Schenectady Fire Department

A Schenectady fire that caused severe burns on a man’s head, hands and face ignited when a man used a chemical solvent in his basement, according to the fire department.

With the new year approaching, Mayor Gary McCarthy is reflecting on the contentious budget battle that could have left Schenectady in dire straits.

WAMC's David Guistina speaks with Miles Reed, Editor of The Daily Gazette, about regional police and fire department salaries. The pair also discuss a new…