say the governor directed two state employees -- his press secretary and a friend who's a state worker -- to contact the woman the who had accused Paterson aide David Johnson of assaulting her. The state worker, Deneane Brown, reportedly spoke with the woman and urged her to talk with Paterson (which she apparently did before the hearing on her request for an order of protection). Paterson's press secretary, Marissa Shorenstein, reportedly called the woman to ask her to issue a statement on Paterson's behalf, apparently never ended up talking to the woman. Attorneys say Paterson's alleged actions may attract attention from prosecutors. [NYT] [NYDN] [NY Post] [Politico via Daily Politics]
The first stage of jury selection for the Steven Raucci trial was slow going yesterday. Potential jurors who said they had read about the case and formed an opinion were excused. The judge has forbid newspapers from being taken into the courtroom. [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [CapNews9]
The state DOT will be closing the on/off ramps at Exit 6 on the Northway this Saturday at 10 pm until 6 am Monday. Best line about the traffic mess: "Better than the bridge collapsing on us." [Troy Record] [CapNews9] [Fox23]
Weird and difficult budget process could be ahead, jury selection in Raucci trial, RPI knocking down presidents house, man robs supermarket with a note
Pundits say David Paterson's now-lame duck status could be the beginning of a very weird and difficult state budget process. That has some people -- notably Sheldon Silver -- calling for lieutenant governor Richard Ravitch to handle the budget negotiations. Meanwhile, the head of the state Democratic Party called Andrew Cuomo "all but the presumptive nominee" for governor. [AP/Post-Star] [NYDN] [TU]
John Sweeney pleaded guilty to misdemeanor DWI Friday afternoon. As part of the deal, he's up for 30 days in jail -- and he'll have to wear an alcohol monitor on his ankle after he's released. He'll also have to do 300 hours of community service. [Daily Gazette $] [Saratogian] [TU] [WNYT]
Jury selection is scheduled to start today in the trial of Steven Raucci. The pool of potential jurors for Schenectady County Court has been doubled to 675 this week. Raucci faces 26 criminal charges, including arson and terrorism. [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [Daily Gazette $] [CBS6]
Schenectady police officer Kyle Hunter pleaded guilty to misdemeanor criminal contempt -- and part of the plea deal, he's resigning from the police force. [Daily Gazette $] [TU]
Paterson out?, state to withold payments, Amtrak service limited, DWI charge for snowmobiler
Update: Both NYDN and NY Post are reporting that Paterson will announce this afternoon that he's dropping out of the gubernatorial race.
The full video of Paterson's press conference. [via NYO]
Pressure is growing for David Paterson to drop out of the race for the governor. Paterson said at a press conference last night that he's still running -- but he's "listening" to "a number of elected officials around the state" and has "an open mind about this thing." A "source familiar with the discussions confirmed" says "We're taking it as a given that he has no chance in hell at getting elected to anything." [NYT] [NYO] [NYDN] [Daily Politics]
Andrew Cuomo's office announced yesterday that it is "proceeding to determine if criminal or other wrongdoing is involved" with respect to the alleged involvement of Paterson and the State Police in an alleged incident of domestic violence between Paterson aide David Johnson and a woman. Sheldon Silver called for the investigation to clear up the who, what and when of the situation. The head of the state Republican Party says Cuomo should recuse himself from the investigation. [NYS AG] [TU] [Daily Politics]
The state budget directors says the Paterson administration is planning to delay $1.4 billion in March payments to help keep the state afloat. [TU]
While the central Capital Region got mostly rain yesterday, areas to the south and west continued to get pounded with snow. The Albany County hill towns and Schohairie County got another foot. Said one snow plow contractor in the hill towns: "There is no way to keep up with it." [TU] [WTEN] [Fox23]
Cuomo to investigate Paterson, Bruno sentencing pushed back, guily plea for mom accused of using daughter in burglaries, big snowfall totals in spots
Andrew Cuomo has reportedly agreed to David Paterson's request that the AG investigate Paterson aide David Johnson, the actions of the state police and the governor himself. Paterson announced last night that he had suspended Johnson after the New York Times posted an article in which it reported that a woman had sought an order of protection against Johnson -- and both the State Police and Paterson intervened in some way. [NY Post] [Paterson press release] [NYT]
Joe Bruno's attorney have reached an agreement with the feds on how much money the former state senator will have to forfeit as part of his sentencing. The figure hasn't been released, but it will probably be some portion of the $240k he was accused of receiving fraudulently. Bruno's sentencing has also been pushed to May 6. [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [Troy Record]
The state Senate passed the Family Health Care Decisions Act yesterday. The bill allows a surrogate to make decision on behalf of patient whom doctors have determined lacks decision-making capacity. The bill has already passed the Assembly -- and David Paterson reportedly will sign it. [NY Senate] [TU]
Albany County DA David Soares told the TU's editorial board yesterday that the Albany Police Department is "doing greater work in that department without the former chief there." At a community forum last night, residents suggested interview questions for the eight police chief candidates. [TU] [CapNews9]
Snow emergencies taking effect, brake on paid parking in Saratoga, medical marijuana comes up in legislature, rabid raccoons in Rensselaer County
Around 4:30 pm on Tuesday.
We got more than six inches of snow yesterday, according to the National Weather Service (obviously, there's been more since midnight). More snow is forecasted for today. Many cities and towns have declared snow emergencies (including Albany and Saratoga Springs). National Grid was reporting on its web site this morning that about 15,000 customers were without power in the Capital Region. [NWS] [CapNews9] [National Grid]
Rochester's police chief, who was a finalist to head up the Albany police department, has pulled his name from consideration -- somewhat to the annoyance of the search committee. [TU] [CapNews9]
A SUNY committee has voted to recommend closing the New Covenant charter school in Albany. The final vote on the matter is next month. [TU] [Fox23]
The advisory panel for paid parking in downtown Saratoga Springs voted to reject all four of the plans submitted by contractors. One panel member called all the plans "totally flawed." The proposed 2010 budget for the city includes $1.35 million in revenue from parking. [Daily Gazette $] [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
Troy's city council voted 4-4 on the sale of the Uncle Sam parking garage -- which pretty much kills the deal. The developer who wanted to buy the garage now says he might pull out of the city. [TU] [Troy Record]
Arrests in Schenectady shooting, Albany police chief search narrows, corporate sponsorships proposed for parks, CO detectors a hot item
Schenectady police say they've arrested three men for the fatal shooting in the Vale neighborhood over the weekend. The SPD says the shooting doesn't appear to have been related to drugs. Police say they've also arrested a man for firing at police as they executed a search warrant near the site of the shooting Sunday night. The SPD says it's investigating an exchange that same night at the police station in which officers allegedly yelled at members of the victim's family who had come to report information about the original shooting. [TU] [Fox23] [Fox23] [Daily Gazette $] [CBS6]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli is projecting that the state's budget gap will be $2 billion. [NYS OSC]
The state comptroller's office released county sales tax collections figures for 2009. Compared to 2008, Albany was down 7.8 percent, Rensselaer down 3.3 percent, Saratoga down 8.3 percent and Schenectady down 6.7 percent. A Saratoga county administrator said he doubted the number were accurate. [NYS OSC] [Saratogian]
The state AG's office announced that County Waste, a private trash hauler, will pay almost $1 million to settle allegations it was underreporting the amount of trash it was dumping in Colonie's landfill. The company had been facing a claim of $15 million in the case. As part of the settlement, the company neither confirmed nor denied the allegations. A whistleblower will get more than $160k. [NYS AG] [Daily Gazette $] [Troy Record] [TU]
The Albany police chief search committee has reportedly narrowed down the list of candidates to nine. The only internal candidate to make the cut is deputy chief Steven Krokoff. There will be two public forums about the search, one this week and one the next. [CapNews9] [TU] [CapNews9]
Suffolk County executive -- and possible statewide candidate -- Steve Levy has proposed keeping state parks open with corporate sponsorships. [AP]
Weekend of shootings, Victoria Pool on secondary closure list, college student killed on Thruway
Schenectady police say a man was shot five times and killed on Maple Ave in the Vale neighborhood early Saturday morning (map). It's Schenectady's first homicide of the year. The SPD says two officers were injured by a ricocheting bullet as the SWAT team executed a search warrant on the same street Sunday night -- one of the officers was reportedly saved by his bulletproof vest. Police aren't saying whether the warrant is connected to the earlier shooting. The SPD says eight people were detained. [Fox23] [CapNews9] [Daily Gazette $] [CBS6] [CapNews9] [TU]
Albany police say a man was shot four times while walking between apartment buildings near Tivoli Park in Albany Friday night (map). And a teen was shot in the leg Thursday night in south Albany (map). There were a total of five shootings last week in Albany. [WNYT] [TU] [WTEN]
The Victoria Pool, Grafton Lakes and Peebles Island are on a secondary list of state parks and facilities slated for closure, depending on whether the legislature allows the state parks office to use capital funds for operational costs. The planned closure of Thacher Park -- which was officially announced on Friday -- is expected to save $255,000. If the budget plan is approved (a big "if"), parks on the first list would start to close April 1. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [AOA] [TU] [Troy Record]
David Paterson officially announced his gubernatorial candidacy Saturday on Long Island. In his speech, he tried to position himself as the anti-establishment candidate and said, "I've done more in my two years as governor that most governors have done in two terms." Perhaps a bad sign for the governor: getting more than 100 people to show up at a campaign stop is described as "beating expectations." [NYT] [Daily Politics] [NYO] [NYDN]
Second teen pleads guilty in Bailey case, Paterson says he gets advice from Spitzer, Murphy talks about Afghanistan trip, appeals court ruling in mall peace tshirt case
Ricardo Caldwell, one of the three teens accused of being involved in the shooting death of UAlbany student Richard Bailey, took a plea deal yesterday that requires him to testify against the alleged shooter, De Von Callicut. The third teen that was charged -- King Modest -- took a similar plea deal in January. [TU] [Troy Record]
Albany police say investigators have not yet met with the two officers involved in the fatal shooting this week on Quail Street. [TU]
A group of citizens -- including UAlbany students -- testified at last night's Albany common council meeting that they don't think the police chief search has been open enough to public input. [WTEN] [WNYT]
A spokesman for David Paterson called the New York Times' latest profile of the governor (perhaps the article that had been the subject of so many rumors) a "gossip-laden, subjective, and poorly-sourced narrative." [NYT] [press release]
David Paterson says he talks to Eliot Spitzer "from time to time and get[s] advice from him." [NY Post]
Two people have filed a lawsuit against the Schenectady school district alleging that top district did nothing after being warned about Steven Raucci. [Daily Gazette $]
APD says officers acted "appropriately" in shooting, not-so-happy ending for massage parlors, GE and EPA differ on dredging, he's best of breed
Albany deputy police chief Steve Krokoff said yesterday that a preliminary investigation indicates the two officers involved in the fatal shooting of a driver at Quail and Spring this week "acted appropriately." Police say the driver, Howard Tucker, tried to speed away when the officers noticed a gun in his car during a traffic stop -- but Tucker lost control of the car in the snow. In the ensuing rush, Tucker allegedly ran over one of the officers and eventually pinned him against a fence. That's when the one (or at least one) of the officers started firing on Tucker. Krokoff says the officers' car did have a camera and the video will be used in the investigation. [Troy Record] [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [CapNews9] [WTEN] [CBS6] [Fox23]
Colonie police say the arrested five women this week for allegedly offering "additional manual stimulation" at two massage parlors -- "happy ending" was the term allegedly used by the women. One of the businesses was busted during a sting last year. Actual massage therapists say they now have to work to screen out clients looking for "release." [CapNews9] [TU] [WTEN] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette $]
An East Berne man has been charged under Buster's Law for allegedly leaving two dogs outside without food. The Albany County sheriff's department says one dog died and it looks like the other ate parts of him. The man's attorney says the dogs were not neglected. [TU] [WTEN] [CapNews9] [Fox23]
Suspended Schenectady cop John Lewis was acquitted on DWI charges yesterday by a city court judge. The case has raised questions about how police handled the 2008 incident. Lewis still faces charges from other incidents. [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [WNYT]
Suspect shot during traffic stop dies, state refund checks could be delayed, scientists say don't worry about earthquakes
Update: The TU reports that unnamed sources in the APD say the suspect allegedly had the injured officer pinned against a fence with the car.
Albany police say one person was shot by police during a traffic stop near Quail and Spring streets last night (map) -- and the person later died after being taken to the hospital. The APD also says an officer was injured during the incident. Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots fired and seeing police swarm the area. (Here's the brief press conference with the APD spokesman last night.) [ASP] [CBS6] [Fox23] [TU] [WNYT] [@PatrickDodson]
The president of the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association says his org opposes public funding for the Albany gun buyback because he doesn't "think this program curbs crime at all." Responded Charlie Mueller, the pastor who runs the program, "I know we've stopped quite a few shootings." [WNYT] [CapNews9] [Fox23]
The state Division of the Budget says a delay in sending out state tax refund checks is up for consideration. (That may be a reason to file early.) [AP/Post-Star] [Fox23]
The Paterson administration released documents related to the selection of AEG to run the proposed Aqueduct racino. The documents reveal that AEG significantly increased its revenue projections during the second round of the selection process (the company says it had updated its analysis). AEG also touted its ability to reel in the "the 50+++ demographic" to the racino. Money from the Aqueduct deal is slated to help fund NYRA -- and the Saratoga Race Course. [ny.gov] [TU] [NY Post] [NYDN] [NYDN] [Saratogian]
In a statement released early this morning David Paterson defended David Johnson, the advisor at the center of the much-anticipated New York Times story that posted last night. [Daily Politics]
Multiple shootings over the weekend, stats indicate drop in Troy crime, Tedisco calls for tougher animal laws, big research grant for Siena
Schenectady police say a woman was shot in the face Sunday morning in her apartment in Mont Pleasant (map). Police say witnesses reported that a man had been ringing the woman's door bell repeatedly and then kicked in her door. The SPD says it's looking for the suspect. [Fox23] [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
Albany police say a woman was shot yesterday evening on Broad Street. [Fox23]
Albany police say a teen was shot in the face early Monday morning in West Hill (map). The APD is looking for the suspect, whom the teen said he didn't know. [TU] [Fox23]
Colonie police are investigating the death of a man found outside a muffler shop on Central Ave Saturday (map). The man's body was reportedly leaning against a building. Police say no cause of death was found during the initial autopsy -- foul play is not suspected. [CapNews9] [CBS6] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
The City of Troy reported that federal stats indicate the city's overall crime rate was down 2.5 percent last year compared to the year before -- and violent crime was down 11 percent. [City of Troy Facebook]
An arbitrator has ruled that an Albany cop accused of pointing a gun at a clerk should serve a 30 day suspension. [TU]
Racino deal stumbling, Momentive headquarters at tech park, Schenectady schools chief up for another job, crack bust in Malta, Martina Hingis to play in Albany
The selection of AEG to run the Aqueduct racino continues to stir things up at the Capitol. The feds have reportedly subpoenaed member items given out by state Senate president Malcolm Smith to a non-profit with indirect connections to AEG. And Sheldon Silver called for the state inspector general to investigate David Paterson's role in supporting AEG's bid. A "source close to Silver" says the speaker may now pull his approval of the deal, which is required for the project to proceed. Revenue from the Aqueduct racino -- whenever/if the project moves ahead -- is slated to support horse racing at tracks around the state, including Saratoga. [TU] [NYT] [NY Post] [NYDN] [WTEN]
David Paterson said yesterday on Larry King that he thinks the Spitzer scandal has created an environment in which "people would tend to believe anything they hear these days." Gawker has a number of clips from the interview, in which -- we kid you not -- Larry King ask Paterson if his blindness makes it hard to respond to all the rumors because "people have to read these headlines to you." [NYDN] [Gawker]
In case you were wondering: Elliot Spitzer says he will not run for office this year. [CapNews9]
Momentive Performance Materials says it will start building its new global headquarters and technology center at the Rensselaer Technology Park later this year. The North Greenbush site apparently won out over sites in Atlanta and Raleigh. (Momentive already has a large manufacturing facility in Waterford.) [Daily Gazette $] [WTEN]
Questions about racino selection, Albany police chief task force criticized, inmates clearing snow in Schenectady, that goat will need a permit
The selection of AEG to manage the not-yet-open racino at the Aqueduct race track has apparently set off a flurry of inquiries. Federal prosecutors are reportedly investigating David Paterson's involvement with the selection. The feds have also apparently subpoenaed the state Division of the Lottery for information about a non-profit connected to both state Senate president Malcolm Smith and Rev. Floyd Flake, one of AEG's principals. After AEG's selection, Paterson apparently "sounded out" Flake, who's a former Congressman and very influential in New York City, on whom he'll be supporting for governor. Of the reported federal investigations, a spokesman for the governor says "to the best of our knowledge, no such investigation into this selection exists." [WPIX] [TU] [NYT] [NYT] [Saratogian]
Jersey Shore, or New York Senate? [Daily Politics]
David Paterson got $25k in campaign contributions from the liquor distributors shortly before proposing the legalization of wine sales in supermarkets. [TU]
Troy voters approved the school district's capital improvement plan. The $56 million project will primarily focus on renovating Doyle Middle School. The athletic fields at Troy High School will also get an upgrade. [@TCSD] [Troy Record] [TU]
If attendance for the River Rats was low -- and the team wasn't making money -- why would a new team locate here? [TU]
Monserrate expelled, Paterson says he'll only leave office "in a box," the center of the nanotechnology universe, horse breeders say they're leaving
It's snowing. React accordingly.
The New York Senate voted to expel Queens senator Hiram Monserrate last night. The expulsion followed Monserrate's conviction on misdemeanor charge for dragging his bleeding girlfriend through the lobby of an apartment building -- though Monserrate alleged in a 16 minutes speech last night that political fallout from his role in last year's Senate coup was actually motivation for the vote. Eight senators voted against expulsion, including Monserrate. David Paterson says there will be a special election for Monserrate's seat on March 16. Monserrate is vowing to challenge the expulsion in court and may run in the special election. [TU] [NY Senate YouTube] [Daily Politics] [CBS6] [NYT]
Said David Paterson yesterday at a press conference: "The only way I'm not going to be governor next year is at the ballot box and the only way that I'll be leaving office before is in a box." Paterson also said he had met with NYT reporters and the much-buzzed-about piece that apparently is in the works is a "profile piece." The Paterson administration also sent a letter to NYT's public editor "to communicate our deep disappointment in the approach taken" to compiling the article. [CapNews9] [TU] [CBS6]
The Paterson administration's revised budget plan is banking on $1 billion in federal stimulus money. It also includes a proposed redistribution of funding between the Egg and NYSTI. [AP/Saratogian] [TU]
The five Albany plastic surgeons, a nurse and an administrator who pleaded guilty to giving unapproved off-brand Botox to patients were sentenced to community service and fines. They were also ordered to pay restitution to the patients who got the knock-off de-wrinkler. The attorney for the medical practice told the judge yesterday that it was on his advice that the practice kept quiet about the product's use when it first came to light. [Daily Gazette $] [CapNews9] [TU]
The public vote on the Troy schools capital project is today. [CBS6]
Paterson attacks rumors, police say listening system reported gunshots first, county sending out prescription discount cards
In an interview with the AP, David Paterson defended himself against the still-unknown accusations that may or may not be included a New York Times article that may or may not be published. The frenzy of anticipation has led outlets to print all sorts of rumors. Rick Lazio called out the NYT yesterday in a letter, writing that if it doesn't have a story, it has "a moral obligation to stop the drama and the psychological warfare" on the governor. Neither NYT officials or reporters are commenting. And now some are saying Paterson might even come out ahead in all this. [AP/Post-Star] [NY Post] [Daily Politics] [Fox23] [NYO]
The bid to override David Paterson's veto of the ethics reform bill failed yesterday in the state Senate. Twenty-five Republicans and one Democratic voted to sustain the veto. Hugh Farley and Roy McDonald both voted to override. [TU] [NYT] [Daily Politics]
Troy police say a man was shot in North Central Friday night -- and they first heard about the shooting via the city's ShotSpotter system. The TPD says the system alerted officials 10 minutes before the first call related to the incident. [TU] [Troy Record] [WTEN]
A 19-year-old from Troy has been arrested for allegedly shooting an 18-year-old last week in north Albany. [TU]
During his State of the City address, Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton said last night that the city is freezing hiring and cutting other expenditures in an attempt to cover an upcoming $12.8 million budget gap. The city council also voted yesterday to move toward freeing itself from being responsible for taxes not paid to the school district. [WTEN] [Daily Gazette $] [CBS6] [Daily Gazette $]
The construction company that's building the GlobalFoundries chip fab at Luther Forest is moving its headquarters to the Watervliet Arsenal. Also: ATIC, the investment company funded by the government of Abu Dhabi, now owns 66 percent of GloFo. [TU] [Post-Star]
Two Ballston Spa teens were charged with felonies over the weekend for sending explicit text message pics. [WNYT]
Rumors swirl about Paterson, Bruno bacon not delivered, clerk and robber crash through window, a Schenectady gift basket for Stephen Colbert
The big news at the state Capitol is... a NYT story about David Paterson... that hasn't been published yet... and no one seems to know when it will be. The story is rumored to include some sort of bombshell -- though that, too, is currently a mystery (Gawker commenters had some ideas). The governor reportedly met with Democratic party leaders over the weekend to discuss whether or not he will follow through on his vow to run for election this fall. And there are rumors about serious discontent within his administration. A spokesman for Paterson called all the recent rumors "a new low even by the standards of planet Albany." [TU] [Gawker] [AP/Post-Star] [NY Post] [CBS6]
Harold Ford accused Kirsten Gillibrand of using "underhanded tactics" in her attempt to gather early endorsements from county Democratic Party leaders around the state. Gillibrand is calling for Ford to disclose whether he got a bonus from Bank of America. [NYT] [NYO]
Much of the $75 million in state money promised by Joe Bruno just before he left office hasn't made it through. [TU]
The chairwoman of an inspector general's panel charged with tracking stimulus money says much of the federal funding distributed to New York State has yet to be spent. [TU]
The man accused of stabbing three people near the intersection of State and Henry Johnson following LarkFest last year was convicted on Friday on three counts of assault. He could get 25-50 years in prison. The victims said the man ran at them, shirtless, and yelled "I live for this, this is what I do!" during the attack. The man had been up for trial in 2008 for another alleged stabbing in Troy in 2007, but a judge tossed the case for procedural reasons. [CapNews9] [Troy Record] [CBS6] [Troy Record] [TU]
A Schenectady man died from carbon monoxide poisoning in his apartment after turning on his stove to keep warm because the apartment's thermostat was malfunctioning, keeping the heat down. [Daily Gazette $]
Violent crime down in Albany, horse killer sentenced, State of Troy, Zankel Center opens
Crime stats from the state indicate that violent crime was down in the City of Albany last year. Jerry Jennings said the numbers show that "The city is indeed safer than it was four years ago." Property crimes were also down. [Fox23] [TU] [WTEN]
The committee in charge of the search for a new Albany police chief says it expects to have nominations by mid March. [CapNews9]
The Albany school district says it's facing a $10 million budget gap. [TU]
Colleen Murphy -- the mother Amy Seyboth-Tirador, the soldier from Colonie who died in Iraq -- continued to assert yesterday that her daughter did not commit suicide. She said yesterday that she doesn't trust the military investigators looking into the case -- and is considering exhuming her daughter's body. The military says it hasn't complete its investigation, yet. [Troy Record] [CBS6] [WNYT] [TU]
The Rensselaer County man who admitted stabbing a horse a year ago was sentenced to 3.5-7 years in prison. [Troy Record]
Paterson says budget gap growing, Gillibrand asks Obama question, rabid kitten found, another escaped dog
David Paterson says the state is now facing an $8.2 billion budget gap -- that's up about $750 million from the previous estimate. The state's budget director says the widening gap is the result of smaller than expected tax revenue from Wall Street bonuses. In the increased estimate had member of the legislature criticizing the governor for not providing an "accurate picture" in his proposed budget. [TU] [AP/Post-Star] [NYT] [Daily Politics]
Kirsten Gillibrand got to ask a question at yesterday's Q&A with Barack Obama. That might not be a good sign for her. [NYDN] [PolitickerNY]
The Greenfield man accused of stabbing and killing a tenant last year during a fight pleaded guilty to manslaughter yesterday. The case ended up being a bizarre tangle of allegations. [Saratogian] [TU]
No jail time for pedestrian death, RPI mansion zoning app bounced, Ford and Gillibrand race for donors, Schenectady beckons to Stephen Colbert
The woman who pleaded guilty to hitting and killing a pedestrian -- and then temporarily driving away -- on Madison Ave in Albany a year ago was sentenced to probation, restitution and community service. The victim's family said justice was not served by the sentencing. The judge presiding over the case said the misdemeanor plea deal "on its face, does not look right." Prosecutors say the evidence didn't support a felony charge. [Troy Record] [WTEN] [TU] [Fox23]
Congress Street in Troy between 15th Street and Brunswick Ave will be closed today from 10 am - 4:30 pm for what the city says is the emergency demolition of a building (map). The city's engineer says the front wall of the former Industrial Tool and Die building "could rupture at any time." The building had already been slated for demo. (CBS6 says it will be streaming video of the demolition.) [@TroyMayor] [TU] [Troy Record] [CBS6]
Troy's Zoning Board of Appeals has bounced RPI's application for a height variance for the new president's mansion. [Troy Record]
David Paterson the vetoed the legislature's ethics reform package. The governor said the bill didn't go far enough. Legislative leaders are now talking about trying to override the veto. [TU] [NYDN] [NYT]
Snowfall total way behind, Republicans lining up behind Lazio, shooting in north Albany, Brunomobile still parked
This winter's snowfall so far is about a foot less than typical totals. By the way: Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today. [TU] [CNN]
Brian Stratton says Schenectady is facing a budget gap of almost $13 million in 2011. One possible way to help cover the gap: start charging non-profits such as Union College and Ellis Hospital for police and fire services. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
It's looking like the state Republican Party is lining up behind Rick Lazio as its choice for governor. Lazio was in Colonie yesterday and called out Andrew Cuomo, saying that Cuomo has "locked himself in his office and watched as Albany burned." A spokesman for Cuomo said yesterday that the AG is currently "focused on his public service." [CapNews9] [TU] [NYT] [Fox23]
Skidmore's president announced yesterday that the college will not have to go through with planned layoffs. He said the college's financial is improved because of an upswing in the endowment, as well as the results of attrition and a hiring freeze. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Post-Star]
Holiday work for SPD union head, bar busted for being jammed with underage drinkers, dog granted order of protection, telethon raises $1.9 million
The head of the Schenectady police union worked for the department on just three days last year -- all of them holidays at 2.5 pay. [Daily Gazette $] [TU]
A state Supreme Court judge has denied the FOIL request submitted by the Daily Gazette and TU for the Schenectady school districts internal report on Steven Raucci. The judge ruled the report was not subject to FOIL and its release could be an invasion of witnesses' privacy. [Daily Gazette $] [TU]
Schenectady County legislature chairwoman Sue Savage is proposing legislation that would require calorie counts on the menus of chain restaurants. Five NY counties -- including Albany County -- and New York City already have such a law. The law would only apply to restaurants with 15 or more locations in the county. [WNYT] [TU] [CapNews9]
The Paterson Administration has finally picked an operator for the Aqueduct racino -- the revenues from which should help fund a bunch of improvements at Saratoga's track. That is, if the money actually comes in. [Paterson] [Saratogian] [NYT]
David Paterson has just $620k on hand right now to spend in a Democratic gubernatorial primary -- Andrew Cuomo has $12 million. But Paterson says he'll raise a lot more. [NYDN] [NY Post]
The smoke-filled room -- which was in Albany this past weekend -- appears to be leaning heavily toward Andrew Cuomo. [WNYT] [TU]
An assemblywoman from Long Island topped the legislature's travel reimbursement list for last year at more than $41,000. [TU]
Saratoga Springs' police chief says budget cuts will make it hard to assign officers to efforts that led to many arrests last year. [Post-Star]
The State Liquor Authority has suspended the liquor license of The Garage, a bar at the corner of Western and Quail in Albany, after a raid last week allegedly found 500 people -- "most appearing to be underage" -- jammed into a space certified for 250. The SLA says the bar had so many it customers it drafted some to be "guest bartenders." The bar's owner wasn't commenting publicly on the raid. The bar is located in the middle of the "student ghetto" -- and the previous operations there have also been tagged for serving minors . [NYSLA] [TU] [Dowd on Drinks]
Details about Harriman redevelopment, Clinton endorses Gillibrand, college endowments take hit, burglaries in Manning Blvd neighborhood
The two state officials in charge of redeveloping the Harriman State Office Campus in Albany say the redevelopment plan will be incremental. The Harriman Campus board also now says it will release Columbia Development's proposed plan for the site. [TU] [HRTDC]
The US Census will be hiring 1,500 people in the Capital Region. The temporary jobs will be part time and pay about $15/hour. [CapNews9] [Fox23] [Troy Record]
While New York did score some of that federal rail funding -- other states got a lot more. [TU]
Laws banning driving-while-cellphoning don't appear to be reducing the number of accidents. The number of tickets issued in New York State for violating the ban has been increasing steadily. [NYT] [TU]
Bill Clinton has endorsed Kirsten Gillibrand. [NYDN]
Catholic Charities is starting the Capital Region's first needle exchange program in Albany. [TU]
Cold snap, New York rail funds request stops short, low number of home foreclosures, surgical robot unveiled
Today's weather forecast includes a steep temperature drop, the possibility of strong wind gusts and some snow. [NWS]
Chuck Schumer says New York State is in line to get $151 million from the $6 billion the feds have pledged for high speed rail. Part of that money will go toward constructing a second track at the bottleneck between Rensselaer and Schenectady. It will also pay for signal upgrades and engineering studies. New York State had been hoping to get billions, not of this money. [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette $] [CBS6] [TU]
The state Department of Taxation and Finance is looking to step up its tax collection enforcement efforts. [TU]
Friends and family of Joe Bruno have been writing letters urging the judge presiding over his case to go easy on his sentencing. [TU]
Schenectady's sewer maintenance supervisor was the city's highest-paid employee in 2009 -- mostly because of overtime. [TU]
Schenectady man accused of torturing dogs, soda tax falling flat, proposal for prayer before common council meetings, family raises $1 million for research
A Schenectady man has been charged with felony animal cruelty after police say he killed two dogs and burned another. Thomas Hendricks is also accused of assaulting his wife -- and police say the alleged violence against the dogs was the an attempt to hurt his wife. Hendricks has denied the allegations. [WTEN] [TU] [Fox23] [CapNews9]
During his state of the city speech last night Saratoga Springs mayor Scott Johnson criticized the "dysfunctional" state legislature for stripping the city of $4 million in VLT money. He said the city would fight new plans to keep the racino open 24/7. Johnson also said that paid parking downtown would start in May. And floated the idea of sharing services with surrounding municipalities. [CapNews9] [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Saratogian]
There was some flooding in Schenectady's Stockade neighborhood yesterday as ice jams broke the Mohawk. People in the neighborhood seemed unimpressed. [WTEN] [WNYT] [TU]
The woman who died after apparently jumping from the Berkshire Spur overpass on the Hudson this week was an Albany High School teacher. The interim Albany schools superintendent says the woman was "an excellent teacher." She had been teaching math in the district since 1984. [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT]
Ford takes shot at Gillibrand and Schumer, TU Center turns profit, second ESP man caver sentenced, Phillip Livingston school up for sale
Harold Ford was in Albany yesterday to make the rounds at the Capitol and ESP -- and take shots at both Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer. Ford said on Talk 1300 that both senators were elected to be independent and not act like a "parakeet" for for the Democratic Party. A Gillibrand spokesman shot back: "The notion that [Ford] is independent is completely contrived." Said one legislative intern to the TU after meeting Ford on the ESP concourse: "He should really look into getting a New York accent." [AP/Troy Record] [NYO] [NYDN] [NYT] [TU]
David Paterson said yesterday that his potential gubernatorial campaign opponents shouldn't be hiding in the "candidate protection program." [NYDN]
Annoyed that the governor keeps calling them back for special sessions, the legislature has decided to just not adjourn -- basically blocking more special sessions. [Daily Politics]
Albany County announced that the Times Union Center, which it owns, turned a profit of almost $1.8 million last year -- up from about $900k the year before. That's the second-highest profit in the facility's 20-year history (not adjusted for inflation). [Albany County] [TU]
Suspended Schenectady cop arrested again, Cuomo to declare in March?, man arrested for 65th time, local pilot flies supply missions to Haiti
Suspended Schenectady police officer John Lewis has been arrested. Again. It's his sixth arrest in the last two years. In this most recent case, he's accused of causing a car accident in the Ellis Hospital parking lot after he allegedly left the emergency department drunk. The SPD first tried to fire Lewis in 1998 for allegedly using a racial slur. The department's waiting for a decision on its most recent attempt to terminate him. [WNYT] [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Fox23] [CBS6]
A "source close to [Andrew] Cuomo" tells the Daily News that Andrew Cuomo will officially announce he's running for governor in March. David Paterson's campaign manager says "it's clear Mr. Cuomo is running for governor." [NYDN] [NYDN]
David Paterson is apparently going to try again to get the state worker unions to give up their raises this year. [TU]
Colonie assemblyman -- and outspoken MMA critic -- Bob Reilly says he's willing to support a compromise bill that would legalize ultimate fighting in the state if certain restrictions were placed on the sport. [TU]
UAlbany cancelled a cage fighting match scheduled for the SEFCU Arena this past weekend after a state commission said the event appeared to violate state law. [@albstudentpress] [Daily Gazette $]
Options considered for Albany High, Fort Orange Club gets demolition permit, liquor stores upset about supermarket wine, Colonie "actively pursuing" redevelopment of First Prize Center
After Albany High School was as identified as one of the state's "persistently lowest achieving" schools, interim schools superintendent Raymond Colucciello says the "transformation" option is being strongly considered (the state has laid out four options for reorganizing schools on this list). [AOA] [TU] [NYSED]
The Albany city planning board has granted the Fort Orange Club a permit to demolish two buildings on its property. Preservationists had argued the buildings were historically significant. [TU]
Timothy Rankins, the owner of downtown Albany bar Envy Lounge, was arrested yesterday on charges that he didn't pay almost $200k in sales taxes. The allegedly unpaid taxes are from the operation of the Pearl Restaurant and Lounge, which Rankins once owned (the Pearl was shut down after an underage drinking raid there -- it's since reopened under new management). The TU has recently chronicled Rankins allegedly close ties with police and city officials. [Troy Record] [CBS6] [WNYT] [TU]
The Capital Region's unemployment rate was 7 percent in December, according to the state labor department. The state's overall rate was 8.8 percent -- the highest in 26 years. [AOA] [Troy Record]
Police say home invasions linked to drugs and gambling, Cuomo could wait until April, a familiar robbery attempt
The Albany Police Department said yesterday that the shooting of two men in a Pine Hills apartment last week appears to be connected to sales of pot. The APD said there have been 23 reported "home invasions" in the city over the last year and "illegal activity such as drug sales or gambling." [APD]
An Albany common councilman is proposing a law that would require new city employees to live in the city. The rule wouldn't apply to police and firefighters. [TU] [CBS6]
The Schenectady County DA is backing efforts to keep emails related to the Steven Raucci case from being made public. [Daily Gazette $]
Both houses of the state legislature passed a package of ethics reforms -- and shortly thereafter, David Paterson vowed to veto the bill. The governor says the package doesn't go far enough. [NYT] [Daily Politics] [TU]
Chilly reaction to Paterson budget, shooting near school in Troy, mop protests at Bruno fundraiser, prof accused of growing pot
David Paterson's proposed budget doesn't seem to have gone over well with state legislators, some of whom are already vowing to make significant changes the proposed cuts in education and health care spending. Local elected officials also seemed cool to the budget plan. School district officials also weren't happy. Andrew Cuomo: good start, let's see it actually happen. And the conservative-leaning Empire Center said Paterson's budget didn't cut enough. One person who did seem enthusiastic: SUNY chancellor Nancy Zimpher (the Paterson plan would give SUNY more control over its tuition rates). [NYT] [TU] [Troy Record] [Saratogian] [Daily Politics] [Post-Star] [CapNews9]
The state legislature didn't vote yesterday on a plan to lift the cap on the number of charter schools in the state. The legislature had been bouncing the plan around because of a deadline yesterday afternoon to file for federal education money. [TU] [NYT]
Troy police say a man was shot in the back yesterday afternoon in North Central, just a block from a school. (map). A witness said he saw two men run from the scene and drive off. [TU] [CapNews9] [Troy Record]
The woman who was driving over the Dunn Memorial Bridge in 2005 when a section dropped two feet has settled with the state Department of Transportation for more than $100k, according to her attorney. The lawyer says her client has suffered from PTSD because of the experience. [TU] [Fox23]
Paterson to propose budget today, questions about APD chief salary, protest planned for Bruno fundraiser, the "conscious" candy machine
David Paterson is scheduled to release his 2010-2011 budget proposal today.
Last night's special session of the legislature didn't include action on the proposal to increase the state's cap on the number of charter schools (though senators did find time to squabble over parliamentary procedure). The state has until 4:30 today to file its application for $700 million in federal funding -- and removal of the charter school cap is seen as a key part of that application. [AP/Post-Star] [TU] [Fox23] [TU]
Jerry Jennings is hoping to a close a gap in the next Albany budget by getting the state to advance almost $40 million in PILOT money for the ESP. [TU]
As Albany searches for a new police chief, the question has come up: does the job pay enough? [TU]
Teen accused in Bailey shooting pleads guilty, Walmart heirs backing local charter schools, rash of car break-ins in Colonie
King Modest, one of the teens accused of being involved with the killing of UAlbany student Richard Bailey in 2008, has agreed to a plea deal that involves him testifying against the other two accused teens. If convicted on the original charges, Modest faced 25 years to life -- he's now expected to get 10 years in prison. Statements the three teens allegedly made to Albany police indicated that Modest was a lookout during the robbery-turned-shooting. The attorney for the teen accused of pulling the trigger tried yesterday to cast doubt on Modest's version of events. [CapNews9] [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23]
Albany police say the shooting of two men in an apartment near the St. Rose campus this week appears to have been a targeted robbery attempt. The APD says it's searching for five suspects allegedly involved in the crime. [APD] [TU]
The state Senate committee investigating Hiram Monserrate has recommended "expulsion or in the alternative, censure with revocation of privileges" for the Queens senator. Monserrate was convicted of misdemeanor assault against his girlfriend last fall. A state Senate vote on whether to expel him is expected to come in the next few weeks. Neil Breslin and Roy McDonald are both expected to vote for expulsion -- Hugh Farley says he's undecided. A political scientist says Monserrate's expulsion could throw the chamber into "chaos and deadlock." [Daily Politics] [NYT] [CapCon] [TU]
Delmar resident Scott Ritter, the former UN weapons inspector and outspoken Iraq war critic, has been accused of being caught in a online sex sting. Police in Pennsylvania allege that he exposed himself via webcam to a undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old girl. Ritter faced similar charges in 2001 from a sting here in the Capital Region -- those charges were dropped. Ritter did not comment to reporters who knocked on his door yesterday. [AP/Saratogian] [CapNews9] [TU] [WNYT]
Two men shot in Pine Hills, legislators propose new ethics oversight, alleged horse slasher pleads guilty, struck Saratoga pedestrians ticketed
Albany police say two men were shot on Ontario Street near St. Rose yesterday evening (map). They say how the shooting went down was unclear. The two men's injuries were not considered life threatening. St. Rose security said the campus was locked down temporarily while police searched for suspects. [CBS6] [TU] [CapNews9] [ASP]
The Troy police overtime was almost double the amount budgeted for last year. The city's highest paid employee last year was a police sergeant who made $140,738.10 -- almost half of that overtime. [Troy Record] [TU]
State legislative leaders introduced a package of ethics reforms that would create new watchdogs for the legislature, the executive branch and lobbyists. David Paterson said the plan isn't enough because it doesn't require legislators to disclose their outside business clients. A "top aide" said the governor won't sign the bill in its current form. [TU] [NYT] [Daily Politics]
Documents filed by Andrew Cuomo's office in state supreme court allege that Pedro Espada may have violated tax, election, labor law -- and committed fraud, too -- as head of a Bronx health care group. Espada called the investigation by the AG a "witch hunt driven by his political ambitions." [NYT] [TU]
Legislature is back, concern for natural childbirth program, possible challenger for Tedisco or Farley, Luna found
The legislature is back in session today. Among the topics that may -- or may not -- come up: lifting the cap on the number of charter schools in the state, which would open the way for $700 million in federal education aid. [CapNews9] [TU]
The bankruptcy attorney for Sandy Horowitz says the Troy landlord intends to keep all his buildings in the city. Horowitz owes the city more than $600k in taxes on his properties, which include the Cannon Building. [TU]
The St. Peter's/Northeast Health/Seton Health merger has prompted questions about the future of Seton's natural childbirth program. [TU]
The Loudonville rabbi accused of inappropriately touching two boys has pleaded guilty to child endangerment. He admitted to a judge that he had inappropriate physical contact with the boys and told one of them to lie about the incident. As part of the plea deal, he could get 60 days in jail and three years of probation. [TU] [CapNews9] [WTEN]
Landlord owes Troy more than $600k, man arrested for allegedly stabbing mother and brother, wettest decade on record, renovations begin on Dinosaur building
Companies owned by landlord Sandy Horowitz owe the city of Troy more than $600,000 in back taxes, according to his bankruptcy filing. Horowitz owns the Cannon Building, which was recently shut down temporarily because of code violations. [Troy Record] [Troy Record]
A Greenfield 20-year-old has been charged with stabbing both his brother and mother Friday. Saratoga County DA James Murphy said "every major organ except the heart was punctured or injured" in the brother during the attack. [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
Troy police say a man was shot multiple times Saturday night in South Troy (map). The TPD says it's arrested a Schenectady man. [CapNews9] [Troy Record]
The state will be spending $5 million to replace the bridge that connects Niska Isle -- and its nine households -- to the rest of Niskayuna. (Niska Isle is actually a peninsula.) [TU]
State now has glut of H1N1 vaccine, increase in heating oil prices, Olmert to speak at Union, suspect accused biting man in the neck
Apparently there is now a glut of H1N1 flu vaccine in New York State. [TU]
Prompted by the promise of federal money, David Paterson is now in favor of lifting the state cap on charter schools. [TU]
Schenectady County prosecutors allege that a Schenectady man accused of sexually abusing two girls offered to pay the girls' mother if they didn't testify against him. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
The cold weather has prompted a rise in home heating oil prices. [WTEN]
State of the State reaction, Cuomo continues to dodge, APD looking for community input, fire at firehouse
In his State of the State speech yesterday, David Paterson proposed a bunch of ethics reforms and economic development initiatives (full text of Paterson's speech). He also openly scolded the legislature and interest groups for creating a culture of "addiction to spending, power, and approval." That didn't seem to go over well with the audience. [TU] [Daily Politics] [NYO] [NYT]
Reactions to Paterson's speech:
+ Dean Skelos: "Governor Paterson talked a lot about fiscal restraint, but we've heard that speech before." [CapNews9]
+ Sheldon Silver seemed to be on board with some of Paterson's ethics reforms, but not others. [NYO]
+ Andrew Cuomo: the outline for spending and ethics reform is right, but "we've had trouble in the past is actually getting it done." [NYO]
+ Jim Tedisco: "You have to take what he says with a grain of salt until you see that positive action which he hasn't illustrated so far." [Fox23]
+ Roy McDonald: "I'm tired of these stupid budgets that don't work and of upstate getting the short end of the stick." [Saratogian]
+ Jack McEneny: "The proof is going to be in the [next] budget." [Troy Record]
+ Baruch College prof Doug Muzzio on the proposed ethics reforms: "Ain't going to happen." [AP/Post-Star]
+ George Pataki: "I thought it was exactly the right message." [NYO]
State of the State today, hundreds show up for save-the-Y meeting, Some Girls "in jeopardy," Murphy says he was "clotheslined" in the House
David Paterson is scheduled to deliver his State of the State address this afternoon at 1 pm (webcast). He's expected to propose a set of reforms aimed at fighting political corruption. Among the proposals: terms limits for legislators and a requirement that legislators disclose their outside income. [NYT] [TU]
The executive director of the Capital District YMCA said last night at a community meeting that the Washington Ave location -- which is on the verge of closing -- lost almost $400k last year. He said the location currently has 1800 memberships -- and, to stay open, needs 2500 by April and 3500 by the end of the year. About 400 people showed up for the meeting. [TU] [@sebastienbarre] [ACO]
The Duanesburg Central School District announced yesterday that almost $3 million had been stolen from its accounts electronically last month. The district says about $2.5 million has been recovered. The theft came to light after the district's bank flagged a transaction to an overseas bank account. A district official says they thought they had "the proper safeguards in place" to prevent such a crime. The FBI and state police are investigating. The district says it does not believe the theft was an inside job. The district has a budget of $15 million. [Daily Gazette $] [CapNews9] [CBS6] [WTEN] [Fox23] [TU] [WNYT]
After years of planning, the Albany Police Department recently installed cameras in its patrol cars. Here's press release explaining how the system works. [TU] [APD]
Mayor says Albany faces "financial tsunami," ESP man caver gets a year in jail, Skidmore moves into new Zankel Center
During his state of the city speech last night, Jerry Jennings said Albany is facing the possibility of a "a financial tsunami" in 2011. The mayor said the city will be bringing in outside financial consultants to help develop a plan. He also continued his call for "appropriate equitable state aid" to the city. [WTEN] [TU] [CapNews9]
The janitor who pleaded guilty in the ESP Man Cave case was sentenced to a year in jail and scolded for bringing "contempt and ridicule" on state workers. [CapNews9] [TU]
Parts of the Cannon Building on Monument Square in Troy have re-opened after the building inspectors shut it down for code violations. Harry Tutunjian tweeted yesterday that the building is still without water. [TU] [@TroyMayor]
The new president of the Schenectady city council is calling for voters to dump the city's school board members in the spring elections. [TU]
Thruway tolls increase, Albany schools to use lottery, the weekend in crime, the first baby of 2010
Thruway tolls went up five percent on Sunday, for both cash and EZ-Pass. State comptroller Tom DiNapoli criticized the increase, calling it "the last thing New Yorkers need now." [AP/Saratogian] [Fox23] [NYS OSC] [WNYT]
A 78-year-old woman was killed in Schenectady Saturday night after she was struck by a pick-up truck while crossing State Street near Proctors. The woman had been volunteering at the theater. The SPD says it's investigating the accident. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Fox23] [CapNews9]
Troy police say a man stole an idling SUV -- with two kids in it -- from outside a grocery store Friday morning. The TPD says the kids were found 45 minutes later, unharmed, along with the SUV. They say the suspect was arrested later that day. [Troy Record] [TU] [Troy Record]
Officials from the YMCA will be holding a meeting with the public this week to talk about what might be done to save the Washington Ave location in Albany. [Troy Record]
The Albany school district will be switching to a lottery system for filling slots in its pre-k programs. The old system was first-come-first-pick-wait-all-night. [TU]
Fatal shooting in Schenectady, kids credited with saving horses from fire, Cannon Building shut down, push to redevelop First Prize Center
Police say a man was shot and killed yesterday in Schenectady -- allegedly by his girlfriend's former husband. Police say they've arrested the alleged shooter, who they say is an active duty serviceman who was on holiday leave. [CapNews9] [TU] [Fox23] [WTEN]
Schenectady cop Dwayne Johnson pleaded not guilty yesterday to the 15 counts in his indictment, which include four felonies. Prosecutors allege that Johnson defrauded the city by working as a security guard at a gas station while he supposed to be on duty. Johnson topped the pay chart for Schenectady cops last year thanks to overtime pay. [Daily Gazette $] [CapNews9] [TU] [WTEN]
A group of "kids" is being credited with helping to save a bunch of horses* from a big barn fire in Colonie. A 12-year-old was apparently among the first to smell smoke and take action to evacuate the animals. All the horses were saved. The Gazette has a remarkable photo of the fire, which firefighters say was stoked by strong winds. [CBS6] [WTEN] [CapNews9] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Three adults and one teen in Knox pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges they tortured and blew up a turtle last year. Police say they found video of the alleged turtle bombing this year during a raid for an Internet scam case. [Troy Record] [CapNews9] [TU]
State comptroller says Medicaid is "leaking" millions, 89-year-old accused of attempted murder-suicide, electricity rates going up, The Missile pleads guilty
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli reported yesterday that New York's Medicaid system is "leaking" millions of dollars. He says the program lost $92 million over the last five years to errors, improper payments and poor record keeping. Among the improper payments cited by the comptroller: $196,000 in cab rides for a woman to travel daily from Dutchess County to Albany to visit her son. [NYS OSC] [NYT] [TU]
The Troy city council and mayor Harry Tutunjian were in court yesterday in an attempt to resolve their budget dispute. They didn't -- and now a judge will rule. [Troy Record] [TU]
Niskayuna police say an 89-year-old man tried to kill his 87-year-old sister as part of an attempted murder-suicide last week. He's been charged with attempted murder. [TU] [CapNews9]
Real estate agents say the federal first-time home buyer tax credit led to a surge in closed sales in the Capital Region last month (up 36 percent from last year, though only about 2 percent from 2007). There's still a lot of inventory. [TU] [AOA]
Former judge sentenced to prison, Paterson criticizes Shen superintendent, NYRA president says racing at Saratoga threatened, the 25-pound chocolate Santa
Former state Supreme Court judge Thomas Spargo, whose chambers were in Albany, was sentenced to more than two years in prison yesterday for trying to shake down attorneys. Spargo's attorney had argued for no jail time, but Judge Gary Sharpe said, "We can't ignore what happened here." (And, yep, Sharpe is also the judge in the Joe Bruno case.) [Daily Gazette $] [Troy Record] [TU]
New York State comptroller Tom DiNapoli said yesterday that the state's school districts will face a $2 billion funding gap when federal stimulus money runs out in 2011. He says that could mean a property tax increase of 8 percent. [NYS OSC] [TU]
David Paterson criticized Shen schools superintendent Oliver Robinson yesterday for Robinson's "complaining" (Paterson's word) about delayed state aid to schools. Paterson said he didn't know why Robinson was complaining about $180,000 when Shen has $3.8 million in reserve. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
Rudy Giuliani is expected to announce today that he won't run for office in 2010 -- not even US Senate. He's expected to endorse Rick Lazio for governor. [NYDN] [NYT] [AP/TU]
The first person in Albany County charged under a new state law that makes it a felony to drive drunk with a child in the car is an obstetrician from Vorheesville. Guilderland police say she was pulled over on Route 155 Saturday night. The child in the car belongs to a colleague, who was also riding in the car. [TU] [CapNews9] [Fox23] [WTEN]
Delmar house burns to ground after explosions, DA says city worker chased down alleged mugger, gun buyback out of money, mansion a bargain?
An explosion badly burned a teenager in Delmar and burned his house to the ground on Saturday (map). Firefighters say they heard two explosions after arriving at the scene. Neighbors say they could feel the explosions. Bethlehem police say they're investigating the possibility that rocket fuel was involved in the explosion. The teen was taken to a burn unit in Westchester County -- an EMT says the teen lost a hand in the explosion. A web site has been set up to help organize aid for the family. [TU] [Fox23] [Troy Record] [WNYT] [TU] [CapNews9] [CBS6]
David Paterson says New York would be "punished" under the health care reform bill moving through Congress. [Daily Politics]
The jurors in the Joe Bruno trial say the experience convinced them that the state needs stronger ethics laws. [TU]
Saratoga Springs' outgoing public safety commissioner is calling for the city attorney to resign after the attorney allegedly threw a folder full of resignation notices at the head of the public works commissioner. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
Investigation finds fraud at state forensics lab, Paterson talking about layoffs again, homeless shelters jammed, another bank robbery attempt
A investigation by the state inspector general concludes that Gary Veeder, a former state police forensic scientist, "routinely" failed to conduct a required test on fiber evidence and then lied about performing the test in case records. Twenty-six of the cases were from the Capital Region. State police say it does not appear the fraudulent testing affected any convictions. The IG's report also concludes that Veeder was able to get away with the fraudulent work for years because "laboratory staff's technical, or peer, reviews of Veeder's fiber examinations were substandard, overlooking obvious indications that Veeder had omitted the required fiber test." State police say they're bringing in an outside consultant to address the problem. Veeder is now dead -- he committed suicide at his home in Vorheesville last year. [NYS IG] [Fox23] [WNYT] [NYT] [TU]
The Saratoga County sheriff's deputy accused of forcing an acquaintance to perform a sex act on him while he was on duty has been indicted on 11 new charges. Saratoga County DA James Murphy says three more women have stepped forward to accuse the deputy of similar crimes. [TU] [Saratogian]
Federal prosecutors are predicting jail time for Joe Bruno. [NYDN]
David Paterson says state worker layoffs will be back on the table if state revenues continue to drop. [NYP]
Steven Raucci will stay in jail after a state appeals court affirmed a lower court's decision to deny him bail. The TU and the Daily Gazette are now suing the Schenectady school district for access to its investigation of Raucci. The district has already released a version of the report -- but it was heavily redacted. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Daily Gazette $] [TU]
State DEC scientists report that bat populations are down 90 percent in caves where they're studying "white nose syndrome." "We don't have a lot of years to figure this out," says a DEC scientist. [NYS DEC] [TU]
Education groups sue over state aid, Schumer apologizes to flight attendant, police say stolen Timberlands kicked off chase, Albany councilman calls for cancellation of "Jersey Shore"
A coalition of education groups -- headed by NYSUT -- filed suit against David Paterson yesterday in attempt to eliminate the delay in education aid payments. The coalition argues that Paterson has overstepped his authority -- and the uncertainty created the action is making budgeting difficult. Paterson accused the coalition of trying to be "extra special" interest groups. [TU] [NYT] [Fox23] [Daily Politics]
Saratoga Springs' finance commissioner says the city may have to borrow money to cover the gap created by delayed state aid payments. [Saratogian]
Democrats in the Rensselaer County legislature says three incoming Republicans should not be allowed to serve in both the county legislature and their town boards. One of the incoming Republicans called the practice "totally legal." [TU] [Troy Record]
Richard Daines, New York's health commissioner, got an H1N1 shot during a photo opp yesterday. Even though flu activity in the state is decling, Daines called the flu a "tricky virus" and urged people to still get vaccinated. [CapNews9] [TU] [Fox23]
Chuck Schumer apologized yesterday for calling a flight attendant a "bitch" after she told him to stop talking on his mobile phone. Kirsten Gillibrand was sitting next to him on the plane (and apparently did end her call) and Republicans are now criticizing her for not publicly condemning Schumer's actions. [NYDN] [Politico] [NYT] [Daily Politics]
State school aid cuts detailed, state police report on I-90 shootout, town's bond rating downgraded to junk, the $40,000 tree
The state Division of Budget released a breakdown of how much funding would be held back from each school district as part of David Paterson's cut-for-solvency. Among the Capital Region districts, Albany took the largest hit (in absolute terms) -- $744,643. Albany's interim superintendent says the district had been anticipating the cuts and had already started trimming its budget. David Paterson said this week that the districts could eventually receive the delayed money if the state's fiscal condition improves. NYSUT is leading a coalition that plans to file suit over the delays/cuts. [Daily Politics] [CapCon] [TU] [NYT] [WTEN]
The state Board of Elections has finally approved new voting machines. [TU]
David Paterson is expected to extend anti-discrimination protections to transgender state employees today. [NYT]
A State Police investigation reports that the man at the center of January's shoot-out on I-90 was probably high on PCP and yelled for police to shoot him (which they eventually did -- he later died). They also released video of the incident from a camera in a state trooper's car. State Police say it appears the man was on the run from crimes in Connecticut. One effect of the shoot-out: the state police troop based in Loudonville is now equipped with 48 patrol semi-automatic rifles. [Daily Gazette $] [Troy Record] [Fox23] [WTEN] [CapNews9] [TU]
Troy budget veto overridden, APD leaning toward community policing, Paterson looking for a "hand back," trailer runs into overpass
The Troy city council voted to override Harry Tutunjian's budget veto last night -- and now Tutunjian says he'll take the issue to court. The mayor says he would go jail before certifying what he calls an "imbalanced" budget. He also accused members of the city council of lying and distorting the truth. Council president Clement Campana said the council was within its rights to adjust the mayor's budget. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23] [@TroyMayor] [CapNews9]
The Albany police department appears to be leaning toward an embrace of community policing again. (Question: Why are fundamental policy decisions being made before a new chief comes on board?) [TU]
Now that Colonie has tightened its rules on motels that house sex offenders, Albany County Social Services has been placing them in homeless shelters and apartments in the city of Albany, according to a county spokesperson. [TU]
Saratoga Springs police say they're still investigating an incident last Friday that resulted in a man being shot in the leg. [Saratogian] [TU]
Paterson says he's cutting local aid to keep state solvent, downtown Albany Y could close, yet another bank robbery, sinkhole swallows car, more quakes in Berne
David Paterson announced yesterday that he's unilaterally withholding $750 million in aid to local governments and schools in order to keep the state solvent. Said Paterson at the announcement, "I can't say this enough: The state has run out of money. We are $1 billion short." He also blamed the legislature, again, for not addressing the state's budget gap. A spokesman for the state Senate majority called Paterson's action "self-indulgent theatrics." [TU] [NYDN] [NYO] [NYT]
A state panel's draft report, obtained by NYT, says that New York State's juvenile prisons are in such bad shape that family court judges should stop sending all but the most dangerous offenders to them. [NYT]
The lawyer for De Von Callicut, the teen accused of firing the shot that killed Richard Bailey, is trying to get Callicut's statement to police tossed because he didn't have an attorney present. [TU]
A state lawyer told a state Supreme Court judge that the planned expansion of the Albany landfill would be its last -- probably. [TU]
Saratoga Springs are investigating an early Friday morning shooting. [Saratogian]
Albany police are investigating a car-to-car shooting around noon on Saturday near Hoffman Park (map). [WNYT] [Fox23]
Pension system for new state workers adjusted, NYRA aims to stop horse slaughter, another bank robbery, Albany Institute scraping financially, dog rescued with help of plumbing camera
David Paterson signed legislation that creates a new tier -- "Tier V" -- for the state employee pension system raises the retirement age and requires workers to contribute more. It's being touted as the biggest change to the pension system in 25 years. Paterson says the change will save New York State $35 billion over the next 30 years. [TU] [Fox23] [Paterson op-ed in TU]
The federal officials who handled the investigation and prosecution of Joe Bruno say they will continue to focus on ethics violations at the state capitol. [TU]
The state is no longer limiting distribution of the H1N1 flu vaccine to people in priority groups. Albany County has scheduled times next week for residents to get the jab. [AP/TU] [Albany County]
According to court documents obtained by the TU, the three teens accused of murdering Richard Bailey allegedly gave police detailed -- and different -- accounts of the night of the murder. [TU]
NYRA announced yesterday that any horse owner who sells their horses to slaughter -- "either knowingly or for lack of due diligence" -- will have their stalls revoked at Saratoga and the other NYRA tracks. [Saratogian] [CapNews9] [Post-Star]
Record snowfall yesterday, Paterson defends Wall Street, parking ticket plan approved, new license plates still on the way, again no ice skating at ESP
We got just about 7 inches at the uptown office.
Yesterday's storm dropped 7.3 inches of snow on the Capital Region, according to the National Weather Service (forecasts on Tuesday had been predicting 2 to 5 inches). That's a record for December 9 (the previous high mark was 6.3 inches). Parts of Saratoga County reported getting as much as 10 inches. [NWS] [Saratogian]
A freight train hit a snow plow at a crossing in Northumberland yesterday morning, killing one of the the men on the plow truck and injuring the other (map). The crossing doesn't have gates or signals. [Post-Star] [CapNews9] [Saratogian]
Albany County's public works commissioner says yesterday's short, strong blast of snow made it hard to keep the roads clear during rush hour. Troy somehow found a way to clear its streets without Bob Mirch. [TU] [Troy Record]
David Paterson again vowed to hold back aid to local governments in order to keep the state solvent (his budget director compared the fiscal situation to driving in the snow). The chair of the state Senate finance committee says Paterson will be sued it he tries to do that. [NYO] [Daily Politics] [TU]
During the same speech yesterday, Paterson also defended Wall Street -- calling it the engine of New York State's economy. Said a state Senate "source" of the speech: "I half-expected to see Michael Douglas come out and reprise his role as Gordon Gekko." [NYT] [NYDN]
Winter storm warning, Bruno Bruno Bruno, Troy budget vetoed, Saratoga schools change bike policy, Proctors is a powerhouse
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning this morning. It lasts until 7 pm. Snowfall totals are now expected be in the 5-10 inch range. [NWS]
The Supreme Court of the United States heard arguments yesterday in two cases involving the federal theft of "honest services" law under which Joe Bruno was convicted. The justices appeared to be leaning toward the view that the law is too vague. Bruno's camp is hoping a SCOTUS ruling on the law will aid their case. [TU] [NYT] [Troy Record]
Bruno could be in line for somewhere between 2-3 years in prison, according to federal sentencing guidelines -- though the judge has wide discretion. The forewoman of his jury says she'd hate to see him go to jail. [TU] [Troy Record]
The Bruno conviction has people around the state capitol talking about ethics reform. Two senators are already floating a bill written to close the "Bruno gap." [NYT] [Daily Politics]
Bruno resigned from his job as CEO of the Latham IT consulting firm CMA yesterday. CMA does a lot of business with governments and Bruno's continued employment could have jeopardized millions of dollars in contracts. [Troy Record] [TU]
Don't expect to see Bruno's name taken off any thing in the Capital Region anytime soon. [NYT]
Joe Bruno convicted, state managers upset they're not getting a raise, another bank robbery, cash for clunker appliances, crackdown on deer jacking
A federal jury convicted Joe Bruno on two felony counts of mail fraud. (here's a breakdown of the counts). "It was very hard to convict him when he's done so much for the area," said the juryforewoman to the TU. As he exited the courthouse, Bruno said to reporters: "It's not over till it's over and I think it's far from over." It sounds like Bruno is already planning an appeal. He faces up to 40 years in jail and $500k in fines -- though the judge has broad sentencing discretion. [TU] [Troy Record] [TU] [Troy Record] [Buffalo News] [NYT]
The Albany County legislature has approved a budget that includes a 5.9 percent tax increase* -- and keeps 100 jobs that were slated to be cut. (*The Record says the legislature approved a budget with a 5.4 percent tax increase, as opposed to county exec Mike Breslin's proposed 5.9 percent.) [TU] [CapNews9] [Troy Record]
Schenectady police say a man was shot on Hamburg street early this morning (map). [TU]
State management and confidential employees are upset that they're not getting raises -- even though the unionized people they supervise are. [TU]
Still no verdict in Bruno trial, new Saratoga police chief named, man allegedly walks out of jewelry store with $29k necklace, light rail for Saratoga?
Joe Bruno Trial: still no verdict. Jurors will be back for a seventh day of deliberations today. [TU] [CapNews9]
Christopher Cole will be Saratoga Springs' next police chief. He's a 20-year veteran of the force and the son of a Saratoga cop. Incoming public safety commissioner Richard Wirth, who had protested a chief being picked before the start of his term, appeared to be happy with the selection. Ed Moore, the current chief, announced his retirement in order to save the department money -- and perhaps layoffs -- though it's unclear how much money will actually be saved. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
RPI celebrated the the ten year tenure of president Shirley Ann Jackson this past weekend. In a speech Saturday, Jackson said the school had become "re-enrgerized, reinvigorated and refocused." And Aretha Franklin's performance at EMPAC Friday night was fantastic, apparently. [WNYT] [Troy Record] [Troy Record]
Rivers Cuomo -- of Weezer fame -- was apparently hurt when his tour bus rolled over on the Thruway near Amsterdam Sunday. The TU seems have gotten some indication that Cuomo was eventually taken to Albany Med. The bus apparently skidded after hitting some ice. [Fox23] [TU] [CapNews9]
Day six in Bruno trial, marriage equality vote protest, details in Colonie soldier's death, residents weigh in on APD chief, Albany in-flight
Last night's marriage equality protest at the NYS Capitol
Day six of deliberations is underway in the trial of former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno. Yesterday jurors heard a three hour read-back of testimony from former Senate attorney and current judge Francis T. Collins. Collins testified early in November that he had sparse information on Bruno's outside business dealings when he was asked to give an ethical opinion about them. The jury has reached a verdict on two counts, but is still considering six counts. Bruno was optimistic enough about his own situation yesterday to comment on someone else's problems. [TU] [News9]
About 150 people showed up last night to protest the senates vote against gay marriage. Eight Democrats joined all the Senate Republicans in voting against the Marriage Equality Act this week. Governor Paterson is a strong proponent of marriage equality, but there's some question as to how involved he was in lobbying Senators to pass the act. Paterson's sagging popularity may be the reason same-sex marriage advocates did not seek his support for a final push. [AOA] [NYT]
The debate over how to close the NYS budget gap continues. Governor Paterson claims the legislature's efforts to close the gap this week don't go far enough. Paterson continues to claim he'll cut spending further, saying "I'm going to do it even without their permission, and if they want to take me to court, they can sue me, but I will not let this state run out of money on my watch." [WXXI via DailyPolitics]
Former State comptroller Alan Hevesi may have accepted bribes from a California investment banker who pleaded guilty in Andrew Cuomo's Pension Fraud investigation. Hevesi is believed to have taken 75 thousand dollars in luxury vacations for himself and his family while he was in office. Also named in the investment banker's confession -- former "Mod Squad" actress Peggy Lipton. [NYP]
State Senate votes down same-sex marriage bill, Bruno trial still deliberating, alleged elderly safe robber arrested, Albany school district considers mid-year job cuts
The state Senate voted down the same-sex marriage bill 38-24. Supporters of the bill apparently thought the vote would be closer. Eight Democrats joined every Republican in the chamber in voting "no." Here's a listing of how each senator voted. [TU] [NYT] [NYDN] [CapCon]
The state Senate passed the $2.7 billion deficit reduction bill. David Paterson criticized the legislature's cuts for falling "well short" of what's actually necessary to cover the budget gap. The Senate also passed bills that reform the state's public authorities (such as the Thruway Authority) and change the pension rules for new state employees. [TU] [Daily Politics] [NYT] [NYT]
Joe Bruno Trial: the jury is still deliberating. The jury asked to have testimony read back yesterday from Jared Abbruzzese, the Loudonville businessman who bought an overvalued horse from Bruno apparently to make up for a canceled consulting contract. Oh, no: the trial seems to be affecting Uncle Joe's perma-tan (if not his loquaciousness). [TU] [Troy Record] [NYT]
After the Saratoga Springs' police and fire chiefs announced their retirements this week, Ron Kim -- the outgoing Saratoga Springs public safety commissioner -- says he's moving to hire their replacements. That's not going over well with Richard Wirth, who become public safety commissioner on January 1. [TU] [Saratogian]
Movement on state budget gap, Bruno trial jurors say they're stuck, Saratoga chiefs retiring, still no public release of plan for Harriman, police say guard was tied up during safe robbery
The state Assembly passed a deficit reduction bill during the middle of the night -- the bill falls short of making all the necessary cuts, though. The state Senate is scheduled to vote on a budget gap bill today. [NYO] [Daily Politics] [TU]
The Assembly also passed the same-sex marriage bill again. Who knows if the Senate will vote on the bill. [NYDN] [NYO]
Joe Bruno Trial: The jury said yesterday that it had reached a verdict on two counts (which ones and what verdict unknown) -- but was stuck on the six other counts. Judge Gary Sharpe then basically told them to keep trying. The Bruno camp appeared to be heartened by the development. [Troy Record] [NYT] [TU]
Saratoga Springs' police and fire chiefs announced yesterday that they're retiring. The chiefs say they hope their retirements will helps save the jobs of younger members of their departments slated for layoffs. Both chiefs make about $100k. [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
The SUNY central office says it will not be investigating allegations that SUNY Cobleskill allowed unqualified students into the school just so it could get their tuition money. The allegations are part of a suit filed by a former dean, who alleges that the school discriminated against African-American students from NYC by lowering its admission standards in order to balance its budget. [TU] [CapNews9]
Porco appeal focuses on nod, state budget gap deal could be close, job cuts at Skidmore, police say 11-year-old called 911 on alleged robbers, CDTA bus bursts into flames
The judges hearing Christopher Porco's appeal in a Brooklyn state appellate court yesterday focused on the admissibility of the nod that detectives say Joan Porco made indicating Christopher was responsible for the attack. Joan Porco says she has no memory of the crime -- and the defense argued that prevented Christopher from being able to confront his accuser. The prosecution argued that the defense just missed its chance to have Joan Porco testify that she didn't remember. Christopher Porco is currently serving 50 years in state prison for the murder of his father and attempted murder of his mother. [TU] [Fox23] [CapNews9] [Troy Record]
A deal to close the state budget gap could be near. Or not. Members of the legislature indicated last night that they had put together a plan to cut $2.8 billion (from the $3+ billion gap), which borrows almost $400 million federal education aid from next year for this year's budget. David Paterson said that wasn't good enough -- and announced that he would move to withhold payments to local governments in order to keep the state solvent. [TU] [NYDN] [Daily Politics] [NYT]
Joe Bruno Trial: still no verdict. The jury heard read backs of testimony from two witnesses yesterday, which could be helpful to Bruno. [TU] [Troy Record] [NYT]
Skidmore says it could eliminate as many as 70 jobs as it tries to cover a $12.6 million gap in next year's budget (about 8 percent). [TU] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
The board overseeing redevelopment of the Harriman State Office Campus announced yesterday that Columbia Development has been picked to develop the site. Officials with Columbia have close ties to Jerry Jennings, which prompted a competing developer to accuse the board of making a politically motivated choice. [CapNews9] [TU]
Paterson addressing budget gap by himself, Porco appeal expected today, glut of apples this year, Salvo has to hire bell ringers
David Paterson said yesterday that he's decided to act unilaterally to save the state $1.6 billion through a series of cuts, transfers and accounting maneuvers. He also continued to blame the state Senate for the lack of progress on a deal that would close the state's $3+ budget gap. Paterson might also be considering declaring a "fiscal emergency," a move floated by John Faso. The legislature is expected to be back for a another budget gap special session today. The state is projected to have just $36 million in cash by the end of the year (the state comptroller says even less). [NYO] [Daily Politics] [NYDN] [TU] [CapNews9] [NYT] [NY Post]
Joe Bruno Trial: Jury is back for deliberations today after a break for the holiday. [CapNews9]
Christopher Porco's appeal is expected to be heard today before a state appellate court in Brooklyn. Porco's attorney recently said prosecutors in the case "took a blow torch to the constitution." [CBS6] [CapNews9]
Kirsten Gillibrand, in the area to announce an initiative aimed at protecting seniors against fraud, said the Army has not been forthcoming about details surrounding the death of Colonie soldier Amy Seyboth Tirador. [WNYT] [TU]
Paterson proposes unilateral authority cut budget, Troy residents irked by parking ticket sweep, reward grows for info about duct-taped dog
David Paterson introduced his own deficit reduction bill yesterday -- and said during a webcast that if the legislature wouldn't make cuts, they should give him the temporary authority to do it unilaterally. That second proposal didn't go over well with the legislature. One assemblyman said, "What's next, martial law?" And others, including Neil Breslin, questioned the constitutionality of the arrangement (though apparently some think it might fly). Ron Canestrari praised Paterson's attempt to move the budget ball. Paterson's speech did appear to make some progress -- in further uniting the state Senate against him. The legislature won't be back in session until next week. [NYO] [Daily Politics] [NYDN] [NYT] [Daily Politics] [NYO] [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [Daily Politics] [Fox23]
Joe Bruno Trial: day one of jury deliberations passed without a verdict. The jury will take a break for Thanksgiving and resume deliberations next Monday. [TU] [Troy Record]
One thing that was apparent from testimony in the Bruno trial: his second office was the golf course. [NYT]
Colonie police say a man died this morning when the pickup truck in which he was sitting exploded (map). [TU]
Jury starts deliberations in Bruno trial, lack of oversight allegedly "enabled" ESP man cave, Saratoga budget includes paid parking, post office off consolidation list, bar's TV is huuuuge
Joe Bruno Trial: The prosecution and defense delivered their summations yesterday -- which cast Bruno as a schoolyard bully and Uncle Joe, respectively. The jury will begin deliberating today. The TU's James Odato has put together a helpful breakdown of the case's main points and the arguments on each side. [TU] [NYT] [Troy Record] [TU]
There was little or no apparent progress on a state budget gap fix at the Capitol yesterday, as both the Assembly and Senate quickly gaveled in and out for the special session. The biggest road block appears to still be the Senate's refusal to make cuts to education and health care funding. That's led to talk that the Assembly and David Paterson would work out their own two-way deal. [TU] [CapNews9] [NYDN] [NYO]
An audit by the state comptroller concludes that the Schenectady school district paid Steven Raucci $50,000 in overtime -- with no confirmation that he actually worked those hours. Said a district attorney of the audit: "The Comptroller can't realistically expect that every supervisor will actually physically be with an employee when they're performing overtime." [NYS OSC] [TU] [Fox23]
The state inspector general alleges that "a lack of supervisory control" at the ESP "enabled" the creation of the infamous Man Cave. The Office of General Services said it would "take action" against any supervisor who was "derelict in his or her duties and/or contributed to the misconduct." The IG report also alleges that one of the cavers, a cleaning crew chief, discriminated against African-American workers -- his attorney says the claims are false. [NYS IG] [Troy Record] [CapNews9] [TU]
Legislature back for another try at budget fix, demand up at food banks, local venture capitalists criticized for not taking enough risks, the weekend in crime
The state legislature is scheduled to be back in town today for another special budget session. David Paterson continued to sound the alarm about the budget gap, warning of "furloughs, layoffs, borrowing, downgraded credit ratings" and a range of delayed payments (including to state workers). He also has continued to blame the legislature -- especially the state Senate -- being in "denial" about the problem. It seems the legislature's not a huge fan of him, either. [CapNews9] [Daily Politics] [NYDN] [NY Post]
Summations in the Joe Bruno trial are expected to start today. On Friday, Jared Abbruzzese, a longtime Bruno friend and business associate, testified that he had hired Bruno has a consultant for the senator's contacts and "aura." He said the $80k he paid Bruno for a horse was payment to settle a "a moral obligation" for canceled consulting contracts. And Abbruzzese also said Bruno introduced him to Donald Trump, who -- in Abbruzzese's words -- "walked over me." Even though Abbruzzese was the prosecution's last witness, he may have been most helpful to the defense. It was also announced on Friday that Bruno will not be testifying in his own defense. [TU] [TU] [Fox23] [NYDN] [NYT] [TU] [Troy Record]
Kirsten Gillibrand has been calling state senators in an effort to get "yes" votes for the same-sex marriage bill. [Daily Politics]
Food banks and pantries report that demand for help is up this year, especially among people with jobs. [Troy Record] [TU]
Legislature goes home with no budget deal, state worker buyout extended, all sorts of rumors about Rudy, student accused of lighting firecrackers in school cafeteria
The state legislature has gone home -- and there's no deal to fix the budget gap. David Paterson said he and the state Senate are still stuck on proposed cuts for health care and education funding. Some senators are floating a plan that would "spin up" money for this year's budget, which is apparently just another way of saying borrowing from next year's budget. It looks like the legislature will be back on Monday. [NYO] [TU] [Daily Politics] [Susan Arbetter] [NYO]
The Paterson Administration is extending the $20,000 state worker buyout. [TU]
Joe Bruno Trial: A Senate aide testified yesterday that Bruno allocated "member items" (you know, pork) to other senators based on political considerations (this was apparently something akin to actually acknowledging the elephant in the room). NYT has strung together bits of info from the trial that it argues provide "vivid and sometimes captivating detail how easily official duties and private business can overlap for lawmakers in Albany." [TU] [NYT]
One side effect of the Bruno trial: the Senate is apparently now short on computers. [NYO]
The Albany Convention Center Authority released plans and renderings for the facility this morning. [TU]
Movement at the Capitol, executives said they didn't know why they were paying Bruno, woman charged for not getting treatment for her dog, school district denies Whalen's appeal
There was movement on legislation at the Capitol yesterday -- just not on the deficit reduction plan. The Assembly passed -- and the Senate apparently is about to -- a bill that reforms the hundreds of quasi-independent state authorities (such as the Thruway Authority). Richard Brodsky, the assemblyman behind the bill, says the authorities have been "rogue institutions" that resembled "Soviet-style bureaucracies" and called the the bill "the most fundamental reform of Albany in decades." [TU] [NYT] [NYO] [NYDN]
And in a display that the Capitol can move quickly, the Senate passed and David Paterson signed a bill called "Leandra's Law" yesterday (the Assembly passed it on Tuesday) that makes it a felony drive drunk with a child in the car. The law also requires that anyone convicted of DWI to have an interlock device installed in their car. The new rules have been described as the toughest DWI law in the country. [NYT] [CNN] [CapNews9] [Wikipedia] [CBS News]
Not present for the last two days of the special session: Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr, who says he's been in the Bronx distributing turkeys. [NYO]
Joe Bruno Trial Day 12: Prosecutors focused on hundreds of thousands of dollars in consulting fees that a series of telecommunications companies paid Bruno -- even though executives for those companies apparently didn't know why they were paying the senator. It also came to light that Bruno helped steer $500k in state grants to a Troy firm connected to two longtime friends/associates, one of whom apparently had a deal with the company to get paid stock in return for helping to score the money (he says Bruno's consulting wasn't connected to the money). A former attorney for the state Senate also testified that he had a "CYA" file to keep notes of his dealings with Bruno regarding ethics issues. And Judge Gary Sharpe scold of the day: "Let the record show the witness made a disgusted glance." [NYT] [NYDN] [TU] [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23]
Bruno trial focuses on disclosure forms, progress -- or not -- on state budget gap, contractor dies on dredging project, the crow wars continue
Joe Bruno Trial: Much of the testimony yesterday focused on how Bruno's financial disclosure forms had been compiled. Ken Riddett, the former counsel to the Senate majority, testified that state senators were instructed to hand deliver their financial disclosure forms because of "concerns with federal mail fraud statutes." Also: Bruno's former executive assistant continued her testimony yesterday. She recounted the time Bruno sent her to the bank to get a $1000 bill for his wife -- and she says Bruno got "very angry" with her when she returned with ten $100 bills instead. [NYT] [TU] [Troy Record]
What's the state of discussions on how to close the state's budget gap? It depends on whom you ask -- though count David Paterson as one who's not optimistic, calling the situation a "prelude to what will be continued unhappiness." The governor also said he wouldn't rule out state worker furloughs if a deficit deal doesn't come about. [Daily Politics] [TU] [NYO] [NYDN]
Amy Seyboth Tirador, the Colonie soldier who recently died in Iraq, was buried in Saratoga National Cemetery yesterday. About 300 people attended her funeral in Colonie. Military officials in Iraq told the TU via email yesterday that "we do not know if her death was accidental, a suicide or a homicide." Seyboth Tirador's family has said the soldier was shot in the back of the head. During the funeral yesterday her grandfather said, "Whoever did this crime, I hope they rot in hell." [WTEN] [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT]
Former assistant says she balanced Bruno's checkbook and stole from him, special budget session stumbles, council approves demolition measure, ski resorts hoping to make snow
Joe Bruno Trial: Patricia Stackrow, Bruno's longtime executive assistant, testified yesterday the she "did a lot of his personal business" while working in his state Senate office -- including balancing his check books and shopping. Stackrow also admitted, under immunity from prosecution, that she stole money from Bruno, as she told a grand jury, in "retaliation for the way he treated me at times ... demeaning and very degrading." It is possible Bruno's use of Stackrow as a personal assistant may have violated state ethics laws. Bruno told reporters yesterday the he always wanted to stay a businessman -- "If [the Senate] was full-time, I never would have run in the first place." [NYT] [Fox23] [Troy Record] [TU] [TU] [WTEN]
Yesterday's special budget gap session of the legislature didn't accomplish much. David Paterson and key members of the state Senate continue to be at odds (Carl Kruger, specifically) -- and everyone else kind of seems to be in the dark. And wn what's quickly becoming a tradition, Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr is threatening to go home. Paterson said yesterday he'll continue to call the legislature into special session until there's a deficit reduction deal. [NYT] [TU] [NYDN] [Fox23] [Daily Politics] [AP/WNYT]
Rensselaer County health officials say a county resident has died from H1N1. The person was apparently not in a priority group, nor did she/he have underlying conditions. [TU] [Troy Record]
Troy animal control says a kitten was found last week shot by a BB gun, with a leg broken and left in a trash can. The cat has since died. It's the third case of cat abuse in Troy during the last 1.5 years. [WTEN] [Fox23] [TU]
Leaders hit the brakes on license plate fee, sewer system fix could be very expensive, controversial church returning to protest Albany HS play, "angel" gives $40k to restaurant owners
It looks like the $25 fee for new license plates is dead. David Paterson reiterated on Sunday that he would consider eliminating the fee if the legislature can come up with a way to replace the revenue generated by the new plates. And now legislators in both the Assembly and Senate say they'll work toward repealing the fee. More than 100k people have reportedly signed the "No New Plates" petition organized by the St. Lawrence County clerk. [TU] [Fox23] [AP/Troy Record]
The state legislature is back for another special session today to work on budget cuts. The two groups who appear to be most at odds right now are the Paterson Administration and state Senate Democrats. Senate finance chairman Carl Kruger is vowing to block any cuts to health care and eduction. Kruger is reportedly pushing to raise $1 billion from new taxes on health plans. [Bloomberg] [NYDN] [NYT] [NYDN]
Joe Bruno Trial Day 10: A construction company owner testified on Friday that he hired Bruno as a consultant because, "To get to the top people ... you needed somebody to open the door." Also: a handful of witnesses have testified that aspects of Bruno's private business were being conducted in his Senate offices -- an apparent violation of ethics rules. [TU] [TU]
The big Albany County H1N1 flu shot clinic at the TU Center on Sunday filled only about 2,900 of its 4,500 open appointments. A county official said it looks like many people were able to get a shot at their doctors' offices instead. Sunday's clinic was only open to priority groups, but county officials say they expect to open the flu shot clinics to more people as vaccine supplies increase. [TU] [CBS6] [Troy Record]
Heated exchange between Bruno and judge, guilty pleas in man cave case, Intel settlement could be good for chip fab, Schenectady Armory off the auction block
Joe Bruno Trial Day 9: Judge Gary Sharpe angrily scolded Bruno for making a comment to his attorney after Sharpe allowed prosecutors another chance to question a witness at the end of the day. "For once in your life you don't control something - I do," said the judge. Bruno then reportedly responded with borderline sarcasm, "I understand very clearly what is happening here, Judge, very clearly." The exchange apparently prompted Bruno's team to file for a mistrial this morning -- the motion was denied. Earlier in the day, two top officials for Wright Investors Services testified that Bruno helped them land contracts with 10 labor unions. [Troy Record] [NYDN] [NYT] [Daily Politics] [TU]
Adrian Thomas was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the death of his infant son. He's also been barred from contacting his wife or other children. Thomas' attorney says they'll be filing an appeal. [TU] [Troy Record] [CapNews9]
The two men accused of running the "man cave" in the ESP have pleaded guilty. As part of the plea, one guy is going to jail for a year and the other has to do community service -- and they both have to pay a combined $3,500 in restitution. The state AG's office has also released video of the two men kicking back in the man cave. [Troy Record] [CapNews9] [NYS AG] [TU]
An anonymous donor is offering a $10,000 reward for info leading to the conviction of the person who duct-taped and bagged that beagle in Saratoga County. The dog is now back with its owners, who live about five miles from where the dog was found. [WNYT] [CapNews9] [Post-Star] [TU]
Bruno speaks out about case, dog found duct-taped and bagged, another student mugging in Pine Hills, Albany High production prompted by protests
Joe Bruno called into Talk 1300 yesterday to complain about the federal case against him. During the segment, Bruno said of the federal investigation of him: "I wasn't a terrorist.... I never abused the public trust that people put in me. I never, never used politics to make money. I just didn't do that." Bruno's comments may not go over well with the judge presiding of his case, who has warned both sides in the trial about speaking outside of court -- and just the day before said scolded them in court: "This is not an election campaign." [NYDN] [TU] [TU] [NYT]
About Gary Sharpe, the judge in the Bruno trial: An op-ed in the Troy Record this past weekend questioned whether the judge had a conflict of interest because his son works as a prosecutor in the Albany US Attorney's office -- the same office that's prosecuting Bruno. The head of that office told the NYDN yesterday that Sharpe's son has had no involvement with the case. [Troy Record] [NYDN]
David Paterson said he will pull the $25 fee for the new "EmpireGold" license plates -- if someone can come up with a way to replace the $129 million the fee is projected to contribute to the state budget. [NY Post]
The Paterson Administration projects that increases in the fee that retailers pay to be sellers of tobacco products will reduce the number of tobacco retail outlets by 40 percent. [TU]
A group of hunters in Saratoga County say they found a dog wrapped in duct tape and stuffed in a garbage bag. [WNYT]
Extraordinary legislative session very ordinary, Army still investigating Colonie soldier's death, judge blocks Fort Orange Club demolition, prisoners to make new license plates
Today is Veterans Day.
Yesterday's "extraordinary" session of the state legislature produced rather ordinary results -- there was no agreement on cuts to close the state budget gap and no Senate vote on the same-sex marriage bill. Late yesterday afternoon David Paterson said he will call the legislature back next Monday and Tuesday. He also said the Senate would vote on same-sex marriage "at a date not certain between now and the end of the year." [TU] [NYT] [Daily Politics] [NYO]
Joe Bruno trial Day Seven: the business manager of a Saratoga County plumbers union testified that Bruno recommended Wright Investment Services -- and didn't mention that he was a consultant for the firm. The union also got two state grants, perhaps at Bruno's discretion, around the time it invested $4 million with Wright -- and the timing of those came up yesterday during testimony by state Senator Betty Little. After one of Bruno's attorneys tried to introduce five years of member items as evidence, Judge Gary Sharpe scolded both sides. "This trial has lost its way for a long time. This is not an election campaign," he said. [Troy Record] [TU] [Fox23] [NYT]
The Army says "the facts and circumstances" surrounding the death of Colonie soldier Amy Seyboth Tirador in Iraq are "still under investigation." The military has called Seyboth Tirador's death "non-combat-related" -- her family has been telling the media that she was shot in the back of the head on a base in Kirkush. [TU]
The condition of 12 bridges in the Capital Region -- and 110 upstate bridges in total -- scored lower on state inspections than the now-closed Champlain Bridge, according to an analysis by a group of upstate legislators. There was a rally outside the Capitol yesterday calling for more state funding for upstate bridge maintenance. [TU] [Fox23]
The Troy city council has proposed budgets cuts it says will hold next year's tax increase to 2.2 percent. The slate of cuts includes the elimination of a handful of city jobs, including the commissioner of public works and the mayor's spokesperson. [TU] [Troy Record]
Paterson says state is running out of money, witness says investments were made to gain favor with Bruno, Murphy explains health care vote, Townsend Park makeover
Said David Paterson during his address to a joint session of the state legislature yesterday: "Frankly, we are running out of money." Of his plan to close the budget gap: "I will mortgage my political career on this plan, but I will not mortgage the fate of the State of New York." [TU] [NYO] [Daily Politics]
The legislature is scheduled to take up the budget gap in a special session today, but all the players can't agree on the size of the gap (estimates range from $2.9 billion to $4.1 billion). And Carl Kruger, the chair of the senate finance committee, disputed Paterson's assertion that the state is running out of money, saying: "There are huge pots of money that are available." After meeting with legislature staffers yesterday, Paterson's budget director said he was "more depressed than when I walked in." [TU] [CapNews9] [NYT]
Paterson has also called for same-sex marriage to be on the state Senate's agenda today, though it doesn't looks like that will not happen. By the way: Ruben Diaz Sr, maybe the state Senate's most prominent opponent to same-sex marriage, has two gay brothers and a lesbian granddaugther. [AP/Troy Record] [NYDN] [NYT]
A former union official, who's currently serving prison time, testified yesterday during the Joe Bruno trial that his former boss "felt that the more money we gave to [the investment firm Bruno worked for] the more help we were going to get from Sen. Bruno." (As you would imagine, Bruno's lawyers questioned this witness' credibility.) A state senator also testified that he was not sure he would have recommended that a union invest with Bruno's firm if he had known Bruno was involved. [TU] [Fox23] [Troy Record]
Legislature back today, Tonko and Murphy split on health care vote, the weekend in stabbings, police chase half-naked suspect through Watervliet
The legislature is back this week for at least a few days. Today's schedule includes a joint session this afternoon in which David Paterson will speak about the state budget gap (whatever size it may be). A special session is schedule tomorrow to take up measures to address the gap -- and, maybe for the state Senate to vote on the same-sex marriage bill. [Fox23] [TU] [NYDN] [Daily Politics]
The two local House members split on the health care reform vote his past weekend. Paul Tonko voted "yes" -- in a statement he said the bill will provide coverage to 22,000 people in his district. Scott Murphy voted "no" -- in a statement, he said the bill didn't do enough to curb costs. Murphy was one of 39 Democrats to vote against the bill -- and one of three from New York. [TU] [Paul Tonko] [Scott Murphy] [NYT] [Daily Politics]
The Army has called the death of Colonie solider Amy Seyboth Tirador "a non-combat related incident" in Iraq. But her family says the staff sergeant was shot in the back of the head -- though beyond that, they say the military hasn't given them any more details. [Fort Lewis press release] [CBS6] [Fox23]
Week two of the Joe Bruno trial begins today. On a Friday Leonard Fassler, a longtime associate of Bruno, testified that the senator set up meetings with government officials, including then-Governor Pataki, for companies which were paying him consulting fees. Fassler said the consulting fees were paid to Bruno because he helped Fassler become a "better executive." [CBS6] [TU] [Troy Record]
Paterson calls special session to address budget, Colonie solider dies in Iraq, Schenectady County ranks high for domestic violence reports, more H1N1 vaccine arriving
David Paterson has officially called a special session of the legislature for next Tuesday. Among the issues on the slate for the session: budget cuts to close the $3.2 billion gap and same-sex marriage. Paterson has also called for a joint session on Monday so he can he address the legislature about the budget gap. It sounds like many Senate Democrats won't attend, though -- a "senior official" called the session a "photo op" for Paterson. Neil Breslin says he intends to attend. [NYO [TU] [Daily Politics] [AP/Saratogian] [CapNews9]
Joe Bruno trial Day 4: labor union officials testified that Bruno approached them about using the investment firm for which he consulted to manage their pensions -- but they said there was never an exchange of legislative influence or favors for the business. A TU analysis indicates that unions that did business with Bruno's firm did get grants from the state labor department directly or indirectly through Bruno. [Troy Record] [TU] [TU]
The family of an Army soldier from Colonie says she died in Iraq this week. Amy Seyboth Tirador had been serving as an Arabic-language interpreter. [TU] [WTEN]
It sounds like the Rensselaer County DA's office and the Troy Police Department were not on the same page for the arrest of the suspect in the Second Street homicide. The suspect was released on his own recognizance this week after the DA's office said it wasn't ready for a preliminary hearing. [Troy Record] [Fox23]
Bruno trial Day 3, shouting over post office closures, seasonal flu still on the way, "water celery" snags development plans, school lunches go local
Joe Bruno trial Day 3: a former official with a Connecticut investment firm testified called Bruno an "introducer" and said the senator brought $140 million worth of investments to the firm. And an attorney for the investment group, testifying with an immunity deal, said Bruno relationship with the firm wasn't vetted by the ethics committee because it was "commonplace." Yesterday also included testimony by NY Daily News columnist Bill Hammond and SPAC president Marcia White, who was once Bruno's spokesperson. [TU] [CapNews9] [Fox23]
Andrew Cuomo announced yesterday that his office has filed an anti-trust suit against Intel for allegedly abusing its monopoly power to keep AMD down. Any penalties assessed against Intel could help AMD, which is the biggest customer of GlobalFoundries -- Cuomo says the GloFo chip fab project in Malta had nothing to do with the suit, though. [NYO][NYT][TU]
The man accused of being the shooter in Troy's Second Street homicide was released on his own recognizance yesterday after the Rensselaer County DA's office wasn't ready for a preliminary hearing. [TU]
More than a hundred people showed up for the public info session about the potential closures of the Pine Hills and Delaware Ave post offices. The crowd included Jerry Jennings, and Common Council members Shawn Morris and Cathy Fahey. The exchanges between the crowd and USPS officials apparently got a bit heated at times. [TU] [CapNews9] [Fox23]
First witnesses in Bruno trial, doctors flooded with requests for flu shot, public info meetings on post office closures, Thriller dance cancelled for lack of space
Here's a rundown of notable election results from yesterday. In some of the highest profile races: Jerry Jennings cruised to victory in the Albany mayoral election, Paula Mahan beat Mike Hoblock for Colonie supervisor, Republicans swept the contested seats on the Saratoga Springs city council, Republicans Bob Mirch and Neil Kelleher were both bounced from the Rensselaer County legislature. [AOA] [TU] [TU] [Saratogian] [Troy Record]
The new optical scan voting machines seemed to work out OK yesterday. [TU]
The first witnesses in the Joe Bruno trial took the stand yesterday. The head of an Albany investment firm testified that his consulting payments to Bruno increased after the senator became majority leader -- and that Bruno was responsible for bringing in $400,000 in revenue from labor unions. A former Bruno staff attorney testified that he "was not involved" in Bruno's business ventures, but did say he provided legal advice about agreements between Bruno and clients. [CapNews9] [Fox23] [TU]
Local doctors' offices say they've been deluged with patients calling for the H1N1 vaccine. [TU]
Opening statements in Bruno trial, Aretha Franklin coming to RPI, investigation into Paterson World Series tickets, cops say man was wearing a Breathalyzer costume, naked sprint around the Nott
A jury was selected for Joe Bruno's federal trial yesterday. Each side also delivered its opening statement. The prosecution said Bruno used his influence at the capitol to rake in more than $3 million from clients. Bruno's defense said he's "a hardworking, honest public servant" and the feds had made a mistake. As he entered the courthouse yesterday, Bruno told reporter he had been "looking forward to this day." [CapNews9] [NYT] [Troy Record] [TU] [NYSNYS via Daily Politics]
GlobalFoundries has announced that Hector Ruiz is stepping down as chairman of the board. The WSJ reported in October that the feds had identified Ruiz as the AMD executive who leaked news of the impending formation of GlobalFoundries to a hedge fund last year. The new chairman will be Alan Ross, who had been the CEO of another semi-conductor company. GloFo says Ruiz's exit will have no effect on plans for the Luther Forest chip fab. [NYT] [San Jose Mercury News] [TU] [Saratogian]
The Albany County Department of Health reported its first death associated with the H1N1 flu. The ACDoH says the teen had a "longstanding underlying medical condition." The county health commissioner said the news was not cause for alarm and "the vast majority of individuals" will recover. [TU] [WTEN] [Troy Record] [CapNews9]
The Albany County Department of Health says the death of a county resident has been associated with the contaminated ground beef that was recently recalled. The beef was produced by a company in western New York and distributed throughout the East Coast. Locally, the beef had been available at Price Chopper, which has been contacting people to notify them of the recall. [Fox23] [NYT] [TU] [@ChrisRooney]
Aretha Franklin and Joshua Bell will performing at EMPAC in December as part of a celebration of Shirley Ann Jackson's 10 years at RPI (or, as @supraphonic @timesunion called it yesterday; Shirleystock). The performances will not be open to the general public. (Earlier on AOA: RPI's Jackson tops compensation chart) [RPInsider] [TU] [AP/CBS6]
Bruno trial starts today, homicide in Albany, speculation about connections between deaths in Greenfield, toddler found because of lights on his shoes
Joe Bruno's federal trial starts today. The feds are prosecuting him under a "theft of honest services" statute -- the feds allege that Bruno made more than $3 million in consulting fees from groups who benefited from his influence in state government. The case is expected to shine a light on the many of the gaps in New York State's ethics laws. Apparently some people are saying the case is almost like putting the entire culture of the capitol on trial. Bruno has already spent more than $600k on his defense. [TU] [AP/Saratogian] [TU] [NYT] [AP/Troy Record]
Albany police say a man was killed on Saturday in an Eagle Street apartment just down the block from the Governor's Mansion (map). The APD says there are no suspects, yet. [Fox23] [TU]
Troy police say a man has been arrested and charged for the murder on Second Street two weeks ago. They didn't release info about a motive. Police say information from people in the neighborhood helped lead them to the suspect. [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
The Schenectady city council approved a budget that does not include a tax increase. The originally-proposed budget had included an almost six percent increase. [TU][TU]
New York State's texting-while-driving ban took effect yesterday. [Fox23]
Bone fragments identified, big gang bust in Albany, state of emergency declared over flu, pizza delivery guy fights off attackers
Saratoga County DA James Murphy announced yesterday that a state forensic expert had concluded the skull fragments found near Greenfield belong to Jennifer Hammond, an 18-year-old from Colorado who disappeared in 2003. The ID was made using dental records, though investigators say they're going to follow up with DNA testing. Hammond was last seen at a Milton trailer park while working for a magazine subscription business. The site where the skull fragments were found is about 20 miles from there. [TU] [CapNews9] [WNYT] [Saratogian]
Federal prosecutors say they busted 24 members of one of Albany's most violent gangs yesterday. The roundup included 14 arrests yesterday morning (10 alleged members are already in jail and another investigators are still looking for another man). Law enforcement officials say the gang, known as the Original Gangsta Killers, has been responsible for a string of shootings, assaults, drug dealing and robberies. A federal prosecutor said gang members bragged about the crimes in videos posted online. [TU] [CapNews9] [Fox23] [WTEN]
David Paterson said yesterday during a state leaders' meeting that this year's budget gap is now $3.2 billion -- that's $200 million more than previously announced. A special session of the legislature is set to address the gap November 10, though it doesn't appear Paterson and the state Senate are on the same page. [NYO] [TU]
A report from state comptroller Tom DiNapoli says the state has diverted billions of dollars away from the trust fund responsible maintaining the state's roads and bridges. DiNapoli says the reduced funding may have contributed to the problems with the Champlain Bridge, which was recently closed after an inspection. "I think outrage and anger is certainly appropriate," he said yesterday about the situation. [NYS OSC] [AP/WYT] [NYO] [Reuters]
Investigators hope to pull DNA from bone fragments, big development planned for Troy, Paterson's deadline could be January, police car license plates stolen
Law enforcement officials say they found a jaw bone containing teeth near the site of the skull fragments in Greenfield. The hope is they'll be able to extract DNA evidence from the teeth. Forensic testing is expected to take weeks. Officials say the child-sized skull could be evidence in a handful of missing persons cases -- but they say it's unlikely the fragments belong to Jaliek Rainwalker. [Saratogian] [TU] [CapNews9] [WNYT] [Fox23]
Jerry Jennings has put together an eight member search committee for a new chief of police. The Albany mayor says the panel has no timeline. [CapNews9] [TU]
The union that represents Troy firefighters is using a house fire this past weekend to continue its push for more staffing at the station on Boulton Road (the station near RPI). They say it took crews an extra three minutes to respond to the fire because they were short staffed -- and that delay may have resulted in a firefighter sustaining minor injuries. The union would like to see two more firefighters added to the crew at the station. [Troy Record] [TU] [WTEN] [WNYT]
A developer is proposing a $160 million mixed used project in Troy at Ferry, Congress and Eighth streets (map). [TU]
Human skull fragments in Saratoga County, flu hitting some schools, school board hears Whalen appeal, Rensselaer stations Amtrak's 10th busiest
State police say fragments of a human skull were found in a wooded area in Greenfield (map). They say it appears the skull belonged to a child 10-12 years old. The state police lab will be testing the fragments for DNA. [TU] [Fox23] [Saratogian] [CapNews9]
The Empire Center reports that 1.5 million New Yorkers have moved out of the state since 2000. The one area to show a population gain: the Capital Region. [Empire Center] [CapNews9] [Post-Star]
A spokesman for the state Office of Court Administration says judges are leaving the bench because "they can't make ends meet" on their $136,700 salary. The state's judiciary has been pushing for a pay raise for years. [TU]
Albany police say four men, armed with guns, invaded a house on Washington Ave yesterday (map). Police say the it appears the house was targeted. They say the robbers used zip-ties to tie up seven people in the house. [Fox23] [CapNews9] [TU]
Some Capital Region schools are reporting higher than usual rates of absenteeism because of the flu. Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons cancelled classes yesterday because so many students were sick. [TU] [WTEN]
State running short on cash, bottled water deposit starts soon, plane crashes near Bennington, construction mess at Exit 6
The state Division of Budget says New York State will be operating with a negative cash flow next month -- that is, the state won't be able to cover its expenses with money from its general fund. David Paterson has called a special legislative session on November 10 to address the budget gap -- though it sounds like he and the legislature are not on the same page. [TU] [CapNews9]
The five cent deposit on bottled water will start October 31 after a judge lifted an injunction on the "bigger, better bottle bill." [AP/WNYT]
Joe Bruno continued to profess his innocence after a pre-trial hearing yesterday ahead of the start of his federal trial next week. The judge warned both sides to watch what they say publicly about the case. [TU] [WTEN]
The ongoing political/legal fight over allegations of absentee ballot fraud in Troy reportedly involved shoving at a wake this past weekend. [TU]
Thomas found guilty, guilty plea in 40 year old murder, home sales falling through, upstate teaching jobs in high demand, busy beavers causing trouble
A jury found Adrian Thomas guilty of second-degree murder in the case of his infant son's death. The jury reached the decision Friday afternoon after 25 hours of deliberation. Thomas' stepmother says the verdict was influenced by race -- eleven of the jurors were white and one was African-American. Sentencing is scheduled for November 12. Thomas' attorneys say they will appeal. [Troy Record] [TU] [WTEN] [Fox23] [WNYT] [CBS6]
Nelson Costello, the man accused of killing David Bacon 40 years ago in Waterford, pleaded guilty to manslaughter Friday. Recordings of phone conversations between Costello and witness apparently helped prompt the plea. Costello's attorney says his client is remorseful and "almost wants to be punished." Costello has apparently agreed to help officials find Bacon's body in Virginia. [TU] [Saratogian] [WTEN] [WNYT]
There's been yet another report of an attempted abduction, this time in Albany (map). [Fox23] [WNYT]
Archaelogists have found the skeleton of an infant at the former grave site turned up during the Delaware Ave reconstruction in Albany. The remains will be re-buried at a cemetery in Glenmont. [CapNews9] [TU]
David Paterson has scheduled a special session of the legislature for November 10 to address the budget gap. He also wants a joint session on November 9. [NYO] [CapNews9]
State flu shot mandate cancelled, charges over ESP man cave, Paterson says Obama Admin cost state $1 billion, a big year for lady bugs
The state Department of Health has rescinded the flu shot mandate for health care workers. The DOH says there isn't enough vaccine to go around and the state would rather see the vax go to at-risk populations (young people, pregnant women). The Paterson Administration said the move was not related to the group of lawsuits filed over the mandate. [TU] [NYT] [NYDN]
The two men accused of being involved with the alleged "man cave" in the ESP have been hit with a bunch of charges that make the cave sound like some sort of stoner's paradise. Both men have pleaded not guilty. The attorney for one of the men said they were "shocked" to face charges over the cave "when there was actually a more publicized and egregious waste of tax money last spring as our state Senate sat around proud doing nothing while Rome burned." [Daily Politics] [AP/Troy Record] [TU]
A special meeting of the Troy city council turned into a bit of display as Democrats refused to show up and people ended up yelling at each other in front of TV cameras. Harry Tutunjian had called the meeting in an attempt to suspend three Democratic appointees accused of being involved with recent case of alleged voter fraud. [Troy Record] [TU]
Two alternate jurors from the Adrian Thomas trial say they would have voted "not guilty." [Fox23]
Official warns that state won't be able to pay bills, flu shot shortage, Troy will get money for homelessness after all, airlift wing headed for Antarctica
The state budget director says the state may not have enough cash to cover all its scheduled payments in mid-December. David Paterson and the legislative leaders met yesterday about covering the $3 billion budget gap, though it doesn't sound like they made much progress. Paterson said that the state is facing an economy that he believes will be "the worst we will see in our lifetime." [TU] [Daily Politics] [WTEN]
There was another mugging in downtown Troy. The TPD says its planning more community meetings about crime after a tip from the one this week lead to a drug bust. [Troy Record] [Fox23]
A judge has denied Save the Pine Bush's request for a restraining order that would have prevented the Albany landfill expanding from proceeding. [TU]
Public clinics and doctors' offices say they're having a tough time getting enough doses of seasonal flu vaccine. Saratoga County had to cancel its upcoming flu shot clinics because it couldn't get sufficient supplies. There have been flu shot shortages all around the US because of increased demand and the need to concurrently manufacture the vax for H1N1. [TU] [Post-Star] [NYT]
Troy police find guns during raid, suit filed over landfill expansion, local company dumps chamber of commerce over climate change legislation, sole tenant leaving Kiernan Plaza
Troy police say they found a shotgun and an assault rifle during raid connected to the investigation of last week's fatal shooting in south Troy. They also arrested a man. But they say the guns weren't used in the crime nor is the man a suspect. [Fox23] [CapNews9] [TU]
Save the Pine Bush is suing the City of Albany and the DEC in attempt to block expansion of the city landfill. A volunteer for the environmental org says the city "needs to adopt a rational solid waste policy that does not include destroying 15 acres of rare Pine Bush ecosystem." [AP/CBS6] [TU]
The judge in Adrian Thomas case has ruled that the jury will not hear testimony from dueling expert witnesses about the possibility of a coerced confession. Closing arguments are scheduled to start today. [Troy Record] [TU]
David Paterson said yesterday that he will be including the soda tax in next year's proposed budget. The Paterson Administration also said same-sex marriage will be on the agenda for next week's planned special legislative session. [WNYC] [NYDN]
Public voices concerns about Troy crime, questions about Paterson's budget cutting plan, supervisor race includes accusations of illiteracy, high demand for flu vaccine
More than a hundred people showed up last night at Troy City Hall for the public forum about a recent streak of crime in the city. Both mayor Harry Tutunjian and police chief Nicholas Kaiser stressed that crime is down for the year. Citizens said they were concerned about gangs in Lansingburgh and a lack of officers walking beats. [Troy Record] [CapNews9] [CBS6] [Fox23]
Saratoga Springs police say they're investigating a report from a Skidmore student that she was nearly assaulted by a taxi driver early Saturday morning. The student says she was able to escape when the cab stopped near campus. The SSPD says it hasn't identified the company that owns the cab. [Saratogian] [Fox23] [TU]
Critics of David Paterson's proposed $3 billion in budget cuts say the list includes a bunch of one-time shots and some questionable assumptions. It appears that Democrats in the Assembly are leaning toward along with Paterson's plan. It doesn't look like the state Senate is all that interested, though. [TU] [Daily Politics] [Daily Politics]
Both Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand released statements yesterday calling for state senator Hiram Monserrate to resign. Gillibrand said Monserrate doesn't leave soon, the state Senate should bounce him. State Senate majority conference leader John Sampson is expected to announce the formation of a committee that will look at what to do about Monserrate. [Daily Politics] [CapNews9] [NYO]
Court halts mandatory flu shots for health workers, stabbing in Glenmont, small pumpkin crop, Paterson-Schwarzenegger friendship
A state Supreme Court judge has issued a temporary halt to the state-mandated flu shots for health care workers. A handful of lawsuits, including one filed by three Albany Med nurses, argue that state Department of Health overstepped its authority in requiring the vaccinations. The state health department says it's "confident that the regulation will be upheld." [NYT] [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [WTEN]
Neil Breslin and a group of other state senators are calling for Hiram Monserrate, recently convicted of misdemeanor assault, to quit -- or get kicked out of the Senate. Breslin said that Monserrate's exit is a necessary step toward the state Senate earning back the public's trust. [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
Shop owners and residents near Hackett Middle School in Albany say students have been causing a bunch of problems right after school as they walk through the neighborhood (map). [TU]
Investors with an Albany investment company currently under federal investigation say they raised red flags about the operation more than two years ago. [TU]
Reaction to Paterson's proposed budget cuts, investigators say RPI student's death was homicide, state says it didn't know hotel owner was behind on taxes, Saratoga sued over Taser info
David Paterson has proposed $3 billion in cuts to this year's state budget. He said yesterday that "all of us will have to sacrifice to save the state." Sheldon Silver said Paterson "took the bull by the horns" -- but the governor's proposals were met with skepticism by state senators, and outrage from interest groups. [AOA] [Daily Politics] [NYT] [Daily Politics] [Daily Politics]
The man who was stabbed in Albany's Grand Street neighborhood last week has died -- the city's 8th homicide of the year. [CapNews9]
Private investigators hired by the family of the RPI student found dead of a gun shot in a Troy apartment last year say they have concluded the student was murdered. Troy detectives have said the case was a suicide -- but the private investigators accused the TPD of coming to that conclusion in "a rather imaginative way." [TU] [Troy Record] [Troy Record]
The state's Division of Human Rights has ruled that Saratoga Springs must pay 8 city employees damages of $10k each because the city had not provided sufficient facilities for female employees of the city's police department. The decision prompted squabbling between mayor Scott Johnson and public safety commissioner Ron Kim (who are both running for mayor this year) over who's to blame for the situation. [Daily Gazette $] [TU] [Saratogian]
State budget widens and Paterson warns of pain, Raucci to get pension even if convicted, Gillibrand pushes repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, goat kidnapped
New York State comptroller Tom DiNapoli now says the state's budget gap could be as big as $4.1 billion. David Paterson has said that he will release a slate of proposed budget cuts that would involve "pain." LG Richard Ravitch, who's helping Paterson with budget issues, says the plan will be "asking every agency in the government to cut back significantly." As bad as things might be this year, apparently the real problem is next year when the federal stimulus money ends. As one anonymous legislator told Liz Benjamin: "Then we're in deep sh*t." [TU] [NYT] [CapNews9] [Daily Politics]
Adrian Thomas, the Troy man charged with causing the death of his infant son, took the stand in his own defense yesterday -- and testified that he had lied during his videotaped interrogation by police. Thomas said he admitted to police that he slammed the child down so he "could go to the hospital and see my son and my wife." [Troy Record] [TU]
The Troy man shot in the head earlier this week has died. It's the third homicide of the year in Troy. The TPD says it's following leads. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [CapNews9]
Albany police have arrested two men -- one already in prison, the other 18 years old -- for a 2007 murder on Second Street. [TU]
The Lansingburgh High School student suspended for having a pocketknife in his car says he's been contacted by West Point and told the incident won't have any effect on his application to the service academy. [WTEN]
Steven Raucci, the now-retired Schenectady school district employee accused of arson, intimidation and harassment related to his former job, will receive a pension of $79,067 -- even if he's convicted. [TU]
Shooting in Troy, school board revises bike-to-school ban, state's high court hears same-sex marriage cases, state grants millions for Albany hotel redevelopment
Troy police say a man was shot in the head last night in South Troy (map). They say they're looking for a male suspect. The victim was in critical condition last night. [CapNews9] [Troy Record] [CBS6]
An indictment against Chad Rubin, the convicted bank robber accused of plotting to kidnap former Rensselaer County DA Patricia DeAngelis, alleges that the man planned a robbery of the same bank to finance his alleged plot. He's also accused of plotting to kill bank employees and members of the prosecutor's office. An attorney from outside the public defender's office had to be found to represent Rubin because the indictment alleges that he made threats against people in that office, too. The current Rensselaer County DA said yesterday that he thought Rubin probably wouldn't have been able to carry out the alleged plot. [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT] [Fox23]
Matthew Whalen, the Lansingburgh High School honors student and Eagle Scout who was suspended for having a pocket knife in an emergency kit in his locked car in the school's parking lot, appeared on Fox News yesterday. The Lansingburgh school superintendent said yesterday that he thought Whalen's 20-day suspension was "appropriate and fair." The district says it has a "zero tolerance" policy on weapons. [WTEN] [FoxNews] [TU] [Troy Record]
The New York Civil Liberties called for the state Department of Health to suspend the requirement that all health care workers get flu shots. The four nurses suing the state over the issue are planning a protest at the Capitol today. The state health commissioner said yesterday that the flu shot mandate is in the interest of patients, communities and health care workers. [NYT] [Troy Record] [WTEN]
The Saratoga Springs school board has revised its ban on biking to school. The new rule allows kids to ride to school, though with a number of qualifications. That didn't go over well with the mother of the boy who's been riding to school in protest of the ban. [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
Nurses say they're suing over flu shot requirement, couple accused of abandoning dogs, car registration stickers not sticking, cities try to solve crow problem, fish pedicure ban proposed
Four Albany Med nurses are filing a lawsuit against the state health commissioner over the state's flu shot requirement for health care workers. The nurses say the requirement is a violation of their civil liberties. One of them says they "don't believe in" the vaccine. The nurses could be suspended -- and later fired -- if they don't get the shot. Their attorney says they'll quit if the state doesn't drop the requirement. [TU] [CapNews9] [WNYT] [WTEN] [Troy Record]
An East Greenbush woman says the incident in which a teenager was allegedly thrown onto a bonfire last week is just part of a string of ongoing violence between two rival groups in the town. The mother of the burned teen says the alleged attack was racially motivated. [WTEN] [WTEN]
State police have arrested two people in Rensselaer County for allegedly abandoning their dogs with no food or water in a house. Police accuse the couple of moving to a new house -- and leaving the dogs behind. The dogs were found -- hungry and thirsty -- last week after a neighbor noticed them. Police say the couple had moved out weeks before. Shelter workers say it looks like the dogs will be OK. [Fox23] [CapNews9] [CBS6] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
Two Delmar women are pushing for a Bethlehem town law that would require cat owners to keep their pets in doors. The women say their neighborhood as become overrun with cat poop -- "You can't even walk around the circle without the scent of cat urine and feces knocking you down," says one of them. [TU] [Spotlight]
DA says recent attempted abduction reports not unusual, man accused of throwing person into a fire, police taser man in Schenectady, David Hyde Pierce returns to Saratoga
Despite a recent string of reports, the Schenectady County DA says he doesn't believe there's been an unusual number of attempted abductions. [TU]
The state Department of Transportation says there's been an increase in the number of fender benders on Route 85 in Slingerlands where the roundabouts have been installed -- but fewer accidents involving injuries. The DOT reported a similar trend for the Malta roundabouts last year. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
State Democrats have reportedly given David Paterson until December to turn his poll numbers around ahead of next year's gubernatorial race. [AP/TU]
The state has spent $19k to install hand sanitizer dispensers in state buildings -- including the Capitol -- around Albany. [PolitickerNY]
East Greenbush police say a man threw an 18-year-old into a bonfire during a party early Friday morning. The alleged victim reportedly suffered second degree burns on many parts of his body. The alleged tosser has been charged with first degree assault. [Fox23] [WTEN] [WNYT]
Paterson and legislature fighting over budget proposals, state police confirm investigation into plot against former DA, Gingrich weighs in on Saratoga school bike ban
David Paterson and the state legislature are not fighting over what should be cut from the state budget, but rather over who should propose possible cuts. That job has traditionally fallen to the governor, but Paterson's administration has asked the legislature to submit its budget-cutting plans by next Wednesday. [TU] [Daily Politics]
State legislators are getting an extra $11/day in their Albany per diems. [TU]
State police have confirmed that they've been investigating an alleged plot to kidnap former Rensselaer County DA Trish DeAngelis. Anonymous "sources" say the suspect at the middle of the investigation is an inmate at a state prison in Dutchess County. The alleged plot reportedly came to the notice of authorities two years ago. [WTEN] [TU] [CBS6]
Albany County exec Mike Breslin's proposed budget includes a tax increase of almost 6 percent, along with more than 100 layoffs and the elimination of 130 open jobs. Many of the job cuts would come from the county nursing home, which Breslin has recommended closing. [TU] [CapNews9] [Fox23]
An honors student -- and West Point hopeful -- at Lansingburgh High School says he's been suspended for 20 days after school officials searched his car and found a pocket knife. [WTEN]
Jurors watch video of father's admission, teacher alleges assessment test cheating, reported indictment in alleged plot against former DA, bank moves to foreclose on Cannon Building
Jurors in the trial of Adrian Thomas, the Troy man accused of causing the death of his infant son, watched video of his interrogation yesterday in which he demonstrated how he threw his son down on a bed. The demonstration came after hours of interrogation and a good cop/bad cop routine by Troy police detectives. Thomas' defense is arguing the admission was coerced. [WTEN][TU] [Troy Record]
NYRA has extended next year's Saratoga racing season by four days -- for a total of 40 days. The extended season will include a Grade 1 stakes race that was previously held at Belmont. Saratoga business owners seemed pretty happy about the longer season. [TU] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
Downtown Saratoga business owners aren't so happy about the proposed plan for paid parking. [Saratogian]
One of the teachers who alleges that she was being secretly videotaped at an Albany charter school has accused the school of letting students cheat on assessment tests. The executive director of the Brighter Choice foundation, which backs the school, says they're looking into the "serious allegations." [Troy Record] [CapNews9]
Albany police say a 19-year-old was stabbed in the Grand Street neighborhood yesterday afternoon (map). The man was reportedly in critical condition last night. Police say it appears the stabbing was part of a street fight. Neighbors held a peace vigil near the scene of the crime yesterday evening. [CBS6] [CapNews9] [Fox23] [TU]
Paterson order state agencies to cut back, proposed Saratoga budget includes paid parking, natural gas prices down, teachers say they were secretly videotaped
David Paterson has ordered state agencies to cut their non-personnel expenses (travel, equipment, office supplies) by about 11 percent -- a move that his administration says will save the state $500 million. Paterson has been projecting that the state will face a $3 billion budget gap this year. He's been criticized for not setting an overarching lists of cuts -- but the governor says he's letting the legislature "participate in formulating that menu." [NYS DoB] [NYT] [AP/Troy Record] [TU]
The witness lists for both the prosecution and defense in the Joe Bruno trial include more than 100 names (with a lot of overlap). The lists include current state senators, current and former state officials, legislative staffers and two journalists. [Troy Record] [TU] [NYT]
The budget proposed by Saratoga Springs' finance commissioner includes a 7.8 percent tax increase, 50 job cuts and a plan for paid parking on city streets and lots. [Saratoga Springs] [Fox23] [TU] [Saratogian]
The first batch of H1N1 vaccine arrived in the Capital Region yesterday. Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties have all received limited quantities (in the hundreds of doses). Albany Med received 1000 doses. The focus on flu this year has apparently prompted a lot of interest in flu shots -- and local doctors' offices report that they they're having trouble getting shipments of the regular seasonal flu vaccine. [Daily Gazette $] [Fox23] [Saratogian] [Schenectady County] [CapNews9] [WTEN] [WNYT]
Finger pointed at "chief finger pointer," Luther Forest reportedly beat out Brazil and China, Schumer and Gillibrand hedge on Paterson, microloans in Watervliet
A ceremony commemorating the 180th birthday of President Chester A. Arthur yesterday at his grave in the Albany Rural Cemetery. (Photo: Matt Ryan)
Democrats in Rensselaer County have hit back at allegations of absentee ballot fraud by accusing Republicans of similar electoral wrongdoing. The Dems are focusing their attention of Republican Bob Mirch, who they're calling -- we kid you not -- the "chief finger pointer." [TU] [Troy Record]
Brian Stratton's proposed Schenectady budget includes an almost 6 percent tax increase. Stratton says the city is facing "challenging times," which include big increases in pension and healthcare costs. [TU] [Fox23]
Albany police say a 16-year-old girl reported being temporarily abducted on Second Street yesterday. It's the second reported abduction attempt in the city in a week. [CBS6] [Fox23]
GlobalFoundries chairman Hector Ruiz told the National Press Club that Luther Forest beat out sites in Brazil, China and Russia for the new chip fab. [TU]
Reaction to APD shame sign, man found dead near the Egg, Paterson and Ravitch reportedly at odds, Other Guys shoot wraps, local woman on Jeopardy tonight
A spokesman for the APD says the light-up sign on Central Ave that's set to display the names of people arrested for soliciting prostitute is no different from mug shots appearing in the local news. The spokesman says city attorneys don't foresee any legal issues with the sign. Defense attorneys aren't so sure about that. [CBS6] [WNYT] [Fox23] [TU]
A state Supreme Court judge has thrown out 39 of the allegedly fraudulent Troy absentee ballots. [TU]
A man was found dead Saturday morning at the foot of the ESP wall below the Egg near Lancaster Street. Police say they're investigating, though it appears the man fell. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [WNYT]
GlobalFoundries' "Fab 1" in Dresden, Germany -- which was built by AMD in 1998 -- is now at the center of a cluster that employs 35,000 people. [Saratogian]
Voters testify about alleged ballot fraud, man arrested for shooting dogs, Troy police set trap for suspected muggers, live poultry market opens
A string of Troy residents testified in court yesterday that that their absentee ballot applications contained fraudulent information. And the voters mentioned that a handful of Troy city and Democratic officials had approached them with absentee ballots. A state Supreme Court judge will decide whether the ballots should be tossed from the recent Working Families primary election. [CapNews9] [Troy Record] [WNYT] [TU]
The allegations of ballot fraud spilled over into last night's Troy city council meeting. Democrats and Republicans squabbled over a proposed resolution that would suspend two city marshals who have been accused of being involved with the alleged scheme. [CBS6] [Troy Record]
And handful of local municipalities released proposed budgets: Jerry Jennings' Albany budget keeps the tax levy the same, but shifts more of it onto residential tax payers; Harry Tutunjian's proposed Troy budget includes a 4.25 percent property tax increase; the proposed Colonie budget keeps the tax levy the same, but shifts a little more on commercial property owners; Clifton Park's proposed budget uses $900k from its reserve fund to balance the budget. [TU][Troy Record] [TU] [TU]
The Albany County sheriff's department announced yesterday that it had arrested a man for shooting those two dogs in Berne. Police say the man told them he killed the dogs because they were killing his chickens. The man's attorney says the dogs also killed two calves and threatened the man's family. The sheriff's department says the man isn't being charged under Buster's Law because he didn't kill the dogs in a "depraved or sadistic manner." [TU] [WNYT] [CapNews9] [Fox23]
Call for suspensions in alleged Troy ballot fraud, shame shame shame, CDTA exec director named, kangaroo meat prompts fine
Troy Republicans are calling for city employees who might have been involved with the alleged absentee ballot fraud to be suspended. A state Supreme Court judge will hear arguments today about whether some of the ballots should be thrown out. [Troy Record] [Troy Record]
Local officials are waiting for the feds to show up so they can move forward on those caskets found during the reconstruction of Delaware Ave in Albany. The coffins have not been opened -- and their presence there is still a bit of a mystery. [TU] [Fox23] [CapNews9]
Saratoga County sheriffs say they've identified the woman found dead floating in a creek just off Saratoga Lake yesterday. A crew team found the body. [CBS6] [WNYT]
A husband and wife from Schenectady have been indicted on federal charges that they were involved with a scheme to launder millions of dollars through a local Hindu temple. [TU]
Mechanicville police allege that a woman was using her five-year-old son's room to dry marijuana. Police say they found pot scattered around the kid's bedding and toys. They say they seized more than three pounds of pot from the operation. [Fox23] [CBS6] [Troy Record]
The Albany Police Department says it will be using a flashing road sign to shame people arrested for buying drugs or soliciting prostitutes on Central Ave. [CBS6]
First H1N1 shots on the way, more concern about mercury near LaFarge, man accused of trying to force snot burger, Troy library district approved, reward increased for dog shooting info
Upstate New York will be getting 100,000 doses of the H1N1 flu vaccine next week. More doses will apparently be on the way later this year. [AP/TU] [Saratogian]
Several hundred healthcare workers were at the Capitol yesterday protesting state regulations requiring them to get a flu shot. They said they're worried about having to serve as "guinea pigs" for the new flu shot against their will. Richard Daines, the state's health commissioner, says the H1N1 vaccine has been prepared the same way as the regular seasonal flu vaccine -- and healthcare worker vaccination is a matter of patient safety. [Troy Record] [CapNews9] [Fox23] [CBS6]
State wildlife pathologist Ward Stone reported yesterday that tests he performed on soil samples from the neighborhoods near the LaFarge cement plant in Ravena indicate elevated levels of mercury. Stone says much of the mercury is from the plant. (Previous studies have reported that the plant is one of the state's biggest emitters of mercury. Erin Brockovich was recently in Ravena on behalf of a law firm to talk with residents about mercury pollution.) Stone did not conduct the study as part of his job with the state -- and the DEC says it will review the results. [CapNews9] [Fox23] [TU] [WNYT] [TU]
Crews working on the Delaware Ave reconstruction project turned up what appears to be five coffins from the 19th century. Archaeologists will be checking out the site today. Jack McEneny says the coffins are probably left over from an old cemetery that was moved in 1910. [Fox23] [CapNews9] [TU]
Schenectady police say a man has been charged with child endangerment after an incident in which he allegedly tried to make his girlfriend's daughter eat a hamburger with his snot on it. [TU]
Special prosecutor appointed for Troy absentee ballot case, Breslin reportedly calls Espada a crook, healthcare workers protest flu shot requirement, brown bats threatened by fungus
A special prosecutor has been appointed to look into the allegations of absentee ballot fraud in Troy. The city housing authority has also locked down the office an employee accused of participating in the alleged scheme, which would have benefited Democrats. Democratic city councilman Clem Campana said yesterday he's "done nothing wrong." And the Rensselaer County Democratic chairman struck back at Republican Bob Mirch, who brought the alleged to scheme light, saying, "Mirch wrote the book on absentee ballot corruption." [Troy Record] [TU] [CapNews9] [WTEN]
Neil Breslin reportedly told a church crowd in Bethlehem this past weekend that Pedro Espada is a "crook" who "should be in jail." He also apparently told the crowd that Espada doesn't actually live in his Bronx district. Breslin has been talking recently about organizing a reform group in the state Senate because he's "embarrassed" by what's gone on in the chamber. [PolitickerNY] [Jay Gallagher] [Daily Politics]
De Von Callicutt, the 19-year-old accused of firing that shot that killed UAlbany student Richard Bailey, showed up in court yesterday without a lawyer. That's the second time his arraignment has been delayed for that reason. Callicutt is already in state prison for a different crime. [TU] [WTEN] [CapNews9]
Schenectady police have arrested a man for last September's Albany St. murder. [TU]
Personal information for 300,000 state and local employees could be at risk because of a security breach at Express Scripts, the company that manages pharmacy benefits for the Empire Plan. Hackers apparently stole the information last year and have been trying to extort the company. Letters notifying people of the breach went out to some local state workers during the past two weeks. [TU] [CNET] [Fox23] [CBS6]
Saratoga Springs' school superintendent says the district may reconsider its ban on elementary and middle school students biking or walking to school. [TU]
Voter fraud alleged in Troy, VFW punishes alleged flag burner with duct-taping, big chunk of downtown Albany for sale, mass Thriller dance planned
Thirty-four people in Troy have filed sworn affidavits alleging that absentee ballots were fraudulently cast in their name during the recent primary election. The ballots were handled by or prepared for officials of the Democratic and Working Family Parties. The Rensselaer County DA is asking for a judge to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate. The affidavits were collected by private investigators working for Republican Bob Mirch, who says he will call for a federal investigation. [Troy Record] [TU] [TU] [CBS6]
Troy police have arrested a suspect for the shooting that hit a man in the head two weeks ago. The victim, who witnesses say had told a group of teens outside his house to quiet down and then was taking pictures of a fight that later broke out, is still in the hospital. [Troy Record] [WNYT] [Fox23] [CapNews9]
Members of a VFW in Rensselaer County say they duct-taped a man to a flag pole for six hours as punishment after the man allegedly burned the American flag flying at their post. The man reportedly had gotten angry after he was denied a drink at the post's bar. The post's commander says the man was given three options for punishment: being turned into police, a one-on-one fight with a veteran or the duct-taping. [WTEN] [Troy Record] [TU]
Jerry Jennings has proposed using land from the Harriman State Office Campus to allow a buffer zone between the dorm UAlbany wants to build on the east side of its campus and the residential neighborhood next door. Many of the residents of the neighborhood are not happy about the proposed dorm and have been posting developments about the project to a blog. [TU]
Fight over funds for homeless in Troy, Ellis to continue mayoral run, attempted abduction reported in Schenectady, Cohoes goes flashy
A spokesman for Harry Tutunjian says the Troy mayor's move to turn down $845k in federal money aimed at helping the homeless was "politically courageous." The mayor's administration has said the city doesn't have the money necessary to hire someone to administer the funding -- though critics have suggested the move is political payback. [TU] [Troy Record]
It appears that Corey Ellis will continue his Albany mayoral campaign on the Working Families in the general election. Ellis lost the Democratic primary to Jerry Jennings 56-44. [TU]
Leif Engstrom has come out as the winner the Democratic primary for the newly created job of Albany city auditor. There's no general election opponent, so the job is his. [TU]
A Marist poll reports that a majority of New Yorkers don't want David Paterson to run for governor -- but they also would rather not have Barack Obama be the one to push Paterson out. [Marist] [Daily Politics] [PolitickerNY]
In a radio interview yesterday David Paterson basically said that Andrew Cuomo would have bad poll numbers, too, if he were governor right now. [PolitickerNY]
PEF -- one of the two biggest state worker unions -- says it will be lobbying David Paterson to approve more $20k buyouts for its members. [TU]
RPI says it now appears five students have come down with the H1N1 influenza. The school has set up 90 isolation rooms to handle a potential flu outbreak. In an email, the school's medical director said "the number of cases could change very quickly." Sage also reported this week that two of its students have H1N1. [CapNews9] [Troy Record] [RPInsider] [CBS6]
Paterson says he never expected to be Gov, another person arrested for turtle bombing, chief suspended for slur, Schenectady overrun with kingergartners
Yesterday wasn't exactly a day of ringing support for David Paterson. Of Paterson's vow to run for governor in 2010, Sheldon Silver said, "I think, right now, I support him for governor." And at a Capitol leaders meeting, Senate leader John Sampson publicly doubted Paterson's estimate of a $3 billion midyear budget gap by saying his conference "doesn't believe in government by guesswork." Paterson says he'll be calling the legislature back at some point to address the gap. [AP/Troy Record] [PolitickerNY] [TU] [WTEN]
Paterson said yesterday in Syracuse that he never thought he'd be governor: "I did not sign up for this ... I wanted to be lieutenant governor. I had this grand plan that Hillary Clinton was going to become president. Maybe the governor would appoint me to the Senate." But he said he's still planning to run next year -- probably. [NYT] [NYDN]
The Schenectady County legislature has approved a county budget that will cut taxes a little more than two percent. Republicans -- who are in the minority -- criticized the cut as an election year ploy. [Daily Gazette $] [TU]
A group of Albany County legislators is proposing that the county build a new nursing home to replace the current facility. County exec Mike Breslin has been pushing to close the existing home in favor of placing residents in private facilities and in-home care. [TU]
Source says alleged Bailey shooter talked about crime, Paterson says he's still running, big tax increases looming for Saratoga, police say isotopes point to local crime connection
A "person familiar with the investigation" says the alleged shooter in the Richard Bailey murder had been telling a bunch of people about his alleged involvement in the crime -- and that led investigators to him. [TU]
Police say a Saratoga Springs man stabbed his mother multiple times yesterday. A city court judge has ordered a mental health evaluation of the man. Police say neighbors came running to the woman's aid after hearing her scream -- and probably saved her life. [Saratogian ][TU] [Post-Star]
After the drama with Obama on Monday, David Paterson said yesterday: "Clearly I'm running for re-election." [PolitickerNY]
After yesterday's Court of Appeals ruling affirming Richard Ravitch's appointment as lieutenant governor, a top Republican in the legislature says the state's constitution should be changed to address LG succession. Now that Ravitch's job is official, he says "my golf game is going to go to hell in a basket." [CapNews9] [Daily Politics]
Rick Lazio officially declared that he's running for governor -- even Rudy Giuliani jumps in the race. Lazio said yesterday that it's time to "replace state government with a government that this state needs." [Daily Politics] [PolitickerNY]
Filming on that Will Ferrell movie starts in downtown Albany today -- here's a list of street closings and parking restrictions. [AOA] [AOA]
Arrests in Bailey murder, local officials stoked after Obama visit, national attention on Obama and Paterson, road rage blamed in triple stabbing
Albany police announced the arrest of three teens for the murder of UAlbany student Richard Bailey last year in Pine Hills. All three have pleaded not guilty. Police have accused the alleged shooter, who's already in prison on a separate charge, of robbing another person just seven minutes after Bailey's death. Officials wouldn't say what led them to the three suspects, but did say the case came together during the last few months. [Troy Record] [WNYT] [WTEN] [TU] [Fox23] [CapNews9]
Said Richard Bailey's father after the arrests: "It was shocking to see how young the individuals were." [TU]
One of the suspects -- King Modest -- was the subject of a Metroland cover story in 2007. [Metroland]
President Obama highlighted the role of education in building the "new generation of American manufacturing" during his speech at Hudson Valley Community College yesterday. He also said Upstate New York has been suffering through a "permanent recession for years." (Full text of the prepared speech.) [TU] [Saratogian] [AOA]
(There's a lot more about the Obama visit after the jump.)
Obama at HVCC today, Bruno not invited, Paterson told to drop out, transcript indicates chief used slur, men accused of blowing up turtle
The scene this morning before the event.
President Obama's appearance at HVCC today is scheduled for 11:30 am. There were no tickets made available to the public. Video from the event will be streamed on HVCC's web site. Update: Lou's posted details about how to get the stream working. [HVCC] [HVCC]
Obama's speech is expected to focus on the economy and industries such as alternative energy. HVCC was likely chosen because the Obama Administration has been touting the potential of community colleges to train workers for these industries. [Troy Record] [TU]
The usual assortment of state and local politicians will be at the Obama event -- including Paul Tonko, who's flying in on Air Force One with the POTUS. [TU] [Fox23]
Not on that list of officials: Joe Bruno, who says the White House told him specifically that he was not invited -- and told WNYT that he's "hurt by it." Bruno's pork prowess helped fund many of the projects Obama will be highlighting. [WNYT] [TU]
The White House has reportedly asked David Paterson to drop out of the 2010 gubernatorial race. Paterson says he's still planning to run. The President is expected to meet with Paterson today during his visit to the Capital Region -- and with gubernatorial candidate state attorney general Andrew Cuomo. [NYT] [AP/Troy Record] [NYDN]
Obama to visit Capital Region, man accused of carjacking in Troy, pilot hailed for emergency landing, he's a LEGO weirdo
President Obama will be speaking about the at HVCC on Monday about the economy. He's expected to highlight the college's role in training workers for high tech jobs. HVCC has a special program set up to train workers for the GlobalFoundries chip fab. There had been rumors Obama would appear at the GloFo site, but apparently time constraints ruled that out. (The president has to make it NYC later that afternoon so he can appear on Letterman.) Apparently Paul Tonko and Scott Murphy have been lobbying for Obama to make a visit here. There are no details on tickets for the event, yet. [TU] [TU] [Troy Record] [Post-Star] [CBS6] [Fox23] [WTEN]
Kirsten Gillibrand is catching criticism for her vote to continue federal funding of ACORN. The org has been in the spotlight after its employees were caught telling people how to cheat the tax and mortgage systems. A pundit says Gillibrand's support of the org is probably intended to help her win votes in New York City. [TU] [NYDN] [Fox23]
In a new Marist poll, 70 percent of respondents said David Paterson was not a viable candidate for governor in 2010. [Daily Politics]
Troy Police say a man fleeing from a thwarted home robbery hijacked a car from a woman at a car wash in Brunswick. A resident of the house where the alleged incident began said he chased the suspect off with a baseball bat. The suspect then allegedly ran to the car wash, told the woman -- who was vacuuming her car -- to get her young son out of the back, and then sped off. Police say they caught him in Troy. [Troy Record] [WNYT] [TU] [CBS6]
Jennings wins Democratic mayoral primary, Joe Bruno takes a turn on the swings, plane headed for Saratoga crashes, dogs found shot
Jerry Jennings topped Corey Ellis in the Albany mayoral Democratic primary with 7,615 to 5,971 (that's 56 percent to 44 percent). At his victory party, Jennings told the crowd he "wasn't going to walk away from this city in a very challenging time." Ellis told supporters that he would "continue to fight for this city" and that "this fight is just beginning." Ellis also said problems at polling sites held down his vote total. [CBS6] [TU] [CapNews9]
In other Albany primary results: Carolyn McLaughlin beat Lenny Ricciuti for Common Council president, Kathy Sheehan won big over incumbent Betty Barnette for treasurer and Leif Engstrom holds a 225 vote lead over Darius Shahinfar for city auditor. [CapNews9] [TU]
The whole list of primary results: Albany County | Rensselaer County | Saratoga County | Schenectady County
As the jury selection process started for his federal trial, Joe Bruno took a turn on the swings at a new playground in Troy that was built with Bruno Bacon. [TU] [CapNews9]
Rumors of Obama visit to the area, Paterson says layoffs on the table, more complaints about student behavior, a big garage sale mistake
It's primary day. Polls are open from noon to 9 pm. If you're not sure where to vote, you can look it up at the State Board of Elections site.
Rumors are swirling that President Obama will make an appearance the site of the GlobalFoundries chip fab project in Malta. A source tells the TU that the Obama Administration is "considering" it. WNYT reports that the Secret Service has been doing advance work. A source tells CBS6 that the White House has been interested in the chip fab and how community colleges are involved in training workers. A spokesman for GloFo told the Post-Star that he didn't know "anything definite." [TU] [WNYT] [CBS6] [Post-Star]
Troy Police say they're still trying to piece together the details of the incident that led to a man getting shot in the head. Neighbors say the man had told the group of teenagers in the street to quiet down before the shooting. One neighbor says the shooting "could have been prevented" because residents called police before it happened. Six teens have been arrested for fighting outside the house. [Troy Record] [TU] [WTEN] [WNYT]
The man police say was the shooter in the Second Street murder last month in Albany says he heard shots at the party and ran away. [TU]
David Paterson said yesterday that "everything is on the table" -- including state worker layoffs and furloughs -- in the discussion about how to close the $2.1 billion midyear budget gap. He's called a leaders meeting to work on the cuts. [PolitickerNY] [Daily Politics]
Man shot in head, mother and son defy bike-to-school ban, state investigating suspicious fires, odd math on state test, ghost cats
Troy police say a man was shot in the head Sunday morning during a fight (map). The man is expected to survive. Police say the man may not have been the target of the shot -- though neighbors say the man, who lived on the street, was fired at for taking pictures of the scrum. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
Albany police have arrested a Troy man for the August 30 Second Street murder. Police say there may have been a confrontation between the two men before the shooting. The APD says witnesses at the party where the shooting occurred were initially reluctant to cooperate with the investigation. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
Schaghticoke fire officials say there was another suspicious fire this weekend. The state is now organizing a task force to investigate a string of 10 suspicious fires around the town. [Fox23] [TU]
A Troy City Hall inter-office memo warns of big tax increases in the city next year if it can't find a way to make budget cuts. [Troy Record]
The Saratoga mother and son who got in trouble for biking to school last spring defied the districts' no-biking-to-school rule by pedaling to the first day of class last week. [Saratogian]
State Senate back to squabbling, gun violence team coming together, Troy shoot and kill dog, seniors say vultures weird them out
Yesterday's state Senate session fizzled as Democrats and Republicans fought over a new system for policing ethics. Democrats blamed Republicans for being obstinate and Republicans said Democrats were trying to design the system to their advantage. [TU] [NYT]
The squabble over ethics reform kept other issues off the Senate plate -- including the bill that would create a residential parking permit system for Albany. [PolitickerNY]
The implementation team for Albany's Gun Violence Task Force is coming together -- both the Common Council and Jerry Jennings announced their picks yesterday. The school district and the police department have yet to announce their selections. [TU] [CapNews9]
Two Schenectady women have been charged after police say they signed a contract to allow a 19-year-old guy to date a 13-year-old girl. [Fox23]
Police say shooting wasn't random, residential parking permits probably won't pass, Erin Brockovich coming to talk about mercury, quarters to depict Battles of Saratoga
Albany police say the shooting death of a man on North Pearl Street this week does not appear to be random. Albany County DA David Soares told residents of the apartment complex where the man was shot that the APD has its "best and the brightest working on this." A resident of the apartment complex said the APD used to have more of a presence in the neighborhood -- and she'd like to see it return. [Fox23] [TU] [Fox23]
In response to this latest shooting -- the fourth in a month -- mayoral candidate Corey Ellis said: "The City of Albany is under seige and we are in crisis." An APD spokesman asserted that the city is safe, though he said "when you have violent crimes that occur of this magnitude it gives you the perception that the streets aren't." [CBS6] [WTEN]
It appears that now-retired former APD chief James Tuffey has landed in a soft spot: BBL Construction -- the city's dominant construction company, whose owner is friends with both Tuffey and Jerry Jennings. [TU]
The state Senate is back in session today and is expected to take up ethics reform. Though it originally was scheduled to be on the slate, it now appears that a residential parking permit law for Albany will not come up. [CapNews9] [PolitickerNY] [TU]
Shooting death in Albany, Bruno says he feels vindicated, sheriff says DWI sweep netted mother with kids, forklift used for robbery
Albany Police say a man was found shot and killed at an apartment complex on North Pearl Street late last night (map). There have now been three shooting deaths in Albany during the last 11 days. [TU] [WNYT]
Prompted by the recent spike in violent crime, three Albany Common Council members -- including mayoral candidate Corey Ellis -- called on the city yesterday to implement the recommendations of the Gun Violence Task Force, which issued its final report in January. Jerry Jennings said yesterday that he was tired of people "politicizing the tragedies we are having in the city." [TU] [CapNews9]
While Andrew Cuomo's investigation of the State Police (pdf) did not find evidence of special political unit, the AG's office says it found "several troubling situations in which, at the highest levels of the State Police, political considerations played an improper and determinative role." In a letter, David Paterson said he was concerned about "troubling politicization of certain actions and decisions that occurred at highest levels of the State Police." This investigation grew out of the "Troopergate" scandal -- in which Joe Bruno accused the Spitzer Administration of using state police to spy on him. Bruno said yesterday that the report makes him feel "totally vindicated." [NYS AG] [TU] [NYT] [CapNews9]
The state Committee on Open Government has concluded that the Schenectady School District should have released the entire report produced by its Steven Raucci investigation. [Daily Gazette $]
Teen shot while riding bike, council president candidate accused of sexual harassment, attendance down slightly at Track, demolition begins on Wellington
Police say a teenager was shot in the leg as he rode his bike through Albany's West Hill neighborhood on Saturday (map). Police say they don't have a suspect. [TU] [Fox23]
Lenny Ricchiuti -- head of the Albany Police Athletic League and a candidate for Common Council president -- has been accused of sexual harassment by a former PAL employee. Ricchiuti is running against Carolyn McLaughlin for the Common Council presidency. [TU] [TU]
The Bethlehem police officer who's accused the town's police chief of using a racial slur has had his service weapons taken away -- the town cited the officer's "emotional state.". [TU]
Critics of Albany's charter schools say the schools score better on state tests because they have lower numbers of special education students. [TU]
Andrew Cuomo is expected to announce that his office has not found any evidence that a special unit of the state police had been assembled to gather information about politicians. The issue rose out of the "Troopergate" dispute between Joe Bruno and Eliot Spitzer. [NYT] [AP/Troy Record]
Police say Albany shooting was accidental, Paterson says same-sex marriage bill will come up, more controversy for Tuffey, royalty coming to Albany
Police say the teen shot and killed Wednesday night in Albany appears to have been the victim of an accidental shooting. A teen -- a relative of the victim -- has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon. [TU] [CapNews9]
Charlie Mueller is trying to rally support for the Albany Gun Buyback. [Fox23]
New York State comptroller Tom DiNapoli says municipalities' will have to chip in more to the state's pension funds because of stock market losses. For example, the City of Albany's contribution is expected to increase $4.5 million. Many municipalities will probably have to raise taxes to cover the increase. The current situation is inverse of a decade ago when the rising stock market reduced towns' contributions significantly. [NYS Comptroller] [TU] [Troy Record]
Scott Murphy says he would not vote for the current version of the health care reform bill that's before the House -- but might with a few changes. Earlier this week MoveOn was leaning on Murphy to support a "public option" in the bill -- and now the National Republican Congressional Committee is robo-calling his district to attack that provision. [Post-Star] [PolitickerNY]
David Paterson say he anticipates that the same-sex marriage bill come up when/if he calls the legislature back for a special session to address the budget gap. [The Advocate via Daily Politics]
Shooting in Albany, Jennings and Ellis debate, rolling billboard targets police chief, snakeheads!
Jerry Jennings and Corey Ellis just before the start of last night's debate
Police say a 19-year-old man was shot and killed last night in Albany's Delaware Ave neighborhood, just a few blocks from the Spectrum (map). There weren't a lot of details -- the APD was canvassing the neighborhood for info. The police say they're not even sure the man was shot at the location he was found. The shooting pushes Albany's murder count to six this year. Update: Police now say the shooting appears to have been an accident. [TU] [CapNews9] [CBS6] [WNYT]
Jerry Jennings and Corey Ellis debated last night in front of an overflow crowd at the Albany Public Library's main branch. Jennings said his top priority is the city's children and economic development -- Ellis said transparency and public safety. The exchanges were mostly calm. One exception: Jennings got a little stirred up when Ellis said he had been ignoring the city's gang problem. There was only one mention, by Ellis, of retiring police chief James Tuffey. The candidates answered a wide range of questions that had been written on notecards by the audience before the debate -- a format that didn't allow follow-up questions. [CapNews9] [Fox23] [TU] [AOA was also there]
For a quick read through of the debate, here's the stream of live tweets from AOA and the TU. Also, CBS6 has posted video, helpfully broken down by issue.
At last night's Schenectady school board meeting, the board president briefly addressed the now infamous graduation kegger, saying it demonstrated "a lack of parental boundaries." James Casino, the board member shown taking a Jager shot from an ice luge in one photo, was not at the meeting. [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
Speculation about Tuffey's resignation, state Ed Department looking into kegger, Bethlehem cops go weeding, new row houses planned for Center Square
Speculation continues about the departure of Albany police chief James Tuffey. His retirement announcement -- by many accounts sudden -- came after a group of department commanders retained legal counsel and told city hall they would not deny a incident in which Tuffey is accused of using a racial slur. Mayor Jerry Jennings says he did not ask Tuffey to resign. The union that represents Albany police officers is saying that the resignation was forced with the help of the department's command staff -- and is accusing the city of using Tuffey's departure to stall contract negotiations with the union. [TU] [CapNews9] [WNYT] [Fox23] [Troy Record]
Jennings says there will be a "national search" for a candidate to replace Tuffey. Because of a charter change in 2007, the Common Council will have veto power over the mayor's choice for the position. Common Council president Shawn Morris says she wants Jennings to talk with the council about criteria for the candidate search. Citing Jennings' five other picks for chief, Morris said, "It's time to broaden the search." [CapNews9] [TU] [CBS6] [CBS6]
The New York State Education Department now says it will be looking into photos that popped up on Facebook of a Schenectady school board member and his wife -- a teacher -- at a kegger celebrating their son's high school graduation. Schenectady's schools superintendent says the district is "looking at [the situation] internally." [WTEN] [Upstream] [TU]
School board member party photos draw interest from police, DMV fees going up, Albany FreeNet expanding, cutbacks come to David Paterson's face
The Schenectady County DA says police will be looking into photos (originally posted on Facebook) that show a Schenectady school board member and his wife -- who's a teacher -- drinking from a Jagermeister luge and doing a keg stand at their son's high school graduation party. [TU] [WTEN] [Daily Gazette $]
DMV fees go up today -- the cost of renewing a driver's license is going up $14.50. Next year, car registrations will require a new license plate ($25) -- and keeping the same license number will cost an extra $20. Jim Tedisco called the higher fees a tax increase. Rensselaer County's clerk said the state legislature is treating the DMV like "a cash cow." [TU] [Saratogian] [WNYT] [CapNews9]
David Paterson and other state officials were at a middle school in Albany yesterday to raise awareness about prep for flu season. Officials say the recently emerged H1N1 flu is likely to flare up in schools. Local school districts and colleges say they're getting the word out about preventive measures to parents and students. [CapNews9] [Fox23] [TU]
A state comptroller's report indicates that county sales tax receipts in the Capital Region are down more than six percent this year. In Saratoga County, which the report indicates is down 12 percent, officials said the numbers seemed off the mark. [NYS Comptroller] [Saratogian]
Second murder in Albany this month, Summer Bird wins Travers, hospital employees required to get flu shots, party invitation causes kerfuffle
The scene outside 327 Second Street in Albany, where police say a man was shot and killed this past weekend during a party. (Photo by Paul Esmond)
Albany police say a Troy man was shot and killed in a basement apartment in West Hill early Sunday morning (map). There apparently had been a party at the house. Police say they don't have suspects or a motive, yet. It was the fifth murder in Albany this year. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23 [WNYT]
Police have arrested another suspect in this month's Western Ave murder in Albany. This second suspect, who's been charged with second degree murder, just turned 16. [WNYT] [TU]
Summer Bird won the Travers by 3.5 lengths on Saturday. The horse also won the Belmont and is the son of Marylou Whitney's Birdstone, who also won the Belmont and Travers in 2004. Rain kept attendance to 34,221 -- the smallest crowd in 30 years. Among those in attendance: David Paterson. [CapNews9] [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [CapNews9]
Backstretch workers at The Track still haven't seen most of the money a state investigation concluded is owed to them by horse trainers. [TU]
Schenectady High "persistently dangerous" again, Ellis says people don't feel safe in Albany, state texting while driving ban signed, parking permits for Troy?, Paterson finds catharsis and a milkshake
Schenectady High School made the the state Department of Education's list of "persistently dangerous" schools for the second straight year. Superintendent Eric Ely says the district didn't ask to have the school removed from the list because "We're not happy with what we're seeing." Ely also Schenectady is reporting all of its incidents to the state -- he said other districts are not doing that. [NYSED] [TU] [Fox23]
Former state Supreme Court judge Thomas Spargo, whose chambers were in Albany, was convicted yesterday of trying to shake down attorneys with cases before him. The prosecution alleged that Spargo was soliciting the bribes so that he could pay for his defense in an ethics investigation. Spargo was booted from the bench in 2006. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
Saratoga Springs police say two people were arrested yesterday after it appears that one of them accidentally shot himself at the Adelphi Hotel in downtown Saratoga. The woman staying with him, who's from New Jersey, was charged with felony weapon possession because she doesn't have a permit for New York. The cops say they were tipped off when the man, who's been charged with reckless endangerment, showed up Saratoga Hospital and wouldn't say how he'd gotten the wound in his leg. [TU] [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
Albany mayoral candidate Corey Ellis said yesterday during a campaign appearance that there "far too many violent crimes in this city, and that too many people don't feel safe in their neighborhoods." Jerry Jennings' campaign has been touting statistics that indicate crime has been dropping in the city. [Ellis press release] [TU]
Jennings held a campaign fund raiser at Michael Bloomberg's home in Manhattan earlier this month. [TU]
State AG's office investigating Espada, man pleads guilty to killing son, CDTA trimming routes, Mine That Bird out of Travers
Andrew Cuomo's office is investigating whether Pedro Espada was something less than forthcoming when filling out a form for a $3 million state grant for his Bronx health care org. [TU]
David Paterson signed a bill that makes it illegal in most cases to shackle a prison inmate during childbirth. [AP/CBS6]
Glenn Vosburgh, the Coeymans man accused of killing his son last spring, pleaded guilty to manslaughter yesterday in a deal that will send him to prison for 19 years. Vosburgh said he was intoxicated when he shot his son in the back. [TU] [Fox23] [CapNews9]
Last night's Schenectady school board meeting included pointed criticism from the crowd as Linda Bellick, who lost in the last board election, was appointed to fill a recently vacated spot. Bellick's remarks during the meeting were stopped by the district's attorney after Bellick started talking about the not-publicly-released Steven Raucci report. [WNYT] [TU]
Health care forum raises blood pressure, arrest in Albany murder, plan proposed for Troy Proctors, Green Island Bridge up and down today
About 1,500 people showed up for Paul Tonko's health care bill public forum last night in Bethlehem. Both supporters and opponents of the Obama Administration's health care reform plan were there -- and it led to some heated exchanges. When one speaker asked Tonko about where Congress gets the authority to pass health care reforms, Tonko pulled out a pocket constitution and started reading from Article I. [TU] [CapNews9] [Lydia Kulbida] [WNYT]
Schenectady police say a man was shot three times on Park Place last night -- just a few blocks from Union College (map). The shooting appeared to be the result of some sort of argument. No arrests have been made. [Fox23] [CBS6] [WNYT]
Albany police have made an arrest in the Western Ave murder earlier this month. Police say the shooting was part of a robbery. The suspect told police he didn't pull the trigger, but he says he saw who did. [CapNews9] [TU]
The Court of Appeals, New York's highest court, will take up the dispute over Richard Ravtich's appointment as lieutenant governor next month. [CapNews9]
Rudy leaning toward run for governor, attorney accused of ripping off clients, Giants could be leaving for good, Rachel Alexandra will race at Saratoga, fire truck for sale
People "close" to Rudy Giuliani say the former NYC mayor is leaning toward a run for governor. Giuliani has apparently told "associates" that he'll make up his mind within the next two months. Giuliani trails Andrew Cuomo 53-40 in a hypothetical gubernatorial matchup, according to the latest Siena poll. [NYDN] [NYT] [AOA]
The head of the state Republican Party is stepping down. Giuliani apparently was one of the people who pushed him out, which is another reason observers think Rudy is planning a run for governor. [Daily Politics] [NYT]
The federal Department of Justice says New York State's four juvenile prisons routinely use excessive force on their residents. That approach has led to an "alarming" number of injuries, according to the DOJ report. [NYT] [TU]
A Saratoga Springs attorney was arrested yesterday on charges that he ripped off more than $400k from clients. Police say he took the money as part of two real estate transactions. The attorney has pled not guilty. [TU] [Saratogian] [Fox23]
A Colonie lawyer says he was fired from his job with state Senate Democrats after decided to run for town justice on the Republican ticket. [TU]
Shooting in uptown Albany, Paterson lashes out at media, concerns about pollution at Cohoes factory, GloFo tapping local firms
Albany police say man was shot outside his apartment on Manning Blvd in uptown Albany last night (map). The man reportedly was sitting in car when he took multiple shots in his upper body. A neighbor drove him to the hospital. The APD says it hasn't identified a motive. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23] [CapNews9]
The Albany cop car involved in last week's crash that killed a man in a civilian car on Madison Ave did not have an installed video camera. In fact, none of the APD's cars have cameras even though chief James Tuffey said more than a year ago that the squad's fleet would be getting them. [TU]
The median price for single family homes in the Capital Region was down 10 percent in July compared to the same month last year (median prices are down 5 percent for the year). The number of closed sales was about the same, though. That has real estate agents speculating that the market has reached its bottom. [GCAR] [TU]
David Paterson said on Friday that media has treated his administration unfairly because of his ethnicity. Later in the day Paterson said he hadn't accused the media of being racist, but rather said "certain media outlets have engaged in coverage that exploits racial stereotypes." In his original comments, Paterson the press would next go after Barack Obama for the same reason -- and apparently that assertion didn't go over well with the White House. [Daily Politics] [Daily Politics] [NY Post]
A Democratic state senator from Staten Island says David Paterson's impaired vision is making it hard for him to be an effective governor. [SI Advance]
Jennings and Ellis spar over vacant buildings, state Senate paying lease on empty offices, Joe Bruno still alive, socialite's tiny dogs on display
Jerry Jennings and mayoral candidate Corey Ellis went back and forth yesterday over vacant buildings and the city's plan to paint boarded up windows to look like real windows. At a press conference on Henry Johnson, Jennings said the painted boards will help deter crime. At his own presser nearby, Ellis said "There's not enough paint in this city to solve these problems." [TU] [WNYT] [CitizenAction YouTube via PolitickerNY]
A former state Senate employee has alleged that David Paterson was having an affair with a staffer while he was lieutenant governor. That prompted a lawyer for the alleged mistress to call the former staffer "a lying weasel." [NYT]
The state Senate is paying $1.5 million on a lease for empty office space near the Capitol. [TU]
The Schenectady Free Health Clinic is on the verge of closing after its state funding didn't get renewed. [TU]
Saratoga public safety commissioner -- and mayoral candidate -- Ron Kim says the Saratogian has been too lax in allowing what he calls racist comments to be posted on its web site. (Kim is part Korean and apparently some of the comments make references to him being like Kim Jong Il). The Saratogian says Kim didn't report the offensive comments to the paper. [TU] [Saratogian]
Espada's son resigning from Senate job, sheriff's deputy arrested, council members got ghost tickets, Novella says she's changed, Skidmore's rep up in smoke
Pedro Espada says his son will be resigning the $120k/year state Senate job that was created for him. The resignation comes after Andrew Cuomo's office said it was looking into whether the hiring violated state ethics laws. It also came out yesterday that Pedro the Younger apparently had not been showing up for his new job. Big Pedro said last night the resignation was "appropriate," though he continued to insist the hiring had not been nepotism. [TU] [NYT] [NY Post] [Daily Politics]
Also among the state Senate Democrats' recent hires: a former member of the governor's staff who was let go after the state Inspector General's office described him as "immature," "irresponsible" and "ill-suited." [TU]
A Saratoga County Sheriff's deputy was arrested Tuesday night after a woman accused him of forcing her into a sex act with him. The sheriff's department says the deputy was on duty in his uniform -- and the woman in his patrol car -- when the alleged act occurred (the Gazette says it was oral). The deputy and woman apparently already knew each other. [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star]
Colonie supervisor Paula Mahan says the town's $19.5 million deficit has almost been cut in half. The special one-time deficit reduction tax accounted for $5.5 million. Mike Hoblock, Mahan's Republican opponent for the supervisor position, questioned whether the town was really that far in the hole to start. [CBS6] [CapNews9] [TU]
Dredging starts up again, Espada says no quid pro quo for son's job, rally for post office, horse prices up at Saratoga sale
The Hudson River PCB dredging project has started up again. Officials say they'll be working slowly in an attempt to prevent PCB levels from spiking. The PCB spikes have prompted some "told you so" from dredging opponents. [NYT] [TU] [CapNews9]
The Schenectady County legislature has voted to ban BPA from baby bottles and sippy cups. Albany County passed a similar ban earlier this week. [TU]
Pedro Espada said yesterday that the $120k/year state Senate job created for his son (Pedro G. Espada) is "not the result of a quid pro quo or a contingency to my ending the Senate stalemate." An unnamed state Senate Democrat called the younger Espada "lazy and not so smart." Big Pedro, who's know the Senate majority leader, apparently tried to hire his son directly, but ethics rules prohibit senators hiring family members. [PolitickerNY] [NY Post] [TU]
New York State will be giving people on welfare $200/child to help with back-to-school costs. A total of 800,000 kids will get grants. The cash comes from federal stimulus money snagged with the help of $35 million from George Soros. Dean Skelos called the plan "ripe for fraud and abuse." [CapNews9] [Fox23] [AP/Troy Record]
The number of new homes being constructed in the Capital Region is way down -- because of the economy, but maybe also because of changing buyer preferences. [TU]
Albany County closer to requiring menu calorie counts, state facing huge infrastructure costs, call for community policing, new state tax credit for home buyers, Dubai ruler sheiks up yearling sale
The Albany County legislature has passed a law requiring that chain restaurants post calorie counts on menus. If county exec Mike Breslin signs the bill, it would take effect next February. New York City already has such a law. [TU] [CapNews9] [CBS6]
The Albany County legislature also passed a bill that bans Bisphenol A (BPA) from baby bottles and sippy cups. [Troy Record]
The state comptroller says New York is facing $250 billion in infrastructure repair costs over the next two decades -- and where all the money will come from is unclear (controller's office report). [CBS6]
State Senate majority Democrats have created a $120k/year job for Pedro Espada's son. [NY Mag]
Scott Murphy has been holding "Congress on Your Corner" meetings with constituents around his district to talk about health care reform -- he was in Saratoga and Rensselaer counties yesterday. Murphy says he's in favor of a health insurance mandate. [CapNews9] [Post-Star]
Hoping to make use of David Paterson's low poll numbers, national Republicans have been referring to Kirsten Gillibrand as "Paterson-appointee Kirsten Gillibrand." [NYT]
Murder in Albany, Schenectady cops could get tasers, Hudson river dredging stopped again, Cohoes considers closing barn door
Albany police say a man was shot and killed in his apartment on Western Ave Sunday morning. They say they don't have a suspect, but it appears that shooter was someone the man knew. The location of this shooting, 158 Western Ave, is less than half-a-mile from where UAlbany student Richard Bailey was shot last year. [CBS6] [TU] [Google Maps]
Among the details from the state auditor's Albany ghost ticket report: a former Albany cop was put on the VIP list after he complained about getting tickets while working at his job at the state Education Department -- he then racked up 573 no-fine tickets. Jerry Jennings released a statement Friday that said his administration would be working with the Common Council to "quickly adopt a corrective action plan" for the city's parking ticket system. Said mayoral candidate Corey Ellis in statement released Friday: ""This report clearly shows that Mayor Jennings' administration is incapable of properly managing the issuance and collection of parking fines, a system that should be simple and straightforward." [AOA] [TU] [CapNews9] [Ellis press release not online]
Schenectady police chief Mark Chaires says he pushing for the department's officers to get tasers. The family of the man shot and killed by the SPD last week questioned why a non-lethal measure wasn't used in that situation. [TU] [CapNews9]
The state announced it will be building a new $40 million food safety lab at the Harriman State Office Campus. Where that leaves the plan to turn the campus over to private development is apparently anyone's guess. [Troy Record] [TU]
Authorities say alleged kidnapper knew gang members, Paterson hires friend despite hiring freeze, USPS says closure list is A STUDY, Unhappy Meals distributed
Authorities say the man accused of kidnapping a woman in downtown Saratoga Springs recently did know the two alleged Salvadoran gang members arrested this week. The Saratoga DA is asking people to take photos of unusual graffiti and send them to police so the tags can be investigated for connections to gangs. [Saratogian] [Saratogian]
Colonie's town council has approved a measure that would limit the number of sex offenders who can reside in a single hotel or motel. Leaders were concerned that a strip of motels along Central Ave had become a hot spot for sex offenders -- one motel reportedly has 25 sex offenders staying at it. [CapNews9] [CBS6]
David Paterson signed an executive order that sets a state goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent from 1990 levels. New York's current level is 290 million tons -- 23 million tons more than in 1990. [TU] [AP/Saratogian]
Despite a state freeze on hiring, David Paterson added a longtime friend -- and fellow club partier -- to a $88k job in a state office in DC. The woman was reportedly "imposed" on the office. [NYDN] [NYP]
GE officially announces new plant in Schenectady, Ellis calls for review of ambulance service, feds say Central American gang members picked up, toward nanobioscience
GE has officially announced that it will be building a new battery plant at the GE Energy campus off Erie Blvd in Schenectady. The plant is expected to cost $100 million and create 350 jobs. GE is getting a package of grants and incentives worth $20 million from New York State and Schenectady Metroplex. The plant will make batteries based on technology developed at the company's research center in Niskayuna. [Daily Gazette $] [CapNews9] [TU] [Fox23]
Albany police detective George McNally pleaded guilty yesterday to drunk driving and reckless driving. McNally careened through Albany and Delmar after leaving a bar on New Scotland Ave this past January. As part of the plea deal, he'll pay a fine, do community service, and his license will be revoked -- though he'll be able to drive for work. [TU] [CapNews9]
Albany mayoral candidate Corey Ellis has called for a review of ambulance service in the city. Ellis says the review is necessary because of Mohawk Ambulance's delay in arriving at the scene of the fatal crash involving a kid on a bike and a car. Jerry Jennings accused Ellis of politicizing the tragedy. [Ellis press release not online] [TU]
The state Senate will be back in session today for what's expected to be a short, "very vanilla" session. [TU]
Friend says man killed by police suffered from mental illness, unease over state worker buyouts, judge pleads guilty to DWAI, big year for apples
A family friend says the man shot and killed by Schenectady police this past weekend suffered from mental illness. The man's brother says the SPD should have used non-lethal force. [Daily Gazette $] [CapNews9]
Workers at GE Energy in Schenectady approved a new contract with the company that includes no layoffs for two years -- and clears the way for a new battery factory that could add 350 jobs. In return, the union is forgoing cost of living raises for the next two years. [WNYT] [CapNews9] [TU]
The Hudson River dredging project has started up again after tests indicated that PCB levels in the water had dropped below the set limit. The EPA is blaming fast-moving currents for the spike. Officials from some downstream communities say the EPA was slow to notify them of the test results. [Troy Record] [TU] [Post-Star]
New York State has finally paid the property taxes it owed on The Track -- almost $478k. The payment was six months late. Apparently the state is exempt from having to pay late fees. The state started paying property taxes on The Track after it took ownership of the property from NYRA. [Daily Gazette $] [Saratogian] [TU] [Post-Star]
Lack of information about the $20k retirement buyout is upsetting state workers. [TU]
Council report on ghost tickets released, CDTA bus catches fire, RPI frat buying church, torched car rolls down street, blame the trough
The Albany Common Council released the report about its ghost ticket investigation -- it concludes the police union was out of line when it started the bullseye ticket system and also criticizes the city treasurer's office. [TU] [Fox23]
Police are investigating a car explosion that killed a man in Schenectady over the weekend. The man's family says the car blew up a few hours after the man had reported a drug deal to police. [TU] [CBS6]
Schenectady police have identified the man shot and killed by a police officer on Saturday after he allegedly threatened people with a knife. The SPD says it's reviewing the shooting and the Schenectady County DA says the case will eventually be presented to a grand jury. The incident was apparently captured on a patrol car's video camera. [Fox23] [TU] [Daily Gazette $]
The Hudson River dredging project has been paused again because of fast-moving currents and a spike in PCB levels over the EPA's limit. [Troy Record]
Albany mayoral candidate Valerie Faust has been bounced from the Democratic primary ballot for not having enough valid signatures. Supporters of Corey Ellis challenged the signatures. Faust called the challenge "low-down dirty" and vowed to contest the ruling in court. [Fox23] [CapNews9] [TU]
A CDTA bus caught fire on I-90 yesterday evening between Everett Road and Corporate Woods -- the bus was not carrying passengers. (Pictures and video) [CapNews9] [WNYT]
Man shot to death by Schenectady police, no more Bruno bacon, conflict over dredging dump site, artist accused of stealing his own paintings
Schenectady police say an officer shot and killed a man wielding a butcher knife Saturday afternoon. Schenectady's public safety commissioner says the man moved quickly toward the officer -- and there's "nothing that indicates" the officer did not comply with department's laws and regulations. The Schenectady County DA's office says it will investigate. The officer who fired on the man had been shot in the line of duty ten years ago. Saturday's shooting was the first by an officer in Schenectady since 2002. [Daily Gazette] [CapNews9] [CBS6] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A state panel has concluded that the City of Albany's refusal to release "fixed" parking tickets could be a violation of state law. [TU]
With Joe Bruno no longer sending this bacon this way, the Capital Region's haul of state Senate pork is down 76 percent. [TU]
Andrew Cuomo has apparently "begun to embrace the possibility of a run for governor." [NYT]
It sounds like Carolyn Maloney is now leaning against challenging Kirsten Gillibrand in the Senate Democratic primary. [Politico]
Another gap in the state budget, foreclosure rates stay low, authority moves to buy Albany's oldest building, big plans for bus rapid transit
The state Division of Budget is projecting that New York will be short $2.1 billion during this fiscal year. The reason: less-than-expected revenues from both income and sales taxes. The projected gap will probably bring the legislature back into session in September. [NYS DoB] [NYT] [TU]
A state appeals court has ruled that Richard Ravitch can serve as lieutenant governor until the legality of his appointment is argued in court August 18. One catch: he's not allowed to preside over the state Senate or cast tie-breaking votes in the chamber. Ravitch says he been working on budget issues in the administration. [Daily Politics] [Biz Review] [Fox23]
A handful of state governors will be in Saratoga this weekend for eating, drinking, horse racing and partying a conference hosted by David Paterson. [Daily Politics]
Albany police say a man -- dressed as a woman -- stabbed a stylist at a salon on North Lake in yesterday. Police say the man then ran off with the woman's purse before being arrested. [CapNews9] [CBS6]
Anger over accident that killed child, Albany County budget gap grows, DA says alleged kidnapper had forged passport, Guilderland horse wins race
Troy police say they're investigating the accident that killed a five-year-old boy Tuesday afternoon -- but they're already saying the detective driving the unmarked police vehicle was not speeding. The boy's family isn't so sure -- and says it's waiting for an apology. The president of the Troy police union questioned why the child was crossing the street alone. [CapNews9] [Fox23] [Troy Record] [TU]
Severe thunderstorms dropped as much as 4.5 inches of rain on parts of Columbia and Green counties yesterday, causing flooding which led to road closures. States of emergency were declared in Kinderhook, Stuvesant and New Lebanon. Rail service to-and-from NYC has been suspended until at least noon. [TU] [CBS6] [WNYT] [CBS6]
Attendance -- and the amount bet -- at The Track were both up yesterday compared to last year's opening day. The totals fell short of 2007 numbers, though. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Albany County is facing a budget gap of $19 million, according to a letter sent out by county exec Mike Breslin. [TU]
Opening day at The Track, child dies after being hit by police vehicle, bill would allow supermarket wine sales, Schenectady could turn down money for cops, tanker spills milk on I-90
It's opening day at The Track. Racing starts at 1 pm.
The state Department of Labor says it will be continuing to scrutinize whether trainers are paying overtime and minimum wage to backstretch workers. An investigation the agency conducted last year found that adequate records were not being kept and many workers were not getting full compensation. [Fox23] [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
Many businesses in Saratoga are pulling for a strong track season -- the city's finance commissioner said the season is "like our Christmas." Hotels in Saratoga are apparently almost completely booked up for this weekend. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A child died in Troy yesterday after being hit by unmarked police vehicle. Police say the vehicle was not responding to an emergency. There are reports the child might have entered the street between two parked cars. The city says it's conducting an investigation. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [CapNews9] [TU]
A bill has been proposed in Albany County would require chain restaurants to post calories counts on menus. One of the supporters of the bill is Panera -- the chain says its local restaurants already have plans to post calorie counts. [Albany County] [TU] [Fox23]
Arrest in Saratoga kidnapping case, suit alleges Raucci cut off heat to classroom, assemblyman says four day week a "no-brainer," Union disputes party school tag
Saratoga Springs police say they have arrested the man whom they allege is responsible for the kidnapping and attempted rape of a woman last Thursday night (map). The man -- who's an illegal immigrant -- has been charged with felony kidnapping and felony robbery (he's accused of taking off with $500). Police continued to praise the woman for her moxie in being able to escape from the attack. Authorities say they're investigating whether the man was involved with another similar crime in Lake George. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [CapNews9] [Post-Star] [TU]
Yet another lawsuit filed over the alleged conduct of Steven Raucci accuses the former Schenectady school district employee of cutting off the heat to a teacher's classroom after her husband -- who worked for Raucci -- indicated he might challenge Raucci for a union leadership position. [Daily Gazette]
David Paterson has requested that the USDA declare 17 counties, including the Capital Region, agricultural disaster areas. The damp, cloudy summer has been miserable for farmers. [CBS6] [Daily Gazette]
New York State's new education commissioner is David Steiner, who was a dean at Hunter College in NYC. He said yesterday that he will focus on improving teacher performance. [NYT] [TU]
Report: ambulance delay a result of "human error," state AG's office takes up ESP man cave case, GE reportedly building new plant in Schenectady, it's huuuuuge
The city report on the delayed ambulance response to the scene of a fatal crash between a car and a child on a bike in Albany in May concludes that "a single human error" was responsible for the delay. The dispatch error held up the city from calling another service, said the chair of the report task force. The report also concluded that a faster response would not have saved the child. [TU] [Fox23] [CapNews9]
Police are looking for a man who allegedly kidnapped a woman in Saratoga Springs Thursday night and attempted to sexually assault her. The woman, who had been forced at gunpoint to strip, escaped. Police credited her with being "brave and resourceful." The SSPD says it will release a statement about the case today. [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
The ESP Man Cave case has been turned over to the state attorney general's office -- and felony charges are possible. [TU]
It seems that David Paterson's gubernatorial campaign is something less than fiscally disciplined, spending lavishly on consultants, hotels and -- in one case -- joke writers. That largesse apparently did not extend to reimbursing the state for airfare, though. [NYT] [TU]
Arrest in Schenectady fire attack, Luther Forest chip fab breaks ground, body found in burned out car, more barking about dog parks, Stillwater all mixed-up
Schenectady police say they've arrested the man who allegedly lit a woman on fire Wednesday night. He's been charged with first degree assault. The attack, which involved lighter fluid, apparently came after a series of arguments between the two. Police credited the arrest to an outpouring of tips from neighbors. [TU] [CBS6] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
The median sale price for homes in the Capital Region was down 6 percent in June compared to the same month a year ago, according to the Greater Capital Association of Realtors. The number of sales was up, though. And agents say houses under $200k are selling relatively quickly. [GCAR] [TU]
The guidelines for the $20k state worker buyout have been released. For state employees to be eligible, they must be in a job slot slated for elimination -- and have 10 years of service time or be retiring. [TU]
Today is the official groundbreaking for the Luther Forest chip fab. The GlobalFoundries plant is expected to cost $4.2 billion. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
George Pataki, in town for the GloFo groundbreaking, said he's interested in returning to politics. [CapNews9]
Ravitch appointment temporarily unblocked, Schenectady woman set on fire, New York State owes back taxes on The Track, man saved by Pork Chop
A state appellate judge has temporarily blocked the injunction that blocked Richard Ravitch from acting as lieutenant governor. Republicans get a chance on Monday to argue that Ravitch should be re-blocked. The fight over the constitutionality of Ravitch's appointment could drag on for months -- and will probably end up in the Court of Appeals, New York's highest court. [AP/CapNews9] [NYT] [NYDN]
Schenectady police say a woman was set on fire last night during what appears to have been an argument. Police say the woman was in so much pain that she wasn't able to give them any details about the attack. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [CBS6]
Said Ron Kim during his announcement yesterday that he's running for mayor of Saratoga Springs: "There is nothing wrong with this city that can't be fixed." Kim says his administration would focus on open government, fixing the city budget and a new public safety building. Kim, a Democrat, will face Republican incumbent Scott Johnson. The two candidates were already doing some trash talking yesterday. [Saratogian] [TU] [CapNews9]
The three Democrats running for mayor of Albany will be at a candidate forum tonight at St. Sophia's. The forum will focus on senior citizens issues and will include a Q&A session. [TU] [CapNews9]
Ravitch appointment blocked, motivational event jams traffic, Schenectady SD paid $13k for Raucci report, Troy dog park drama continues
A state Supreme Court justice in Nassau County has issued an injunction stopping Richard Ravitch's appointment as lieutenant governor. The justice also ruled that Malcolm Smith -- who's (again) the state Senate president -- would take over the role of governor if something happened to David Paterson. A spokesman for Paterson says the administration will appeal in the ruling. Despite the injunction, Ravitch says he'll be showing up for work today. [NYT][NYDN] [Daily Politics] [Fox23]
The "Get Motivated" event at the TU Center yesterday contributed to a big traffic jam in downtown Albany yesterday morning -- I-90 and I-787 had mile-long lines of standing cars. The event featured motivational speakers -- including Colin Powell and Rudy Giuliani -- pitching optimism, faith, skepticism of government and motivational products. Powell's speech was apparently the highlight of the day. (Question for another day: if having this gathering during a weekday snarled traffic so badly, what will happen if/when there's a convention center downtown?) [Fox23] [TU] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
Albany police say two banks -- one on New Scotland and another on Delaware -- were held up yesterday within a span of 15 minutes. And they say it looks the same person was involved in both. The guy apparently got frustrated during the first robbery attempt -- so he left without money and headed for the second bank. [Troy Record] [TU] [CapNews9]
The chairman of the Troy City Council's public safety committee says RPI needs to "bring more to the table" in assistance for fire department coverage of the campus. The union that reps Troy firefighters has been lobbying for RPI to pay a "public safety fee" to help fund firefighter staffing near the campus -- and it appears the union is going to keep pressing the issue. [TU] [Troy Record]
Attorney calls ESP man cave allegations overblown, SPAC ticket surchage floated, Tedisco proposes "Madoff Bill," DEC building urinals criticized for backsplash
An attorney for one of the men accused of setting up a "man cave" in the ESP for smoking pot instead described the space as "a break room" and called the allegations "overblown." One of the accused men has a criminal record -- and there are some questions about whether the state knew that before hiring him. [TU] [CBS6]
The Albany Common Council has passed a resolution that calls on public agencies to not ask a person about his/her immigration status if that person is "not posing a threat." The resolution is non-binding. [TU] [CBS6] [Fox23]
Saratoga Springs' finance commissioner has floated the idea of tacking on a $2 surcharge to rock and pop concert tickets at SPAC. The fee could bring in as much as $500k. SPAC's executive director said the venue is "firmly opposed" to the proposed fee and called it "an onerous tax." [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
The Troy Fire Department says mayor Harry Tutunjian has asked it to tour the RPI campus -- EMPAC in particular -- to get a better sense of the layout of campus buildings. The TFD has been lobbying for RPI to pay a public safety fee to fund additional fire coverage of the campus. [TU]
Raucci report won't be released, cool summer may be setting up cold winter, Tedisco hints at run for different office, alleged cold cut heist leads to pepper spraying
The Schenectady school district's internal investigation into Steven Raucci -- the former district employee who's been accused arson and intimidation -- will not be made public. The district says its lawyer "strongly advised" it to not release the report. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The package of state incentives for the Luther Forest chip fab project is actually closer to $1.37 billion -- and could be more if GlobalFoundries expands at the site. [TU]
A guy who was forcibly sedated at the direction of Albany County law enforcement so they could search his body for drugs in 2006 has settled his lawsuit for $125k. The search included a camera being put up his rectum. [TU] [AP/CBS6]
There's some historical data that indicates we could be in for a cold, snowy winter. [TU]
The Capital Region's tick population -- and the incidence of Lyme disease -- appear to be on the rise. [Daily Gazette]
Strong thunderstorm sweeps through area, unemployment rate highest in more than two decades, Cheerio Paterson is a biter, his name really is Harry Potter
The severe thunderstorm that swept through the area yesterday evening dropped hail and more than half an inch of rain very quickly. More than 40,000 National Grid customers lost power -- many of them in Saratoga County. The power at Crossgates was also knocked out for a few hours. There was flash flooding in Schenectady County (photos). Some of the hail in Albany County was 1.75 inches in diameter. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [WNYT] [CapNews9] [kmg] [@tcrpmg]
The Capital Region's unemployment rate hit 7.4 percent in June, according to the state Department of Labor -- that's up from 4.8 percent during the same period a year ago. An analyst with the labor department that could be the highest local rate since 1977. The two job categories that took the biggest hits were government and construction. [NYS DoL] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Shawn Morris dropped out of the Albany mayoral race yesterday. She said in a press released that she didn't think it was possible to beat Jerry Jennings in a three-way race (the other person being Corey Ellis). Morris told the TU no deal had been made between her and the Ellis campaign. [AOA] [TU]
The bill that would allow the City of Albany to create a residential parking permit system near the state capitol was set aside in the state Senate after not enough Democrats were present to push it through. The bill has already passed in the Assembly. [TU]
State Senate portions pork in the middle of the night, more investment at Albany Nanotech, questions about near-drowning in Troy, common councilman owes back taxes
The state Senate was in session until 3 am this morning. It ended up passing a package of rules reforms for the chamber, including new guidelines for the distribution of pork and staff funding. The session was anything but smooth -- and the long delay prompted a few senators to leave. [Daily Politics] [TU] [Daily Politics]
Hiram Monserrate -- one of the state senators in the middle of the recent mess -- has been restored to his position as chair of Consumer Protection Committee and given his $12,500 stipend. Monserrate's chairmanship was taken away earlier this year after he was charged with slashing his girlfriend. [TU]
David Paterson's 2010 gubernatorial campaign racked up a $1000 bill for a campaign meeting at a bar in Jersey City. [NYT]
New York State announced that it will be spending $50 million on a "packaging" facility for computer chips at Albany Nanotech -- IBM is also part of the project and it will be putting up $75 million. Also part of the announcement: a new facility at SUNY IT (near Utica) that will work with Albany Nanotech. [Biz Review] [TU]
Game on in state Senate, documents indicate district officials may have known about Raucci, police say man used child as shield, popular Phish camp closed
The state Senate is back in session today, though it seems no one really knows what's going to happen. The session could take up NYC-related legislation -- or it could focus on reforming pork distribution. One possible complication: Democrats will only have a 31-30 majority because one of their members is on his honeymoon. [AP/Troy Record] [TU] [NYP]
David Paterson apparently wasn't a fan of the Democratic leadership signing Happy Birthday at their post-game press conference last week. Maybe he's just annoyed that he had to take time out from fund raising because of the Senate mess. [Daily Politics] [NYT]
Longtime Capital Region car dealer Ken Gowey says he's running for governor. His platform includes big tax cuts and belief that "man-made global warming" is a "boondoggle." [TU]
Documents filed as part of a lawsuit against the Schenectady School District indicate that district officials may have known about Steven Raucci's alleged acts of harassment as early as 2005. The documents include handwritten notes from the district's HR director that originally appeared as part of a workers compensation claim against the district. That claim alleged that an employee who worked under Raucci suffered emotional harm because of harassment. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A state Supreme Court judge has struck down Albany County's sex offender residency law because it's superceded by state law. A similar law in Rensselaer County was tossed recently for the same reason. [TU]
Not much has changed in state Senate, Gillibrand cut off at Sotomayor hearing, judge admonished for not getting work done, pair accused of using kid to aid burglaries
Now that the state Senate leadership mess has been resolved, the chamber can move on to the really important stuff: staffing budgets. Oh, and Pedro Espada says was made majority leader because senators "trust" that "I can lead that house." [AP/Troy Record] [CapNews9]
Already bolstered by the state Senate's "extraordinary" sessions, downtown Albany restaurants are pulling for a special session. [CapNews9] [TU]
Chuck Schumer (video) and Kirsten Gillibrand (video) introduced Sonia Sotomayor at her Supreme Court nomination hearing yesterday. KG went on so long that she had to be cut off by Judiciary Committee chairman Patrick Leahy (the first gavel comes at 6:25 in her video). Gillibrand does have a reputation for being loquacious. [SchumerTube] [GillibrandTube] [TU] [NYT]
Joe Bruno has already spent more than $450k on lawyers this year as part of his defense against federal corruption charges. [Daily Politics]
CSEA members showed up at last night's Albany County Legislature meeting to protest the planned five-day furloughs of county workers. The union says workers found out about the furlough via the media. Albany County exec Mike Breslin says the county is facing a $20 million budget gap. [Fox23] [CBS6]
Everyone seems upset in Senate mess aftermath, Albany says sewer failure wasn't its fault, bar owners brought SLA with check of a box, rain leads to exploding cherries
David Paterson says the caucus switching that's been going on in the state Senate is "so blatantly quid pro quo that it borders on the boundaries of illegality." Jim Tedisco says that the recent mess has prompted him to work on introducing legislation in the Assembly that would allow elected officials to be recalled -- he singled out Pedro Espada for "selling his office." Roy McDonald says the legislature is "evolving into a branch of the New York City Council." And Neil Breslin says the recent events have him "less excited about being a senator." [AP/TU] [TU] [Fox23] [Saratogian] [AP/Troy Record]
Friday's special session of the state Senate was canceled and the body is next scheduled to meet on Wednesday. [PolitickerNY]
One thing the Senate ovethrow/unthrow didn't stop: big pay raises for a bunch of Senate staffers. [TU]
A hearing on the constitutionality of David Paterson's appointment of Richard Ravitch to the post of lieutenant governor has been scheduled for Wednesday. Even with the state Senate mess resolved, both Paterson and Ravitch say there's still a need for a lt governor. [AP/TU] [PolitickerNY]
Lawyers for Joe Bruno are arguing that his trial for "theft of honest services" should be delayed until the Supreme Court of the United State rules on a pair of similar cases. [TU]
They City of Albany has denied almost $300k in claims related to the flooding last August. The city says the deluge "exceeded all levels for which municipal storm sewers or municipal combined sewers are designed." [TU]
State Senate gets back to work, Biden in Clifton Park, Salvation Army says it didn't blow the whistle, chip fab has 20 year lifespan, good year for apples
The state Senate, with Pedro Espada caucusing with the Democrats, had a real session last night -- 135 bills were passed. The session was not without drama. Republicans held things up for about two hours because they said Democrats weren't supporting agreed-upon reforms -- Dean Skelos called Democrats "a bunch of phonies." The session got back on track shortly before midnight when both sides announced they had agreed to "a framework" for reform. [Biz Review] [TU] [AP/Daily Gazette] [Daily Politics]
The session also included Espada's installation as majority leader, though it wasn't by a vote because apparently some of the Democrats refused to directly vote for him. [Daily Politics]
David Paterson's appointment of Richard Ravitch to lieutenant governor is basically on hold until the courts review it. The first hearing is today. [TU]
Joe Biden touted the Obama Administration's stimulus program yesterday during his speech to about 600 people in Clifton Park. The VP announced that New York was getting another $275 million for unemployment insurance. And he said 6,800 jobs would be coming to the state. Among Biden's comments: he would never take the job of Mayor of Albany because it's too hard. (video from the event) [Post-Star] [Troy Record] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star]
Ravitch appointment becomes its own drama, people line up for Biden, man accused of intentionally running over woman with car, tomato blight, commuter buses get wi-fi
As expected, David Paterson's appointment (or attempted appointment) of Richard Ravitch to the post of lieutenant governor has set off its own complicated drama. Senate Republicans got a Nassau County judge to issue a temporary restraining order during the middle of the night. For what it's worth, Ravitch says he's already been sworn in. [NYT] [Daily Politics] [Newsday]
In a released statement, Paterson said he made the appointment because "the situation we face in the Senate is nothing less than a Constitutional crisis." Whether he can legally do what he did is unclear -- some say maybe, others say no. [CBS6] [TU]
Whatever the legality of the move, Paterson is trying to use it score points with voters. His 2010 campaign was touting the appointment last night in a robocall. (His campaign might need to work on its spelling, though.) [@pattigibbons] [@Mrs_Misanthrope] [@tomnardacci]
Funding for an anti-gun program in Albany has been held up by the state Senate mess. [TU]
People lined up for hours yesterday in an attempt to score tickets to see Joe Biden this afternoon in Clifton Park. Between 400 and 500 tickets were given out, apparently. The first person in line: a 17-year-old who had to get special permission for a ticket because he wasn't 18. By the way: the VP's appearance is being billed as "A Recovery Act Event" -- no word on whether Biden will personally be providing stimulus to the local economy. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
State Senate break reportedly near, Biden coming to area, layoffs at the TU, mouthwash defense surfaces, liquor license denied because of Salvation Army
It's now been a month since the state Senate upheaval started. The two sides are reportedly nearing some sort of resolution. The Democrats known as "The Three Amigos" (that includes Pedro Espada, who's sided with the Republicans) are threatening to do something (it's not clear what) if there isn't a deal by Thursday. Two of the Amigos plus another senator walked out of the Dems' session yesterday -- and apparently other rank-and-file members are feeling "frisky." [Daily Politics] [PolitickerNY] [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
It does seem like something is up -- David Paterson has requested statewide TV time for 5 pm this evening. That's prompted speculation that he might try to dislodge the situation by appointing a lieutenant governor (which would, in turn, probably set off legal throwdown). [Daily Politics] [TU]
If it's any consolation, the senators' pay has been stopped. [NYDN]
Joe Biden will be in Clifton Park tomorrow to tout the federal stimulus effort. He'll be speaking at Shenendehowa High School. This will be the first Vice Presidential visit to the area since 2000. [TU] [WTEN] [Daily Gazette]
Plotting and scheming in the state Senate, vote on landfill delayed, Lake George beaches closed, bowling-spectator cop promoted
Today's forecast includes the possibility of severe weather this afternoon and evening. The chance of rain is 80 percent and conditions could include "penny size hail or greater and wind gusts 58 mph or stronger." [NWS] [NWS]
Monday in the state Senate: lots of talking and plotting, but little action. An Assemblyman and a few good government groups are saying that David Paterson could fix the situation by simply appointing a lieutenant governor, and thus giving the Senate a tie breaker. Republicans -- and AG Andrew Cuomo -- say Paterson can't do that. [TU] [NYDN] [Daily Politics]
On a different front, one of the senators has sued the Assembly in an attempt to get it to accept the bills "passed" by the Senate during last week's V8 quorum -- though David Paterson has said he won't the sign the bills even if the Assembly accepts them. [Daily Politics]
Another potential solution that bubbled to the surface yesterday was the idea of co-leadership of the Senate. But it seems the Democrats can't agree with each other, nevermind the Republicans, because many now despise Pedro Espada. And speaking of Espada, he was apparently plotting with the "four amigos" yesterday over lunch at Bongiourno's. [TU] [Daily Politics] [Daily Politics]
The Albany Common Council delayed its vote on the bonds that would fund the landfill expansion. Apparently there's some question as to whether there are enough vote to approve the debt. The landfill could be full as soon as the end of this year. [TU]
No progress in state Senate, mid-year budget change could be necessary, alleged pharmacy robber nabbed, stimulating the sign economy, hunting for what's left of Henry Hudson
The state Senate had two more in-and-out sessions this past weekend. Negotiations are apparently going on behind the scenes. The big sticking point remains leadership of the chamber -- specifically Pedro Espada's role as president pro tem. David Paterson is reportedly telling Democrats they may just have to get over it. [Newsday] [Daily Politics] [Buffalo News] [NYDN]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli says it's looking like the state will be short on money later this year -- and a mid-year budget adjustment will probably be necessary. Of course, the would be virtually impossible with the state Senate locked in its current mess. [NYDN]
A state audit of the Schenectady Metroplex Authority reports that the org isn't tracking whether its investment projects are meeting job creation targets and that it's leaving parking money on the table. The authority disputed many of the findings -- and said it's purposefully not charging for parking. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Is it a coincidence that the owner of the construction company with a virtual lock on big projects in the City of Albany is BFF with the mayor and police chief? [TU]
State comptroller says he'll stop senators' pay, officials say fatal Schenectady fire was arson, Troy's Cannon Building could be closed, WTEN going up for auction
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli says he will withhold state senators' pay because of the Senate standoff. There's some question as to whether DiNapoli can legally do that -- and a spokesman for Senate Democrats has already said they'll sue if the comptroller actually goes through with it. [NYT] [NYDN] [TU]
There didn't appear to be an significant progress toward a resolution of the state Senate mess yesterday, though the two sides did talk. David Paterson asked the public for ideas about how to fix the situation. [Daily Politics] [Capitol Tonight]
One group that's made OK in all this: lawyers. [Capitol Tonight]
With another "extraordinary" session planned for tomorrow, senators were making Fourth of July plans. Among them: conjugal visits, fireworks at the ESP, laundry and reading "computer mail." [NYDN] [NYT]
Schenectady County DA Robert Carney says the fire that killed a 10-year-old girl in Schenectady last month was intentionally set by woman who was upset with the girl's mother. The woman has been charged with murder and arson. Carney says he doesn't think the woman intended to kill the child. The girl's mother was not home at the time of the fire -- she's been charged with endangering the welfare of a child. Three firefighters were injured while trying to save the girl. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [CBS6]
That was a lot of rain, state Senate will meet on 4th, RPI disputes fire department accusations, Rudy Giuliani wants to motivate you, ALB says show up earlier
Yesterday's severe thunderstorms dropped more than three inches of rain in some places (the official NWS tally of 2.76 inches was a local record for July 1). Latham and Cohoes seemed to get the worst of it. There were reports of flooding all over the area. [TU] [NWS] [Fox23] [Twitter]
The state Senate held another of its "extraordinary" in-and-out sessions yesterday. The big issue of the day seemed to be the question of whether the Assembly would accept the bills "passed" by the Senate in Tuesday's V8-fueled session. It looks like the senators will be spending the Fourth of July at the Capitol -- David Paterson has ordered them into session every day through Monday. [TU] [Daily Politics]
Both Senate factions are expected to turn in per diem requests for the last two weeks today -- though whether they'll be paid is apparently up in the air. [NYDN]
Guilderland's supervisor says the town will be pulling its garbage business from the Albany landfill because of concerns about the facility's expansion into the Pine Bush. [TU]
RPI says that its public safety office called the Troy Fire Department just 32 seconds after the first report of a fire at one its chem labs this week -- not 12 minutes as the department has alleged. The TFD says RPI's delay created a more dangerous situation for firefighters. [Troy Record]
Beverage run sends state Senate into a tizzy, Troy fire fighters at odds with RPI, bankruptcy filings up, grenade threat used to rob drug store, police srsly hope catch you txting
State Senate stand-off Day Number OhSomeoneKillUsNow: The Senate met three times yesterday. Two of the sessions, ordered by the courts, were in-and-sessions. The third involved the Democrats trying to call quorum when a Republican senator, Frank Padavan, briefly walked through the chamber in search of beverage in the Senate lounge. Democrats proceeded to pass a bunch of bills, but David Paterson says he (probably) won't sign them. There have been various reports about the beverage Padavan was seeking -- Coke, coffee -- but Padavan says he ended up drinking a V8. [TU] [NYT] [Buffalo News] [Daily Politics]
Why has the state Senate become such a fight to the death? Republicans say they realize this may be their last shot at being in the majority for a long time -- and they want to make sure things are set so that being in the minority doesn't totally suck. [NYT]
The Troy Fire Department and RPI are squabbling again. The latest flare up was sparked by Monday's fire in a chemistry lab -- the TFD says the school waited to too long to call in the fire, and as a result, firefighters faced a more dangerous situation. There's also the ongoing issue about whether RPI should pay a "public safety fee" to help support coverage of the campus. [TU] [Troy Record]
Two Albany Common Councilman say they're upset that the bond used to pay for the Albany landfill expansion won't be funded by an increase in the fees paid by companies that dump garbage. [TU]
Judge orders state Senate back to work, Paterson warns of another fiscal shortfall, trans-fat ban adjusted, police get DNA evidence from soda bottle
A state Supreme Court judge ordered the state Senate -- both caucuses -- into session today. The judge scolded senators for their behavior and said they risked appearing "rude, inconsiderate and egotistical." Democrats say they'll show up for the session (though they're promising not to take up anything controversial) and the Republicans have already filed an appeal. If the Senate doesn't take action a handful of measures will expire tonight, including sales tax extensions in many counties. [NYT] [Daily Politics] [NYDN] [TU]
If it seems like the Senate mess would put incumbents at risk of being thrown out of office... well, behold the power of pork. [TU]
At the NY Conference of Mayors meeting yesterday in Saratoga, David Paterson said that state tax revenues "may be down 35 percent this year from where they were projected." [Post-Star]
Police say two men were shot on Kent Street in Albany yesterday afternoon (map). Witness says four people jumped out of car, ran up to a porch and started shooting. [TU] [Fox23]
State Senate still stuck, Novello to do community service at Albany clinic, political spat over playground, Miss New York crowned, angry penguin in Waterford
The state Senate is still stuck. The two caucuses repeated their parallel in-and-out sessions over the weekend. David Paterson, who's suing the Senate over the quickie sessions, met with the Democratic caucus over the weekend -- though there aren't any details about whether they decided to hug it out or to continue hating each other. Yet another "extraordinary" session is planned for today. The two sides appear no closer to working out a power-sharing deal. [CapNews9] [Daily Politics] [AP/TU]
One of the background issues to the Senate mess is the 2010 redistricting. Demographers say population shifts are pointing toward a sizable Democratic majority -- though that depends on how districts are drawn. [NYT]
The state comptroller's office has cancelled $3 million in state funding for Pedro Espada's Bronx health care company. The comptroller says Espada, the disputed Senate pro tem, neglected to report that his org owed back taxes. [TU]
Even though New York State pays some of the lowest unemployment benefits in the nation, the state's unemployment insurance fund will be $2 billion short by the end of the year. [TU]
Albany County will be furloughing employees one day per month over the next six months. County exec Mike Breslin says the plan will save $1.4 million (the county faces a $20.5 million budget gap). Breslin says he'll be taking part in the furlough. [TU] [Troy Record]
State senators agree to hate on David Paterson, landfill expansion gets official OK from DEC, Troy dog park becomes political squabble, Dino looking for big tax breaks, rabid fox alert, gastropub opening in Saratoga
The state Senate's two caucuses held separate, brief -- and pointless -- sessions yesterday. The two sides apparently are close to working out some sort of deal to share power -- and asked for more time to negotiate. David Paterson essentially told them to stuff it and called another "extraordinary" session for today. He also directed the state treasurer to withhold senators' per diems. [Daily Politics] [NYT] [PolitickerNY]
One thing senators of both sides can apparently agree on: they're annoyed with David Paterson. Brooklyn Dem Kevin Park even called Paterson a "coke snorting, staff-banging governor" (he later retracted his comment -- at least he didn't hit the governor). Paterson said it's not him versus the legislature, but rather "governance versus chaos." [Newsday] [PolitickerNY] [NYDN] [TU]
It looks like the Senate chaos has put the same-sex marriage bill on hold indefinitely. [AP/Daily Gazette]
Former state health commissioner Antonia Novello has pleaded guilty in the case that alleged she used her state employees as personal assistants. She's getting off with no jail time, but will have to do community service, pay $22,500 in restitution and pay a small fine. [TU] [AP/Daily Gazette]
A spokesman for Rick Lazio says the former Long Island congressman and US Senate candidate "fully intends" to run for Governor of New York. Lazio has called for New York to replace the Assembly and Senate with a unicameral legislature. [AP/TU] [Daily Politics]
A draft of the Albany Common Council's ghost ticket investigation report concludes that the "intent of the system itself was not bad ... it was the impropriety in how the benefit was granted that is a cause for concern." One version of the draft report also apparently includes sharp criticism of city treasurer Betty Barnette's office. [TU]
Paterson threatens state Senate, landfill expansion needs another permit, Troy dog park controversy, another pizza person mugged, gourmet market coming to Latham
The state Senate was in session for all of five minutes yesterday -- and the Republicans weren't even there. [Daily Politics]
David Paterson has called another "extraordinary" session for today. If senators don't show, he says he'll move to withhold their pay. He's also threatening to send the State Police after missing senators. A Brooklyn senator responded to Paterson's threats by calling him a "coward" who "will not be returning as governor." Leaders of both caucuses say their memberships will be at the Capitol today. [TU] [Daily Politics] [NYT] [Buffalo News]
A business run by Pedro Espada, one of the senators who set this whole circus in motion, owes almost $350k in back taxes. In 2007, Espada made almost $460k at the org, which gets funding from the state. [TU]
Even if the DEC approves the Albany landfill expansion, the project will still have to get the OK from the Army Corps of Engineers (though it won't stop the landfill from being piled higher). [TU]
Special state Senate session a disaster, landfill expansion could be approved soon, home prices holding steady, new music venue for Saratoga
Yesterday's special state Senate session was a mess. Among the absurdities: Democrats entered the chamber early in some sort of attempt to call "first!"; each side held its own concurrent session (with their own gavels) and tried to call the other out of order; no one knows if any of the voted-on bills were legally passed. [TU] [Daily Politics] [CapCon] [NYDN] [NYT]
David Paterson has called the Senate back for another session today -- with the same-sex marriage bill on the agenda. The inclusion of that bill could prompt Democrat Ruben Diaz Sr. to switch allegiance to the Republicans, giving them a majority. [Daily Politics]
Jerry Jennings' chief aide says the city's application to expand the Rapp Road landfill could be approved by the DEC as early as this week. At its current size, the landfill is projected to be full later this year -- six years ahead of schedule. Common Councilman -- and mayoral candidate -- Corey Ellis called for "a comprehensive audit of the Rapp Road landfill by a truly independent body" yesterday. [TU] [Ellis press release]
The median price for homes in the Capital Region more or less held steady last month compared to the same period last year -- though the number of transactions was down. Median prices were up in Schenectady County, flat in Albany County and down in Rensselaer and Saratoga counties. Homes priced under $200k are apparently selling well. [Daily Gazette] [GCAR/Post-Star] [TU]
Paterson calls special Senate session, twins die in accident, lottery winner allegedly sold crack, man accused of syruping gas tanks
David Paterson is calling the state Senate into special session this afternoon. Whether anything of actual substance will happen is uncertain, though -- in large part because it's not clear who will be running the chamber. Paterson can set the agenda -- and he's putting up 90 largely uncontroversial bills for consideration (he can't make the senators vote, though). When/if the bills are voted on, Paterson says he'll keep the Senate in session for bills related to "reform, fiscal discipline and also civil rights." One of those bills is probably the same-sex marriage bill, though Paterson didn't say that exactly -- probably because Democrat, and outspoken same-sex marriage opponent, Ruben Diaz has been threatening to switch parties if the bill is brought up. [TU] [NYDN] [Buffalo News] [Daily Politics] [PolitickerNY]
While the Senate drama lurched forward yesterday, the Assembly finished its session. [AP]
Twin teenage brothers died Sunday in Rensselaer County after the ATVs they were driving collided head-on. A teen girl was also seriously injured. The teens were not wearing helmets (the TU story says state law requires helmets, the Gazette story says it does not helmets are required). [TU] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette]
Police say a Schenectady man stabbed his adult step daughter and her friend after the man got into an argument with his wife at a Father's Day party on Sunday. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Paterson says he will force Senate into session, judge snagged in DWI sweep, bristling at being New York's pay toilet, vinyl records store opens in Schenectady
David Paterson says he will call the state Senate into special session tomorrow if the body doesn't get to work today. Said Paterson yesterday of all the drama: "Over the last couple of weeks, the senators' conduct has been laughable." Paterson says Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman would preside over the special session -- a provision that some say could be unconstitutional or create a conflict of interest. The session would focus on "emergency" issues such as the sale tax extension for some counties. Not on that list: same-sex marriage, though Paterson says he intends for the Senate to vote on the bill before the summer break. [TU] [NYDN] [PolitickerNY] [Daily Politics] [NYT]
Two things that might prompt Senators to start moving: they can't hook up their cronies with patronage jobs until the situation's resolved; and all their pork is currently locked in the barrel. [TU] [TU]
A man was stabbed to death in Schenectady Saturday morning. Police say they haven't identified a motive. [TU] [Fox23]
Police say an Albany County family court judge was snagged as part of the county-wide drunk driving sweep last Thursday. Green Island police say the judge tried to evade a checkpoint at the Troy-Green Island Bridge and led police on a short chase. [TU] [Troy Record]
The Albany Police Department is reportedly trying to fire two members of the force -- the detective accused of driving drunk through Albany into Bethlehem in February; and the sergeant who's been accused of trying to cover for the detective. [TU]
Democrats stuck on Espada, unemployment up slightly, influenza still kicking thanks to H1N1, snake head case has gone cold, Dinosaur looking for Troy incentives
The state Senate: still borked. Republicans and Democrats were working on a deal yesterday to share power, but the Democrats reportedly backed out because they didn't want to accept Pedro Espada as Senate president pro tem.
Democrats have been attacking Espada in robocalls to voters in Republican districts. Espada says the calls are "playing the Latino race card." The calls don't mention Espada's ethnicity -- they described him as "indicted Democrat from the Bronx." [CapNews9] [Troy Record]
The state Department of Labor reports that unemployment in the Capital Region basically held steady in May at 6.8 percent (it was up .1 percent). But the unemployment rate was way up compared to the same month last year (4.7 percent). The region's unemployment rate is still lower than that of the state (8.2 percent) or country (9.4 percent.). [NYS DoL] [TU] [NYS DoL]
An investigator with the Albany County DA's office says the checkpoints set up to catch DWI after Alive at Five this week snagged a whole bunch of other violations, including "drugs, warrant arrests, unregistered, uninspected, switched plates." [CBS6]
Senate is still stuck, big drug bust in Wilton, Alive at Five DWI crackdown planned, man accused of impersonating a cop, another local moose sighting
The state Senate is still borked. Local elected leaders are getting nervous because the Senate hasn't passed bills that would extend special sales taxes (this group includes Rensselaer and Columbia counties). Also held up: the new pension tier that was part of David Paterson's deal with the state worker unions. And the lid on the pork barrel is also shut. [TU] [CapNews9] [Buffalo News]
Republicans and Democrats are apparently trading ideas for power-sharing agreements. They're also starting to throw mud at each other. A sample exchange: Pork-throwing adulterer! Liar! [PolitickerNY] [NYP]
Pedro Espada, the lone Democrat in the Republican "coalition," has been reiterating his claim that his position as Senate pro tem gives him two votes -- not just in the event of a tie, but also to establish a quorum. An expert from the the Rockefeller Institute said Espada's claim "just might be correct." But the case law would seem to indicate otherwise. If Espada tries to act in this manner, the Democrats will almost certainly sue. [Daily Politics] [AP/Troy Record] [TU] [NYT]
The revised Schenectady schools budget did pass after all. A re-check of the numbers found a mistake that had resulted in almost 50 fewer "yes" votes. Had the budget not passed, the school district was going to impose an almost 16 percent tax increase as part of a contingency budget. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
State Senate frozen with no end in sight, local orgs lack pandemic plans, abandoned high-end homes in Saratoga, DEC hoping for hot turtle action
The state Senate is basically frozen right now. Yesterday a judge dismissed the Democrats' suit seeking to void last week's takeover by the Republicans + Pedro Espada. The Republicans claimed victory and tried to go into session -- but with only 31 senators present, they couldn't form a quorum. [NYT] [Daily Politics]
David Paterson again called on the Senate to work out some sort of power sharing deal, perhaps bringing someone such as former chief judge Judith Kaye to preside over the chamber. He also said the line of succession to the governorship is in dispute. [TU]
If the state Senate ever does back into session, Espada is arguing that he should have two votes -- his regular vote plus one as acting lieutenant governor. Apparently there's no precedent for that, though. [NYP]
By the way: the Assembly has been working while all this has been going on. [Daily Politics]
State Senate paralyzed by drama, plane plucked from Mohawk, Albany sewers maxed out, moose on the loose
As had been rumored, Hiram Monserrate switched back to the Democratic caucus yesterday and now the state Senate is split 31-31. Result: no one knows what the hell is going on. The two parties discussed a power-sharing arrangement, but couldn't come up with a deal. They're now looking to the courts to settle things> -- and it sounds like the judiciary would really rather not do that. [NYT] [NYDN] [NYT]
The situation puts the state in a "constitutional crisis" as there's no clear way for the Senate to function. Also muddled: the line of succession to the governorship. [Buffalo News]
The Republicans + Democrat Pedro Espada showed up in the Senate chamber yesterday, but couldn't do anything official because they were one short of a quorum. Democrats are now threatening to sue Espada because, they say, he violated a court-issued injunction against acting as Senate pro tem. [Daily Politics] [CapNews9]
John Sampson, the new leader of the Senate Democrats, is being credited with bringing Monserrate back into the caucus. [TU]
A crew pulled the small private plane that crashed into the Mohawk near Glenville out of the river yesterday. The victims were also identified -- one was a former Bollywood actor turned real estate developer. Officials aren't sure what caused the crash. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Senate drama twists again, small plane crashes into Mohawk, firefighters pull unconcisous girl from fire, Whole Foods reportedly scouting area
The state Senate drama took another twist over the weekend when Hiram Monserrate -- one of the Democratic switchers -- said he's returning to caucus with the Democrats. Apparently one of Monserrate's demands for returning to the Dems' caucus was that Malcolm Smith had to go as majority leader. Brooklyn senator John Sampson is reportedly going to take over as head of the Democratic caucus -- but Smith might stay on as leader-in-name-only so the Democrats can pursue their case arguing that the Republican takeover was illegal. [NYDN] [NYDN] [NYP] [TU]
If Monserrate really does switch back, it would leave the Senate split 31-31 -- and that could mean epic gridlock. Dean Skelos and Pedro Espada -- the (new, former?) Senate leaders -- would stay in charge of the body. Typically in a 31-31 split the lieutenant governor would cast the deciding vote -- but New York is currently without a lt governor. Republicans are apparently arguing that Espada -- who's the Senate pro tem -- should get two votes. That's not going over well with the Democrats. [Buffalo News] [NYDN]
By the way: Espada still hasn't settled his numerous campaign disclosure violations, as he promised to do. [TU]
Two people are dead and another missing after a small plane crashed into the Mohawk shortly after take-off from the Mohawk Valley Airport in Glenville yesterday afternoon. Witnesses say it appears the plane didn't get enough speed to take off. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Troy pizza shop worker who thwarted a robbery last month was shot four times Saturday in another hit on the shop -- he's expected to live. Police say the man confronted the shooter(s) in front of the store because he thought something was up. The shop is a Domino's -- the company is offering a $5000 reward for info. [TU] [Troy Record] [CapNews9]
Senate drama staggers forward, calls for Tuffey to be fired, APD starts rewards for tips program, it's DMB weekend in Saratoga
The state Senate -- or, at least, part of it -- went into session yesterday... for about 20 minutes. Hiram Monserrate -- one of the Democratic switchers -- walked out, bring the session to a halt. Monserrate said he's trying to bring more Democrats into the coalition -- but other suspect he's playing both sides in an attempt to the score the best deal. [TU] [NYT] [NYDN] [NYP]
Another hold up in the Senate yesterday: Democrats locked the cabinet that holds the bills.
Most of the action yesterday was in court, where Democrats tried to challenge the overthrow. The didn't win much -- and they'll be back in court today. However, they did get an order blocking Pedro Espada, who's (maybe?) the new Senate president pro tem, from becoming acting governor were something to happen to David Paterson. Apparently some are concerned that Espada could issue pardons if Paterson traveled out of state -- even a pardon to... himself. [AP/Daily Gazette] [Daily Politics] [TU]
Espada is apparently trying to pull other Democrats into the coalition by pushing for a vote on the same-sex marriage bill. [Daily Politics]
The big issue in the background of this whole struggle: redistricting. [Newsday]
Now that Albany police chief James Tuffey is back at work in an administrative role, Shawn Morris and Corey Ellis -- both mayoral candidates -- are calling for him to be fired. Tuffey said he's not going anywhere. Jerry Jennings says he still supports Tuffey: "I run this city. They don't run this city. I made this decision, I'll stand by it." [TU] [Fox23]
Senate drama grinds on, land deal closed for chip fab, Tuffey back on the job, man tasered in burning house, winery planned near Saratoga
The state Senate stayed locked -- literally -- yesterday as the Republican led coalition tried to solidify its backing and Democrats tried to regain the upper hand (it looks like they'll be challenging the takeover in court). Pedro Espada, the possibly-new Senate president pro tem, said the chamber would open today -- and he proudly displayed the key to the locked room (though he wouldn't say how he obtained it). David Paterson scolded the Senate yesterday, urging its members to "to act like adults." [TU] [TU] [AP/Daily Gazette] [NYDN]
The senator-of-the-moment is Hiram Monserrate, the other Democratic switcher. It seems he might be playing both sides in a bid to get the best deal. Said one unidentified legislator: "Hiram is driving the train. God help us all." Monserrate seemed to indicate yesterday that he's sticking with the Republican-led coaltion. One apparent undercurrent to this drama is increasing friction between Latino and African American legislators (both Espada and Monserrate are Latino). [NYT] [Newsday] [Buffalo News] [Daily Politics] [NYT]
Part of yesterday's proceedings outside the Senate chamber: a clown -- who was apparently hired by the New York Post. [PolitickerNY]
GlobalFoundries closed on the land for the Luther Forest chip fab yesterday. GloFo bought 223 acres for $7.8 million. Land clearing is scheduled to start next week and construction in late July. The signed deal had Saratoga County officials celebrating what one person described as a "10,000-piece jigsaw puzzle". Others were a bit more in-your-face. Said the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president: "To everyone who said it wouldn't happen: 'See you, suckers!'" [Daily Gazette] [Biz Review] [TU] [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
Drama continues in the state Senate, NYCLU sues Troy over "Virtual Jihadi," FBI raids downtown Saratoga office
The new leadership of the state Senate says it will go into session this afternoon -- whether it has access to the Senate chamber or not. Democrats have literally locked the chamber and are holding the keys. Possibly-new majority leader Dean Skelos says there's nothing that requires the Senate to meet in its chamber -- and the body could go into session in a park if need be . [TU] [NYT] [NYDN]
Democrats say Pedro Espada -- one of the two Dems who are now caucusing with the Republicans -- switched because the leadership denied him almost $2 million in pork for two new, possibly shady, non-profits. They're also focusing attention on accusations that Espada's been involved with campaign finance mishaps -- and may not live in his district. Espada says Democrats are engaging in "character assassination." [TU] [NYDN]
Republicans are reportedly trying to recruit more Democrats to their coalition, including the sponsor of the Senate's version of the same-sex marriage bill. Meanwhile, Democrats are trying to get Hiram Monserrate -- one of the two switchers -- to flip back by threatening to primary him. [NYT] [Daily Politics]
When/if the Senate goes into session, Skelos says there is "going to be a new way of governing." Good government groups say the reforms already presented by the coalition are a step in the right direction. [Fox23] [CapNews9]
And in non-Senate news...
Conflicting stories about Troy girl's death, GloFo commits, trans-fat bakery exemption falls, Troy library auctioning art for cash, big pile of money at Albany NanoTech
Here's a digest of all the drama in the state Senate yesterday.
The Troy man arrested this past weekend for the death of his girlfriend's three-year-old daughter says the girl hit her head in the bath while he was watching a show about cheetahs on TV. But a coroner's report says the child died from internal injuries consistent with being hit in the abdomen. [Troy Record] [TU]
Global Foundries sent its Luther Forest chip fab commitment letter to state officials today -- that unlocks $650 million in state incentives. Crews are scheduled to start clearing the site for the fab on Monday. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Police say a person was shot in the arm in north Troy last night -- the injury apparently wasn't life-threatening. [CBS6]
FBI director Robert Mueller yesterday defended his agency's use of mosque informants to investigate potential terrorists. Such an informant was used in the case against the two Albany men arrested -- and convicted -- for their role in a fictional plot to kill a Pakistani official. [AP] [TPM]
The proposed Albany County trans-fat ban exemption for bakeries failed in a vote of the county legislature last night. [TU]
Jerry Jennings apparently held a telephone town meeting last night. Among the topics discussed: litter. (If anyone has audio of this, we'd love to hear it.) [@Mrs_Misanthrope]
Woman killed in Schenectady deli stick-up, Tonko endorses Morris, Paterson reaches out to Bruno on same-sex marriage, Price Chopper alleges grocery espionage, plane lands on Route 9
A woman was shot and killed in a deli on Eastern Ave in Schenectady Friday night (map). Police say it appears the woman got caught up in the middle of a robbery -- but they're not sure whether the she was intentionally shot. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A Troy man has been arrested for the death of his girfriend's three-year-old daughter. Police haven't said yet how the girl died. [TU]
Paul Tonko has endorsed Shawn Morris in the Albany mayoral race. Responded Jerry Jennings: "... the people behind me are the people that live in this city, that work in this city, and that will vote in this city." [TU] [CapNews9]
David Paterson has reached out to Joe Bruno to help him lobby Republican state Senators to support to the same-sex marriage bill. [Liz Benjamin]
The Obama Administration has found many of its appointees in New York State. [TU]
Another New Yorker the Obama team has leaned on heavily -- whether they like it or not: Chuck Schumer.
Deal to avoid state worker layoffs "expected" today, Albany landfill expansion approval could come soon, Rensselaer County computers being de-wormed, UAlbany getting new building
The announcement of a deal between the state worker unions and the Paterson administration to avoid layoffs is "expected" to come today. The deal will reportedly include $20k buyouts for employees eligible for retirement -- which has some observers asking where the money is going to come from. The deal also apparently includes a new, less generous tier in the state pension system. [NYDN] [TU]
It's looking like the state DEC could approve the expansion of the Albany landfill soon. The dump is projected to be full before the end of this year -- six years sooner than originally planned. [TU]
The search has been called off for the man who went missing in the Mohawk on Sunday. A friend who accompanied the man that day said strong currents tipped their canoe. Rains earlier that week had increased the Mohawk's flow that weekend. [Troy Record] [TU] [USGS]
Among Scott Murphy's first slate of requested Congressional earmarks (pork): $2 million for a new Saratoga Springs public safety building. Murphy has posted his full list of requested earmarks online. [Saratogian] [Post-Star]
Another potential 2010 primary challenger to Kirsten Gillibrand has announced she won't be running against KG. [NYDN]
David Paterson's new top advisor described himself as being "like the 300-pound offensive tackle blocking for the quarterback called Governor David Paterson." [NYT]
Deal to avoid state worker layoffs reportedly coming together, police say men posed as cops, questions about Alive at Five alcohol testing, McCafe coming soon
"People briefed on details" tell the TU that the state worker unions and the Paterson administration are working on a deal that would avoid the planned layoffs -- by offering $20k buyouts to employees near retirement and adding a new tier to the state pension system. [TU]
A bill that would legalize mixed martial arts fighting in New York State made it of Assembly committee yesterday, despite the opposition of local Assemblymen Bob Reilly and Jack McEneny. "Violence begets violence," said Reilly. A vote in the full Assembly is expected this session. [TU] [Fox23] [CapNews9]
The "project labor agreement" that will guarantee union wages on the Luther Forest chip fab construction was officially announced yesterday. The agreement includes a no-strike pledge from local unions. GlobalFoundries has said it was waiting for such an agreement to be in place before starting construction. The project could include as many as 1,900 construction jobs. [Daily Gazette] [Biz Review] [Post-Star]
Troy police say two men posed as cops and used a starter's pistol to briefly kidnap two teenagers yesterday. The incident might have had something do with the men having their supply of free coffee at a Dunkin Donuts cut off. One of alleged kidnappers once posed as a cop back in the 90s -- for altruistic reasons. [Troy Record] [Fox23] [CBS6] [TU]
Chip fab construction could start soon, bottle bill postponed, new principal for Albany High, fee going up for flying out of ALB
GlobalFoundries and labor unions have reportedly worked out a deal that includes the payment of union wages at the construction site of the Luther Forest chip fab -- whether workers are union or not. GloFo has been waiting to close on the land for the fab until it had such a deal in place. The agreement is apparently not officially a done deal -- though both the company and the unions say they're "very close." If the agreement does comes together, the initial stages of construction at the site could begin in a few weeks. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star] [Biz Review]
The emergency preparedness drill involving that low-flying helicopter started yesterday in Albany County. The drill's scenario includes the "detonation" of two radioactive "dirty bombs" in downtown Albany. About 600 people from local, state and federal governments are involved in the training. [TU] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
A federal judge has postponed the start of New York's "better bottle bill" (which adds bottled water to list of beverages that require a 5 cent deposit) until next April. The judge also tossed the bill's New York State-specific bar code provision. [AP/TU] [NYT]
It sounds ethics reform for the state legislature is going to stall because Sheldon Silver is not on board. [NYT]
The two largest state worker unions say they're in "discussions" with the Paterson administration about the planned layoffs. [CBS6]
Police say kidnapping and car chase shooting were linked, crackdown planned for Alive at Five, new Spitzer details, badass of the week
Police say last week's multi-city kidnapping and the car-to-car shooting in Troy were all part of the same story -- a twisted, violent story like something out of 24 or a mob movie. Police say the woman abducted in Albany last week was tortured -- including the use of bleach and salt in her wounds -- in Troy as part of an attempt to extract information from her about a safe her brother allegedly stole. The brother then allegedly went to Troy to swap the safe for his sister, but not trusting the captors, police say he opened fire on them as they drove -- with the man's sister in the trunk of one of the cars -- through the streets of Troy. [TU] [Troy Record] [WNYT]
The City of Albany says it'll be cracking down on drunk people at this summer's Alive at Five concerts. Among the methods: the use of a sensor to test drinks -- and people -- for alcohol. [Troy Record] [TU]
Scores on state math tests given to grade school students were up statewide this year -- including local school districts. The results prompted the head of the state Board of Regents to ask if the test was too easy. [NYSED] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
State Senator Tom Duane, the sponsor of the Senate same-sex marriage bill, says the measure has enough votes to pass the state Senate. Senate majority leader Malcolm Smith says he doesn't think that's true -- and says he won't bring the bill to a vote if he thinks it will fail. [NYDN] [Buffalo News] [TU]
State concludes Tuffey's police officer certification expired, murder on Central Ave, student sues former Union roommate for $1 million, Friday's biz reportedly down after snakehead
A state agency has concluded that Albany police chief James Tuffey's certification as a police officer has expired. Tuffey can still serve as an "administrative" police chief -- but he can't carry a firearm. (Tuffey turned in his department-issued gun last week.) Common council president -- and mayor candidate -- Shawn Morris has called for mayor Jerry Jennings to fire to Tuffey for carrying a gun without a permit. [TU] [CapNews9]
A man was shot and killed Saturday morning at a club on Central Ave in Albany (map). Police say they have no suspects or motive. It was third time this man had been shot in his life -- he'd been hit by bullets twice as a teenager. [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
That state pension fund dropped almost 29 percent during the last fiscal year and that will probably mean... wait for it... higher taxes. [TU]
The state budget crunch hasn't stopped David Paterson from making frequent use of state aircraft. [TU]
Albany cop testifies he was yelled at over accident involving chief's niece, Kathina Thomas killed a year ago today, Albany Med gets big gift, Saratoga bike-to-school ban protested
Albany police officer Daniel Condon testified under oath before the Common Council last night that he felt "intimidated" after police chief James Tuffey "yelled" at him over the radio at the scene of a 2007 car wreck involving Tuffey's niece -- Condon ended up not issuing a ticket. Condon was testifying as part of the Common Council's investigation into the ghost ticket scandal. Retired commander Leonard Crouch -- a former head of the police union -- also testified, and accused the council of pursuing the investigation "for no good reason other than personal or political gain." [TU] [CapNews9]
Police say an Albany woman was abducted from her apartment on Elk Street, transported to Troy where she was beaten, and then transported to Schenectady in a car trunk. They say the woman escaped in Schenectady after managing to get the trunk opened from the inside -- a passing driver picked her up and took her to the hospital. Three women have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping. A spokesman for the Albany police said the case is like something "right out of a movie or a TV show." [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [Fox23]
Kathina Thomas was killed by a stray bullet in West Hill one year ago today. There's a memorial for her this evening. [TU] [WNYT]
Home prices slide a little bit more, new bottle bill put on hold, bus ridership dips after fare increase, police look for Panera pickpockets, farmers' markets vie for farms
The Capital Region's median home price was down three percent in April compared to the same month a year ago -- and the number of sales was down 23 percent. Around Saratoga, sales of big homes have slowed considerably. Against the regional trend, Albany County saw a median price increase -- though April's $196,000 was still below 2007's mark. Local real estate agents say they're hoping that first-time buyers will be drawn into the market by the federal government's $8k tax credit. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [TU] [Troy Record]
The Troy man picked up earlier this month for being an escaped fugitive from Tennessee says he believes he had a pardon -- because his family paid $20,000 for it. One of the Tennessee's governors in the late 1970s has been accused of running a money for pardons scheme -- he was never convicted of it, but his aides were. [Troy Record] [Saratogian] [Troy Record]
Court filings by people looking to sue the Schenectady School District allege that district officials knew of allegations against Steven Raucci, the former district employee accused of arson and terrorism, as far back as 2005. [Daily Gazette]
A federal judge has issued an injunction against the start of New York's new bottle bill. The judge concluded that June 1 was too early to start the 5 cent deposit on bottled water -- and the NY-only bar code rule for redeemable bottles probably violates the US Constitution's commerce clause. (Earlier on AOA: Better bottle bill bad for beer choice?) [TU] [NYT]
Tuffey going on paid leave, warnings about ambulance coverage, triple murderer sentenced, the "lucky" Stewart's in Clifton Park
Albany police chief James Tuffey announced yesterday that he's going on paid vacation (for an undetermined amount of time) while his certification as a police officer is investigated. Tuffey says he doesn't believe his status as a sworn police officer has expired and he vowed to return. Tuffey attributed the "leak" to the TU that set off this story to members of the police department who don't like that he's "holding people accountable." Mayor Jerry Jennings said Tuffey didn't have to take the leave and called Tuffey "a good administrative leader." Common Council president Shawn Morris said yesterday that if she's elected mayor in November, she will not keep Tuffey as chief. Council member Corey Ellis -- who's also running for mayor -- said allowing Tuffey to go on vacation "sends a bad message to the city of Albany." [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT] [CBS6] [Fox23]
An April memo from an Albany Fire Department lieutenant warned that Mohawk Ambulance's coverage of the city was spread too thin. Mohawk's service has been under scrutiny after it took 25 minutes for an ambulance to arrive at the scene of the fatal crash between a car and a kid on a bike. [TU]
An Albany County bill that would require ammunition shops to record who buys what ammo drew about 200 protesters at last night's county legislature meeting. Among the protesters: "one farmer who isn't gonna take crap." The bill's sponsor, Phil Steck, argued that people didn't understand that the measure would enforce already-existing law. [TU] [Fox23] [WNYT]
People waiting for hours yesterday in Schenectady to "grieve" their property tax assessments complained of a badly-designed system that lacks transparency -- one person compare it to "a war of attrition." Some people reportedly were waiting six hours to have their grievance heard. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
More criticism of ambulance response times, Tuffey's credentials quesitoned, fewer state worker layoffs predicted, students not allowed to ride bikes to school, bear sightings in Troy
The head of the Albany firefighters' union says his members have complained "several times" about slow response times for Mohawk Ambulance. The service is under scrutiny after it took 25 minutes for an ambulance to show up at the scene of a fatal crash between a kid on a bike and a car last week. [TU]
A TU review of records indicates that Albany police chief James Tuffey is not actually licensed to be a police officer -- though, by law, the doesn't preclude him from being chief. Common Council president Shawn Morris -- who's also running for mayor -- says there's "a strong expectation across the board that the police chief is a police officer" and has called for Tuffey to go on leave while the matter is investigated. That TU investigation also turned up questions about whether Tuffey has a permit to carry a gun. [TU] [Fox23] [TU]
"Experts" say only a few hundred state workers will actually be laid off as part of the state budget cuts. The state Department of Budget reports that 1,200 of the 8,700 planned job cuts have already happened because of the hiring freeze and retirements. [Newsday]
A Greenfield landlord has been charged with murder after police say he stabbed a tenant last week. [Saratogian]
Ambulance crew was going to take even longer route, H1N1 case in Albany County, Bronx terror informant was also Albany informant, turkey hunter charged, Troy co-op nears first goal
Recordings of dispatch communications indicate that the ambulance sent to transport the Albany boy who ran his bike into a car -- and later died -- had originally planned to take an even longer route to the scene of the accident. As it was, the Mohawk ambulance arrived on the scene 25 minutes after the call. Mohawk has yet to address why it didn't call for outside help in making the transport. [WNYT] [TU]
The state Department of Health reports that there's been a confirmed case of the emerging H1N1 flu in Albany County. The case, apparently a relatively mild one, is an adult who works in New York City. [NYS] [TU]
The Capital Region's unemployment rate was 6.7 percent last month -- that's up from 4.4 percent a year ago, but down from 7.3 percent in March. [TU] [NYS DoL]
The Saratoga Springs man arrested this week on charges he had a grenade is now under federal investigation after authorities say they found "anti-government materials" in his apartment. "Sources" say the material included a cover a Barack Obama Newsweek cover with a bull's eye on it. The father of the man's girlfriend called the guy "a psychopath." [Daily Gazette] [WNYT] [TU]
Federal stimulus money will be used to fund reconstruction of Route 5 (Central Ave) between Albany and Schenectady. Stimulus money will also fund reconstruction of Rt 2 in Watervliet. Along with other projects, $51 million of federal stimulus spending has been announced for the Capital Region. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [Biz Review]
Troy police intervened with a possibly suicidal man after the Los Angeles Police Department alerted them to threats the man made on his MySpace page. [Troy Record]
Ambulance delay questioned, Paterson pessimistic about state finances, Rensselaer council doesn't show for no-show vote, Listerine blamed for failed sobriety test, surge of interest in home gardens
Albany mayor Jerry Jennings says he's putting together a task force to investigate why it took 25 minutes for an ambulance to show up at the scene of a fatal crash between a kid on a bike and a car. A spokesman for the ambulance company, Mohawk Ambulance, said "extraordinary circumstances" required the company to pull an ambulance from Troy to make the run. Firefighters who first responded to the scene reportedly called dispatch twice inquiring about the location of the ambulance. The boy -- who wasn't wearing a helmet -- later died at St. Peter's. The site of the crash was a little more than two miles from the hospital. [CapNews9] [TU] [Fox23] [Google Maps]
David Paterson is warning that $3 billion may have to be cut from this year's state budget -- though it seems that prediction isn't based on much more than his own hunch. Paterson's own budget office gently disputed the claim yesterday. [NYT] [NYDN]
Paterson made his comments about the budget at an appearance yesterday to sign a bill that uses federal stimulus money to extend a person's possible collection of unemployment benefits to 72 weeks. [TU]
State leaders are trying to work out a fix for the new bottle bill. It looks like a revised version will not include the New York-only barcode that bottlers said was going to be so much trouble. [TU]
Saratoga Springs police say they found a grenade and a bunch of guns during a domestic violence call yesterday. SSPD -- along with the ATF -- later arrested a man who lived at the residence. The bomb squad was called to remove the grenade. [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
School budgets pass with a few notable exceptions, state budget might have to be cut again, state driving while texting ban proposed, SPAC tax might help Saratoga close gap
Most school budgets in the Capital Region passed yesterday -- but the budgets for Schenectady and Troy did not. Schenectady's schools superintendent blamed recent negative media coverage (Raucci, suicides) for the defeat. Troy's budget was narrowly defeated and its schools superintendent says he thinks the budget would pass on a second attempt. County round-ups: Albany, Schenectady, Rennselaer, Saratoga. [TU] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [Saratogian]
State revenues are falling significantly behind last year's pace and it looks like this year's budget will have to be cut again, according to a report from the state comptroller. [NYT]
It doesn't look like caps on state spending or property tax increases currently have any chance in the state legislature, but municipal consolidation is getting attention. Also (sort of) surfacing again: the soda tax. [TU] [Daily Politics]
A state Assemblyman from the Bronx has proposed a bill that would ban texting while driving. The bill is currently being blocked by a Rochester legislator, but it apparently has some support from Sheldon Silver. [CapNews9] [Buffalo News]
The bottled water industry has filed suit in federal court arguing that the new bottle deposit bill is unconstitutional because it violates the commerce clause and the equal protection clause. [TU]
Earth gently relieving its stress, Paterson calls for calorie counts on menus, Golisano says state bailed on us, Pink Palace sold, guy wins car with hold-in-one
Today is school budget and school board voting day. [CapNews9]
A geologist at the State Museum says the recent string of small earthquakes in Berne is a good thing because stresses in the earth are being released gently. [AOA] [TU]
Police are continuing to investigate the former doctor who's accused of torching Saratoga Winners for the insurance money. Among the points of interest: alleged paycheck irregularities at his staffing firm and a burned-down hair salon. [TU]
Republican Mary Ann McGinn -- an attorney with an MBA -- says she's running for Albany City Treasurer. The current -- and embattled -- treasurer, Democrat Betty Barnette, is also facing a primary challenge. [TU]
Sixteen schools in New York City have now been closed because of the recent flare up of the emerging H1N1 flu. Public officials aren't sure if the school closings actually help, though. The state health department is trying to get a centralized system together to track student illnesses -- the hope being such a system would help officials identify an outbreak earlier. [NYT] [NYT] [AP/CapNews9]
David Paterson has proposed state legislation that would require chain restaurants to post calorie information on their menus. The rule might even apply to places such as Stewart's. [TU] [Troy Record]
Police say Saratoga Winners fire was arson, earthquake near Berne, two men Cheney'd while hunting turkey, time capsule found
Colonie police say the owner of Saratoga Winners set the club on fire so he could collect the insurance money. The owner is a former gynecologist -- his medical license was revoked 2006. [Troy Record] [TU]
The USGS reports there was a magnitude 3 earthquake near Berne last night -- people report that it woke them up. [USGS] [CBS6]
Stillwater says water usage in the town is down 2 million gallons (no time frame given)-- perhaps out of concern about PCB contamination from the Hudson seeping into the town's wells. [CapNews9]
One of the highest-profile potential primary challengers to Kirsten Gillibrand says he won't run for the Senate. Steve Israel, a Congressman from Long Island, says President Obama asked him to not challenge Gillibrand. [TU] [NYT]
A man in New York City died last night from complications related to the emerging H1N1 influenza -- New York's State's first reported death from the virus. NYC has closed 10 schools in an effort to keep a lid on another flu flare up. [NYT]
Hudson River dredging starts today, no pork for Tedisco, Brown's new brews held up by barcode confusion, prom dress rugby
The Hudson River PCB dredging project finally starts today. Years in the planning -- and fighting -- the project is
A fourth Skidmore student has been charged in the alleged assault of a fellow student in April. The four students -- all seniors -- are accused of breaking down multiple doors to reach the sophomore, who -- according to his attorney -- says the alleged attack was like something out of The Shining. The four seniors reportedly had a dispute with the sophomore over a woman.[Saratogian] [TU] [Post-Star]
Jim Tedisco didn't take any pork this year for his Assembly district. Last year he gave out more than $400k in "member item" money. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
David Paterson vetoed legislation that would have fined local governments for not complying with the state's open meetings law. He said the law was "problematic" because the $500 fine would have been assessed to the governmental entity -- not the officials. [AP/TU]
State comptroller Tom DiNapoli issued a report recommending that the state adopt a two-year budget cycle and voter-approval of new state debt. [Biz Review]
State ethics panel slammed for being unethical and ineffective, UAlbany gets new president, Saratoga Springs mayor running for re-election, giant sinkhole opens in street
After a report from the state inspector general blasted the state Commission on Public Integrity -- an ethics panel -- for leaking info about its investigation of the Spitzer Administration, David Paterson called on all of the commission members to quit. The commission's response: no. Leaks or no leaks, there no indications the commission might not have exactly been doing a great job. [NYT] [TU] [NYDN] [NYDN]
UAlbany has a new president: George Philip, who's been serving as the school's interim president. The university's presidential search took three years and cost $300,000. The selection of Philip -- who had been there all along -- had at least a few students scratching their heads. [TU] [ASP]
GlobalFoundries says the EU's fine of Intel for anti-competitive practices will help the Luther Forest chip fab project -- because Intel's main rival, AMD, is currently GloFo's only customer. An Intel spokesperson says the ruling won't be sorted out for years and probably won't have any impact on the Luther Forest project. (some broader perspective) [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [TU] [Post-Star]
The week in murders and shootings: Two brothers have been charged with the murder outside a former night club in Schenectady last month. A man was indicted for the stabbing murder on Bradford Street last week in Albany. And federal marshals in Georgia picked up the guy accused of shooting a woman outside the Playdium in March. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [TU]
Assembly passes same-sex marriage bill, GE battery plant coming to Capital Region, NY's top court says no police GPS without warrant, condo slump in Saratoga, the $500 wedding
The state Assembly passed a bill that would allow same-sex marriage. The vote was 89-52 -- that's four more "yes" votes than in 2007. Five members who had voted "no" two year ago voted "yes" this time around. The lobbying focus now shifts to the state Senate, where there's currently no vote scheduled on the bill. The Senate sponsor of the bill said last night the he thinks he has enough votes to pass the measure. [TU] [Daily Politics] [NYT] [Planet Albany]
GE announced that it will build a plant to manufacture special rechargeable batteries somewhere in the Capital Region. The plant will employ 350 people and will cost $100 million -- $15 million of which the state is chipping in. The exact location of the plant has yet to be determined. Saratoga County officials are hoping the plant will land at the Luther Forest tech campus or NYSERDA's Saratoga Technology & Energy Park. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Former state health commissioner Antonia Novello was arraigned yesterday in Albany County Court on 20 count indictment that alleges she took advantage of her staffers while she headed up the health department. She could get as many 12 years in prison. An earlier state inspector general report concluded that Novello had run up almost $50k in staff overtime for things such as driving her to the mall, watering her plants and arranging her furniture. Novello's case is being compared to former state comptroller Alan Hevesi, who resigned after it came out he had been using state employees to chauffeur his wife. Novello's lawyer she's being targeted for political reasons. [TU] [AP/Daily Gazette] [NYP] [NYDN]
Same-sex marriage vote today in Assembly, two confirmed cases of H1N1 in Capital Region, Saratoga Springs facing big budget gap, Rachael Ray back at her alma mater
The state Assembly is expected to pass a bill today that would make same-sex marriage legal in New York (no vote is scheduled in the Senate). One of the leading advocates of the bill in the Assembly is Daniel O'Donnell, the first openly gay person to serve in the Assembly -- he's also Rosie's brother. [NYDN] [TU] [NYT]
Former state health commissioner -- and US Surgeon General -- Antonia Novella was arraigned this morning in Albany County court on charges she defrauded the state by taking advantage of her state staffers. [TU]
There are now two confirmed cases of the emerging H1N1 influenza in the greater Capital Region. Officials are saying very little about the case in Saratoga County -- they do say that it's a 12-year-old. The other case is in a Washington County student -- Cambridge Central School officials say they've been disinfecting high traffic areas of the school every night. There have now been 196 confirmed cases of the new strain of H1N1 in New York State -- 38 of them outside NYC. [Post-Star] [Fox23] [NYS DoH]
The Schenectady County DA says investigators have matched DNA from a fork used by Steven Raucci to DNA found on a cigarette used as part of an explosive device. The former Schenectady school district employee was arraigned yesterday -- he's under indictment for 26 felony counts that include terrorism and arson. Raucci's attorney said yesterday that prosecutors have put together "a case full of exaggerations." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Friday's asks state police to look into snake head, parking official's wife's car got ghost tickets, landfill fined for stinkiness, Skidmore students accused of beat down, rooster finds new home, Tulip Queen crowned
TGI Friday's says the an independent lab has concluded that the snake head found in a side order of broccoli at its restaurant in Clifton Park was added after the veggies were cooked. The company says it's asked the State Police to open a criminal investigation. [TU] [AP/Daily Gazette]
GlobalFoundries says it won't buy the land for the Luther Forest chip fab until it can work out an agreement with construction unions -- and David Paterson's office is participating in the negotiations. Even with all the recent hype, the project still has some doubters. [TU] [Biz Review] [TU]
The vehicle registered to the wife of Albany's Parking Violations Bureau director received 70 ghost tickets, according to documents obtained by the TU. Albany treasurer Betty Barnette has said that her office, which includes the parking violations bureau, had no knowledge of the ghost ticket program. [TU]
A federal appeals court has upheld the $265,000 in damages awarded to a man who says an Albany cop violated his civil rights during an arrest in 2002. The cop -- who's had numerous complaints filed against him -- is still on the job. [TU]
Advocates for same-sex marriage have put together a coordinated campaign to lobby potential swing votes in the state Senate. Many senators have yet to say publicly how they'll vote on the issue. [NYT]
The state Senate and its slim Democratic majority have been quite the drama lately as small groups of senators have tried to get theirs by holding out on various bills. And now this: Kevin Parker, a senator from Brooklyn, has been charged with a felony for allegedly wailing on a New York Post photographer -- Parker is, perhaps fittingly, also the sponsor of legislation that would legalize ultimate fighting in the state. [NYT] [NYT] [NYP] [NYP]
Chuck Schumer has asked the Federal Trade Commissioner to look into those "your car warranty is about to expire" scam telemarketing calls. Apparently Schumer had had enough after he got a fourth call on his mobile last week. [AP/TU] [NYT]
City treasurer received ghost tickets, it's good to be a lobbyist, problems at the Muddy Cup, Chopper uses AdvantEdge cards to notify of recall, Fallon was quizzed for final credits
Albany city treasurer Betty Barnette has testified that she had no knowledge of the ghost ticket system until she read about it in the news -- but the TU has obtained copies of seven no-fine tickets given to... Barnette. She says she has no memory of receiving the tickets. [TU] [CBS6]
Firms that lobby the state billed their clients almost $174 million last year. NYSUT spent $4.4 million -- the most of any single group. [Biz Review]
Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are apparently becoming BFF. He's even memorized her mobile number. [NYT]
The Saratoga County towns that had sued to hold up the Hudson dredging over concerns about their drinking water supply have dropped their suit. The dredging project is scheduled to start this month. [Daily Gazette]
Dalai Lama visits, murder in Albany, too many recyclables in landfill, Friday's says it's investigating snakehead, Sage graduation won't shake on it, fiddlehead rustlers
The Dalai Lama speaking in the New York Senate.
The Dalai Lama spoke -- very softly -- to a crowd of about 2500 people at the Palace Theater yesterday afternoon. About the controversy surrounding his off-then-on visit, the Tibetan spiritual leader said: "I had an invitation, so I accepted." -- he also implied that negative media reports about the World Ethical Foundations Consortium, the event's sponsor, were not truthful. Earlier in the day, the Dalai Lama spoke before the state Senate and joked that he felt an affinity with Republicans at the Capitol because he knows what it's like to be in the minority. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Troy Record] [NYS Senate YouTube]
The Albany County budget is facing a $20 million gap because of falling sales tax income and cuts in state aide. County exec Mike Breslin called the gap -- which represents about 30 percent of the county budget -- "an emergency." [TU]
Police say a man was stabbed and killed on Bradford Street in Albany yesterday evening (map). A suspect is in custody. Another man was shot twice on Third Street later in the night. [CapNews9] [TU] [CapNews9]
A Schenectady County grand jury handed up a 26 count indictment against Steve Raucci, the former Schenectady School District employee accused of arson and terrorism. The indictment alleges Raucci was involved in 14 separate incidents. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Dalai Lama in town today, Republican steps into Albany mayoral race, KG introduces first Senate bill, famous shotgun wielding-grandma dies
The Dalai Lama is appearing at the Palace Theater in Albany at 2 pm today. He's also scheduled to stop by the state Senate. A critic of the Clifton Park executive training program that's connected to the event's sponsor organization says Dalai Lama's association with the org is "a mistake." [Palace Theater] [Liz Benjamin] [CapNews9]
There's now a Republican in the race for Albany mayor. Nathan Lebron, an IT exec who lives in the Whitehall neighborhood, says the city's Democratic machine is broken and needs to be replaced. [TU]
Troy police say a man was shot and beaten in his home last night (map). His injuries aren't considered life-threatening. [TU]
David Paterson has ordered state agencies to stop buying bottled water for environmental reasons. The ban covers both indivdual bottles and the standup water cooler bottles. [NYT]
Paterson also announced that the state would be spending $25 million on battery research. The center for that research may not be located upstate, as had originally been announced. [TU] [Gannett/TU]
Paterson proposes spending cap, man arrested after 29 years on the run, more suspected H1N1 cases test negative, Schenectady's empty neighborhoods
David Paterson has proposed capping increases in state spending at the average rate of inflation over the previous three years. Paterson says a cap "will force government to live within its means." The Governor says that if such a cap was already in place, the state would have spent $17 billion less over the last five years. A spending cap would probably have to be added to the state constitution to have any real effect. [AP/Saratogian] [NYDN] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [NYT]
Police arrested a Troy man yesterday who had escaped from a Tennessee prison 29 years ago. Robert T. Henry had been serving a 15 year sentence there for robbery. Henry apparently saw that Tennessee officials were looking for him as part of a sweep of old fugitive cases -- and he contacted them to proclaim his innocence. Henry says he was pardoned, though there doesn't seem to be a record of it. Though he apparently kept an apartment, police say he told them he'd been living in Prospect Park. [Troy Record] [TU] [Tennessean] [CapNews9] [Fox23]
The sister of Albany police chief James Tuffey testified before the Common Council last night that her daughter's car did not carry a bull's eye sticker when it was involved in a 2007 crash. The TU has reported that Albany cops didn't ticket the chief's niece for the crash because she had a sticker. [TU]
Officials expect H1N1 flu in every county eventually, first local stimulus project starts, mixed-use development planned for downtown Albany, Dr. Z gets stiffed, the weekend in chase and taser
There were 96 confirmed probable cases of the emerging H1N1 influenza in New York State as of Saturday night, according to the state department of health. Seventeen of the those cases were outside NYC -- and the state health commissioner says they expect that the virus will pop up in every county at some point. Three suspected cases from Schenectady and Albany counties have tested negative -- a suspected case in Saratoga County has gone for testing. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the virus is now "circulating all over" the country. [NYS DoH] [NYT] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [NYT]
The Capital Region's first stimulus-funded project -- the reconstruction of Delaware Ave in Albany -- starts today (map). [TU]
The final tally for spending in the Tedisco-Murphy special election: $3.6 million -- $2.05 million by Murphy and $1.55 million by Tedisco. [TU]
Scott Murphy opened an office in Saratoga Springs Friday (it was Kirsten Gillibrand's old office). Murphy mentioned KG at least six times during his public comments. Apparently the biggest complaint at Murphy's first "Congress on Your Corner" event: Murphy supporters were blocking the nearby drive-up mailbox. [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
A state commission is looking into whether the ghost parking tickets given to some state officials in Albany violated a ban on gifts. [TU]
Suspected case of H1N1 tests negative, Salt filming continues, acre of garbage revealed, cop crashes through storefront window, bakeries call for cupcake exemption
One of the local suspected cases of the emerging H1N1 influenza has already tested negative. Samples from as many as six suspected cases in the region are still being tested. [TU]
Andrew Cuomo says his office is widening its investigation of kickbacks and other fishy stuff going on with the state pension fund. Andrew Cuomo says "a national network of actors" was involved in defrauding the fund. A handful of people with connections to former state comptroller Alan Hevesi, who ran the fund, have already been indicted. Allegations of wrongdoing at the fund stretch back to at least 2002. [TU] [NYT] [Daily Politics]
A group of politically-appointed attorneys that allegedly maneuvered their way into protected jobs at the state Department of Taxation and Finance have been told by civil service that they need to explain why their jobs shouldn't be revoked. [TU]
The state recently settled a civil rights lawsuit filed by a Schenectady man who said he was fired from his job as a photographer for the state Senate in 2003. The man, who's white, alleged that he had been fired by then-Senate minority leader David Paterson's staff because he wasn't an African-American. [NY Post]
Albany Common Councilwoman Barbara Smith says she wants to know whether it was just a coincidence that a former Albany cop was picked for child porn shortly before he was scheduled to testify about the ghost ticket scandal. [TU]
Filming for Salt continues today through Monday in downtown Albany. Traffic was reportedly all tied up downtown yesterday after filming started again. [TU] [@rmadeo]
Officials urge calm on emerging flu, CDTA consolidating routes, Albany getting grant for anti-violence program, old Saratoga Winners destroyed, no Shakespeare in the Park this year
New York State has now had 54 confirmed cases of the emerging H1N1 flu -- including three cases outside NYC. Samples from five suspected cases in the greater Capital Region (two each in Schenectady and Washington counties, one in Albany County) have been sent for testing -- officials say they're not sure when results will be back on those samples. David Paterson reiterated his call for people to stay calm and said the state is prepping for a worst-case scenario. [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
Albany city treasurer Betty Barnette now says she will release copies of dismissed parking tickets to the Common Council -- if the council agrees to not share the info with anyone else. Barnette had initially balked at the council's request, which is part of the ghost ticket investigation, citing HIPAA -- even though the medical privacy law doesn't apply to her office. [TU]
CDTA ridership was up 11 percent to record levels during the fiscal year that ended in March. The transit org says it's still short on money, though, and will be changing, consolidating and eliminating routes to save money. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Police used a state police helicopter, a K-9 unit and a lockdown of schools yesterday during a manhunt in Schenectady. Police were looking for a man they suspect has information about the fatal shooting outside a club this past weekend. They didn't get him. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Officials expect statewide spread of swine flu, Murphy to be sworn in, Vick offer "a big mistake," paid parking proposal for Saratoga, ice cream truck pulls crazy U-ee
State health commissioner Richard Daines says he expects swine flu to eventually spread to every part of the state -- and DoH is already testing suspected cases in a handful of upstate counties. There have been 45 confirmed cases in New York State so far -- all of them in NYC. Said David Paterson yesterday: "This not time for alarm, but it's time to be alert." [WXXI] [TU]
State budget director Laura Anglin says this year's budget is on track to stay even -- if the planned state worker job cuts go through. The next few years aren't looking good, though. [NYS DoB] [TU] [NYT]
About 8,700 state worker job cuts, the Division of the Budget says it's still reviewing plans submitted by various agencies. [TU]
Scott Murphy is scheduled to be sworn in today at the US Capitol. [Daily Gazette]
The Albany Firebirds say the team's contract offer to Michael Vick was a marketing ploy -- and, in the words of the team's owner, "a big mistake."
Officials say they're prepping for swine flu, more ghost ticket testimony, ACP student's skull cracked in assault, phoning while driving sweep nets hundreds, rock snot
There have now been 28 confirmed cases of swine flu in New York State -- all of them in NYC. The state Department of Health says it expects to see more cases emerge. State and local officials say they're prepping in case the influenza strain spreads elsewhere in the state. The state has set up a swine flu hotline and info page: 1-800-808-1987. [NYT] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [NYS DoH]
The head of the Albany police union testified under oath last night before the Common Council about the ghost ticket scandal. Christian Mesley reiterated his earlier assertion that APD chief James Tuffey wasn't totally forthcoming in his comments about the tickets. Mesley was testifying as an officer -- not as union head -- and some council members say they suspect they didn't get the full story as a result. [TU] [Fox23]
David Paterson says he's issuing an executive order requiring that any need state mandate on local governments will have to include funding the new rule. Paterson says the order should help slow the increase of property taxes. The governor also said yesterday that state's fiscal outlook later this year "may not be as bad we first thought." [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
County sales tax revenues were down in the first quarter of 2009 -- both locally and across the state. And that could mean... higher property taxes. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
State is monitoring swine flu situation, murder in Schenectady, Angelina makes shows up, baby born on Thruway, Fountain Day draws record crowd
David Paterson says the state is monitoring the swine flu situation, but doesn't see "any real danger ahead." There have been eight confirmed cases of swine flu in Queens. (Some perspective.) [Fox23] [NYT] [NYT]
The 911 call in which an off-duty Schenectady cop followed an allegedly drunk off-duty Albany police detective driving through Albany and Delmar indicates that the APD may have held off on pursuing the detective. According to the off-duty Schenectady cop's comments on the call, the APD detective could barely stand and almost hit cars coming in the opposite direction. [TU]
"Several" Albany Common Council members tell the TU that Jerry Jennings' executive assistant has been trying to convince them to drop the council's investigation of the ghost ticket scandal. [TU]
A man was shot and killed in the parking lot of
Scott Murphy said Jim Tedisco concession was a "very gracious" end to the special election. With about 700 ballots still uncounted, Murphy was up 399 votes on Tedisco Friday afternoon. Murphy got a congratulatory call from President Obama. Republicans, wondering how they lost again in a district with more enrolled Republicans than Democrats, pointed to a lack of party unity and backfiring negative ads as contributing factors to Tedisco's loss. There's speculation now that Tedisco could be on his way out of the Assembly. Murphy wouldn't say on Friday whether he plans to run again next year. [Daily Gazette] [NYS BoE] [Saratogian] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [PolitickerNY]
Angelina Jolie was in town yesterday to shoot scenes for Salt (video -- pics of the crew and shot setup). It seems locals can't get enough of gawking at the scene. Apparently the paparazzi prefer NYC, though. Oh, Brad Pitt was not here -- he was in Niagara Falls. [TU] [TU] [CBS6] [Troy Record] [TU] [Telegraph UK] [TU] [Buffalo News]
Home prices down, gawking slows traffic, reward offered for info about RPI student's death, the doctor will text you now
The media sale price for a home in Albany County was down two percent in the first quarter of 2009 compared to the same period a year ago, according to figures from the Greater Capital Association of Realtors. Rensselaer County was down six percent, Saratoga nine percent and Schenectady 12 percent. The number of sales in the Capital Region was down 29 percent compared to last year. [TU] [Biz Review]
The are still as many as 900 absentee ballots to be counted in the NY20 special election. The unofficial count has Scott Murphy up 401 votes on Jim Tedisco. County elections officials were in Albany yesterday at the state Board of Elections to go over contested ballots. Noted: writing "Go (name of your preferred candidate)" on your absentee ballot will get your ballot tossed. [Daily Gazette] [NYS BoE] [Saratogian] [TU]
The slow paper ballot count in the special election has people thinking about reforming the state's procedures and rules for absentee ballots. One proposed bill would allow voters to use their middle initial when signing an absentee ballot -- that's currently grounds for tossing a ballot. [Post-Star]
Gawking -- not road closures -- seemed to be most responsible for slowing traffic near the Salt shoot yesterday. Also: "a person familiar with the planning" tells the TU that Angelina Jolie will be in town on Sunday. [TU]
Former state tax worker accused of stealing identities, Jennings officially running for re-election, Troy and Albany among highest spending districts, DA wants meeting about Skidmore pot, woman wants to clean up the crap
A retired employee of the state Department of Taxation and Finance was arrested yesterday on accusations that he had used stolen taxpayers' person and financial info to open credit cards and other accounts. He's accused of running up $200,000 in fraudulent charges. Authorities say they found more than 2000 post-it notes with taxpayer data in the man's Troy home. [TU] [AP/Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
The NY20 special election inched forward yesterday a judge ruled on how some of the absentee ballots should be assessed. The latest unofficial numbers from the New York State Board of Elections has Scott Murphy leading Jim Tedisco by 365 votes. [TU] [NYS BoE]
Tedisco was facing a sticky situation in his current job -- in the state Assembly -- yesterday after someone anonymously sent documents to the TU and various other offices that indicate Tedisco's top staffer had his personal legal bills paid by Repbublican Assembly campaign money. [TU]
Jerry Jennings has officially announced he's running for re-election as mayor of Albany. [TU]
Filming starts today on that Angelina Jolie movie -- here's a listing of the road closures. [AOA]
UAlbany students say alleged "Craigslist killer" was nerdy and nice, Barnette rebuffs request for dismissed parking tickets, building inspector says he was fired over rec center, Potato Playground closes
UAlbany officials say there are no indications that Philip Markoff, the alleged "Craigslist killer," was involved in any criminal cases during his four years as an undergrad at the school (he graduated in 2007 with a degree in biology). One of Markoff's lab partners at UAlbany called him "a nerdy science lover." A person who says he was one of Markoff's best friends at UAlbany called him "a great guy" who was "an intellectual, nice, friendly guy." Though one of Markoff's lab partners at Boston U's school of medicine said Markoff had exhibited extreme mood swings and she was "not even remotely surprised" that he'd been charged with murder. [AP/Daily Gazette] [TU] [MSNBC] [Boston Globe]
Albany city treasurer Betty Barnette says she can't comply with the Common Council's request for copies of all the parking tickets dismissed in 2008 because doing so would violate HIPAA. Yep, the medical privacy law. Council president Shawn Morris said the explanation is "absurd." [TU]
Columbia Pictures is paid just $25 for the permit to rent I-787 and ramps to/from the ESP for the filming of that Angelina Jolie movie. The production company is also paying for costs associated with the necessary detours. A state official estimates the production will inject $500k into the local economy. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Benzie Johnson, a resident of Pine Hills, says he's running for mayor of Albany. Johnson is a registered Democrat but says he'll be seeking nomination on another party's ticket -- he says he doesn't think any Democrat can beat Jerry Jennings in the primary. [TU] [CapNews9]
Alleged "Craigslist killer" went to UAlbany, Schenectady HS fight reportedly over suicide taunting, police say bus driver may have been at wheel drunk, smokin' at Skidmore
Philip Markoff, the Boston U medical student accused of being "the Craigslist killer" by police, is reportedly a 2007 UAlbany graduate. The man's fiance, who also reportedly attended UAlbany, told ABC News that police have the wrong guy. Markoff is the fourth former UAlbany student to be charged with murder during the last five years. [Boston Globe] [AP] [ABC News] [Albany Student Press]
Three teen girls were charged after a fight at Schenectady High School yesterday injured two teachers. One of the girl's mothers said her daughter did throw the first punch -- because she was being taunted about the recent suicide of her cousin. Students said yesterday that bullying is an ongoing problem at the school. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
Rudy Giuliani was in town last night for the Albany County Republicans' annual Lincoln Reagan dinner. Guiliani said state leaders should be "ashamed" of the New York's current "anti-competitive position" and he criticized the size of the recently passed state budget. Guiliani said he hasn't made his mind up about whether he'll run for governor next year and isn't sure when he will. [NYDN] [CapNews9] [AP/Newsday] [PolitickerNY]
There are still about 1500 disputed absentee ballots still to be counted (or not counted) in the NY20 special election. Scott Murphy's unofficial lead over Jim Tedisco is at 273 votes -- and Democrats are starting to make noises about the race being over. [TU] [CapNews9]
State worker unions confront Paterson at Gideon Putnam, Murphy lead over Tedisco widens, why the Dalai Lama reconsidered, bank knocked over with electric drill, Saratoga grid could get smart, Dr. Wow
The state worker unions protested the planned job cuts outside the state Democratic Rural Conference Friday evening at the Gideon Putnam. David Paterson stopped outside the meetings to talk with the protesters -- though one union rep called the impromptu session "absolutely unproductive." Paterson later told a news conference that the unions haven't been willing to "any sort of effort that would help us balance our budget." The unions say the state save money by cutting the use of outside contractors. [Post-Star] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Police say the gunman in the Union St. shooting last week was the boyfriend of the murdered man's estranged wife. Police say the shooter shot himself in Niskayuna after he saw police at his apartment. They say they're not sure what motivated the incident. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The unofficial count from the New York State Board of Elections has Scott Murphy up 273 votes on Jim Tedisco in the NY20 special election. [NYS BoE]
A rep for the Dalai Lama says the Buddhist spiritual leader has decided to come to Albany because he "feels committed to supporting the expression of worthy ideals." The Dalai Lama had cancelled an earlier appearance because of the negative publicity associated with the Ethical Humanitarian Foundation, the sponsoring organization. EHF is connected to a Clifton Park executive leadership program that's been accused of cult-like tactics. [TU] [Forbes]
A plant that processes hazardous waste in Cohoes was grossly under reporting its emissions for years, according to an analysis of EPA numbers by the TU. [TU]
Police say the human skeleton found in Rotterdam near the Mohawk last week belonged to a man who was reported missing in 2005. They say they're not sure what caused the man's death. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
State police say the guy who robbed the Key Bank on Hoosick St in Troy on Friday might have used to an electric drill for the stick-up.
New York State's unemployment benefits are not indexed to inflation -- and have not been raised by the state legislature for more than a decade. [NYT]
An Albany police commander says a small group of young people are responsible for about 75 percent of gun violence in the city. [TU]
Paterson introduces same-sex marriage bill, two shooting deaths in Schenectady, high-speed rail gets Presidential attention, Troy might bring in The Pothole Killer
David Paterson officially introduced a bill yesterday that would make same-sex marriage legal in New York State. Paterson framed the measure as a civil rights issue: "We have a duty to make sure equality exists for everyone." This same bill passed the Assembly in 2007, but failed in the state Senate. Majority leader Malcolm Smith wasn't at yesterday's announcement, though he says he's "fully committed to the process of securing the votes" necessary to pass the bill. State Senator Ruben Diaz -- a Democrat who's against the measure -- called the bill "a challenge the governor is sending to every religious person in New York." [NYT] [AP/TU] [Daily Politics] [NYP]
The state Department of Labor reported that the Capital Region's unemployment rate was 7.3 percent in March -- that's down from 7.6 percent in February, but up from 5 percent a year ago. A labor department analyst says the numbers may indicate that unemployment has hit a bottom -- maybe. [NYS DoL] [TU]
Authorities say two shooting deaths in Schenectady last night may have been a murder-suicide -- though the Schenectady County DA says "there's still a lot of legwork to be done." The first shooting was on Union St, about a block from the Union College campus (map). The Schenectady PD reported the incident on Twitter. [Daily Gazette] [TU] (Earlier on AOA: Schenectady mugshots on Twitter)
Absentee ballot counting in the NY20 special election has slowed over the way disputed ballots are to be counted. It also probably didn't help that some elections officials in Dutchess County decided to go to the Yankees game yesterday. The unofficial count at the end of yesterday from the New York State Board of Elections has Scott Murphy up 178 votes on Jim Tedisco. [TU] [PolitickerNY] [NYS BoE]
Special election probably headed to judge's hands, "tea party" draws thousands, car flips on 890, what keeps Schenectady's toilets working, no dogs allowed in Troy's dog park
The unofficial count from the New York State Board of Elections for the NY20 special election had Scott Murphy up 86 votes on Jim Tedisco at the end of yesterday. Saratoga County finished its counting yesterday -- and didn't provide the windfall of votes for which the Tedisco campaign had been hoping. It looks like the election's final count will be in the hands of a state Supreme Court judge as thousands of contested ballots will ultimately be included/kicked by his decisions. [NYS BoE] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
More than 2000 people showed up for the "Tax Day Tea Party" event at the Corning Preserve yesterday. Many of the people there seemed to just be generally upset about the state of government. Photosets of the event from Flickr users chimpmitten and the.bnut. [TU] [Troy Record] [Flickr] [Flickr]
The state AG's office filed more charges related to corruption in during term of former state comptroller Alan Hevesi. You've heard this story before -- politically connected friends are accused of getting huge kickbacks for not really doing anything. [TU]
It seems the rejected plans for the Saratoga City Center expansion were even uglier than the one approved. The rejected designs had nicknames such as "the bunker" and "Home Depot." [Post-Star] [Saratogian]
Paterson to introduce same-sex marriage bill, Gillibrand's absentee ballot challenged, Dalai Lama visit back on, "tea party" in Corning Preserve, local professor salaries ranked
David Paterson reportedly plans to introduce legislation on Thursday that would make same-sex marriage legal in New York State. Paterson says allowing same-sex marriage is "the only ethical way to treat people who want to live together in peace under the civil law." A similar bill has passed the Assembly in previous years, but stalled in the state Senate. Democrats now hold a 32-30 majority in the state Senate, but four Senate Dems say they won't support the bill. The state Senator who plans to sponsor the bill says he thinks some Republicans may cross the aisle to support the measure. [NYT] [AP/Daily Gazette] [NYP] [TU]
The Tedisco campaign has challenged Kirsten Gillibrand's absentee ballot for the 20th Congressional District special election. A Tedisco campaign lawyer said Gillibrand, who appeared in the area with Scott Murphy, should have voted at her polling place in Columbia County. Gillibrand called the challenge "frivolous and without merit." The Tedisco campaign has been focusing their ballot challenges on people who may live part-time in the district, including students from schools such as Skidmore. A attorney for the Murphy campaign says the Tedisco campaign is basing its challenges on whether "the person is likely to vote Democratic." [TU] [Saratogian/Troy Record] [HuffPo] [PolitickerNY] [NYT]
The unofficial count from the NYS Board of Elections had Murphy up 47 votes on Tedisco at the end of yesterday. [NYS BoE]
Albany mayor Jerry Jennings says rumors that he was not going to run for re-election this year were "wishful thinking." He's expected to officially announce his re-election bid next week. [TU]
It looks like the Dalai Lama is coming to Albany, afterall. The Buddhist spiritual leader is now scheduled to appear at The Palace Theater on May 6. [Metroland] [TU]
State worker unions say they're trying to make Paterson unpopular, texting while driving ban passed, Saratoga Rec center moving forward, man accused of stuffing video games into stroller
The state worker unions say they're trying to use condemnation and negative ads to push David Paterson's approval numbers down so that he changes his mind about the layoffs. Note to the unions: Paterson's approval ratings are already about as low as they can go. [YouTube] [NYT] [Q Poll]
The Paterson administration is looking to extend the time people in the state can receive unemployment checks. The "first wave" of people seeing their unemployment benefits expire is scheduled to arrive next month. [TU] [Troy Record]
Scott Murphy is up 25 votes on Jim Tedisco in the 20th Congressional District special election, according to the latest unofficial numbers from the New York State Board of Elections. The Tedisco is campaign is asking the state to extend the deadline for military ballots another 15 days (the deadline was yesterday) -- 205 of the 998 military ballots mailed out have been returned so far. The special election saga took another turn yesterday when the state Supreme Court judge who will rule on disputed absentee ballots was out yesterday for medical reasons. [NYS BoE] [Planet Albany] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The Albany County legislature passed a ban on texting while driving by a vote of 31-1. The bill won't take effect until six months after it's signed by Albany County exec Mike Breslin. The fine for violating the ban is $150. [TU] [CBS6]
State worker union says it rejected another no-layoff deal, horse breeder charged with animal cruelty, whupping charges lessened, bakery's sales up with help of cupcakes and Facebook
Note: the TU's site was loading erratically, if at all, for us this morning.
One of the state worker unions says it rejected a deal offered by the Paterson administration in which the creation of a new pension tier would guarantee no layoffs. According to many reports last week, the Paterson administration has offered a handful of deals involving cuts in raises or other concessions in return for a no-layoffs guarantee. The unions have rejected these deals. [TU]
As of Friday afternoon the unofficial count from the New York State Board of Elections has Scott Murphy up 35 votes on Jim Tedisco in the 20th Congressional District special election. The counting of absentee ballots continues this week. Democrats in Columbia County accused Republicans participating in the count there of "acting in bad faith." What happens if the election ends up in a tie at the end of all this counting? You guessed it: we get to do it all over again. [NYS BoE] [TU] [Troy Record]
The horse breeder accused of not providing proper nourishment to horses on a farm in Coxsackie was formally charged with animal cruelty on Friday. A human society official described the farm as a "puppy mill" for horses. [AP/Saratogian] [TU]
The four Schenectady teens who recently committed suicide were linked by a common leader of sorts who was the the first to kill herself. [Daily Gazette]
State worker union turns down no-layoff deal, Paterson pushes for same-sex marriage bill, Hearst cancels guild contract at TU, rescued animals pack humane society shelter
CSEA says it has rejected a deal offered by the Paterson administration in which state workers would give up this year's scheduled three percent raise in return for a no-layoffs guarantee. Liz Benjamin reports there may be a "pay lag" agreement coming together behind the scenes, though. Also: as promised, David Paterson has sent 10 percent of his salary ($18k) back to the state. [AP/TU] [Daily Politics] [TU]
David Paterson said yesterday he thinks the public will accept same-sex marriage and he wants to see a same-sex marriage bill come up for a vote in the state Senate -- whether it's guaranteed to pass or not. That call didn't go over all that well with same-sex marriage advocates. [NYT] [Daily Politics]
The state budget has lead to cuts in open hours at state parks this season. The local regional state park director calls the cutbacks "fairly unprecedented." Among the local consequences: the Peerless Pool will be closed on Tuesdays (the day it gets the smallest number of visitors, according to officials) and the beach at Grafton Lakes will be closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays. [TU] [Troy Record] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette]
As of this morning, the New York State Board of Elections was reporting that Scott Murphy had an eight vote lead over Jim Tedisco in the 20th Congressional District special election. The count of absentee ballots will continue today. The NY 20th may be missing out on federal stimulus money because it doesn't have a House member right now. [NYSBoE] [AP/TU]
State worker unions talk trash about Paterson, special election absentee ballot count starts, big new contract for Siena basketball coach, Troy dog park become partisan issue
The heads of the two biggest state worker unions, CSEA and PEF, met with David Paterson yesterday about the planned layoffs and it appears not much happened -- except for some trash talking. CSEA president Danny Donohue said the governor "needs a good psychiatrist or at least he should share the drugs that he's on because he's not making any sense to any of our members." Paterson's people called Donohue's remarks "inappropriate" and said they "reflect a lack of respect for the taxpayers of New York." The two unions are also upset that Paterson tried to go over their heads by sending a letter directly to state workers. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23] [Biz Review]
The "long, tedious" count of the absentee ballots in the 20th Congressional District special election has started. Every ballot is being examined by an election worker and observers from both campaigns. An elections commissioner says the process could take as long as three weeks. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Post-Star]
State police and animal protection groups raided a horse farm in Coxsackie yesterday and found 177 malnourished horses. The animals belong to trainer Ernie Paragallo, whose horses have won more than $20 million in purse money over the last 12 years. The condition of Paragallo's horses has been a concern of animal groups since at least 2007. [TU] [NYT] [NYT]
David Paterson says he's planning to introduce legislation that would make same-sex marriages legal in New York. Previous bills have passed in the Assembly, but stalled in the state Senate. [Gannett/TU]
Paterson administration details state worker layoffs, two banks robbed, popular track coach officially fired, common council urges census recognition of same-sex marriages
The Paterson administration released a list detailing how many jobs are to be cut at which state agencies as part of the state worker layoffs -- the biggest cuts are at Corrections and OMRDD. The governor also announced that no management/confidential employees will be cut because they're raises have been canceled, thus saving the state money. Paterson sent a letter to unionized state workers yesterday calling on them to urge their unions to accept wage concessions as a way to avoid layoffs. [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [WNYT]
The Tedisco and Murphy campaigns have been calling absentee voters in the 20th Congressional District in an attempt to find out how they voted in the special election. The count in the race is currently at Tedisco +17. The counting of absentee ballots will start today. [TU] [CapNews9]
A national suicide expert told a community forum in Schenectady last night that kids in the city have told him that they feel anxious and have problems at home. Said one teen who spoke up at the forum, "We need help." Four Schenectady High students have killed themselves during the last five months. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Two Key Banks in Albany were robbed yesterday, apparently by two different people. Cameras in the Key at Washington and Lark caught a picture of the robber's face. [TU] [Troy Record]
Conviction in triple murder case, special election absentee ballot counting starts this week, Albany Med expansion on hold, woman arrested for false mugging report, bobblehead lineup announced
Jovan Underdue was convicted yesterday of the triple murder in Albany last January. Underdue now faces life in prison without parole. His attorney says they will appeal. [TU]
The Albany Common Council voted unanimously last night to issue a subpoena to the president of the Albany Police Officers Union as part of the ghost ticket investigation. It's the first the time the council has issued a subpoena in 80 years. [TU]
A state Supreme Court judge ruled Monday that the count of paper absentee ballots in the 20th Congressional District special election will start Wednesday. After a re-check of voting machines in Saratoga County, the state Board of Elections reports that Jim Tedisco leads Scott Murphy by 97 votes. But a more up-to-date unofficial count has Murphy up by 83 (the numbers will keep changing as more votes re-checked and/or counted). [TU] [Saratogian] [PolitickerNY]
Central New York Assemblyman Brian Kolb officially replaced Jim Tedisco as state Assembly minority leader yesterday. Tedisco stepped down/was pushed from the position because of his involvement in the special Congressional election. [NYT] [TU]
According to state police, John Sweeney told troopers he was in "big trouble" during his traffic stop for suspected DWI this past weekend. The Saratoga County DA says he expects Sweeney to enter an inpatient treatment program for alcoholism. [TU] [Troy Record]
Dalai Lama visit cancelled, Sweeney picked up for DWI again, Tuffey's niece had bull's eye sticker, another Schenectady HS suicide, school district ordered to pay for not preventing beating, Albany Freenet expanding
A representative for the Dalai Lama tells the TU that the Buddhist spiritual leader will not be coming to Albany as planned. It seems concerns surrounding the sponsor organization's ties to NXIVM, the controversial "personal growth" training org, caused the Dalai Lama's people to reconsider. [TU]
The state Senate finished passing the budget bills Friday night. Assessments of the budget differed greatly between the two parties. Even with passage in both houses, the contents of the budget aren't entirely clear -- and it may have to be revised later this year. [TU] [Daily Politics] [NYT]
At the least for the moment, the vote totals for Jim Tedisco and Scott Murphy are exactly tied. That number is almost sure to change as five counties have yet to finish re-checking the numbers on their voting machines. Tedisco announced Friday that he was stepping down as Assembly minority leader to "focus on his transition to Congress" -- though he also said he's not declaring victory. It seems Assembly Republicans were also keen to push him out of the position. The Saratoga Springs regional office for the 20th Congressional District has temporarily re-opened with its old staff while the election is sorted out. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [NYT] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star]
Former Congressman John Sweeney was arrested early Sunday morning for allegedly driving drunk on Route 9 in Clifton Park. This is Sweeney's second DWI arrest, which bumped the charge up to a felony. Earlier in Sweeney's career he served as Rensselaer County's STOP-DWI coordinator. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Troy Record]
Among those who had a bull's eye sticker: the niece of police chief James Tuffey (another one of her uncles was also police chief for a time). An unidentified source tells the TU that Tuffey's niece didn't get a ticket for a 2007 crash because of the sticker. [TU]
Special election vote totals shifting, Morris says Albany treasurer lied, arrest in Barnes assault, Shen coach suspended after old accusations come to light, state budget leading to Saratoga paid parking?
The vote totals for the 20th Congressional District special election keep shifting as voting machines and emergency ballots are "re-canvassed." What appears to be the latest tally has Jim Tedisco now ahead of Scott Murphy by 12 votes. The election will ultimately be decided by the count of the absentee ballots -- which won't start until Monday at the earliest. Both campaigns continue to express confidence that they'll come out ahead. [Troy Record] [PolitickerNY] [TU]
The Saratogian reports that Jim Tedisco will be stepping down as state Assembly minority leader on Monday so he "can focus on this congressional district." The TU reports that Tedisco is facing a no-confidence vote on Monday because members of his caucus are annoyed that he's spent so much time on his Congressional campaign during the state budget process. [Saratogian] [TU]
The state Senate has continued its debate of the budget bills, though a vote could be coming soon. The Senate voted to allow Democratic Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson, who's been in and out of the hospital with pneumonia, to vote "yes" on all the budget bills ahead of time. The majority Dems didn't have enough votes to pass the bills without Hassell-Thompson. [TU]
Albany Common Council president Shawn Morris says she thinks city treasurer Betty Barnette "flat-out lied" when Barnette testified earlier this week that her office doesn't "fix" parking tickets. The Common Council is now seeking copies of every parking ticket dismissed in 2008. [TU]
Guilderland police have arrested a mixed-martial arts fighter for the assault of the TU's Steve Barnes and a friend last year in the parking lot outside Creo. According to the TU, the police are investigating "connections" between the fighter and an unnamed Albany restaurant that Barnes wrote about. [TU]
State budget voting held up, Murphy's lead down to 25 votes, TPD split over whether RPI student was murdered, bathtub full of drugs allegedly found in doctor's home
Voting on the state budget bills hit a snag yesterday when Democratic Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson had to return to the hospital because of pneumonia (the Dems need her vote for the required 32 "yes" votes). The Assembly finished passing all the budget bills yesterday morning -- though a handful of Democrats, most of them from upstate, voted "no." State comptroller Tom DiNapoli, also a Democrat, publicly criticized the budget for relying too much on federal stimulus and other temporary money. [TU] [AP/Saratogian] [NYT] [Biz Review]
There still seems to be a lot that's unknown about the 8,900 state worker layoffs David Paterson has ordered. [Saratogian]
Scott Murphy now leads Jim Tedisco by just 25 votes in the 20th Congressional District special election after a re-check of some voting machines. Counting of absentee ballots won't be begin until Monday at the earliest -- Republican hold an enrollment edge in the pool of absentee ballots. About 165,000 people voted in Tuesday's election, the largest turnout in a US special election in two decades according to a Skidmore prof. Both campaigns are saying publicly that they'll come out on top. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [TU]
Albany Common Councilman -- and mayoral candidate -- Corey Ellis has called for the council to issue subpoenas as part of its ghost ticket investigation. [CapNews9]
Special election not over yet, state budget hits snags, doubts about Tuffey's ghost ticket testimony, CDTA fare hike takes effect, milk spilled in Troy
The special election in the 20th Congressional District isn't over. Initial tallies indicate that Scott Murphy leads Jim Tedisco by as few as 59 votes and as many as 65 votes. Here's a county-by-county breakdown of the totals. There are about 6000 absentee ballots that need to be counted -- they've been impounded and won't be counted until Monday at the earliest. As you might expect, both campaigns think they'll come out ahead in the final count. There are some indications the parties are already gearing up for a Coleman-Franken-like recount. [TU] [Daily Politics] [WNYT] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [Daily Politics]
Voters told reporters the top issue in the race was, surprise: the economy (great quote about Tedisco: "He's like a little bulldog."). There was a little bit of drama for voters on the Skidmore campus. And apparently some people in Schenectady showed up at the polls looking to vote -- except that Schenectady's not in the 20th (for what it's worth, Tedisco wasn't able to vote either). Many voters said they're just happy the TV ads, polling and robocalls are over. [Post-Star] [TU] [TU] [Saratogian]
The state budget isn't wrapped up yet (the official deadline was midnight last night) -- in part because Republican Senators, upset about the budget, stalled for a while yesterday and a Democratic Senator had to be taken to the hospital. [TU] [Daily Politics]
Three state Senators, including Neil Breslin, have asked David Paterson to meet with the state worker unions about the layoffs Paterson says are on the way. [Biz Review]
Still stung by the cut to Saratoga County's VLT aid, political leaders there seem to be missing Joe Bruno. [TU]
Special election day, Paterson defends budget, APD chief testifies about ghost tickets, more criticism of Saratoga City Center design
The polls are open until 9 pm today for the special election in the 20th Congressional District. Not sure where to vote? Here's how to find out. Among those who won't be voting: Jim Tedisco -- because he doesn't live in the district. [NYSBoE] [NYT]
The state Legislature will start voting on budget bills today (here's a breakdown of the major provisions). David Paterson defended the budget yesterday, arguing that much of the budget's 8.7 percent increase is made up of federal stimulus money. Others weren't having any of it, calling the budget "reckless," "irresponsible" and "devastating." [TU] [TU] [NYDN] [Biz Review]
Among the local effects of this budget: Saratoga Springs is losing $1.8 million in funding under a new formula for distributing VLT money. [TU] [Post-Star]
Albany police chief James Tuffey and city treasurer Betty Barnette testified under oath in front of the Common Council last night about the ghost ticket scandal. Tuffey said he had known about an earlier sticker distributed by the police union, but he said he didn't know about the newer "bull's eye" stickers that apparently signified a no-fine ticket car. Barnette said she didn't know about the ghost tickets until reading about them in the TU and said the city's parking ticket system won't process no-fine tickets. [TU] [Fox23]
State budget agreement includes big increase, more trouble for Schenectady cops, IBM to continue investing at Albany NanoTech, forest kindergarten planned
The Three Men in the Room have agreed to a state budget totaling almost $132 billion -- yep, that's $10 billion more than David Paterson's proposed budget and almost 9 percent bigger than last year. Direct spending by the state, not counting federal money, is increasing one percent. (Look how the Three Men buried the budget total in the 7th paragraph of the agreement's press release.) The budget includes a bunch of new taxes and fees, including hikes in the income tax for higher income households. It also kills the STAR rebate checks. The legislature still found room to keep a combined $170 million in "member items" (you know, pork). This budget was composed in "profound" secrecy. State Senate Republican minority leader Dean Skelos called it "the height of irresponsibility." [AP/Daily Gazette] [PolitickerNY] [Buffalo News] [Newsday] [TU] [NYT] [NYDN]
State Senate majority leader Malcolm Smith says the proposed reforms of the Rockefeller Drug Laws will save the state $250 million in expenses. [TU]
Yet another Schenectady cop is in trouble. A patrolman was charged Friday night with taking his girlfriend's car without her permission. The officer was already under investigation for abusing sick time and once lost his gun. "We need to bring the hammer down," mayor Brian Stratton said of the city's troubled police force. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The APD detective accused of driving drunk through Albany and Delmar in January has pleaded not guilty. The detective is currently suspended with pay. [TU]
The Dalai Lama's emissary says he's OK with the fact that his leader's Albany visit is being sponsored by an organization that's been accused of being cult-like. [TU]
Unemployment rate continues to rise, state budget deals, another into the Albany mayoral pool, mom accused of helping daughter fight, excused for Jumpin' Jacks
The Capital Region's unemployment rate hit 7.6 percent in February, according to the state Department of Labor. (The overall state rate was 7.8 percent.) That's up half a point from the month before and 2.1 points compared to the same month last year. A labor department analyst says the rate is probably the highest it's been since the early 80s. The region's job losses appear to be hitting people without college educations and easy access to transportation the hardest. [AP/Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [TU]
The state's Three Men in a Room have a reportedly reached an agreement to raise taxes on households with incomes of $300,000 and up. It also appears that wine sales in supermarkets won't be approved. But who knows -- all the negotiations are going on in secret. The Three Men apparently want the budget bills printed this weekend so they can be voted on before the budget deadline Tuesday night. [TU] [NYT] [NYDN]
The former head of a state-funded institute who was convicted of ripping that state off for more $100,000 was sentenced to house arrest and probation. [TU]
Schenectady County leaders balked at Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton's proposal to dissolve the city's troubled police force and form a new countywide department. The chair of the county legislature said the city needs to do a better job disciplining its officers. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Stratton talks with Cuomo about getting rid of police force, father charged after whupping, Sundwall off the ballot, CDTA packs 'em in
Brian Stratton met with Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday about the idea of dissolving the Schenectady's troubled police force. Stratton says the AG "wants to help in every way possible." He says one of the options they discussed was the creation of a countywide police force. (Cuomo has lately been pushing for municipalities to consolidate services.) [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
The Albany police detective accused of driving drunk through Albany and Bethlehem in January has been indicted on charges of drunken driving and reckless driving. [TU]
Albany schools superintendent Eva Joseph announced yesterday that she's retiring -- she had more than a year left on her contract. [TU]
Albany's city treasurer, Betty Barnette, says the common council's investigation of the ghost ticket scandal is a "witch hunt." Barnette is scheduled to testify before the council next week. [TU]
A Schenectady father has been charged with felony assault after he, in his own words, "whupped" his serially misbehaving 13-year-old son. The father says he "tried the Dr. Phil method," but when that didn't work he "flashed back to old school." [Daily Gazette]
The Three Men in the Room have a reportedly reached an agreement on reform of the Rockefeller Drug Laws. The new laws would give judges the authority to send first time offenders to treatment instead of jail. [NYT]
State worker layoffs planned as budget gap grows, Tedisco-Murphy debate, Wellington demolition begins, converting ounces to grams
There were two (gulp!) developments yesterday regarding the state budget. First, state leaders announced the projected budget gap for the next fiscal year is now $16.2 billion -- $2 billion more than earlier projections. And then the Paterson administration announced it plans to cut nearly 9,000 state jobs in an effort to save almost $500 million over two years. [TU] [TU]
A state Inspector General's investigation has concluded that a group of Pataki political appointees in the state Department of Taxation and Finance got themselves into protected civil service jobs by tailoring tests and job requirements specially for their own resumes. [TU]
Andrew Cuomo says he's planning to run for re-election as state Attorney General next year -- not governor. "I'm very happy being the attorney general," Cuomo told the crowd last night at a public forum in Schenectady. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Jim Tedisco and Scott Murphy argued about the definition of pork during their debate last night (full video). (Debate analysis from Bob Conner at Planet Albany.) Earlier in the day they were talking up voters in Saratoga County. And in an email that went out this morning, Barack Obama endorsed Murphy. [TU] [WNYT] [Saratogian] [HuffPo]
State budget talks appear to be stalling, police commander: no-fine stickers date back 17 years, home prices down again, school district worried about backyard wrasslin'
The Three Men in the Room say they're struggling to reach consensus on the state budget. (Of course, it's hard to tell if that's true or not because all the negotiations are going on behind closed doors.) The budget is due April 1. [NYT]
State Senator Hiram Monserrate, a Democrat from Queens, was indicted yesterday on charges that he slashed his girlfriend with a broken glass. Monserrate says he's innocent and will not resign. The Democrats hold a two seat majority in the Senate. [TU][NYT]
Chuck Schumer says he now supports gay marriage. The New York US Senator had been a supporter of civil unions and vote for the federal Defense of Marriage Act (which forbids federal recognition of gay marriages) in 1996. [AP/NYT]
An Albany police commander testified before the Common Council last night that the "bull's eye" no-fine parking stickers date back to 1992 -- and were administered by the Albany Police Officers Union. The head of the APOU at that time: current police chief James Tuffey. [TU]
The median sales price for a home in the Capital Region fell five percent (to $176,000) in February compared to the same period last year, according to the Greater Capital Association of Realtors. [TU]
Siena leaves its mark on the NCAA tournament, Morris calls for more community policing, stabbing in Ballston Spa, baracking
Siena put up a good fight against #1 seed Louisville in the second round of the NCAA tournament, but ultimately lost 79-72. After trailing at halftime by five, the Saints took the lead a little more than 10 minutes into the second half and held it until about four minute mark. [TU] [ESPN]
The org that runs New York's electricity market says an arrangement in which buyers of electricity pay more than the lowest bid is a feature, not a bug. [TU]
A study sponsored by a free market academic center concludes that New York State has the lowest level of personal and economic freedom in the country. [TU]
A 2005 report about then-state Senate minority leader David Paterson's office describes an operation with problems very similar to those exhibited during Paterson's first year as governor: chaos, indecisiveness and jumbled communication. [NYDN]
Albany Common Council president -- and mayoral candidate -- Shawn Morris says the APD has shifted its focus away from community policing -- and that's contributed to a recent surge in crime. [TU]
Forty percent of children in Albany County live in poverty -- as do 25 percent of people in Schenectady -- according to a report out from an advocacy org. [Daily Gazette]
The manager of the TU Center says he'd like to see mixed martial arts fighting legalized in New York State. He estimates ultimate fighting could sell out the arena and generate $1 million to $2 million in economic activity. [Daily Gazette]
After two of the three finalists for the job of UAlbany president dropped out, a source tells the TU the search will likely be reopened. UAlbany has been looking for a new president for more than two years. [TU]
Feds recommend smaller landfill expansion, advocates say budget process too opaque, unions upset about chip fab jobs, bank robber injures teller, call it a reverto
Two federal agencies are urging the Army Corps of Engineers to scale back the proposed expansion of Albany's landfill. The recommended smaller addition would only add 2.5 years worth of capacity to the dump. It's projected that the landfill will be full by the end of this year. [TU]
Good government groups say this year's state budget process is one of the most opaque since the 1980s. [TU]
Behind those closed doors, leaders are trying to cover a $14 billion budget gap -- and new taxes on households making more than $250,000 is apparently on the table. Opponents of the new tax have argued that the higher taxes will cause rich people to flee the state, but a demographer from Princeton says there's little evidence that would actually happen. [NYT]
A survey of CEOs ranks New York among the worst states in which to do business. Among the reasons: high taxes. [Biz Review]
Schenectady's bid to fire some of its cops could end up being very expensive -- the city's had to hire outside counsel to pursue the termination cases. Mayor Brian Stratton says the city has now added a sixth officer to the list. [Daily Gazette]
The Schenectady School Board has accepted the retirement of Steven Raucci, the district employee accused of arson and terrorism. The board's president said firing Raucci was not an option. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Special election candidates fight over what's pork, SPAC director's salary in spotlight, man accused of threatening garbagmen with cleaver, new job for McNulty
The two major party candidates for the 20th Congressional District, Jim Tedisco and Scott Murphy, went back and forth at each other yesterday over the federal stimulus bill. The super condensed version -- Tedisco: it's pork; Murphy: no, it's not. Tedisco, who said this week that he would not have voted for the stimulus bill, also said he would have voted for it -- if he could have amended it. [CapNews9] [Troy Record]
Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton says he wants to fire five of the city's cops. The city hasn't successfully fired a cop since 1982. [Daily Gazette]
Organizers of the Dalai Lama's visit to Albany say the event will "change the face of Albany if the population of Albany embraces it and gets excited about and really understands the fortitude of something like this coming to this city..." The organizers of the visit are connected to a Clifton Park management training program that's been accused of being a cult. [TU]
Steven Raucci, the Schenectady School District employee accused of arson and terrorism, has filed an application for retirement. He's currently on suspension without pay. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The salary for Marcia White, SPAC's executive director, is catching criticism after a survey revealed that the leaders of other local arts organization make much less. White was paid $244,865 in 2006. [Daily Gazette]
Soares says crime will increase, man accused of killing son, woman says no one would call for help, Center Square parking garage sold, dead fish are stinky
Albany County DA David Soares says the number of crimes will rise as the economic downturn continues. There's been a rash of shootings, assaults and robberies lately in the City of Albany. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A Coeymans man has been charged with the murder of his teenage son. Police say the man shot his son late Sunday night. The man's attorney says his client came home and found his son already dead. [TU] [Fox23]
Officials from AMD and GlobalFoundries say they're not too worried about Intel's threat to cancel a key technology sharing agreement. A spokesman for GloFo says the news "changes nothing." [TU] [Post-Star]
The design for the expansion of the Saratoga City Center was unveiled yesterday -- it changes the look of the building considerably. The expansion will increase the convention center's square footage by more than 40 percent. The project is expected to start in late Spring and take 14 months to complete. [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
The economy sucks, shooting in Pine Hills, garbage threatens to topple Schenectady hill, RPI officials in Africa
This just in: the economy really sucks at this moment. [TU] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [Saratogian] [SRI]
State Senate Democrats are reportedly willing to support raising taxes on households making more than $250,000 as a way to cover the budget gap (they also apparently support an increase in the sales tax). There's already support for the measure in the Assembly. David Paterson has said such move should be a last resort. [NYT]
An Albany man has been charged with the murder of the man found dead in an abandoned Albany building in February (the city's first homicide of the year). Police say the suspect shot the man in a parked car on Lark Street and then dumped the body. Police say the suspect denies being involved, instead saying that he was smoking pot in Troy with a random woman he met that day. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [TU]
More violence in Albany's Pine Hills neighborhood: police say a woman was shot in the arm outside the Playdium bowling alley early Saturday morning (map). Police say the woman told them her sons know the shooters. There was also a reported mugging at the corner of South Main and Myrtle this weekend (map).[Troy Record] [CapNews9] [TU]
The number of bridges in New York State that have been "red-flagged" has more than quadrupled between 2002 and 2007, according to a report from the state Department of Transportation. [TU]
School board says it will investigate Raucci, RPI and Skidmore pass on Dalai Lama, donations poured in for cat surgery, Guilderland politicians flaming each other, Smith's reopens
The Schenectady School Board has decided to pursue its own investigation of Steven Raucci, the district employee accused of arson and terrorism. The board says the investigation will only focus on allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. District officials have said they didn't know about Raucci's alleged behavior. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Paul Tonko said yesterday in DC that the federal agency responsible for assessing the health risks of the former depleted uranium plant on Central Ave has "failed the people of Colonie and Albany who live near the site." An outside expert has recommended that the agency pursue a comprehensive medical study of people living in the area surrounding the former plant. [TU]
The lawyer for a suspended Albany police sergeant says his client never told Bethlehem cops to back off an APD detective suspected of driving drunk. [TU]
An arbitration report says a now-former Albany police officer admitted to coming to work high on pot and using cocaine at a bar on New Scotland Ave. [TU]
Paterson says stimulus money will prevent soda and iTunes tax, salt water may have caused manhole explosions, police say guy had pot farm in attic, Troy corned beef factory closes
David Paterson says federal stimulus money will cover the budget hole that was to be filled by new taxes on items such as soda and digital downloads. Of course, now that money won't be able to cover other holes -- and it appears chances are now greater that there will be new taxes on households making at least $250,000. [TU] [AP/Daily Gazette]
The Schenectady School District superintendent says district officials never knew about a letter Steven Raucci, the district employee charged with arson and terrorism, allegedly sent to an employee urging her to be "attractive, sensitive and classy with a touch of sexiness." A lawsuit by a former district employee alleges that Raucci was a friend of the district's HR director. The city's board of education will meet tonight to talk about Raucci's future with the district. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
National Grid says salt water runoff may have corroded the underground transmission lines that caught fire this week in Albany. [TU]
According to the NYCLU, three Albany neighborhoods with six percent of the city's population accounted for 25 percent of the adults sent to prison in 2005 -- and almost half of those people were convicted on drug crimes. The org was publicizing the data to protest the Rockefeller Drug Laws. [TU] [TU] [NYCLU]
State tax refunds a little slow this year, number of prostitution arrests up, accused horse stabber offered plea deal, clerk pleads guilty to ripping off city, there's a new Miss Limerick
The state Department of Taxation and Finance says state tax refunds have been a little slower to go out this year because it's screening refunds more carefully. [TU]
A deal between David Paterson and the leaders of the legislature is reportedly in the works that would kill the proposed taxes on soda, digital downloads and a bunch of other "fun" transactions. [Daily Politics]
The company that said it would run the racino at Aqueduct has told the state it now can't get financing to pay the contract fee. That means less revenue for the state -- and for less money for NYRA, which uses racino money to prop up racing at Saratoga and the state's other tracks. [NYT] [Saratogian]
Two unnamed sources tell the TU that an Albany police sergeant told Bethlehem cops to back off an APD detective the night the detective is accused of driving drunk from Albany into Delmar. The sergeant has been suspended, though the reason has been made public. [TU]
Apparently the Capital Region is a "fertile" area for prostitution -- and, in part as a result, arrests are up. [TU]
DA says scratched car prompted bombing, new rail plan for state, Siena's going to the NCAA Tournament, Breslin warns of budget deficit, big plans for Troy Proctors
A Schenectady County judge denied bail yesterday for Steven Raucci, the school district employee accused of arson and terrorism. In arguing against bail, the Schenectady DA said Raucci bombed a person's car after the man scratched Raucci's car in a parking lot. The DA says Raucci has continued to make threats since being taken into custody. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Underground explosions blasted four manhole covers off the ground yesterday afternoon in downtown Albany. National Grid says burning cables may have caused a build up of gases. Power near the site of the explosions will be shut off as investigators try to figure out what happened. [AOA] [TU] [CapNews9]
David Paterson and seemingly every other upstate elected official were at the Rensselaer train station yesterday to announce a new state rail plan. State officials hope the plan will increase New York's chances of scoring federal stimulus money for rail projects. As part of the plan, officials would like to spend $3 billion on somewhat higher speed rail service throughout the state. [TU] [AP/Troy Record] [Daily Gazette]
As David Paterson announced that he's freezing the pay of some 160 of aides, it came out that he just re-hired his recently fired top aide for $170,000. [Newsday] [NY Post]
The Albany Common Council chose not to issue subpoenas last night after the heads of the unions that represent Albany police officers chose not to testify under oath as part of the investigation in the ghost ticket scandal. The council has gotten 5,000 documents from the APD as part of the investigation. [TU] [CapNews9] [Fox23]
The Siena men's basketball team is going to the NCAA tournament. The Saints beat Niagara 77-70 last night in the MAAC Tournament final. Kenny Hasbrouck, playing with an injured calf, led Siena with 19 points. The tournament set a conference record for attendance, drawing almost 51,000. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
One Schenectady suicide reportedly prompted chain of attempts, Morris officially in the pool for Albany mayor, parents sue bars for $12 million, UAlbany student robbed at gunpoint
The suicide of a 17-year-old in Schenectady last fall appears to have started a chain reaction of five other suicide attempts -- two of which led to deaths. All five of the teens who subsequently attempted suicide apparently used the same method as the first teen. [Daily Gazette]
The heads of both the Albany Police Officers Union and the union's parent organization say they will not testify under oath about the ghost ticket scandal at tonight's meeting of the Albany Common Council. That may lead the council to take the unusual step of issuing a subpoena to the APOU's president. [TU]
Albany Common Council President Shawn Morris officially announced on Sunday that she's running for mayor. Morris says she wants to "open up City Hall to the people who own it." Morris has served on the council for 15 years. [Fox23] [TU] [CapNews9]
Rumors have apparently been circulating that Schenectady officials are talking about dissolving the city's troubled police force. After a Schenectady police sergeant reportedly left work during a shift to go to the dentist this past week, mayor Brian Stratton says he personally told two shifts of SPD officers that it was time to get their act together. [TU]
Timmons gets maximum sentence, Westboro protesters in town, APD fires a cop, national experts to assess Schenectady High suicides, lucky shot was insured
Jermayne Timmons, the teen convicted of firing the shot that killed Kathina Thomas, got the maximum sentence today -- 15 years to life. [TU]
Five members of the Westboro Baptist Church showed up this morning at Albany High School to publicize the church's anti-gay message. A counter protest of 300 people was also there. Rev. Charlie Muller, one of the counter-protesters, told Capital News 9 he was there to make the point that "Jesus never hated -- he loved." [TU] [CapNews9]
The head of the State Insurance Fund resigned yesterday, reportedly after the Times Union told him it was preparing a story about why his compensation ($185,400) was way higher than the level set by law ($120,800). The state inspector general this week announced that the agency is under investigation because of a whistleblower's accusation that the org had become have for political patronage. (Earlier on AOA: The $94,000 secretary.)
State Senate Republicans have proposed an alternative budget to David Paterson's plan. The Republicans' plan leans heavily on using federal stimulus money to cover the budget gap -- and doesn't include many of the tax and fee increases in the Paterson budget. [TU]
David Paterson said yesterday he will in fact take a 10 percent pay cut -- but he won't ask anyone else in state government to do so. Ten percent of Paterson's salary is $17,9000. [AP/CapNews9]
The attorney for Steven Raucci, who's now been charged with crimes in three different counties, says he will argue on Monday that his client should be allowed to go free on bail. Local law enforcement authorities have kept Raucci in jail by charging his serially on counts including arson, criminal mischief and terrorism. The Gazette found out via FOIL this week that Raucci made $129,364 with the Schenectady School District last year. [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
Chip fab company says it's committed, Paterson says he'd take a pay cut, DA says frozen man may have overdosed, Albany High to be delayed for protest
While the paperwork hasn't all gone through, officials from GlobalFoundries -- the new AMD spinoff -- say they are committed to building the new chip fab at Luther Forest. "I don't know how much more formal of a commitment we can make," said the new company's president. GlobalFoundries says it expects to be turning out chips at full capacity by 2012. [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star] [TU]
David Paterson told a crowd in Buffalo yesterday that he would consider taking a 10 percent pay cut -- and he said he doesn't think a similar cut for the Legislature is a bad idea. Paterson also reiterated his support for a high-speed rail connection between Buffalo and Albany. (Earlier on AOA: High-speed rail? Maybe not so fast.) [Buffalo News]
Competition for federal stimulus money is fierce at the state Capitol as the team led by New York's stimulus czar -- AKA Captain Asphalt -- sifts through more than 7,500 projects. Local officials have proposed almost $42 billion in stimulus-funded projects -- the state has been given $4 billion. [NYT]
A bill that would reform the Rockefeller Drug Laws was passed by the state Assembly yesterday. Such reforms have been passed many times by the Assembly, but always died in the Senate. But now that Democrats control both chambers, the odds of passage seem higher -- though it's far from a done deal. [TU] [NYT]
A bunch of downstate Democrats are lining up for a potential primary challenge to Kirsten Gillibrand in 2010. [NYT]
RPI President Shirley Jackson announced yesterday that she will be taking a five percent pay cut. [AOA]
Tedisco and Murphy debate, Raucci charged with terrorism, Schenectady school district struggles with teen suicides, chip fab company gets new name, UAlbany student sues Facebook
Jim Tedisco and Scott Murphy found a lot to agree about during their debate yesterday in Saratoga Springs. One point of departure: the federal stimulus bill, which Murphy said he supports and Tedisco said had enough pork to "create trichinosis for most of us in this room." They also disagreed on union "card check" -- Murphy supports it, Tedisco doesn't. The debate drew an overflow crowd of more than 250 people to the Saratoga Springs Public Library. [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star] [Saratogian] [TU]
Police say a woman walking her dogs in Spa State Park yesterday morning found a partially frozen body (it seems her dog was the first to find it in the tree line). There are conflicting reports on whether authorities consider the situation suspicious -- "unusual" seems to be the word being used. The man was found fully clothed and dressed for winter. Witnesses says the body was covered in vomit. An autopsy is scheduled for today. [Saratogian] [Fox 23] [Post-Star] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Steven Raucci, the Schenectady school district employee accused of arson, was charged with terrorism yesterday -- the state's highest felony. Officials say they've been filing charges against Raucci sequentially so they can keep him in jail. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The state's inspector general has ordered an investigation of the State Insurance Fund because of accusations of mismanagement by a whistleblower. The whistleblower came forward after the story of the guy making $94k/year to do nothing came to light in the TU. Noted: John Sweeney's first wife, Elizabeth, works at the Insurance Fund as a secretary and makes $94,000 a year. [TU] [SeeThroughNY]
Debate today for special Congressional race, man charged with Troy murder, bankruptcy filings up, Luther Forest spinoff company a done deal
The latest from the very special election to fill Kirsten Gillibrand's former House seat: Jim Tedisco and Scott Murphy will debate today at the Saratoga Springs Public Library at 1:30 pm. Yesterday, Rudy Giuliani campaigned with Jim Tedisco in Dutchess County. And Scott Murphy was endorsed by the AFL-CIO. [CapNews9] [Fox23] [Saratogian]
Albany Common Councilman Corey Ellis officially announced that he's running for mayor yesterday. Here's his web site.
Joe Bruno was taken to the hospital yesterday after he was involved in a car wreck on Rt. 7 in Colonie. A spokesman for Bruno says an oncoming car jumped the median and hit Bruno's car. The spokesman says Bruno is sore and slightly bruised, but otherwise OK. [TU] [Troy Record]
A Schenectady cop was arraigned yesterday in Colonie on charges of DWI and leaving the scene of an accident. The Schenectady police chief says the officer has been suspended 30 days without pay. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Winter storm will mostly miss us, Ellis to run for Albany mayor, Porco's lawyers appealing conviction, alternate side parking grace period proposed, Saratoga Rec Center saga continues, Siro's for sale
It looks like the storm moving up the East Coast today will mostly miss us here in the Capital Region. Snow accumulation is projected to top out at around 4 inches, but it will be cold -- with temps around 20. Noted: March is still winter. [NWS] [TU]
The Saratoga County DA says terrorism charges are being prepared in Schenectady County against Steven Raucci, the Schenectady School District employee accused of arson. [Daily Gazette]
Albany Common Councilman Corey Ellis is expected to announce today that he's running for mayor. Council president Shawn Morris is also expected to announce soon that she's officially in the running. [Facebook event page] [TU]
Scott Murphy will be on the Independence Party line for the upcoming special election to fill Kirsten Gillibrand's old House seat -- the first time a Democrat has been on the line in the district. In other Murphy news: he says he's good at simple arithmetic. And in case you hadn't heard: his wife has a bid family. [Daily Politics] [Post-Star] [Post-Star]
Jim Tedisco, Murphy's opponent in the special election, says it shouldn't matter that he doesn't actually live in the Congressional district that he wants to represent. [AP/TU]
The man who police say threatened them with a knife at the scene of the murder in Troy last week has previously served time on assault and unlawful imprisonment charges -- as of Friday he still wasn't officially tagged as a suspect, though. Troy police have called in the State Police to help out with forensics at the "gruesome" murder scene. [TU] [Troy Record]
Christopher Porco's attorneys have filed an appeal seeking to overturn his conviction. The appeal focuses on the nod that police say his mother gave when asked if he had been involved in the attack. Porco is currently serving 46 years to life in prison. [TU]
More charges for alleged arsonist, woman found guilty of lying about cops, pearl found in clam, Jerry Jennings will mess up his hair
The Schenectady County DA, says Stephen Raucci, the Schenectady School District employee who's been accused of arson and intimidation, was indicted yesterday by a grand jury on sealed charges. And the Saratoga DA says State Police have charged Raucci with unsuccessfully trying to bomb a car in Clifton Park. That means Raucci has now been charged with crimes in three different counties -- Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga. [CapNews9] [TU]
A Lansinburgh woman is dead after police found her fatally wounded in the basement of her house yesterday morning. Authorities says the woman's boyfriend had to be tasered after he threatened police and firefighters who arrived at the scene with a knife. Police found two kids in the house, unharmed. A spokesman for the TPD says it was a "gruesome crime scene." [Troy Record] [TU]
The Ravena woman who accused Albany cops of doing a cavity search on her during a traffic stop in late 2007 was convicted yesterday on charges that she lied about the incident. The woman had rejected an earlier plea deal that would have required her to admit that she had lied. [TU] [Troy Record]
A crowd of about 400 RPI students rallied yesterday outside a Board of Trustees dinner on campus. The students were protesting "the manner in which recent administrative actions and policy decisions have been executed." According to that TU story, its reporter -- Marc Parry -- was asked by the administration to leave the demonstration. Apparently it was OK for the Troy Record to be there -- it even shot video of the rally. And here's a photo of the scene (more photos of the rally and the board here). [TU] [Student Senate] [Troy Record] [Troy Record] [unknown]
Towns sue EPA over dredging, stimulus money headed for local schools, comptroller takes up ghost ticket investigation, big hospital merger, home prices down
A handful of municipalities in Saratoga County -- including the county itself -- have sued to stop the EPA's Hudson River dredging project. The governments argue the feds have not adequately guaranteed people in the county will have a safe supply of drinking water during the project, which is scheduled to start in May. State senator Roy McDonald told a meeting last night that the EPA is "taking advantage of us" and said people should tell the feds to "go to hell." [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Post-Star]
Chuck Schumer says about $50 million in aid for schools is headed to the Capital Region from the federal stimulus bill. The Albany ($6.3 million) and Schenectady ($4.8 million) school districts are getting the biggest chunks of that money. Schumer also says $3 billion is on its way to help New York State cover planned cuts in aid from the state to local schools. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
David Paterson has replaced many of his top advisors. On his new communications director's resume: experience with "strategic and crisis communications work." [NYT] [TU]
The state comptroller has informed the City of Albany that his office will be conducting an audit of the city's "ghost ticket" system. [TU]
Paterson aide: staff is a disaster, Albany County moves toward texting while driving ban, teacher accused of selling pot, modern dance at SPAC
With poll numbers sliding, David Paterson says he will be addressing "structural problems" on his staff. A "a source close to the governor's staff" tells the TU that Paterson's office is currently a "disaster." Adds an ex-aide: "Under David there was a 'Lord of the Flies' environment where you claim your territory and hold on to it." [AOA] [TU]
The state's leader all agree: the budget gap could top $14 billion. [Biz Review]
Yesterday during the course of a trial for an unrelated case, an Albany police officer testified that he had bought one of the infamous (and illegal) APD machine guns from the head of the Albany Police Officer's Union. [TU]
Albany police say they've id'ed the body found in an abandoned building on Broadway this past weekend as Ruel Torak of Schenectady. Police are treating the case as a homicide -- they say they're not sure if Torak was murdered at the location or taken there afterward. [TU] [Troy Record]
Steven Raucci, the Schenectady School District employee accused of arson and intimidation, was released on bail yesterday -- and then picked by Schodack police on new arson charges related to a separate incident in 2007. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Facing down the "doomsday budget," sometimes-cop says no one wants his job, Morris says she's running for Albany mayor, police say woman went on rampage
At a meeting yesterday between state legislators and economists, the coming fiscal year's budget gap was projected to be as high as $14 billion. One senator said the state was facing a "doomsday budget." [TU]
The reconstruction of Delaware and Madison Ave in Albany will be one of the first projects in the state to proceed with federal stimulus money. A pedestrian described the pavement and sidewalks at that intersection as "awful." [TU Cap Con] [Fox23]
Stephen Raucci, the Schenectady School District employee accused of arson and intimidation, has been suspended with pay. Superintendent Eric Ely says he never witnessed out-of-bounds behavior from Raucci, but a former subordinate alleges in a lawsuit that Raucci created a hostile work environment. Raucci's father pleaded guilty to attempted murder and manslaughter after the death of his wife and 6-year-old son in 1986. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The Schenectady police lieutenant who worked all of 12 days last year for the department -- at 2 1/2 times pay -- because of his union duties says his job is "terrible" and no one wants it. Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton says the lieutenant's assertion that he's been spending all that time on union business is "crazy." [Daily Gazette]
Schenectady police chief Mark Chaires said yesterday that some officers will be fired because of the absent-officer scandal. [Daily Gazette]
School district employee accused of arson and intimidation, first homicide of 2009 in Albany, crowds gets testy at "super" sale, looking for council candidates on Craigslist
The Schenectady County DA says investigators think a Schenectady school district employee engaged in "systematic acts of intimidation" -- including arson -- against people who had "crossed" him. The man has been charged with arson for blowing the door off a Rotterdam home in 2001. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A body was found in an abandoned building on Broadway in Albany over the weekend. The APD says it's treating the case as the city's first homicide of 2009. [TU] [Fox23]
The president of the Schenectady police union only worked for the city 13 days last year -- yet the city paid him $129,908. Mayor Brian Stratton says the arrangement is "crazy." [TU]
A stun gun, tucked in a stroller, made it through the security checkpoint at ALB a week ago. A gate worker found the stun gun as he was putting the stroller into the baggage hold. [TU]
David Paterson and his entourage charged the state more than $23,000 for their trip to the inaugural. [TU]
Pataki to take on Gillibrand?, Albany council pursuing ghost ticket scandal, Troy could be among first for stimulus money, cable bills going up, crustacean capers hot right now
The head of the National Republican Senatorial Committee has reportedly approached George Pataki about running against Kirsten Gillibrand in 2010. [AP/Troy Record]
State Democrats "familiar" with the situation say David Paterson is considering the return of Charles O'Byrne, who was his top advisor until O'Byrne resigned over tax problems. Paterson is reportedly frustrated by accusations that his administration is coming apart. [NYT] [NYP]
The Albany Common Council has scheduled sworn testimony in March from police department and union officials about the ghost ticket scandal. Officers called to testify will have to be paid three hours of overtime if the hearing doesn't occur during their regular shift. [TU]
The Schenectady police officer accused of being serially absent from patrol has been suspended without pay for a month. The officer topped the department's pay list last year after racking up enormous amounts of overtime. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
One of the Albany River Rats says "guys were flying around like ping-pong balls" as the team bus rolled over on the Mass Pike during its crash early Thursday morning. Four players and one of the team's broadcasters were hospitalized overnight. A spokesman for Yankee Trails, the company that owned the bus, says the driver at the wheel yesterday is an "exceptional" operator. Mass state police are investigating the cause of the crash -- ice appears to be the leading candidate. The Rats' game scheduled for tonight has been postponed. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Troy Record]
Planning for stimulus funds, River Rats bus flips on Mass Turnpike, restaurants cutting prices, no Whitney Gala this year
Sadly, the state's war room doesn't look like this. Remember: you can't fight in the war room.
The Paterson Administration has set up a "war room" to coordinate the state's administration of the roughly $25 billion in federal stimulus money headed this way. [TU]
Buried among the list of new taxes and fees in the Paterson budget proposal: a $10 fee for filing your state tax return on paper. More than 40 percent of state tax returns in New York State were filed on paper last year. [TU]
The Capital District Transportation Committee has put together a list of local infrastructure projects that should qualify for stimulus funding -- a group that totals about $87 million. Among the projects on the list: the reconstruction of Delaware Ave in Albany and the replacement of the Bridge Street bridge in Cohoes. [TU]
Three people from the Albany River Rats were seriously injured this morning after the team bus rolled over on the Mass Turnpike. The team was returning from a game in Lowell. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
From the very special election to fill Kirsten Gillibrand's old House seat... Republicans are criticizing Scott Murphy for not voting in eight primary and general elections between 2000 and 2003. And Jim Tedisco participated in a "tele town hall meeting" yesterday -- basically, the campaign robo-called 30,000 people and told them if they held on, Tedisco would speak and answer questions live. The campaign says it had as many as 6,000 people on the line at one point. [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette] [CapNews9]
Top Schenectady city officials are demanding to know how the cop accused of serially spending hours in an apartment when he was supposed to be on patrol could have gotten away with it. This latest scandal is just the latest in a long list of Schenectady Police Department screw-ups. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Cities line up infrastructure projects, Schenectady cop suspected of catching Zzzz instead of crooks, Saratoga rec center project moves forward, delivery driver plows into strip mall
Local leaders say much of the federal stimulus money headed this way will be spent on infrastructure projects. Troy mayor Harry Tutunjian noted that much of the infrastructure in his city is 120-years-old. [Troy Record] [Saratogian] [TU]
The Daily Gazette reports that Schenectady's highest-paid police officer has been spending a chunk of each Tuesday's shift inside an apartment, possibly sleeping. The Gazette's observation was confirmed by department records from the GPS unit in the cop's car. Said Schenectady's police chief: "How dumb can you be? You know you have a GPS in your car. Why would anybody do that?" The officer in question made $168,921 last year -- that's about triple his base salary -- because of enormous amounts of overtime. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
An Albany police sergeant has been suspended pending the investigation into the possibly delayed arrest of an APD detective who allegedly had been driving while intoxicated. [TU]
The plane that crashed last week in Buffalo had been in Albany the day before. A witness says he saw a crew performing an engine test on the plane as it sat at the gate at ALB. [TU]
Paterson under fire from every direction, Gillibrand says guns no longer under her bed, job cuts at GE Research, Rensselaer waterfront developer says if they come -- they will build it
David Paterson is catching criticism from what seems like every direction right now. State worker unions are wailing at the news that many aides in the Paterson administration have gotten pay raises since last summer's hiring freeze and spending cuts. The proposed "iTax" on digital downloads is being criticized by conservatives because it potentially could tax pornography downloads (they say taxing it legitimizes it). And in response to the barrage of TV ads criticizing his proposed healthcare cuts, Paterson said this past weekend: "I don't care how many blind people in wheelchairs you roll out. I'm going to get this budget balanced and I'm going to get it balanced by April 1." [NYP] [NYDN] [AP/TU] [Newsday]
A spokesperson for Kirsten Gillibrand says the senator has moved the guns out from underneath her bed now that everyone knows that's where she stored them (because, you know, she told everyone). Also: Gillibrand says her mom has eight guns. [TU] [AP/Daily Gazette] [AP/Troy Record]
Chuck Schumer endorsed Scott Murphy yesterday in the race to fill Gillibrand's former House seat. He and Murphy also made pretzels. [Saratogian]
Roy McDonald (the guy who replaced Joe Bruno in the state Senate) says Saratoga County's share of money from a state road maintenance fund could be cut more than 25 percent in the next state budget. Saratoga County got more than $2 million from the fund last year (as did Albany County). [Saratogian] [NYDOT]
Here comes the stimulus money, APD says Bailey case isn't cold, jailhouse marriages, TV station's parent company files for bankruptcy, the flamingos are back
New York State is in line to get almost $25 billion in federal stimulus money, according to an analysis by the state. Among the many projects that could get funding in the state: high speed rail service from Buffalo to NYC. Local municipalities have also been getting their wish lists together. [AP/TU] [Troy Record]
The two candidates in the race for Kirsten Gillibrand's former House seat are in a race to see who can smear the other guy first. The mud boiled down: Jim Tedisco's campaign says Scott Murphy is a light-weight and tax dodger, Murphy's campaign says Tedisco is a career politician who's milked taxpayers for car costs. In a more positive direction, Murphy is hoping to get his wife's large extended family -- many of them Republicans -- to vote for him. And Tedisco is picks up his dogs' poop. Also: Kirsten Gillibrand and Paul Tonko were in Albany over the weekend to endorse Murphy (no, Albany is not in the 20th Congressional district). [TU] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
The Albany Police Department says the murder of UAlbany student Richard Bailey "is absolutely not a cold case." Bailey's father, a retired NYC cop, says he has faith in the APD's ability to find the murderer. [TU] [TU]
The vast majority of restaurants in Albany County did OK on county health inspections in 2008, according to a Times Union analysis. Among the few that didn't: Tandoor Palace on Lark Street, the Corner Food Court at the corner of Lark and Washington, and the Metro 20 Diner on Western. [TU]
Scramble on for stimulus money, Paterson says soda tax has gone flat, big condo project put on hold, Dunn Bridge closing temporarily, Springsteen tickets are pricy
Local officials are scrambling to line up for the some $20 billion of stimulus money that's probably headed toward New York. Albany, Schenectady and Troy have already proposed projects worth a combined $600 million. Now Saratoga Springs is asking for about $17 million -- $10.7 million of which would go toward the construction of the new police station. Chuck Schumer said yesterday that the Capital Region would be getting $108 million for Medicaid from the bill. [TU] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Albany Common Council has decided it will ask city and police officials to answer questions about the ghost ticket scandal under oath. It won't be issuing these people a subpoena -- at least, not yet. [TU]
David Paterson says the state legislature will probably not pass his proposed soda tax. [AP/TU]
State Senate Democrats says they will not be using the recently discovered "Brunomobile." The custom van gets 8 miles per gallon and reportedly has "retained a ghost of its new-car smell." [TU]
Jim Tedisco and Scott Murphy, the two candidates in the race to fill Kirsten Gillibrand's former seat in the House, are arguing over whose job creation number is bigger. Neither candidate will say whether they would have voted for the stimulus bill that's moving through Congress. It sounds like Murphy, the Democrat, has the support of his in-laws -- even though they're Republicans. [Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [Saratogian]
State facing even bigger budget gap, politicians fight over printer, food bank demand up, garbage workers told to take it easy,
A budget analysis from the state Assembly projects that the state's budget gap for the next fiscal year is actually a billion dollars bigger than originally thought. Sheldon Silver says the growing gap increases the need for higher taxes on high-earning households. David Paterson says he's still resistant to the idea. [Biz Review] [NYDN] [TU]
Jonathan Lippman was confirmed yesterday as the new chief judge of the New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court. Lippman says getting state judges a pay raise will be among his first priorities. Also: he apparently looks a little like Bernie Madoff to some people. [TU] [CapNews9]
A city attorney has told the Albany Common Council that its subpoena powers probably do not allow it to question the head of the police officers' union about the ghost ticket scandal. Councilman Corey Ellis has been pushing for the council to directly investigate the matter. [TU]
The woman police say hit a pedestrian along Western Ave near St. Rose and then drove off was charged yesterday with leaving the scene of an accident. The family of Stanley Brown, the man hit and killed in the accident, says he loved to walk. [Troy Record] [TU]
Stimulus stimulates budget talk, chip fab deal hits snag, guilty verdict tossed over racial remark, candy maker expects subdued Valentine's Day
Both Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand voted for the federal stimulus bill yesterday -- they say New York State could be getting about $20 billion from the bill. That has state leaders thinking about the impact on the state budget. David Paterson says the state still needs to make significant budget cuts. He also said he wouldn't support the proposed tax on high-income households -- unless the Legislature could come up with $11 billion in budget cuts. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [NYDN]
The AMD shareholder vote on the spin-off that would own the Luther Forest chip fab was delayed yesterday after the company couldn't get enough votes together for an official decision. The vote was rescheduled for next week -- both company and local officials seemed confident the deal would still go through. AMD's stock dropped 12 percent on news of the delayed vote. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
The FBI and State Police raided tenant offices at the Port of Albany yesterday. The raid is part of an ongoing investigation into extortion and bid-rigging among businesses there. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Joe Bruno's federal trial has been scheduled for November of this year. His attorney says they'll be trying to get charges dismissed before then. One complication for the trial: finding jurors with an open mind about Bruno's guilt or innocence. [TU]
Common council pushes for ghost ticket investigation, new SUNY chancellor, pistol whippings in Center Square, official urges shopping and prayer, Brian Stratton hops a horse in Albany
Four members of the Albany common council say they want to pursue a full investigation of the city's "ghost ticket" scandal. Mayor Jerry Jennings says the city is correcting the problem and would rather see the state comptroller handle the audit. [TU] [Fox23]
The SUNY Board of Trustees is expected to name University of Cincinnati president Nancy Zimpher the next SUNY chancellor today. Zimpher has a reputation has a tough, effective leader. She says she'll open her tenure as chancellor by personally visiting all 64 of the SUNY campuses. [Newsday] [TU] [NYT]
In somewhat gubernatorial fashion, New York AG Andrew Cuomo was making the rounds yesterday in Albany to push for consolidation of the state's many and varied local governments. After meeting with the New York Conservative Party, one member said, "I think we've got a kinder, gentler Cuomo with this guy." [TU] [NYP]
The idea of a tax hike on households making $250,000 and up is gaining momentum in the state Legislature. A similar hike was passed last year in the Assembly and a bill will be introduced in the Senate today. [NYT]
Local governments line up stimulus projects, sniping in the Governor's office, DA says 40-year-old case will be hard to prosecute, group trying to raise money for cat's heart surgery
Local governments have quite the wish list lined up for the federal stimulus money that could be on they way. The cities of Albany, Schenectady and Troy combined have more than $600 million of proposed projects. On the list: a new city hall for Troy, money for the Albany convention center, and a new rail line connecting Schenectady and Albany. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
As Kirsten Gillibrand becomes more of a "Democratic team player" in the Senate, constituents around Saratoga say they feel betrayed. [Newsday] [NYT]
The state worker unions have been meeting with the Department of Civil Service to discuss procedures for layoffs. There has been no official word that mass layoffs are in the works. [TU]
The chatter around the Capitol: David Paterson's staff is incompetent, fighting with itself over stuff like office space.
Albany's ghost ticket scandal widens, Tutunjian plans for new city hall, mud flying in Gillibrand replacement race, UAlbany narrows list of potential presidents,
The roster of vehicles eligible for "ghost" parking tickets apparently extends to a "VIP" list of 270 vehicles owned by the government and private citizens. Among those with a park-for-free pass: the head of the Downtown BID, who has previously said that people should expect to pay for parking. Albany police chief James Tuffey says the program has been shut down. [TU] [CBS6]
Nelson Costello, the man accused of murdering David Bacon 40 years ago in Waterford, was indicted yesterday on charges or murder and witness tampering -- he pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. Authorities say Costello and Bacon were involved in a rivalry over Bacon's then-fiancee -- the woman now lives in Schaghticoke. The Saratoga County DA says Costello was arrested last week in Cohoes after crashing a rental car and then trying to cover up the location of the accident. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Troy Record]
Troy mayor Harry Tutunjian announced during his state of the city address last night that the city would seeking $22 million of federal stimulus money to build a new city hall on the site of the old one. [TU] [Troy Record]
The council meeting after Tutunjian's address turned into a verbal spat as the council argued with Troy deputy mayor Dan Crawley over the implementation of a new landlord registration law. After a council member accused Crawley of not responding to email, Crawley reportedly shouted: "Not from you. Approach me like a man and quit hiding behind your computer." [Troy Record]
Special election candidates could spend $4 million total, state worker says he gets $95k for nothing, new baggage scanners at airport, ice cream recall
One expert predicts each candidate in the special election to fill Kirsten Gillibrand's former House seat could end up spending $2 million on the race. The chairman of the Republican National Committee was in Albany yesterday to meet with Jim Tedisco about the race. Scott Murphy, the Democrats' candidate, was in DC earlier this week to meet with Nancy Pelosi and Kirsten Gillibrand. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
The Siena Research Institute reports that consumer confidence in New York State was up a bit last month. The state's consumer confidence is a little lower than the national mark. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
CDTA could get about $14 million over two years from the stimulus bill that's passed the House of Representatives. But the transit org says it's experiencing a "revenue crisis" and the stimulus money would only be a short-term help. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A state worker with the State Insurance Fund says he's been relegated to a do-nothing $93,803-a-year job because he sued the Pataki Administration 10 years ago. The man says he sued because he was being discriminated against for being a Native American. [TU]
Deal closes this year's state budget gap, Waterford site "a significant threat," quadriplegic bookie going to prison, ducks love french fries
A deal to close the $1.6 billion gap in the state's budget for this fiscal year passed both houses of the Legislature last night. The plan makes up the money by trimming a number of items, "sweeping" money from various accounts and raising a tax on health insurers. The current Three Men in a Room (Paterson, Silver, Smith) put the deal together behind closed doors -- and it was voted on by legislators before they had much of a chance to read it. Republican Senate minority leader Dean Skelos criticized the process, "Don't just push us out the door, shut the door and have three Democrats in a room from New York City make a determination on the economic policy of the state." The state still faces a $13 billion gap in next year's budget. [TU] [NYT] [CapNews9] [NYDN]
Both national Republican and Democratic parties are expected to focus on the special election to fill Kirsten Gillibrand's former seat in the House. Jim Tedisco officially began his campaign yesterday with a flurry of basketball metaphors. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
The state Department of Environmental Conservation recently told Waterford that a site in the town "presents a significant threat to the environment and public health." The site, on which an old barrel cleaning business once operated, had been identified as dangerous years ago -- but a miscommunication between the federal EPA and the state DEC led to an 8-year delay in further testing. [Troy Record]
An anonymous source tells the TU there may have been an accomplice involved with the that 40-year-old murder case -- but the statute of limitations on the crime have expired. State police arrested a 62-year-old man last week after a tip re-opened the case last year. As the Saratoga County DA's office prepares for the case, it's been studying old cases because the man would have to be prosecuted under the laws in place four decades ago. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Arrest in 40-year-old murder case, AMD hopes for June start on fab construction, subpoena debated for "ghost tickets" scandal, buzzer sounds early on Patroons' season
State police have arrested a man for an alleged murder from 40 years ago. Investigators say Nelson Costello murdered David Bacon over a woman. Costello, who most recently has been living in Arizona, was a part-time cop in the Town of Waterford in 1969. Bacon's disappearance had been deemed a missing persons case four decades ago. Officials haven't said what led them to treat the case as a murder, but they say they will probably release details later this week. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Troy Record]
The state's political leaders are lining up to push for a high-speed rail line connecting cities along the old Erie Canal. [TU]
Former Schenectady police chief Greg Kaczmarek was sentenced to two years in prison yesterday for his involvement with a drug ring. Kaczmarek's wife, Lisa, was also sentenced yesterday -- she got six months. That sentence has drawn criticism for being too light, but Judge Karen Drago told Lisa Kaczmarek, "your culpability with respect to getting illegal drugs on the street was far less than your co-defendants." The busting of the organization has led to convictions for 24 people. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
AMD says it wants to start clearing the land for the Luther Forest chip fab in March and start construction in June. But first its board has to approve the spin-off of the company that will actually own the fab. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Dems pick candidate for Gillibrand replacement race, stabbing in downtown Saratoga, RPI involved with Africa education intiative, local sales of YakTrax up
The Democrats have picked Glens Falls venture capitalist Scott Murphy to run in the special election for Kirsten Gillibrand's seat. Murphy emerged as the choice after former TV anchor Tracy Egan and AFL-CIO official Suzy Ballantyne dropped out. The 10 Democratic county chairman made their pick yesterday at the Gateway Diner in Albany (no, that's not in the district) while, apparently, wearing lots of Gillibrand flair. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [TU] [@pattigibbons]
Murphy will face Jim Tedisco in the special election -- and people are already lining up to replace Tedisco should he win. [Saratogian]
Police say a man was stabbed multiple times early Sunday morning at Club 388 on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs. The victim was airlifted to Albany Med. Police arrested two men shortly after the incident -- the cops had been on patrol in the area. [CapNews9] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Saratoga Springs mayor Scott Johnson says the city's council "has already embraced the concept, but not the details" of paid parking downtown. That's not going over well with downtown business owners. [TU]
As David Paterson's public profile has taken a hit (or, hits) over the last few weeks, it appears that Sheldon Silver is controlling the agenda at the Capitol. [AP/Saratogian] [TU]
Joe Bruno, who's under federal indictment, in a recent memo to employees at the consulting firm he now heads: "If there was ever a time to be righteously indignant, that time is now." [TU]
Job openings attracting many applicants, tax trouble for legislators, wig-wearing would-be test taker won't be charged with felony, libel suit against TU dismissed
Local employers say they're seeing a flood of applications for open jobs. [Daily Gazette]
The former state employee who blew the whistle on Antonia Novello says he was framed for speaking out against the former Department of Health commissioner. [TU]
A Schenectady police officer topped the list of the city's highest paid employees last year. His $168,922 in gross salary was a department record. Mayor Brian Stratton's $97,000 ranked him 74th on the highest-paid list. [TU]
It seems that members of the state legislature have trouble paying their taxes. Twenty current members have had "tax warrants" issued for them at some point. [TU]
During the first 12 hours of this most recent snow emergency, 226 cars were towed in the City of Albany. [Fox23]
A jury convicted an Albany woman of conspiring to murder her ex-husband in 2007. The woman is now facing 25 years to life in prison. [TU]
Stimulus includes millions for local schools, snow totaled about six inches, new name for MapInfo, dude looked like a lady
Chuck Schumer says the stimulus bill currently moving through Congress includes $84 million for schools in the Capital Region. The Albany City School District will get the biggest chunk of that -- $12.7 (full breakdown). Local counties will also get almost $43 million to help cover Medicaid costs. The stimulus bill passed the House yesterday (Tonko voted for it) -- it's yet to be voted on in the Senate. [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette] [TU] [NYT] [CapNews9]
Officials from school districts, teachers unions and advocacy groups testified yesterday before the state legislature that the almost $700 million in school aid cuts in the proposed state budget would lead to thousands of layoffs and service cuts. (By the way: Schumer says that stimulus bill includes almost $2.5 billion in education aid for New York State.) [TU] [AP/Newsday]
The final tally on yesterday's storm: about six inches of snow and ice, a bunch of wrecks, some cancelled Regents exams and more snowblowers sold. [TU] [Troy Record] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
Schenectady police say they're increasing patrols of city neighborhoods that have high levels of gun crimes. Three people have already been arrested, include a young man who has been charged with wearing an illegal bulletproof vest. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Ice and freezing rain on the way, budget process again focus of Capitol, Bruno calls indictment "garbage," texting gets UAlbany teams in trouble, don't be a spigot pig
The storm that's moving the through the area today has already glazed large portions of the South and Midwest. Ice and freezing rain are expected here this afternoon. [AP]
With the Senate selection circus over, things returned to normal at the Capitol -- which is to say, gridlock and complaining about the budget. [AP/Troy Record] [TU]
New York State comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says year-end bonuses on Wall Street were down 44 percent this year -- and that will cost the state $1 billion in tax revenue. [Biz Review]
David Paterson says he won't pursue the source(s) of the leaks about Caroline Kennedy from his administration. That's created a weird situation where many members of the press know who the leaker (or leakers) is -- and the governor's telling them not to tell anyone. [AP/Troy Record] [NY Post]
Kirsten Gillibrand officially became a US Senator yesterday (99th on the seniority list), as she continued to take heat over her views on guns and immigration. [NYDN] [Daily Gazette] [NYT]
After officially being tapped as the Republican candidate in the upcoming special election to replace Kirsten Gillibrand, Jim Tedisco said his focus will be "jobs, jobs, jobs." Tedisco doesn't actually live in the Congressional district (he's not required to), but says he'll move there. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Local home prices hold steady, former NYS health commissioner accused of abusing staff, Bruno says they've messed with the wrong guy, Honest Weight sales up
Median home prices in the the Capital Region fell one percent last year, according to figures from the Greater Capital Association of Realtors. The number of transactions did slow considerably -- down 15 percent. In the four core counties of the Capital Region, median prices held steady -- and in Albany County the median sales price actually went up one percent. An economics consultancy is projecting that home prices here will fall two percent this year. [Biz Review] [TU]
Kirsten Gillibrand is scheduled to take the oath of office for the Senate today. At 42-years-old, she'll become the nation's youngest US Senator. [AP]
As many as 25 Democrats are hoping to snag the nomination to run for Gillibrand's soon-to-be old House seat. There are also a bunch of Republicans in the scrum, though it seems three frontrunners have emerged (Tedisco, Little, Faso). [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Former New York State health commissioner Anotonia Novello "shamelessly and blatantly exploited and abused her staff, adding a new dimension to the definition of 'arrogance' and 'chutzpah'," according to the NYS Inspector General's office. Among Novello's alleged transgressions: she commandeered state staff and vehicles for frequent shopping expeditions. Novello's lawyer says the former commissioner didn't do anything that "calls for criminal prosecution." [NYT]
Everybody into the pool for Gillibrand's seat, first homicide of the year in Schenectady, apartments planned for downtown Albany, chicken wing prices up
Kirsten Gillibrand's now-former seat in the House is attracting the interest of, well, everyone. All sorts of candidates are either already in the race or are having their names floated. Among them: Betty Little, Jim Tedisco, John Faso, Sandy Treadwell, Tracey Brooks, former TV anchor Tracy Egan and former NY Rangers goalie Mike Richter. [TU] [Saratogian] [CapNews9] [TU]
A Schenectady man died this weekend after being shot in the head Saturday night at a party. A woman was also shot -- her injuries aren't considered life-threatening. Schenectady police say they don't have many leads -- and they say witnesses are not cooperating. This was the city's first homicide of the year. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
CDTA's planned route cuts and consolidations began Sunday. The transit org is paring back service as part of its plan to cover a multi-million dollar budget gap. [TU]
Saratoga Springs mayor Scott Johnson delivered his state of the city address yesterday. He called for "fiscal conservatism" and pushed for paid public parking. (By the way: how many people were there? The TU reports 75, the Gazette 100 and the Saratogian 200.) [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
Paterson to appoint Gillibrand to Clinton's seat, unemployment rate jumps, state employee accused of loan sharking, woman profits from lucky mistake
An aide to David Paterson has confirmed that the governor will appoint Kirsten Gillibrand to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat. Paterson's office has been contacting local elected leaders to assemble them for a press conference this afternoon. And Gillibrand returned to the Capital Region last night. [AP] [TU] [CBS6]
Names are already surfacing of people looking to take over Gillibrand's seat in the House. Sandy Treadwell says he'll run again. State senator Betty Little is apparently interested, as are Jim Tedisco and John Faso. Former Saratoga Springs mayor Val Keehn and current city public safety commissioner Ron Kim also say they're interested. [CapNews9] [NCPR] [TU] [Saratogian]
The Capital Region's unemployment rate in December hit 5.9 percent, that's up almost two points from the same period a year ago. It's now at its highest point since 1991. An analyst with the state Labor Department says the region's unemployment rate could surpass 7 percent by the end of this year. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Albany County Sheriff's Department busted a handful of prostitution operations around the area yesterday. Four of the people arrested were 19-years-old or younger. One of the operations was based in Colonie right near the Crossings park -- cue the "we never thought it would happen here" soundbite from the neighbors. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
Caroline's officially out, unemployment rate projected to climb, group calls public health students' confession "tainted," geese block traffic
Caroline Kennedy released a statement early this morning announcing the she has dropped out of the contention for Hillary Clinton's (now former) Senate seat for "personal reasons". Kennedy withdrawal from the process seemed a little haphazard -- and media reports about her intentions were all mixed up last night. [NYT] [AP/TU] [NYDN] [AOA]
With Kennedy out of the race, the attention is turning primarily to Andrew Cuomo and Kirsten Gillibrand. News crews were reportedly seen setting up outside Gillibrand's house in DC last night. [Politico]
An economics consultancy is projecting that unemployment in the Capital Region will hit 7.2 percent this year. [Biz Review]
According to APD dispatch records, the detective accused of driving drunk through south Albany into Bethlehem two weeks ago was observed along the way by an off-duty Schenectady cop. But police never caught up to the detective's truck until after he arrived home. And by the time they got there, officials from the police officers' union were already there. [TU]
People gather to watch inauguration, Paterson keeps everyone guessing, Alaei brothers sentenced, hot fudge business is sweet
People got together in places all over the Capital Region yesterday to watch the inauguration, including living rooms, restaurants, senior citizen homes, Proctors Theater, fraternal organizations, a think tank and a lot of schools. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [Saratogian] [Troy Record] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
There were also a bunch of local people at the actual event, some with better spots to view the ceremony than others. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [Saratogian] [Fox23]
Hillary Clinton was not confirmed by the full Senate yesterday as Secretary of State. The vote on her confirmation was held up by Senator John Cornyn of Texas, who expressed concerns about donors to the Clinton Global Initiative. [NYT]
David Paterson told reporters yesterday morning that he had a "good idea" about who he's going to pick to replace Hillary Clinton. Then he told Katie Couric and Bob Schieffer later that he's "not totally sure who I'm going to appoint yet." (video) He also told Couric and Schieffer that Andrew Cuomo is among the people he's considering. [Daily Politics] [CBSNews] [Buffalo News]
Paterson says he's narrowed the field for Clinton's seat, storms straining snow removal budgets, shootout in Schenectady, dry cleaner closing stores
David Paterson says he's narrowed the field of candidates to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate, but says he still hasn't made up his mind -- though he expects to do so by the end of this week. Paterson says he hasn't yet gone through all the questionnaires submitted by the hopefuls. [TU] [NYT]
One way you might have scored an inauguration ticket from Kirsten Gillibrand: promise to "love you so much" in a handwritten letter. It probably helps to be 10-years-old, too. [TU]
A rapid exchange of gunfire yesterday afternoon in Schenectady left bullet holes in cars and sent neighborhood residents diving for the floor. The shooters got away before police arrived. [TU] [Fox23]
Increased prices for salt -- and a series of weekend snow storms -- are straining the snow removal budgets of local municipalities. [Daily Gazette]
Catholic diocese closing many churches, Timmons' mother says they will appeal, Troy cracking down on ticket scofflaws, jewelry store gets liquor license, Circuit City closeout mobbed
The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany has announced that will close 17 churches in the Capital Region (33 in total across the 14 county diocese). Six churches in Troy are closing, three in both Schenectady and Cohoes will close and two in Albany are being merged with other churches. Of the consolidation, bishop Howard Hubbard said, "I feel in the depths of my heart a deep sadness." (Complete list from the diocese.) [Troy Record] [TU] [TU] [RCDA]
The mother of Jermayne Timmons, the teen convicted last week of firing the shot that killed Kathina Thomas, says her son was "railroaded." Timmons' attorney says they plan to file an appeal. [TU]
An APD detective accused of driving into a parked car will not automatically lose his license for a year after refusing to take a breathalyzer test (as the law requires) -- because the cops who arrested him didn't follow protocol. Attorneys who specialize in DWI cases say it does not look like they screwed it up on purpose, though. [TU]
There were 42 collisions between aircraft and birds reported at ALB last year -- despite escalating efforts to keep birds off the runways. [TU]
It's cold, emergency landing at ALB, Soares calls for video of interrogations, Dalai Lama coming, state threatens bingo in Troy, Obama-Osama mistake strikes again
Note: the TU's site, in a stripped-down version, seems to be up again. Sort of.
Newsflash: it's cold. Temps this morning were below freezing zero and today's forecasted high is 16 degrees, with a wind-chill of as low as -9. [NWS]
ALB was closed for about an hour yesterday after a flight from Canada had to make an emergency landing. The Toronto-to-Manchester (NH) flight asked to make the emergency landing at ALB after it reported engine problems. The commuter plane's tires blew out during landing -- no one was injured. [Biz Review] [AP/Troy Record] [TU]
After this week's conviction of Jermayne Timmons, Albany County DA David Soares says he will push for the Albany Police Department to start videotaping interrogations. A key part of the Timmons case was a statement the APD extracted from the teen about the shooting of Kathina Thomas. APD chief James Tuffey says there's isn't money available to record the sessions, but Soares says the department has failed to take advantage of state money for the project. [CapNews9] [WNYT]
The Saratoga County sheriff's office says the driver who's accused of injuring a garbage man in Wilton after rear-ending a garbage truck was driving without a license. The garbage man was still in critical condition yesterday. [Saratogian] [Saratogian]
Timmons found guilty, Gillibrand says she is a candidate for Clinton's seat, Jackson talks with RPI faculty about recent layoffs, local foreclosures up in 2008
Note: the TU's site was down this morning
A jury found Jermayne Timmons guilty yesterday of firing the shot that killed Kathina Thomas. The teen could now get 15 years to life. Timmons' lawyer says they plan to appeal. Thomas' mother says she hopes Timmons is sent away for life. Charlie Muller, who runs the Albany gun buyback program, says both Thomas and Timmons are victims of the situation. [AP/Daily Gazette] [Fox23] [CapNews9]
Kirsten Gillibrand said yesterday that she is a candidate for the Hillary Clinton's Senate seat and she has interviewed with David Paterson about the job. [CBS6] [Post-Star]
The City Mission of Schenectady says demand for meals and a place to stay was up signficantly last year. And the recent cold weather is also increasing demand -- the shelter laid out mats for extra people last night. [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
It appears that the Albany area is currently the top candidate for a new IBM research center that would employ 675 people. [EETimes] [Daily Gazette]
Jury deliberating Kathina case, selection process for Hillary replacement criticized, crash closes major intersection, new life for vacant anchor space at Crossgates?
The jury in the trial of Jermayne Timmons, the teen accused of firing the shot that killed Kathina Thomas, heard closing arguments yesterday before going into deliberations. The jurors were sent home at 9:30 pm and will continue deliberating today. [TU]
The gunman in the I-90 shootout had been on probation after pleading guilty to a handful of charges related to a 2006 robbery in Connecticut. He died Monday night after being taken off life support. [TU]
Jim Tedisco says Hillary Clinton's replacement in the US Senate should be picked by voters in a special election. It would seem that the chances of that actually happening are extremely small. [TU] [AP/Troy Record]
The New York Daily News reports that Andrew Cuomo has interviewed with David Paterson for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat -- though Cuomo's people called the story "factually inaccurate." [NYDN]
More details about I-90 shootout, Paterson criticized for Clinton replacement process, federal money could stop new taxes, elderly clerk staves off robbery with phone
Updated at 11:50 am
State police released more details about the I-90 shootout yesterday. They say the gunman yelled at police, urging them to kill him -- though they're still not sure what prompted the incident. They also released video from the police car that made the original traffic stop -- the video shows the man firing through the back window of the taxi. State police say the man, who was eventually taken out by a police sharpshooter, is not expected to survive his injuries died Monday night. [TU] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette] [CapNews9]
Jermayne Timmons, the teen accused of firing the shot that killed Kathina Thomas, took the stand at his trial yesterday. He testified that he did fire a shot that day, but not with the type of gun police say he used. [TU]
Hillary Clinton's confirmation hearing for Secretary of State is this morning. [USA Today]
David Paterson is being criticized for keeping secret the selection process for Clinton's replacement in the Senate. Paterson says he's interviewed 15 people for the job -- including Caroline Kennedy, of whom Paterson said he was "impressed." [AP/Daily Gazette] [NYDN]
Shootout on I-90, Paterson meets with Kennedy, four day state work week?, former police chief admits to gambling, recession means red sauce
A traffic stop on I-90 in E. Greenbush on Saturday turned into a shootout. Police say Darryl Brown, who's from Hartford, opened fire on police with an AK-47 after the taxi he was riding in was stopped for speeding. The incident closed the interstate and sent as many as 100 motorists "running down I-90 for my life." Apparently the only person hurt in the exchange was the gunman himself, who's now in critical condition with at Albany Med with multiple gunshot wounds. (Video from the scene.) [TU] [WTEN] [TU] [Troy Record] [WTEN/CNN]
David Paterson met with Caroline Kennedy on Saturday for a formal discussion about her interest in Hillary Clinton's Senate seat. [NYT]
An assemblyman from Queens has proposed that non-essential state employees start working four-day weeks to help the state save money. [NYT]
A economics consultancy projects that prices in the Capital Region's housing market will fall by three percent this year. Compared to other places, that's actually pretty good -- and it's landed the region on a Forbes list of the 25 strongest real estate markets. [TU] [Forbes]
Job anxiety at Capitol, Albany Med planning more development, cell phone prompts school evacuation, NYSTI fighting merger with Egg
The change in control of the state Senate is causing a lot of anxiety for staffers -- many of their jobs are up in the air as resources are being re-apportioned. The state Senate has 1,300 staffers. [NYT]
Albany Med is looking to build an office building, hotel and parking garage on land owned by the VA across New Scotland Ave. The plan would also reconfigure that part of New Scotland into a four-lane street. [TU]
A chunk of ice flew off the back of a tractor trailer yesterday and smashed through the windshield of a Ballston Spa woman's car. (The picture is remarkable.) She says she'd now like to see a state law to making it illegal to drive with ice on your car. [CBS6] [CBS6]
Local auto repair shops say business is booming as people look to hang on to their cars longer because of the economy. [TU]
Police say they're not sure what led to the death of a man found along the side of the road in North Greenbush on Sunday. [Troy Record]
Reaction to State of the State, rally in downtown Albany, more weird twists in Kathina trial, sewage might have ended up in vegetable compost, pet deer attacks man
Elected state leaders praised David Paterson for being direct about the state's situation in yesterday's State of the State speech. (They also apparently envy his memory.) But some said the speech was short on specifics. (The Record has put together an extensive compilation of reaction from interest groups and local elected leaders.) [Fox23] [Troy Record] [CapNews9] [Troy Record]
About 4,000 people got together in downtown Albany before the speech for a protest organized by the civil service unions. They turned out to oppose Paterson's proposed budget -- to the sounds of Twisted Sister. [Troy Record] [NYT]
After control of the state Senate passed to the Democrats yesterday, Dean Skelos' name was scratched off the door of the majority's office space. [Daily Politics] [TU]
Paterson's proposals for more research into renewable energy and efficiency could benefit the Capital Region. [Daily Gazette]
State of the State today, Democrats organize control of state Senate, unemployment claim system crashes, two-year-old found wandering snowy streets
David Paterson will deliver the state of the state speech today at 1 pm. A group of labor unions representing state, local and healthcare workers is planning a march through downtown Albany before the speech -- traffic is being re-routed as thousands are expected to take part. Paterson has largely been out of sight the last few weeks because he's needed the time -- some 60 hours -- to memorize his speech. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [CBS6] [Daily Politics] [ABCNews]
It appears the Democrats have worked out an arrangement to take control of the state Senate. The deal may -- or may not -- have included an agreement to block a vote on same-sex marriage. Malcolm Smith will become the state's first African-American Senate majority leader. And with the change of party control, there are a bunch of new committee chairs -- including the guy who was recently charged with felony assault. [NYT] [TU] [NYDN] [Daily Politics] [NYT]
On the first day of testimony in the trial of the teen accused of firing the shot that killed Kathina Thomas, a prosecution witness admitted he had lied during his testimony. The girl's mother also testified yesterday and her account of the incident was heartbreaking. During opening arguments, the attorney for the accused teen said his client did fire a shot that day -- but not with the type of gun police say killed Thomas. [TU] [AP/Daily Gazette]
Trial begins for teen accused of killing Kathina Thomas, state Senate Dems still haven't worked things out, father-son duo accused of stealing tombstones, pot eater tasered by police
The trial of the teenager accused of firing the shot that killed Kathina Thomas last May starts today. Albany County DA David Soares has asked local media outlets to not identify witnesses in the trial because of worries about witness intimidation. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Our famously dysfunctional state legislature opens its new session tomorrow. Will the Democrats be able to organize control of the state Senate? Maybe. Maybe not. [TU] [NYDN] [NYT]
The SUNY Research Foundation is reviewing the resume of Susan Bruno -- Joe Bruno's daughter -- after the TU reported it may have included questionable claims about her education and credentials. Susan Bruno currently holds an $84k/year job with the foundation. [TU]
A company-funded study reports that the Lafarge cement plant in Ravena is the second largest emitter of mercury in the state. The reported levels are half of what they were two years ago, but one prominent expert says it's still "a heck of a lot of mercury." [TU]
Joe Bruno's daughter under scrutiny, Thruway toll hike kicks in, local t-shirt biz hopes to help kids in Africa, ice fishing heats up,
The TU reports that Susan Bruno -- Joe Bruno's daughter -- has come under scrutiny as part of the long-running federal investigation into her father. At issue: whether Susan Bruno was given a high-paying job at the SUNY Research Foundation, but not really required to do much. Also: her spelling skills apparently need some work. [TU]
Filings at the Albany office of federal bankruptcy court were up more than 20 percent in 2008 over the year before. [TU]
Gun sellers at a show in Saratoga Springs say business is way up this year. They cite concerns among gun owners that the Obama Administration will push for stiffer gun control laws. [Saratogian] [CapNews9]
A five percent increase in Thruway tolls took effect on Sunday. [Fox23]
Paterson annoyed by Senate chatter, horse found murdered, mortgage rates way down, shoe repair business way up
David Paterson says the chatter about who will get Hillary Clinton's Senate seat has "reached a new high and new low in areas of gossip, speculation, mind-reading." A Q poll reports that the public thinks Paterson will appoint Caroline Kennedy -- a conclusion that apparently frustrates the Gov. [TU] [Quinnipiac] [NYT]
The attorneys for a Troy man accused of killing his infant son in September say charges against their client should be dropped because the child named in the indictment is actually the deceased infant's twin brother -- who's still alive. [TU]
The chairman of CDTA's board says he realizes the 50 cent fare hike will be difficult for some people, but the transit org had "no other alternatives." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A horse in Hoosick Falls was found dead this week, its throat slashed during what appears to have been an attempted robbery. [Troy Record]
Standoff ends in suicide, vote today on bus fare increase, Saratoga recreation center drama continues, a low-key bank robbery
US marshals say a man accused of multiple rapes in Pennsylvania killed himself in Cohoes yesterday after a standoff with police. The man, who had once run for Congress, jumped bail last month after he was accused of posing as a cop in order to take advantage of prostitutes. His had recently been featured on America's Most Wanted. Police say they aren't sure what brought the man to the Capital Region. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [Troy Record]
The CDTA board is scheduled to vote on the proposed 50 cent per ride fare increase today. A coaltion of riders, advocates and politicians is protesting the increase, arguing that that increase would disproportionately hurt low-income people. The transportation org recently scaled back the proposed fare hike for commuter lines that run along the Northway. [CapNews9] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
More than 300 cars have been towed during Albany's snow emergency. Apparently even/odd can be tricky. [CBS6] [WNYT]
It snowed, pharmacy held up with a grenade, man stewed before bank heist, Paterson in Iraq, hope for ESP skating rink?
It snowed. The National Weather Service estimates the Capital Region got between 14-20 inches over the course of Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A snow emergency is in effect in Albany until 8 pm Tuesday -- and in Troy, you can park free in downtown city lots and garages until Monday at 8 pm. [Daily Gazette] [City of Albany] [City of Troy]
After the recent ice storm and power outages, the state Public Service Commission says it will be watching how well utilities keep trees trimmed around power lines. One potential culprit for some of the downed trees: the white pine weevil, a beetle that weakens otherwise ice-resistant pine trees. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Police say a man robbed an uptown Albany CVS of narcotics Friday night using the threat of a grenade. [Daily Gazette]
Police say yet another pizza delivery guy was robbed in Albany in apparent setup. This is the third time that's happened in the last few weeks. In this most recent robbery, it seems the muggers only got away with pizza and chicken wings. [CBS6] [CapNews9] [TU]
Bank robbery involves chase, fake beard and -- possibly -- gunfire, local unemployment rate up again, DA says RPI student's death a mystery, that's not Jimmy Tedisco
State police say a man, wearing a "a fake Abe Lincoln-style beard," robbed a bank in Latham at gunpoint yesterday afternoon before leading cops on a high-speed chase up the Northway and into Saratoga. They say the man the sped down Rt. 50 before striking another vehicle and flipping his SUV. Police are also investigating whether gunfire was exchanged -- there are indications a state trooper did fire his weapon. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [Post-Star] [TU]
The Capital Region's unemployment rate hit its highest point for a November (5.2 percent) since 1992's November. Retail jobs have been among the hardest hit. A state labor department analyst says he expects the numbers to get worse, but compared to the rest of the country, they're not that bad. [Biz Review] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The number of calls last month to the state's unemployment insurance call center was almost triple that of the same period a year ago -- and as a result, about 40,000 calls went unanswered. Things are so bad the head of the center asked the TU not to reveal its location for fear that angry people would show up at the building. [TU]
Plug Power laid off 90 workers yesterday, most of them at its Latham headquarters. [Biz Review]
More budget reaction, power almost completely restored, Kennedy goes upstate, Pine Hills residents upset about crime, police say penis guy wasn't wearing shirt or shoes
A Siena poll reports that 78 percent of people polled support raising taxes on people making $1 million a year or more as a way to help cover the state's budget gap. The Paterson budget plan currently doesn't include such a tax. [SRI]
There's some question as to whether the Luther Forest chip fab would still qualify for all its tax breaks under the Paterson budget plan's proposed adjustment to the Empire Zone program. Yesterday the state approve the transfer of $650 million in incentives from AMD to the spin-off company that will be building the fab. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Proposed cuts to state subsidies for Amtrak could halt service between Albany and Montreal. The line that runs between Rutland and Albany could also be in jeopardy, which -- when combined with the possible cut of the Montreal route -- would mean the station in Saratoga Springs would be left with no trains. [TU]
Liquor store owners are upset by David Paterson's proposal to let supermarkets sell wine. They say rules prohibiting them from owning more than one location and from staying open late will hurt their ability to compete with the supermarket chains. [TU]
Almost 2,000 homes in the Capital Region are still without power. A National Grid spokesperson said the ice storm was like "our version of a hurricane." [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
Caroline Kennedy made stops in Syracuse, Rochester and Buffalo yesterday as part of her non-campaign campaign for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat. She also may -- or may not -- have said she'd be running for the seat in 2010 if she's not appointed. [NYT] [AP/TU]
Paterson budget has everyone complaining, RPI layoffs start, Caroline headed upstate, student found dead, penis guy arrested again
It seems you can't throw a snow ball and not hit someone who's upset in some way about David Paterson's proposed budget. Everyone from hospital groups to beverage companies to county DAs to salon owners to environmentalists to unions to the suburbs took issue yesterday with some aspect of the budget. (A quick read of the proposed budget.) [TU] [TU] [Saratogian] [CapNews9] [Biz Review] [NYT] [NYDN]
About 10,000 homes in the Capital Region are still without power. National Grid is asking people still in the dark to call them. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The RPI layoffs started yesterday. It's unclear how many people have been let go. The school reported to the state Department of Labor that it would be eliminating 98 jobs -- but a source told the Troy Record the number is somewhere between 100 and 170. A hundred jobs would be about 5 percent of RPI's workforce. The layoffs have been sparking harsh comments about RPI president Shirley Jackson. [TU] [Troy Record] [AOA comments]
Caroline Kennedy will reportedly be in Syracuse today as part of a sort of upstate campaign for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat. [Syracuse Post-Standard] [NY Mag]
Paterson budget proposal out today, thousands still without power, CDTA says rapid bus line moving forward, UAlbany plans to chill out
David Paterson is releasing his proposed 2009 state budget today -- and it's expected to include the elimination of 3,000 state worker jobs, some of through layoffs. The governor's people say many of the layoffs could be averted if the state worker unions agree to defer their raises next year and delay a week's-worth of pay. [TU]
Caroline Kennedy says she wants to succeed Hillary Clinton and is actively pursuing the seat. [NYT]
As of this morning, about 40,000 homes in the Capital Region are still without power. National Grid says it brought 900 line and tree crews into the region and they've been working 18 hour shifts to get things repaired. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Chuck Schumer and David Paterson are calling on the federal government to provide disaster aid to the area. [Troy Record]
Tens of thousands still without power, Paterson to propose "obesity tax," friend says Bruno indictment likely, SPAC renovation on ice
As of this morning, 75,000 homes in the Capital Region were still without power. National Grid says homes are being returned to the grid "every minute of every day." The utility company says it could be Wednesday before all the repairs are made -- and now there's concern that high winds today will set things back. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [TU]
A married couple in Glenville died this weekend from carbon monoxide fumes produced by their generator. At least 15 other people around the region were taken to hospitals for carbon monoxide poisoning caused by using grills inside. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
With no power at home, people flocked to stores and restaurants this weekend. An Italian restaurant in Schenectady was so busy it ran out of spaghetti. [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
Many of the Amtrak trains running between Rensselaer and NYC are still canceled. [CapNews9]
Ice storm knocks out power, violence at Albany High said to be out of control, Freihofers sold, alleged puppy-napping in Troy
Note: The Daily Gazette's website wasn't loading this morning.
Updated: 11:25 am
The ongoing ice storm has knocked out power for about 160,000 National Grid customers in the four core counties of the Capital Region (that figure is from National Grid's website this morning at 11:25 am). National Grid says it has 150 crews in the area working on repairs. [National Grid] [TU]
An anonymous Albany High School employee tells CBS6 that violence is out of control at the school. Among the incidents collected from police reports this school year: a teacher has been pushed to the ground and kicked, another teacher was punched repeatedly in the ribs, there was a three-on-one student beating, and two students hit another student in the back of the head with a padlock. [CBS6]
An anonymous source tells the TU that "ghost" parking tickets have been circulating in the City of Albany since the early 1990s -- and the stickers that marked a car as being eligible for the no-fine tickets were distributed by the Albany Police Officer's Union. Current police chief James Tuffey was president of the union in the early 90s, but he says he never knew about the stickers. [TU]
One upside to the slowing economy: the price of electricity and natural gas is falling. The price National Grid is charging for a kilowatt hour of electricity has dropped about 15 percent over the last year. [TU]
Former judge indicted for alleged shakedown, thousands of ghost tickets issued, police say dog starved to death, car smashes into florist
A former state Supreme Court judge from Albany County has been indicted on charges he tried to shake down attorneys appearing before him. Federal prosecutors say Thomas Spargo threatened to "harm" an attorney if the attorney didn't give him $10,000. Spargo was removed from the bench in 2006 after allegations of this behavior surface. He's recently been doing work for the City of Troy. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
An attempted murder case in Schenectady could be retried after one of the jurors told a prosecutor he based his decision on the defendant's race. The juror also told the prosecutor he was distracted during the trail by the prosecutor's "captivating beauty." The juror now says he was drunk when he made the statements. [Daily Gazette]
APD chief James Tuffey told the Albany City Council yesterday that 40 percent of the parking tickets given out in the city over the last two years have been "ghost tickets" (that is, the recipients didn't have to pay). [TU]
The Troy City Council now says it won't challenge the mayor's veto of its changes to the city budget. [Troy Record]
Deal for state Senate control crumbling, ban on texting and driving, Lydia Kulbida being let go, Tutunjian says he'll go to jail over budget, reps speak out against cow fart tax
That deal Malcolm Smith reportedly struck with the "Gang of Three" to solidify control of the state Senate appears to be falling apart. It seems the trio is upset that Smith was trying to strip many of the powers away from the majority leader title (under the reported agreement, Smith would become Senate president pro tem and one of the trio would become Senate majority leader). The Gang of Three seems upset, with one member blaming, among others, "The gays." [NYT] [Daily Politics] [Daily Politics]
A Marist poll reports that New Yorkers favor either Andrew Cuomo or Caroline Kennedy for Hillary Clinton's seat. Well, either them, or "unsure." [Marist]
The Schenectady County Legislature passed a ban on texting while driving last night. It takes effect next March. Getting caught violating the ban will cost $150. [Daily Gazette]
WNYT has decided to not renew the contract of popular anchor Lydia Kulbida. Her contract runs through mid January, though the station's not sure if she'll be back on the air again. Seventeen other people at the station are also being let go. [TU]
Budget drama in Troy, charges against Schenectady cops dismissed, Smith's leadership of Senate off to weird start, NYRA forecasts finish in the money
Troy mayor Harry Tutunjian has vetoed the 2009 budget passed by the city council. He says the council unlawfully shifted money into a contingency fund at the last moment. The council president says the shift was made to provide "oversight" of the contingency money. [TU] [Troy Record]
The Albany County legislature approved its 2009 budget, which includes a four percent tax increase. [TU]
A Schenectady County Court judge dismissed official misconduct charges against three Schenectady police officers yesterday. The trio had been charged with not turning on their patrol car's video camera and failing to fill out the proper paperwork following a DWI stop last December in which the suspect accused the officers of using excessive force. The officers have been on paid leave since then. [Daily Gazette]
A grand jury found that two Albany police officers were justified in firing their guns during a chase in September. Police say the suspect in the case pointed a gun at them. [TU]
New plan for Albany Convention Center, tech park for Arsenal, pepper spray fog sends six to hospital, ESP skating rink protests
The Albany Convention Center Authority has reformulated its plan for the project, separating the convention center, parking garage and hotel into their own parts. The new plan is expected to cut the cost of the project by about 40 percent. The authority says it won't be doing less, it'll just be "putting the pieces together differently." [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A federal investigation and raid in Watervliet led to the arrest of three men on charges they were making bombs and growing marijuana. [TU]
The plan to turn a significant portion of the Watervliet Arsenal into a tech park was officially announced yesterday. Outgoing US Rep Mike McNulty says the site could eventually support 1000 jobs. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
The latest local layoffs at: WNYT | Albany International | Momentive Performance Materials. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Democrats strike deal for control of state Senate, Schumer touting Gillibrand, longtime Saratoga sheriff gets challenger, wrong way driver causes four accidents, students organize for french fries
Note: the TU's site wasn't loading this morning.
Democrats in the state Senate have worked out a deal with the "Gang of Three" senators who were threatening to side with Republicans in the upcoming leadership vote. As part of the deal, Malcolm Smith will become head of the state Senate (president pro tem), but Pedro Espada will become majority leader (no, it usually doesn't get split like that). Also apparently part of the deal: the chamber won't bring up a vote on gay marriage, which one of the Gang of Three opposes. [NYT] [NYDN] [NYP]
Chuck Schumer is reportedly encouraging David Paterson to pick Kirsten Gillibrand to replace Hillary Clinton. [NYP]
The solider from Rensselaer County accused of killing two superiors in Iraq was found not guilty by a military jury yesterday at Ft. Bragg in North Carolina. The judge had to clear the courtroom after the verdict prompted yelling from the victims' families. [AP/Daily Gazette]
Police say bystanders flocked to the aid of the family hit by a pickup truck on State Street in Schenectady Wednesday. An SPD spokesperson says the accident scene was one of the worst he's ever seen, with little kids "lying in the street screaming for their mother." [Daily Gazette]
Pickup plows into family of pedestrians, ESP skating rink won't open, Saratoga packs 'em in for Gillibrand, ghost ticket investigation urged
A pickup truck hit a family of seven as they were crossing State Street in Schenectady late yesterday afternoon. A police spokesmen said there were "bodies all over the street" and it was "the worst thing" he'd ever seen. Two of the injured children were airlifted to Albany Med -- they were in critical condition last night. [TU] [WNYT] [Daily Gazette]
Opponents to the expansion of the Albany dump were out in force last night at a public comment meeting. One city resident called said the dump problems wouldn't be fixed until there's a new mayor. And Colonie residents complained about the smell. The dump is projected to be full by the end of next year. [TU] [WNYT]
The family of the man who was mistakenly identified by police as having died in a car wreck says the error was preventable. They say police didn't take notice that the body didn't match their son's license -- it was 200 pounds heavier and had different color eyes. They also say police never asked them to identify the body. [TU]
The skating rink on the ESP will not open this year. The state says it can save $150,000 keeping the rink closed. [TU]
Kaczmareks got "family plan" plea deal, early retirment incentives for state workers?, drug stores everywhere, bus fare price war
The attorney for former Schenectady police chief Greg Kaczmarek says prosecutors offered Kaczmarek and his wife the "family plan" plea deal in their drug cases -- and that Kaczmarek took a longer term in prison to shorten the term for his wife. As part of the deal, Greg Kaczmarek was sentenced to two years in prison -- but he could be out in 17 months with good behavior. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The state legislature is reportedly working on a plan that would offer early retirement incentives to state workers as a way of trimming the state payroll. David Paterson says he's not on board with the plan. [AP/TU]
David Paterson is currently being treated like the "prom queen" as people lobby him about the decision of whom to appoint to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat. [NYT]
Albany police say a group of "backpack bandits" (the TU's phrase) may be responsible for a string of muggings around the city. The group may have been in involved in a reported robbery late Monday afternoon in a which a man says five muggers stopped his car, bashed him in the head with a gun, and stole $2000. [TU] [Troy Record]
Former Schenectady police chief to plead guilty, chip fab clears another hurdle, Paterson "disturbed" by list, Jumpin' Jacks waterfront to get makeover
Both former Schenectady police chief Greg Kaczmarek and his wife are expected to plead guilty today to drug charges. The former top cop is expected to get two years in prison as part of the plea deal. [Daily Gazette]
State police incorrectly identified the victim in a fatal car crash over the weekend in Clifton Park. The mix-up led to the wrong family being notified. The situation was resolved after the grandmother of the man who actually did die noticed something was wrong. [TU]
Super Steel is closing its plant in Glenville. The manufacturer of train cars says it's seen "a steep decline in orders." The shutdown will put 175 people out of work. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Malta chip fab project cleared another hurdle yesterday. The Empire State Development Corp. approved the transfer of $1.2 billion in state incentives from AMD to the new spin-off company that will run the plant. [Daily Gazette]
New York needs a new senator, driver hit by trains charged with misdemeanor, ESP skating rink on ice?, Reilly has headlock on UFC, Troy officials fight over door lock, Garcia's closes
Hillary Clinton will be introduced as Barack Obama's nominee for Secretary of State today. That means, of course, that New York will need a new US senator (David Paterson gets to make the pick). Of interest: it came out this past weekend that Clinton had been offered the chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, which would have allowed her to direct loads of pork to NY. [NYT] [NYDN]
The man driving the SUV that was struck by two trains last week in New Scotland has been charged with a misdemeanor for not stopping at the rail crossing. Officials say a review of video and black boxes from the trains indicates the train operators did nothing wrong. [TU]
A 17-year-old was shot Friday night in the area of Clinton and Lark in Albany. Police say the shooter caught the young man in the face with a shotgun. [TU] [Troy Record]
Vandals spray-painted more than 50 cars in Lansingburgh Friday night. Residents say vandalism in the neighborhood is out of control. [Troy Record] [TU]
Paterson warns of "deeper" cuts in school funding, new budgets for Saratoga and Troy, new jobs at arsenal, turkey to go more popular
David Paterson sent out a letter to school boards around the state yesterday warning them that "deeper declines in funding" will be necessary next year because the legislature failed to act on mid-year budget cuts this year. [TU]
In a surprise, the Saratoga Springs city council approved a 2009 budget that does not include a tax increase. On Monday the city's finance commissioner had said the city would need raise taxes 3.5 percent -- but the budget was revised to use money from a contingency fund and reserves to cover the gap. The budget does includes some cuts to the public works department; the DPW commissioner said he would direct callers with complaints about the cuts to the council members who supported them. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
Troy's city council also approved a 2009 budget that doesn't include a tax increase -- but this being Troy, the mayor and the council still had to fight about it. [TU] [Troy Record]
A Congressional committee will be looking into allegations that the investigation that turned up Eliot Spitzer's involvement with prostitutes was politically motivated. [NYT]
Home prices holding steady, Jennings starts up re-election campaign, RPI center will focus on extraterrestrial life, family gets Oprah makeover
The median sale price of homes in the Capital Region is holding more or less steady, even as many fewer houses are being sold. The number of sales in October was down 16 percent over the same period a year ago. [Biz Review] [TU]
New York State comptroller Tom DiNapoli is predicting the state could lose 225,000 jobs during the next two years. DiNapoli says about 3/4 of the lost jobs will come from Wall Street -- which could take a big bite out of state revenue. About 20 percent of state tax revenue comes from the Street. [TU]
The Albany Common Council approved a 2009 budget for the city. The budget includes a tax increase of $96 for the average homeowner. [TU]
Saratoga Springs' finance commissioner has proposed a new 2009 budget that takes into account the proposed cut in VLT money from the state. The new budget includes a tax increase of 3.5 percent -- up from 2.7 percent in the previous version. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
Jerry Jennings' 2009 re-election campaign is starting up, apparently with some haste. The Albany mayor's campaign will be holding a fundraiser at the Fort Orange Club in December -- $500/person for the cocktail reception, $1000/person for dinner. [TU]
Family's SUV hit twice by trains, proposals include paying for parking in Saratoga, road salt costs up, state saving money on tree lighting
A father and his two daughters escaped with just a few cuts and bruises after two trains hit their SUV. The father said he never saw the trains coming as he drove through a train crossing near their home in New Scotland Saturday morning. The two collisions knocked the front and back ends off the SUV. The crossing has no signals -- the father says he'd been pushing the town and the train company to change that. [TU] [Troy Record] [Fox23] [Fox23]
Two of the three development proposals for the new public safety building in Saratoga Springs include plans to charge for downtown parking. And it looks like those two proposals, which also include plans for a movie theater, are the two leading candidates. The president of the Downtown Business Association called the idea of charging for downtown parking "ridiculous." [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
There have been a lot of shots fired in Albany over the past few days. Last Thursday evening, police say a man fired a shot inside a neighborhood grocery on Ontario St. On Saturday, police say three men conducted a bike-by shooting on South Lake near the uptown end of Washington Park (the gunmen missed). And then on Sunday, a man was shot in the butt while he was standing at the corner of Lark and Livingston. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [CBS6]
Albany County officials are pushing for a 30 cent per month tax on mobile phones to help cover the cost of operating 911. Many other local counties already have such a tax. [TU]
Unemployment rate up over a year ago, Soares looks to crack down on DWI, Troy stores will be on Oprah, DiNicola has a brain tumor
The Capital Region's unemployment rate in October was 4.9 percent, up from 3.6 percent a year ago. [TU]
A Siena poll reports that a majority of New Yorkers are planning to spend less this year on holiday presents. [Daily Gazette]
A Thanksgiving food bank in Schenectady says requests are up about 20 percent this year. [Daily Gazette]
Albany County DA David Soares says his office will be cracking down on drunk drivers and will push to seize the cars of DWI suspects. [TU]
The mayor of Rensselaer says the city will not be prepared to handle snow removal this winter after the city council voted down a plan to use state money to replace equipment damaged during summer flooding. The council president says the city hasn't adequately documented what was lost. [TU] [Troy Record]
Paterson goes looking for help in DC, Gillibrand on list to replace Clinton, Albany gets an upgrade, infamous B&B gets new purpose
David Paterson and other top state officials were in DC yesterday lobbying for federal aid -- with little progress. Chuck Schumer said help -- if there is any -- would not arrive before there's a new Congress in January. [TU] [NYDN]
In what was perhaps not the best PR move during a budget crunch, the state's Office of General Services bought a $21,000 custom rug for the Governor's Mansion. Upside: Turkish rugs are apparently very much in style now. [TU]
Kirsten Gillibrand is reportedly on the list of people David Paterson is considering to replace Hillary Clinton -- if Clinton takes the Secretary of State job in the Obama Administration. Paterson apparently would like to appoint someone who's a woman or Latino or from upstate. [NYT]
Jerry Jennings said yesterday that he wants to "create a new template for urban education" in Albany. He didn't elaborate, though. [TU]
State leaders do nothing but point fingers, trouble counting ghost tickets, new city hall for Troy, big increase for bus ridership
Yesterday's special budget-cutting session of the state Legislature went no where as David Paterson frustatedly pointed the finger at Dean Skelos and the Senate Majority Leader responded with political passive aggressiveness. The day culminated in a bizarre public meeting of the state leadership described as "emotional, contentious and playful" and "near-farcical." (Fred Lebrun might have had the best line: "It was as if the leaders were playing themselves in a 'Saturday Night Live' parody.") Commented David Paterson yesterday, "If it looks like a dysfunctional government and it acts like a dysfunctional government, it may actually be one." Of course, this being the Paterson administration, the meeting ended with hugging. (Here's video of the leaders' meeting.) [TU] [NYT] [NYT] [TU] [NYDN] [NYP]
Faced with the prospect of losing VLT money that makes up 5 percent of its budget, the City of Saratoga Springs is trying figure out what to do about next year's budget. Mayor Scott Johnson is looking for city residents to email him suggestions. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
Yesterday's special session cost the state at least $50,000 (and maybe much more) in expenses. [CapNews9]
The Albany Police Department says it might be hard to figure out just how many "ghost" parking tickets were issued -- even though they were computer-generated. [TU]
Budget session stalling before it starts, Albany ghost tickets stopped, murdered UAlbany student's parents call for info, Saints come out smoking
The Legislature is in town for the special budget session -- though it doesn't seem like anyone is very optimistic that anything will get done. The action -- or inaction -- started last night when Dean Skelos essentially threatened to have the Senate vote down all of Paterson's proposed cuts. Paterson was not happy, calling the move a "a political game." [TU] [NYT] [NYP]
A Siena poll reports that Paterson's approval rating is at highest point so far -- and New Yorkers would much rather see budget cuts than tax increases. [SRI] [TU]
Saratoga Springs city officials were at the Cap yesterday lobbying to keep their full allotment of VLT money, but they seem to think it's a losing cause. Among the obstacles: they don't have Joe Bruno pushing for them any more. [TU] [Saratogian]
After the TU reported that "ghost" (that is, no fine) tickets were being given out to police officers and other connected people in Albany, Jerry Jennings says he's stopped practice. The Common Council is upset and looking to investigate. [TU]
State leaders meet and get nothing done, Troy needs a fire truck, UAlbany students charged with rape, truck hits overpass
David Paterson, Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos met up on Sunday to discuss possible budget cuts ahead of tomorrow's special legislative session. And the result: nothing. [TU]
Saratoga Springs city officials say they'll be lobbying state leaders this week in an attempt to keep all of the VLT money originally allotted to the city. David Paterson's proposed budget cuts would cut $1.9 million from the city's share of VLT revenue -- that's five percent of the city budget. [Daily Gazette]
Seemingly half of New York's Congressional delegation -- not to mention a handful of other state officials -- could be in the running for an appointment to Hillary Clinton's Senate seat in the event she takes a post with the Obama Administration. Oh, and about that -- Clinton's not talking. [TU] [TU]
Troy's deputy mayor says the city's fire chief sent him a letter last week reporting that the city is in emergency need of a new fire truck after two of the trucks were recently taken out of service. [Troy Record]
APD searching possible Bailey murder witness, school districts says cuts will be hard to cover, union says layoffs will endanger public safety, bike registration proposed
Albany police are looking for what they hope is another witness to the murder of UAlbany student Richard Bailey. The APD says a white Volvo drove by the scene at S. Lake and Yates at about the same time Bailey was shot. The commander who's in charge of the department's detectives says the Bailey investigation is still a "very, very active investigation." [TU]
Local school districts say it would be difficult to cover the hole left David Paterson's proposed mid-year cuts in state aid to schools. [TU]
Democrat Doug Wait has been declared the winner in the race for Saratoga Springs city court judge. Wait topped Republican Matt Dorsey by a margin of 333 votes after all the absentee ballots were counted -- a margin made up mostly of votes from Skidmore's precinct. Wait is the first Democrat to ever be elected to the position in Saratoga Springs. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
The state Department of Transportation says it will close the Route 9P bridge across Saratoga Lake for 9 months starting in the Fall of 2010 so a new bridge can be built in its place. Closing the bridge -- as opposed to building next to it -- will save the project $5 million. Local business owners say closing the bridge will severely hurt their businesses. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Reaction to Paterson's proposed budget cuts, DA candidates broke rules, beer can DNA leads to plea, paying for horse retirement
A very quick overview of David Paterson's plan to cut $2 billion from this year's state budget. [AOA]
David Paterson's proposed budget cuts went over pretty much as you would expect with the state's various interest groups: not well at all. [TU] [Biz Review] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette]
Dean Skelos, the lame-duck state Senate majority leader, basically said the Senate wouldn't act on Paterson's proposals during next week's special session. Skelos also said he didn't "see anything creative" in Paterson's plan. [Daily Politics]
A big portion of the proposed budget cuts come from school aid. Among the proposed cuts for local districts: Albany $2.6 million (3.4 percent), Schenectady $2.7 million (3 percent), Guilderland $2 million (10 percent), Troy $1.4 million (3 percent). [TU]
Also among the proposed cuts: VLT money that goes to cities and counties. Saratoga Springs could lose $1.8 million next year under the Paterson plan. The city's finance commissioner says the city's going to plan on still getting the full amount. VLT money makes up about 10 percent of the city's budget. [Saratogian]
Paterson says budget cuts will involve "a big knife," state economy in recession, recycling urged in effort to save money, proposed Saratoga horse park would be pricey
At a town hall-style meeting yesterday Syracuse, David Paterson said of making cuts to the state budget: "We'll be using a big knife but trying to operate it like a scalpel." The Gov will unveil his plans for cutting $2 billion from the current state budget this morning. Reportedly among the proposals: across-the-board cuts for health programs, big cuts to public universities, a repeal of the gasoline tax cap and increase in fees for health plans. [NYT] [TU]
The leadership situation in the state Senate is still unsettled. One of the three Democrats who have not pledged their support to Malcolm Smith says he'd prefer to see a Latino Democrat be majority leader. [NYT]
An analysis from a University at Buffalo center has concluded that New York State has been in a recession since the second quarter of this year. [Biz Review]
Local retail stores are hiring extra help for the holidays shopping season -- and this year they have their pick of employees. [AP/TU]
Unions scoff at Paterson's suggestion, SUNY tuition increased proposed, cop accused of threatening to kill ex-wife, state holds back stem cell research funding
A trio of the state's most powerful public employee unions scoffed at David Paterson's suggestion that they might open their contracts for re-negotiation. A Paterson spokesman says "no area of state spending can be off the table." [AP/Newsday]
More than two dozen SUNY campus presidents have called for a 25 percent tuition increase ($1,090 tacked onto the present $4,350), half of which would be charged during the spring semester. SUNY's finance committee also approved a three percent cut in each campus's budget . [TU]
Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton approved the city council's 2009 budget, even though he called unachievable and irresponsible. The council had cut Stratton's proposed budget, which included a 2.9 percent tax increase, against his objections. The new budget does not include a tax increase. [Daily Gazette]
Paterson expects cuts to Medicaid and schools, food pantries running low, copper pipe ripped off from church, high-end development planned for Cohoes
David Paterson says cuts to Medicaid and school aid will probably be necessary to cover the state's budget gap. He said he also expected to be renegotiating contracts with the state worker unions. By the way: as of the Friday deadline set by Paterson, state legislative leaders offered the following proposals to help the state cover its budget gap: nada. [NYT] [AP/TU]
It looks like state Senator Malcolm Smith (a Democrat from Queens) has locked up the role of state Senate majority leader come January. Smith, accompanied by David Paterson, sealed the deal this past weekend in... Puerto Rico. [TU]
Albany County DA David Soares says the leaders of the union that represent Albany police are trying to smear him. He also says the leaders organized a protest outside his house. One the leaders is the guy who was accused this past summer of spitting on an officer because of a misappropriated shot of Jagermeister. [TU]
Local food pantries say demand is up and supplies are starting to run short. Local homeless shelters say they're also seeing increased demand. [Daily Gazette] [CapNews9]
Kenneth Lally has died. Along with his wife Thelma, he donated a bunch of money around the Capital Region -- most prominently to RPI (The Lally School of Management) and St. Rose (Lally School of Education). The Lallys also supported local hospitals and museums. [TU] [Troy Record]
Troy deploys gun shot detector, Albany targets blight, movies for gym class, poll worker says students weren't turned away, IMAX screen opens
The City of Troy demonstrated its new system for monitoring and locating gun shots. The "ShotSpotter" cost $250,000. So where's the coverage area? The location of the monitors is a secret. [TU] [Troy Record]
The Troy City Council voted unanimously to ask RPI to start paying a public safety fee to offset the costs of the emergency services coverage at the campus. Mayor Harry Tutunjian says he's already been talking with the school and is concerned the council is trying to negotiate the deal itself. [TU] [Troy Record]
The City of Albany says it's using mapping software and a multi-department effort to focus on cleaning up the 50 most blighted blocks in the city. The program is being coordinated by the city's police chief. [TU]
A woman climbed down a steep 75 foot embankment yesterday in Ravena to help the passengers of a pick up truck that had just slammed into the back of her car. The woman, a nurse, says "I like to help people." [CBS6] [WNYT]
Local voter turnout down, hundreds of Senate staffers looking for work, Gillibrand's national star rising, burned man set himself on fire
It looks like voter turnout in the Capital Region actually declined this past Tuesday, in part because of Republicans who stayed home. One hot spot for increased turnout: Schenectady. [Daily Gazette]
Local Republican state reps warn that downstate, Democratic control of the state legislature and governorship will be bad for the Capital Region. First casualty: Hugh Farley's sleep. [Daily Gazette]
With the Democrats probably taking over leadership of the state Senate, hundreds of staffers will be out of a job. [TU]
The Saratoga Springs City Court judge election won't be decided to until at least next week. Democrat Jeffrey Wait leads Republican Matt Dorsey by 242 votes, with more than a 1,000 absentee ballots still to be counted. If Wait holds on to win, it will be in large part because of overwhelming support in Skidmore's precinct. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Election results digest, Democrats have tentative majority in state Senate, burned body found in street, express train plan stopped
Here's a rundown of noteworthy election results:
+ Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand won re-election over Republican Sandy Treadwell in the 20th Congressional District. In one of the nation's most expensive House races, Gillibrand was outspent by Treadwell -- she credited her campaign's outreach efforts for overcoming the difference. Treadwell said he felt good about the campaign he ran. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
+ Democrat Paul Tonko easily topped Republican Republican Jim Buhrmaster in the 21st Congressional District. The seat has been held by Democrats for the past 50 years, the last 20 of which by Mike McNulty. Tonko says his focus in Congress will be on health care, energy and withdrawing troops from Iraq. Buhrmaster said he's disappointed that the district will be getting a "career politician" representing it in Washington. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
+ Republican Roy McDonald beat Democrat Mike Russo in the race to replace Joe Bruno in the state Senate. McDonald spent more than three times as much as Russo. [TU]
+ Republican Tony Jordan beat Democrat Ian McGaughey in the 112th Assembly race -- the seat McDonald had been in. [Daily Gazette]
+ Republican George Amedore topped Democrat Mark Blanchfield for the 105th Assembly district (Tonko's old seat -- Amedore first won it in a special election in July 2007). Amedore attributed his win in part to what he described as a positive campaign "based on the issues and my record." Blanchfield, a Schenectady city councilman, called the campaign a learning experience. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
+ Albany County DA David Soares easily won relection over Republican/Integrity candidate Roger Cusick. Soares racked up almost three times as many votes as Cusick. [TU]
+ The race for Saratoga Springs City Court judge isn't over. Democrat Jeffrey Wait led Republican Matt Dorsey by about 108 votes, but more than a 1000 absentee ballots still needed to be counted. [Daily Gazette]
+ Democrat Patrick McGrath topped Republican incumbent Anthony Carpinello for the state Supreme Court. The position has a 14 year term. Carpinello said he was "a victim of the Obama landslide." [Troy Record]
+ The Troy charter proposal pushed by Mayor Harry Tutunjian failed to pass by a wide margin. A Tutunjian spokesman attributed the failure to rival Democrats "spreading complete lies" about the proposal. [Troy Record]
Record voter turnout expected, ballet season shortened, flooding in Monument Square, airport getting new eateries
Boards of election around the region say they're expecting record voter turnout today. One of the Albany Count election commissioners says he expects between 75 and 88 percent of registered voters to cast a vote. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
David Paterson says he's worried that if Barack Obama becomes president, he will ignore the needs of New York because he coasted to such an easy victory in the state. [AP/TU]
Paterson says borrowing money to cover the state's $12.5 billion project budget gap next year is "off the table." [Newsday]
An Albany man has pleaded guilty to torching two apartment buildings he owned this past summer in order to get the insurance money. But wait, there's more -- the guy is a former Trustco bank manager who needed the money to pay restitution on $40k he had stolen from the bank. [TU]
The New York City Ballet's residency at SPAC next summer will be two weeks long, instead of the usual three weeks. The shortened schedule is expected to save about $800,000 -- SPAC and the ballet lost a combined $2.3 million on the three week schedule last summer. Officials hope the shortened schedule will increase attendance at each performance. SPAC says another dance company might be brought in for what would have been the ballet's third week. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
No tax increase for Schenectady?, cop gets backup from passerby, Saratoga mini-Chopper food won't be pricy, a bounty from tainted Booty
The Schenectady City Council passed a 2009 budget that does not include a tax increase. The budget proposed by Mayor Brian Stratton had called for a 2.9 percent hike. Stratton has said he would veto the budget if the council made significant cuts. [Daily Gazette]
At a John McCain rally in downtown Albany on Saturday, Jim Buhrmaster -- the Republican running for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat) -- said "the silent majority" will push McCain over the top in the presidential race. At a nearby Barack Obama rally, Paul Tonko -- the Democrat running for the seat -- said the opportunity to elect Obama is "a great fortune." [Troy Record]
After an Albany police officer got tangled up in a fight Friday night with a teenager, whom police say was carrying a shotgun, a passerby went into the cop's patrol car and called for backup. (Apparently the battery in the officer's mobile radio had died.) The APD says it hasn't been able to find the anonymous person who helped the officer. [Fox23] [Daily Gazette]
A car running a red light at Quail and Madison in Albany early Sunday morning hit an ambulance, causing it to roll over. The ambulance, which had its lights and siren on, then hit another car waiting at the light. No one was seriously injured. [WNYT] [TU]
Albany Common Councilman Glen Casey says his car should't have been booted for unpaid parking tickets. "Somebody needs to do a better job," he told the TU. The city treasurer says Casey still has outstanding tickets. [TU]
Husband charged with wife's murder, downtown Saratoga Chopper sold, DMV clerk accused of stealing inspection stickers, common councilman gets the boot for unpaid tickets
Schenectady police have charged the husband of the woman murdered in her home over the weekend with the crime. The couple were immigrants from Guyana and police say the two had been fighting over whether to move back therer. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Albany police say a new witness has reported seeing a third teen on a bike ride away from the scene of Richard Bailey's murder. (Two earlier witnesses reported seeing two teens on bikes.) The APD says it still doesn't have any solid leads in the case. [TU]
Local police departments say they're stepping up patrols tonight for Halloween. Apparently stores will also be watching for teens with shopping carts full of "trickster items." [TU]
A local developer has announced he's bought the Price Chopper in downtown Saratoga Springs -- and promises the site will continue to have a grocery store. Whether it will be a Price Chopper is unclear. An announcement on that part of the plan is scheduled for later today. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Paterson warns Congress of "impending calamity," police say soph threatened school with data release, Stratton asks for raise, CDTA increasing swiper prices, fares up at ALB
David Paterson told Congress yesterday that New York needs federal assistance to "stave off an impending calamity." The Gov also invoked The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. [NYT] [NYP]
Sales tax data indicates that local consumers are continuing to spend. Sales tax revenue during the first three quarters of this year for Albany, Schenectady and Saratoga counties was up 5 percent over the same period last year. [Daily Gazette]
The company hired by the state to test its new voting machines has been suspended by a federal oversight board. That won't affect things this year, but it could mean the old lever machines will hang on through 2009 and possibly into 2010. [TU]
State Police say the Shen sophomore who discovered unsecured employee data on a district server had uploaded the data to his own web account -- and issued vague demands to the district for its return. "He knew exactly what he was doing when he did it," a state police investigator said. [TU]
Paterson looking to DC for budget help, it snowed, Gillibrand and Treadwell debate, "madhouse" on election day, romance lives in Troy
David Paterson is in DC today looking to turn up federal aid for New York State. The Gov says the state needs federal assistance because it's "the epicenter" of the financial meltdown. Paterson announced yesterday that the state is facing a $12.5 billion budget gap next year. [NYDN] [NYT]
How'd the state end up facing such a gaping hole in its budget? A loss of revenue from Wall Street is part of it. But the state has also been increasing spending much faster than inflation. [NYT]
Yep, it snowed yesterday. The Catskills and the Albany County hill towns saw some significant accumulation. The snow didn't stick in most other places. [Fox23] [Daily Gazette]
Albany police chief says the city will provide "the same police service in 2009 that we do in 2008" -- even though the city's budget includes money for 10 fewer officers. [TU]
State facing huge budget gap, Gillibrand-Treadwell race one of nation's most expensive, cop dragged by truck, Schenectady OK with "arcane" reference
David Paterson will be presenting a mid-year budget plan for the state today -- the projected budget gap for 2009-2010 is expected to be a record $12.5 billion. [NYDN]
The candidates for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat), Paul Tonko and Jim Buhrmaster, met for another debate last night. Here's the full video. [WNYT]
The Congressional race between Kirsten Gillibrand and Sandy Treadwell is the nation's second most expensive, according to FEC data. The two campaigns have spent a total of $9.2 million so far. [Daily Gazette]
This year's campaigns for the state Senate are shaping up to collectively be the most expensive ever, according to an analysis by NYPIRG. Campaigns have already spent $40 million and are on pace to surpass the $43.6 million spent in 2006. [NYT]
AMD is looking to get an exemption for the sales taxes it would have to pay on construction materials for the Luther Forest chip fab. If the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency approves the exemption, it could save AMD almost $28 million. The exemption is expected to be approved. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Paterson's top advisor quits, woman murdered in Schenectady, local home prices steady, gambling with sick days, upside to global warming?
David Paterson's top advisor, Charles O'Byrne, resigned Friday because of the furor over him not paying taxes between 2001 and 2005. O'Byrne had been described as "the second-most-powerful man in New York" while working for Paterson. [NYT] [TU]
Police say a woman was murdered in her Schenectady home over the weekend. They say it appears Jaiwanti Mangar, a Guyanese immigrant, was killed after being struck in the head. [Daily Gazette]
Despite the stepped up police presence in the neighborhood following the nearby murder of UAlbany Richard Bailey, a man was stabbed four times at the corner of Madison and Ontario in Albany early Saturday morning. The attack was related to a fight over a woman, apparently. [Fox 23] [TU]
The president of the Pine Hill Neighborhood Association says there's been "an outpouring of outrage" in the neighborhood after Bailey's murder. APD chief James Tuffey says he's "certain" his department will find the murderer. [TU] [TU]
Gillibrand and Treadwell talk about economy, texting while driving ban proposed, Saratoga shops concerned about police overtime, a new supermarket moving in?
Much of last night's debate between Kirsten Gillibrand and Sandy Treadwell focused on the economy. Gillibrand said insufficient government regulation played a role in the financial meltdown (video clip) -- she also talked about why she didn't support the bailout bill (Treadwell says he didn't, either). Also discussed: Gillibrand's involvement with Altria dating back to her time as a corporate lawyer. Treadwell said Gillibrand's involvement with the tobacco company "is a question of judgment" (video clip). [TU] [WMHT] [WMHT]
The chairwoman of the Schenectady County legislature has proposed a ban on texting while driving in the county. Three other NY counties currently have such bans. [TU]
Albany police say they're making "slow progress" on the investigation into the shooting death of UAlbany student Richard Bailey. The two young adults seen riding away from the scene on bikes apparently are now considered to be involved, but not suspects. [TU]
The APD says a group of teens has been behind a string of car break-ins throughout the city's Pine Hills neighborhood. There have been 100 of these break-ins since the summer, including 12 this week. [TU] [FOX23]
Search continues for UAlbany student's killer, number of local foreclosures jumps, push to register organ donors, ready for NANOvember?
Police say there are still no leads in the murder of UAlbany student Richard Bailey. But another person has said he saw two people on bikes hurrying away from the scene. "Those guys were in a hurry to get somewhere," the neighbor told the TU. A woman driving by the scene said earlier this week she believed the two bikers were somehow involved. The APD says it's looking for the pair, but also says they're not suspects. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [CBS6]
A lawyer for Charles O'Byrne, David Paterson's chief of staff, says his client suffers from "late-filing syndrome." Yes, he really did say that. No, it's not a recognized psychological condition. O'Byrne owed almost $300,000 in back taxes, penalties and interest after not filing a return between 2001 and 2005. Paterson aides attribute O'Byrne's filing problems to bouts of clinical depression. [NYT] [TU]
The number of home foreclosures in the Capital Region more than doubled last quarter from the same period a year before. Even so, the region has one of the nation's lowest foreclosure rates. [TU]
A former Saratoga Springs employee is suing the city for racial discrimination. The man says he was passed over for promotion because he's an African-American. The federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ruled in 2007 that the city had discriminated against the man. [Daily Gazette]
No leads in UAlbany student shooting, probable safety violations at site of ditch death, Paterson dials wrong number, spellcheck blamed for Obama/Osama mixup
Richard Bailey, the UAlbany student shot in the head Monday night, died yesterday afternoon. He was from Long Island and planned to become a cop. The APD hasn't identified a motive for the shooting. It says it's looking for two people who were riding bikes past the intersection of South Lake and Yates at the time of the shooting. Police say the two bike riders aren't considered suspects, but a woman who was driving past the same point that night says she thinks the they were involved. [TU] [NYDN] [Daily Gazette] [CBS6]
Kirsten Gillibrand and Sandy Treadwell met for their first debate / candidate forum last night in Poughkeepsie. The main exchange between the seems to have been of the "Yes, you did/No, I didn't" variety on tax increases. [TU] [Fox23]
OSHA says the death of a construction worker after a ditch collapse in Clifton Park this week was "preventable." An official says a complete investigation could take several weeks. An attorney representing the contruction contractor says it appears the man who died did not follow instructions on how to properly dig the ditch. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
Leaders of the state worker unions met yesterday with David Paterson to talk about ways the state could cut costs. Layoffs did not come up in the discussion, though the Gov reportedly did say "there are no sacred cows." [TU]
Construction worker buried alive, UAlbany student shot in the head, falling oil prices a sting for some, forced time off for city employees?
A construction worker died yesterday in Clifton Park after the walls of a ditch collapsed on him, burying him alive. Co-workers didn't notice the mishap at first, thinking the man might have gone inside to have coffee. The man had been digging the 8-foot-deep ditch for a home addition (pictures of the site). An OSHA official says there "clearly" were violations of safety regulations at the site. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian] [Troy Record] [TU]
A UAlbany student was shot in the head last night at the intersection of South Lake and Yates St in Albany (map). He's on life support at Albany Med. Police are looking for the shooter -- they say a motive isn't apparent right now. [CBS6] [TU]
It seems absentee ballots in Albany County were more screwed up than originally thought. Not only was David Soares not listed on all the appropriate lines, but neither were assemblyman Jack McEneny and state senator Neil Breslin. Also, some ballots apparently listed the wrong assemblyman for the district to which they were sent. One of the county's elections commissioners say the board is understaffed. [TU]
Both Governor Paterson's top advisor, Charles O'Byrne, and the state's top cop, Harry Corbitt, have yet to get security clearances from the FBI -- even though their applications have been in for six months. That means the two officials aren't allowed to view or handle secret intelligence from the federal Department of Homeland Security. [TU]
Top Paterson aide didn't pay taxes, Barnes believes he was targeted, chip fab company to get new name, Little League bleachers stolen
David Paterson's top advisor, chief of staff Charle O'Byrne, admitted this weekend to not paying his federal or state taxes from 2001-2005 after the TU reported there were warrants out for his back taxes. O'Byrne says he neglected to pay because he was clinically depressed. O'Byrne was $200,000 behind his taxes. The Gov has said O'Byrne did disclose the problem, though it's unclear to what to extent. The conventional wisdom seems to be that O'Byrne won't lose his job over this. [AP] [TU] [TU] [NYT] [Newsday]
Albany County DA David Soares says he'll meet with Steve Barnes to talk about the attack on the food writer and his friend Friday night. According to the TU, Barnes believes he was specifically targeted. [TU]
Rensselaer County's proposed 2009 budget does not include a tax increase. County executive Kathleen Jimino says the county's expanding tax base made an increase unnecessary. [TU]
As many as 7,500 absentee ballots in Albany County did not correctly list David Soares as a candidate on the Independence Line in the district attorney race. The board of elections says it was a simple oversight and new ballots will be ready this week. [TU]
Local unemployment rate hits 13-year high, candidates debate energy issues, pharmacy college changes its name, yet another new hotel
The Capital Region unemployment rate was 5.2 percent in September -- that's up from 3.8 percent a year ago. It's the highest unemployment rate for the area in 13 years. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Jim Buhrmaster and Paul Tonko, the two candidates for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat), talked a lot about energy during their debate last night. Both have experience on the topic -- Buhrmaster's family owns a heating oil company and Tonko was head of NYSERDA. Buhrmaster said new drilling for oil should one of the first priorities in a national energy plan and Tonko said it should be one of the last. [TU]
Still to come in the race between Kirsten Gillibrand and Sandy Treadwell for the 20th Congressional District: a lot of TV ads. [Daily Gazette]
A former deli worker at the Sam's Club in Latham is suing Walmart (Sam's parent company) for $1 million. The man says he was fired because he's a Catholic who wanted Sundays off to go to church. He says Walmart told him he was being fired for misconduct. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Local economy OK... for now, Gillibrand talks about tobacco industry work, bridges described as "structurally deficient," neighbors fight over tree
How's the local economy? Not so bad, say business owners and other experts. But the future may be another thing. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Kirsten Gillibrand addressed her time as a lawyer representing tobacco company Philip Morris yesterday. Campaign finance records indicate she's received at least $16,700 from executives connected to the company (which is now called Altria) -- Gillibrand says she wasn't aware the company had contributed. Gillibrand's history with the company has been publicized recently by a former Pataki aide on a blog and in comments on other blogs (including here on AOA). Gillibrand's opponent in this year's election is Sandy Treadwell, who served as NY secretary of state during the Pataki administration. [TU] [OpenSecrets]
Those 4-foot by 8-foot Treadwell campaign signs are OK as long as they're on private property, according to Clifton Park's director of building and zoning. Democrats there had complained the signs violated zoning rules. [Daily Gazette]
A memo released by federal prosecutors alleges that former state assemblyman Chris Ortloff said "... honestly I don't have a moral problem with this ... " about his desire to have sex with tween girls. The now former member of the state parole board was arrested in Colonie this week after a sting operation. [TU]
Former state assemblyman nabbed in Colonie in sex sting, new steroid rules for horse racing, campaign signs too big?, hiring freeze at RPI
State police say former state assemblyman Chris Ortloff tried to set up a sexual encounter with two tween girls at a motel in Colonie on Monday (there were no girls -- it was a sting). The police say Ortloff was "buck naked" when they nabbed him. Ortloff had been serving on the state parole board. [TU] [AP/DG]
Police say two men robbed a bank in Schaghticoke yesterday afternoon. The pair then led a high-speed car chase through Clifton Park, which ended in a five car wreck. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [Saratogian]
The proposed 2009 budget for Cohoes includes an almost 4 percent tax increase. Water and sewer fees would increase 8 percent. [TU]
New York is tightening the rules for steroid use in race horses. "Steroids are no better for four-legged athletes than they are for two," said the chairman of the state's racing and wagering board. [Saratogian] [AP]
Local gas prices drop, dog saves elderly couple from fire, Schenectady cops to be re-organized, local company develops fungus insulation
Gasoline prices have dropped below the $3 mark in some parts of the Capital Region -- though there's still wide variation between different neighborhoods. And gas here is still more expensive than it was last year at this time. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record] [Saratogia]
The two candidates running for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat) debated last night. Paul Tonko, a Democrat, called himself "a problem solver by profession" (he was an engineer). Jim Buhrmaster, a Republican, touted his "real world experience" and the fact that he's a parent (Tonko doesn't have children). Top issue, according to each candidate -- Tonko: energy; Buhrmaster: the size of government. [CapNews9] [Fox23]
The executive committee of SUNY's Student Assembly is a supporting a resolution that calls for modest annual tuition increases. Tuition hasn't gone up since 2003. The system is facing a budget gap of as much as $210 million. [TU]
Firefighters say an elderly couple in Malta were able to escape their burning house early this morning after their dog alerted them to fire. The dog didn't make it out. [CBS6] [TU]
Investigation into Obama-Osama mixup, enrollment surges for local community colleges, fire wood in high demand, opossum knocks out power in Troy
The Rensselaer County legislature has decided to investigate how absentee ballots in the county ended up listing Barack Obama as Barack Osama. [TU]
Albany County's proposed 2009 budget includes a 4 percent property tax increase, the first in four years. [TU]
Malta, Malta, Malta:
+ The transfer of AMD's state incentive package to its spinoff depends on a vote by the Empire State Development Corp. And that spin-off company will be organized in the Cayman Islands -- though it will pay US taxes on operations in this country. [TU]
+ AMD doesn't think its technology sharing agreement with Intel will pose any problem. At all.
+ The new chip fab won't be turning chips until 2012. [Daily Gazette]
+ Malta has a couple of "new urbanist" developments in the works for its downtown -- but some, including the town supervisor, worry the developments will be too dense. [TU]
Both HVCC and SCCC are reporting surges in enrollment, probably because of the weakening economy. Hot program of study at HVCC: overhead electric line worker. [TU]
Another potential snag for AMD, Treadwell says he'll donate salary, psychologist throws herself on the mercy of the court, museum officials say they're not prudes
Another potential snag in the deal behind the Luther Forest chip fab project: AMD has a technology sharing agreement with rival Intel that prohibits sharing the technology with a third party. So, does AMD's spin-off corporation count as a third party? AMD says it's not concerned. [TU]
Sandy Treadwell has announced that, if elected to Congress, he'll donate his salary to charity (roughly $165,000). Treadwell is, as they say, independently wealthy. He's already donated $2.5 million to his campaign. [TU]
Sheldon Silver apparently loves the frequent flyer miles. He's recently been criticized for booking flights from NYC to Albany through DC so he can rack up miles. Silver's people say the Assembly speaker will now be taking cheaper direct flights. [AP/TU]
Schenectady police say a woman was carjacked Wednesday night after the perp faked being run over as the woman backed out of a parking spot. The woman got out to see if the man was OK and that's when he made his move. [Daily Gazette]
More chip fab talk, Skelos says Paterson acting like Spitzer, UAlbany parts with search firm that couldn't find, Van Dyck gets a new owner
Local real estate agents and developers say the Luther Forest chip fab project will probably have some effect on home values -- but not a huge one. [Daily Gazette]
The chip fab's first product: gloating. [TU]
State Senate majority leader Dean Skelos says state worker layoffs should not be part of the budget cut discussion. He also says David Paterson is starting to act like Eliot Spitzer. [TU] [CapNews9]
The state DEC has decided to review Albany's landfill expansion proposal now that the city is considering more stringent recycling requirements and charging residents by the bag for garbage. At its current size, the Rapp Road landfill will be full by the end of next year. [TU]
Local boards of election are trying to keep up with a surge in voter registrations, which appear to be leaning Democratic. [Daily Gazette]
Lots of chip fab details, Paterson looks for "hand back," Saratoga Springs looks at cutting city jobs, Albany High scheduling mishap blamed on training
Even with the state facing a seemingly ever widening budget gap, David Paterson says the state will follow through on its pledge of $1.2 billion in incentives for the Luther Forest chip fab project. [TU]
The chip fab project isn't officially a done deal, yet. One of the remaining hurdles: the federal Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has to sign off on the deal because the AMD spin-off building the plant is being funded by the government of Abu Dhabi. [TU]
The fab is expected to directly generate about 1,500 jobs. The Malta town supervisor says he's heard that 60 percent of the jobs will pay between $40k-$70k -- and the rest will probably be worth more than $100k a year. [Daily Gazette]
David Paterson says he'll be meeting with state worker unions to discuss how "we can work together" to address the state's budget gap for next year, which now projected at $8 billion. The Gov wouldn't say whether layoffs were on the table. [AP/TU]
More budget gap talk: Paterson says the federal government should send some of the taxes New Yorkers pay back to the state to help cover the deficit. Paterson says the state should get the "hand back" after years of sending more to Washington than it's gotten back. [Newsday]
Luther Forest chip fab a go, Conners and Soares squabble over audit, parking prices going up at airport, Sam the Bugler returned home
AMD says it is going ahead with the chip fab plant at Luther Forest. The chip company is spinning off a new company focused on manufacturing (with $6 billion from Abu Dhabi), and that company (called Foundry) will actually be building and operating the plant. The Luther Forest chip fab is not a completely done deal, though. AMD says a few things still need to happen for it to be official, including having New York State transfer its $1.2 billion in incentives to the new company. It looks like that will happen -- there's a press conference with David Paterson and the AMD people this afternoon. [NYT] [WSJ] [TU]
An audit released yesterday by Albany County comptroller Mike Conners concludes that about $6,000 is missing from a safe in DA David Soares' office and criticized the DA's office for spending seized money on things like parking and community anti-crime initiatives. (Though there appears to be a shifting standard for what's considered an allowed use of seized money.) Soares says the audit is politically motivated (he's up for re-election next month). Conners says he hoped to conclude the audit earlier this year, but received "little help" from Soares. [TU] [TU] [Troy Record]
The state legislators who represent Schenectady told the city council last night that it shouldn't look for more state aid this year because there just isn't any money. But getting rid of unfunded mandates might be an option. One idea: get the state to allow Schenectady to open a night court so it doesn't have to build more court space. [Daily Gazette]
Paterson: cut another $2 billlion, Gillibrand votes no again, two Broadway shops closing in Saratoga, pumpkin prices up, tapas in Cohoes
David Paterson says he will call the state Legislature back after the November election so they can work on making another $2 billion in cuts from the current budget. At a leaders meeting on Friday, Paterson said the Leg doesn't understand how bad the situation is, to which Dean Skelos said: "I don't need to be lectured." [NYT]
Kirsten Gillibrand voted against the Wall Street bailout bill again on Friday -- her second no vote on it. She said the plan was "could be dangerous." Mike McNulty voted "yes" on it for the second time. [TU] [CapNews9]
National Grid says natural gas prices will be up 11 percent this winter. [TU]
Many of Schenectady County's top managers are getting a raise in next year's proposed budget. That's not going over well with some people because the budget also includes a 13 percent tax hike. [Daily Gazette]
Lots of cats and explosives found in home, artifact thief sentenced, Obama opens big lead in NY, graduation prankster wants his costume back
Animal control investigators found about 60 cats -- three of them dead -- in a house in Ravena yesterday. They also found grenades, land mines and a laser-guided rocket (it's unclear whether explosives were live or not). Police described the home owners as collectors of war memorabilia. [TU] [CBS6]
Jerry Jennings' proposed budget for the City of Albany has people thinking he will almost certainly be running for re-election next year. As one council member noted: the amount budgeted for street and sidewalk repair was tripled for next year. Jennings has been mayor since 1994. [TU]
Schenectady County is no longer in the top 10 nationally for highest taxes as a percentage of home value -- it's now 12th in the nation, according to a tax think tank. Homeowners in the county pay 2.3 percent of the value of their homes in taxes. (Of note: the county's proposed budget for next year includes 13 percent tax increase.) [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
Daniel Lorello, the guy who stole artifacts from the NYS Library, was sentenced to two to six years in prison yesterday. He also has to pay $125,000 in restitution and give his personal collection to the library. [Daily Gazette]
Proposed tax increases for City of Albany and Schenectady County, proposals for Harriman development, crystal balls at ESP trouble some, the Knicks drink coffee in Saratoga
Jerry Jennings' proposed 2009 budget for the City of Albany includes a 4.9 percent tax increase. (That's a projected $100 increase for the owner of a "average" home.) The almost $161 million budget is actually smaller than last year's by about $1 million. Among the cuts this year: 20 firefighter and 10 police jobs will be left vacant. [TU]
In Troy, Harry Tutunjian's proposed budget is four percent bigger than last year's, but it doesn't include a tax increase. The plan aims use to reserves and state aid to cover the increase. [Troy Record]
Schenectady County's proposed budget for 2009 includes a 13 percent tax increase. The county manager, a Democrat, says the cost of state mandates is forcing the hike. County Republicans say the majority Democrats have mismanaged the county's finances through their "out-of-control patronage and liberal programs." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Banks with local branches say they're in pretty good shape, despite the ongoing banking/Wall Street meltdown. They credit their stability to not being involved with shaky subprime mortgages. [TU] [Saratogian]
Albany could charge for garbage by the bag, state to consider privatizing assets, cops in dispute over shot of Jagermeister, buzz and grumbing about EMPAC, Weathervane closes
The City of Albany could be moving toward a "pay as you throw" arrangement for garbage collection -- that is, people would be charged by the bag for their trash. (Trash pickup is currently not a separate charge for residents.) The proposal is part of the city's draft plan to the state DEC for its dump, which will be full by next year if it's not expanded. [TU]
David Paterson is setting up a commission to study ways the state could form public/private partnerships to help steady its finances. One such idea would be privatizing the state lottery, which reportedly could bring in as much as $4 billion up front and $200 million annually. [NYT] [AP]
The Albany gun buyback program has been extended to Schenectady. (Earlier on AOA: The Albany gun buyback: buyer's remorse?)
Niskayuna's town supervisor has proposed a five percent tax increase for next year. He says the money's need to cover increasing costs for materials such as asphalt and road salt. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Local House members split on bailout, kid curfew in Albany?, state workers could get four day work week, Gov involved in local septic tank dispute
The Capital Region's two members of the House voted differently yesterday on the Wall Street bailout bill. Kirsten Gillibrand voted against, saying in a release that the bill was "fundamentally flawed." (Sandy Treadwell, her Republican opponent in the November election says he also opposed the bill.) Mike McNulty voted for the bill. (His probable replacement, Democrat Paul Tonko, said he hasn't read the bill.) Incidentally, yesterday was supposed to be McNulty's last day in DC as a Congressman -- though now it looks like he'll be going back for another vote. [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
New York State's comptroller says it now looks like the Wall Street meltdown will cost the state $3.5 billion in lost tax revenue over the next year-and-a-half. He's projecting the state will lose $1.75 billion just from decreases in year-end bonues given out by financial firms. [Biz Review]
Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton has proposed a budget for next year that would raise taxes 3 percent and increase water and garbage fees. It would be the first tax increase in three years for Schenectady. It was also the first time in three years no one clapped at the budget unveiling. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Albany County comptroller Mike Conners says his most recent audit of the DA David Soares' office will include allegations "more serious" than money missing from a safe -- though Conners won't say what until October 6. Also present at this announcement: Soares' opponent in the November election, Roger Cusick. [TU]
Albany Common Councilman Glen Casey is proposing a curfew for kids under 17 as a way to reduce crime. Troy and Schenectady already have curfews. [TU]
Money reportedly missing from DA's safe, Malta roundabout accidents up, mystery illness killing off local bats, libraries are hot
An audit by the Albany County comptroller has reportedly concluded that as much as $7,000 is missing from a safe in the Albany County DA's office. A 2005 audit of this same safe reported $25k missing -- but it later turned up in a safe deposit box. [TU]
A survey of residents in Albany's West Hill neighborhood, where Kathina Thomas was shot earlier this year, reports that more than half of the people there believe the area is unsafe and growing more violent. Seventy-five percent of the people surveyed had lived in the neighborhood less than three years. [TU]
The number of accidents along the stretch of five roundabouts in Malta is up, according to the state department of transportation. The number of serious injuries is down, though -- and rush hour travel times are a third of what they had been. A DOT official attributed the rise in accidents to people adjusting to the circles. [Daily Gazette]
Attendance for the ballet and orchestra at SPAC this past summer was down 9 percent, leaving the org $375,000 short of its budgeted goal for those performances. (Pop music attendance was up 27 percent.) Ticket sales for the ballet and orchestra don't even cover half the expense of hosting the two series. SPAC did end the season in the black, though, thanks to advertising and endowments. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Former Schenectady police chief indicted, Governor talks of more budget cuts, huge reptiles rescued from house fire, UAlbany home to largest death penalty collection
Former Schenectady police chief Greg Kaczmarek and his wife, Lisa, were both indicted yesterday on drug charges. Among the allegations: that Kaczmarek provided strategic advice to the drug ring's leader during a meeting at DiCarlo's, the strip club on Central Ave. There have been suspicions about Kaczmarek and drug use dating back to the 1990s. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
A clerk for the Saratoga Springs department of public works has been arrested on charges she was skimming money from the sale of trash bags. Police say she might have stolen as much as $21,000. The head of the DPW says a lot of people were "very surprised" by the allegation. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [Saratogian]
David Paterson said yesterday that it's "very likely" he'll call the Legislature back for another special session to possibly make more cuts to the state budget. Paterson seemed to indicate that state worker layoffs are not on the table. [TU]
The steel suspension cables on the Twin Bridges are being replaced. The current cables are showing signs of rust and fraying. [Daily Gazette]
Former police chief accused of drug ring involvement, Grandma's gets a new owner, UAlbany nanotech aims for another building, giant pink bike rider assaulted
Former Schenectady police chief Greg Kaczmarek is scheduled to appear in court today where he will reportedly face charges for his involvement with a drug ring. Kaczmarek's wife and stepson already face charges for being involved with the same operation. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The media sale price for a Capital Region home was down 2 percent last month from the same period last year. Albany County median prices saw the biggest local drop -- 6 percent to $202,500. [Daily Gazette]
One of three developers pick to submit proposals for the redevelopment of the Harriman Office Campus has dropped out of the process. One of Harriman's board members says tightening credit markets and competition from other tech park developments could slow the project. [TU]
Grandma's Country Restaurant on Central Ave has been sold to the owner of Ralph's Tavern (also on Central). The new owner says Grandma's gift shop will be closing, but says everything else -- including the pies -- will remain exactly the same. [Daily Gazette] [Biz Review]
Father to be charged with murder of child, Rensselaer DA watching money evaporate, neighborhood wants to go after negative news coverage, where's Beboy?
A four-month-old baby, who was beaten by his father in Troy, has died. Authorities said yesterday they would charge the father with murder if the child died. [TU]
A replica of a WWII plane crashed yesterday afternoon at the Schenectady County Airport during a test flight. The test pilot, who's from Saratoga, is in critical condition. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The New York State comptroller's office has extended its OpenBook New York database to local governments. [Biz Review]
George Amedore, the Republican incumbent in the 105th state Assembly district (Tonko's old seat), says his opponent, Democrat Mark Blanchfield, has unfairly taken his words about how he views his Assembly job out of context in a radio spot. Blanchfield's sticking by the ad. [WNYT]
The Rensselaer County District Attorney's office is watching almost half of its budget disappear as grants it's relied on run out. The $1 million in grants fund the salaries of five ADAs and four investigators. [Troy Record]
Soldier buried in Colonie, scientist wins "genius" grant, observatory looking for place to set up its telescope, are Schenectady's street lights too dim?
A US soldier killed in Afghanistan was buried in Colonie yesterday. Mohsin Naqvi, a first lieutenant in the Army, was a Muslim born in Pakistan -- his family came to the US when he was 8-years-old. Naqvi's father said his son gave his life for the United States. A member of the Army honor detail called Naqvi "a real patriot." [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Sally Temple, a biologist who heads the New York Neural Stem Cell Institute on UAlbany's east campus, has been awarded one of this year's MacArthur "genius" grants. The prestigious award is $500,000 -- with no restrictions. [TU]
The price of road salt has gone up as much as 50 percent from last year. Local public works departments say that means they'll probably be spreading more sand than they'd otherwise like to. [TU]
It looks like the plan to knock down two buildings along Washington Ave in Albany so the Fort Orange Club can build a new parking is off. Maybe. [TU]
Colonie facing a lot of red ink, smoking ban proposed around hospitals, Schenectady looking at slick solution for graffiti, chowderfest winners
Auditors for the Town of Colonie report the town is facing a $19.5 million deficit -- that's even bigger than the previous estimates that prompted finger wagging by the state. Town supervisor Paula Mahan says the town is still looking to collect a one-time deficit reduction tax next year. A plan to do that earlier this year was blocked by the state legislature. [TU]
John McCain said last night on 60 Minutes that Andrew Cuomo, who's currently the New York attorney general, would make a good head of the federal Securities and Exchange Commission. [Daily Politics]
Capital Region colleges say they're seeing jumps in enrollment and financial aid requests, possibly because of the state of the economy. [Daily Gazette]
An Albany common council member says he's going to propose a ban on smoking within 100 feet of hospitals. It's not the health effects that have him bothered -- it's the litter. [TU]
Wall Street meltdown could hit NYS even harder, local unemployment rate up, bomb threat at supermarket, graduation crasher writes more sincere apology letter
A not-officially-released projection concludes that the Wall Street meltdown could now cost New York State as much as $3 billion in revenue over the next two years. David Paterson had predicted earlier this week that the hit could be as much as $1 billion over the next year. [AP]
With Wall Street institutions crumbling, local Capital Region banks say they're seeing an influx of deposits as people look to keep their money closer to home. [Daily Gazette]
The total number of jobs in the Capital Region is at its highest-ever point, but the unemployment rate still hit 5 percent last month. The highest the rate has been here in 16 years (it was 3.7 percent a year ago). Analysts say the picture isn't really all that bad and the area is doing better than a lot of other places. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Among the recently unemployed: eight Daily Gazette staffers. It's the second job cut this year for the paper. [Daily Gazette]
CDTA is facing a budget gap and a 50 cent fare increase might be one of the ways to cover it. [TU]
APD reviews shooting, Schenectady getting a new police chief, luxury condos planned for Union St, SPAC still trying to revise stack of pancakes, legendary Cohoes restaurant sold
The two Albany police officers who fired three shots at a suspect Tuesday night are now on administrative leave while the APD investigates the episode. The department says a loaded gun and some crack were found in the alley where the shooting went down. Police chief James Tuffey says it appears the officers followed protocol. It's the first time the APD has fired shots on duty since a bystander was killed by a stray police bullet on New Year's Eve in 2003. [TU] [CapNews9]
A report from the Troy Police Department has criticized a "no-knock" police raid that busted down the door of an innocent women this summer and tossed a "flash bang" grenade into her apartment. The woman's attorney says the raid "scared the hell out of her." The report recommends re-organizing the unit that conducted the raid. [Troy Record] [Troy Record]
Mark Chaires will reportedly become the next police chief in Schenectady. He'll be the first African-American to hold the post. His father, Arthur Chaires, was the city's first African-American officer. The soon-to-be chief has a masters in criminology and is working toward a PhD. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
The principal of Guilderland High School has resigned. He had been on leave after accusations he had made inappropriate jokes about sexual-orientation and race. He'll be paid through the end of the year. [TU]
State finances hit by Wall Street meltdown, health plan accuses competitor of stealing, early SPUI construction starts, the luckiest place in the Capital Region
David Paterson says the recent investment bank meltdown on Wall Street will cost the state $1 billion in tax revenue, more or less wiping out the gains made by last month's budget-cutting special legislative session. The Gov says further budget cuts -- possibly into aid for hospitals and schools -- may be necessary. [Newsday]
Yesterday's debate between Paul Tonko and Jim Buhrmaster for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat) was something less than friendly. The issues covered ranged from energy to universal health care to spending. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Albany police say an officer shot a suspect last night in West Hill after the suspect pointed a gun at the officer. [TU]
CDPHP has filed a lawsuit against MVP alleging that a former employee, who now works for MVP, illegally took sensitive company information with him to his new job. CDPHP is suing for $10 million in damages. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Schenectady's seventh homicide, Clifton Park tightens leash, Clinton and Schumer both in town, Troy firefighters irked, stripclub gets timeout
The 20-year-old shot in Schenectady over the weekend died Sunday night. Police say they have few, if any, clues about why he was shot. It's Schenectady's seventh homicide of the year. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Clifton Park town board approved a measure that requires all dogs in the town to be on leashes except on private property and in two town-managed parks, Mary Jane Row Dog Park and Kinns Road Park. To let dogs off leash at the those parks, owners will have to buy a $30 permit (which covers all of a person's dogs) . Only Clifton Park residents will be allowed to buy permits for the Mary Jane Row. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
David Paterson says the ongoing implosion among Wall Street firms could force the state re-evaluate its budget -- again. The Gov says 20 percent of New York State's revenue comes from taxes paid by Wall Street. [TU] [TU]
A Siena poll reports that Barack Obama is leading John McCain in New York by just five points. The Democratic nominee had been up by as many as 18 points earlier this summer. [Biz Review]
Wind knocks out power, Schenectady relatively bad at solving crimes, Assembly candidate pledges to term limit himself, local wait for a Prius, stickball champions
Last night's strong winds knocked out power for 15,000 people in the Capital Region. [TU]
It looks like Saratoga Springs might be getting a new public safety building after all. In a surprise, the city council approved a $3 million portion of the city's capital budget for the construction of a new building. That's only about half of the total expected cost. The city is now looking for ways to "creatively" finance the rest of the project. [TU]
According to city records and the federal Department of Justice, Schenectady solves relatively few burglaries, muggings and rapes. A councilman called the stats "an embarrassment." The city does do well solving murders, though. [Daily Gazette]
Jerry Jennings and Albany police chief James Tuffey met with school superintendent Eva Joseph Friday about last week's fighting. [WNYT] [CBS6]
Cops crack down on another Albany HS brawl, NYRA bankruptcy ending, airport asks if you're experienced, Alive at Five alcohol ban proposed, something stinks at Yaddo
There was another throwdown among Albany High School students yesterday along Quail Street. The cops were waiting this time -- with pepper spray, batons and horses. It looked like a crazy scene. (AOA's gotten email from witnesses that this is the third time this week these fights have erupted.) So what's going on? "It's a little bit of everything," one teen told the TU. [CBS6] [CBS6] [TU]
It looks like NYRA will emerge from bankruptcy today. New York State will be giving the racing org $105 million in return for the deeds to the Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct tracks. [Saratogian] [TU]
There's a new color-coded security line set-up at the airport, with separate lanes for families, "casual" travelers and "expert" travelers. The sorting is supposed to help move people through the security line faster. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Remember that big steroids investigation being prosecuted by David Soares and Albany County prosecutors? Seventeen people have pled guilty in that investigation, but yesterday a judge tossed the indictments of five people at the center of the drug ring. [TU]
Parents steamed about scheduling mix-up, Troy water's brown color "natural," Saratoga brands itself, plastic bag ban falters
Parents continue to be upset about the scheduling mix-up at Albany High, which is apparently still not completely cleared up. District superintendent Eva Joseph says there will be a "full accounting" of what caused the problem -- eventually. [WNYT] [TU]
Meanwhile, off campus, a group of about 25 Albany High students reportedly brawled at the corner of Central and Quail yesterday. One kid got a gash on his head. [TU]
The water coming out of taps in Troy and other supplied towns is still orangish-brown and officials say it's still safe to drink (though not to wash white clothes in). The head of Troy's water operation says the high level of dissolved iron and manganese from the Tomhannock Reservoir is "natural," though he's "never seen anything like this" in his 28 years there. There's speculation the heavy rain this summer might have something to do with it. [TU] [Troy Record] [CapNews9]
How NOT to resolve your disputes with the neighborhood kids: firing a shotgun at them. [Daily Gazette]
Primary election results, state police show off a bunch of weed, SUNY officials get swank stays for cheap, another horse sculpture vandalized in Saratoga
Paul Tonko won the Democratic primary yesterday for NY's 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat). He'll face James Buhrmaster, who won the Republican primary, in November. Tracey Brooks was the runner-up to Tonko by about 3,000 votes -- she said "The glass ceiling got a little bit thinner today but not quite thin enough this time." Phil Steck finished third among Democrats and Darius Shahinfar fourth. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
Roy McDonald won the Republic primary for Joe Bruno's state Senate seat. He'll face Mike Russo, who beat out Brian Premo in the Democratic primary. [Daily Gazette]
Incumbent Neil Breslin easily won the Democratic primary for the state Senate's 46th District. There are no Republicans up for that spot. [Daily Gazette]
Elections officials said local voter turnout yesterday was moderate. [TU]
Kaz, a company that makes vaporizers, says it will be closing its plant in Hudson and letting 300 people go. The company is outsourcing its manufacturing to another company with plants in Mexico. [TU]
Albany HS still working on schedules, did Paterson "spitzerfy" himself?, Saratoga Lake park plans revealed, talk of Troy Proctor's rebirth, meeting Sarah Palin
Albany High was still trying to straighten out scheduling issues yesterday, its second first day of the school year. [TU]
David Paterson called some state legislators "bloodsuckers" yesterday. Dean Skelos called the comment "Spitzeresque." Richard Brodsky, an Assemblyman, said he's worried Paterson is trying to "Spitzerfy" himself. [TU] [NYDN] [NYT]
The company that owns the Lafarge Cement plant in Coeymans, the state's single largest emitter of mercury, thinks it should get a million dollar tax cut because it's pledged to reduce its emissions. [TU]
The City of Saratoga Springs released plans for a new public park and beach on Saratoga Lake. There are currently no public beaches on the lake. [Daily Gazette]
Bethlehem police are investigating whether a woman was assaulted Friday night for wearing an Obama button in Delmar's Four Corners neighborhood. [TU]
Candidates stretch for primaries, Albany High schedules still not totally fixed, new details in UAlbany roof stabbing, parking fees at airport might be going up, train runs over man
The Democratic candidates vying to replace Mike McNulty in Congress are stretching toward the de facto finish line -- tomorrow's primary. Phil Steck took out a home equity loan worth almost $100,000 to fund his campaign and Tracey Brooks has loaned her campaign $50,000. [Daily Gazette]
Waterford and Halfmoon are fighting with the EPA over how and when they should get water during the Hudson PCB clean-up. The federal agency is now threatening the towns with $32,500 a day in fines if they don't allow access for the construction of a back up water pipeline. The towns say they have no problem with the pipeline -- they just want a guarantee the pipeline will be ready when dredging starts. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
No one seems to know which way heating prices are headed this winter. That hasn't stopped state politicians from making them an issue. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Albany High is scheduled to start its school year, again, today. It still hasn't completely fixed its scheduling problems, though. [TU]
Albany HS schedule mix-up "not acceptable," Troy tap water orange, two "thin, bald white guys" fight over slogan, the Choppinator
The president of the Albany school board says the scheduling screw-up at Albany High is "not acceptable." The computer problem behind the mix-up has apparently been a known issue since early last month. Classes are now slated to start on Monday. [TU]
Neil Kelleher -- former Troy mayor, longtime Republican member of the state Assembly, WWII veteran, and barber shop quartet singer -- died yesterday. He was 85. Both Republicans and Democrats hailed him as a friend. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
Harry Tutunjian says there's "absolutely no health risk involved" with the discolored tap water in Troy. The water's orangish tint is apparently the result of higher levels of iron and manganese dissolved in the water. [TU]
A special prosecutor says he will not bring charges against two Troy cops accused of using excessive force after a January car chase that ended up in Menands. There's still a civil case in progress. [TU]
Unscheduled days off for Albany High, Rensselaer gets money for flood recovery, auto dealer closing because of high gas prices, RPI kicks retired prof's email because of criticism
Classes have been canceled this week at Albany High School after a computer problem messed up students' class schedules. [TU]
The state Senate is giving the City of Rensselaer $1.1 million to help with recovery from the flooding in August. Mayor Dan Dwyer says "hardly anything has been fixed" since the heavy rains. Residents say they're worried about the water rising again. [Troy Record] [TU] [WNYT]
The City of Troy is considering the purchase of a system that can listen for gunfire and then triangulate the point from which the shots were fired. It costs $200,000 for the system to cover one square mile. [TU]
A Rensselaer police car was rear-ended on the Dunn Memorial Bridge while it was stopped to issue a traffic violation. The collision pushed the cop car into the back of the car that had been pulled over. [Troy Record]
Schools crunched by costs, Saratoga cops ticked off at Skidmore students, Rock Hill Bakehouse temporarily out of commission, Little Miss Albany
Most local school districts are back in session this week and they're dealing with rising costs for everything from lunches to field trips. [TU] [Saratogian]
Albany police say the suspect in last weekend's Washington Ave homicide told them he was provoked by the victim staring at him. The suspect did not admit to stabbing the victim, though. [TU]
The shots that killed a Schenectady man this past weekend were apparently fired through a door. The Schenectady PD says it isn't sure whether the victim was the intended target or not. [Daily Gazette]
A Saratoga Springs cop was injured while trying to break up a Skidmore student party Monday night. It's the second time in a year that an officer has gotten hurt on such a call. The Saratoga PD says Skidmore needs to bring the hammer down on underage student drinking. [Saratogian] [TU]
Track numbers a little damp, two homicides over the weekend, Live Nation blames the fans, Rt 7 construction gearing up, Albany TV market slips
Attendance at The Track this year was down almost 10 percent from last year and the amount bet was down a little more than 7 percent. [Daily Gazette]
There were two homicides over the holiday weekend. On Saturday, a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed near Beverwyck Park in Albany. It was Albany's eighth homicide of the year. On Monday, a Schenectady man was shot and killed inside a house. It was Schenectady's sixth homicide of the year. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Live Nation, the company that runs the pop music shows at SPAC, says fans are partly to blame for miserable conditions on the lawn there. Live Nation's last concert of the year at SPAC was Crue Fest on Friday -- four people were arrested being a bit too motley. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Local counties won't get flood money from feds, fingers already pointed in DA race, pit bull ordred put down and another banished, horse betting on the Blackberry
It looks like local counties will not be getting money from FEMA for recovery after the flooding late last month. Apparently area wasn't damaged quite enough -- the region's tally of $18.2 million fell about $5 million short of FEMA's cut-off. The mayor Rensselaer, which suffered $3.5 million of damage, says he's "heart-sickened" over the situation. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
One of the workers overcome by toxic fumes earlier this week in Schenectady has died. His co-worker's condition has been upgraded to good. [Daily Gazette]
The almost-race for Albany Count DA has already descended into finger pointing and cries about conflicts of interest. [TU]
Funding for the much argued about new Saratoga Springs police station was taken out of the city's capital budget during a closed-door meeting yesterday. [Daily Gazette]
AMD still won't commit, some backstretch workers only make $5 per hour, woman hit by car while sitting in office, Schenectady has its pick of teachers, Saratoga restaurants short-handed
The chairman of AMD was in Malta yesterday to tour the site of the proposed chip fab plant (also there: Joe Bruno). Hector Ruiz said a decision on the project is likely to come by the end of the year. Later at a private gathering in Saratoga, Ruiz reportedly said the company is hopeful it will commit to the Malta project. [TU] [Saratogian]
The New York Department of Labor figures that 80 percent of backstretch workers at The Track have been shorted on pay. Some have been making as little as five bucks an hour. The president of a trainers association says he and other trainers thought they were in compliance with labor laws. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Albany Police Department detective say the suspect in the January Delaware Ave triple murder confessed to the crime and then hugged him. The suspect's attorney is trying to get the statement thrown out. [TU]
A concrete septic tank has blocked two lanes of traffic on southbound 787 at exit 9 this morning. [CBS6]
Something stinks on the backstretch, workers overcome by fumes, schools big into bilingual, scholarship participation yanked over scuffling football coach, paying more at the dollar store
As if shoveling horse manure all day wasn't bad enough, the New York State Department of Labor says many backstretch workers at The Track are not only not getting paid overtime, they're not even making minimum wage. The labor department says horse trainers, who employ the backstretch workers, are engaged in "widespread violations labor law." [TU]
Two workers for Precision Industrial Maintenance in Schenectady were overcome by toxic fumes yesterday when they stepped inside a tanker truck used to collect raw sewage. Both were taken to the hospital in critical condition. Precision was cited for violating workplace safety rules on a different project earlier this year. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A plan to turn an apartment building in Troy's Little Italy neighborhood into housing for homeless people with mental illnesses is catching flak from residents of the area. They say they're worried the building could hold back the neighborhood's revitalization. [TU]
Two crime reports from locations you don't normally see them from: a stabbing in Niskayuna and shots fired in Glenmont. [CBS6] [TU]
Malta clears way for AMD chip fab, infamous Schenectady B&B sold, brewery scolded for serving too-big samples, the best milk in New York, horse to get key to city
The Malta Town Board approved zoning changes that clear the way for the construction of the AMD chip fab in Luther Forest. The company still hasn't officially committed to the project, though. [TU]
The infamous sex party B&B in Schenectady's Union Ave neighborhood sold yesterday at auction for $201,600 (just $33 per square foot). The new owner is a psychiatrist who will use the house for offices. The old owner is headed off to Florida in his party bus, which is equipped with a stripper pole. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A Colonie police car was torched in the driveway of an officer's house early Monday morning. It appears some kind of flammable substance had been poured over the car's exterior. [TU]
The number of Capital Region home sales in July was down 20 percent from the same period a year before -- but the median sales price was up 2 percent to $210,000. [Biz Review]
Colonel John wins Travers, Democratic candidates for McNulty's nod heads, local sewer systems need help, California produce shipments to start soon, Round Lake protects its organ
Colonel John won the Travers this past weekend, beating out Mambo in Seattle by a nose. The canoe in the infield pond has already been painted the colors of Colonel John's silks, green and white. Almost 41,000 people showed up for the Travers this year, and bet almost $8.3 million (the total with off-track betting $37 million). [TU] [Saratogian] [CBS6]
The Saratoga PD had double the normal number of cops on the street Saturday night to handle the post-Travers crowd, in fine form after 12 hours of drinking. One guy pushed a police horse several times before being arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. [Daily Gazette]
The Democratic candidates for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat) agreed on many topics last night at a debate: opposition to off-shore drilling, investment in renewable energy, sign stealing is bad. They disagreed on: a carbon tax, whether Tonko supported energy deregulation, whether Tracey Brooks was a lobbyist. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The US Olympic synchronized swimming team, co-captained by Troy's Kim Probst, finished fifth in Beijing. [Troy Record]
Troy prostitution sting, local synchro swimmer competing today at the Olympics, on the trail of a campaign sign thief, Mr. Subb goes upscale
The Troy police busted 16 men this week during what they've described as an undercover prostitution "reverse-sting." As you might expect, there were some complaints from the busted. One guy says he didn't actually ask the undercover policewoman for, um, service (police say the same guy was arrested on the same charges last year). And another says he had a stick stuck up his nose during the arrest. [TU] [Troy Record]
After having their Schenectady store broken into eight times over three years, the owners of Funn Electronics and Keys World say they're moving back to Brooklyn, where they didn't have any trouble. They say they might stay if the city would allow them to install a metal gate that could be pulled down over the business while it's closed -- but the city doesn't allow them. [Daily Gazette]
Troy native Kim Probst is competing in synchronized swimming today at the Olympics. She's co-captain of the US team. [Troy Record]
Final tally on budget cuts, Troy City Hall moving, Schenectady HS pegged as dangerous, cemetery ordered to bury woman in five days, visiting frat brothers may or may not have peed on couch
The final tally on the state budget cuts made by the Legislature for this year: $427 million. Combined with the $630 million already cut by David Paterson, the state budget is now $120.9 billion -- that's about $1 billion from where it started. [TU]
The Troy City Council has approved the plan to lease the Verizon Building as a replacement city hall (the current city hall is slated to be torn down for a waterfront park). Troy could be moving its offices by the end of the year, pending a study of how its new digs should be arranged. [TU] [Troy Record]
The state Ed Department has tagged Schenectady High School as "persistently dangerous." The Schenectady school school president called the label "an outrage" and said the methodology used is flawed. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Legislature cuts $1 billion, many in Rensselaer didn't have flood insurance, rider dies at The Track, Troy official's ability to spell questioned, adults argue over basketball hoop, OMG! Brian Stratton loves texting
The state legislature has agreed to cut about $1 billion from the state budget over the next two years, including a little more than $400 million from this year's budget. That falls short of David Paterson's $600 million goal. The cuts include $50 million in member items (that would be pork). [TU]
Paterson will be speaking at the Democratic National Convention next week in Denver. [NYT]
FEMA maps indicate that most of the City of Rensselaer is in a flood zone, but only six of the 60 homes and business affected by the recent flooding have flood insurance. One resident says no one told them they were in a flood zone. [WNYT]
An exercise rider at The Track died yesterday after being thrown from a horse Monday. [Saratogian]
Local colleges and universities are facing a housing crunch. Students are being forced to live in lounges and tripled up in rooms intended for doubles. [TU]
Legislature back for special session, Clifton Park residents want dog park to themselves, charter high school opens, woman wins $1 million from scratch-off, Crazy Legs buffaloed in hot dog eating contest
The State Legislature is back today for its special "holy moly, the state is going broke" session. There isn't a whole lot of consensus about how to make cuts, though. [TU]
The Route 9P bridge that goes over Saratoga Lake has been narrowed to one lane after inspectors found that two of the bridge's floor beams had been falling apart. Repairs are expected to take two weeks. [TU]
Judging from the comments made at a public hearing last night, it sounds like Clifton Park residents aren't so keen about sharing their dog park with people not from Clifton Park. [Daily Gazette]
The City of Troy would like turn the site of the Rensselaer Iron Works, which burned down earlier this year, into a park. It would use pieces of the old iron works in the landscape and call the place Artifact Park. The city needs about $300,000 from the state to make it happen. [TU]
The Green Tech Charter School opened this week in Albany. Green Tech is an all-boys, college prep school. It's only the nation's third all-boys charter school. [TU]
Soares says DWIs should lead to Alive at Five re-evaluation, charity shipments ripped off, CDTA has big plans for Schenectady, more people deciding pet care too expensive, Knicks going to Skidmore, how Marylou exercises
David Soares says Albany should "re-evaluate" the Alive at Five events after a bunch of people were arrested for DWI following last week's event. Thirty-two people were arrested during a four hour sweep following the Thursday night concert. A state police deputy says that's the highest number of arrests he can remember in such a short period of time. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The CEO of Ellis Hospital says his org wasn't prepared for St. Clare's to be shut down two months ago. The lack of readiness has led to long waits in Ellis' emergency department. [Daily Gazette]
Three men have been charged with ripping off charity shipments from the Target in Wilton that were intended for volunteer fire companies and charitable organizations. [Daily Gazette]
CDTA says it has a plan to revamp service in Schenectady pretty much all ready to go, but it needs about $3 million from the state to make it happen. The transit org figures the expanded service will increase ridership about 40 percent. [TU]
Rensselaer flood damage adds up, Dare gets five years in prison, unemployment rate up, horse escapes from The Track, big year for mushrooms, Larkfest grows
The mayor of Rensselaer says the city suffered more than $20 million in damages during the flooding on Monday. He says the city doesn't have the money to cover the damages and it's looking for help from the state and federal governments. [TU]
One-time Albany community leader Aaron Dare was sentenced to more than five years in prison yesterday for his involvement in a string of fraudulent real estate deals. [TU]
The Capital Region's unemployment rate hit 5 percent in July, that's up from 4.1 percent over the same period last year. The area has had a net loss of 1,000 jobs over that period. [TU] [Biz Review]
The Governor's state police security detail will now be allowed to stop supervision of the Gov only after getting a signed order from him. The new rule was prompted by Eliot Spitzer's verbal dismissal of his security detail during his rendezvous with a prostitute in DC. [NYP]
Too much rain in Rensselaer, Bruno will be interfacing with officials, YouTube vigilante, tunnel found in Stockade, Curlin owner issues challenge to Big Brown
State DEC officials say it looks like the recent flooding in Rensselaer was just the result of too much rain in too short a period of time. Rensselaer city leaders had been questioning whether development in the Greenbushes had overwhelmed the area's drainage system. The National Weather Service in Albany estimates Rensselaer got up to 6 inches of rain on Monday. [TU]
Joe Bruno has registered as a lobbyist with New York State. By law, he's not allowed to lobby the legislature for two years, but he says he will be "interfacing" with officials in the executive branch for his job as CEO of a computer services company. [TU]
Time on the $100 million Blue Gene supercomputer at RPI will be available free to New York State businesses -- if they can figure out how to use it. [Biz Review] [Daily Gazette]
State agency commissioner's husband fired for fraud, RPI professor helping Olympic swimmers, more roundabouts planned, infamous bed and breakfast going to auction
The husband of a state agency head has been fired from his state job after investigators reported that he took almost $20,000 in pay for work he didn't actually do. Larry Ritter had been an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action officer at the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. His, wife, Diana Jones Ritter, is the commissioner for the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Investigators say they didn't find any wrongdoing on her part. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Saratoga Springs School Board has officially fired the English teacher who had been found by state ed officials to be having a platonic, but inappropriate, relationship with a student outside of school. [Daily Gazette]
An RPI engineering professor has been working with the US Olympic swimming team to refine swimmers' techniques. Timothy Wei's research has been credited with helping a US swimmer set a world record in the backstroke earlier this year. [TU]
Malta and Colonie are among the towns planning new traffic roundabouts. [CBS6]
The Schenectady bed and breakfast infamous for its swingers parties is going up for auction and everything -- yes, even the, um, equipment in the basement -- is up for sale. [TU]
Paterson proposes $1 billion in cuts, more flooding, track season all wet, principal arrested, permits for off-leash dogs, Giants coming back
David Paterson has proposed a plan to cut $1 billion in spending from the state budget. Half of that would come from Medicaid funding, $250 million from aid to local governments, and $100 million from legislative pork projects. As you might expect, legislators and lobbyists are already protesting. Local governments are also worried -- for example, Schenectady figures Paterson's plan could cut $700,000 in funding for the city. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
North Greenbush and Rensselaer were the latest parts of the Capital Region to get swamped by rain. The Amtrak line between Hudson and Rensselaer had to be closed for a while because the tracks were underwater. The 74-year-old mayor of Rensselaer said yesterday's flooding was the worst he'd ever seen in the city. A Rensselaer County legislator says the drainage systems there just haven't been able to keep up with the pace of development. [TU] [Troy Record]
Both attendance and the amount bet at the Track are down from last year at the season's midpoint. Attendance is down more than 16 percent and the "handle" is down 8 percent. [Saratogian]
Sewer system overloaded, trans-fat ban detailed, two kids use knife to rob Crossgates kiosk, light rail for Capital Region?
The flooding in Albany last week was just a matter of the city's sewer system running out of capacity. Parts of the system date back to the Civil War. Also: the flooding on South Pearl was a secondary effect of the Hackett Blvd back-up. [TU]
Albany County officials have announced that all restaurant food in the county will have to be trans-fat free starting January 1. And by June 2009 all desserts and baked goods will have to be, as well. The ban has some critics calling it an expansion of the "nanny" state. The trans-fat ban was approved in 2007, but the rules were only announced last Friday. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The state Senate has passed a four percent cap on yearly property taxes increases. David Paterson supports the cap, but Democrats in the Assembly aren't fans. [TU]
A foundation says New York State has the nation's second-highest tax burden. [Biz Review]
Harry Tutunjian has called a special meeting of the Troy City Council to discuss a plan to lease the Verizon Building for use as city hall. (The current city hall is slated to be knocked down.) One city councilman says the mayor's moving way too fast. [TU] [Troy Record]
Albany under water in two different ways, who knows how much mercury, AMC gets money for merging computers and humans, it's like Trenton
Jerry Jennings says the City of Albany may have to lay off people now that it won't be getting that $5.5 million state aid payment (and $11 million in years after). Richard Conti, the Common Council president pro temp, says big tax increase may also be necessary. The city's projected budget deficit for 2009 is more than $14 million. [TU]
Albany's projected budget shortfall won't make infrastructure improvements easy -- no matter how badly they might be needed. See yesterday's flooding, which turned the lower end of Hackett Blvd into a lake. "Too much rain -- in too short a time. It's an older system. This is what happens," said a water department employee to the TU. There were also reports of raw sewage backing up into yards. [AOA] [TU] [CapNew9]
A state Supreme Court judge has ruled that Saratoga Springs -- and former public works commissioner Tom McTygue -- violated the constitutional rights of two developers by blocking access to their land with a dump truck. Both compensatory and punitive damages could be awarded. The original building permit had been issued in 1997. The developers sold the land earlier this year and the new owners have started construction. [TU] [Saratogian]
Officials from the Lafarge Cement plant in Ravena said at a public forum last night that they don't know exactly how much mercury their plant is currently releasing into the environment. A 2004 review reported that the plant was New York State's single largest emitter of mercury. [TU]
New York State has the nation's highest closing costs for home sales. [Daily Gazette]
Paterson says no to money for Albany, state archivist pleads guilting to ripping off artifacts, jobs and schools draw Asian-Americans to area, how not to fraudulently report your car stolen
David Paterson has vetoed the legislation that would have paid the City of Albany $5.5 million this year and $11 million for the next 29 years. The money was supposed to help compensate the city for state-owned property that can't be taxed, such as the Harriman Office Campus. Albany is facing a budget deficit of more than $14 million next year -- and the city comptroller says it may have to lay off people. [TU]
A fire burned through 22,000 square feet of warehouse space at the Rotterdam Corporate Park yesterday. It took more than 100 firefighters to put out the flames. A fire department official says the warehouse's fire walls and doors -- left over from the building's original use as an Army depot -- helped save the rest of the facility. [Daily Gazette]
The Saratoga Springs school superintendent says the school board will fire that teacher who had been emailing, texting and IM'ing one of his students about poetry and other topics that, in the words of the teacher, his wife found "very disturbing." [TU]
Daniel Lorello, the state archivist who had been accused of stealing state artifacts and selling them, pleaded guilty yesterday to second-degree larceny. He could get two to six years in prison. He's also been ordered to pay more than $100,000 in restitution. [TU]
SCCC will start construction on a $20 million dorm next month. The five story building will go up on Railroad Ave next to the Armory. [Daily Gazette]
Asian-Americans have been the fastest growing ethnic population in the Capital Region since 2000, according to census data. Community members say tech jobs and educational opportunities are behind the growing numbers. [TU]
Tip: if you and a friend decide late one night to smash the windows out of your car, push it into the Hudson and then report it stolen -- it helps to not be drunk and bleeding when the cops show up to take your statement. [Daily Gazette]
Soares dumps Spitzer-Bruno documents, state official recommends firing Saratoga teacher, buried in the backyard, a two million dollar horse
David Soares' office released more than 8,000 pages of documents from the investigation into the Spitzer administration's "Let's get Joe Bruno by tracking his travel on state aircraft" plot. The short story: the Spitzer admin tried to hatch the plan while keeping the former Gov publicly out of it (though he was involved behind the scenes). Also: Spitzer didn't like Bruno, which probably comes as a surprise to, well, no one. [TU]
A hearing officer for the state Department of Education has recommended that a tenured Saratoga Springs teacher be fired for having what was apparently a platonic, though weird, relationship with one of his students. The 36-year-old teacher and 14-year-old emailed, texted, and IM'ed each other about poetry and met up at places such as Uncommon Grounds. No criminal charges have been filed. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
The Albany Airport Authority moved a historic house, intact, more than 200 feet yesterday in order to clear it from a safety zone. [TU]
A woman who recently moved to Schenectady's Hamilton Hill neighborhood was flipping over old patio stones in her backyard and one turned out to be... a grave stone from 1849. A local historian says most of the neighborhood was once a cemetery. Said the historian to the Gazette: "It's a great little piece of Schenectady history. I think a lot of people didn't realize they're living in a former graveyard." No, that probably wasn't in the MLS listing. [Daily Gazette]
A horse went for $2 million last night at the Fasig Tipton Selected Yearling Sale. That was the highest price paid at this year's sale. The horse has bloodlines that run back to Secretariat. [TU]
Tom Roohan -- of realty fame -- would rather you steal his horse and admire it rather than kick it. [TU] [Saratogian] [Fox23]
Fall election picture coming into focus, Schenectady hopes to turn gas into savings, Saratoga cops take on hulk, Walgreen's not getting a warm welcome, million dollar horses
It looks like Albany County DA might face opposition in the November election, after all. County Republicans are working to have attorney Roger Cusick -- who ran against Soares in 2004 -- run on the Integrity Party line. The what? Republicans waited too long to put someone on their own line, so they had to create a new one, thus Integrity. [TU]
The field of Republican candidates for the 20th Congressional District (Kirsten Gillibrand's seat) has thinned. The petitions for Mike Rocque and John Wallace were tossed, leaving Sandy Treadwell as the sole Republican. [Daily Gazette]
Schenectady is looking to generate power from methane at its sewage treatment plant. It figures the generator could cover 30 percent of the plant's power needs and save the city $282,000 on its yearly electricity bill. The city's also looking to build a $20 million dollar Department of Services (plowing, etc.) building -- the old one is literally falling down. [Daily Gazette]
ALB says a decline in flights and passengers has put the airport more than a million dollars in the hole so far this year. [TU]
Three men from downstate have been charged with ripping off 45 catalytic converters from an auto dealership in Colonie. The converters contain expensive metals such as platinum. [TU]
It took eight Saratoga cops and a tasering to subdue a guy on Caroline Street early Sunday morning. An officer's hand was broken during the scuffle. [TU]
Walgreen's is looking to expand in the Capital Region, but it's facing some opposition. Its plan for a new store at Brandywine and State in Schenectady has been criticized as too "suburban" by city officials. And after hearing about the pharmacy giant's plan to open a new store in Lansigburgh, one resident there said "Tell Walgreens to shove it." [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
Boscov's has filed for Chapter 11 -- it doesn't look like either of the two local stores will be closing. [TU]
Two horses went for more than a million dollars last night at the Fasig Tiption Selected Yearling Sale. [Saratogian]
Albany's sixth homicide of the year, July historically rainy, Tiffany's of horse sales starts tonight, Funny Cide stable looking for investors
Police say they don't have a suspect or motive for Albany's sixth homicide of the year. Nathan Walcott was shot and killed Sunday morning in West Hill. [TU]
Saratoga supervisor Joanne Yepsen has come up 32 signatures short of the 1,000 she needs to get on the ballot to replace Joe Bruno. Yepsen says she thinks the signatures will ultimately be approved and blames fellow Democrat Mike Russo for challenging the signatures, which she called "a less than admirable tactic." [TU]
Joe Jennings, the brother of Albany major Jerry Jennings, died Sunday from cancer. He was 61. [TU]
July was the 10th rainiest ever recorded in the Capital Region. The month's 6.94 inches was almost double the average for July. [Daily Gazette]
The Fasig Tipton "select yearling sale" starts tonight in Saratoga -- it's described as the Tiffany's of horse sales. [Saratogian]
Sackatoga Stable, the owner of Funny Cide, is looking for investors so it can buy another group of horses. [Biz Review]
If you've ever wanted to see Marylou Whitney ride in a rickshaw with Susan Lucci -- and we know you do -- here's your chance. [Daily Gazette]
Who's buried where?, biz owners circle wagons over roundabout, food pantry demand up, first local Persian restaurant planned
A woman has sued the Albany Catholic Diocese because, she says, someone else was buried in the plot intended for her mother at St. Agnes Cemetery. Just last week, a different local cemetery was found negligent for burying six people in the wrong spot. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A group of 30 business owners in Schenectady has gotten together to fight the roundabout planned for Erie Boulevard. They're worried the roundabout will make it hard people to reach their businesses. This is the same roundabout plan that an adult bookstore owner claimed was intended to kill of his store. [Daily Gazette]
A Schenectady food bank reports that more people are visiting the pantry in need of food. It says the increase in demand seems to be related to rising prices and the slowing economy. [CBS6]
A developer is planning a roof-top Persian restaurant on the top of a 5-story building at 1 State St. in Schenectady. The developer says it will be the Capital Region's first Persian restaurant. [Daily Gazette]
The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall's main chandelier is getting an overhaul. In addition to cleaning and rewiring, workers are also installing a motorized winch to raise and lower the 800-pound lighting fixture -- it previously had to be lowered by hand every time it was cleaned. [Troy Record]
Marylou Whitney's annual ball is tonight at the Canfield Casino in Saratoga. This year's theme is "A Night in Old Hong Kong." And, you guessed it, Whitney will be arriving in a rickshaw. [Saratogian]
No consensus on how to fix budget gap, NY officially in a recession, Amedore to run again, Guilderland principal put on leave, plastic bag ban proposed, parking harder to find in Saratoga
While most public officials seemed to applaud David Paterson for emphasizing the state's fiscal problems, there isn't consensus about how to cover the budget gap. [TU]
Lunching state workers don't seem too worried about the threat of layoffs. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
And one more thing about the state fiscal situation: Paterson's budget director says the state is officially in a recession. [Biz Review]
The chairman of the SUNY Board of Trustees says the state's financial problems are an opportunity for the university system to "secure a rational tuition policy." And by "rational tuition policy," he means being able to raise tuition regularly. [TU]
George Amedore has officially announced he's running for re-election in the 105th state Assembly District (the city of Schenectady and surrounding areas). The Extreme Makeover home builder, a Republican, replaced Paul Tonko, a Democrat, last year in a special election after Tonko left to head up NYSERDA. [TU]
The woman who accused Albany police of conducting a cavity search on her during a traffic stop earlier this year has been charged with lying about the incident. The woman's friends and family say the APD's story doesn't match up. [TU]
What's going on at Guilderland High School? First the "culture climate inquiry" that led to two popular teachers being re-assigned. And now the school's principal has been put on administrative leave after he allegedly made racist and homophobic comments. [TU]
An Albany Common Councilman has proposed a ban on plastic shopping bags in the city. [TU]
Security cameras recently installed at a soup kitchen in Troy have made some of the regulars nervous. The org that runs the kitchen says the cameras became necessary after attendees were seen passing something other than the salt at meals. [Troy Record]
The number of parking spaces in downtown Saratoga is decreasing -- and it doesn't look like a trend that's going to stop anytime soon. [Daily Gazette]
Three guys were arrested in Cohoes for trying to sell stolen manhole covers and sewer grids for "a lousy $54" at a scrap yard. [Troy Record]
Earthly Delights Natural Foods on Jay Street in Schenectady is closing. The store has been open since 1974. The owners say they can't compete with larger food stores. [Daily Gazette]
Paterson says worst is yet to come, Stratton flouts residency rule for city employees, a "piddling" amount of money for butterflies, a long trip home
In his "live at five" speech yesterday, David Paterson reported that the state is now facing a $6.4 billion budget deficit -- that's up about $1.4 billion from previous estimates. The Gov also said things will get worse before they get better. So, what to do about it? Paterson didn't offer many specifics, but he did mention cutting spending at state agencies and reducing the state workforce. There are already reports that thousands of state jobs could be cut. Paterson also announced he's calling the legislature back into session on August 19 to focus on the problem. [TU] [NYT] [NYDN]
The EPA has announced that it will not pay for an alternative drinking water source for Stillwater and other communities worried about PCB levels during the upcoming Big Dredge -- or, at least, it won't as long as levels stay within established limits. Either way, the mayor of Stillwater says his town won't be drinking the water. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Schenectady City Council is annoyed that Brian Stratton is apparently ignoring the city's residency law for city employees. The mayor says he's just trying to hire the best people available. The council's in a tough spot here because the person in charge of carrying out city law is... the mayor. [Daily Gazette]
Albany County is looking to fire the contractor it hired to renovate the county courthouse. The project, which is two-and-a-half-years-old, is already two years behind schedule. [TU]
A fight over the Karner Blue butterfly is continuing to hold a hotel project near Crossgates Mall. The developer has agreed to pay as much as $382,000 over 50 years to help protect the butterflies, but a Save the Pine Bush advocate says that's a "piddling" amount of money. [TU]
What does it take to get a lost dog from Albany back from Montana? About $400, a good travel agent, and a lot of patience. [AP/Daily Gazette]
Paterson live at five, car falls off parking garage, attendance down at The Track, candidate says he'll donate salary, UAlbany off the party school list
David Paterson will be making a live, televised address late this afternoon (5:10 pm). The message: the state budget is in bad shape. "There will be no confusion about the gravity of the situation," the Governor said yesterday. By some estimates, the state will come up $5 billion short this year. [TU] [NYT]
A woman drove her car off the second level of a parking garage in Menands yesterday. Even though the car flipped over during its 20 foot fall, the woman was able to crawl away from the wreckage. [TU]
After tests turned up low levels of PCBs in its drinking water, Stillwater is looking around for other options. The town currently gets its water from the Hudson and it's concerned the dredging project will increase PCB levels. Kirsten Gillibrand says if an alternative can't be found, the dredging project should be delayed. [Daily Gazette]
Both attendance and the amount bet at The Track are down from the same period last year. Attendance is off about 25 percent and the handle (the total amount bet) is down more than 12 percent. NYRA officials blame rain and a lack of bobbleheads. [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
Ian McGaughey, a Wilton Democrat running to fill the state Assembly seat currently held by Roy McDonald (who's running to replace Joe Burno in the state Senate), says he'll donate his entire Assembly salary to charity if elected. That would be $79,500. [Saratogian]
UAlbany has dropped off the list of the Princeton Review's top party schools. Students may have been missing reasons to party. The school still ranked highly in a group of unflattering categories, including a second-place finish for "Least Beautiful Campus." [TU]
Will IBM follow through, pile up at the ER, eyes for Schenectady Big Brother, more people biking to work, enormous houses on Lake George
You know that big deal the state recently announced with IBM to invest in research capacity and new jobs? It appears that Big Blue doesn't always follow through on its word. [TU]
The merger between Ellis and St. Clare's hospitals has led to long waits at the Ellis emergency department. The hospital is planning to expand, but in the meantime it's encouraging people with minor injuries to go to emergency department at the former St. Clare's (now Ellis McClellan Campus), which is still open. [Daily Gazette]
The head of the Albany Convention Center Authority has quit. George Leveille says it was a good time to leave because there's a "lull" in the action. That lull would be uncertainty about whether there will be enough state funding to complete the project. [Biz Review] [TU]
Schenectady's crime surveillance cameras now have people watching the feeds from them, at least part of the time. [Daily Gazette]
An Albany County legislator wants to pass a law that would make adults responsible when they knowingly allow minors to consume alcohol on their property, even if they didn't serve it. [TU]
The rewards for information about the two recent cat abuse cases in Troy have grown again. [TU]
Cycling groups and bike shops report that more people are biking to work because of high gas prices. [Daily Gazette]
There's a gas price war going on just off the Northway at Exit 10 in Clifton Park. [TU]
Yep, those were two F-15s flying over the area this past weekend. They were on a training mission from Massachusetts. [CBS6]
A breeding program is helping to prop up the local population of Karner Blue butterflies. [Daily Gazette]
The rich are different from the rest of us. One more reason: they have bigger houses on Lake George. [TU]
Spitzer aides accused of breaking ethics laws, gun buyback in Troy, Colonie EMTs upset about being grounded, lower gas prices if you pay cash
A report from the State Commission on Public Integrity says four former Eliot Spitzer aides violated state ethics laws while taking part in the "Let's get Joe Bruno by using the State Police to track his travel on state aircraft" plot. The report left the former governor off the hook, a move that some are calling a "whitewash." [NYT] [TU]
Dean Skelos, the new State Senate leader, was at The Track yesterday and said he gives his "commitment" that he would continue Joe Bruno's upstate economic development projects, including the proposed AMD chip fab at Luther Forest. [Daily Gazette]
The Albany gun buyback program is being expanded to Troy. (Earlier on AOA: The Albany gun buyback: buyer's remorse?) [TU]
The Troy police chief is in the running to head up the police force in Marco Island, Florida. [TU]
Colonie EMTs are protesting the town's decision to discontinue the medics' participation with State Police rescue flights around the region. Paula Mahan, the town supervisor, says Colonie needs the resources focused on the town. [WNYT]
Gas stations around the region are starting to offer lower prices to people who pay with cash. The stations says credit card transaction fees are taking a big bite out of their revenue. [Daily Gazette]
The head of the Metroplex Development Authority in Schenectady says the Big House night club project is back on track. [Daily Gazette]
Flooding from all the recent rain damaged the wood floor at the HVCC sports complex, probably closing the facility for the rest of the summer. HVCC is hoping it can save the floor -- a replacement would cost about $200,000. [Troy Record]
Rain and lots of it, shots fired near Union College, Saratoga cops accused of "inhuman" treatment, Albany DA's office threatened with having allowance taken away
As much as three-and-a-half inches of rain have dropped on parts of the Capital Region over the last day and a half. Schenectady County has declared a state of emergency because of flooding. High water closed the Thruway between exit 25 and 26 (the 890 exits) for a few hours. [Daily Gazette]
An 18-year-old has been charged with attempted murder after police say he fired shots yesterday at the intersection of Union Avenue and Union Street in Schenectady -- just outside the gate to Union College. [Daily Gazette]
The Saratoga Springs police department has been accused of "cruel and inhuman" treatment after it allegedly left a guy handcuffed to a ring in the holding area for eight hours. The Saratoga police haven't able to use their holding cells since last October because of renovation work. [TU]
The Albany County comptroller has recommending taking the Albany County DA office's petty cash away until it can prove it can handle the money better. [TU]
Local heating oil prices could be up 25 percent this year. [Saratogian]
After replacing a water fountain they'd vowed never to repair again because it had been broken so many times, Schenectady parks officials have been amazed to see it's gone undamaged for a whole month. Thirsty children and basketball players rejoice. [Daily Gazette]
CEO Bruno, legislator uses "judo hold" on tenant, commissioner says Schenectady cops need their gas guzzlers
Today's the opening day at The Track. Bring an umbrella.
Papa Joe's got a brand new bag. As expected, Joe Bruno has taken a job with CMA Consulting, an IT company. He'll be the CEO of the company. CMA has done millions of dollars of business with New York State over the last few years -- and watchdogs are saying Bruno should get "ethical guidance" from the Commission on Public Integrity. But Bruno says his goal at CMA is to expand the business and doesn't plan to focus on drumming up new contracts from the state. [TU] [Daily Gazette] [NYT]
Brian Scavo, the Albany County legislator who's been charged with stalking a woman, will be appearing in court this week after an alleged scuffle with a tenant. Apparently one man's "judo hold" is another's "choking." [TU]
Wayne Bennett, the Schenectady Public Safety Commissioner, has put the brakes on a recommendation that the city replace some of its Crown Vic police cruisers with more fuel efficient cars (the current cruisers get 8 mpg). Bennett says the cars get terrible gas mileage because they're always idling in order to provide power to officers' laptops and radio. He also says alternative cars aren't big enough. [Daily Gazette]
Wall Street trouble could lead to state shortfall, Schenectady to buy back guns, UAlbany student held in Iran, express train to NYC could be arriving soon
David Paterson issued another warning that the state will be facing a significant financial shortfall this year because of the slowing economy. Problems in the financial sector, and thus Wall Street, are expected to take a big bite out of state revenues. [TU]
Schenectady will use state money to fund a gun buyback program that will also offer reward money for tips leading the seizure of illegal guns. The buyback program will give people $100 for every illegal gun turned in. [Daily Gazette]
NYRA is still in bankruptcy and it sounds like it won't be emerging any time soon. The org was just granted its sixth temporary racing extension by the state. [Daily Gazette]
A UAlbany public health student and his brother -- both doctors -- have been detained in Iran. The brothers had been working on HIV/AIDS prevention programs in their home country. [TU]
An express train from the Rensselaer station to New York City could begin service this fall. [TU]
The rewards for info leading to the arrest of the people involved in two brutal cat killings in Troy are growing -- they're now at $4,500 and $2,000. [Troy Record]
According to a state report, second home buyers and "suburban gentrification" are pushing up home prices in Saratoga, Washington, Warren and Greene counties. The report also says the biggest real estate issue facing Troy, Schenectady and Albany are the cities' abandoned buildings. [TU]
An energy expert has told the City of Schenectady that it should dump its Crown Victoria police cruisers for more fuel-efficient cars. The Crown Vics currently in use get just 8 miles per gallon. [Daily Gazette]
AMD chip fab "full steam ahead," violent crime in Schenectady down, Bruno takes victory lap, horse slaughter protest planned
The AMD chip fab project proposed for Luther Forest appears to still be on track despite a change in leadership at the company and a huge quarterly loss. Chuck Schumer says the both the old and new CEO told him the Luther Forest project is "full steam ahead." Of course, AMD has still not definitively committed to the project, yet. [TU]
Violent crime is down in Schenectady over the last two years. Officials are attributing the decline to a state program that's put up money for more patrols and intelligence gathering. The city's about to get $900k more from the program. [Daily Gazette]
Two people were sent to the hospital by a lightning strike Friday evening at the Saratoga County Fair. It looks like the lightning hit a pine tree under which they were standing. [Daily Gazette]
Joe Bruno led a bus tour/victory lap around the Capital Region Friday afternoon for the media. Among the stops: Joe Bruno Stadium and the Joe Bruno bust at ALB. The very last scrap of Bruno bacon may have come in the form of an ice cream the now-former state Senator bought for a little kid at the Rennselaer train station. [TU]
A group opposed to horse slaughter for human consumption is planning to protest at the opening of The Track on Wednesday. [Saratogian]
Two Starbucks in the Capital Region will be closing: 1818 Central Ave. in Colonie (near Kohl's) and 2441 Watt St. in Schenectady. [Business Review]
The Capital District Federation of Ideas is giving up Point 5, its headquarters on Madison Ave in Albany. CDFI has been having trouble covering the rent. It's hoping to use the money it had been putting toward rent into other projects. [TU]
Troy City Hall to be knocked down, Bruno says Spitzer was "nuts," something may be rotten at Colonie's dump, local unemployment rate up
A $6 million slab of Bruno bacon, probably the last of his pork, will be put towards a project that includes the demolition of Troy City Hall. A riverfront park and underground parking garage are slated for its place. There doesn't appear to be a solid plan for where the new city hall will go, but Harry Tutunjian and the city council -- who have been fighting over this for months -- are vowing to work together on the relocation. [TU] [Troy Record]
Joe Bruno will officially resign from his state Senate seat at midnight tonight. In an exit interview of sorts with the Troy Record, Bruno says he'll miss the power that comes with being one of the The Three Men in the Room. He also says that he "knew there was something wrong with" Eliot Spitzer after their first meeting, describing the former gov as "certifiably nuts." [Troy Record]
The Town of Colonie, the state DEC and the AG's office are investigating whether a trash hauler defrauded the town landfill of $15 million in revenue. The company has been accused of working with landfill employees to systematically underreport the amount of garbage it's been dumping. In May, a former employee reportedly complained that they had been fired for not going along with the alleged scheme. [Daily Gazette] [Troy Record]
The candidates for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat) got together last night to talk about their positions on a range of topics. "Change" was apparently a popular topic. [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
The head of AMD, the company talking about building a massive chip fab plant at Luther Forest, stepped down yesterday. Hector Ruiz had been under pressure after the company reported losing more than $1 billion last quarter. The new CEO is reportedly a star engineer who's respected on Wall Street. AMD has still not officially committed to the Luther Forest project. [TU] [NYT]
The Capital Region unemployment rate hit 4.9 percent last month, that's a full point higher than the same period last year. [TU]
Don't you just hate it when your star artist neighbor won't quit bugging you about that 90 acre parcel of land in Rensselaerville until you sell it to him? [TU]
Campaign cash totals, cat abuse investigation, Thruway traffic down, Saratoga convention center expansion
The campaign fundraising filings are in for the last quarter. In the 21st Congressional District race (to replace Mike McNulty), Democrat Tracey Brooks was way out in front with more than $200,000 raised -- that's about $75k more than fellow Dem Paul Tonko's second-place total (though Tonko only recently officially jumped in the pool). In the race for the 20th (Kirsten Gillibrand's seat), Republican Sandy Treadwell raised $1 million -- about $900k of which he donated to his own campaign -- far outpacing the other Republicans running for the nomination. Gillibrand already has $2.8 million in the bank. [TU] [TU]
Troy police are looking into whether two grisly cat killings over the last month are connected. In the most recent incident, it appears that someone shot the cat with a nail gun. [CBS6] [Troy Record]
The Thruway Authority reports that traffic levels have taken historic drops over the first half of this year. The resulting drop in revenue could affect maintenance projects. [TU]
A $6 million slice of Bruno bacon will be put towards expanding the Saratoga Springs City Center. The expansion plan includes moving the front wall of the convention center closer to Broadway and then using the new space for conference rooms that will overlook the street. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
The Albany County legislature is considering a voluntary four-day work week for non-essential county employees. [TU]
The guy who ran across the stage in a penis costume at the Saratoga Springs High School graduation has been sentenced to offering three apologies: to the students, to the principal, and to the public in the Saratogian. The paper's editor says she's willing to print the letter. [TU] [Saratogian]
Bruno's leaving this week, concrete drivers back behind the wheel, poster board broken out in Saratoga public safety building fight, Peerless Pool opening soon
Joe Bruno has announced he will officially leave his state Senate seat this Friday. Bruno says he's not "the kind of guy to retire and just play with horses and golf and whatever else is there" -- he will reportedly take a job with CMA Consulting Services, a firm whose clients include many New York State agencies. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
One more detail about that $1.5 billion IBM chip fab research deal: RPI and its $100 million supercomputer will be involved with research into how to encase the chips and connect them to computers. [Daily Gazette]
A group of concrete truck drivers have ended their strike after their union agreed to a new four year deal. The drivers had been out for a week, which put a snag in a handful of construction projects. [TU]
The owner of steel manufacturing company in Schenectady says a proposed roundabout for Erie Blvd might bump him from the city because his adult video bookstore owning landlord -- who says the roundabout is a plot to get him -- would be forced to take over his space. [Daily Gazette]
Ron Kim, the Saratoga Springs Public Safety Commissioner, has unveiled what he calls a "failure-o-meter" to keep track of how long it takes the city council to issue bonds for the new public safety building. The city's finance commissioner, who ultimately must issue the bonds, says Kim hasn't provided him with all the necessarily details about costs. [Saratogian]
CDTA will stop exchanging tokens at the end of this month. The authority stopped accepting the tokens for fares in January. [TU]
The Peerless Pool at Spa State Park is expected to open Friday, three weeks after its originally scheduled opening. [Daily Gazette]
Big investments for research facilities, Guilderland teachers' transfers upheld, gun buyback in Troy, Tedisco getting married
An IBM plan to invest $1.6 billion toward chip fab facilities in New York State will reportedly include at least 325 new jobs at the UAlbany nanotech center. [TU]
UAlbany and Albany Med are teaming up to build a new research center in E. Greenbush focused on cancer, cardiology and neurological disorders. The two institutions hope the new center will enable them to attract more money from the National Institutes of Health. The center will be funded by a $42 million slab of pork secured by Joe Bruno. The headed-for-the-door state Senator says another $25 million in state money will go toward building a new neonatal intensive care unit at AMC. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Guilderland School Board voted yesterday to uphold the transfer of two popular teachers from the high school to a middle school. The board also released a copy of the "culture climate report" that led to the transfer, though one board member described the released report as "useless" because it had been stripped of many details. One of the two transferred teachers says she's still not sure exactly what she's been accused of doing wrong. The board president says the district will be conducting more such inquiries. [TU]
A $25,000 slice of Bruno bacon will help fund a gun buyback program in Troy. (Earlier on AOA: The Albany gun buyback program: buyer's remorse?) [Troy Record]
Prompted by cases such as that of Jermayne Timmons -- the 15-year-old accused of firing the shot that killed Kathina Thomas -- advocates are arguing that New York State should require that any suspect under the age of 16 have an attorney present during questioning by police. Timmons reportedly confessed to the shooting without representation. [TU]
The Knicks are looking at the possibility of moving their training camp to Skidmore. [Daily Gazette]
The new Hampton Inn on High Rock in Saratoga opened yesterday. Apparently "new hotel smell" is that of "freshly cut lumber." [Saratogian]
Jimmy Tedisco is marrying his long-time lady friend, Mary Song. [Daily Gazette]
Guilderland "culture climate inquiry" to go public, Congressional candidate stops to help, Paterson rakes it in, mega-mansions in Saratoga, urination leads to struck pedestrian
The Guilderland School Board will release the "culture climate inquiry" today that led to the re-assignment of two popular high school teachers to a middle school. The situation has prompted protests by parents and students -- and even led to the school board walking out of an earlier meeting when the topic came up. [TU]
A Schenectady murder suspect led police on a chase from the city into Clifton Park this past weekend. They finally nabbed the suspect after he stopped to eat at a fish fry. [Daily Gazette] [Fox23]
Congressional candidate Michael Rocque was one of a group of people who stopped Saturday night on the Northway to help two people get free from a flipped-over car. Rocque is a Republican in the running for the seat currently held by Kirsten Gillibrand. (Earlier on AOA: A resumé that reads like a character from an action movie.) [CapNews9]
A state legislator is floating the idea of a four-day school week to help school districts save money on heating and transportation costs. Local school officials don't appear to be warm to the idea. [Daily Gazette]
David Paterson has already raised more than $3 million for a potential re-election campaign. Observers say the the haul is a good indicator that Paterson does intend to run in 2010. [AP/TU]
The City of Saratoga Springs is trying to figure out how to tax two "mega-mansions." For at least one of the properties, there's a bit of a gap between the city's assessment and the owner's number -- the city says $25 million, the owner says $6 million. [Saratogian]
See if you can keep this straight: police say a Rotterdam man hit a pedestrian with his car while fleeing from a group of men that had attacked him because he yelled at them for urinating on his grandmother's house. The alleged urinator is still on the lam. [Daily Gazette]
The US Water Ski Show Team (the team that practices by Jumpin' Jacks in Scotia) has had to cut back on the number of boats it uses because of high gasoline prices. The team says it uses about $500 of gas during each show. [Daily Gazette]
The Houston Astros' number one draft pick from this year's draft will make his debut for the ValleyCats tonight. [WTEN]
McDonald officially in, Lyme disease settling in here, financial trouble ahead for SPAC?, here she is -- Mrs. New York America
Republican Roy McDonald, currently an state assemblyman from Wilton, has officially jumped into the pool for Joe Bruno's state Senate seat -- with Bruno's support. And it looks like Tony Jordan, an attorney from Washington County, will be the Republican candidate for the seat McDonald's vacating. That race already has a Democrat -- Wilton councilman Ian McGaughey. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A federal court rejected an appeal by Yassin Aref and Mohammed Hossain, the two members of an Albany mosque caught in the federal sting involving a fake plot to buy a shoulder-fired missile. [TU]
A state review of the Albany Police Department has concluded that there is "no evidence of systemic abuse of citizens' rights" by department. The review had come at the request of six Common Council members. [TU]
Lyme disease appears to be establishing itself in the Capital Region and north. [Daily Gazette]
SPAC officials are worried that financial troubles for Live Nation, the company that produces all the pop music concerts there, will end up hurting the venue. SPAC currently gets $1 million a year from Live Nation, but that contract is up next year and officials seem to think renewing the deal for the same amount will be tough. [Saratogian]
The Peerless Pool at Spa State Park still isn't ready to open. Wet weather has kept the pool's new surface from curing properly. Officials hope the pool will be able to open in a week or so. [Daily Gazette]
The new Troy Orchestra debuts tonight with a concert behind city hall. [Troy Record]
The new Mrs. New York America is Kerry Lyn Boettcher, a teacher from Schenectady. She'll go on to compete for Mrs. America in September. [Daily Gazette]
Field for Bruno's seat coming together, Pataki snubbed, local bankruptcies up, dude - where's her car?
Mike Russo, who works for Kirsten Gillibrand, has officially announced that he will seek the Democratic nomination in the race for Joe Bruno's state Senate seat. He joins Brian Premo and Saratoga Springs supervisor Joanne Yepsen. The Republicans still don't have any official candidates, but that should change tomorrow when Wilton assemblyman Roy McDonald is expected to officially announce. Ray Seney, a councilman from the town of Nassau, is also circulating petitions in a bid to run. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
George Pataki will not be a delegate at the Republican National Convention later this year, even though the former governor was on John McCain's list of preferred delegates. The dis is apparently payback from state Republican committee chair Joseph Mondello after Pataki pushed to replace him. [AP] [NYDN]
Bankruptcy filings in the Capital Region are up from the same period last year and local bankruptcy lawyers report they're swamped with cases. [TU]
Three weeks ago, Kerri-Ann Vincent drove a stabbing victim to the hospital in Troy. And she hasn't seen her car since. Troy police are holding the vehicle as evidence. Vincent says she can't get to work without her car. The TPD has basically told her to deal. [CBS6]
Two apparently popular Guilderland High School teachers have been relegated to the middle school after a "culture climate inquiry" inquiry. The two teachers, one of whom is out on maternity leave, are accused of contributing to a "locker room" and "boys' club" atmosphere within the school's social studies department. [TU]
The stock of Feldman Mall Properties, one of the co-owners of Colonie Center, has been delisted from the NYSE. The company lost $17 million last year. [Daily Gazette]
Keehn not running for Bruno's seat, whither all the Bruno pork?, new high school has leaky roof, live grenade found
Val Keehn is now saying that she will not run for the Democratic nomination in the race for Joe Bruno's state Senate seat. The former mayor of Saratoga Springs will instead support Joanne Yepsen, who's currently Saratoga Springs town supervisor. Keehn says she decided not to run after hearing that Mike Russo, who currently works for Kirsten Gillibrand, is considering a run. Russo has not officially declared yet. There's already one Democrat who has -- Brian Premo. [TU] [Saratogian]
Now that Bruno's no longer leader of the state Senate, will the Capital Region go back to getting pretzels (Joe Bruno's word) from the state. Dean Skelos, the new majority leader, says no. Others aren't so sure. What is certain: Joe Bruno brought home a lot of pork -- and his name is on a bunch of stuff. So many things bear his name that his staff has lost track. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Sixteen hours after a community anti-violence meeting in the neighborhood, two men were shot on the north end of Lark Street in Albany. [TU]
The new Rensselaer High School, just six months old, already has a leaking roof. And it smells weird. [Troy Record]
A construction worker found a live grenade while sifting top soil at a construction site in Milton Friday afternoon. The bomb squad destroyed it. Officials aren't sure where the grenade came from. [Daily Gazette]
The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (the big church at Madison and Eagle in Albany), will soon be closing for 18 months of renovations. [WNYT]
Get your hands in the air, Duanesburg. Snoop Dog is coming to town. [Daily Gazette]
Keehn says she's in the running, Jimino says she's not, Timmons case criticized, gun buyback expanding, when is a massage more than a massage?
Valerie Keehn, the former Democratic mayor of Saratoga Springs, has confirmed that she is collecting signatures in order to run for Joe Bruno's seat. Kathy Jimino, the Republican Rensselaer County executive, says she will not be getting into the race. [Saratogian] [Troy Record]
An advocacy group says the case of Jermayne Timmons, the 15-year-old who allegedly fired the shot that killed Kathina Thomas, was mishandled by police and prosecutors. It says Timmons waived his Miranda rights without a lawyer. [Daily Gazette]
The organizer of the Albany gun buyback says the program will be expanding to Schenectady. (Earlier on AOA: The Albany gun buyback: buyer's remorse?) [WTEN]
Believe it or not, people advertise "massages" and other similar services on Craigslist that are actually a bit more than that. And as local law enforcement found out, sometimes you to have experience it firsthand to confirm that. [TU] [Troy Record]
A Dubai firm has bought the Fasig-Tipton riding stable, auction house and other land in Saratoga for $5.7 million. [Business Review]
Legislative session ends with whimper after fireworks, Keehn to run for Bruno's seat?, American to stop flight to ALB, Peerless Pool opening delayed
All the drama aside, this state legislative ended this week with most of the big issues -- including the state's ballooning budget deficit -- unresolved. [NYT]
One bill that did make it through: a measure that would have the state pay the City of Albany $5.5 million dollars this year as a sort of tax payment on the Harriman office campus (the technical term is payment in lieu of taxes). The city could use the money -- it's facing an $8 million budget gap. David Paterson is expected to sign the bill. [TU]
One of the issues lost, or whacked, in the legislative shuffle: Colonie's special mid-year deficit reduction tax. Town officials say they can't figure out why it failed in the Senate. Sen. Neil Breslin, a Democrat, says it died because town Republicans asked party members in the Senate to block it. [TU]
Former Saratoga Springs mayor Valerie Keehn says she's "considering the possibilities" of a run for Joe Bruno's soon-to-be-former state Senate seat. The Saratoga County Democratic Chair says Keehn has already decided to run. [Saratogian] [WNYT]
American Eagle, the regional carrier for American Airlines, will stop service to ALB on November 1. American and its predecessors had been serving the airport since 1929. American Eagle carries only three percent of the passengers in and out of ALB. [Daily Gazette]
The Troy Housing Authority is moving to kick out six tenants who haven't performed the required eight hours of community service. [TU]
The Fort Orange Club plan to demolish two buildings along Washington Ave in downtown Albany continues to draw criticism from neighbors and preservationists. The plan is now in front of the city's Board of Zoning and Appeals. [TU]
The pipe organ at the Round Lake Auditorium could be named a national landmark by the feds. [Daily Gazette]
The Peerless Pool at Spa State Park will not be opening this weekend as planned. Rain has kept a sealant from setting up. Victoira Pool will open, though. [TU]
The Siena men's basketball team will be playing at Kansas this coming season. The Jayhawks are the defending national champion. [Daily Gazette]
Skelos takes over, Bruno endorses McDonald, AMD CEO stops by but still no word, Colonie tax put on hold, Ethan Allen settlement
State Senate Republicans "formally elected Dean Skelos to replace Joe Bruno as majority leader. Skelos, who's from Long Island, says his top three priorities are reducing property taxes. [TU]
Bruno has endorsed Wilton Assemblyman Roy McDonald as his successor in the 43rd Senate district. [Daily Gazette]
The CEO of AMD, the company with tentative plans to build a chip fab plant in Luther Forest, was at the Capitol yesterday to make the rounds. The company says its leader was not here to ask for more money. AMD still has definitively committed to the project. [TU]
At least for the moment, it looks Colonie will not be able to levy its special mid-year deficit reduction tax. The town needs the permission of the state to collect the money, but the measure died in the Senate yesterday (it had already been approved in the Assembly). The tax would have collected about $7 million toward the town's estimated $18 million deficit. [TU]
A confidential settlement has been reached with some of the defendants in the Ethan Allen case (the foliage tour boat the tipped over on Lake George). [Daily Gazette]
The plan to create a downtown Troy business improvement district is encountering friction from people worried about the tax needed to fund the BID. [Business Review]
The owners of the Saratoga Polo grounds are hoping to build an $80 million luxury time-share (er, um, "fractional ownership) resort there. Their waiting on the state AG's office to approve the ownership arrangements. [Daily Gazette]
A teenager recently stole a car in Waterford, but only made it as far as Troy in the ride -- because that's where he ran out of gas. Police nabbed him at a Stewart's. [TU]
Joe Bruno leaving state Senate, adult bookstore owner says roundabout is plot to get him, new food at The Track, Travers chases Big Brown
Joe Bruno has announced he's not running for re-election. His decision is being described as "unexpected and stunning." In a statement, Bruno said it was "time to move on." It looks like Assemblyman Roy McDonald, who represents an area around Wilton, is the leading Republican choice for Bruno's seat (Brian Premo, a Democrat, is already in the race). Capital Region leaders are already mourning the loss of all the pork Bruno sent in this direction. [TU] [NYDN] [Daily Politics] [Daily Politics] [AOA] [TU]
The Albany County Board of Elections is cutting the number of polling places from 72 to 49. An elections commissioner says the consolidation will reduce the cost of new federally-mandated voting machines. Critics say the reduction will make it harder for elderly and people without cars to vote. [TU]
The owner of the Dewitt Clinton (the building just across from the capitol at State and Eagle) is continuing its push to evict tenants so that it can redevelop the building into a hotel. One of the tenants is the State Room, a banquet hall, which has been getting calls from worried couples who have made wedding plans there. [TU]
The owner of an adult bookstore in Schenectady says the plan for roundabout on Erie Boulevard is just an attempt to get rid of his store. His building would have to be demolished in order to contstruct the traffic circle. [Daily Gazette]
Five Saratoga restaurants will be selling food at The Track this summer: Hattie's, Brindisi's, Grey Gelding, Panza's, and 1 Caroline Street/Mouzon House. [Saratogian]
NYRA is trying to convince the owners of Big Brown, the horse that won the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, to run in the Travers. [Daily Gazette]
Wellington work to start, cops can make a lot of cash, Troy looks for RPI to chip in, more hybrid buses, stack of pancake panned at SPAC
Work to demolish, renovate and rebuild at the site of the Wellington Hotel on State Street in Albany is scheduled to start today. The development company behind the $65 million project says it will be taking apart the historic facade "stone by stone," so that it can be preserved and used on the new building. The project is scheduled to be finished by 2011. [Daily Gazette] [Business Review]
Thanks to overtime, you can make a lot of money as cop in the Capital Region. Example: a Schenectady officer made $115,359 last year. [TU]
The City of Troy is looking to get RPI to pay $200 per student per school year to help fund public safety coverage of the campus and surrounding neighborhood. And it almost sounds like the city's making a veiled "pay up or else" threat related to EMPAC. [TU]
There's a plan in the works for a downtown business improvement district in Troy. [Troy Record]
Ninety percent of graduating seniors from Albany and Troy high schools are headed to some kind of college, junior college or university next year. [TU]
CDTA is buying 21 more hybrid buses, which get an extra 1 mpg (total fuel efficiency: 4.8 mpg). [TU]
The new facade proposed for SPAC could be changed after public complaints that it looked like a stack of pancakes. [TU]
One of the Sculpture in the Streets pieces was moved from the HSBC bank building on Pearl after people noticed that the sculpture was both anatomically correct and not shy about it. The offending statue is now in front of Capital Rep. [TU]
Big rigs roll at capitol, gun buyback to expand, stop that bat, Schenectady decides downtown is electrifying
More than 100 big rigs made a loop around the capitol as part of a protest against high taxes, tolls and diesel prices yesterday. And this being Albany, the event featured its fair share of political name calling and finger pointing. And Joe Bruno drove a big rig. [TU] [Saratogian]
The church running the Albany gun buyback says it's collected 17 guns. And now it looks like Albany County DA's office will start a similar program. [CapNews9] (Earlier on AOA: The Albany gun buyback: buyer's remorse?)
The state Department of Health is urging people to capture any bats that may have come in contact with people or pets. There's a nationwide shortage of human rabies vaccines and public health officials want to make sure it's only used for people who have come in contact with a rabid animal. [Daily Gazette]
The CEO of NYRA says the racing association will be profitable by 2010. It lost $34.4 million last year. And its franchise agreement with the state still isn't finalized. [Saratogian]
Troy has approved an installment plan for Rensselaer to pay off the rest of its $2.1 million water debt. [TU]
Schenectady leaders have decided to call the city's downtown entertainment and arts district around State and Jay ElectriCity. [Business Review]
There won't be a bobblehead giveaway this year at The Track. [Saratogian]
Colonie dirt deal wasn't, trucker protest rolling through town, job cuts at Fox23, Japanese steakhouses suddenly everywhere
The state comptroller says a public works project in Colonie that ended up dumping tons of dirt at a private club wasn't the deal it was originally made out to be. In fact, it appears to have cost the town $42,000 more than other ways of getting rid of the dirt. So, why dump it at the club? Would it suprise you to know that a handful of town officials are members of the club? [TU]
The truckers' protest will be rolling through downtown Albany this morning. The organizer says they're not intending to tie up traffic, but he says it will probably happen anyway. The truckers are protesting high diesel prices and increases in Thruway tolls. [CapNews9]
Another upscale apartment complex is in the works for Wilton. [Saratogian]
The parent company of Fox23 has cut a bunch of jobs, including 11 at the local station. [TU]
Japanese food -- that's not sushi -- isn't much of a trend across the country, but it's become big here. Or, at least, the owners of all those new Japanese steak houses hope it is. [TU]
Trey Anastasio -- of Phish fame -- graduated from Washington County drug court. And he invited the cop who arrested him to the ceremony. [WNYT]
Lots of illegal guns, corroded wires caused manhole cover explosions, water stays on for Rennselaer, damaged apples, a really big wind turbine
According to federal stats from last year, the number of seized illegal guns per resident in Albany and Schenectady was higher than that of New York City. There are two ways to look at this. Half-full: police here are getting better at finding illegal guns. Half-empty: there are a lot of illegal guns on the streets. [TU]
Prosecutors say Jermayne Timmons, the 15-year-old accused of firing the shot that killed Kathina Thomas, wrote an apology letter to Thomas' mother. From the letter Timmons allegedly wrote: "I am so sorry that the gun I shot is the gun that could have takeing your baby girl away from you." [Daily Gazette]
An aide at a state facility in Schenectady has been charged with a misdemeanor for allegedly punching a blind autistic woman after the woman spilled the aide's salad. [Daily Gazette]
The Troy city engineer says the manhole-cover-popping explosions earlier this year were caused by arcing underground cables that had been corroded by road salt and water. [TU]
The City of Rennselaer has paid Troy for its water use over the last two years, and Troy Mayor Harry Tutunjian is no longer threatening to cut off Rennselaer's water supply. Still at issue: years of unpaid water bills from before 2006. [TU] [Troy Record]
Saratoga Springs is renovating its jails cells and needs someplace to put prisoners while the work is being done. The current solution: handcuffing the arrested to hooks in the booking area. [Daily Gazette]
Thomas D'Ambra, the CEO of Albany Molecular Research Inc, was the Capital Region's highest paid CEO last year. [TU]
The hail storm this week damaged apple crops. One farm in Columbia County says it suffered $1 million in damage. [Fox23]
GE wants to build a 400-foot-tall wind turbine just of I-890 in Rotterdam. [Daily Gazette]
It looks like Saratoga Springs will not be getting its first roundabout just yet. [Saratogian]
Soares wants to hunt for guns, New Yorkers say state is on wrong track, St. Clare's officially gone, last Hall of Fame game.
Albany County DA David Soares wants the landlords of vacant buildings to give law enforcement the OK to search their properties for stashed guns. Soares' plan was prompted by the claim that the stray bullet that killed Kathina Thomas came from a "community gun." The alleged shooter, a 15-year-old, was indicted Friday. He could get 15 years to life. [TU] [TU]
A New York Times poll reports that 60 percent of respondents think New York State is on the wrong track. Even so, people seemed to have a generally favorably view of David Paterson (if they have an opinion on him... a third didn't). And Barack Obama is heavily favored against John McCain. [NYT]
National Grid says it's finished its investigation into what caused the explosions that sent manhole covers shooting into the air in Troy. But the final report won't be ready until July. [TU]
St. Clare's Hospital has been officially merged into Ellis Hospital. Its new name: Ellis Hospital McClellan Campus. [Daily Gazette]
Based on the quadrupling of calls to the state smokers' quit line, it seems that New York's now highest-in-the-nation cigarette taxes are prompting people to think about quitting. [AP]
It appears that more people are looking to carpool in the Capital Region. CDTA says it's working on a new web site that will make it easier to find people headed your way. [Saratogian]
Today is the last Hall of Fame game involving major leaguers in Cooperstown. MLB says the travel involved in getting two teams to the middle of upstate New York during the season is too much trouble. [TU]
Rowdiness and vandalism close schools, Colonie hopes to one-time its deficit, Niskayuna bans smoking in parks, whistle blown on scuffling football coach
Classes were South Colonie schools are also out today after vandals sprayed fire extinguishers all over the inside of the district's buses. [TU] [TU]
A 17-year-old was shot in the leg last night at the corner of Central and Lake in Albany. The police are looking for two men, who reportedly took off on bikes after firing the shot. [WNYT] [CBS6]
The Colonie Town Board has approved a one-time tax aimed at helping the town dig out of its $18 million deficit. Most homeowners there would end up paying less $250. Now the state Legislature has to approve the tax. [TU]
The Niskayuna Town Board voted to ban smoking at pretty much all of its outdoor facilities. The ban takes effect July 1. [TU]
The Schenectady High head football coach pleaded guilty yesterday to beating a man in an Italian restaurant. It appears that name calling started the scuffle between the two men, who are both in their 50s. [Daily Gazette]
The Daily Gazette is laying off six people, three of them in the newsroom. [Business Review]
Note: the web sites for the Troy Record and Saratogian were off-line this morning.
Teen says he used community gun, big drug bust, Sweeney under investigation, Albany addicted to garbage money, black bear sighting
In a statement to police, the teenager accused of firing the shot that killed Kathina Thomas said he did use a gun that "everyone in the neigbhorood uses" the night Thomas died. Police haven't found the weapon. Why Jermayne Timmons fired the shot isn't clear, though there are suspicions it might have had something to do with some kind of gang issue. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Law enforcement officials announced that they've busted another big drug operation that had been moving cocaine and pot from downstate. The total haul in seized drugs is worth an estimated $1.7 million. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Federal investigators are looking into whether John Sweeney was funneling campaign cash into his personal accounts by paying it to his then wife for her work as a "fundraising consultant." There's also some question about whether Gayle Sweeney's job at a lobbying firm was connected to the former Congressman steering money toward the firm's clients, a list that included Siena College and the Shaker Museum. [TU]
The City of Albany's dump has filled up faster than expected because the city was taking in as much garbage as it could in order to generate cash, according to a former commissioner. The dump in its current configuation will fill up by the end of next year. [TU]
A four-story building with 17 residential units is planned for the spot across from the Olde Bryan Inn in Saratoga. [Saratogian]
A black bear was sighted on the campus of Holy Names yesterday in Albany. [TU]
Teen charged in Kathina Thomas shooting, school tax cap going nowhere, Schenectady cops to get a coach, a good year for syrup
Police have arrested a 15-year-old for firing the shot that killed Kathina Thomas. Jermayne Timmons, an Albany High student, was charged Tuesday night. No one from his family accompanied him to the arraignment. As person said to the Gazette of Timmons, "He's only a kid himself." And what about the more than $20,000 in reward money? APD chief James Tuffey says it didn't play much of a role. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Oscar Mora, ane of the organizers of that big drug operation in Schenectady (the one with wich the former police chief Greg Kaczmarek's wife was allegedly involved), accepted a plea deal yesterday and was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Schenectady County Judge Karen Drago scolded Mora for "polluting" the community. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
It looks like a state cap on school property taxes isn't going to happen during this legislative session. [Daily Gazette]
Schenectady is going to spend $40,000 over the next year-and-a-half to hire a wellness coach in an attempt to help its cops lose weight. [TU]
The Town of Malta is trying to sort out whether it's OK to keep a pet horse in your backyard. [Daily Gazette]
This year apparently had a great maple syrup season. The weather was "just right" according to one producer. [Daily Gazette]
Hundreds mourn Kathina Thomas, skydive suicide pilot didn't have correct license, families could get boot for not doing community service, step right up to tour cramped police station
Hundreds of people showed up for the funeral of Kathina Thomas. The APD says it's making progress on finding who fired the stray bullet that killed her, though it hasn't released any additional new details. [TU]
The FAA says the pilot who flew the plane from which Sloan Carafello jumped didn't have the right kind of license to be taking skydivers up in the air, though an agency spokeman says that probably had nothing to do with Carafello being able to make it out of the aircraft without a parachute. Carafello's twin brother says the family doesn't blame the pilot. [TU]
Four aides at a state care facility in Niskayuna for people with development disabilities have been put on leave after accusations that one of their clients was assaulted in the parking lot of a McDonald's. Spilled food seems to have set off the alleged assault. [Daily Gazette]
The Troy Housing Authority says it has plans to evict families from it public housing if the residents don't complete eight hours of community service by next month, as required by federal law. Almost 100 families are on the list. [Troy Record]
The New York Civil Liberties Union has formally filed a notice of claim against the City of Troy over the code enforcement at the Sanctuary for Independent Media. The notice is the first step toward suing the city over claims it closed the arts space because it displayed Wafaa Bilal's "Virtual Jihadi" exhibit. The space has since re-opened. [Troy Record]
The parent company of WTEN/Channel 10 is on the verge of being delisted by Nasdaq. [Business Review]
If you'd like to see for yourself why Saratoga Springs needs a new police station, the cops will be happy to show you. [Saratogian]
A Colonie five-year-old's lemonade stand helped raise $10,000 for a neighbor's cancer treatment. [TU]
Man jumps out of plane without parachute, state says Albany landfill plan stinks, new mosque in Latham
A Schenectady man killed himself Saturday by jumping out of a skydiving plane -- without a parachute. The pilot says Sloan Carafello had said he just wanted to go up to take aerial pictures. Co-workers at Price Chopper described him as very quiet and said he sometimes asked people whether they'd prefer to die by jumping off a building or from a plane with no parachute. Carafello's body hit a house in Duanesburg, punching a hole in the roof. No one was home at the time. [Troy Record] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The funeral for Kathina Thomas, the West Hill girl killed by a stray bullet, is today. A handful of her relatives from Guyana won't be there becuase their visa requests were denied. [TU] [TU]
The state DEC has called the expansion plans for the City of Albany's landfill "deficient" and says the city must now work up a contingency plan in case the expansion doesn't get approved. The landfill is expected to be full by the end of next year. [TU]
After freedom of information requests from a handful of news orgs, Albany County DA David Soares says he will be releasing documents related to his initial investigation of Eliot Spitzer's involvement in the effort discredit Joe Bruno by leaking the state senator's travel records. That original investigation had concluded the former governor wasn't involved -- but a second look at the matter determined just the opposite. One issue with the planned relased: Soares says many documents may not come to light because of deals he cut with members of the administration in return for testimony. [NYT] [NYDN]
Redevelopment plans at the Harriman State Office Campus have slowed and some people -- including Jerry Jennings -- say the project is headed in the wrong direction. [TU]
Construction is scheduled to start next month on a new mosque in Latham. [TU]
"The Gut" in Saratoga Springs is getting a historic marker. [Saratogian]
State workers nabbed for snooping, trucker protest rolling, how much college basketball is too much?, burglar might consider going barefoot next time
Three state workers -- all of them from around here -- have been accused of accessing confidential child abuse files and then using that information for personal purposes. [TU]
It looks like that big rig protest planned for later this month at the Capitol will go ahead now after the truckers worked out a deal with the Albany PD to provide them with an escort. The organizer of the protest say the APD are "good people." [TU]
As you might expect, the HR discussions in drug operations tend to get a little extreme. [Daily Gazette]
The MAAC -- that's Siena's conference -- is moving its 2009 basketball tournament to the TU Center after the conference couldn't work out details with the previously scheduled site. That means both the MAAC and America East (UAlbany's conference) will be holding their basketball tournaments in Albany on the same weekend. [Daily Gazette]
The Fourth of July fireworks in Watervliet have been canceled. City officials say the display cost too much -- and most of the people who watched them weren't city residents. [Troy Record]
A Dunkin Donuts, Subway or Bruegger's could be landing at ALB. [Business Review]
After muddy footprints led to his conviction for an earlier burglary, it looks like a guy in New Scotland tried to avoid the same fate on a second job by leaving his shoes outside the house. One problem: he forgot to take the shoes with him and police used DNA evidence from the footwear to nab him. [TU]
Secret gambling clubs that may not be so secret, no challenge from Clyne, guy robbed for bag of clothes, Woodlawn Preserve not actually off-limits, extreme road rage
We're shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in this town! Gambling? No, no, no, it's just a Roman Empire history club. [TU] [TU]
Former Albany County DA Paul Clyne says he won't be challenging current DA David Soares this time around. The race between between the two got pretty nasty four years ago when Soares beat Clyne -- his former boss -- in the Democratic primary, and there had been speculation Clyne was looking to make a comeback. [TU]
Jimmy Tedisco is one of five state lawmakers who have sued David Paterson over his directive to state agencies that they recognize same sex-marriages from other states. The suit is being back by an organization from Arizona that works to oppose same sex-marriages around the country. [NYT]
A guy got robbed -- and shot in the chest -- this week near Lincoln Park in Albany for the bag of clothes he was carrying and $200. [Daily Gazette]
St. Clare's Hospital will stop taking on many types of cases next week as it prepares to merge with Ellis and Bellevue. [Daily Gazette]
Schenectady's Woodlawn Preserve nature area has been closed to the public for the last six years. Or, at least, that's what everyone thought. It turns out that those "No Trespassing" signs probably should have said something else. [Daily Gazette]
After being cut off in traffic, who hasn't yelled a pointed phrase or gestured emphatically at the offending driver. Nothing wrong with that. But pointing an assault rifle at your fellow commuters on I-90 is probably over the line. [CBS6]
Kathina Thomas reward increases, Schenectady cops have a lot of arresting to do, Paterson supports tax cap, Bruno gets a challenger, testy judge rebuked
The reward for information on the shooter in the Kathina Thomas case is now $17,000. The APD says it's made the case a top priority, but there's nothing to report so far. [TU]
Eeny, meeny, miny, moe, whom should the Schenectady police arrest today? It turns out they have a lot of options -- about 1000, in fact. That's how many unexecuted arrest warrants -- 200 of them for felonies -- have piled up with the SPD. Part of the problem: your email program has better sorting functions than the department's warrants database. [Daily Gazette]
David Paterson says he'll push for the four percent school property tax cap proposed this week by a state commission. [Daily Gazette]
Brian Premo has officially announced that he will challenge Joe Bruno for his state Senate seat. Premo, running as a Democrat, says the state has to stop being run by "three men in a room." The Bruno people had talking points at the ready, calling Premo "inexperienced" and a "flip-flopper." [Troy Record] [TU]
Joseph Sullivan has announced he's running for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat). Sullivan will be running as a Democrat -- he ran for Albany mayor as a Republican two years ago. (AOA's Local Congressional Race Scorecard) [Daily Gazette]
The new public safety building proposed for Saratoga Springs could cost as much as $11.7 million. [Saratogian]
You know how judges on TV shows are always scolding people and holding them in contempt of court? Apparently that doesn't go over so well in real life. [TU]
School tax cap recommended, cigarette taxes jump today, truckers want to roll through Albany, pothole for paychecks
A state commission has recommended capping school tax increases at four percent a year. It also suggested that the STAR exemption be linked to income so that high earners wouldn't necessarily get a break on their property taxes. NYSUT, the politically powerful teachers union, opposes the tax cap (that's what those NYSUT billboards with kids in graduation caps are referring to). New York property taxes are 79 percent above the national average. [TU]
New York's cigarette tax jumps $1.25 today to $2.75, the highest in the nation. [AP]
A group of truckers wants to ring the capitol with big rigs to protest rising Thruway tolls and high diesel prices. The City of Albany hasn't decided yet whether to issue the protest a permit -- though one organizer says the truckers will roll into town regardless. [TU]
A plan is coming together to reshape the intersections around Northway Exit 9 in Clifton Park. Among the goals: to put some "there" there. [Daily Gazette]
The Van Dyck will be going up for auction July 2. It's estimated to be worth about $1 million. A bank foreclosed on the building last year. [Daily Gazette]
KEM Cleaners has bought a new, somewhat more environmentally friendly cleaning machine -- and is changing its name to Greener Cleaners. It seems that "environmentally friendly dry cleaning" is a relative term, though. For example: there's nothing really organic about "organic" dry cleaning. [TU]
The pay check process at the Saratoga Springs Department of Public Works has hit a pothole. The DPW's office manager retired last week -- and with no replacement, there's now no one who can legally process the payroll. [Saratogian]
Reward for identity of West Hill shooter, teen saves baby, a challenger for Amedore, homecoming queen election intrigue
An Albany church is offering $1000 to anyone who can identifiy the person who shot and killed 10-year-old Kathina Thomas in West Hill Thursday night. Police think Thomas was hit by a stray bullet. [Daily Gazette]
An 18-year-old was shot twice in the head near Schenectady's Central Park Saturday. The teenager, who was visiting from Maryland, is Schenectady's third homicide this year and the seventh for the Capital Region. [Daily Gazette]
An Albany teenager saved a baby from being run over by a bus Friday afternoon. Tyler Purvis-Mitchell, who's 14, spotted the five-day-old baby after it had fallen out of its carriage while being loaded onto the bus. [TU]
Police say a guy robbed a bank at Stuyvesant Plaza the Town Center Plaza in Guilderland (the plaza at Johnston Rd across from the mall), was then chased through Colonie and Menands, and then nabbed in the parking lot of the VA hospital on Holland Ave. in Albany. [Daily Gazette]
Schenectady city councilman and Democrat Mark Blanchfield announced he'll challenge Republican George Amedore for the 105th Assembly District seat (that's Paul Tonko's old seat). Amedore was elected in a special election last year after Tonko left to head up NYSERDA. [Daily Gazette]
RPI will knock down 13 buildings in the neighborhood surrounding EMPAC. [TU]
Benita Johnson won her third consecutive Freihofer's Run for Women Saturday -- and then found out her dad had just died. [TU]
Was an openly gay student elected homecoming queen at Hudson High? Students say yes, the administration says no. [TU]
A fifth-grader in Saratoga has raised $650 to buy mosquito nets for people in Africa. She decided to raise the money -- she's aiming for $1000 -- after seeing a segment about malaria on an "Idol Gives Back" episode of "American Idol." [Saratogian]
10-year-old shot and killed, Skidmore students busted for drugs, Bruno is running again, money for hybrid buses
A 10-year-old girl was killed last night in Albany by what looks like a stray bullet. A ward leader from the neighbhorhood (the area around Bleecker Stadium) says she hears about shots being fired "every night." [TU]
Police busted a Saratoga Springs drug operation that they say included eight current or former Skidmore students. The college has a bit of a rep as stoner school -- it was 14th in the Princeton Review's "Reefer Madness" rankings and the Saratoga DA says his office had been receiving phone calls from parents concerned about drugs on campus. [Daily Gazette]
It sounds like state Republicans are preparing for a fight with David Paterson over his directive that state agencies recognize same-sex marriages from other states. [NYT]
All but official: Joe Bruno is running for re-election. When asked about it directly, though, Bruno responded with his usual charm. Brian Premo, a Democrat who's been saying he would run against Bruno, is apparently now ready to officially announce next week. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
If you had been waiting for the coveted Ron Paul endorsement before picking your guy in the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's current seat) Republican nomination, wait no longer. The Ron Paul Revolution has gotten behind Steven Vazquez. [TU]
Bethlehem police arrested a man yesterday on charges that he attempted to pay two teenage girls for the chance to smell their feet. [CBS6]
CDTA scored $2 million from the feds to put toward buying diesel-electric hybrid buses. [Business Review]
State agencies told to recognize same-sex marriages, college campus goes completely smoke-free, more development in Troy, trolley tours for Schenectady
David Paterson has directed state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages from other states. The directive is said to be an indication that the governor will at some point push for legalization of the marriages here in New York. [NYT]
Five years ago a safe with thousands in cash, rare gold coins and $2 million in bearer bonds was stolen from an office building near the Port of Albany. An arrest in the case was finally made last week just before the statute of limitations kicked in. Police picked up one person, though they believe three more are at large. A guy who reportedly helped open the safe says it -- and the millions in bonds -- ended up at the bottom of the Hudson. [TU]
Maria College is going to a totally smoke-free campus. It will be the first college or university in the region to do so. [Daily Gazette]
That huge building across the street (444 River St) from the outdoor farmers' market site in Troy is being developed into apartments, live/work spaces and retail spots. [TU]
SCCC wants to take over the castle-like Schenectady Armory after it's vacated by the New York National Guard. The school would use the space for athletic facilities. [Daily Gazette]
The Capital Region's carbon footprint per person ranks right in the middle among the nation's 100 biggest metros, according to the Brookings Institution. [TU]
The company that runs the Albany Aqua Ducks will start trolley tours of Schenectady this summer. [TU]
Gambling joint knocked over, texting while driving ban proposed, MoveOn in town, nanoeconomics
A couple of things about the local gambling scene have to come to light over the past month. The first: people have been playing poker at illegal clubs around Albany, including a "members only" club on N. Allen. The second: it looks like a group is knocking over these clubs, in robberies like something out of a movie. [TU]
The state Senate has passed a bill that would make it illegal to text while driving. The bill now heads to the Assembly. [Daily Politics]
MoveOn will be in Albany and Saratoga Springs today campaigning in a somewhat unusual way against John McCain. [Saratogian]
A road reconstruction project has downtown Chatham closed to traffic, maybe for months. [TU]
RPI is moving toward letting students use their school IDs to spend their "Rensselaer Advantage Dollars" at off-campus businesses. UAlbany, Siena and St. Rose already such arrangements. [Troy Record]
UAlbany recently awarded the world's first PhD in "nanoeconomics." [Daily Gazette]
Clifton Park is looking at opening a second the dog park -- and hiking fines for not leashing dogs in its other parks. [Daily Gazette]
Truckers protest, cotton candy guy situation gets stickier, Schenectady hires former cops for Big Brother duty, stickball in Troy
Truckers protested high diesel prices yesterday by... burning diesel on a big rig drive from Northway Exit 17 to Exit 16. [Saratogian]
Remember that guy in Colonie who had been accused of handing out cotton candy that, probably unknown to him, was tainted with ant poison? Well, the cotton candy situation led police to search his home and they say they found pot and an illegal knife. The cotton candy guy says he's being smeared for his criticism of town government. [TU]
Schenectady has hired a trio of retired cops to monitor surveillance camera feeds from around the city. [Daily Gazette]
Trey Anastastio, of Phish fame, apparently was a star student in Washington County drug court and will graduate next month. That means he'll avoid jail time. [TU]
Break out those pinkies and cut down that broomstick, stickball is back in Troy. [Troy Record]
Congressional race drama for Albany Dems, Troy mayor says Rensselaer's all wet, something's rotten in Clifton Park, the neighborhood where you gotta pick up your own pizza
The race for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat) has Albany County Democrats divided. The party committee endorsed Phil Steck last night, but only after about half of the members walked out of the meeting. The walk-outs, most of them from the City of Albany, didn't want to endorse anyone ahead of the primary. There are eight Democrats running for the nomination. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The mayor of Rensselaer is offering to settle the city's water deb with Troy by sending a check $1.59 million and $150,000 each year for the next seven years. Troy mayor Harry Tutunjian says Rensselaer owes a lot more than that and called the neighboring city "deadbeats." [TU]
It seems that a composting facility in Clifton Park really stinks -- in more ways than the obvious (though the obvious seems pretty bad). [TU]
Sections of Spa State Park will be allowed to grow wild in an effort to reduce costs and "improve sustainability." A member of a park advocacy group called the plan "ridiculous," though a park naturalist contends the wild areas will be pretty. [Saratogian] [TU]
The Mont Pleasant neighborhood in Schenectady is apparently the Bermuda Triangle of pizza deliveries. Many pizzerias have stopped delivering there after multiple robberies and weirdness. Just this week a delivery guy was robbed at taser-point (taser-prong?). [Fox23]
Thumbelina, the world's smallest horse, and her Thumbymobile visited the Children's Hospital at AMC yesterday. [Daily Gazette]
Paterson has surgery, school budgets pass, NanoCollege joins up with Army, talented dog adoption gets more expensive
The "migraine" that sent David Paterson to the hospital yesterday was actually a buildup of pressure in his left eye. The governor had laser surgery yesterday to relieve the pressure, which is a form of glaucoma. Doctors will repeat the procedure on his right eye -- the one in which he still has some vision -- as a preventive measure. [NYT]
School budgets passed in almost everywhere yesterday, including Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Bethlehem, Guilderland, Shen and E. Greenbush. The Albany library budget also passed with an increase that will allow for a new branch in Arbor Hill and expansion of the Pine Hills branch. [TU]
UAlbany's NanoCollege announced it will be working with the US Army to develop technologies like tiny sensors, "smart" bandages and (gulp) nanobots. [Daily Gazette]
New York State has recommended that Saratoga Springs pay female employees $2000 in compensation for, among other things, not having a women's bathroom at the city's police station. [Saratogian]
How does the Larfarge cement plant in Ravena, the state's largest mercury polluter, win an environmental award? Having a company VP sit on the environmental group's board probably doesn't hurt. [TU]
Saratoga County is studying the possibility of a horse park. [Daily Gazette]
The Albany Common Council raised many administrative fees, including the one paid for adopting a "talented" dog. The fee for taking in such a dog is increasing from $50 to $65. Adoptions of "other dogs" will be $15. [TU]
Paterson in hospital, Albany to expand dump, Tonko officially in, knockoff handbags busted, TU cuts staff
David Paterson was taken to the hospital this morning with a severe migraine and is reportedly now doing fine. It's also his birthday -- he's 54. [Capitol Confidential] [Newsday]
The Albany Common Council has approved a plan to borrow almost $7 million to expand the city's Rapp Rd. landfill. The facility as currently configured will be full by next year. The city makes $13 million a year -- 10 percent of its budget -- taking trash from other municipalities. [TU]
Paul Tonko says he's now officially in the race for the 21st Congressional District. He will formally announce today. Tonko becomes the 10th person to jump in the pool, which includes eight Democrats and two Republicans.[CapNews9]
Stop the count, we may a winner for Creep of the Year and it's only May. Police have accused a Latham man of drugging an eleven-year-old girl, taking explicit picutres of her and then sending the pictures to other people. And get this: this same guy has been fighting lymphoma -- and people in the community have been raising money to help pay for his treatment. [TU]
Wait, keep the contest open: in something like an outtake from the Jerry Springer show, two adult women -- a mother and an aunt -- in Mechanicville have been accused of egging on their teenage daughter/niece in a fight against another teenager. The whole scene was apparently caught on video and posted on the web. [Daily Gazette]
State police have nabbed a Troy couple for trying to sell $50,000-worth of counterfeit handbags and jewelry, including knockoffs of Louis Vitton, Kate Spade, Burberry and Prada. The bust also snagged a trio of "Pocketbook Party" planners. [Daily Gazette]
The TU is looking to cut 30 people from its staff. It will try a round off buyouts first, but enough people don't bite it might have to resort to layoffs. [TU] [Business Review]
Graduations, school budget increases, discounts on heroin, bickering in Troy, dress codes at The Track
UAlbany, RPI, Skidmore and Siena all held gradations this past weekend. [TU] [TU] [Saratogian] [Troy Record]
Stillwater police have accused a Watervliet man of holding a woman captive for three weeks. [WNYT]
On average, proposed school budgets in the Capital Region are up more than 6 percent from last year. Proposed property tax increases aren't quite as high, though, because some of the new spending is being offset by money from the state. The vote on school district budgets is tomorrow. [TU]
The Schenectady drug operation that allegedly involved the former police chief's wife continues to provide story fodder. The latest details: dealers worked on schedules and argued whether it was fair that one dealer got one of the ring's phones every weekend, sales locations changed frequently, and you had to buy five bags of heroin to get a discount. [Daily Gazette]
A developer says the seemingly constant fighting between Troy mayor Harry Tutunjian and the city council is hurting economic development in the city. The developer says government officials need to start acting like "gentlemen." (No, there aren't any women on the Troy City Council.) [Troy Record]
Apparently any reference to 9/11 is off-limits when making a custom New York license plate. References to Osama Bin Laden are also a no-no. [TU]
Dress codes at The Track might be easing. A little. The new rules will be announced in June. [Daily Gazette]
The shelf-stocking kingpin, "rapidly" improving schools, Saratoga surplus, old-school pumps can't count high enough
Wiretap transcripts are painting a more detailed picture of the guy police say was behind the drug operation that allegedly involved the former Schenectady police chief's wife and step-son. Kerry "Slim" Kirkem is described as a part-time supermarket stocker, concerned parent, and philosopher. Among his pearls of wisdom on why you should fear no one: "Because you do (expletive) on earth, then you die." [TU]
The state Department of Education released report cards for schools across the state. Many of the districts in area suburbs were on the "high performing district" list. The Brighter Choice charter school in Albany also made that list. Eight schools in Schenectady and Albany were described as "rapidly improving," which apparently means "better, but not there yet." Or as the superintendent of Albany schools put it to the TU, "We're not just improving, we're rapidly improving." [Daily Gazette] [TU]
In what's being described as a bit of a surprise, Saratoga Springs had an almost $4 million surplus last year. [Daily Gazette]
The woman who fell through a man hole on the Union College campus five years ago had her pain and suffering award cut down two-thirds by a state appellate court. Unless she appeals, the woman will now receive $450,000 on top of the $3.36 million previously awarded to her for future medical expenses. [Daily Gazette]
An old-school gas station in Troy has pumps that can't sell gas for more than $3.99 a gallon, which has become a bit of a problem lately as premium prices have shot above $4. [Troy Record]
The Gazette has a picture of Kirsten Gillibrand's new son. [Daily Gazette]
Local congressional candidates talk and point, suggestions for downtown Saratoga, big expectations for AMD plant, who needs trays?
The eight Democratic candidates running for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat) showed they could wait their turn Wednesday night. It seems they can also point fingers. [TU] [CBS6]
A group that represents businesses along Broadway has suggested a bunch of improvements for downtown Saratoga. Among them: more trees, more parking, public bathrooms, heated sidewalk, and pocket parks. [TU]
Expectations for the proposed AMD chip fab plant in Malta are becoming, let's say, exuberant. The latest claim: the project could spur the area's population to grow by 400,000 over the next 10-15 years. [Saratogian]
The Troy fire deparment has called off its overtime boycott of RPI's commencement after the school agreed to talk about the department's concerns. [TU]
Two brothers are opening a Vespa dealership in Schenectady. (Yes, someone did that in Saratoga awhile back. No, it didn't make it.) [Daily Gazette]
Among the local measures taken in the struggle against rising food costs: "Trayless Tuesday" at the RPI dining halls. That doesn't seem to have worked out very well.
Cracking jokes not a crime, food costs strain charity, ticked off firefighters, combative legislators, senate-raised pork
Legal experts say it's unlikely that former Schenectady police chief Greg Kaczmarek will face charges related to the busted drug operation in which his wife and stepson were allegedly involved. It seems that cracking jokes about your spouse's drug shipments isn't actually a crime. [TU]
A guy in Halfmoon was sentenced to 60 days in jail for neglecting to treat an inch-deep wound around his dog's neck. Apparently one of his children had put a rubber band on the dog, which led to the injury. (PS: Snowball -- a purebred Samoyed -- is now available for adoption.) [TU]
High food costs and slow business have prompted half of the restaurants originally slated to participage in today's Hunger Action Networks' Feast for Famine to back out. [Daily Gazette]
The firefighters union in Troy has asked its members to not work overtime for RPI's commencement ceremony. The union is ticked off that RPI president Shirley Jackson hasn't met with them to discuss concerns about fires that could pontentially involve lab chemicals or tight spaces. [TU]
Local legislators -- they're just like us! They bicker over money! They call each other names! (OK, on second thought, maybe they're not like us.) [Troy Record] [Troy Record]
Pork is being served up this week by the New York Senate. Among the items once described by Eliot Spitzer as "dripping with fat": $4 million for Skidmore's Zankel Music Center and $6 million for semiconductor training at HVCC . [TU]
SPAC is getting a new $2.5 million facade for its ampitheater. [Saratogian]
Meat recall, sick leave that never ends, affordable housing friction, capitalize that Capital
Price Chopper has recalled packages of its store-brand ground beef patties because hard plastic pieces may have fallen into the meat. [TU]
Details continue to surface about the drug ring that allegedly involved the former Schenectady police chief and his wife. It seems the ring had some operational issues. Police were were able to lift a shipment from one of the operation's mules -- without her even realizing it at the time. She thought she was just getting a field sobriety test, apparently. And that drug transporter's boyfriend? He got nabbed by the cops when he showed up to visit her in jail this past weekend. [Daily Gazette] [Daily Gazette]
A Schenectady cop has been calling in sick for the last two years, which apparently he is well within his rights to do. Now the city council is appealing to the state legislature to allow them to offer the officer a retirement deal. [Daily Gazette]
A plan to build affordable housing in Saratoga Springs is meeting opposition. [Saratogian]
The number of available seats on flights departing from ALB has fallen 10 percent from a year ago. That means crowded planes and higher fares. [TU]
A private Montessori grade school is opening this Fall in Schenectady. [Daily Gazette]
A "superhero of language" visited the Capital Region Monday and found residents a little cool to his grammatical assistance. (He also doesn't seem to know that "Capital Region" should be capitalized.) [TU]
Birthday cocaine, crime in the student ghetto, the gas tax and Plato, the new Tulip Queen
What do you get for that special ex-police chief in your life on his birthday? A shipment of cocaine, apparently. [Daily Gazette]
A map of crimes involving UAlbany students compiled by the TU paints a not-so-pretty picture of life off campus. [TU]
Using the obligatory "Look, I'm at a gas station because we're talking about gas prices" photo op, state assembly minority leader Jim Tedisco announced he's (or someone) collecting signatures for a petition supporting the "gas tax holiday." Sheldon Silver and David Paterson both oppose the temporary suspension of the tax. [Troy Record] [TU]
Speaking of Paterson, he gave the commencement speech for the College of Saint Rose this past weekend because "the lieutenant governor couldn't be be here." The governor also told the crowd that people pushing the gas tax holiday are following shadows instead of light. (Yep, that's a Plato reference.) [Daily Gazette]
The mysterious collapse of honey bee colonies is making things tough for apple growers around the area. It seems there were just enough bees to go around this year to pollinate the apple trees. [Daily Gazette]
Sarah Volk is the new Tulip Queen. [WNYT]
Former Schenectady police chief named in drug indictment, Buzz dumps Schenectady, Siena and UAlbany keep rivalry alive, Saratoga horses in the big city
The name of former Schenectady police Gregory Kaczmarek has come in a drug operation indictment. Kaczmarek himself wasn't indicted, but his wife was. And in the indictment, authorities allege that Kaczmarek's wife told an associate that the former chief would serve as a drug mule and "flash his badge" if necessary. Kaczmarek's stepson was also indicted as part of the operation. The former chief has been the subject of drug-related rumors for years, which prompted him in 1996 to announce at a press conference before he became chief that he didn't use drugs. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The New York Buzz, the World Team Tennis club that's brought stars like Serena Williams and Anna Kournikova in for matches, has broken up with Schenectady -- by letter -- after a 13 year relationship. It seems the Buzz now fancies Albany and its Washington Avenue Armory, which doesn't have weather issues. "I'm only the mayor, not God, I can't guarantee the weather," said Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton after getting dumped. [Daily Gazette]
Siena and UAlbany have renewed their agreement to play their annual basketball game for another three years. Under the new deal, UAlbany gets 500 more seats -- some of them pretty good -- at the TU Center. [TU]
Seven of the painted fiberglass horses that had been placed around Saratoga will be displayed outside New York City's Museum of Natural History this summer. [Daily Gazette]
Hillary Clinton narrowly edged Barack Obama in a local pre-school election. It seems Senator Clinton can thank a bloc of young lady voters for the win. "I wouldn't vote for the other two -- they're boys. I'm not a boy," said one three-year-old to the Troy Record. Barack Obama ran a close second on the strength of having a name that starts with "B," which polled very well with the electorate. [Troy Record]
New Scotland says no to big boxes, tough spring for allergy sufferers, spud gun cop quits, Jennings sleeps fast
The Town of New Scotland has passed a moratorium on construction of commercial projects larger than 30,000 square feet. A developer had planned to build a big box strip mall (rumored to include a Target) at the intersection of Rt 85 and 85A. [TU]
This is the worst spring in five years for people with pollen allergies. [TU]
The state Department of Transportation is now offering local traffic camera updates for mobile phones -- and urging people not to check them while actually driving. [Daily Gazette]
The Glenville cop who used a potato gun to shoot out a street light has has quit the force after pleading guilty to three spud-gun-related misdemeanors. [Daily Gazette]
Rensselaer County is looking to settle a dispute with Price Chopper over item pricing. The county says the supermarket has rung up $39,000 in fines for not following a law that stipulates that certain items should be invidvidually tagged with a price. [Troy Record]
The first block of renovated apartments in Albany's Park South neighborhood will soon be up for rent. The units, a block and a half from Washington Park, have been tagged as "affordable housing." [TU] [WNYT]
Just in case you had wondered, no, Jerry Jennings says he isn't planning a run for Congress. As he told the Rotarians, "I sleep faster than they [Congress] work there." [TU]
A man reportedly robbed a gas station in Schenectady last night and then took off... on a bike. The suspect is said to have been wearing a gray hooded sweat shirt, black T-shirt, jeans, Timberlands and -- it seems -- no helmet. [TU]
NY's doctor watch list, synthetic track at Saratoga?, lots of repaving projects, graduation ceremony headliners
More than two percent of practicing doctors in New York State were on a watch list last year because of problems such as drug use or professional misconduct. New York's rate is twice the national average and ranks it seventh highest. Some -- including the state health commissioner -- say the high number is evidence the state is actually doing something about the problems, but watchdogs say public still isn't getting info about their docs. [NYT]
NYRA will be holding a forum this summer about whether the state's horse tracks -- including Saratoga -- should switch over to synthetic surfaces. A NYRA spokesman says it's "seriously interested" (the Gazette's phrase) in making the switch. Synthetic tracks have been touted as a way to reduce horse injuries, but a lot of horse people and bettors don't like them. [Daily Gazette] [Saratogian]
A "throng" of south side Saratoga Springs residents are exercised over a plan to convert play fields on Vanderbilt Avenue into an indoor rec center. Mayor Scott Johnson is pushing for the site, saying the Vanderbilt location will make it easier for kids in downtown to use the center -- and he says the fields are currenlty only used for "random unstructured play." [Daily Gazette]
It seems like half of Albany's roads are getting repaved this year. [TU]
David Paterson, David Gergen and, um, Jeanine Pirro -- yep, that Jeanine Pirro -- headline (so to speak) the list of Capital Region graduation speakers this year. [TU]
Schenectady surplus, cotton candy man quits, parking meters for Troy?, clown class graduates
The City of Schenectady has a budget surplus for the third consecutive year, ending up with more than $8 million left over from last year. As recently as 2004 a state auditor had warned the city it would run out of money mid-year. [Daily Gazette]
The glitch that kept people from placing Kentucky Derby bets at local Capital Region OTBs has been blamed on "operator error" at the company which totals up the number and amounts of bets for the system. OTB -- and the municipalities with which it shares revenues -- will be reimbursed for the lost revenue. [TU]
A community board has called for the Town of Malta to keep a close eye on the environmental regulation of the proposed AMD chip fab plant. The company has asked for a zoning change that would decrease the town's involvement with environmental monitoring for the project. [Daily Gazette]
The guy who's been accused of making cotton candy laced with ant poison (unintentionally, it seems), says he'll no longer make the sticky stuff. [TU]
Troy is considering parking meters for downtown. [Troy Record]
A one dollar surcharge has been approved for taxi rides from the airport -- if gas prices drop below $3.25, the surcharge goes away. [TU]
Saratoga Springs city council meetings are going paperless. The agenda and associated documents will be available to council members on laptops. The city's commissioner of accounts says city hall used 475 cubic feet of paper last year. [Saratogian]
A class of clowns graduated from HVCC yesterday.
Big Fuller Road makeover planned, local Derby bettors tripped up, Albany Med prize awarded, bad cotton candy
A plan to completely reconstruct Fuller Road in Albany includes three roundabouts, medians, bike lanes and the possibility of moving the intersection with Washington Ave north to provide more room for Albany NanoTech. [TU]
Bettors at Capital Region OTBs had a little trouble getting into the gate before the Kentucky Derby. A computer glitch an hour before post time kept people from placing bets on race. Capital OTB says the hiccup wasn't its fault. It looks like about $500,000 less was bet this year on the race than last year, possibly because of the hold-up. [Daily Gazette]
The Albany Medical Center Prize went to UCSF's Elizabeth Blackburn and Yale's Joan Steitz this year for their work on RNA. They're the first two women to win the award, which is $500,000 -- the largest cash prize for medicine in the country. [Daily Gazette]
An Albany County legislator is proposing that sex offenders be prevented from staying in the same emergency shelters as everyone else. [TU]
The Fort Orange Club wants to knock down a couple of office buildings on Washington Avenue so it can build a parking lot. It seems people in the neighborhood aren't too happy about that. [TU]
The City of Saratoga Springs is holding a class to teach people how to "grieve" their property tax assessments. [Saratogian]
You know what's a bad flavor for cotton candy? Ant poison. [CapNews9]
Tonko's in, state lawyer accused of getting paid without working, Troy-Sanctuary dispute continues, tulip forecast looking good
Paul Tonko said Thursday that he is running for the 21st Congressional District (Mike McNulty's seat), though he hasn't officially declared, yet. The longtime state legislator has a lot of support within the Democratic party and immediately jumps toward the head of the race's pack of candidates. [Daily Gazette]
The state inspector general says a lawyer with the Department of Correctional Services has been getting paid for time he wasn't actually working. According to the report, some of the charged time was spent at a country club. [TU]
The squabble between the City of Troy and the Sanctuary for Indpendent Media over code enforcement has prompted the New York Civil Liberties Union to file the preliminary paperwork needed for a suit against the city. The arts space claims the city temporarily shut it down for public gatherings because it exhibited Wafaa Bilal's "Virtual Jihadi." Troy mayor Harrty Tutunjian said Thursday, "The city of Troy has nothing to apologize for." [Troy Record]
A barn collapsed yesterday at the Track. Six people suffered injuries, the worst of which was a broken arm. No horses were in the barn when it fell down. [Daily Gazette]
Next weekend's tulip forecast: plentiful. [TU]
A guy who stole more than $4500 last year from Mrs. London's plead guilty yesterday. He was nabbed after repeatedly calling police -- anonymously -- to ask if there was an arrest warrant out for his name. [Saratogian]
Governor seeing all sorts of red (ink), bids for Troy City Hall not so hot, home foreclosures up, brewery hopped up
David Paterson says the state is facing $20 billion in budget shortfalls over the next three years. As part of a plan to address the gaps, he's recommending that many local governments be consolidated. [TU]
Only two proposals were submitted to buy Troy City Hall -- and Harry Tutunjian isn't happy about it. The mayor says he's upset that the developer with whom he'd arranged the city hall for Verizon building swap didn't even submit a bid. That developer did send along a letter saying the fighting between Tutunjian and the city council over the plan made it "unwise" to pursue the project. [TU] [Troy Record]
The was a big jump in local home foreclosures during the first quarter of 2008. [Daily Gazette]
Decks of cards with the faces and profiles of missing persons are being given out in jails all over the state. The hope is the cards will generate leads on the cases. [CapNews9]
The main branch of the Schenectady County library system will be closed for a year-and-a-half for renovations. [Daily Gazette]
The City of Saratoga Springs is looking to build on a park on the shore of Saratoga Lake. [Saratogian]
Olde Saratoga Brewing Co. is expanding its capacity. In addition to producing its own beers, it also brews for other labels -- and it seems people can't get enough He'brew. [TU]
Second Szostak autopsy results, delinquent DNA, no Big House restaurant, setting Schenectady straight
A second autopsy on the body of Joshua Szostak -- performed by famed medical examiner Michael Baden -- has concluded that the college student died from an accidental drowning. Szostak had last been seen on Pearl Street in Albany in December before his body turned up in the Hudson last week. [Daily Gazette]
Albany County DA David Soares announced that convicted criminals who haven't submitted a DNA sample to law enforcement officials have two weeks to, um, cough up a sample -- or law enforcement will come to collect one. [TU]
The developer behind the plan to open a Big House restaurant in downtown Schenectady says that the restaurant isn't going to happen, though the plan for a nightclub is still on. [Daily Gazette]
An Albany common councilman is pushing for the city to delay the start of a law that would require second-hand shop owners to file electronic reports for police about what they buy after every transaction (they currently sumbit written reports twice a week). Shop owners say the new system will take too much time. [TU]
What does Schenectady need? A good spanking, apparently. [Daily Gazette]
New research center for Troy, vendettas in Schenectady, McNulty's regret, make that McDonald's a double
The state is putting up $10 million to help build a Hudson River research station in Troy. The project is part of a larger effort to monitor, model and forecast changes in the river. [Daily Gazette]
Schenectady's public safety commissioner says "personal vendettas" are behind the recent surge in gun violence there. He also said that recent reinforcements from the state police seem to be helping to calm the situation. [Daily Gazette] [CBS6]
Mike McNulty said yesterday that his vote in favor of authorizing the war in Iraq is one of his biggest regrets from his 20 years in Congress. He added that continuing the US's current policy in Iraq is "morally indefensible." [Daily Gazette]
People in Waterford are upset about a plan to have the town continue to draw its drinking water from the Hudson during the early stages of the dredging project. The town's supervisor says if the EPA doesn't listen, residents may have to "shut down" the agency's office in Hudson Falls for a few days. [TU]
Parents in Albany waited overnight in a park so they could be assured of getting a spot in the district's foreign language immersion program. [TU]
The Saratoga Springs planning board has told the owner of the McDonald's on South Broadway that the restaurant's new building should look more like a Big Mac than a regular cheeseburger. [TU]
Local Congressional race starts to focus, Troy has a concrete plan, rabid fisher prompts fear phobia, documenting Fountain Day
The Albany County Democratic Party has picked three front-runners in the race for the 21st Congressional District (Mike McNulty's seat): Tracey Brooks, Phil Steck and Paul Tonko. And what about Tonko, is he in or out? Well, he quit his job at NYSERDA on Friday, so it looks like he'll probably be jumping in. [TU] [TU]
Speaking of Congresspeople... Kirsten Gillibrand is nearing her due date and says she'll be back at work "as soon as I am physically able." Gillibrand will be just the sixth House member to give birth while in office. [TU]
Famous medical examiner Michael Baden will conduct a second autopsy of Joshua Szostak's body, which was found floating in the Hudson near Coxsackie. The original autopsy conducted at St. Peter's ruled that Szostak's death was an accident. [TU]
Troy is looking at repaving roads with concrete because of the rising cost of asphalt, which is made from oil. [Saratogian]
A Glenville woman says she can barely bring herself to pet a dog (because of the fur) after being attacked by a rabid fisher last year in her garage. [TU]
UAlbany held its annual Fountain Day yesterday and local media outlets made sure they were there to document the wet, half-naked college students. [Daily Gazette] [TU] [CapNews9] [Fox23] [Troy Record] [CBS6]
Woman charged with starving mother, bus fares probably going up, farmers market staying for now, Rats game goes on and on and on
An Albany woman has been indicted on charges that she allowed her elderly mother to starve to death. [TU]
Facing a budget gap, CDTA says it's very likely that fares will have to go up sometime during the next year. Bus fares haven't increased since 1995. (Does it pay to take the bus to work?) [TU]
The Town of Colonie is close to selling Heritage Park to Albany County for $2.7 million. The money would be used to pay down the town's $18 million budget deficit. [Daily Gazette]
The Troy Farmers Market will be staying in its regular location for at least the first few months of the summer. Construction of a hotel will eventually bump the market someplace else. [TU]
A developer is proposing to build a new five-story office building at the corner of New Scotland and Myrtle across from Albany Med. [TU]
It sounds like a N. Greenbush town "workshop" didn't work very well. The meeting ended with the town supervisor locking himself in a room and the town attorney storming off in his car -- all while a TV reporter chased after them. [Troy Record]
The River Rats lost last night in a game that went to five overtimes. It was the longest game in AHL history. [Daily Gazette]
Reinforcements for Schenectady police, local reps sticking with Hillary, better security for Hannaford, sort-of expensive air fare
Reinforcements from the state police are being called in to help Schenectady get a handle on gun violence. Shots have been fired there almost every day for a month. One official says "a handful of people in this city are out of control." [Daily Gazette]
Congressional reps -- and presidential super delegates -- Mike McNulty and Kirsten Gillibrand say they're sticking with Hillary Clinton. [Daily Gazette]
Hannaford says it's spent millions of dollars to upgrade the security of its credit card processing system after last month's breach. The supermarket is now encrypting credit numbers from the moment cards are swiped at registers. [Boston Globe]
The average fare out of the Albany International Airport was $330.83 last year, that's up almost three percent from the year before. Albany's average fare ranks as the 34th most-expensive in the nation. [Business Review]
The leaseholders of the long-promised pizza place on Broadway in Saratoga have been evicted. Apparently they had stopped paying both their rent and their contractor. [Daily Gazette]
A greyhound that had been missing for a month was found and returned to its family. "Prince" had lost more than half his body weight during his time away from home. [TU]
Housing market stable, pork off-limits, manhole cover mystery continues, dramas over water and hot dogs, warm weather beats Rats like a rented goalie
The median sale price for houses in the Capital Region rose in March compared to the same period last year. The number of sales was way down, though. [TU]
Even as the state goes looking through the couch cushions for extra cash, the money assigned to legislative member items -- you know, pork -- is still off limits. [TU]
National Grid still isn't sure what caused the manhole-cover-shooting underground explosion in Troy. [CapNews9]
A full-on political soap opera has emerged among Clifton Park Republicans over... the water board. [TU]
Speaking of melodrama... Saratoga Springs is watching one of it own. The center piece of this plot: hot dogs. [Saratogian]
The city of Schenectady says it can't afford a Big Brother, so one resident says he'll do it for free. [Daily Gazette]
Seniors riding scooters and their "accident-prone" behaviors have prompted Saratoga officials to get the word out about safer scootering. Among the tips: slow down, don't scooter while sleepy. [Daily Gazette]
In a face off with sunshine and warm weather, it seems the River Rats lose almost every time. [TU]
State cuts back on hiring, post carrier catches baby, big deal for small things, new paint job for "fagbug"
David Paterson has told state agencies to stop hiring for all but essential positions. The governor says if agencies don't meet cost-saving targets, he will institute a freeze on all hiring. [TU]
A postal carrier caught a baby falling from from a second-story window in Albany yesterday morning. As you might expect, the carrier says it's the weirdest thing that's ever happened to her on the job -- she's never even been bitten by a dog. [TU] [Troy Record]
Gary Mittelman has dropped out of the race for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat). The former Plug Power CEO says he has no interest in "horse-trading" his way into office. He'll spend his money setting up a foundation, instead. (AOA's Congressional Race Scorecard) [Business Review]
UAlbany's NanoCollege will be working with the feds to develop measurement standards for really, really small things. [TU]
Erin Davies unveiled her newly repainted "fagbug." The VW-funded paint job is a rainbow that wraps around the Beetle. Davies' documentary about her national tour against intolerance will debut in June. [Saratogian]
Burn bans, playing drive-by shooting, exploding manhole covers, Central Avenue construction, bobblhead mayors
Dry weather -- and dozens of brush fires -- have led to outdoor fire bans for Albany, Rensselaer and Saratoga counties. [TU]
What's the fun game to play in Schenectady's Hamilton Hill neighborhood these days? Drive-by shooting. [Daily Gazette]
Manhole covers exploded into the air again, this time in Albany. It doesn't look like they shot as high as the one in Troy, though. [TU]
Community activists are looking for the EPA to explain again how it is that more PCBs can be removed from the Hudson by dredging less sediment. [Daily Gazette]
Central Avenue is being rebuilt from New Karner Road all the way past Everett Road, possibly as far as Quail Street, in Albany. Improvements will include new sidewalks, crosswalks, "pedestrian refuges" and, presumably, fewer potholes. [TU]
A citizens' group is pushing Price Chopper to keep the Railroad Place store in Saratoga Springs open. There are some indications the company is planning to sell the site to a developer. (Check out the passionate comment left here at AOA about the importance of the Railroad Place Chopper.) [TU]
The mayors of Albany, Schnectady and Troy are being turned into bobbleheads. (Insert your own joke here: _______________________________.) [TU]
Wildfires, convention center cost questions, yet another Congressional candidate, are you ashamed of Eliot Spitzer?
State helicopters were used to dump water on a brush fire that burned almost 50 acres in western Albany County yesterday. Rennselaer County has also been dealing with grass fires and it's banned outdoor fires until next week. [TU]
Now that the price tag for the Albany Convention Center has doubled, the state has hired consultants to re-assess whether the project makes economic sense. [TU]
Yet another candidate has entered the race for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat). Craig Burridge, the head of the Pharmacist Society of the State of New York, makes it eight Democrats and two Republicans. (AOA's Congressional Race Scorecard) [Daily Gazette]
A Quinnipiac poll reports that 59 percent of New Yorkers are "ashamed" that Eliot Spitzer was their governor. Almost 70 percent say David Paterson was right to spill about his past affairs and drug use -- and even more say the media should stop asking him about it. [QPoll]
The Albany Airport is getting a Honda Jet dealership (yep, that's Honda like the cars). It's expected to open in 2010 when the small jets are expected to be approved by the FAA. [TU]
Candidates use own cash, Troy City Hall still standing, traffic circle skepticism, no more hot dogs in Congress Park
Many of the local Congressional candidates are spending their own money to run for office. Republican Sandy Treadwell, who's running for the chance to take on Kirsten Gillibrand, has put up almost a million bucks of his own money. [TU]
This just in: Troy's City Hall probably won't fall down. As for its parking garage, well, we'll see. [Troy Record]
The developer looking to build on Broadway near Quackenbush Square in Albany has changed plans. The proposal now includes a 12-story apartment building, seven-story hotel and a four-story retail/office building. [TU]
It sounds like people are still skeptical about the plan to build a roundabout west of downtown Saratoga (map). [Daily Gazette]
The hot dog vendor has been bumped from Saratoga's Congress Park. And that means no knishes, either. [Saratogian]
Parts of Schenectady's Central Park will be no-smoking this summer. [Fox23]
The Great Escape has added an attraction called Wiggles World. (Yes, those Wiggles.) [Saratogian]
Convention center money sought, home foreclosures up, Colonie Center movie theater nears completion, horses back at Saratoga
The Albany Convention Center Authority is looking for the state to help pay another $190 million in expenses for the project. The price tag for the convetion center has almost doubled from its original projection. [TU]
The number of Capital Region home foreclosures continued a year-long upward swing. [TU]
Uri Kaufman, the guy who turned Cohoes' Harmony Mills into luxury apartments, has proposed doing the same for a former knitting factory in Amsterdam. Kaufman is also currently involved with a plan to convert the old Victory Mill in Saratoga into lofts. [Daily Gazette]
Public filings indicate that Feldman Mall Properties, which owns a piece of Colonie Center, has spent $110 million renovating the mall. The project was originally slated to cost about half that, but the cost of building a movie theater on the mall's roof has ended up being much expensive than originally projected. And what about that much delayed theater? The planned opening date is now May 16. [Business Review]
The parent company of The Saratogian and The Troy Record is being de-listed from the New York Stock Exchange today. Journal Register Company is straining under the weight of debt and some analysts are projecting the company is headed for default. [AP/TU]
About a third of shoppers at Railroad Avenue Price Chopper in Saratoga Springs walk there, according to a company survey. So, what? There have been rumors the Chopper at that location might close, which has prompted concern the city would no longer have a supermarket to which people could walk. [Saratogian]
Training season has opened at Saratoga. [Daily Gazette]
Worries about Troy's infrastructure, where was the SPD?, Hucktown at Union, new slogan for UAlbany
Troy's city engineer says two recent underground fires are a wake-up call that it's time to start worrying about the city's infrastructure. Over the last week, downtown Troy has seen a gas leak, a manhole-rocketing underground explosion, and another underground fire that caused carbon monoxide to build up in the homes of 40 people. National Grid says it's investigating whether the events are connected. [TU] [Troy Record]
You can add parking to the infrastructure checklist: Troy City Hall's parking garage has been closed because of falling debris. [TU]
The Schenectady police are supposed to have officers patrolling the city's Hamilton Hill neighborhood around the clock. So city officials are asking why there weren't any while while a man was beaten for 20 minutes by a group there Monday morning. [Daily Gazette]
The Albany County legislature is trying to spur the state legislature to keep moving the Albany Convention Center project forward. [TU]
The Schenectady bed and breakfast that hosted the, um, parties for groups of consenting adults is up for sale. [Daily Gazette]
Mike Huckabee encouraged personal responsibility during an appearance at Union College Monday night. The former presidential candidate also described a place called "Hucktown," where hard-working, educated people self govern. [Daily Gazette] [tU]
A student research group from UAlbany has recommended that Saratoga Springs start charging for downtown parking. City officials say it's something they might consider. [Saratogian]
UAlbany unveiled -- with a drum roll -- its new marketing slogan that was $260,000 in the making: The World Within Reach. There was no mention of its grasp. [TU]
Explosion in Troy, state agencies tightening belts, hitting water in Saratoga, responsible potato gun ownership
An underground explosion sent manhole covers flying 20 feet (or 30 feet, depending on the report) into the air and broke windows around the Market Block building in downtown Troy (map) Sunday morning. Officials think a high voltage power line caught fire and caused the explosion. Power is still out in the area and could be through Monday. [TU] [Troy Record]
Even though the state budget increased almost five percent, state agencies are looking at only a one percent increase for their operating budgets. A spokeswoman for a one of the state worker unions says the budget prohibits using layoffs to save money, but she said there is some concern about the possibilty of hiring freezes. [Daily Gazette]
Excavation for the construction of the Park Place condos in Saratoga Springs recently hit water. Engineers aren't sure where the water's from -- there's a possiblity it could be spring water. [Daily Gazette]
The Niskayuna school board is considering extending foreign language instruction to kindergartners. [Daily Gazette]
Noted: crimes committed with potato guns are still crimes. And make sure not to use your spudzooka in Albany's Washington Park. [TU]
Menands body ID'ed, top judge sues state, UAlbany AD says game not over for stadium plan, Fasig-Tipton sold
DNA tests indicate that the dismembered body found in Menands is, in fact, that of a Schenectady woman who's been missing since November. [Daily Gazette]
New York's top judge, Judith Kaye, has filed suit against the state after the legislature chose not to raise the pay of judges. New York judges haven't had a pay raise in 10 years. [TU]
UAlbany's athletic director says the school's plan for a new football stadium is still on track even though the state legislature allocate money for it in the budget. The stadium is expected to cost between $40 and $50 million. [Business Review]
A group of buildings at the corner of State and Clinton in Schenectady are scheduled for demolition tomorrow. The buildings are coming down so that a mixed-use development can go up. [Business Review]
The Fasig-Tipton company, which conducts horse auctions every year in Saratoga, has been sold to a company from Dubai. [Daily Gazette]
State budget finished, biting the bullet in Colonie, rebuilding Uncle Sam's house, UAlbany's hottest professor
The state budget is done. The final tally was close to $122 billion, up almost 5 percent over last year. That works out to about $6,400 for every person in New York State. Comments about the plan from budget watchers included the word "larding." [NYT]
The Town of Colonie is looking to take a big bite out of its state-scolded $18 million budget deficit by asking homeowners to chip in an average of $250 in a one-time tax. [TU]
Troy has hired an architecture firm to help plan a mixed-use development at the intersection of Congress and Ferry streets. One highlight of the tentative plan: rebuilding the house of Sam Wilson, the guy who inspired the character Uncle Sam. [Troy Record] [TU]
The Malta Drive-In is adding a second screen. The brothers who own it hope the addition will help them turn a profit for the first time. [Saratogian]
Michelle Mosier is apparently UAlbany's hottest professor. She attributes her title to great shoes. [TU]
Budget looking like its done, ethics commission not following rules, mobile police station, surfing in Waterford
It looks like the state budget will be wrapped up today. The last hang-up was a measure pushed by NYSUT that prevents teachers from being denied tenure because of their students' performance on standardized tests. The final version also includes $53 million for the planned AMD chip fab project in Malta. Money for a new UAlbany football stadium didn't make the cut. [AP/Newsday] [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The state commission set up to reform ethics in the legislature is -- surprise -- not doing what it's supposed to. [TU]
A plan to shut down the New York City OTB this summer would hit Saratoga County and the city of Saratoga Springs, which both share in money from the betting operation. [Saratogian]
South Broadway in Saratoga is getting a face lift, which officials hope will smooth the transition from the park into downtown. [Saratogian]
The Albany Police Department unveiled its new mobile police station in Arbor Hill. Local reaction seems to be something along the lines of: "Oh, great... you've parked a trailer here." [CapNews9]
The Doane Stewart School has a deal to buy the Van Rensselaer school building (the one right off I-90) in Rensselaer and hopes to move in a year. [Troy Record]
Apparently you can surf in Waterford. Sort of. [TU]
A Shenendehowa 9th-grader is mathmaticious and now everyone knows it. [Fox23]
Name calling over the state budget, APD's super-secret chase policy, developers plan for Harriman campus, Bibleman on his way
The state budget is still not done. Senate Democrats temporarily boycotted the proceedings yesterday, claiming the Republican majority wasn't allowing them to see the budget bills before votes. Joe Bruno called the Democrats "childish" and "very Spitzer like." But with NYC congestion pricing now dead in the Assembly, it looks like things might start moving forward again on the last handful of budget bills. [AP/Newsday] [NYT] [NYDN]
The Albany Police Department says that it has to keep criminals -- and the public -- in the dark about its high-speed chase policy. [TU]
A trio of development teams are in the running to build at the Harriman state office campus. One of the teams includes a major national homebuilder, suggesting its plan will include residential space. [TU]
Chip-maker AMD says it will cut 10 percent of its workforce this year because of lower sales forecasts. So what? AMD is the company looking to build the chip fab plant in Malta. [San Jose Mercury News]
Bibleman is coming to the Capital Region and he's bringing his breastplate of righteousness. [TU]
State budget still stuck, extreme fighting in NY?, potato gun cop, Saratoga seating lottery
The state budget is still not finished and it looks like today's legislative action (or lack thereof) will center around congestion pricing for New York City. [TU]
Extreme fighting -- or mixed martial arts -- has been banned in New York since 1997, but now there's a push at the capitol to repeal the ban. Said one legislator to the NY Post, "Initially, I thought it was gross. But I've learned that they are regulating themselves, so perhaps it's not as barbaric as it had been." Among the new safety regulations: no groin kicks. [NYP]
A Glenville cop has been charged with using a potato gun to shoot out a streetlight at department headquarters. He's also accused of setting a box of road flares on fire in the parking lot. [TU]
NYRA is opening applications today for the Saratoga seating lottery. [Daily Gazette]
A few of UAlbany's graduate programs ranked in the top 10 of their respective categories in U.S. News and World Report's annual rankings. [Business Review]
Call for Albany PD investigation, state budget still stuck, annoying football players, Troy farmer's market moving
Six members of the Albany Common Council have called on the state to investigate the Albany Police Department. The group says a string of incidents involving the department require investigation from outside. [TU]
The state budget is still not done, still not open. But it seems legislators are keeping themselves busy with other bills. [CapNews9] [NYT]
An official at the state Department of Health has billed the agency for more than $3000 in cab rides that she never actually took, according to the state's Inspector General Office. Apparently the official been driving herself to the train station and then filing an expense report for a taxi. [TU]
Chuck Schumer and Mike McNulty have seemingly gotten the Secretary of the Army on board with their plan to build a tech park at the Watervliet Arsenal. [Troy Record]
The state is after the former owner of the Big House for $44,000 in unpaid sales tax. The mix-up apparently involved confusion over what counts as a rooftop garden. [Business Review]
Law or no law, neighbors say the Union football team makes an annoying neighbor. A wide receiver attributes the sentiment to jealosy. Also noted: beer pong is a violation of Union's code of conduct. [Daily Gazette]
The Troy Farmer's Market will be moving its summer location because of a hotel construction project. Where? That's still TBD. [TU]
DNA testing for Menands body, cigarette tax increase, Ashcroft gets big crowd, teaching Arabic in Schenectady, a plan to stop to the phone books
Investigators say it could take two weeks for DNA testing to provide more info about the dismembered body found in Menands on Tuesday. They do know from an autopsy that it belonged to an African-American woman. [TU]
A state investigation has concluded that NYRA broke the law when it hired a firm to perform integrity reviews for $125,000 per month -- without bidding out the job. It doesn't look like there will be any consequences for the race track operator, though. [Saratogian]
It looks like that cigarette tax increase will go through. At $2.75-per-pack, New York will have the highest cigarette tax in the nation. [AP/Daily Gazette]
John Ashcroft drew a big crowd for his lecture at Skidmore. He seemed to welcome critical questions from students, "I'm in a target-rich environment. Take advantage of it." He also, seemingly by mistake, referred to Barack Obama as "Osama." And, unfortunately, he didn't serenade the crowd. [TU] [Saratogian] [Daily Gazette]
The Schenectady school district will start offering Arabic classes next year. [TU]
Saratoga Springs' school district proposed budget has been chopped by $1 million. Among the cuts: an expanded foreign language program. [Daily Gazette]
An Albany common councilman is pushing a measure that could possibly slow the barrage of phone books. [TU] (AOA item about how to stop the phone book deliveries)
Budget process goes behind closed doors, investigating the investigations, school district budgets, extra security for Ashcroft
Surprise! The state budget process appears to have gotten stuck. Why? Well, people on the outside aren't exactly sure. One government watchdog said this year's budgetpalooza is the least transparent in 15 years. [TU]
It only sounds like an Onion headline: New York State is now investigating its investigations. [NYT] [NYT]
The Albany School District has proposed a budget that's more than 9.5 percent bigger than last year and includes an almost 2.5 percent property tax increase. Shenendohowa's proposed school district budget includes a tax hike of more than 3.5 percent. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
A study funded by National Grid and a number of economic development groups reports that the state will get a big return on its potential investment in the AMD chip fab plant planned for Malta. [Daily Gazette]
A Schenectady city councilwoman wants the city to use a "grouper" law to crack down on students who go in together to rent houses in the neighborhood around Union. The city's attorney says that won't work because, for example, the Union football team house meets the law's requirements for being considered a family. [Daily Gazette]
Extra security will be in place tonight for John Ashcroft's appearance at Skidmore as officials expect some kind of protest. [Saratogian]
Of the 13,000 state employees who work in or near the ESP, only 40 take part in the carpool program that provides discounted parking spots. More than 2,000 people are on the waiting list for a spot. [TU]
Budget will be late, cigarette taxes probably going up, crashing the Palace, big ethanol plant planned for port
Today was the deadline for the state budget, but it looks like it won't be ready until Thursday (maybe). In the meantime, an interim $332 million budget extension will carry the state until then. [TU]
Whenever the new budget is ready, there's a good chance it will include a provision that will double the state tax on cigarettes to three dollars a pack. An average pack of cigarettes would then cost about seven dollars in New York. That state could raise as much as $325 million from the tax increase. [AP/Newsday] [TU]
A car crashed through the front doors of the Palace Theater yesterday. [TU]
The question is not who is running for the 21st Congressional seat (McNulty's current spot), but who is not. The latest to jump in: John Aretakis. The attorney made his name suing the Catholic Church over clergy abuse accusations. There are now nine people who have declared they're in this race, including seven Democrats. [Daily Gazette] [AOA Congressional Who's In, Who's Out Scorecard]
A plan to build a big ethanol plant at the Port of Albany is in the works. The port's commission voted to approve the lease for the plant and the developer is trying to raise $240 million to make it happen. [Daily Gazette]
New York's top judge, Judith Kaye, made another appeal Monday for a pay raise for state judges. They haven't had a pay raise in 10 years. [Business Review]
Spitzer "not truthful", the Penguin busted, return of the bottle bill, no styrofoam for Schenectady?, Albany's trees showing age
In a report released late on Friday, Albany DA David Soares reported that Eliot Spitzer basically lied about not being directly involved in the effort to stick to it to Joe Bruno over the state senator's use of state aircraft. Spitzer's "not truthful" statements won't lead to charges, though. [NYT]
Cops busted a local gambling ring that reportedly processed more than $50 million in bets during the last year and a half. The ring seems to have been run out of a club behind the Latham 76 diner. The arrested included guys with nicknames such as Waldo, Penguin and Bindy. [TU]
Talk of the "bigger, better bottle bill" is back after it was included in the budget proposals of both the governor and Assembly. Not on board with the plan to extend the 5 cent deposit to non-carbonated beverages and return unclaimed deposits to the state: Joe Bruno. Environmentalists say Bruno has been swayed by many, many nickels thrown his way by the bottle industry. [TU]
A Schenectady city councilwoman is talking about banning stryofoam cups in the city. If the ban comes about, Dunkin' Donuts would have to find new cups. [Daily Gazette]
It seems that Malta's request that town residents be first in line for jobs at the planned AMD chip plant was met with a "Ha, good one. No, really?" from the company. [Business Review]
According to a state DEC report, many of the city of Albany's maple trees will probably have to come down during the next few years because of old age. You can buy a new tree for in front of your house for about $60 -- if you get your request (pdf) in today.
The local women who connected via Craigslist for a kidney donation seem to be doing OK. The donated kidney is holding up "wonderfully" and the donor is still drinking Cosmos. [TU]
A rough plan for the state budget, unemployment rate up, APD to publish crime map, Lebrun into semi-retirement
Governor Paterson and legislative leaders announced that they have a rough outline for a state budget. The plan would increase state spending about 4.5 percent to about $124 billion and restores about $500 million in cuts that Paterson had recently proposed. It does not include the new tax on million dollar incomes that Sheldon Silver has been pushing. The completed budget is due April 1. [NYT]
Officials in Saratoga Springs are happy about the state budget plan because it looks like it will preserve the city's cut of VLT money, which makes up about 10 percent of the city's budget. Spitzer's plan would have taken much of that money away. [Saratogian]
Paterson says he doesn't think the state budget can include pay raises for legislators. But no worry, they can always just use campaign cash for seemingly whatever they choose. Falling under "whatever": Bills tickets, dinner at Jack's, a trip to Ireland. [AP/TU]
Kirsten Gillibrand made appearances through the area yesterday to talk about infrastructure, taxes and alternative energy. Not talked about: her pregnancy, though a constituent thinks the Congresswoman is going to have a boy. [TU]
The Capital Region's unemployment rate hit 5.1 percent (up from 4.4 a year ago), which was actually higher than that of the statewide rate (5 percent). That hasn't happened in a long time. [TU]
A state appeals court ruled that the town of Ballston was within its rights to change its zoning rules in order to keep a new Wal-Mart from being built. [Daily Gazette]
The Albany PD unveiled a system that will plot recent crimes on an online map. The system will also include the ability for the department to take tips via... email. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Roundabout fever is spreading! The latest to catch it? Scotia. [Daily Gazette]
Fred Lebrun is heading into semi-retirement. [TU]
Thousands of new cards because of Hannaford, Paterson says no more, libraries are popular places, dog story a fish story, Mangia closing
Local banks say they're in the process of replacing tens of thousands of debit and credit cards because of the Hannaford security breach. [Daily Gazette] (AOA item from yesterday about this)
David Paterson bristled yesterday when reporters continued to ask him about his private life. "I think that more than any elected official on this planet, and probably in outer space, I have discussed my personal situation over the last week," Paterson said. [AP/Troy Record]
Yet another Democrat has tossed his hat into the ring for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat). This time it's Arthur Welser, a real estate broker from Latham. There are now eight candidates for that seat, six Democrats and two Republicans. [Daily Gazette] (AOA's Local Congressional Race Scorecard)
Local libraries report that circulation numbers are up and librarians attribute the higher volume to people seeking cheaper entertainment as the economy slows. [TU]
That story about the dog left in the trash seems like it might be garbage. But the dog is still actually up for adoption and people are lining up for her. [TU]
The leader of the Northway Church says attendance keeps rising and it might already be outgrowing its newly opened third location. The minister, Buddy Cremeans, is described as having "awesome administrative abilities and a clear plan for growth." [Daily Gazette] (AOA item about the church's direct mail)
The Mangia in Clifton Park has closed and its parent company is planning to close the Stuyvesant Plaza location, too. The company says it will knock down the Stuyvesant building in order to build a new restaurant based on a different theme. An executive attributes the Stuyvesant location's failure partly to the opening of the Cheesecake Factory. [Business Review]
Appeal for Albany mosque members, more about Paterson's past, lawsuit over Great Escape illness, house prices up, a big bag of cash
The lawyers for Yassin Aref and Mohammed Hossain argued in federal appeals court yesterday that their clients were convicted with "prejudicial evidence." They're also pushing to have a secret court order from the case made public. They allege that order will show that the NSA illegally spied on the two members of an Albany mosque. [TU] [NYT]
David Paterson past-filter: he may have used state funds on a trip to South Carolina with his former lady friend to work for Hillary Clinton. And he says he used cocaine and marijuana decades ago. Oh, and he's apparently a fan of the 74 State hotel. [TU] [Newsday]
The body pulled from the Hudson near Troy over the weekend was apparently weighed down by concrete blocks and a lawn mower. [Troy Record]
The Great Escape reported illness count is up to 388. The norovirus has been confirmed as the culrpit. And now four of the people who got sick have filed suit. Their lawyer says the suit is "about keeping kids safe." [Saratogian]
The median sale price for homes in many parts of the Capital Region rose compared to the same period last year. But the number of houses sold was down. [TU]
A state supreme court has ruled that a bag with hundreds of thousands of dollars of cash does in fact belong to the owner of the house in which it was found. Despite all the money involved, the five-year case seems to have left a lot of people poorer. [TU]
Siena ends upset run, Spitzer story keeps turning, norovirus suspected at Great Escape, tournament pool busted, school fundraiser fatigue
Siena's NCAA tournament run ended Sunday with an 84-72 loss to Villanova in the second round. [TU]
It seems that word of Eliot Spitzer's call girl habit was circulating as early as last Fall. Republican political operative Roger Stone reportedly sent the FBI a letter accusing the former Gov of going to prostitutes. How did Stone find out? He heard it from "a social contact in an adult-themed club." [NYT]
Oh, and remember how Spitzer said he wasn't involved in the effort to catch Joe Bruno misusing state aircraft? According to testimony from a former aide, that seems to have been a lie. Spitzer was not just involved, he was coffee-spewing-from-his-mouth, calling-at-all-hours involved. [NYT]
The reported count of gastrointestinal illnesses from the Great Escape is nearing 200. The infamous norovirus is suspected to be culprit causing diahrea and "projectile vomiting." The park has now closed one of its restaurants in an attempt to stamp out the bug. [TU]
Yet another candidate has jumped into the race for the 21st Congressional District (McNulty's seat). The latest: Republican Steven Vasquez of Ballston Spa, which isn't even in the district. [TU] (AOA's Local Congressional Scorecard)
The breach of Hannaford's transaction system came after the network was certified to be in compliance with security standards. [AP]
An auction-style NCAA pool involving tens of thousands of dollars was busted in Warren County. Among those present at the private auction: Warren County officials. [Troy Record]
Suffering from fundraiser fatigue, Niskayuna School District officials are working on a new policy for school fundraisers. Don't worry, the junior prom seems to be safe. [Daily Gazette]
Everyone's job is under pressure these days. In Waterford, real border collies are being replaced by wood cutouts of dogs in an effort to chase away Canada geese. [Troy Record]
More water park illness, state worker fired, starter homes for downtown Saratoga, bobcat in Cohoes, shotgun-in-alligator guy sentenced
The reported count of people with gastrointestinal illness from the Great Escape water park is up to 143. The state health department says it hasn't found anything wrong at the park. [TU]
A state worker has been fired for running a private law practice while on the state clock -- for 20 years. [AP/CBS6]
Troy police say their crime mapping software directly led to an arrest this week. [Troy Record]
A developer plans to build "starter" town homes near downtown Saratoga. [TU]
A real estate brokerage reports that local demand for urban condos seemed to be strong last year -- and now there are going to be a whole lot more on the market. [TU]
A dead bobcat was found in Cohoes. It was probably hit by a car. [Troy Record]
Siro's will be open almost year-round. The owner says track season business just isn't sustaining the restaurant like it used to. [Daily Gazette]
Remember that guy who got nabbed for hiding a sawed-off shotgun in his stuffed alligator? He got nine years for that. [Saratogian]
Class action against Hannaford, more Great Escape gastrointestinal distress, a Republican for the 21st, attempt to attract young professionals
A Philadelphia law firm says it's filing a class action lawsuit against Hannaford over the company's security breach that exposed millions of customers' credit cards. [AP/Boston Globe]
The number of people reporting illness after visiting the Great Escape water park this past weekend keeps growing, according to the NY State Department of Health. More than 90 people have now reported suffering gastrointestinal distress. Many of the affected are diabetic kids who were visiting the park as part of program to learn how to control their diabetes. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
A federal judge has ruled that a former Wal-Mart security guard can go ahead with her gender discrimination suit against the company. Shannon Kennedy says she was fired after she chased an alleged purse snatcher in her car. [TU]
The Averill Park school district has agreed to settle a lawsuit filed by a former athletic director for $567,000. Lou Cioffi says he was fired after blowing the whistle on hazing in the district's football program. [Troy Record]
Republican Jim Buhrmaster officially announced that he will run in the 21st Congressional District (Democrat Mike McNulty's seat). Buhrmaster is the first Republican to officially declare. [Daily Gazette] (AOA's Local Congressional Race Scorecard)
Local business leaders are hoping to lure young professionals back to the Capital Region with advertising, a new website, and a kiosk at the airport. [TU]
State budget cuts proposed, Patersons talk about affairs, protest in Troy, water park illness
Governor Paterson has proposed a two percent cut at all state agencies plus another $800 million from the Spitzer budget proposal because of budget deficit concerns. [Daily Gazette]
Paterson and his wife addressed the story around their affairs. The governor says there were multiple women -- one of whom worked for the state. He also said the delay in him taking office was partially the result of him needing time to figure out how to address this issue. [NYT]
About 100 protesters showed up at Troy City Hall Tuesday evening to protest the code enforcement against the Sanctuary for Independent Media. The city says its enforcement action had nothing to do with the gallery showing Wafaa Bilal's "Virtual Jihadi." [Troy Record]
Hannaford says it's still trying to figure out the extent of the breach of its credit card processing system. Customers have apparently deluged the company with calls about the lapse. [Daily Gazette]
The Spitzer-to-Paterson changeover may have set things back in formalizing the NYRA deal. [Saratogian]
The Albany School District is thinking about plan that would ship at least some of its students on long-term suspension to a farm in Columbia County. [TU]
The state health department says it's gotten reports from 27 people that they suffered vomiting and diarrhea after visiting the Great Escape water park this past weekend. [CBS6]
Paterson applauded, Paterson admits to affair, Hannaford credit card breach, another tech park plan, raw sewage is smelly
David Paterson took the oath of office for governor to much applause. Legislators say they're looking forward to working with the new governor. [TU]
Shortly after the swearing-in, Paterson admitted to having an affair earlier this decade. He and his wife say they've dealt with it an moved on. [NYDN]
A security breach has potentially exposed more than 4 million credit cards used at Hannaford stores across the Northeast. The company says every one of its stores has had a compromised card. (Hannaford statement) [Boston Globe]
Chuck Schumer and Mike McNulty are pushing for the Watervliet Arsenal to become... wait for it... a tech park. [TU]
A Democratic challenger is lining up to take on Republican George Amedore for Paul Tonko's old state assembly seat. [Daily Gazette]
A backed up sewer led to raw sewage spilling out into a street in Mechanicville and extreme smelliness ensued. "This is not sanitary," noted one astute resident to the Record. [Troy Record]
Skidmore is moving to close its University Without Walls program. The college says the distance learning program is losing hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. [Saratogian]
Day one for Paterson, Siena to face Vanderbilt in tournament, Schenectady goes to bed early, driver plows completely into store
David Paterson will be sworn in today as governor at 1 pm. [NYT]
The Siena men's basketball team got a #13 seed in the NCAA tournament. The Saints will face Vanderbilt in the first round on Friday in Tampa. [TU]
The Sanctuary for Independent Media has found a space to hold its Tuesday performance by The Yes Men. The City of Troy closed the gallery's regular space because of code violations after an exhibition of Wafaa Bilal's "Virtual Jihadi."
Downtown Schenectady's population of residents is growing, but many shops and restaurants are still closing at 6 pm. Business owners say there still are enough people living in the neighborhood to making staying open later worthwhile. [Daily Gazette]
A drunk driver drove her car into a Stewart's in Troy Saturday night, stopping at the store's back wall. Three customers suffered non-life threatening injuries. The driver? Not hurt. [Troy Record]
It seems residents of Saratoga Springs are cool to the idea of a roundabout just west of downtown. An engineer planning the change says people fear change. [Saratogian]
Marino's Pizza in Saratoga is up for sale. Two-and-a-half million dollars and the popular pizzeria could be yours. [Saratogian]
Paterson says budget will be focus, Troy gallery vows to fight, free emergency contraception, white squirrels
Soon-to-be governor David Paterson said Thursday during a press conference that his first priority will be getting the budget together. After entering to applause from staffers, Paterson remarked, "If most of you weren't being paid, I'd be flattered." [TU]
But if something happens before Monday, Spitzer still really is in charge. [CapNews9]
One Monday, not only will Paterson become governor, but Joe Bruno will assume the duties of lieutenant governor. And what does that mean? Not much. One of the only real powers of the lt. governor is break ties in the senate, but Bruno won't actually have that power in his role. So who will? No one's sure. [Troy Record]
Just in case you're wondering, Paterson's neighbors in Guilderland are fans. And he takes out the garbage, apparently. [WNYT]
The $50 million redevelopment plans for the old American Locomotive plant in downtown Schenectady may have come off the rails. [TU]
The Sanctuary for Independent Media says it now has a lawyer and it will fight the City of Troy over code violations that closed gallery to public gatherings. [TU]
Local Planned Parenthood centers are giving out free emergency contraceptive pills today. [Troy Record]
It looks like the long-vacant restaurant building across Western from Crossgates will be turned into a Japanese restaurant. [Daily Gazette]
White squirrels have been popping up around the area. Make of that what you will. But know this: they like peanuts. [TU]
More turns in the "Virtual Jihadi" drama, Schenectady cops to be tracked, call for more depleted uranium testing in Colonie, good year for maple syrup
The Sanctuary for Independent Media is discussing whether it should file suit against the City of Troy after the city closed the gallery to public events because of code violations. The org says the action was politically motivated, a response to the gallery exhibiting Wafaa Bilal's "Virtual Jihadi." [TU]
RPI has yanked the school-hosted site of the College Republicans after they called the art department a "terrorist safehaven" for its involvement with Wafaa Bilal. But the site that actually featured those comments is hosted off campus -- and it's still up. [TU]
Police cars in Schenectady will be getting GPS units so dispatchers can track their locations. The geographic info is supposed to help improve response times, but it would also help the department know when one of its cops has gone to Scotia to watch bowling. [Daily Gazette]
A group of activists is trying to get government money to do more testing of people who lived and worked near the old munitions plant on Central near the Albany/Colonie line. There's depleted uranium at the site and tests reported three months ago that some people who lived nearby were exposed to it. [TU]
RPI plans to give out $10 million more next year in financial aid. [TU]
Despite its currently decrepit state, architects and town residents are excited about what the plan to turn the Victory Mill (in Victory, outside Saratoga) into luxury condos. [Post-Star]
It's looking like a good year for maple syrup. [Daily Gazette]
Spitzer still the gov -- for now, Troy enforces code violations against "Virtual Jihadi" gallery, Albany Marines headed to Iraq, firemen remove man from tree, Schenectady cop takes time on the job to take in bowling
Will Eliot Spitzer resign today? Yes... or, at least, maybe. [TU] [NYT]
The City of Troy has shut down public gatherings at the gallery that was showing Wafaa Bilal's "Virtual Jihadi" for code violations. The exhibition drew protests Monday -- and they were led by the city's public works commissioner, who also happens to be in charge of code enforcement. The gallery had been previously cited for violations, but the director of the gallery says the city is censoring the work. And he says the original code violations came after the gallery showed a film that was critical of the mayor's policies. [TU] [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette]
The Marine reserve unit based in Albany will be going to Iraq later this year. [TU]
The Schenectady fire department was called last night to remove a man from a tree alongside I-890. [Daily Gazette]
Malta is looking at plans to concentrate its new development into a walkable downtown. [Daily Gazette]
A Schenectady cop was caught watching his son bowl in Scotia while he was supposed to be on patrol. "No, that's not acceptable," mayor Brian Stratton told the Gazette with a sigh. [Daily Gazette]
Spitzer considering resignation, Siena headed to Big Dance, another endorsement for Brooks, a traffic circle for Saratoga?, spelling bee winner
After Monday's news that Eliot Spitzer did business with a prostitution operation, the governor is apparently now considering whether or not to resign. [NYT]
The Siena men's hoops team is headed to the NCAA Tournament. The Saints smoked Rider Monday night in the MAAC Tournament final 74-53. Siena's offense was as good as ever -- and it actually played some pretty good defense, too. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Wafaa Bilal's "Virtual Jihadi" installation opened at the Sanctuary for Independent Media Monday night. About 100 people -- including protesters -- showed up. [TU]
Brian Stratton announced he's aiming to knock down the 50 worst vacant buildings in Schenectady. [Daily Gazette]
Jerry Jennings endorsed Tracey Brooks for the 21st District Congressional seat. [Daily Gazette]
Yassin Aref -- the Albany imam convicted of supporting terrorism after he was snagged in an FBI sting -- has published a memoir. Any profits from the book will go to support Aref's children. [TU] [Troy Record]
Saratoga Springs could be getting its first traffic circle. [Saratogian]
The Capital Region's first MRI for pets opened a few months ago in Latham. [TU]
A Bethlehem 8th grader won the Capital Region spelling bee. Dan LaChapelle took the title by spelling "gourami" after a competitor missed on "commissar."
Speeding crackdown on 787, congressional races get crowded and expensive, a challenger for Bruno, March really has been rainy, all sorts of college basketball
A crackdown on speeding along I-787 will start April 1. The target enforcement area will stretch four miles from Watervliet to Cohoes. [TU]
Democrat Darius Shahinfar officially announced that he's running for the 21st Congressional District, the seat Mike McNulty currently holds. That brings the count to five Democrats seeking the nomination (AOA's Local Congressional Race Scorecard). [Troy Record]
The race for New York's 20th Congressional District is shaping up to be one of the country's most expensive. Incumbent Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand has already raised more than $2.5 million. And Sandy Treadwell, who's running for the Republican nomination, has $1.24 million. [TU]
For the first time since 1995, it looks like Joe Bruno will have a challenger for his state senate seat. Brian Premo tells the NY Sun that Bruno "is not as well-liked as he would like to believe and as others in the political arena might presume." [NY Sun]
March is already on its way to local record levels for rainfall. [Daily Gazette]
The Chamber of Commerce decides to do something different this year, which apparently means no Summit in Tech Valley. [Business Review]
The Siena men are playing for the MAAC title tonight. The UAlbany men got bounced from their conference tournament by BU. And the St. Rose men got a #3 seed in the NCAA Division II tournament. [TU]
RPI pulls art work, Albany on the hook for judgement against cop, no-show crossing guards could get raise, assemblyman gives entire salary away
RPI has suspended the exhibition of a video work in which the artist cast himself as a suicide bomber on a mission to assassinate President Bush. The artist tells the TU that the school feels like "a military camp," while the College Republicans are calling the art department "a terrorist safe haven." [TU]
A federal jury awarded $200,000 in punitive damages to the plaintiff in the civil suit against Albany cop William Bonnani. If the award stands, the City of Albany will be on the hook for the money because of its union contract with the APD. Bonnani -- despite a string of complaints about the use of excessive force -- is still on the job. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Environmental groups are calling on the Spitzer administration to crack down on mercury emissions from a cement plant in Ravena. The plant is the single largest emitter of mercury in New York State, according to recently released data from the EPA. [Daily Gazette]
State police say there's evidence indicating that the crash that closed the Northway last week was an act of suicide. [AP/CBS6]
After reports that crossing guards in Schenectady weren't showing up in bad weather -- or were sitting in their cars as kids crossed the street, a councilwoman has proposed increasing the guards' salaries. "It's reprehensible we're only paying them $8.50 or whatever -- no wonder they're not showing up," she told the Gazette. [Daily Gazette]
The backers of a plan to open a food co-op in downtown Troy say it looks like the grocery store could open sometime this year, maybe as soon as the Spring. [TU]
For the third consecutive year, state assemblyman Bob Reilly (his district includes Albany and Saratoga counties) donated his entire after-tax assembly salary to charity. This year's total was $73,000. At a press conference introducing the recipients of the money, Reilly cracked that the people there were "the only group of people in New York who advocate salary increases for legislators." [Daily Gazette]
APD hot water continues to boil, Breslin gets a challenger, Big Brother looks to build cell tower in Rensselaer, principal duct taped to wall
More questions for the Albany Police Department... If a complaint is filed but no one else hears about it, does it really count? And, how long does it take for a cop to sober up before he punches the clock? [TU] [TU]
A state assemblyman has introduced a bill that's been dubbed "the Snowball's Chance in Hell Bill" -- it would require state legislators to disclose any source of income greater than $100. [NYT]
The former general manager of Albany-Colonie Diamond Dogs (themselves formerly a baseball team) says he'll challenge Neil Breslin in the Democrat primary for the 46th State Senate district. [TU]
Rensselaerians (Rensselaerers? R-Towners?) are miffed that the city seems to be trying to use a new cell phone tower to connect surveillance cameras from around the city. [Troy Record]
Students at Troy High School duct taped an assistant principal to a wall yesterday -- with his permission. (It was a fundraiser for a family whose house was destroyed in a fire.) A dollar bought an arms-length piece of duct tape. [Troy Record]
Congressional race field still changing, challengers for Silver, Spitzer's shine dims, a bus full of teddy bears, Ed O'Brien to head for warmer climes
Republican Chris Callaghan says he will not run for the 21st Congressional seat. But Schenectady County legislator James Buhrmaster might. There are currently no Republicans officially in the field. [Troy Record] [Daily Gazette]
For the first time in more than 20 years, Sheldon Silver will have challengers in the Democratic primary for his state assembly district. [TU]
Eliot Spitzer is catching criticism for violating the spirit, if not the exact letter, of his campaign finance pledge. Spitzer's people say he's just doing what's necessarily to flip the state senate, while good-government groups are starting to think the Gov is just like the rest of them. [NYT]
Albany Common Councilman Corey Ellis is pushing for the city to have a residency requirement for city employees. [CapNews9]
A Clifton Park woman has gained fame with her teddy bear factory on wheels -- and fortune may be just down the road. [Daily Gazette]
Channel 6 morning news guy Ed O'Brien will be leaving the station in August. He says he wants to pursue a different kind of job -- maybe one involving baseball or horseracing -- somewhere warm. [Business Review]
Check the rep on your legislator, less $ expected for NY budget, take that Walgreens, man arrested for ramming patrol car
With about a month left until the budget deadline, New York legislators are looking at less money to divvy up than previously expected. Assembly Minority Leader Jim Tedisco says legislators should think of it as an opportunity. [NYT] [Capital News 9]
Attorney General Andrew Cuomo wants to shed a little light on the reputations of NY state and local government officials. Project Sunlight is a website designed to make it easier for New York voters to find out about campaign finances, lobbying activities and voting records of their elected officials. [Troy Record]
Gas station owners say more people are filling up and taking off without paying. [TU]
Rite Aid has blocked Walgreens from putting up a store in Schenectady. The pharmacy chain bought the Brandywine Ave. lot where Walgreens was planning to put a new drug store. [Daily Gazette]
Voters in the North Colonie school district will decide on a 7 million dollar capital construction project today.
Warren County sheriffs officers arrested a man after he rammed their police car Sunday night. [Post Star]
The Siena men's hoops team beat St. Peter's 77-64 and won the MAAC regular season title, which assures them of a spot in the NIT. (To the make the NCAA tournament, they'll have to win the MAAC tournament.) [TU]
The UAlbany men's basketball team topped BU 76-64. The Danes will have the #3 seed in the America East conference tournament. [TU]
Albany Med expansion, insiders say Tonko will run, cable prices going up, pizzerias getting burned by flour prices
Albany Med plans to build a new six-story building at the corner of Myrtle and New Scotland. The project is expected to cost $360 million and will add 116 beds to the hospital. Albany Med says it's had to turn patients away during the last few years because it was out of room. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
Local Democratic party insiders tell the Gazette that Paul Tonko is virtually certain to run for the 21st Congressional District seat (that's the one that's mostly made up of Albany and Schenectady counties). The former longtime assemblyman and current head of NYSERDA said publicly that he's "considering" a run. Meanwhile, Albany Democrat Lester Freeman announced he's getting into the race. [Daily Gazette] [TU]
Time Warner is raising prices. Both standard and digital TV service will increase a little more than $2 a month. [TU]
The re-trial of Warren Powell has been postponed. [Troy Record]
Local pizzerias say rising flour prices are really squeezing them. The price of wheat -- and, in turn, flour -- has more than doubled in the last year. [Daily Gazette]
Niskayuna High School grad Andre Davis re-signed with the NFL's Houston Texans for $16 million dollars over four years. [Houston Chron]
Troy city hall up for sale, Soares to run again, big mercury polluter just outside Albany, Halfmoon wants attention, sportmanship gets a timeout after UAlbany game
Troy's city hall could be yours -- it's now officially up for sale. [Troy Record]
Albany County District Attorney David Soares is expected to announce today that he's running for re-election. So far, he's the only candidate in the field, though Paul Clyne -- the incumbent Soares beat four years ago -- is apparently considering a run. [TU] [Daily Politics]
State auditors wagged their fingers (so to speak) at the Town of Colonie for turning a $12.5 million surplus into a $10 million deficit in four years. Recently elected town supervisor Paula Mahan called the situation "sad." [Troy Record]
The Lafarge cement plant on 9W in Ravena was the biggest emitter of mercury in New York in 2006. Its 400 pound output was one-third of the state's total. [TU]
A 16-year-old Albany girl has been arrested for taking part in a group assault of two UAlbany students last month. [TU]
Schenectady wants Habitat for Humanity to build a "green" house with bamboo floors and solar panels -- and it wants to put up money to make it happen. But Habitat's saying "Thanks, but no." [Daily Gazette]
Halfmoon has had enough of being lumped in with Clifton Park. [Daily Gazette]
A firefighter candidate got bounced from the Saratoga probationary program because he has a fear of needles, which doesn't work out so well for paramedic training. He's now suing. [Saratogian]
There was a shoving match last night between the coaches after the UAlbany men's hoops team topped Binghamton 74-52 on the road. [Daily Gazette]
Republican state senate majority cut to one, AMD says it will do its best to be clean, district spends thousands to fire teacher, hunters bag more bears
In what's being described as an upset, Democrat -- and dairy farmer -- Darrel Aubertine won the special election for the 48th State Senate District yesterday. The win cuts the Republican majority in the Senate to just one seat. Joe Bruno says the Democrats used "dirty tricks" during the campaign, while the state Democratic Party chairwoman described the Republican campaign as "the dirtiest onslaught I have seen in 30 years in politics." They might just be warming up for November when the seat up for grabs again. [TU] [Daily News] [Daily Politics]
Not surprisingly, people seem to be happy that the special election is over. Capital staffers can return from the frozen reaches of NY to Albany. And the residents of the district around Watertown can stop being treated, in the words of a newspaper editor there, "like rubes and country bumpkins rather than the geographic descendants of Remington, Dewey, Woolworth, Lansing, Dulles and Rogers." [NYT]
AMD says it will be using state-of-the-art environmental controls at the chip fab plant in Luther Forest. Or, at least, it says it will be using state-of-the-art environmental controls IF the project goes forward. The company still hasn't said it's definitely building the plant. [Daily Gazette]
A teacher in the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk school district has sued the district alleging there's been a conspiracy to oust him from his job. The district has admitted to spending $65,000 trying to fire the teacher -- which is more than he makes in a year. [TU]
Hunters in New York State killed 1,117 bears last year, including 12 in Saratoga County and six in Albany County. That state-wide total is up 40 percent over the year before. [Daily Gazette]
Housing market still cool, AMD plan sort of going forward, retired race horoses get task force, man has to sell his tigers
The local housing market continues to stumble and plod along. The number of single-family home sales in January were down 20 percent from the same period the year before. And the median sale price in January increased one percent to $191,750. [TU] [Business Review]
AMD still hasn't committed to building that chip fab plant in Malta, but it says it would like to get all the necessary permits together so that it could starting building next January. The proposed plan also now includes about 250 more jobs, bringing the total to 1,465. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The retrial of Warren Powell starts today in Hudson. The Halfmoon man was convicted in 1997 of strangling his pregnant wife and dumping her body in the Hudson River. An appeals court overturned the 1997 conviction because of problems with jury selection. [Saratogian]
New York State has formed the New York State Task Force on Retired Race Horses, which will look for ways to keep the horses from ending up in slaughterhouses. [Daily Gazette]
Now that he's been convicted of forging insurance documents, the owner of a private zoo in Greenwich won't be allowed to own leopards, tigers, lions or ligers. But he can keep his bears. [Saratogian]
Mare Ristorante in Saratoga is up for sale. List price: $550,000. [Business Review]
State politicians focus on... Oswego, another knifing at UAlbany, the bus to Saratoga is hot, Siena makes a stop in South Dakota
The focus of state politics is not on Albany this week, but rather the area around... Oswego. A special election there tomorrow for the 48th State Senate District has political types hopped up because the outcome could go a long way toward determing whether Republicans retain control of the state senate. [NYT]
Schenectady is looking to increase penalties for landlords who keep rental properties vacant. Albany passed a similar ordinance last month. [TU]
There was another fight between UAlbany students that involved a knife over the weekend. That makes two student-on-student stabbings or slashings in the last month. [TU] [Capital News 9]
The post office in downtown Saratoga Springs, described as a "treasure," will be getting some rehab, including a new skylight. [Saratogian]
The hot way to get to and from Saratoga? The bus. Yeah, CDTA was surprised, too. [TU]
If you can figure out who broke into the home of a Glen's Falls man, he'll give you a Corvette convertible. [Troy Record]
The Siena men's hoops team won its Bracket Busters game at Boise State on Saturday 93-70. The trip home wasn't so easy. The Saints made an unscheduled stop in South Dakota. [TU]
The 11th ranked UAlbany men's lacrosse team lost to No. 1 Johns Hopkins 10-5 Saturday in Baltimore. [TU]
Political antics on the web, probation for pharmacy college, eviction for Golden Fox, the guy in the picture didn't actually do it
Phil Steck, one of the candidates running for the Democratic nomination for the 21st congressional district, is accusing one of his fellow Democrats of "cybersquatting" domains that include his name. Steck says consultants connected with Tracey Brooks have snapped up PhilSteck.org and other similar urls. Apparently Brooks' people have also done this for variations on Paul Tonko's name, too. [WNYT]
Republicans in Guilderland have accused the town's economic development director of "fraud and abuse." Why? They say he posted comments to a TU blog while on the clock. (TU Local Politics has background -- it sounds a little like an outtake from the movie Mean Girls.) [TU]
The amount wagered at Capital OTBs was down about four percent last year from the year before. [TU]
The Albany College of Pharmacy has been put on probation after an accreditation organization said the school isn't moving quickly enough toward an interactive curriculum. (Apparently traditional lecture-type classes are, um, old-school.) [Daily Gazette]
The 10-story office building at 100 State in Albany sold for $3.5 million. The investors behind the deal plan to spend $1.3 million on renovations, including restoration of the building's clock tower. [Business Review] [Daily Gazette]
An eviction notice is on its way to the owner of the Golden Fox restaurant in Troy. The city says the owner is $27,000 behind on his taxes and it wants to secure the building's furnishing to help cover the debt. Apparently the plasma TVs have already found the exit, though. [TU]
A man convicted this week of burglary and menacing in Schenectady County Court tried to pass off the picture that came with a frame as a photo of the "real" perp. Prosecutors were suspicious of the photo, but weren't sure until an employee in the DA's office noticed the exact same picture on the shelf at a Wal-Mart. [TU]
New Price Chopper HQ, makeover for Pizza Block, Saratoga mayor asks what's the big deal, Skidmore scored big in 2007
The Golub Corporation got approval to move ahead with its plan to build a new headquarters for Price Chopper across the street from Union College in Schenectady. The $22 million project includes a number of design elements aimed at making it environmentally friendly. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The infamous "Pizza Block" in Schenectady (just down the street from Proctor's) is getting knocked down in order to build a new string of store fronts. The Pizza King had been the block's only tenant -- The Metroplex authority bought the owner out for $110,000. [Daily Gazette]
An Albany cop injured on the job in 2001 was awarded $3.1 million in a civil suit against the guy who hit his police cruiser and the guy's former employer. [TU]
The mayor of Saratoga Springs questioned why his choice to post bail for a local luxury home builder accused of fraud got so much attention. Scott Johnson told the Saratogian that bailing his family's friend out was "the most decent and compassionate thing to do." [Saratogian]
It looks like the developer behind Harmony Mills condos in Cohoes will get a shot to redevelop the Victory Mills building outside Saratoga. Fun fact about the Victory Mills building: they used to make the wrappers for the old Listerine glass bottles there. [Saratogian]
Skidmore scored almost $57 million in charitable contributions last year. That's tops among colleges and universities in the Capital Region and good for 8th in the nation. The bulk of the money came from a donation by Arthur Zankel. [Business Review]
Wind turbines in Adirondacks, NY Dems worried, mayor posts bail for friend, mom told to stop breastfeeding in public
A plan to build wind turbines in the Adirondacks is catching opposition from local environmental groups -- aesthetics and mountainside ecological damage are among the concerns. [Post-Star]
New York Democratic Party leaders are watching the Clinton-Obama race and starting to wonder if the two candidates should "get their act together" (Charlie Rangel's words) and work something out. [NYT]
Remember that story about the two guys who accused Troy cops of roughing them up unnecessarily after a chase into Menands last month? One of those guys got arrested again Monday night. [Troy Record]
The mayor of Saratoga Springs is defending his choice to post bail for a local luxury home builder who's been accused of fraud. (It seems the sons of the two men are friends.) One of the people who says they've been defrauded says the mayor's face will soon be meeting egg. [TU]
An Albany woman says an employee at the New York State Museum told her to stop breastfeeding in public there. It seems the employee doesn't actually know the rules, though -- the museum has no prohibition against breast feeding anywhere in the building. [WNYT]
Hard billing legislators, McCain pretty popular here, new security for Amtrak, phone trouble for Saratoga cops, Corning Estate for sale, Saints lose
Congratulations Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper (D-Long Island), you're the winner of this year's "Who among legislators can log the most in per diem expenses" contest! This year's winning total: $36,452. [NYT]
A Siena poll reports that both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama are leading John McCain in New York -- but not by as much as you might have thought. [Troy Record]
Warren Redlich, one-time Congressional candidate and current Guilderland town board member, stirred the pot recently after he called two candidate's for the town's police chief job "political flunkies" in a comment on a TU blog. It turns his comments may be a violation of state law. [TU]
Amtrak will start randomly searching passenger bags this week. Also coming to train platforms this week: officers with automatic weapons and bomb-sniffing dogs. [AP]
Apparently the phones at police headquarters in Saratoga Springs have a problem: they sometimes just don't work. At all. [Saratogian]
The Corning Estate is up for sale. It can be yours for $2.2 million. [TU]
The Siena men's hoops team lost on the road to Manhattan 73-72. A win would have put the Saints in first place in the MAAC. [TU]
Report: STAR backfired, NYRA has big plans, watch that purse, lions return to Saratoga, sodium chloride
The STAR program was supposed to help ease the property tax burden on homeowners, but a think tank reports that the program really just kept people from noticing how fast taxes were rising. New York now has the highest per capita property taxes in the country. [Saratogian]
NYRA's planning improvements at New York's three race tracks -- there's just some question as whether it will actually have the money to pursue them. The issue: the when, where and how for those video slot machines. [Troy Record]
East Greenbush cops say there have been a string of purse thefts in supermarkets and big-box discount stores. [Troy Record]
Saratoga Springs' commission of public works has big plans for the front of the city hall -- granite stairs, radiant heat, maybe a bell tower and... lions. [Daily Gazette]
Almost everything you ever wanted to know about road salt. And, yes, it is basically the same stuff that we put on french fries. [TU]
College fund for girl has money -- but no girl, Northern Lights files for bankruptcy, The Police will play here, return of the flamingos
In 1997 a three-year-old girl saw her mother murdered in Troy. Shocked by how sad the case was, the Troy Police Benevolent Association started a college fund for her. The good news: the fund now has about $50,000. The unfortunate news: the PBA has no idea where the girl is now. [Troy Record]
The New York Department of Environmental Conservation is buying a big chunk of land in the Adirondacks from the Nature Conservancy. The preservation group bought the land last year from a paper company for $110 million. [Post-Star]
The hot amenity for new condos: indoor parking. (By the way, the Mooradian Lofts project -- which didn't have indoor parking -- has been put on hold.) [TU] [Troy Record]
Northern Lights has filed for bankruptcy. The Clifton Park music venue filed Chapter 11 (that's the "reorganization" bankruptcy), so presumably it will try to stay open. [Daily Gazette]
The Police will play a show at SPAC on August 1. The message in the bottle: send money. The cheapest ticket will be $93. [Saratogian]
The carousel has re-opened at the New York State Museum. Four-year-olds voice approval. [Daily Gazette]
The flamingos have returned to Schenectady's Stockade. [Daily Gazette]
The UAlbany men's hoops team topped Maine 74-60 on the road. [TU]
NYRA deal set, road salt supplies low, builder accused of fraud, free wi-fi for Saratoga?
The NYRA deal is set. The state legislature passed a bill yesterday approving it. [TU]
Hillary Clinton helped snag more than $340 million in Congressional "earmarks" last year for New York State, according to a watchdog group. That made her one of the Senate's top 10 earmarkers. [Washington Post]
Road crews around the region report that they're running low on road salt -- and deliveries aren't arriving as expected. [Daily Gazette]
A local luxury homebuilder has been accused of defrauding customers of more than $200,000. [Troy Record]
Saratoga Springs is looking at the possibility of building a free wi-fi network in the city. [Daily Gazette]
On the south side of Troy, residents say they like to keep real estate sales in the neighborhood, somewhat to the chagrin of real estate agents. [TU]
NYRA deal comes together, Republicans back opponent for Gillibrand, landfill questions, Spitzer plan irks Amazon, will it flush?
It looks like a NYRA deal has finally come together. The short story: the state gets the deeds to Saratoga, Belmont and Aqueduct; NYRA gets a 25 year contract to run the tracks; NYRA also gets a three seat majority on its board; and the state comptroller will now get to look over the association's books. With word of the deal, Saratoga breathes a sigh of relief. [TU] [Daily Gazette]
The Republican establishment is backing Sandy Treadwell to run against Kirsten Gillibrand in the 21st Congressional District. [Post-Star]
The state DEC wants more details from the city of Albany about the plan to expand the Rapp Road landfill. If the DEC's questions slow down the expansion, the city could be in a tight spot because the dump's current capacity will be maxed out by the end of next year. Albany also makes about $13 million a year taking trash from a bunch of other municipalities. [TU]
Spitzer's budget includes another attempt to tax online sales -- and Amazon is not happy. [AP]
"Will it flush?" seems to be a favorite game for inmates at the Schenectady County jail. As a result, the facility is installing a "grinder" on its sewer line. Popular items to send down the toilet: blankets, uniforms, underwear, socks, shirts, plastic bags. [Daily Gazette]
No run for Stratton, NYRA deal stuck again, the Gov's text messages, buried cars could be towed, Danes win on the road
Schenectady mayor Brian Stratton says he won't run for the Congressional seat that Mike McNulty is leaving at the end of this year. Stratton's dad, Sam, had held the seat before McNulty. [Daily Gazette]
NYRA's chairman says negotiations over the racing franchise are now going backward. The racing operator is threatening to stop racing at Aqueduct on Thursday -- and there's some fear the season at Saratoga may now be in jeopardy. [Saratogian]
The New York State archivist worries we're losing out on important historical items by not archiving the governor's emails and text messages. [TU]
Cars buried in snow on Schenectady streets can now be towed -- whether there's a snow emergency or not. A new ordinance allows the city to bring out "the hook" if a care isn't cleared after 48 hours. [Daily Gazette]
UAlbany topped Vermont last night 64-61 in Burlington. The men's hoops team is now 12-12 overall, 7-5 in the America East. [TU]
NYRA deal still not done, Salvation Army kettles empty, eBay buying back stolen state documents, a very wrong number, big win for Siena
The Spitzer budget people are now projecting lower tax revenue for 2008-2009, but NYRA's bailout is still in the mix. Or at least, it's in the mix if they can work out a deal to extend the racing franchise, which apparently they still have not. [TU]
The Salvation Army has closed one of its local soup kitchens after its red kettle holiday fund raising campaign fell short. [TU]
eBay has agreed to buy back -- and then return -- many of the historic documents stolen from the New York State archives. [AP/Troy Record]
When you think a "couple of plants," how many marijuana plants might that be? To a guy in Hudson it means, oh, say... 89 of them. [Capital News 9]
A group in Mechanicville recently took out a newspaper ad with the names of everyone it could find who owes back taxes to the city, including the city's attorney (apparently he owes $129). [Saratogian]
The toll-free New York State Smokers' Quit Line phone number starts with 866. The same number starting with 800 or 888 goes to a phone sex service. As one woman who dialed the wrong number told the Gazette, "I thought New York had a new answer on how to quit smoking." [Daily Gazette]
Siena topped Rider 80-77 yesterday on a last second shot by Josh Duell. The men's hoops team is now 16-8 and 11-3 in the MAAC, which is good enough for a first place tie with Rider. [TU]
A possible NYRA deal, state of the city Troy edition, Schenectady reconsiders fluoride, shedding light on Troy
It looks like Spitzer, Silver and Bruno have more or less agreed on a new deal for NYRA. But apparently the racing association is not on board and it's still threatening to shut down Aqueduct next week. [TU]
During his state of the city address, Troy mayor Harry Tutunjian called for a city-wide property task assessment and continued his push to move city hall to the Verizon building on 6th. The word "boondoggle" also came up in reference to the Atrium. [Record]
Schenectady might stop putting fluoride in its water -- and dentists aren't too happy about it. [Daily Gazette]
A developer is looking to shed some light -- red and blue -- on the architecture in Troy's Hedley District (just north of downtown). [TU]
Record turnouts, potential pink slips and a $14 million shortfall
Tuesday's presidential primary brought out a record number of Albany democrats. Counting absentee ballots, it looks like about 40 thousand of the city's 90 thousand democrats voted Tuesday. That's in line with statewide numbers. Only 22 percent of Republicans turned out at Albany polls. [TU]
Some NYRA employees may be getting pink slips for Valentine's Day. The New York Racing Association is bracing for layoffs and cutbacks that could affect some of its Saratoga Springs employees. NYRA is preparing to halt racing at Aqueduct on February 13. Some folks at NYRA are holding out hope that an agreement may be coming soon. [Saratogian]
The town of Colonie is $14 million in debt. Supervisor Paula Mahan announced yesterday that it may take as long as ten years to make up the shortfall. Seven years ago the town had a 12 million dollar surplus . [Daily Gazette]
A former aide to Hillary Clinton is running for Mike McNulty's 21st Congressional District seat. Democrat Tracey Brooks has announced her candidacy. McNulty will retire in December. [TU]
Primary results, the Donald puts up cash against Gillibrand, glowing hot fork torture, Van Dyck headed for sale
Hillary Clinton got the most votes in yesterday's New York Democratic presidential primary. While the total vote count is important, the number of delegates won is even more so. The Democrats make figuring that number a little difficult, and the breakdown of how New York delegates will be allocated to Hillary and Barack Obama is still to be determined. As for the Republicans, John McCain won big and the GOP keeps things simple -- winner pretty much takes all. [NYT]
It seems that a lot of the area's prominent business people backed Rudy Giuliani, who didn't even make it this far in the race for the Republican nomination. [Business Review]
And don't forget about Congressional elections. New York's 20th district is sure to get a lot of attention. Republicans are already lining up to take on Kirsten Gillibrand. Donald Trump has even thrown some money behind one of the potential challengers. Gillibrand has raised the most money so far, though -- some of it coming from the Zagats (of guide fame). [Daily Gazette]
Two Watervliet men have been accused of torturing a witness with a glowing hot fork. [TU]
A law student is accusing an Albany County legislator of harassing her. The legislator denies the accusations, though he does acknowledge talking to her in the process of campaigning. "If it moved, I asked for their vote," said the legislator. [TU]
The court-appointed attorney handling the sale of the Van Dyck says he expects the Schenectady Stockade landmark to be sold within the next 90 days. [Daily Gazette]
Police chase, Ch 10 for sale?, big crowds expected for Giants training, Tulip Fest gets fired up
Police say a Troy man (and rape suspect) told his mom he was going to get police to kill him and on Monday afternoon he came pretty close to getting his wish. [Record]
The parent company of WTEN Channel 10 may be thinking about selling the station. [TU]
The Ballston Avenue Price Chopper in Saratoga is expanding -- and it looks like the Railroad Place Price Chopper may be closing. [Saratogian]
After the Giants Super Bowl win, UAlbany is expecting record crowds for this summer's training camp. [Daily Gazette]
If the Tulip Festival just doesn't seem to have the zing it used to, organizers are planning something new this year to spice things up: a $100,000 floating steel tulip and lilly pads that catch on fire. [TU]
Bruno investigation, UAlbany stabbing, Saratoga state of the city, tough weekend for Siena and RPI, Top Model tryouts
The feds have subpoenaed a handful of local unions as part of the investigation into Joe Bruno's work with an investment group in Connecticut. Bruno quit the job in December after the job got attention for its conflict of interest potential. [TU]
A UAlbany student has been charged after an argument early Friday morning in a cab ended up with another student getting stabbed. [TU]
Scott Johnson, the mayor of Saratoga Springs, called for keeping a closer eye on spending in his first state of the city address. He also pledged to start a series of townhall-type meetings around the city with citizens. [Saratogian]
Troy police shut down the Cloud 9 club (it's the one near the Troy-Green Island Bridge, by where the farmers' market sets up) on accusations of prostitution after an undercover investigation. [TU]
The Siena men's hoops team lost 89-75 to Rider in a game shown on ESPN2. [Daily Gazette]
RPI hockey's streak of 17 straight wins in the Freakout ended with a 4-0 loss to Princeton. [Daily Gazette]
Organizers of the America's Next Top Model tryouts at Colonie Center had to stop taking applications an hour before the event was over because of huge turnout. [Daily Gazette]
Statement in Albany triple murder, cemetery fails to bury man, secretary docked pay for mammogram hour, is that a shotgun in your alligator?
In a statement to police, the man accused of the Albany triple murder details a night of drinking, smoking pot, watching "Coming to America," and then anger about a life that seemed stuck. "I just lost control -- there is no sugarcoating it. ... took three lives. Just because I let the little things in my life ... I let it get the best of me," Jovan Underword reportedly told police. [TU]
After a cemetery being overseen by Waterford failed to bury a man's casket, his sister had to do the job. [TU]
A secretary in Saratoga Springs City Hall is suing the city after her pay was docked for the hour she took to get a mammogram. A state law requires municipalities to give their employees time off for mammograms and prostate screenings, but it doesn't say people have to be paid. [Saratogian]
A Schenectady man was convicted of having a sawed off shotgun in his stuffed alligator. [AP/WNYT]
An arrest in the Albany triple murder, cost of the conventer center doubles, upscale apartments for Schenectady, old but still good
Three men were found murdered Wednesday in an apartment on Delaware Avenue in Albany. The men were shot and the APD says it appears at least one of the men knew the shooter. The police have a suspect in custody and he'll arraigned this morning. [TU]
The Albany Convention Center Authority announced that the price tag for the project is now almost $400 million. That's about $200 million than the state has pledged to chip in. Jerry Jennings says he's not so sure about the project now. [TU]
The vacant Woodlawn School in Schenectady is being turned into upscale apartments. Eighteen units are planned for the building, with rents ranging $1000 - $1800 per month. [Daily Gazette]
A Clifton Park man redeemed a 41-year-old gift certificate at a Hot Dog Charlie's yesterday. He had won the certificate after pitching a no-hitter in the Albany Twilight Baseball League in 1967. [WNYT]
Something stinks in Schenectady, VLTs in Albany?, SUNY enrollment hits another record, big plans for Stewart
Schnectady stinks. No, really. The city's sewage treatment plant had to turn off blowers at its compost facility. City-wide stinkiness ensued. [Daily Gazette]
Jerry Jennings would like to see video lottery terminals in Albany, but others aren't so sure it's a good, um, bet. [CBS6]
SUNY's enrollment has hit a record high, the 10th consecutive year it's done that. [Business Review]
But a lot of those students aren't sticking around after graduation. Silda Wall Spitzer is trying to stem upstate's exodus of young professionals. [TU]
WTEN Channel 10 let a bunch of people go yesterday, including morning anchor Alyssa Van Wie, sports guy Brian Sinkoff, weatherman Chris Gloninger and reporter John Craig. [TU]
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has big plans for Stewart Airport. These plans don't include landing the space shuttle there, but apparently you theoretically could. [AP]
Home prices up just a little, a bathroom for the women of the Saratoga police, RPI rakes it in, a million dollar winner
Area home prices were relatively flat last year, with the median sale price up 2 percent from the year before. Saratoga County actually saw home prices fall 1 percent. [Daily Gazette]
The Long Island pharmacist at the center of the Soares steroid investigation has apparently killed himself.[AP/TU]
The 121-year-old headquarters of the Saratoga Springs police department is finally getting a women-only bathroom and changing area. [TU]
RPI's endowment grew more than $130 million last year. Now at $813 million, the Institute has the largest endowment among area schools. Union college is second at $370 million and Skidmore third at $287 million. [Business Review]
Saratoga is getting a Don Shula's -- sort of. The chain of high-end steak houses is opening a "Shula's 347," which is a mid-priced version of the restaurants named after the football coach. [Saratogian]
A retired woman from Stillwater bought a $5 scratch-off lotto ticket and won a million bucks, face-time with Yolanda Vega. [Record]
Stolen state artifacts on EBay, local film wins at Sundance, Thruway Authority scolded, the oldest house in Saratoga
An employee from the state department of education has been arrested on the accusation that she stole hundreds of artifacts from then New York State Cultural Education Center -- and then sold them on EBay. [CBS6]
"Frozen River," a film written and directed by Chatham's Courtney Hunt -- and shot in Plattsburgh, took the top prize at Sundance. It's already been picked up by Sony Pictures Classics. [TU]
The state comptroller says the NYS Thruway Authority shouldn't be raising tolls and that it "could manage its finances a whole lot better." [Business Review]
The McCain campaign has opened an office in Waterford. [Fox23]
The oldest house in Saratoga Springs is up for sale. The current owners say they'd like to find someone who will preserve the house. [Saratogian]
Siena came back from 14 to beat Iona 64-51 on the road. The men's hoops team is now 13-7, 8-2 in the MAAC. [Daily Gazette]
Presidential campaigns set up here, big development planned for Slingerlands, pay raises for legislators, the wrong campus
The Clinton and Obama campaigns have opened local offices as they look ahead to the February 5 NY primary. The Clinton camp set up on South Pearl in Albany, while Obama's people are in West Hill. Said Clinton supporter Mike Breslin: "This is not ceremonial; this is business, baby." [Daily Gazette]
Work could start as soon as this summer on a mixed-use development just of Rt. 85 near the Price Chopper in Slingerlands. Offices, banks, coffee places, a high-end restaurant, condos and an organic food store are all in the plans. [TU]
Word around the campfire at the state capitol is that that Governor Spitzer has agreed to support a pay raise for legislators. NY currently has the third-highest legislator salaries in the nation. Base pay is $79,500, but some earn more than $100,000. [NYT]
Spamalot didn't just draw big crowds to Proctor's -- it drew record-breaking crowds. The Monty Python musical sold more than $1.1 million in tickets. [Daily Gazette]
Siena got thwacked last night at Loyola 85-56. The Saints are now 12-7 and 7-2 in the MAAC. [TU]
Coming home from drinking downtown, a completely bombed UAlbany student smashed through a door at the Harriman state office campus and ended up sleeping in a second-floor hallway of the Department of Taxation and Finance Building. Police say the student was trying to get back to his dorm. [TU]
New tall building for Saratoga, Phish singer in jail, Rolex in the trash, UAlbany loses
It looks like a new four-story mixed use building will be going up right off of Broadway in Saratoga Springs. The development at 30 Lake Ave will include shops on the bottom two floors and condos in the rest of the space. [Saratogian]
Trey Anastasio, the singer for Phish, spent two days in a Washington County jail last week after he missed a drug counseling session. Anastasio got pulled over last December for DUI. [Post-Star]
Two Albany landfill workers found and returned a Rolex that had been accidentally dropped in the trash. [TU]
UAlbany lost at home to Maine 80-71. The men's hoops team is now 9-10 overall and 4-3 in the America East. [TU]
State budget, emailing clerk quits, something might stink, study abroad investigation
Eliot Spitzer proposed a $124 billion state budget, a little more than 5 percent increase over last year. Reaction ranges from "too much" (Bruno) to "generally pleased" (Silver). [TU]
That Schenectady city hall clerk who sent the nasty email to the mother of the child who died in a bike accident has resigned. [AP/CBS6]
The city of Mechanicville is threatening to cut off its own school district's sewer line. Apparently the city has wanted to inspect the school's sewer line for overflow problems, but the school has been unresponsive. [Record]
The New York State AG's office has subpoenaed Siena College as part of a larger investigation of a study-abroad business. It seems Andrew Cuomo's office thinks the relationship between the company and schools might present a conflict of interest. The investigation is focusing on more than a dozen schools, including Cornell and Harvard. [TU]
Albany DA to investigate Troy cops, the budget flu shot, easy win for Siena
David Soares' office says it will into the alleged use of excessive force by Troy police in Menands. The two men arrested Friday night are now being represented by Terry Kindlon, who calls the situation "a Rodney King-type incident." Kindlon asked Soares to get involved because of says he doesn't trust the Troy PD and, in a letter, called its investigation a "charade." [TU] [Record]
Governor Spitzer compares his proposed budget, which is out today, to a flu shot: "You know there's a momentary sting, but it's good for you in the long run." [WXXI Public Radio]
Siena took it to Canisus last night in a 77-49 win at home. The Saints are now 7-1 in the MAAC. [Daily Gazette]
Morning Blend: Troy cops taking heat, Rennselaer looking up, Wiiiiiii!
The Troy PD is investigating a claim that two of its officers used excessive force while arresting two men after a chase into Menands Friday night. The police say the men were considered dangerous, but people who witnessed the arrest -- including Albany-famous publicist Libby Post -- say the officers' treatment of the suspects appeared extreme. [TU]
The pastor of a Troy Catholic church has been accused of abusing a teenager in the 1980s. The priest has served at a handful of churches around the Capitol Region. [TU]
There's a sense in Rensselaer that things are looking up in the city... and not just because people are craning their necks to look at the Albany skyline. Of course, the view doesn't hurt. [Record]
Guitar Hero III was the best selling game of 2007, according to its publisher. Vicarious Visions, a game studio based in Menands, developed GH3 for the Wii. [Business Review]
Morning Blend: tasers, budget shortfall, RPI applications
Saratoga cops are getting tasers, looking to quell Caroline Street rowdiness with them. [Saratogian]
New York State's revenue projections for aren't looking so hot. Estimates are that the state will have more than a billion dollars less next year than it thought it would. "We're very nervous about next year," the governor's budget expert says. [TU]
A clerk in Schnectady's city hall has been supsended after accusing the mother of a boy who was hit and killed while riding his bike in 2005 that she wasn't watching her children. The accusation was sent via email -- from a city address -- after an exchange on Craigslist. [TU]
RPI reports that it's received a record number of applications for next year, more than 11,000 total. The school's application counts have doubled over the last decade. And the number of young women applying has tripled during the last three years. [Business Review]
Morning Blend: State of Upstate, Jeanne Neff retires, convention center cost, Saratoga botanical garden
Eliot Spitzer delivered the first "State of Upstate" speech yesterday in Buffalo. He said the the part of NY that's not the city is facing and economic storm. His solution? Take $1 billion and spray it all over upstate (OK, not literally, but close). Also part of the plan? Everyone's favorite economic development idea: tech parks! [NYT]
Jeanne Neff, president of the Sage Colleges, announced she's retiring in June. She's headed up the school for 13 years. [TU]
Remember that plan for a convention center in Albany? The projected cost is now $325 million -- that's $125 million more than the original estimate. [CBS6]
There's a small movement to build a botanical garden at Saratoga Spa State Park. An official says it's "a nice idea," but he's not sure where it would fit. [Saratogian]
Morning Blend: state cash, Saratoga rentals, fake helicopter pilots
New York State's Restore NY program announced it was dropping more than $13 million on projects around the region. Albany's getting $3.3 million to build a pair on buildings on New Scotland in the Park South neighborhood. Schnectady is getting $2.5 million to renovate the Center City Sports Complex. And Troy is getting the same amount to knock down city hall for river front development. [TU]
Colonie showed off its new system for videotaping interrogations in serious crimes. You might have thought that local law enforcement agencies are already doing that, but apparently they're not. APD chief James Tuffey says it's too expensive. [TU]
The state still hasn't worked out what's up with the New York racing franchise, but a real estate agent says that hasn't stopped the track season rental market from heating up in Saratoga. [Saratogian]
Thinking it might be cool to go around acting like you're a helicopter pilot for the state? Well, it turns out that's probably illegal. [CBS6]
Morning Blend: Barbara Bruno, cellphone drivers, Saratoga fountain makeover
+ Almost all the big names in state government were at Barbara Bruno's funeral yesterday. After "outvoting" his children, Joe Bruno gave the eulogy, recounting how his wife "really disliked politicians" and taught him how to speak proper English. He also reportedly hugged Eliot Spitzer. [NYT]
+ Troy police got $15,000 from the state to go after people who talk on their cellphones while driving. The Troy PD says it will be targeting areas around high schools and colleges. [TU]
+ City officials in Troy are fighting over how they should get Rennselaer to pay $3.5 million in unpaid water bills. [Troy Record]
+ The historic Morrissey Fountain in Saratoga's Congress Park is getting a makeover. [TU]
... said Tim about How to move a piano?