News Staff

DEC announced that the New York State Postconsumer Paint Collection Program is underway, making it easier for households and businesses to safely dispose of leftover paint. DEC will oversee the program, which will be operated by PaintCare to manage unwanted architectural coating products and provide for recycling or proper disposal. The program will accept leftover latex and oil-based paints and similar products at drop-off sites throughout New York.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced that New York will make $35 million available to help abortion providers boost services and security if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the landmark Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide. The Democrat said the state has to get ready for a potential influx of out-of-state patients seeking abortions from states that ban the procedure.

The attorney for Keith Raniere, the former NXIVM cult leader, is asking for a new judge to consider a motion for a new trial. According to WNYT, Raniere’s attorney says the judge lacked judicial temperament and showed personal distaste towards his client. The attorney, Joseph Tully, wants a new judge to review the evidence submitted last week, claiming federal authorities planted child pornography on his client’s hard drive.

An organization called Beyond Plastics is calling plastics recycling a failure, when compared to other materials that are recycled and reused. For example, cardboard is recycled at 66%. Tuesday, members of the Assembly Environmental Committee along with the group, will hold a news conference where they intend to unveil legislation designed to reduce packaging, promote recycling, save tax dollars and reduce litter.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, saying she will isolate and work remotely this week.
A day earlier, the Democratic governor had tweeted a photo from the Olana State Historic Site outside Hudson, New York, which she visited to thank park volunteers. Hochul is at least the 18th U.S. governor to test positive for COVID-19.

DMV is looking to crack down on what they say is a recent surge in catalytic converter thefts across the state. Some areas have seen increases up to 200% per year. The DMV says it will distribute etching kits to car dealers, allowing them to etch a traceable serial number onto the catalytic converter that can be quickly linked back to the vehicle from which it was stolen.

In Albany, police have arrested a man from Feura Bush for stealing nearly $1 million from the Polish American Citizens Club on Commerce Avenue. According to WNYT, 38-year-old Kenneth Frodyma was the club’s financial secretary and the money, some of which goes to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, went missing between September 2019 and December of last year.

The City of Saratoga Springs has officially launched a Civilian Review Board. WRGB reports the five-member board will be made up of city residents and will investigate complaints of police misconduct. Two years in the making – the plan was approved during Tuesday night’s city council meeting.

Saratoga Springs Police Chief Shane Crooks says the situation with Gaffney’s had gotten to the point where police had to bring the issues to the State Liquor Authority, because not only were customers getting injured, but also police officers. WNYT quotes the chief as saying the department is grateful that the State Liquor Authority took action at this special meeting on Tuesday.

A Halfmoon man, 41 year old Brian Thompson, has been arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated and having an illegally possessed gun in his vehicle. Officers stopped a vehicle on Central Avenue for several vehicle and traffic violations. Police found that the driver, Thompson, was driving while intoxicated. They also found a loaded .380 handgun in the glovebox for which Thompson had no permit.