Problems with Hydrofracking & More in Today’s News

State - One of the biggest problems with shale gas drilling or hydrofracking is how to handle all the contaminated wastewater.  Apparently, there are three options when it comes to disposing the millions of gallons of contaminated water.  Water used in drilling and fracking flow from active gas wells.  The traces of chemicals break up the shale to release natural gas.  Many of the chemicals are known to be probable carcinogens. 

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Albany - The city of Albany is set to vote on a measure this Thursday that would ban smoking around outdoor recreational facilities such as playgrounds and ball fields.  The legislation is being pushed by the Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition.  It would help prevent children from being exposed to secondhand smoke and give parents legal backing against smokers around a city swing or seesaw.  Fines could amount to $50.

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Saratoga - Saratoga Performing Arts Center is going to have an updated look.  More than $500,000 has been donated to help with the renovation of SPAC’s amphitheater.  Bill and Susan Dake gifted the money to SPAC.  They are part of the family who owns the Stewart’s Shops chain of convenience stores.  Work is set to begin this month and be done by the end of May.    

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Scotia - A man was arrested and has been charged with driving while impaired by drugs.  55-year old Robert Coager was allegedly driving and having trouble staying in his lane Saturday around 10:30am.  He was spotted traveling through the town of Kinderhook.  Coager was also charged with possession of a controlled substance not in its original container. 

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Health - The Obama administration is working on setting nutritional standards for food not bought in the school cafeteria to further help the reduction of childhood obesity.  Their most recent attempt itsto remove certain foods from school vending machines.  Students eat 19 to 50 percent of their daily food at school.  Nutritionists say potato chips, cookies and soft drinks still stock those machines, contributing to obesity.