Nathan Mayberg reports in the Register Star the Office of the State Comptroller has identified Columbia County as one of 127 municipalities statewide that failed to submit its 2012 financial reports. Chatham, Clermont, Germantown, Hillsdale and the town of Lexington in Greene County also did not file the required reports. The announcement by Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's office was made as part of the state's new fiscal stress monitoring system, which began this year. The new fiscal stress monitoring system was meant to identify towns facing financial difficulties and intended to keep them from falling into financial crisis. None of the Columbia or Greene county towns and villages identified for failing to file the reports were found to be under stress. Read the full story in the Register Star.

The Daily Freeman is reporting Central Hudson Gas and Electric Co. is warning customers of a bill payment scam trageting residents and business owners in the area. According to company officials, customers have been contacted by phone by someone claiming to be from Central Hudson and told their account is past due. The customer is then advised to pay their bill through a pay-back money card, and to call a specific phone number with the card information. A Central Hudson spokesperson said the utility would never request bill payment this way. Customers are urged to report any such calls to police. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.

Nathan Mayberg reported in the Register Star a new Hudson law to allow the raising of chickens was vetoed Fri., June 21, by Mayor William H. Hallenbeck Jr. The local law was narrowly passed by the Common Council, Tues., June 18. In his statement explaining the veto, Hallenbeck said that while he understood the rationale behind the desire to raise hens, he was also aware of the concerns of residents equally concerned about noise, odor and disease. The mayor called for "more though and consideration" of the matter. A public hearing on the law is scheduled for Fri., June 28. Read the full story in the Register Star.

Thomas Kaplan reported in The New York Times after more than five months of advocacy by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, state lawmakers ended their annual session over the weekend without approving a single element of the Women's Equality Act. The proposal was intended to strengthen the state's laws against sexual harassment, human trafficking, domestic violence and salary discrimination. The Assembly, controlled by Democrats, voted for the entire 10-point package, but the Senate, controlled by a coalition of Republicans and independent Democrats, approved only the nine provisions not about abortion. Read the full story in The New York Times.

More than 1,000 high school seniors in Columbia and Greene counties received their diplomas this weekend, as family and friends turned out to celebrate the successful completion of 13 years of education. Graduating classes varied in size — the Windham-Ashland-Jewett High School senior class consisted of 33 students, while the Ichabod Crane Class of 2013 boasted 151 members. Read the full stories in the Register Star and The Daily Mail.