Western NY

Guilty plea entered to theft of $280,000 from church Wednesday May 14 7:27 AM
A Town of Tonawanda woman pleaded guilty to stealing more than $280,000 over six years from the church where she worked, prosecutors said Tuesday...

Thruway drama was preceded by years of conflict Wednesday May 14 7:24 AM
James H. Gilchriese, the man subdued after a lengthy standoff Monday on the Niagara Thruway, was no stranger to Cheektowaga police...

Plans for bridge staggering over new concerns Wednesday May 14 7:26 AM
WASHINGTON — The common tern may be the least of the problems facing plans for a “signature” bridge across the Niagara River between Buffalo and Fort Erie, Ont...

Strike averted Wednesday May 14 7:44 AM
JAMESTOWN — The SEIU Local 200 strike against WCA Services has been called off by both sides, who announced a new collective bargaining agreement has tentatively been reached.

Upstate trash hauling deal reached Wednesday May 14 5:50 AM
Gov. David Paterson and U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer were in Skaneateles Monday to say that the state will soon develop regulations requiring trash haulers to use Route 81 from downstate and the state Thruway to get to the Seneca Meadows and other area landfills...

Trial begins in home invasion case Wednesday May 14 5:46 AM
A trial began Tuesday in Niagara County Court for two men accused of participating in a home invasion last year on Locust Street...

I-190 STANDOFF: Details emerging about tense incident Wednesday May 14 5:44 AM
BUFFALO — A day after an armed standoff that led to hours of traffic tie-ups and the arrest of James Gilchriese, details are slowly emerging about the tense moments that led to the hostage situation...

Lawyer says Wilson teen illegally searched and arrested Wednesday May 14 5:43 AM
PORTER — The lawyer for 16-year old Colton J. Sherman said Tuesday his client was illegally searched and arrested on May 8 because of Sherman’s involvement in another high-profile case...

Coaches plead not guilty in connection with alleged abuse incident Wednesday May 14 5:42 AM
WILSON — Two Wilson baseball coaches pleaded not guilty to a charge of endangering the welfare of a child in Town of Wilson Court on Tuesday night...

Farmers fear state will leave them short of workers Wednesday May 14 5:22 AM
BATAVIA — New York farmers say a shift in state policy is making it harder for them to hire experienced seasonal workers through federal guest-worker contracts...

Axle plant faces shutdown risk Tuesday May 13 8:01 AM
American Axle & Manufacturing’s plant in Cheektowaga was unusual when it was announced in 1999.

Paterson defends his economic plan Tuesday May 13 7:49 AM
Gov. David A. Paterson trekked to Western New York on Monday to defend planned changes to the state’s main economic- development agency that some upstate leaders fear will weaken the region’s influence on efforts to create jobs.

Use of city cars spurs mayoral review Tuesday May 13 7:00 AM
Mayor Byron W. Brown has ordered a review of take-home vehicle policies amid complaints that some employees who are assigned city-owned cars might be abusing the privilege.

Developer to provide information on project Tuesday May 13 7:50 AM
The 34-acre Amherst Town Centre project has been promoted as one of the largest private investments ever proposed in Amherst and a unique mixed-use retail venture for Western New York.

Buffalo, Upstate rate well for relocation Tuesday May 13 8:22 AM
The Upstate New York metropolitan areas of Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse rank in the top five best mid-sized cities for relocating families, according to a new study.

State backs Dunkirk Steel upgrade Tuesday May 13 8:20 AM
Empire State Development said Monday it will back a number of improvements at Dunkirk Specialty Steel via a $500,000 grant.

NY farmers fear state will leave them short of workers Tuesday May 13 6:12 AM
BATAVIA, N.Y. (AP) -- New York farmers say a shift in state policy is making it harder for them to hire experienced seasonal workers through federal guest-worker contracts.

Board of Inquiry assembled Tuesday May 13 5:55 AM
Group of six lawmakers to investigate coroner’s business dealings...

County officials hit the brakes on gas tax plan Tuesday May 13 5:54 AM
It appears unlikely that Niagara County residents will receive a break on the local share of gasoline taxes this summer.

Teaming up for tourism Tuesday May 13 5:53 AM
With a bird’s eye view of the roaring falls, members of the Niagara Falls Tourism Advisory Board met with a top state park official Monday to discuss future projects and partnerships.

Who does Lockport want as the next president? Tuesday May 13 5:50 AM
“Undecided” is a bland word, but it’s critical in the historic 2008 presidential campaign.

Two Lockport-based county legislators will try again to persuade Niagara County to drop the tax it applies to the city’s raw water line Tuesday May 13 5:49 AM
Legislators Tony Nemi and Keith McNall plan to introduce legislation next week that would have the county fully forgive tax on the line carrying water into the City of Lockport from the Niagara River at North Tonawanda.

Nozzolio and youth talk about issues Tuesday May 13 5:57 AM
Sen. Michael Nozzolio, R-54 of Fayette, met with some young constituents Saturday to discuss their ideas for making Geneva a better place for kids.

Council To Discuss Union Agreement Monday May 12 7:55 AM
City Council members will discuss a four-year contract agreement with one of the city’s five labor unions when they convene today for a work session.

SUNY schools faced with big chill Monday May 12 7:03 AM
State revenue freeze would deal blow...

Thanks but no thanks Monday May 12 8:04 AM
Town of Niagara officials had a quick and pointed response Friday to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority’s interest in taking a greater role in the redevelopment of the Army Reserve Center on Porter Road.

Rochester celebrates Israel's 60th anniversary Monday May 12 5:44 AM
Crowds of people lined East Avenue and gathered at the Jewish Community Federation building on Sunday to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence with a parade, kosher food and Israeli goods and music...

NIAGARA COUNTY: Failing grade lingers Monday May 12 5:31 AM
Last year, Niagara County received a failing grade in economics from a statewide business organization...

Southern Tier

'We've had enough,' crowd tells CV officials Wednesday May 14 6:22 AM
FENTON -- A frustrated and sometimes-angry crowd packed the Chenango Valley school district office Tuesday night to complain about a proposed 14.44 percent increase in the property tax levy under a $31.7 million budget for 2008-09...

Book details Sacco's desire for young girls Wednesday May 14 6:20 AM
Dean Sacco said in his autobiography that as a teenager he crept into the bedrooms of young girls in his New Jersey neighborhood and touched them...

Endicott weighs risks in gas-drilling option Wednesday May 14 6:18 AM
Endicott officials want assurances that gas drilling proposed for village property won't contaminate a nearby municipal well that serves 40,000 customers...

Attempted murder trial begins Wednesday May 14 6:16 AM
A jury was selected Tuesday in the attempted murder trial of Jesse Turner of Elmira, and opening arguments will begin today in Chemung County Court...

Tioga Central growth on fast track Wednesday May 14 6:15 AM
WELLSBORO -- The Myles Group on Tuesday proved that rumors of the imminent death of the Tioga Central Railroad were, indeed, greatly exaggerated...

Chemung saves on county jail expenses Wednesday May 14 6:14 AM
Chemung County has made progress in reducing its jail population and some court costs, but more remains to be done, according to an update by the Center for Governmental Research made public Tuesday...

Machinists needed in Tiers Wednesday May 14 6:13 AM
Fading interest in manufacturing careers -- particularly the machine tooling trade -- is making it hard for Twin Tiers business owners to find workers to fill those jobs, and it's even harder for educators to find potential recruits to train for those openings...

Tier leaders fight for upstate post Tuesday May 13 7:16 AM
Southern Tier leaders are among those calling on Gov. David A. Paterson to retain an upstate economic-development chairman and not put the position under one statewide economic leader.

Corning plants not affected by China quake Tuesday May 13 7:20 AM
CORNING -- Corning Inc. spokeswoman Kelli Hopp-Michlosky said Monday that as far as the company knew the quake has not affected Corning employees or facilities.

Putting a price on untapped gas Tuesday May 13 7:12 AM
Figures depend on whom you ask...

Sacco's diary may become trial evidence Tuesday May 13 7:14 AM
BINGHAMTON -- The jury in the Dean Sacco child-sex-trafficking case in U.S. District Court in Binghamton will learn this morning whether the defendant's autobiography will be admitted into evidence.

Web site to help monitor sex offenders in Chemung County Tuesday May 13 7:21 AM
The Chemung County Legislature on Monday approved an agreement for an Internet-based offender database to help the public monitor sex offenders in their neighborhoods.

County budget committee votes to discontinue WIC Tuesday May 13 6:09 AM
ITHACA — The Tompkins County Legislature's Budget and Capital committee voted 3-2 Monday to discontinue administering the Women, Infant and Children program.

Caterpillars chew up trees Monday May 12 7:08 AM
Eastern tents spinning their hard-to-penetrate shelters, wreaking havoc in area forests...

300 agree to $90 million gas deal Monday May 12 7:17 AM
A coalition of about 300 property owners dealing with energy prospectors in eastern Broome and western Delaware countries has struck it rich, and drilling hasn't even started.

NYC/Long Island

Cuomo targets all Long Island school 'double-dippers' Wednesday May 14 7:14 AM
State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo began subpoenaing the records of all 124 school districts on Long Island late Tuesday, seeking information on the practice of "double-dipping" by administrators who received state pensions and were then hired for lucrative interim positions.

Mayor Bloomberg doled hidden pork fund to pols Wednesday May 14 7:11 AM
City Council members have been handing out even more pork than anyone thought - thanks to Mayor Bloomberg.

Feds seek life in guard attack horror Wednesday May 14 7:10 AM
Federal prosecutors urged an appeals court Tuesday to stiffen the sentence given to an Osama Bin Laden loyalist for a brutal attack on a prison guard in lower Manhattan.

Cuts in Medicaid May Mean Billion-Dollar Loss to New York for Training Doctors Wednesday May 14 7:02 AM
New York’s public and private hospitals stand to lose more than $1 billion in state and federal funds for the training of doctors because of changes to the Medicaid program backed by the Bush administration, according to an analysis by the city’s Independent Budget Office released on Tuesday.

School Bus Safety Officials Are Accused of Soliciting Bribes Wednesday May 14 7:00 AM
Four City Department of Education employees were charged in a federal indictment on Tuesday with soliciting bribes in exchange for promising preferential treatment, including on safety inspections, to bus companies that serve thousands of special education students.

Mayor Controls Smaller Pot for Council Discretionary Funds Wednesday May 14 6:00 AM
Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s office on Tuesday detailed a little-known pot of discretionary funds that it distributes to council members for use by community programs they consider worthy and said it would tighten the regulation of the funds.

Suffolk lawmakers pass worker status bill Wednesday May 14 7:16 AM
The Suffolk Legislature Tuesday passed its much-debated worker status bill, marking the end of a months-long debate over whether the county should require its 17,000 licensed contractors to verify their employees' immigration status.

CHEATO VITO IN DC VOTE Wednesday May 14 6:43 AM
Embattled Staten Island Rep. Fossella yesterday slinked back into House chambers to cast his first vote on the floor since admitting he sired a love child with an Air Force officer...

FAA EYES 'JET LOO' Wednesday May 14 6:40 AM
The feds are taking a look at a Manhattan man's tale of toilet terror at 33,000 feet...

ROUTES TO RICHES Wednesday May 14 6:37 AM
Four city officials extorted at least $1 million in bribes from bus companies that transported special-education students - the latest chapter in the sordid, decades-long corruption of a mobbed-up labor union, authorities said yesterday...

CITY HOSPS FACE CRUSHING FUND CUTS Wednesday May 14 6:36 AM
New York City hospitals are facing the devastating loss of $1.2 billion in annual Medicaid funding under new rules ending payments to train doctors, the city's Independent Budget Office has found...

ET TU, BLOOMY? MIKE BARES OWN SLUSH FUND Wednesday May 14 6:44 AM
Five weeks into a federal probe of City Council slush funds, Mayor Bloomberg revealed yesterday that he kept his own secret taxpayer-funded cash stash - and used it to reward favored lawmakers...

RAIL YARDS BACK IN PLAY Wednesday May 14 6:41 AM
The search for a developer to turn the West Side rail yards into a mini-city on the Hudson was reopened yesterday - even as Gov. Paterson said he'd call for an emergency summit to keep such megaprojects alive...

State Assembly seeks laws to protect NYC renters Wednesday May 14 6:06 AM
ALBANY— Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver wants new laws to protect tenants in and around New York City from landlords seeking to evict them and raise rents...

Vice President Clinton capital idea, say Koch, Schumer and Rangel Tuesday May 13 7:07 AM
Hillary Clinton got some free career advice Monday from three of New York's most senior pols, all of whom suggested she might want to reset her sights on the vice presidency.

Among mysteries: 'Life coach' got $4,500 in Paterson campaign cash Tuesday May 13 7:00 AM
As a state senator, Gov. Paterson spent $4,500 in campaign money on a woman who bills herself as a "life coach."

Negotiations Under Way to Ease Ground Zero Deal Tuesday May 13 6:00 AM
In 2005, state and city officials were so eager to keep Goldman Sachs downtown that they provided the investment bank with one of the biggest incentive packages in city history to build itself a new headquarters across West Street from ground zero.

Bluestone Boom Opens Quarries to New Allies, and to Change Tuesday May 13 6:56 AM
HANCOCK, N.Y. — Five-foot-10, 270 pounds, with truck axle arms and a rawhide neck, Earl F. Hennessey is a third-generation Catskill quarryman...

Plea Expected in Ring Tied to Spitzer Tuesday May 13 6:54 AM
The woman accused of being the primary booker for the prostitution ring patronized by Eliot Spitzer is expected to plead guilty this week to charges related to her role in the ring, people involved in the matter said Monday.

With gas prices up, MTA ridership goes through roof while roads catch a brake Tuesday May 13 7:08 AM
Fewer cars and trucks are chugging through the city while more passengers are squeezing onto subway and commuter trains, thanks in part to rising gasoline prices.

House hears from police critics in Sean Bell case Tuesday May 13 6:53 AM
A congressional committee Monday heard civil rights crusaders, academics and frustrated Sean Bell supporters demand a massive overhaul to police departments in New York and nationwide to end excessive force deaths.

5,000 Dave and Buster's customers targeted by hackers Tuesday May 13 6:48 AM
An international computer hacking gang broke into the computerized cash registers electronically at the Dave and Buster's restaurant in Islandia and stole credit card information of 5,000 customers -- starting a flood of at least $600,000 worth of fraudulent purchases around the world, federal prosecutors said Monday.

Schumer on Mayor's Plan: 'Goofiest Thing' He's Seen Tuesday May 13 6:38 AM
Senator Schumer is calling a key part of the Bloomberg administration's plan for the West Side of Manhattan the "goofiest thing I've ever seen," and the mayor is firing back, saying the senator should mind his own business — back in Washington.

For Those Running for Citywide Office, Member Item Money Flows Outside Council Districts Tuesday May 13 6:37 AM
City Council members running for citywide office are allocating "member item" money to organizations miles away from their council districts, a New York Sun analysis has found.

POL'S AIDE RATTED OUT VITO'S GAL Tuesday May 13 6:35 AM
Rep. Vito Fossella's Air Force mistress was so distracted by their affair that she couldn't perform her official duties on a junket they attended - so the top aide to then-House Speaker Dennis Hastert reported her to the Pentagon, he claims.

Ex-cop pleads guilty to stealing, selling guns Tuesday May 13 6:46 AM
A former New York City police officer has pleaded guilty to stealing handguns from a Queens police evidence room and selling them on Long Island, Nassau prosecutors said...

New proposed cell antenna sites draw opposition Tuesday May 13 6:45 AM
As cell phone use increases, so does the number of antennas atop buildings, water towers and poles - and with that comes opposition from residents who don't want them anywhere near their homes...

New Hyde Park man charged with stealing disability benefits Tuesday May 13 6:43 AM
A New Hyde Park man has been charged with bilking the system of close to $300,000 in disability benefits for a polio-related disorder, all while working a full-time job that paid $168,000 a year, according to the Nassau County district attorney...

A (Blight Resistant) American Chestnut Grows in Larchmont Tuesday May 13 5:02 AM
Larchmont bar mitzvah boy, two Cornell alumnae, the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE ) of Westchester and the Larchmont Parks and Trees Committee are partnering in a scientific experiment aimed at reintroducing the American chestnut tree into its former natural habitat.

Contaminated LIRR Substation Cleanup to Begin in June Tuesday May 13 4:57 AM
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), working closely with the New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health, and the railroad's consultant, have developed a remedial action work plan to clean up a railroad-owned Nassau Boulevard substation located on Edgemere Road in Garden City this summer.

North Shore Propositions 1 and 2 Tuesday May 13 4:56 AM
On Tuesday, May 20 North Shore residents will be asked to vote on two propositions and may vote on each proposition separately.

Feds probe Fossella trip financing Monday May 12 6:55 AM
Democratic and GOP congressional officials are scrutinizing Rep. Vito Fossella's mysterious and pricey January 2003 trip to France, the Daily News has learned.

Bloomberg Asks Albany to Oppose Union-Backed Retirement Bills Monday May 12 6:51 AM
ALBANY — Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York is appealing to Gov. David A. Paterson and legislative leaders to hold firm against two bills that the city believes would cost as much as $300 million a year.

Port Authority's inability to rebuild quickly at WTC site will cost taxpayers Monday May 12 6:56 AM
New Yorkers are on the hook to hand over $321 million to Goldman Sachs, America's richest investment bank, because the Port Authority failed to rebuild the World Trade Center as fast as promised.

Paterson's Protectionism Backfires Monday May 12 7:00 AM
New York farmers say Governor Paterson's crackdown on foreign farm workers and promotion of domestic labor is backfiring, leaving them with a shortage of hands in the fields that they say will lead to crop losses this harvest season.

CUNY NURSES LEAD THE STATE Monday May 12 6:41 AM
Six of the top 10 most successful nursing programs in the state are part of the City University of New York system, according to the most recent data...

MEET THE STATE’S 'NO. 1’ EMPLOYEE Monday May 12 6:40 AM
May 12, 2008 -- at they mean by watch the birdie...

FDNY CREDIT CHECK Monday May 12 6:38 AM
The Fire Department must impose tighter controls on the use of government-issued credit cards, Comptroller William Thompson said in an audit that found charges by unauthorized users...

North Country

ASTHMA-SLAY THUGS CAGED Wednesday May 14 6:39 AM
CANTON, NY - Two northern New York men have been sentenced to 20 years each in state prison for triggering another man's fatal asthma attack during a robbery attempt...

Congress to start farm bill debate today Wednesday May 14 5:40 AM
WASHINGTON — Congress is set to begin debate today on a $300 billion, five-year farm bill that expands some farm and food programs and shrinks payments to some of the wealthiest farmers — but that still drew a veto threat from President Bush on Tuesday...

McHugh may not back G.I. Bill set to come before House Wednesday May 14 5:39 AM
WASHINGTON — Rep. John M. McHugh, R-Pierrepont Manor, supports expanded educational benefits for service members — but that does not mean he backs the latest effort to boost them...

Senators ask feds to help local firms win Fort Drum business Wednesday May 14 5:37 AM
ALBANY — New York's two U.S. senators are calling for federal assistance in the establishment of a permanent assistance center to help area businesses gain access to contracts and business at Fort Drum...

Intruders sought in man's death Wednesday May 14 5:36 AM
WINTHROP — The death of a Brookdale resident who was shot during an incident at his home early Tuesday remains under investigation by the St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Department...

Residents rage over Carthage budget Wednesday May 14 5:34 AM
CARTHAGE — More than 100 residents attended the Carthage Central School District's annual budget hearing Tuesday night, and they were cut off after more than two hours of animated discussion...

Plattsburgh State reaches freshman limits Wednesday May 14 5:32 AM
PLATTSBURGH -- Admissions goal for new freshmen reached; applications being turned away...

Nova Bus receives conditional Town of Plattsburgh Planning Board approval Wednesday May 14 5:30 AM
PLATTSBURGH -- V.I.P. Structures of Syracuse, the company that will build the $25-million bus-assembly plant, plans to start construction by June 1...

DA teams up with alcohol counselors Wednesday May 14 5:29 AM
Essex County has three times the number of underage drinkers as the state average...

North Country nuclear plant loses power, declares 'unusual event' Wednesday May 14 5:20 AM
SCRIBA — An upstate New York nuclear reactor automatically shut down when off-site power to the plant was lost...

Ex chairman to be indicted Wednesday May 14 5:11 AM
FORT EDWARD - The former chairman of the Washington County Democratic Committee could face up to eight years in state prison after his arrest in recent weeks on charges he stalked his ex-wife and violated an order of protection, officials said...

Fire cleanup divides village Wednesday May 14 5:10 AM
CORINTH - Sher Mills has had but one walk-in customer at her art studio on Main Street since a February fire destroyed three nearby properties, one of which is just a few feet from her business...

Queensbury sets $170,000 salary for new superintendent Wednesday May 14 5:09 AM
QUEENSBURY - The Queensbury school board hired Douglas Huntley on Monday to become the next superintendent at an annual salary of $170,000...

Seasonal employers get labor law refresher Wednesday May 14 5:08 AM
LAKE GEORGE -- Bill Wilson needs the foreign work force to stay afloat during the summer months...

Lewie jury reaches partial verdict Wednesday May 14 5:07 AM
QUEENSBURY -- The jury deciding whether Alicia C. Lewie is guilty of manslaughter in her infant son's death was sent home for the night Tuesday after reaching a partial verdict...

Lawsuit against Harrietstown dismissed Wednesday May 14 5:03 AM
SARANAC LAKE — A state Supreme Court judge has dismissed an Article 78 lawsuit against the town of Harrietstown and others for what some called unfair property tax assessments...

Tupper reverses reassessment Wednesday May 14 5:01 AM
TUPPER LAKE — The town board voted unanimously Monday evening to recommend that town Assessor Larry Cole set aside the recent reassessment and instead update the last one with figures for new construction...

Trudeau stamp revealed Wednesday May 14 5:00 AM
SARANAC LAKE — Although many have already seen the image on light-post banners throughout the village of Saranac Lake or online, the official unveiling of the Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau stamp drew a full crowd to the Hotel Saranac ballroom Monday afternoon...

Groups want to join forestland tax-payment suit Tuesday May 13 5:47 AM
ALBANY — Several conservation and other groups with interests in the Adirondacks and Catskills are seeking to join the state's defense in litigation over tax payments.

Sheriff's Dept. employees have tentative contracts Tuesday May 13 5:46 AM
LOWVILLE — Lewis County has reached tentative labor deals with members of the road patrol and other Sheriff's Department employees.

Investment group sells Clifton, Colton acreage Tuesday May 13 5:44 AM
Thousands of acres within the Adirondack Park in St. Lawrence County were sold earlier this month by a British investment group to an Atlanta timberland management company.

Landfill methane to make electricity Tuesday May 13 5:43 AM
Power plant may open in August with three 1.6-megawatt generators...

Wyeth makes large donation to Champlain Valley Habitat for Humanity Tuesday May 13 5:39 AM
KEESEVILLE -- As it prepares to move out of the North Country, Wyeth remains committed to helping others move in.

Economy down, library use up Tuesday May 13 5:17 AM
Use of public resource for books sees notable rise during recessions...

AuSable River gets stocked with brown trout Tuesday May 13 5:12 AM
Standing alongside the West Branch of the Ausable River, Chuck Blankenship emptied a 10-gallon bucket full of 2-year-old brown trout into the running water Thursday

PHYTOREMEDIATION: Post uses 'green' process to deal with plume from spill discovered in '88 Monday May 12 5:25 AM
As officials consider cleanup options for an underground plume of jet fuel at Wheeler-Sack Army Airfield, a much older fuel spill is serving as an example of Fort Drum's push to make similar cleanup efforts as green as possible...

Elections boards given more polling place funding Monday May 12 5:23 AM
Three north country elections boards recently received an additional $8,279 to make polling places more accessible, despite spending little of the $100,190 awarded to them 16 months ago to resolve the same issue...

Postal Service to release stamp today honoring Edward Livingston Trudeau Monday May 12 5:22 AM
SARANAC LAKE -- The Postal Service plans to unveil a stamp today that honors Edward Livingston Trudeau, the Saranac Lake physician who changed the way doctors treated tuberculosis in the 19th century...

State Police find flawed truck brakes Monday May 12 5:20 AM
PLATTSBURGH -- As part of Operation Air Brake, State Police found numerous flawed brake systems in commercial vehicles traveling locally...

Adirondacks are focus of new PBS show Monday May 12 5:19 AM
LAKE PLACID -- A new PBS documentary will broadcast the Adirondack landscape across America on Wednesday...

Peru, Beekmantown schools to start diversity programs Monday May 12 5:16 AM
PLATTSBURGH -- A high-school version of a Plattsburgh State general-education diversity course will be the centerpiece of a new initiative to establish mini-diversity centers on two local high-school campuses...

State to talk labor rules Monday May 12 5:08 AM
LAKE GEORGE - The Department of Labor will host a seminar at the Georgian Resort on Tuesday for members of the Lake George business community...

Military moms march for troops Monday May 12 5:06 AM
GLENS FALLS -- "They also serve who only stand and wait."

Hudson Valley

Steinhaus appeals judge's order to put legislative aide on payroll Wednesday May 14 7:39 AM
POUGHKEEPSIE - Dutchess County Democrats hope an appeals court will find that forcing Legislature Chairman Roger Higgins to continue working without an assistant is "a hardship" that outweighs the county executive's right to keep Higgins' appointed assistant off the county payroll.

Sullivan lawmakers urge the state to provide no-interest loans for dam repairs Wednesday May 14 7:40 AM
MONTICELLO – The Sullivan County Legislature is going to ask the state to provide no-interest loans to dam owners, who will be required to bring them up to new state standards.

NRC to discuss inspection of Entergy’s assessment of groundwater contamination at Indian Point Wednesday May 14 7:42 AM
BUCHANAN – The result of a Nuclear Regulatory Commission inspection of Entergy’s work on characterizing groundwater contamination at the Indian Point nuclear power plant will be discussed at a public meeting on Tuesday, May 20.

Ex-Ramapo cop indicted on federal charges Wednesday May 14 7:34 AM
A recently fired Ramapo police officer was indicted yesterday on federal domestic violence-related charges.

Hearings to be held on proposed outdoor burn ban Wednesday May 14 7:51 AM
PUBLIC hearings will be held next month in Dutchess County and Albany on a proposed statewide ban on outdoor burning.

Democrats in 95th Assembly race shrinks Wednesday May 14 7:36 AM
The race for the 95th Assembly District seat has thinned out considerably since January, when five local Democrats said they were considering a challenge to the incumbent.

Outdoor groups defend NY tax support Wednesday May 14 7:49 AM
ALBANY — Several conservation groups with interests in the Adirondacks and Catskills are seeking to join the state's defense in litigation over tax payments.

Legislature switches on trans fats Wednesday May 14 6:08 AM
Instead of a ban, Dutchess County Legislator Joel Tyner, D-Clinton, has opted to have signs posted in restaurants letting customers know whether trans fats are being used...

Police announce 4 major arrests in Ulster Wednesday May 14 6:04 AM
KINGSTON — A Kingston man who allegedly used his status as a college security guard to get confidential information in exchange for money and drugs was one of four people arrested by the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team Monday...

Body of missing teen found in quarry Tuesday May 13 7:35 AM
CATSKILL — At approximately 10 a.m. Monday the massive manhunt for 18-year-old William J. Dunn came to a halt when his body was recovered in 25 feet of water at the Catskill Quarry, part of the Holcim Cement Plant off Route 9W.

Steinhaus strikes back in battle over hiring Tuesday May 13 7:29 AM
Dutchess County Executive William Steinhaus and his attorney filed a notice to appeal the decision of a state Supreme Court judge who ordered Steinhaus to put the assistant to the Legislature chairman on the payroll, legislative counsel David Sears said.

Dutchess parents on notice: No underage drinking Tuesday May 13 7:44 AM
POUGHKEEPSIE – A ‘Social Host Law’, imposing sanctions on property owners who allow underage people to drink is now law in Dutchess County.

Bus company to locate over 100 jobs in Middletown Tuesday May 13 7:46 AM
MIDDLETOWN - The ACME Bus Company will buy the former Honda dealership property on Fulton Avenue in Middletown for use as a dispatch center a new operation.

Trans fats ban pulled from Legislature Tuesday May 13 7:31 AM
During the Dutchess County Legislature's meeting tonight, Legislator Joel Tyner, D-Clinton, pulled a proposed local law that would have banned trans fats in county restaurants.

Lyme Disease on decline in Dutchess, but it may be only temporary Tuesday May 13 7:44 AM
POUGHKEEPSIE – Lyme Disease is still very much a threat...

Bus fares between Rockland and NYC going up next month Tuesday May 13 7:38 AM
Two bus companies serving Rockland commuters to New York City will raise fares in June to cope with rising fuel prices.

After b-ball scuffle in Ramapo, man deliberately slams into minivan, cops say Monday May 12 6:24 AM
RAMAPO - Disagreements at a pickup basketball game at Eugene Levy Memorial Park ended with a man intentionally ramming into a parked minivan, police said...

Kingston event will commemorate the reburial of former Vice President George Clinton in Uptown graveyard Monday May 12 6:20 AM
KINGSTON - A century ago the body of former Vice President George Clinton was removed from a Washington, D.C., graveyard and reburied among militiamen who fought, like he did, for America's freedom...

Couple will get refund after meter mix-up Monday May 12 6:17 AM
CHESTER — A retired couple will be getting back almost $3,000 from a local utility after a meter mix-up caused them to overpay gas bills for years...

Police, firefighters continue search for missing N.J. man Monday May 12 6:07 AM
ELDRED — State police, Department of Environmental Conservation police and firefighters continued to search yesterday for a New Jersey man missing since last week...

Baptists lose unfinished church to fire Monday May 12 6:00 AM
WAPPINGERS FALLS - Police and fire officials have pledged to find out what caused an early-morning fire that destroyed the new home of the Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, which was under construction and scheduled to open in October...

Thieves cutting converters from cars to sell, cops say Monday May 12 6:16 AM
TOWN OF NEWBURGH — Town police say thieves have been cutting the catalytic converters from the exhaust system of cars and selling the metal...

Boat capsizes in Hudson Monday May 12 6:22 AM
NEW WINDSOR – Two people made it out of the Hudson River safely Sunday morning after their boat capsized off Plum Point...

Low shad numbers blamed on overfishing Monday May 12 6:05 AM
GERMANTOWN - John Mylod pulled his shad nets from the Hudson River late one morning when the tide was low and the water green and glassy. He unsnagged a flopping male with pearly scales, then a larger female with a belly full of BB-sized eggs called roe...

Pete Seeger honored by alma mater Monday May 12 5:09 AM
AVON, Conn. - Folk singer and social activist Pete Seeger returned to Connecticut to be honored by his alma mater...

Volunteers plant trees, shrubs Monday May 12 6:03 AM
John Bordi spent Sunday afternoon at Rochdale Park in the Town of Poughkeepsie...

Central NY

Two area men arraigned on fraud charges Wednesday May 14 7:30 AM
DELHI _ Two men were arraigned in Delaware County Court on Monday on a grand jury indictment for alleged insurance fraud...

Area delegates to Clinton: Keep going Wednesday May 14 7:32 AM
Keep running, Hillary, but stay positive. That's the message from local delegates and delegate candidates to the 2008 Democratic national convention...

Paterson: State already in discussions with Oneidas Wednesday May 14 6:01 AM
Gov. David Paterson said Tuesday the state already was in discussions with the Oneida Indian Nation regarding the possibility as much as 13,000 acres of its nonreservation land was placed into federal Indian trust...

Paterson speech mixes humor, hardships Wednesday May 14 5:00 AM
WHITESBORO — New York Gov. David Paterson's speech Tuesday before 500 members of the local business community was filled with humorous stories, but his message about New York's economy and the troubles that lie ahead was serious...

County sheriff grapples with deputy shortage…again Wednesday May 14 4:53 AM
Oswego County Sheriff Reuel “Moe” Todd continues to deal with staffing shortages as deputies leave for better paying jobs...

Oswego County amateur radio operators recognized Wednesday May 14 4:52 AM
A group of amateur radio operators were honored by Oswego County Emergency Management Director Patricia Egan recently. The Oswego County Emergency Communicators/RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) work with the Emergency Management Office to provide an essential service in backup communications...

Legislators discuss options for a county jail Tuesday May 13 6:22 AM
Herkimer, N.Y. - As the Public Safety and Emergency Management committee of the Herkimer County Legislature continues to move forward on holding meetings about the Schuyler Business Park as a potential jail site, some legislators are investigating other options besides building a new county jail.

Kodak kickback case heads to the jury Tuesday May 13 6:17 AM
After nine weeks of trial, defense lawyers tried Monday to convince members of a federal jury that they shouldn't believe the word of a government witness who claimed in testimony that he pocketed millions in kickbacks when he worked for Eastman Kodak Co.

Hinchey predicts Democrats will unite behind Obama Tuesday May 13 6:10 AM
Congressman Maurice Hinchey, D-22nd, a superdelegate who has endorsed fellow New Yorker Hillary Clinton, said Monday that within the next month he believes the superdelegates will coalesce around Barack Obama.

Finger Lakes vintners aim to sustain Tuesday May 13 6:07 AM
On 45 breathtaking acres that border the western shores of Seneca Lake, Doug Miles grows grapes for wine, both red and white.

Gas prices, bus ridership rise Tuesday May 13 7:10 AM
As gas prices climb ever closer to $4 per gallon, more people are looking for ways to cut their fuel costs, whether by taking the bus or skipping a vacation.

Paterson tells DOT to curb trash haulers' upstate shortcuts Tuesday May 13 6:03 AM
Skaneateles, NY - Gov. David Paterson has told state transportation officials to develop regulations that would prevent trash haulers from exiting interstate highways to take shortcuts through rural upstate towns.

State officials turn down settlement in Roy Brown case Tuesday May 13 6:00 AM
Syracuse, NY - State officials refused today to settle an unlawful imprisonment lawsuit filed by Roy Brown, who spent 15 years in prison for a murder he did not commit.

County officials starting to feel state budget’s sting Tuesday May 13 5:07 AM
The state budget is already beginning to have an impact locally, and that impact could prove costly not only to county government, but to towns, villages, not-for-profit organizations, and school districts.

Lake Neatahwanta cleanup project inches forward Monday May 12 6:31 AM
Fulton, N.Y. - While it will be a lengthy process, initial steps have been taken to finally clean up Fulton’s Lake Neatahwanta...

Groups collecting funds for victims Monday May 12 5:58 AM
UTICA — In one corner of the Buddhist temple’s yard Sunday, Kohtay Lwin, a Burmese Muslim, was collecting donations to send to the cyclone victims...

Schools supporting riders Monday May 12 5:56 AM
The preparation for Friday’s annual Ride for Missing Children almost is complete. And local students have been working almost as hard as the riders...

Area lawmakers dish out funds Monday May 12 7:14 AM
The Laurens Fire District Emergency Squad needs a new ambulance...

Reality TV makes its way to Oswego Monday May 12 6:35 AM
Oswego, N.Y. - Oswego native Crystal DiGregorio has been a busy woman in both of her homes in California and New York...

Capital District

SUNY board fighting budget cuts Wednesday May 14 7:19 AM
ALBANY — State University leaders are unwilling to accept budget constraints demanded by the administration of Gov. David Paterson and are in discussions with the governor’s Budget Division to try to resolve the disagreement...

Sweeney civil suit almost ready to start Wednesday May 14 7:20 AM
BALLSTON SPA — More than two years after former Rep. John Sweeney’s son and another man were sentenced for assault, the victim in the case is preparing to ask a judge for a cash judgment against his assailants...

Bill lifts veil from doctor allegations Wednesday May 14 6:57 AM
ALBANY -- New Yorkers would be let in on the secret when their doctor is charged with misconduct or crimes under a proposal by New York Gov. David Paterson expected to be announced today.

Senate serves up pork Wednesday May 14 6:56 AM
ALBANY -- The Senate on Tuesday unveiled $218 million in capital projects, providing funds for private companies, local authorities and previously undisclosed big-ticket expenses such as a music center at Skidmore College and a semiconductor plant in Saratoga County.

Senate Approves $350 Million in Projects Intended for Economic Development Wednesday May 14 7:04 AM
ALBANY — While state analysts are forecasting lean times, lawmakers are bankrolling what some see as a bumper crop of pork.

NY lawmakers want to criminalize violent Web postings Wednesday May 14 6:55 AM
ALBANY -- Reacting to recent Internet postings like "Dude gets savagely put to sleep" and "Brutal girl fight," several Republican state senators vowed Tuesday to criminalize videotaping and sharing assaults online, saying it victimizes people a second time.

Class-action lawsuit in state pension cases? Wednesday May 14 6:54 AM
An Albany lawyer is preparing a class-action lawsuit to try to stop Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli from stripping pension credits from lawyers who state officials say don't deserve them.

Beating videos on YouTube 'make me sick'; state pols vow crackdown Wednesday May 14 7:07 AM
ALBANY - Irate Senate Republicans vowed Tuesday to go after filmmakers who deliberately film beatings and then post them on Web sites like YouTube.

Gun buy-back program draws fire and ire Wednesday May 14 6:53 AM
An Albany County program to buy back handguns is in the works -- but not without controversy and hurt feelings.

Ambulance corps expels 13 members Wednesday May 14 7:18 AM
DUANESBURG — Facing a membership crisis and looming insolvency, the Duanesburg Volunteer Ambulance Corps’ Board of Directors Tuesday declared more than dozen members inactive, including the former captain many had faulted for the company’s unrest...

SPAC unveils ampitheater improvements today Wednesday May 14 6:28 AM
SARATOGA SPRINGS — State parks Commissioner Carol Ash and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno are expected to be on hand today for the unveiling of a new facade for Saratoga Performing Arts Center’s amphitheater...

SUNY protests state cuts Wednesday May 14 6:23 AM
ALBANY -- State University of New York officials said Tuesday they were proposing spending cuts that were $40 million less than what the governor ordered, largely because they wouldn't turn back revenues they collect through tuition and fees...

School hours depend on vote Wednesday May 14 6:48 AM
Increased class time is part of proposed teachers contract up for ratification...

Cuomo pension probe tinged with a certain lack of fair play Wednesday May 14 6:51 AM
On the best of days, elevating the reputation of lawyers in general is too heavy a lift for one mere columnist.

Failed 'Spitzer 2010' campaign donors will get partial refunds Wednesday May 14 6:10 AM
ALBANY - With the Spitzer 2010 re-election campaign up in flames, the former governor plans to return contributions made by donors - but they shouldn't expect a full refund...

Letter offends war veterans Wednesday May 14 5:26 AM
BALLSTON SPA — Though a recent letter from the county public defender’s office sought to help veterans returning from war, it instead offended some...

Aretakis: They never recanted Wednesday May 14 5:18 AM
BALLSTON SPA — John Aretakis, the lawyer representing two victims in a Saratoga County child abuse case, said his clients did not recant allegations made in an unrelated case in Albany County...

Gillibrand votes to lower gas prices Wednesday May 14 5:17 AM
WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand followed up on her call last month for the president to take immediate action to lower gas prices by voting in favor of H.R. 6022, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve Fill Suspension and Consumer Protection Act...

Police slasher gets up to 14 years Wednesday May 14 5:14 AM
BALLSTON SPA —The man who slashed the throat of a Saratoga Springs Police officer in September has been sentenced to up to 14 years in state prison with three years of supervision following his release...

Blurred line in pension rules Tuesday May 13 7:27 AM
An Albany County judge accrued nearly two decades' worth of taxpayer-funded pension credits while working as the legal adviser for the Albany City School District.

Rensselaer Council OKs water towers plan Tuesday May 13 8:05 AM
RENSSELAER — The Common Council voted 6-2 Monday to approve a water tower project that Mayor Dan Dwyer says is essential to the development of the city’s riverfront.

POL FLIPS OVER PROF Tuesday May 13 6:34 AM
ALBANY - The $1 million-a-year SUNY professor who flipped the bird for a photo at an office party was insulting the very taxpayers who foot his salary, an angry lawmaker charged yesterday.

Sch'dy GOP backs Buhrmaster Tuesday May 13 8:23 AM
Scotia businessman and congressional candidate Jim Buhrmaster has received the endorsement of the Schenectady County Republican Party.

RensCo legislators have gas attack plans Tuesday May 13 8:27 AM
TROY — Rensselaer County legislators will have gas on the brain during tonight’s regular meeting with both majority and minority legislators introducing differing resolutions to reduce gas taxes either at the state or county level.

Supermarket recalls Fairbank beef items Tuesday May 13 8:10 AM
ROTTERDAM — Price Chopper issued Monday a voluntary recall for Fairbank Farms beef products, which may contain small pieces of hard plastic.

New York Senate considers bill to reduce foreclosures Tuesday May 13 6:19 AM
ALBANY — As mortgage foreclosure filings increase, state senators talked Monday about how they could help the growing number of homeowners in trouble.

Farmers told to sell goods only to licensed dealers Tuesday May 13 8:12 AM
ALBANY — New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker on Monday warned farmers to sell only to licensed farm product dealers and to promptly report any dealer that does not pay for farm products.

Lawyers divided on Judge Jung Tuesday May 13 8:09 AM
GLOVERSVILLE — The Fulton County Bar Association came to no decision Monday on whether to try to file a legal brief in support of the final appeal of Fulton County Family Court Judge David F. Jung, who is facing removal from the bench.

NY lawmaker proposes mini-cams for police handguns Tuesday May 13 6:15 AM
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- In a flash, a police officer draws a handgun from its holster...

Paterson signs 911, child support bills Tuesday May 13 6:14 AM
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Gov. David Paterson is making it a crime to prevent someone in a domestic violence situation from calling 911 by disabling or removing a phone.

Pension gravy train is a runaway disgrace Tuesday May 13 7:25 AM
DiNapoli and Andrew Cuomo are doing a long-overdue service cracking down on part-time public sector lawyers padding their time slips.

NY seeks Internet violence law Tuesday May 13 6:13 AM
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- Violence such as "bum fighting" in which homeless people are beaten up or paid to beat each other up for replay on Internet sites would be a new felony in New York under a proposal.

State workers rack up millions in overtime Tuesday May 13 7:18 AM
ALBANY -- As the state looks to curb costs in the face of a weakening economy, state workers continue to rack up overtime.

State considering requiring Keeseville product be used on police handguns Tuesday May 13 5:38 AM
ALBANY -- New York state is considering requiring a Keeseville company's digital-video handgun camera be used on all police handguns.

New hope from the north Tuesday May 13 5:34 AM
Local organization aims to ‘lift people out of poverty’...

Cuomo: Online directory firm misled thousands of companies Tuesday May 13 5:31 AM
ALBANY, N.Y. — New York officials say a national online directory service will pay $150,000 in penalties and up to $3 million in restitution for defrauding thousands of small businesses and not-for-profits nationwide.

NY judges warned against using authority to protest pay Tuesday May 13 5:31 AM
ALBANY — New York’s Judicial Conduct Commission is warning judges not to let a dispute over pay raises affect their courtroom behavior.

Ethics panel works in secret Monday May 12 6:49 AM
ALBANY -- A special commission that legislators claim is their "independent" ethics watchdog is anything but, a monthlong Times Union investigation has found.

Petition calls for gas tax holiday Monday May 12 6:46 AM
ALBANY -- Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco hopes to collect the names of thousands of irate customers to pressure Assembly Democrats to lower gas taxes this summer.

Rogue unit claims denied Monday May 12 6:43 AM
State Police officials say  political espionage teams never existed...

Search is on for missing teen Monday May 12 6:27 AM
CATSKILL — A local man was reported missing Sunday at the Catskill quarry, part of the Holcim cement facility, off Route 9W...

Bill aims to block retiree health care cuts Monday May 12 7:10 AM
ALBANY -- Union leaders and lawmakers are attempting to slip a "Trojan horse'' bill through the Legislature that potentially could result in higher property taxes around the state, local government leaders and analysts said Friday.

Republican rift grows over vote on water board Monday May 12 7:34 AM
CLIFTON PARK — Adam Kramer, vice chairman of the Clifton Park Republican Committee, voiced strong disagreement Sunday with a move by Chairman Bob Wilcox to cut off several town officials from the party’s long-standing network of political support.

County legislators focus on environmental issues Monday May 12 7:27 AM
TROY — Rensselaer County legislators are showing a deep concern for the county’s environment by focusing on a number of environmental initiatives including the remediation of the Loeffel landfill, the implementation of a second county electronics recycling day and a proposal to reduce the use of plastic bags.

Tedisco lobbies for summer gas tax holiday Monday May 12 5:12 AM
ALBANY — In celebration of Mother’s Day, Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, announced the launch of a statewide grassroots petition drive to strengthen support for legislation that would allow motorists a “summertime holiday” from the ever increasing prices...