December 30, 2014

Cuomo Vetoes Teacher Evaluation Bill

The veto was announced in a batch of bill approvals and additional vetoes - See more...

Updated: Tuesday, December 30 2014, 08:32 PM EST 
ALBANY -- Governor Cuomo has veteoed a bill that would have kept teachers from losing their jobs based on their students' test scores. Those who supported the measure are shocked because the bill was something that Cuomo himself had proposed. "It just means we're back to the starting block in some ways," Assemblywoman Pat Fahy said. "My concern in all of this is it's taken quite some time to get to this agreement." The agreement would have altered the state's teacher evaluation system by barring the use of Common Core test scores when determining a teacher's future in the classroom. One former teacher tells CBS6 she agrees with the decision not to let the bill pass. 
"It should count. It's important. It is important, if the students aren't performing then we need to look at why and if it's the teacher or the teacher style or lack there of us then we should be doing something about that," Samati Simmons said.
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Christmas Eve tirade lands woman in jail

Published: 

EAST GREENBUSH, N.Y. – Police say a woman spent Christmas Day in Rensselaer County Jail after attacking her family.

East Greenbush Police say 30-year-old Jessica Leahey went on a Christmas Eve tirade.

According to authorities, Leahey, who lives with a relative, became highly agitated after apparently not getting her way, and turned violent against her family, knocking down the Christmas tree and upsetting a miniature Christmas Village.

Police say Leahey pulled the telephone wires out to prevent a 911 call, then proceeded to knock holes through the sheetrock walls of the home and punched out a kitchen window before police were able to arrive and take her into custody.

Leahey is charged with two counts of criminal mischief. She was arraigned early Christmas morning in Schodack Town Court and remanded to County Jail.

December 26, 2014

Three local theaters decided to run the film “The Interview”

Movieplex 8 is offering free popcorn to patrons who bring a copy of the constitution. Orpheum Theatre in Saugerties and the Movieplex in North Adams, Mass. are also showing the film. It is also available online to rent or buy.

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December 24, 2014

Sheehan fights to keep Half Moon in Albany

Updated: 12/23/2014 5:12 PM
Created: 12/23/2014 5:04 PM WNYT.com
By: WNYT Staff


Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan -- along with other local officials are trying to keep the Half Moon from leaving for the Netherlands.
The replica of the historic vessel that Henry Hudson sailed up the Hudson River in 1609 has been in financial difficulty for years and has never had a home port.
The owner made a deal with the town of Hoorn to move the Half Moon there.
Now, Mayor Sheehan wants to hear from the ship's owner about what it would take to keep the Half Moon.
For nearly 25 years, school groups in the Hudson Valley have set sail on the Half Moon for adventures of discovery.