SARATOGA SPRINGS - The Saratoga Springs School Board did something extraordinary Tuesday night: they told the State Education Department to butt out and let them educate their kids the way they see fit.

Beginning next week, third through eighth graders statewide will take their English Language Arts and Math exams, part of the Common Core Curriculum adopted by the Regents a few years ago.

On that eve of that testing, the Saratoga Springs School District is sending a message to SED: Don't over-stress our kids, and we believe there are better ways to measure student progress.

When test scores are added up for elementary and middle school students who begin taking the Common Core exams, the State Education Department is predicting many of those scores will be below grade level expectations.

Teachers in the Saratoga Springs School District have a big problem with that.

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York corrections officials have proposed letting local jails across the state close law libraries used by inmates.

The state Commission of Correction says that could save each jail about $5,000 a year, though the 63 jails would still have to preserve prisoner access rights to legal materials.

ARGYLE -  Two people are now facing charges in connection with a brush fire in Argyle NewsChannel 13 first showed you this weekend.

Firefighters say the fire burned 4.5 acres of land and was started by people drinking who left the fire burning.

They say an illegal stockpile of 5,000 to 7,000 tires also caught fire.

 The fire forced the temporary closure of state Route 197 near Durkeetown Road.

The wildfire is contained but not considered out.

There have been no reports of injuries or property damage.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation is searching for the people responsible. Each could face a minimum fine of $500.