Call Center Company in Albany, NY

Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney and a statewide coalition of prosecutors , safety advocates, and public health leaders kicked off a series of “Days of Action” in Albany on Monday, May 12, demanding politicians pass the Deadly Driving Bill.

If approved, the law would close a “dangerous loophole” in New York’s drugged driving laws, Tierney said. Under current law, prosecutors cannot pursue charges against drivers impaired by substances not listed on a narrow statutory list — meaning individuals under the influence of newer or less common drugs, even if visibly impaired, often cannot be prosecuted.

Only three other states tie prosecution to such a list.

“As the District Attorney of Suffolk County, I have seen the devastation that drugged driving has caused innocent families on New York’s roads,” Tierney said. “I am dedicating the resources of my office to close these loopholes because everyone, from every community, in every corner of this state deserves to be safe.”

The Deadly Driving Bill, which was removed from the state budget, is now being pushed through grassroots pressure, with advocacy groups urging its passage before the session ends in early June. Supporters include Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), AAA, the District Attorneys Association of New York (DAASNY), STOP-DWI, medical associations, traffic safety coalitions, and victims’ families.

Proponents argue the bill will allow law enforcement to stop and prosecute visibly impaired drivers using street Xanax, nitazines, kratom, xylazine (“tranq”), and dozens of other unlisted, dangerous substances. Right now, drivers under the influence of these drugs may walk away from deadly crashes without any charges if the substance isn’t on the list.

The bill would not affect cannabis laws, Tierney’s office emphasized, noting that New York has prosecuted cannabis-impaired drivers for nearly 60 years “and will continue to do so.”

The bill includes multiple safeguards to ensure fairness and transparency, Tierney said, including:

What Do You Think? Should prosecution be based on confirmed impairment, even if the specific drug isn’t on a state-approved list? Sound off in our poll above.

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ALBANY, N.Y., May 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Autism Learning Partners (ALP), a national leader that specializes in the treatment of autism and other developmental disabilities, is pleased to announce its in-state expansion with the addition of our ABA therapy center in Albany, NY opened on May 5, 2025. ALP initiated this center-based expansion in the Albany area in response to the need for quality center-based services to support families living in New York state. ALP is committed to continuing collaborative efforts with schools, ancillary services and medical providers in the greater Albany area and steadfast in its dedication to providing resources to families.

ALP strives to give hope, support, and paths of progress for children and their families living with autism and related disorders. With their robust network of community partnerships and ever-growing list of accepted insurances, families can receive quality support. ALP believes a tailored, comprehensive care plan with a dedicated clinical team allows children and their family units to experience the most progress possible.

"We're thrilled to expand our New York services to our new center located in Albany. We offer individualized ABA services in our uniquely designed center, with a focus on building skills in socially significant areas through engaging interactions with peers that includes gross motor areas, sensory areas, language and communication, and much more!" notes Rachael Schneider, PhD, BCBA-LBA , Executive Director at ALP.

Our Albany center also offers resources such as assessments, school readiness skills, highly individualized one-on-one therapy with the ability to systematically integrate children into learning and participating in larger groups, generalization of skills, a consistent clinical team, social opportunities, and community and caregiver collaboration.

A LP is a national leader in ABA-based autism services since 1988. Headquartered in Monrovia, CA, they employ over 250 Board Certified Behavior Analysts ("BCBAs") and have a total workforce of 4,000 nationwide, including Behavior Technicians providing home and center-based Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapies. Services include: ABA care, as well as speech, occupational, physical therapies, and diagnostic services in select regions. ALP now offers treatment in 16 states including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, and Virginia.

"Air Albany" luxury apartment complex construction at 1211 Western Ave. (WRGB)

ALBANY, N.Y. — A lawsuit has been filed in the stalled construction of a luxury apartment complex near the University at Albany. The property owner, DMG Investments, an American branch of a global Chinese real estate company, is accusing the Rochester-based architect, Razak Associates, of "breach of contract and negligence" in the design of the "Air Albany" project on 1211 Western Avenue.

The $38 million project was initially slated to open this spring, but its construction permit expired in February. The lawsuit claims that since construction began in 2020, the architect repeatedly failed to "provide drawings and designs for the construction project that meet all code and legal requirements." It further alleges that the building poses a fire hazard due to the architect's failure to use fire-retardant wood studs in the exterior walls and cites issues with "smoke protection" and "ventilation."

Albany Common Councilman Tom Hoey said, "Well, it’s sort of, I told you so." Hoey noted that over 30 residents had testified before the planning board, expressing concerns that the structure was dangerous and unsuitable for the area. Hoey added that construction halted nearly two years ago and expressed concern the lawsuit could indefinitely delay the project while the building remains a fire risk.

When asked who is to blame, Hoey said, "I think there’s many people to blame unfortunately. I think the city has some blame too. We should have been more on top of what was going on."

Mayor Kathy Sheehan's office declined to comment on the lawsuit, stating, "Because this is a legal action between two private entities, we will decline commenting on the lawsuit. We can confirm the building permit is still expired."

The lawsuit seeks at least $2.5 million to address the alleged issues.

CBS6 reached out to both DMG Investments and Razak Associates for comment Wednesday. As of this publication we have not heard back.

In 2020, the City of Albany Industrial Development Agency approved $14 million for the project in sales, mortgage, and property tax breaks.

CBS6 reached out to the Albany IDA for comment Wednesday. We are also still waiting to hear back.

In a statement made to CBS6 in March, the IDA said it was pushing for the stalled project to move forward. The IDA told CBS6 it approved sales, mortgage, and property tax exemptions totaling over $14 million in 2020, with the project expected to generate more than $8 million in local tax revenue by 2039. It is also projected to create 90 construction jobs.

Below you can read the full statement issued March 19th by City of Albany IDA CEO Ashley Mohl.

Our board and staff is monitoring the project very closely and additionally in terms of compliance with all relevant project documents that outline the terms and conditions of IDA assistance. This is still an active project with the City of Albany IDA, our board and staff has been in recent conversation with the developer and we're working with the City of Albany to encourage activity restarting on site and advancing towards the project's completion," said City of Albany IDA CEO Ashley Mohl.

In Sept. 2020, the City of Albany IDA board approved an application to provide project assistance in the form of New York State sales and mortgage recording tax exemptions and real property tax abatements over an 18-year PILOT period and during this time it's estimated to create a $7.6 million net-benefit to local taxing jurisdictions. The project application projected to create at least 90 construction jobs.

Under the project's PILOT agreement, by 2039 the property is estimated to generate a total of $8,227,180 to local taxing jurisdictions, more than a dozen times what would be projected without the investment, as the status quo without this investment would only be $542,088 over that period. Following the project's PILOT period, it’s estimated to generate more than $1.4 million annually for local taxing jurisdictions.

Project's estimated Value of Tax Exemptions, approved in 2020:

NYS Sales and Compensating Use Tax: $1,000,000

Mortgage Recording Taxes: $320,000

Real Property Taxes: $12,845,169

ALBANY, NY — May 14, 2025 — After an extraordinary broadcast journalism career that spans more than 50 years, CBS6 News anchor Liz Bishop has announced her retirement. A Capital Region institution and a beloved presence in living rooms across Upstate New York, Liz’s final newscast will mark the end of an era in local television news.

Liz Bishop’s journey at CBS6 began in1973, while still attending U Albany. Hired as a weekend sportscaster - a rarity for women in the field at the time - Liz quickly proved herself as a versatile and courageous journalist. Her career would go on to include a wide array of assignments, ultimately earning her a place among the most respected and recognizable figures in the Capital Region.

Having grown up in the Albany area, her deep connection with viewers, relentless pursuit of the truth, and unwavering commitment to community-focused journalism have defined her decades of service.

“Liz’s impact on our station and this community is certainly historic,” said News Director Stone Grissom. “Her career exemplifies the mark of a trailblazer. While we will miss her deeply, we celebrate everything she has accomplished and the legacy she leaves behind.”

Liz was part of what is widely recognized as the first all-woman newscast, and, after Sports Illustrated reporter Melissa Ludkte won the right to become the first female reporter to enter the NY Yankee’s locker room, Liz and other female reporters proudly walked in Ludtke’s footsteps. Her career has been punctuated by countless historic moments - including broadcasting the first transcontinental live remote in the Capital Region during the inauguration of George Deukmejian of Menands as Governor of California as well as being at Ground Zero, covering the New York search and rescue team after 9/11.

Liz’s influence reaches beyond news. In 2016, she was inducted into the New York State Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame, and her interview with then-Senate candidate Hillary Clinton was even featured on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Throughout her career, Liz has earned an impressive array of accolades. Her reporting on the Schoharie Limousine crash along with the CBS6 investigative team earned the station a national Edward R. Murrow Award. She’s been part of five Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards, a recipient of three New York State Emmy awards, dozens of Emmy nominations, and multiple New York State Associated Press Broadcast Awards for General Excellence in Reporting. Equally important are her extensive contributions to the community - as a telethon host, emcee, board member, and campaign chair for numerous local causes.

“As she signs off for the final time, Liz Bishop will leave behind not just an impressive footprint of exceptional journalism, but a powerful example of integrity, compassion, and dedication,” said General Manager Rob Croteau. “She has not only chronicled the history of the Capital Region - she has helped shape it.”

CBS6 will celebrate Liz’s career with a special tribute airing May 30, featuring highlights from her decades on the air and a look back at the moments that defined her career.

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