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Rensselaer, NY

Capital Region Tow Company Owner Charged With Stealing Cars From Parking Lots: AG Says Capital Region Tow Company Owner Charged With Stealing Cars From Parking Lots: AG Says
Capital Region Tow Company Owner Charged With Stealing Cars From Parking Lots: AG Says A Capital Region tow company owner has been charged with allegedly using his business to steal cars from parking lots and then sell them. John F. Rivers, age 43, of East Greenbush, was charged on Friday, Dec. 6, for using his towing company, Rivers Asset Recovery, to steal and sell vehicles towed from parking lots across the Capital Region, said New York Attorney General Letitia James. James said an investigation by the Attorney General's Office and the New York State Police revealed that Rivers used his contracts with local businesses to monitor parking lots and tow vehicles. Later, he ill…
Update: Dead Body Found On 1-90 Identified As Capital Region Man Update: Dead Body Found On 1-90 Identified As Capital Region Man
Update: Dead Body Found On 1-90 Identified As Capital Region Man A person found dead on I-90 near the Patroon Island Bridge by state Department of Transportation workers has been identified as a Capital Region man. New York State Police said Lawrence N. Viscio, 58, of Albany, was found by the employees at 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 3. His cause of death is pending autopsy and further investigation. Troopers closed the right lane of I-90 following the body's discovery in Rensselaer for about 1.5 hours for investigation purposes.  The investigation is ongoing.  This remains a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates. 
Body Found On I-90 By DOT Employees In Capital Region: Police Body Found On I-90 By DOT Employees In Capital Region: Police
Body Found On I-90 By DOT Employees In Capital Region: Police New York State Department of Transportation employees made a horrifying discovery while working near I-90 in Rensseleaer, prompting a police investigation. The employees found a body at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, near the Patroon Island Bridge near the eastbound lane in Rensselaer, said Trooper Jennifer Alvarez. The right lane was closed for approximately 1.5 hours for investigation purposes and has since been reopened.  The investigation is ongoing. There is no perceived public threat at this time. 
'I'll Keep Fighting': Molinaro Concedes In 19th Congressional Race Week After Election Day 'I'll Keep Fighting': Molinaro Concedes In 19th Congressional Race Week After Election Day
'I'll Keep Fighting': Molinaro Concedes In 19th Congressional Race Week After Election Day A week after the general election, Incumbent Republican Congressman Marc Molinaro for District 19 conceded the tight race to his competitor, Democrat Josh Riley. "Our race didn’t go the way we had hoped, but let me tell you, I am so proud of what we’ve built together," said Molinaro on Tuesday night, Nov. 12. Election 2024: Molinaro Waits On Final Absentee Ballots Before Conceding District 19 Race District 19 includes Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, Tioga, and Tompkins counties and parts of Otsego, Rensselaer, and Ulster counties.  With 655 of 656 …
Election 2024: Molinaro Waits On Final Absentee Ballots Before Conceding District 19 Race Election 2024: Molinaro Waits On Final Absentee Ballots Before Conceding District 19 Race
Election 2024: Molinaro Waits On Final Absentee Ballots Before Conceding District 19 Race Incumbent Republican Congressman Marc Molinaro, who lost the District 19 Congressional race to Democratic challenger Josh Riley, said the race is too close to call.  Election 2024: Winner Projected In Hudson Valley's 19th Congressional District Race 'I'll Keep Fighting': Molinaro Concedes In 19th Congressional Race Week After Election Day District 19 includes Broome, Chenango, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Greene, Sullivan, Tioga, Tompkins counties and parts of Otsego, Rensselaer, and Ulster counties. In a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 6, Molinaro said: “As it stands, we trail by 3…
5 From Region Nabbed On Weapons Charges During Stop 5 From Region Nabbed On Weapons Charges During Stop
5 From Region Nabbed On Weapons Charges During Stop Five people were nabbed on alleged weapons-related charges during a traffic stop in the region. The incident occurred in Sullivan County at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, on Route 17K in the town of Bloomingburg.  Trooper Steven Nevel said troopers noticed a 2017 GMC Yukon traveling westbound on 17K, violating numerous vehicle and traffic laws. Troopers, with the assistance of the Wallkill Police Department in Orange County, made a traffic stop and identified the driver as Capital Region resident Albert Blowers, age 48, of Rensselaer, Nevel said.  While interviewing Blowers, troop…
Molinaro Says He Is 100 Percent Behind Plan To Deport Criminal Illegal Immigrants Molinaro Says He Is 100 Percent Behind Plan To Deport Criminal Illegal Immigrants
Molinaro Says He Is 100 Percent Behind Plan To Deport Criminal Illegal Immigrants Republican incumbent Rep. Marc Molinar (R-District 19) says he is 100 percent behind former President Donald Trump's plan to deport criminal illegal immigrants. "It doesn’t have to be complicated: if you have a criminal record and you’re here illegally, you should be deported and banned from re-entering the country," Molinaro said in an opinion piece in the Cortland Standard. He added: "These people have no place in America, and yet, Homeland Security estimates there are tens of thousands of thieves, rapists and murderers living among us." Molinaro's District 19 includes Broome, Chenango, …
Molinaro Doesn't Belong In Office For Enabling Trump's 'Hitler' Statements, Riley Says Molinaro Doesn't Belong In Office For Enabling Trump's 'Hitler' Statements, Riley Says
Molinaro Doesn't Belong In Office For Enabling Trump's 'Hitler' Statements, Riley Says This story has been updated. Republican candidates in the region are ignoring or refusing to answer questions aimed at shocking reporting from multiple outlets that former President Donald Trump admires Adolf Hitler and wanted generals like his. The revelations came to light during The New York Times' three-session interview with retired four-star Marine General John Kelly and Trump’s former White House chief of staff.  During the interview, Kelly told The Times that he had personally witnessed Trump make complimentary statements about the former dictator, even saying that Hitler…
Capital Region Man Who Raped, Killed 3-Year-Old Girl Found Dead In Prison Capital Region Man Who Raped, Killed 3-Year-Old Girl Found Dead In Prison
Capital Region Man Who Raped, Killed 3-Year-Old Girl Found Dead In Prison A Capital Region man who admitted to raping and killing a three-year-old girl has died in prison just a month after he began his 20 years to life sentence. Rensselaer County resident Robert Fisher, age 34, of Rensselaer, died around 1:150 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22, at the Elmira Correctional Facility in Chemung County, said Thomas Mailey of the State Department Of Corrections. Fisher pleaded guilty in July to raping and murdering Josefina “Josie” Cunningham of Rensselaer in July 2023.  A trusted family friend, Fisher, admitted to drugging, sexually assaulting, and killing the girl w…
Woman, 25, Killed After Car Rolls Over Several Times On I-87 In Saratoga Springs Woman, 25, Killed After Car Rolls Over Several Times On I-87 In Saratoga Springs
Woman, 25, Killed After Car Rolls Over Several Times On I-87 In Saratoga Springs This story has been updated. A woman was killed in a two-vehicle crash after her car rolled multiple times on the Adirondack Northway.  The collision occurred in Saratoga County around 4:50 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 1, on the Northway north of the Exit 14 off-ramp in Saratoga Springs. According to New York State Police Trooper Stephanie O'Neil, the crash caused one of the vehicles to overturn and killed the driver, identified as Makenzie T. Minkler, age 25, of Rensselaer. Minkler was transported for severe injuries but died shortly after at Saratoga Hospital, O'Neil said The cause of the …
Babysitter Admits Raping, Murdering 3-Year-Old NY Girl Found Covered In Bleach Babysitter Admits Raping, Murdering 3-Year-Old NY Girl Found Covered In Bleach
Babysitter Admits Raping, Murdering 3-Year-Old NY Girl Found Covered In Bleach One year after a 3-year-old New York girl was found murdered inside her home, the man responsible has formally confessed. Rensselaer County resident Robert Fisher, age 34, of Rensselaer, pleaded guilty to murder and rape on Tuesday, July 9, in the death of Josefina Cunningham. According to prosecutors, emergency crews were called to the girl's Rensselaer home near Broadway and Tracy Street on July 7, 2023, after relatives found her not breathing. Earlier Report: Man Rapes, Murders 3-Year-Old Girl At Home In Region, DA Says Josefina’s mother found her lying lifeless on the floor, fo…
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral
NY Veteran's Lifelong 'Secret' Revealed In Heartbreaking Obituary Going Viral A decorated veteran and retired firefighter from upstate New York is going viral for his heartbreaking posthumous revelation. Lifelong Rensselaer County resident Col. Edward Thomas Ryan, of Rensselaer, died with a long-kept secret that rendered him “afraid of being ostracized,” he wrote in his own obituary, which was published in the Albany Times Union on Saturday, June 8. "I must tell you one more thing. I was gay all my life: thru grade school, thru high school, thru college, thru life,” Ryan wrote. “I'm sorry for not having the courage to come out as gay. I was afraid of being ostraciz…
Criminal Investigation Opened In Helicopter Crash Killing NY National Guard Members: Report Criminal Investigation Opened In Helicopter Crash Killing NY National Guard Members: Report
Criminal Investigation Opened In Helicopter Crash Killing NY National Guard Members: Report Officials have launched a criminal investigation into a National Guard helicopter crash near the southern border that killed two members from New York and a third victim, ABC News reports. The incident – which saw a UH-72 Lakota helicopter go down near Rio Grande City, Texas, on Friday, March 8 – is now the focus of an investigation by the Starr County Sheriff’s Office into whether there was any criminal wrongdoing, officials told the outlet. That investigation is separate from a parallel probe being conducted by the Department of Defense. So far, authorities have not publicly said what cau…
'Fresh, Delicious Food': New Restaurant In Capital Region Garnering Rave Reviews 'Fresh, Delicious Food': New Restaurant In Capital Region Garnering Rave Reviews
'Fresh, Delicious Food': New Restaurant In Capital Region Garnering Rave Reviews A new Mexican restaurant in the region is already delighting diners just days into business. Rensselaer County eatery Al Punto Picante – located in Rensselaer at 1204 Washington Avenue in the space formerly occupied by Cafe Twelve 04 – held its grand opening on Tuesday, April 9. The restaurant had not established a website or social media channels as of Friday, April 12, but Rensselaer Mayor Mike Stammel described Al Punto Picante as a “culinary gem that promises to tantalize your taste buds with delicious Mexican flavors.” It would appear that others agree; the restaurant has already rack…
NY National Guardsman 'In Fight For His Life' After Surviving Helicopter Crash That Killed 3 NY National Guardsman 'In Fight For His Life' After Surviving Helicopter Crash That Killed 3
NY National Guardsman 'In Fight For His Life' After Surviving Helicopter Crash That Killed 3 To say that Jacob Pratt has a long road to recovery is an understatement. The New York National Guard soldier, a Rensselaer County native from the city of Rensselaer, remains in intensive care after being the sole survivor of a helicopter crash on the US-Mexico border that killed three others. According to the Joint Task Force North, Pratt was aboard a UH-72 Lakota chopper when it went down while flying near Rio Grande City, Texas on Friday, March 8. Earlier Report: NY National Guard Members Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Return Home; Funerals Set The crash killed New York National G…
New Update: Northeast Earthquake Felt In Capital Region; State Conducting Damage Assessment New Update: Northeast Earthquake Felt In Capital Region; State Conducting Damage Assessment
New Update: Northeast Earthquake Felt In Capital Region; State Conducting Damage Assessment An earthquake that rattled several states along the East Coast late Friday morning, April 5, was felt throughout the Capital Region. Original report - 4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Hits New York, Northeast The 4.8 magnitude quake, centered about 60 miles west of Manhattan in Hunterdon County, New Jersey at a depth of nearly three miles, struck at 10:23 a.m., according to the US Geological Survey (USGS). There have not been any reports of injuries or significant damage to buildings. Wow! A M4.8 struck in New Jersey this morning around 10:30 am local time. Shaking was widely felt from …
NY National Guard Members Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Return Home; Funerals Set NY National Guard Members Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Return Home; Funerals Set
NY National Guard Members Killed In Triple-Fatal Crash Return Home; Funerals Set Two New York National Guard members killed in a helicopter crash on the US-Mexico border that claimed three lives received a hero’s welcome in their hometowns. The remains of Casey Frankoski and John Grassia arrived at Albany County’s Army aviation facility in Latham at around 3 p.m. Monday, March 18. Gov. Kathy Hochul and other local leaders stood in silence as flag-draped caskets carrying the 28-year-old Frankoski and 30-year-old Grassia were loaded into waiting hearses. Earlier Report: National Guard Solider From NY ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash “The service and sa…
National Guard Solider From NY ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash National Guard Solider From NY ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash
National Guard Solider From NY ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash The only survivor of a helicopter crash that killed three people has been identified as a National Guard soldier from New York. The incident happened around 2:50 p.m. Friday, March 8 while the UH-72 Lakota chopper was flying over the US-Mexico border near Rio Grande City, Texas, according to the Joint Task Force North. Capital Region native Jacob Pratt, of Rensselaer, suffered critical injuries and remains hospitalized. More than $102,000 has been raised from a total of over 1,100 separate donations in a GoFundMe fundraiser launched by the New York State Counc…
Triple-Fatal Crash Update: National Guard Solider From NY, State Trooper Both ID'd As Victims Triple-Fatal Crash Update: National Guard Solider From NY, State Trooper Both ID'd As Victims
Triple-Fatal Crash Update: National Guard Solider From NY, State Trooper Both ID'd As Victims A National Guard soldier from New York has been identified as one of the victims of a helicopter crash that killed three people. Click here for a new, updated story: National Guard Soldier From NY ID'd As Sole Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Crash The incident happened around 2:50 p.m. Friday, March 8 while the UH-72 Lakota chopper was flying over the US-Mexico border near Rio Grande City, Texas, according to the Joint Task Force North. National Guard soldier Casey Frankoski, age 28, who grew up in Rensselaer County, was a graduate of Columbia High School in East Greenbush. …
New Update: Woman Struck, Killed By Train In Capital Region ID'd New Update: Woman Struck, Killed By Train In Capital Region ID'd
New Update: Woman Struck, Killed By Train In Capital Region ID'd This story has been updated. A Rensselaer County woman standing on the tracks was struck and killed by an Amtrak passenger train in the region. Linda Ryan, age 69, of Rensselaer, was struck around 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 in the city of Rensselaer. Deputy Police Chief John Mooney of the Rensselaer Police said Ryan was standing on the tracks in the area of South Street and Second Avenue when she was struck and killed. Amtrak service was disrupted for several hours as first responders removed her body and investigated the crash. No other injuries were reported, Mooney said. "The Rensselae…
'Devastating' Fire Guts 60-Year-Old Eatery In Capital Region; Owners 'Committed To Rebuilding' 'Devastating' Fire Guts 60-Year-Old Eatery In Capital Region; Owners 'Committed To Rebuilding'
'Devastating' Fire Guts 60-Year-Old Eatery In Capital Region; Owners 'Committed To Rebuilding' Around these parts, Hot Dog Charlie’s is an institution. Since 1964, the popular family-owned eatery in Albany County has drawn generations of diners to its quaint Cohoes restaurant – located on the northeast corner of Saratoga Street and Tibbitts Place – with its pork and beef franks topped in a secret recipe chili sauce. But six decades of business came to an abrupt halt on Wednesday, Jan. 31 when a massive fire tore through the building. Emergency crews were called at around 10:20 a.m., with firefighters from multiple agencies responding, including the Cohoes, Green Island, and Watervl…
Trump Eyeing NY Congresswoman As Veep Pick, Report Says Trump Eyeing NY Congresswoman As Veep Pick, Report Says
Trump Eyeing NY Congresswoman As Veep Pick, Report Says As campaign season heats up, rumors are swirling over former President Donald Trump’s pick to be his running mate should he clinch the Republican nomination. Among the names that Trump is strongly considering for his vice president is New York Rep. Elise Stefanik, NBC News reports. The 39-year-old House Republican Conference chair – whose 21st District represents several Capital Region counties, including Rensselaer – was brought up during a dinner at the former president’s Mar-a-Lago home in December 2023, according to the outlet. Trump nodded approvingly and referred to Stefanik as “a ki…
Best Burger Found At This Capital Region Restaurant, Foodies Say: 'Never Been Disappointed' Best Burger Found At This Capital Region Restaurant, Foodies Say: 'Never Been Disappointed'
Best Burger Found At This Capital Region Restaurant, Foodies Say: 'Never Been Disappointed' Word on the street is this restaurant has the best burgers around – and they have receipts to prove it. Rensselaer County’s Illusive Restaurant and Bar – located in Rensselaer at 3 Ferry Street – received the most nods on the 518 Foodies Facebook page on Wednesday, Jan. 10. “Looking for the best burger place in the (area code) 518,” Ashley Surprenant had asked her fellow foodies. Her post garnered over 250 responses. Earlier Report: 'America's Best Restaurants' To Feature Popular Rensselaer Eatery “By far the best burger,” one commenter said of Illusive. “Never been disappointed,” w…
Widespread Flooding, Road Closures Reported As Potent Storm Drenches Capital Region Widespread Flooding, Road Closures Reported As Potent Storm Drenches Capital Region
Widespread Flooding, Road Closures Reported As Potent Storm Drenches Capital Region A potent, late autumn storm is bringing flooding and road closures to parts of the region. Flood watches or warnings are up for the entire Capital Region with rainfall totals of 2 to 4 inches expected through Monday night, Dec. 18, according to the National Weather Service in Albany. Higher rainfall accumulations are expected on east and southeast-facing slopes of the eastern Catskills. In Albany County, a flood warning is up for the Mohawk River at Cohoes, where minor flooding is expected after midnight as the river crests just above its flood stage of 20 feet. A flood warning is also in…
$28K Theft: Home Health Aide From Capital Region Admits Stealing From Dementia Patient $28K Theft: Home Health Aide From Capital Region Admits Stealing From Dementia Patient
$28K Theft: Home Health Aide From Capital Region Admits Stealing From Dementia Patient A home health aide from the region has admitted stealing thousands of dollars from her patient. Rensselaer County resident Lakeisha Stewart, age 43, of Rensselaer, pleaded guilty to attempted grand larceny in Albany County Court on Friday, Dec. 1. Stewart admitted that between January and February 2023, she cashed several checks from the victim’s account while working as their home health aide. The victim was diagnosed with dementia and was unable to consent to the payments, prosecutors said. Altogether, Stewart stole approximately $28,500 from the victim. She faces up to six months in j…
State's $8.7M Will Cover Repaving Of Capital Region Highways Impacted By Extreme Weather State's $8.7M Will Cover Repaving Of Capital Region Highways Impacted By Extreme Weather
State's $8.7M Will Cover Repaving Of Capital Region Highways Impacted By Extreme Weather Several highways in the region are set to undergo major facelifts thanks to millions of dollars in new state funding. Eight state highways in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Greene counties will be repaved at a cost of $8.7 million, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. The money is part of a $100 million funding package allocated to repave nearly 568 lane miles of roads across New York that have been impacted by severe weather. “From a devastating blizzard to historic flooding, we are living in a time of record-breaking weather events which have left many roads across New York State in n…
14-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Self At Capital Region Apartment Complex 14-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Self At Capital Region Apartment Complex
14-Year-Old Accidentally Shoots Self At Capital Region Apartment Complex A 14-year-old boy is recovering after apparently shooting himself at an apartment complex in the region. The Rensselaer County incident happened Sunday, Nov. 26, in Rensselaer, at the Kinwood Apartments located on Chase Drive. According to Rensselaer Police, the boy walked into Albany Medical Center Hospital at around 7:45 p.m. with an apparent gunshot wound. A preliminary investigation found that he had accidentally shot himself. Investigators did not elaborate on the nature of the boy’s injuries or say what type of gun was involved. “This appears to be an isolated incident and we do no…
'Not An Easy Decision': Veteran-Owned Restaurant In Capital Region Shutting Its Doors 'Not An Easy Decision': Veteran-Owned Restaurant In Capital Region Shutting Its Doors
'Not An Easy Decision': Veteran-Owned Restaurant In Capital Region Shutting Its Doors A struggling, veteran-owned restaurant in the region serving breakfast and lunch is shuttering after just over a year in business. Rensselaer County eatery Cafe Twelve 04, located in Rensselaer at 1204 Washington Avenue, will serve its last guests on Sunday, Oct. 29, the business announced on Facebook. “Whelp… Not a post I want to be posting but it’s only right, Sunday will be my last day open at the cafe,” owner Chris Phelan said. “Definitely not an easy decision by any means.” After launching the restaurant in August 2022, Phelan, a US Army veteran, spent “countless dollars and hours” t…
Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Much Of Eastern NY Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Much Of Eastern NY
Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Much Of Eastern NY With a round of storms moving from west to east in interior portions of the region, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for much of the area The watch is in effect until 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 7.  Potentially dangerous straight-line wind gusts are the primary threat, with potentially damaging hail also possible, according to the National Weather Service. Localized heavy rainfall and lightning are also possible. In New York, the following counties are covered by the watch: Dutchess Rockland Orange Ulster Sullivan Columbia Greene Albany Rensselaer Schenectady Saratoga Sc…
Bank Robbery Injuring Teller: 29-Year-Old Admits To Armed Heists At Capital Region Branches Bank Robbery Injuring Teller: 29-Year-Old Admits To Armed Heists At Capital Region Branches
Bank Robbery Injuring Teller: 29-Year-Old Admits To Armed Heists At Capital Region Branches A 29-year-old man is facing years in federal prison after admitting his role in two armed bank robberies in the region, one of which injured an employee. Capital Region resident Ulysses Wall, of Rensselaer, pleaded guilty to multiple charges in Albany federal court on Monday, Aug. 21. According to the US Attorney’s Office in the Northern District, Walls and co-defendant Christopher Cohn robbed two banks in Albany and North Greenbush in February 2019. They first hit an Albany Trustco Bank on Feb. 6, 2019, where Cohn told Walls he was about to “go do this,” meaning rob the bank, prosecutors…
Dollar Store Murder: 16-Year-Old Shot Father Of 5 To Death At Capital Region Business, Cops Say Dollar Store Murder: 16-Year-Old Shot Father Of 5 To Death At Capital Region Business, Cops Say
Dollar Store Murder: 16-Year-Old Shot Father Of 5 To Death At Capital Region Business, Cops Say More than a month after a husband and father of five was shot to death during a fight outside a store in the region, a 16-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged with his murder. The shooting happened Sunday evening, July 2, in Troy, at the Family Dollar store located near 102nd Street and 2nd Avenue. According to Troy Police, two customers got into an argument in front of the store when one of them opened fire. Earlier Report: ID Released For Customer Shot To Death Outside Troy Store The victim, 39-year-old Alexander Crawford, of Troy, managed to get back into the store and t…