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Friday, November 20, 2009   46º F

Testimony wraps up in Joe Bruno trial

Week three of the federal corruption trial of former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno wrapped up in Albany Friday. The prosecution and defense rested their cases. Closings arguments are expected on Monday. Steve Ference has the details.

Updated 5:49 PM

Initial health care vote set for Saturday

The Senate has a test vote on a health care reform bill scheduled for Saturday night.

11/20/2009 01:24 PM

How Court of Appeals decision could affect same-sex marriage debate

In a decision this week, the New York State Court of Appeals upheld that state and county governments acted within their rights when they offered benefits to same-sex couples married out of state. The court held that the government had discretion to do this because it can extend benefits to domestic partners. But how, if at all, does this affect the same-sex marriage debate in New York, especially when it comes to the legislature? Our Britt Godshalk reports.

Updated 6:17 AM

2010 governor's race

There is new attention focused on a former New York City mayor who may not be running for governor of New York in 2010. The one republican who is definitely running for Governor was in Central New York Thursday. Our Bill Carey says Rick Lazio is still fighting to come out from Rudy Giuliani's shadow.

Updated 6:10 AM

Hoffman skeptical of 23rd Congressional election vote tally

The election may have been two weeks ago, but controversy still surrounds the results in the 23rd Congressional district. Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman wants to check the election vote tallies. And he's asking his supporters to donate to the cause. As our Sarah Hagen tells us, Hoffman's latest move is upsetting democrats and republicans alike.

Updated 6:08 AM

State leaders getting closer to deal

State leaders are closer, but still far from the magic number that will close the state's budget gap. The Governor and legislative leaders met once again Thursday to try and reach an agreement on the deficit reduction plan. As our Erin Billups reports, lawmakers are headed home for the weekend and will try to tackle the budget gap again Monday.

Updated 6:07 AM

Third week of Bruno trial

The third week of the corruption trial for former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno is winding down. The prosecution is also wrapping up its case. Prosecutors only have a few witnesses left to call to the stand before it's the defense's turn. Steve Ference has more.

Updated 6:07 AM

Has Giuliani decided not to run for governor?

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani's camp is denying reports that he's decided whether or not he'll challenge Governor David Paterson in 2010. Grace Ruah has the details.

Updated 6:07 AM

New bill inspired by death of dog thrown from roof

A downstate assemblyman has introduced legislation to help protect animals at risk of being euthanized.

Updated 11/19/2009 12:55 PM

Public authorities reform moves forward

While once again little progress was made on closing the state's budget gap, Governor Paterson and fellow legislative leaders did strike a deal Wednesday, announcing a new reform of public authorities in New York.

Updated 11/19/2009 09:50 AM

Governor signs Leandra's Law

Governor Paterson has signed Leandra's Law. It's considered one of the toughest drunk driving laws in the country. Our Erin Billups has more.

Updated 11/19/2009 05:59 AM

Poll: NYers worry about deficit, blame lawmakers

A new poll shows New Yorkers are worried about the state's growing deficit. They believe Gov. David Paterson when he says the state will run out of money in December. And they overwhelmingly blame the Legislature for inaction so far on the $3.2 billion gap.

11/18/2009 04:50 PM

Senate passes Leandra's Law

The Senate has passed Leandra's Law in a 58-0 vote, just a day after the Assembly unanimously agreed on what may be the toughest drunk driving law in the U.S.

Updated 11/18/2009 02:13 PM

Special session and no progress on budget

Three special sessions later and there's still no major progress a budget deficit reduction plan. Leaders will meet once again today at the Capitol. While the Assembly did pass a bill that would increase penalties for drunk drivers other pending legislation, including the marriage equality bill, remains on hold. Erin Billups reports.

Updated 11/18/2009 08:26 AM

Hoffman backs off concession in 23rd district race

It's been weeks since voters cast their ballots in the three way race for the 23rd Congressional District seat. A tightening of the numbers between democrat Bill Owens and conservative Doug Hoffman has led to talk of Hoffman "un-conceding." Our Bill Carey says the math indicates Hoffman may want to un-do that un-concession.

Updated 11/18/2009 06:02 AM

Day 11 of Joe Bruno trial

Day number 11 in the corruption trial of former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno wraps up. The prosecution called more witnesses Tuesday, as they prepare to wrap up their case against Bruno sometime this week. Our Steve Ference has more.

Updated 11/18/2009 05:57 AM

Lawmakers attend another special session

There's been no major progress on the state's growing budget gap as leaders meet for another special session. Lawmakers, however, did manage to pass four bills in both houses that are not budget-related.

Updated 11/18/2009 05:57 AM

County clerks speak out against license plate plan

Whether you loved them or hated them, it doesn't look like they'll be on your car. Governor David Paterson seems to be backing off the controversial legislation that would have forced New Yorkers to buy brand new license plates. Kaitlyn Ross was at a rally hosted by the County Clerks of New York State who have been leading the charge against the new plates.

Updated 11/17/2009 06:02 AM

Jurors hear from Bruno's former executive assistant

Week three begins in the federal corruption trial of former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno. The prosecution is expected to wrap up its case sometime this week. During day 10 on Monday, jurors heard from Bruno's former executive assistant in the state Senate. Our Steve Ference has the details.

Updated 11/17/2009 06:01 AM

Siena poll shows mixed news for Paterson

There's some mixed news for Governor Paterson as a new poll shows Paterson's favorability has gone up slightly, but it also shows New Yorkers still want someone else for governor next year.

Updated 11/17/2009 06:01 AM