Associated Press
83% of Would-Be NY Teachers Pass edTPA Test
(AP) — New York education officials say about 83% of the first would-be teachers required to take a new "bar exam" have passed so far.
Any college student graduating after May 1 has to pass the new test, called the edTPA, to be certified as a New York teacher...
New York Officials Seek Recall of ‘Clingy Dart’ Toys
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York officials are asking the federal government to seek a recall of a foam dart toy they say could be dangerous to children.
The Division of Consumer Protection says "Clingy Darts," sold at Dollar Tree stores, contains more than six times the federally allowed limit on a chemical known as DEHP...
DEC Commemorates Earth Day with Events
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The state Department of Environmental Conservation is commemorating the 44th Anniversary of Earth Day with a week-long series of events around the state. The activities include hikes, wildlife watching, tree-planting and educational exhibits.
New York Unemployment Rates Rise Slightly
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The state Labor Department says the unemployment rate was up slightly to 6.9% in March from 6.8% in February.
The number of unemployed New Yorkers increased from 655,700 in February to 663,100 last month, while the state has added 108,200 private sector jobs in the past year...
Second Strain of Flu Making The Rounds
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Health officials say a second wave of influenza has struck this spring and is putting more New Yorkers in the hospital now than in January.
The Albany Times Union reports that a different strain of flu is circulating than the one in midwinter, and people who already had the flu can get it again -- especially if they didn't get the vaccine...
Watertown Man Ingested Cyanide Upon Being Found Guilty
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Authorities say a toxicology report has confirmed that a 52-year-old northern New York man who died after being convicted of sexual abuse had ingested cyanide upon hearing the verdict.
The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office tells local media that its investigation didn't conclude how Jon Massey obtained the cyanide that killed him two days after he ingested it inside a courtr
NY State Proceeds With the Closing of Four Prisons
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York is proceeding with closing of four prisons this summer while lawmakers have imposed a two-year moratorium on further closings after that.
Following notifications last summer, July closings are scheduled at minimum-security Monterey Shock facility in Schuyler County and medium-security Butler in Wayne County, Chateaugay in Franklin County and Mount McGregor in Saratoga
Jeter to Give Post-Season Talk at College in Oneida County
CLINTON, N.Y. (AP) — Derek Jeter's post-season plans during his first few months in retirement include a public appearance at an upstate New York college.
Hamilton College in Clinton in Oneida County has announced that the New York Yankees captain and shortstop will be the featured guest in a moderated question-and-answer session at the school on the night of Dec...
NY Funds Police Training on Mental Illness
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York's new budget allots $400,000 for a pilot program to train police officers in dealing with the mentally ill.
Mental health advocates proposed the training to help officers assess and de-escalate confrontations when called to incidents involving psychologically troubled people...
NY Parks Department Urges Caution for Spring Boaters
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — The state parks department is urging boaters and anglers to take precautions as they head out to New York's waterways now that spring weather has arrived.
The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation says water temperatures on lakes, rivers and streams remain extremely cold through the spring months...