5 things to know this Friday, December 20

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)– Happy Friday! Meteorologist Kevin Appleby says this Friday will be a bit chilly with light snowfall in the afternoon and evening. Temperatures today are expected to be in the mid-to-high 30s.

Pittsfield community members came out in droves to the Wednesday night School Committee meeting to address concerns for the future of the district. Also, elected officials began weighing in on the Albany Medical Center and New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) negotiations. These stories, and more, are in your five things to know this Friday.

1. Pittsfield community voices concerns to public schools

Following the arrest of Pittsfield High School’s Dean of Students, Levante Wiggins, in connection to drug trafficking, the School Committee met Wednesday night. A large crowd was drawn in that was concerned for the district’s future. For more than 30 minutes, parents and community members criticized the district’s hiring practices and response to the latest allegations.

2. FAA plans for temporary flight restrictions in NY

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Thursday night that the Federal Aviation Administration is planning to grant temporary flight restrictions over some of New York’s critical infrastructure sites. The governor said the move is precautionary and there is no threat to these sites. The FAA also temporarily banned drone flights in 22 areas of New Jersey where critical infrastructure is located. 

3. Elected officials weigh in on Albany Med, NYSNA negotiations

Albany Medical Center and the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) are reacting to a letter sent by elected officials weighing in on the contract dispute between the two organizations. In a joint letter, New York Assemblymembers Pat Fahy and John McDonald, Sen. Neil Breslin, and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “We urge NYSNA to thoroughly consider the proposal on the table and to expeditiously resolve matters at hand.”

4. Milton man sentenced for assaulting three-month-old

21-year-old Jacob Krall, of Milton, was sentenced to seven years in state prison after a three week trial for assaulting an infant, the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office announced on Thursday. Krall was convicted back in October.

5. Man accused in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing faces federal charge that’s eligible for death penalty

The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare’s CEO was whisked back to New York by plane and helicopter Thursday to face new federal charges of stalking and murder, which could bring the death penalty if he’s convicted.