WCDB NEWS -- Thursday Oct 30, 2008

Top Stories

Sorry underage pub fans, Cagney's on Central Ave is no longer serving. (TU)
College Admins (including at UAlbany) cannot stop students from downloading copyrighted content. (eschoolnews)
New HAVA drama extends deadline for electronic voting. (TU)
A summit in Albany examines the pros and cons of random drug testing of students. (DG)
APD is looking for two suspects in an attempted murder. (TU)

In Politics

Gov. Paterson visited Washington yesterday and asked for our money back. (DN)
The Republicans have spent much more on NYS Senate races than their Dem contenders. (R D&C)

Opinion: The Washington Post on Obama's 30 minute campaign ad.

Look for a feature on safety on Halloween in Albany to appear tomorrow evening.

A Friendly Reminder from Student Success

Email from Student Success

Subject: Be Safe on Halloween
With Halloween coming up this Friday, there is the potential for an
increase in crimes against students who are off campus in the downtown
areas. Please take the precaution of avoiding any person/persons wearing
masks or in a costume where you cannot recognize them. If you must
travel downtown, go out with a group and stay with your friends
throughout the entire time.

Additionally, keep the following safety tips in mind:

* Be aware of your surroundings - including where someone might hide.
* Stay in well lit areas avoiding quiet, dark streets.
* Keep a cell phone handy to call authorities.
* Report any and all suspicious persons or activities to the police
(911) or to the Albany Police Department at 438-4000.
* If you SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. Report suspicious behavior to UPD
at 442-3131 or in the City of Albany to Albany City Police at 438-4000.
And as always, in an emergency, call 911.

There are a number of Danes After Dark events on campus on Friday night
that will offer you a safe place to enjoy Halloween with your friends.
While the Murder Mystery Dinner in the Assembly Hall is SOLD OUT, the
following events will be taking place:

Halloween Soiree (come in costume and compete for Best Costume prize)
8:00pm-1:00am
Campus Center - Danes After Dark Lounge

Games & Popcorn
8:00pm-1:00am
Campus Center - 2nd Floor

Scary Movie Marathon
8:00 pm-1:00 am
Campus Center Terrace Lounge
Popcorn and Candy

Queer University at Albany Graduate Students (QUAGS) Movie Night
Featuring Rocky Horror Picture Show
LC 2 6:00pm-8:30pm

Film: M.
A psychotic killer of children is hunted by the Berlin criminal
underworld in cooperation with the German police in this
universally-acclaimed work of psychological suspense
7:30pm
Downtown Campus - Page Hall

Tower of Terror Series - Haunted Movie Theater & Trick or Treat Feast
3:00pm-6:00pm
Colonial Quad Penthouse

Don't forget to set your clocks back one hour this Sunday, November 2nd.

Please take care of yourself and your friends to stay safe on Halloween
weekend.

Christine A. Bouchard
Vice President for Student Success

WCDB NEWS -- Wednesday Oct 29, 2008

Top Stories

As the first snow falls in Albany, families statewide worry about heating their homes. (SG, TH Record)
A memorial scholarship has been established in Richard Bailey's name. (UA)
Albany Police Cheif James Tuffey assures that next years cuts to the force will not affect service. (TU)
Governor Paterson tells NY to prepare for fiscal "pain". (LA Times)

In Politics

Analysis of the response of international students on campus to the presidential candidates. (ASP)
Local poll workers are preparing for the expected onslaught next Tuesday. (TU)
Opinion on Palin, Obama, and the culture war. (WSJ)
It will be hard to escape Barack Obama on television tonight. (AP)

Report on last night's third safety forum with university officials following the murder of Richard Bailey later today.

WCDB NEWS -- Late Edition with snow

Came in late today...

And I'm not talking about Syria either.

Breaking news, it's snowing.

WCDB NEWS -- 2nd Safety Forum: Alumni Quad

The second of four safety forums just wrapped up in Alden Hall on Alumni Quad. There were less than twenty students in attendance.

One student called the lackluster turnout, "pathetic."

The forums are part of the university's response to the murder of UAlbany student Richard Bailey last Monday night. The first was held the evening after the shooting.

Vice President for Student Success Christine Bouchard led the conversation which included statements by UPD Director of Personal Safety & Off-Campus Affairs Tom Gebhardt, UPD Deputy Chief Paul Berger, and Albany Police Department Officer Rick Romand.

"We're all in this together," said Bouchard to the few students in the room.

One student, a Residential Assistant on Alumni, complained an exterior door leading into her hall had been broken all weekend. She said maintenance examined the door and claimed they could not fix it until Monday.

Bouchard, along with other staff called the situation, "unacceptable."

When a question about lighting arose, Senior Staff Associate of the Office of Space Management and Campus Preservation Errol Millington revealed the university is working on implementing a "lighting master plan" to illuminate some of the darker areas on each campus.

Millington is working with a lighting consultant and UPD to asses what areas are in dire need of increased lighting. Students were encouraged to report areas with poor lighting to UPD.

Student Association Senator Dustin Lanterman implored students to bring their safety concerns before their student representatives. SA Senate meets every Wednesday at 8 PM in the Campus Center Assembly Hall.

Bouchard expressed increased concern this week as Halloween is only four days away.
"How many people are going to be out in masks this weekend? It scares me."

APD Officer Romand assured increased patrols this weekend as the probability of heightened criminal activity increases with the holiday.

The second forum will be held tomorrow night at 8 PM in the Campus Center Assembly Hall on the uptown campus.

WCDB NEWS -- Monday Oct 27, 2008

Top Stories

UAlbany spirit dampened by weather and safety concerns on homecoming weekend. (WNYT)

A 20 year old man was stabbed walking out of Micheal's on Saturday morning. (TR)

Commentary regarding the recent rash of violence in town and strategies to end it. (TU)

In Politics

In yet another thrilling New York State scandal, top gubernatorial aide Charles O'Byrne has resigned. No hookers this time, just $300,000 in unpaid taxes. (TU)

Concerned Manhattan millionaires have convinced Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver they can't afford to pay higher taxes in this economic climate. (NY POST)

A new report shows how the hyper-partisan NY State Legislature disenfranchises minority party legislators, and therefore their constitients as well. (TH Record)

Later Today

Barack Obama is expected to introduce his clincher speech in Ohio.

I'll be covering the second UAlbany "safety forum" at 7 PM in the Alumni Quad Movie Room in Alden Hall. I'll write up a report after the meeting here, but I hope to see a lot of off-campus students in attendence.

WCDB NEWS -- *UAlbany Student Dead After Shooting*

UAlbany senior Richard Bailey's life was taken in a senseless act of violence at 11:20 PM on October 20, 2008. He was 22 years old.

Times Union coverage here.

Email from Interim President George Philip
Subject: Off Campus Incident

To: University at Albany Community

It was with great sadness that I learned of the tragic shooting of one of our students that occurred off-campus last night in the city of Albany. The student was attacked at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the vicinity of Lake Avenue and Yates Streets...

We are deeply troubled by this event, and our thoughts and prayers go out to the student, his family, friends, and loved ones.

Albany Police Department officers responded to the scene, and the University Police Department is cooperating fully with the Albany Police investigation.

I want you all to know that the University remains steadfast and proactive in its approach to student safety. As Chief Wiley said in his earlier messages, the University Police Department is immediately strengthening its directed police patrols and presence in the midtown area. At this time, we are reiterating our safety precautions to students, faculty and staff, urging all to:

* If you must walk at night, walk in the company of others
* Keep a cell phone handy to call authorities
* Be aware of your surroundings
* Avoid dark places
* Be aware of places people can hide
* Walk in the middle of the road if you are walking on a dark, quiet street with no traffic
* Report any and all suspicious person(s) or activities to the Albany Police Department (911) or the University Police Department (911 or 442-3131)

We will continue to work cooperatively with APD to ensure the safety of our off-campus student population. The University conducts many safety initiatives including:
* Operation Safe Corridor, a joint initiative with the Albany Police Department and the College of Saint Rose
* A Midtown Neighborhood Watch program
* Door-to-door visits to off-campus students through the Committee on University & Community Relations
* The Light Sense Program provides free miniature flashlights to individuals to illuminate poorly lit areas

In addition, the University issues e-mail safety alerts to all students both on and off campus to make them aware of crimes. And at all times, if anyone in our campus community feels threatened or unsafe, you can request assistance from the University Police Department by calling (518) 442-3131 or 911.

In order to raise awareness about existing safety programs and address any safety issues or concerns you might have, the University will be hosting a " Safety Forum " this evening. Please join the University Police and other staff from Student Success at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 21, in Campus Center 375.

The University will continue to keep you apprised of further developments related to these unfortunate events.

WCDB NEWS -- *Shooting Update*

Email from UPD
Subject: Safety Alert - Two Additional Off-Campus Incidents

Dear UAlbany Student, Faculty and Staff:

In addition to the shooting of a UAlbany student that occurred last night off-campus in the vicinity of Yates Street and Lake, we have learned of two other incidents involving UAlbany students that occurred off-campus last night.

First, there was a robbery near the intersection of Ontario and State Street. The suspect was identified as a black male. The alleged assailant struck the victim in the head with an unknown object and took about $25, then fled on a small bicycle. The victim was treated and released by ambulance personnel.

In addition, there was an attempted robbery near 473 Hamilton Street . Two black males attempted to take the victim's purse. The victim held onto the purse preventing it from being taken from her and two persons who witnessed the incident chased the two males until one, implying he had a weapon, told them they had "better stop." Both fled on foot. The victim was treated and released by ambulance personnel.

Albany City Police are vigorously investigating these crimes, as well as the shooting incident we notified you about earlier today. University Police are fully cooperating with the Albany City Police Department investigations.

The safety of our students is the University's highest priority - both on and off campus. University Police will increase their presence and visibility in our downtown campus area immediately, especially around Alumni Quad and the Draper Complex.

We strongly encourage everyone to be vigilant about your personal safety if you are out at night in the midtown Albany area.

We remind you that the following actions may help to increase your personal safety:

* Walk in the company of others at night
* Keep a cell phone handy to call authorities
* Be aware of your surroundings
* Avoid dark places
* Be aware of places people can hide
* Walk in the middle of the road if you are walking on a dark, quiet street with no traffic
* Report any and all suspicious person(s) or activities to the Albany Police Department (911) or the University Police Department (911 or 442-3131)

We will follow up with you regarding any additional information as it becomes available. The University will hold an Open Forum on safety issues for our entire community. Detailed information on the time and place will be forthcoming today.

Thank you.

J. Frank Wiley
Chief of Police

Any information regarding the shooting or these incidents should be reported to University Police @ 442-3131 or 911.

WCDB NEWS -- Tuesday October 21, 2008

Top Stories:

A SUNY Albany student has been shot and is on life support at AMC. (Newsday)

UPD Email
Subject: UAlbany Alert Regarding Off-Campus Incident
Dear UAlbany Faculty, Students and Staff:
Albany Police reported to UPD that a UAlbany student was shot around 11:30 pm on Monday evening, October 20, 2008 in the vicinity of Lake St. and Yates St. in the City of Albany. The assailant is unknown at this time and Albany Police are working diligently on this investigation.
The UAlbany student is in critical condition in a local hospital. Please keep this student in your thoughts and prayers. We will update you with further information as soon as it becomes available.
J. Frank Wiley
Chief of Police

Look for updates to this story throughout the day.

Obama's youth polling numbers far surpass Kerry's in '04. (Washington Post)
Buffalo News editorial on why debates are important to the election process. (BN)
Family Guy depicts McCain and Palin as Nazis. (DN)

WCDB NEWS -- Monday October 20, 2008

Hello! Welcome to the WCDB news blog!
This blog will have stories from the WCDB Morning News posted for your viewing pleasure, along with any other interesting stories the crew comes across during the day.

Lil Wayne and Birdman help out a family in crisis (with signed mags). (TU)
NYC Mayor Mike Bloomberg seems to be cajoling support for a third term. (NYT)
Editorial on the use of "hyrdofracking" in NY, and environmental impact. (DG)
SUNY Student Assembly supports a "rational tuition" hike plan. (TU)

Look for more news throughout the day, and please feel free to comment on the stories posted.