Bruno found Not Guilty

Updated: Friday, May 16 2014, 06:23 PM EDT 

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) The former leader of the New York state Senate has been found not guilty of federal fraud charges. A jury announced the verdict in retired Sen. Joe Bruno's case on Friday,  the second day of deliberations in Albany

1st Friday

ALBANY NY – The 1st Friday of every month marks a funky and fun night of the arts in Albany, starting at 5pm. The event is fittingly named... 1st Friday. Residents and visitors flock to downtown Albany for this highly anticipated art event, administered by the Upstate Artists Guild.

“First Friday is for everybody,” said Michael Weidrich, 1st Friday Coordinator. “This event brings together an entire city for one night a month, for the arts.”

Winter fun

Capital Ice Rink Skating until Feb. 28

The ice rink at the Empire State Plaza remains open 7 days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Skating is always free and skate rental is free each Friday.

State Trooper Stabbed At Empire State Plaza

Sunday, March 3 2013, 04:33 PM EST

Updated: Sunday, March 3 2013, 11:15 PM EST

UPDATE : 9:45 p.m.
ALBANY - A state trooper patrolling the concourse of the Empire State Plaza was stabbed in the neck Saturday afternoon after a man approached him and began a conversation.
State and local police, including police dogs, were searching for the man.

According to state police, the attacker struck Trooper Rodney Smith with a steak knife several times around 3:15 p.m. while he was checking the man’s identification.

Smith was cut on the left side of his neck, his face, arms and hands. After a brief struggle the man ran off with Smith’s radio.

Police say Smith called for help on a phone and was rushed to Albany Medical Center where he had surgery and is expected to fully recover.

"Our troopers can find themselves in dangerous and sometimes life threatening situations on any given day,” said State Police Superintendent Joseph D’Amico. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Trooper Smith’s family."

Trooper Smith is a 15-year veteran of the New York State Police.

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ALBANY - Police and K-9 units are searching for a homeless they believe stabbed a State Trooper with a large kitchen knife.

It happened on the Concourse level of the Empire State Plaza this afternoon.

Police say the Trooper, identified as Rodney Smith, is out of surgery.

He's listed in stable condition at Albany Medical Center.
Officers believe the homeless man has the Trooper's radio in his possession.

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ALBANY - State Troopers and Albany Police have closed the Concourse at the Empire State Plaza after a state trooper was stabbed in the neck. 

He has been transported to the emergency room. His condition has not yet been released.

Albany Police are investigating. Extra officers have been called to the scene to assist. 

Jennifer Lewke is on the scene. You can follow her on twitter at @CBS6Jennifer

State paid $1M to settle gov't sex harassment cases

Posted: Mar 04, 2013 5:25 PM EST

Updated: Mar 04, 2013 5:25 PM EST

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Records obtained by The Associated Press show that state officials spent more than $1 million in public money over the past four years to settle sexual harassment claims against state workers.

Almost half of the cases were settled in court last year as Albany was embroiled in a scandal over a $103,000 settlement paid to women who accused Assemblyman Vito Lopez of sexual harassment. Lopez has denied harassing anyone and was easily re-elected to his Brooklyn seat in November.

The records obtained under the state Freedom of Information Law show 13 women and one man brought cases against several agencies.

The largest payout was for $650,000.

Records from the state comptroller show millions more in cash settlements, but don't identify which cases involved sexual harassment claims.

Opponents of NY’s new gun-control law rally outside the Capitol

ALBANY — Thousands of angry opponents of New York’s new gun-control law rallied outside the Capitol yesterday to vent their anger at Gov. Cuomo and demand a repeal of the state’s strict new rules on guns.

Shannon DeCelle

“What’s happened in New York is outrageous,” Keene said after the rally. “Nothing in the legislation that he’s passed is going to prevent another Newtown.”

Read more... 

NFL players visit local Ronald McDonald House

YNN

By: Web Staff

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Local Ronald McDonald House families get to meet some NFL stars in Albany. They got the chance to visit with 11 NFL Hall of Fame players at a charity on Saturday.
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The 64th Annual Albany Tulip Festival

The 64th Annual Albany Tulip Festival
May 12 & 13, 2012
Washington Park, Albany, New York

Friday: Street Scrubbing and Luncheon • Noon
Saturday: Royal Tulip Ball • 6:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: Vendors, food, music and more • 11:00am - 6:00pm, Washington Park

State jobs down 18.4%

Wave of retirements, hiring freeze present challenges, opportunities for change