Albany | featured news

Defense lawyers at the corruption trial of former top Cuomo aide Joe Percoco are learning to not test the patience of U.S. District Court Judge Valerie Caproni.In her unmistakable Southern accent, the Alabama-born and Georgia-bred judge is regularly (and at times hilariously) calling out attorneys in Manhattan federal court for what she at one point described as "exceedingly lengthy" cross-examinations as she presides over the case of Percoco, 48, and three businessman who allegedly paid him more than $300,000 in bribes.

The work week will start with daytime temperatures in the mid 30s.Forecasters say the mercury will hit 37 on Monday before dropping into the 20s overnight. Snow flurries are possible after dark.

ALBANY (AP) — Two new reports from Columbia University are raising questions about New York's probation and parole system — and offering suggestions for making it more effective.The publications issued Monday were written by corrections experts from around the nation. They examine how inmates are often sent back to jail for technical violations of their parole, such as missing curfew or a meeting with a parole officer.

SCHENECTADY - Two homes and a garage on Barney Street will be demolished Monday as city officials confront the collapse of a hillside that threatens to damage other buildings below on Nott Terrace.Mayor Gary McCarthy said 11 and 15 Barney St. will be torn down as well as a garage that is located across the street.

Country singer-songwriter Chris Stapleton will bring his "All American Road Show" tour -- with Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb -- to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Aug. 23, Live Nation has announced.Tickets are $34.75 for the lawn or $69.75 and $89.75 for seats and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at LiveNation.com, Ticketmaster.com and 1-800-745-3000.

Loudonville
The Siena men's basketball team is sitting in the cellar of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference at the midway point of the league schedule.
At least the Saints have plenty of company.
Siena (6-16 overall, 2-7 MAAC) is tied for last place with three other teams: Saint Peter's, Fairfield and Marist. Two of them meet on Monday when the Saints play host to the Peacocks (8-12, 2-7) at Times Union Center.
"Definitely, no one wants to be in last place,'' freshman guard Roman Penn said. "This game will help us jump up ...

Twenty-three businesses will partner with local colleges and universities to create jobs in upstate New York through Gov. Andrew Cuomo's highly touted Start-Up NY program.The companies, spread across seven regions, plan to create nearly 300 new jobs and invest about $9.8 million over the next five years, according to a release by Empire State Development. Company industries include biotechnology, craft beverage production and manufacturing.

NEW YORK -- Defense lawyers for ex-top Cuomo administration aide Joseph Percoco want the attorney for key prosecution witness Todd Howe kept out of Percoco's corruption trial until his client testifies.Percoco attorney Barry Bohrer argued to Judge Valerie Caproni of a "substantial risk that Mr. Howe will improperly tailor his testimony if he knows what previous witnesses have said," according to a three-page motion Bohrer filed Sunday in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.

At the front of a line of local sports fans lined up at the Radisson Hotel on Wolf Road, Rose Krosky of Burnt Hills held a photo of New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone hitting the extra-inning series-ending home run in Game 7 of the 2003 American League Championship Series.As Boone signed her photo, she asked, "I've just gotta know - what were you thinking in that moment?"Boone looked up from the photo with a smile and replied, "Stay fair!"