Sorry for the delay this morning, CivMixers. After some brief technical difficulties, we are back up and running. Technology. Enough said.
It looks like the rain is over for the day, maybe a few more light showers in store for us before things clear up entirely.
We can expect some light sun in the afternoon in Albany with a high of 70-or-so degrees, according to The Weather Channel. Some higher wind gusts are possible, so be on the lookout for that – especially if you’re on your bike.
In Schenectady and Troy, it will be partly cloudy in the morning, with the likelihood of sun in the afternoon, and similar temperatures – probably not getting much higher than the low 70s.
Expect things to be a little warmer in Saratoga Spring, maybe a degree or two, with similar cloud/sun conditions.
Some headlines to kick off your day…
In D.C. today, a resolution being voted on in the House would make it easier for Democrats to sue the Trump administration and other potential witnesses who refuse to comply with subpoenas.
Critics, clergy and lay members of the Catholic church will be watching this week as the nation’s top Catholic clerics gather in Baltimore for a conference to address issues of their own accountability on matters of sex abuse. The three-day spring general assembly begins today.
Part II of the Siena poll is out, and it focuses on New Yorkers’ views of now-former special counsel Robert Mueller and his infamous report.
In short: More than three-quarters of voters say they are at least somewhat familiar with the findings of Mueller, who is viewed favorably by 47 percent of voters – including a majority of Democrats and independents – and unfavorably by 34 percent (including a plurality of Republicans).
The pilot who was killed when his helicopter crash-landed on the roof of a Midtown Manhattan building was Tim McCormack, 58, of Clinton Corners, Dutchess County. He was remembered for his service to the area as a firefighter and for his proficiency in the sky.
McCormack was a skilled pilot, who was issued a commercial pilot’s license in 2004 and had been certified as a flight instructor since June 2018, according to FAA records.
Paid sick days might not have won in Albany County – after two hours of public comment and discussion among legislators, local law “C” failed in a 21-17 vote – but those who have lobbied tirelessly for the law say the fight is not over.
Albany’s Common Council is looking for public input on the current fireworks laws. Right now, residents can legally purchase and use sparklers and similar devices from June 1 to July 5. However, are calling in noise complaints while others are reporting hearing shots fired to police due loud explosions.
Three Scotia-Glenville Middle School students will be recognized today by the state Senate, (specifically, by Sen. Jim Tedisco), for their heroic actions in April when they rescued a man and woman from drowning in Collins Lake.
Sports betting is one step closer to becoming a reality at four upstate casinos. Gambling regulators approved regulations that will permit wagers at Schenectady’s Rivers Casino, along with Resorts World Catskills in Monticello, Tioga Downs in the Southern Tier and Del Lago Resort and Casino in the Finger Lakes. (Online betting, which is where the money is, remains illegal at the moment).
The city of Schenectady appears poised to approve a ban on plastic straws with little controversy. The public got its chance to weigh in on the city’s proposed ban, but just three people delivered comments at the City Council meeting last night.
Dancers have descended upon the Capital Region. From a smattering of spots throughout Spa State Park to Shelving Rock Falls, dancers from the New York City Ballet have been filming dance videos across the greater Capital Region over the last few days.
A bill that would allow all of New York’s school boards to mandate that students attend kindergarten at age 5 has passed the Senate and Assembly.
Also on the table at the state Capitol: A bill that would decriminalize sex work in New York.
Troy Council President Carmella Mantello has introduced a local law prohibiting sanctuary city status.
Here are some highlights of the salient issues discussed at the recent Saratoga Springs City Council and Planning Board meetings.
After months of anticipation, Woodstock 50 has officially been called off. Watkins Glen International officials terminated the site license for Woodstock, following back-and-forth negotiations on the status of the concert, including a recent court battle after financial backer Amplifi Live pulled support.
Photo credit: Fred Coffey.
