New York news

• Siena basketball playing sensory-friendly game on Saturday

  28-12-2018 23:59 via timesunion.com
  Siena said in a news release it is trying to create "a more sensory-friendly environment for fans with autism and other special needs."The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated this year approximately one in 59 children is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.
  
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• Saying Bye to 2018 on Good Riddance Day

  28-12-2018 23:39 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  People eager to say goodbye to their bad habits and experiences in 2018 turned out to Times Square to say good riddance. Stacey Bell reports.
  
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• Police Search for Serial Business Burglars in Bronx

  28-12-2018 23:36 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  A band of burglars has been linked at least eight break-ins in businesses in the Bronx. Gaby Acevedo reports.
  
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• NYC to Ban Pharmacies From Selling Cigarettes

  28-12-2018 23:32 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  This is the last weekend you'll be able to buy tobacco at pharmacies across New York City. Ida Siegal reports.
  
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• Problems With Google Phone Purchased at NYC Pop Up

  28-12-2018 23:27 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  A New York City woman purchased a Google phone at a pop-up store in Soho but immediately ran into problems with the reception. Lynda Baquero reports.
  
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• Mom Who Lost Girl in Crash Demands Drivers Stay Sober

  28-12-2018 23:22 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  A Long Island woman is pulling no punches in describing the horrible crash in 2005 that changed her life, including talking about how her 7-year-old girl was decapitated, when a drunk driver slammed into...
  
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• NYPD Preps for New Year Ball Drop in Times Square

  28-12-2018 23:19 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  The NYPD is already gearing up for New Year's Eve festivities at Times Square, and security will be very tight. Ida Siegal has more on what you need to know if you plan to attend the ball drop on Monday night.
  
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• Schenectady police investigate bomb threat at church

  28-12-2018 22:44 via timesunion.com
  SCHENECTADY - Police are investigating a report of a bomb threat at the First Reformed Church on North Church Street in Schenectady.Schenectady Police Sgt. Matt Dearing said they received notice of the threat at 8 North Church St., but didn't have additional information as of 4:45 p.m. Friday.State Police, Troy Police and the Albany County Sheriff's Office were called to assist by bringing in bomb-sniffing K9s, Dearing said.
  
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• No bomb or suspect found in Schenectady church

  28-12-2018 22:44 via timesunion.com
  SCHENECTADY — City police spent six hours Friday investigating a false report of a bomb threat at the First Reformed Church and "somebody being barricaded in there with a weapon," authorities said.
  
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• Law paves the way for new Troy brew pub

  28-12-2018 21:52 via timesunion.com
  ALBANY - A new law has opened the door to another brew pub in Troy.Legislation signed by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo last week carves out an exemption in the state's alcohol beverage control laws to allow a joint venture between an alcohol manufacturer and retailer, which is otherwise banned under Prohibition-era restrictions.
  
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• FuzeHub to host Jan. 29 "Build4Scale" workshop

  28-12-2018 21:37 via timesunion.com
  Fuzehub, a non-profit with the NY Manufacturing Extension partnership, will be holding a manufacturing scale-up workshop at Revolution Hall on 425 River Street in Troy on Jan. 29.
  
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• Saratoga planning chair reappointed despite not living in town

  28-12-2018 21:36 via timesunion.com
  SARATOGA - The chair of the town's planning board, who has admitted in court papers that he hasn't lived in the town since 2016 has been reappointed to another seven-year term.Supervisor Tom Wood said that he has 100 percent confidence in Ian Murray and that is why the town board reappointed him for another term on Thursday morning. Wood said he is also optimistic that the town will win a suit filed by residents who want to the town to comply with state law and oust Murray from the Planning Boar
  
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• Darwiche finds starting role with Siena basketball

  28-12-2018 21:19 via timesunion.com
  Georges Darwiche is back practicing with Siena (4-8), which is getting ready for Cal Poly (3-8) in its nonleague finale at Times Union Center at 2 p.m. Saturday.His parents will be in attendance and will watch him start for the second straight game. He made his starting debut in the 60-57 loss at Holy Cross on Dec. 22 with Pierre and Mihaela Darwiche in the stands in Worcester, Mass.
  
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• Committee chair: Sports betting likely addressed in budget

  28-12-2018 21:13 via timesunion.com
  Comprehensive regulations for sports gambling could be adopted in the state budget, according to incoming Senate Racing, Gaming & Wagering Committee Chair Joe Addabbo.Legislation creating a framework for sports gambling died in the Capitol this year when state legislators left Albany for the summer, and the Gaming Commission has held off promulgating any of its own rules in the subsequent six months.
  
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• Warren County economic outlook breakfast slated

  28-12-2018 20:43 via timesunion.com
  Glens FallsThe Warren County Economic Development Corp. will host a Jan. 31 breakfast meeting on the economic outlook for the region.Remarks will be given at the Queensbury Hotel event by Heather Bricetti, CEO and president of The Business Council of New York State, and Kenneth Entenmann, senior vice president of NBT Wealth Management.Tickets are $20, and can be obtained online or though the EDC, 333 Glen Street, #101
  Glens Falls, N.Y. 12801.
  
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• Deadly Spa City fire brings call for another station

  28-12-2018 20:31 via timesunion.com
  SARATOGA SPRINGS – Wednesday's fire that shot through a townhouse, killing one of its occupants, has reignited calls to solve a long-standing problem – long response times to emergencies that strike the east side of the city.Dave Bronner, who lives on Regatta View development, on what's known as the city's eastern ridge or plateau, said residents have been trying to get the city to take action on this issue for 20 years."It never gets solved and now we have a person who died in a fir
  
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• NJ Warns of Possible Measles Exposure at Newark Airport

  28-12-2018 20:00 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  Health officials are warning of a possible measles exposure at Newark Liberty International Airport over the busy Christmas travel days.Photo Credit: AP
  
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• Neediest Cases Reporting Gives Voice to Those Who Go Without

  28-12-2018 19:50 via nytimes.com
  For the last six years, John Otis has worked as the lead reporter on the Neediest Cases campaign, which helps raise money for the less fortunate.
  
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• In Photos: NYC Night Sky Turns Mysterious Bright Blue

  28-12-2018 19:46 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  The night sky over New York City was illuminated bright blue Thursday after an electric flash at a Con Edison power station in Queens.
  
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• How an Explosion (Not From a Transformer) Turned New York’s Night Sky an Electric Blue

  28-12-2018 19:45 via nytimes.com
  The Men in Black and the Ghostbusters did not respond to requests for comment.
  
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• How an Explosion (Not Aliens) Turned New York’s Night Sky an Electric Blue

  28-12-2018 19:45 via nytimes.com
  The Men in Black and the Ghostbusters did not respond to requests for comment.
  
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• Polio-like illness confirmed in 6 New Yorkers

  28-12-2018 19:20 via timesunion.com
  Six New Yorkers have been diagnosed with a rare and mysterious illness that causes muscle weakness and paralysis, largely in children, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
  
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• As shutdown continues, TSA staff work without pay

  28-12-2018 18:59 via timesunion.com
  TSA staff who spoke with the Times Union Friday afternoon appeared resigned to the fact they're not currently being paid, thanks to the federal government shutdown.They asked not to be identified because they weren't authorized to speak with a reporter. But one staff member said she'd seen the shutdown coming and had completed her Christmas shopping early.
  
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• Expanding and Protecting New Yorkers’ Right to Vote

  28-12-2018 18:44 via nytimes.com
  Betsy Gotbaum of Citizens Union applauds Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s embrace of reforms.
  
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• Rain Dampens Friday Morning Commute as Temps Soar Into 50s

  28-12-2018 18:41 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  Another wet system triggered flood watches for virtually all of New Jersey Friday and dampened the morning commute for many as temperatures soared into the 50s.This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
  
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• Adirondack rail tourism draws lawsuit

  28-12-2018 18:14 via timesunion.com
  North CreekA rail bike company is suing the owner of an Adirondack rail line claiming that an insurance dispute is being used as a pretext to derail it so the tracks can be sold to a Denver-based freight railroad.This month, Revolution Rail Co. owner Michael Dupee sued owners of the Saratoga & North Creek rail line to protect a lease that allows Dupee to run tourist rail bikes on the line, according to a lawsuit filed in state Supreme Court in Essex County.The 30-mile line runs from the form
  
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• Troy man searches for biological parents after 32 years

  28-12-2018 18:04 via timesunion.com
  TROY — Jaymes White often finds himself looking at two old photos - scrutinizing each detail and wondering about the two people.One photo is of a teenage girl wearing a red cardigan and softly smiling. The second is of a man with a thick mustache, wearing a white outfit and large wire glasses.
  
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• Groups outline farming's role in offsetting climate change

  28-12-2018 17:41 via timesunion.com
  The letter seeks to re-frame thinking around how farms can help mitigate climate change through better farm practices, as well as focus on not only reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but also on re-sequestering carbon back into the soil.
  
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• Man Nabbed in Brutal NYC Christmas Day Home Invasion

  28-12-2018 17:07 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  A man wanted in connection with a brutal Christmas day home invasion of an 88-year-old woman in Brooklyn has been caught.Photo Credit: Handout
  
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• Mantello apologizes after DWI arrest

  28-12-2018 16:23 via timesunion.com
  TROY — City Council President Carmella Mantello issued a statement Friday taking responsibility for her actions Wednesday evening, when she was arrested in Clifton Park for driving under the influence at the end of what State Police described as an aggressive driving incident."I understand the severity of my actions and take full responsibility," Mantello said in the emailed statement. "I apologize to my family, friends and constituents and am deeply sorry that I let you down. I expect mor
  
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• Incredible Images Show NYC Night Sky Turn Bright Blue

  28-12-2018 16:22 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  The night sky over New York City was illuminated bright blue Thursday after an explosion at a Con Edison power plant. Startled residents reported their electricity flickering and one point, the sky over...Photo Credit: Rich Villodas
  
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• Town justice censured for handling of court funds

  28-12-2018 16:17 via timesunion.com
  ALBANY — A town justice in Warren County will be censured for failing to account for more than $15,000 in court funds in a timely fashion.
  
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• Victim in fatal Saratoga Springs fire identified

  28-12-2018 16:11 via timesunion.com
  SARATOGA SPRINGS - The victim in Wednesday's fatal Sarazen Street fire has been identified as 79-year-old Barbara Stamas, Fire Chief Robert Williams told the Times Union Friday.The fire, which broke out just before 7:30 a.m., has determined to have been accidental and began "on or in the area of the stove," Williams said.
  
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• The Night Sky Turned Crazy -- and NYers Have Jokes About It

  28-12-2018 16:00 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  A Con Edison spokesman called the transformer fire an "abnormal event" and said, "It did create a spectacular effect on the sky, and certainly caused a lot of concern."Photo Credit: Katie HonanThis story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
  
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• Transformer Explosion Turns New York Sky Blue

  28-12-2018 15:45 via nytimes.com
  An explosion at a Con Edison substation caused the New York sky to turn blue. Social media users from across the city posted videos of the eerie light, with some fearing an alien invasion.
  
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• Heavy Rain Expected Midday Friday as Temps Soar Into 50s

  28-12-2018 15:10 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  Another wet system triggered flood watches for virtually all of New Jersey Friday and dampened the morning commute for many as Storm Team 4 said some spots could see more than an inch of rain...This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.
  
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• PHOTOS: Night Sky Over NYC Turns Blue After Con Ed Explosion

  28-12-2018 15:08 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  The night sky over New York City was illuminated bright blue Thursday after an explosion at a Con Edison power plant. Startled residents reported their electricity flickering and one point, the sky over...Photo Credit: Rich Villodas
  
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• How to Choose a Real Estate Broker

  28-12-2018 15:00 via nytimes.com
  Finding the right one doesn’t have to be hit or miss.
  
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• Going for Broker

  28-12-2018 15:00 via nytimes.com
  Choosing the right real estate agent doesn’t have to be hit or miss.
  
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• Listen Up: The Best Pop-Ups, Pizza and Ice Cream of 2018

  28-12-2018 14:45 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  See a review of the best pop-ups, pizza and ice-cream shops of 2018 in this Dec. 28 edition of Listen UpPhoto Credit: Flickr/Garrett Ziegler
  
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• Listen Up: Subway Beer Man and More Top Videos of 2018

  28-12-2018 14:11 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  See a review of the best videos of 2018 in this Dec. 27 edition of Listen UpPhoto Credit: NBC
  
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• Woman Found Dead, Fully Clothed, on Beach in Brooklyn

  28-12-2018 13:48 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  Authorities are investigating the death of a woman who was found fully clothed on a Brooklyn shore early Friday.Photo Credit: NBC 4 New York
  
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• One person killed in East Nassau house fire

  28-12-2018 13:27 via timesunion.com
  EAST NASSAU - One person has died in an early morning house fire Friday, police said.Police received a call about a fire at 442 Saddleback Ridge Road around 4:30 a.m. One person was killed as a result of the blaze, police said.
  
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• Happening Today: Shutdown, SEAL Team, Flu, Chris Brown

  28-12-2018 12:42 via nbcnewyork.com
  
  Here's what to know for Friday, Dec. 28.Photo Credit: AP/File
  
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• N.Y. Today: What We Know About the Explosion and the Blue Light

  28-12-2018 12:09 via nytimes.com
  The world didn’t end, but things sure seemed dicey for a few minutes. Here’s the latest on the Queens power plant blast.
  
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• N.Y. Today: The Power Plant Explosion and the Shocking Blue Glow

  28-12-2018 12:09 via nytimes.com
  The world didn’t end, but things sure seemed dicey for a few minutes. Here’s the latest on the Queens power plant blast.
  
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• Winter weather advisory continues until 10 a.m. Friday

  28-12-2018 11:28 via timesunion.com
  Friday morning's winter weather advisory continues until 10 a.m. in parts of the greater Capital Region, the National Weather Service said.The advisory area includes the Lake George and Saratoga region, Adirondacks and southern Vermont.
  
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• Be careful of black ice on Friday morning commute

  28-12-2018 11:28 via timesunion.com
  Watch out on your Friday morning commute: The overnight freezing rain and sleet are making road conditions slippery in the Capital Region.Guilderland Police warned drivers early Friday to drive carefully because of ice.
  
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• The Man Behind the Times Square Ball

  28-12-2018 11:00 via nytimes.com
  Tom Brennan, who comes from a working-class family in a small Irish town, is the master artisan in charge of the most famous crystal ball in the world.
  
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• Every Building on Every Block: A Time Capsule of 1930s New York

  28-12-2018 11:00 via nytimes.com
  Starting in the late 1930s, New York City set out to photograph every property. With those recently digitized photographs in hand, we went back to see how the city has changed — and how it hasn’t.
  
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