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Rensselaer, NY

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…
Woman, 25, Killed After Car Rolls Over Several Times On NY Thruway Woman, 25, Killed After Car Rolls Over Several Times On NY Thruway
Woman, 25, Killed After Car Rolls Over Several Times On NY Thruway 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…
Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Much Of Region Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Much Of Region
Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Much Of Region 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 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4. A radar image of the region above from 2:45 p.m. Friday shows the storms. In New York, the following counties are covered by the watch: Putnam Dutchess Orange Ulster Sullivan Albany Columbia Greene Rensselaer Schenectady Saratoga Schoharie Broome Cayuga Chemung Chenango Clinton Cortland Delaware Essex Franklin Fulton Hamilton Herkimer Lewis Madison Montgomery Oneida Onondaga Oswego Otsego …
Man Rapes, Murders 3-Year-Old Girl At Capital Region Home, DA Says Man Rapes, Murders 3-Year-Old Girl At Capital Region Home, DA Says
Man Rapes, Murders 3-Year-Old Girl At Capital Region Home, DA Says A man from the region is facing murder charges after allegedly raping and killing a 3-year-old girl. Robert Fisher, age 33, of Rensselaer, was indicted for second-degree murder and first-degree rape by a Rensselaer County grand jury on Friday, July 28. According to prosecutors, emergency crews were called to a Rensselaer home near Broadway and Tracy Street on Friday, July 7, for a young girl who wasn’t breathing. Despite the efforts of medics, the girl was pronounced dead at Albany Medical Center. Fisher was indicted three weeks later following an “extensive” investigation involving multi…
Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Westchester Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Westchester
Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Westchester With a new round of storms developing, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for much of the Northeast. In New York, the following counties: Westchester Putnam Dutchess Rockland Orange Ulster Sullivan Albany Columbia Greene Rensselaer Schoharie The watch covers all eight counties in Connecticut and the following counties in Massachusetts: Berkshire Bristol Essex Franklin Hampden Hampshire Middlesex Norfolk Plymouth Suffolk Worcester The watch was issued at 12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 27, by the National Weather Service and is in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday. Some of the storms could…
Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Westchester Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Westchester
Severe Thunderstorm Watch In Effect For Westchester With a new round of storms heading eastward, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for much of the region. It covers all eight counties in Connecticut, and in New York, the following counties: Westchester Putnam Dutchess Columbia Rensselaer Washington The watch was issued at 1 p.m. Friday, July 21, and is in effect until 8 p.m. Friday. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain.  "Locally heavy downpours may produce isolated to scattered areas of flash flooding," the National Weather Service said. The first round of showers and storms moved through …
'America's Best Restaurants' To Feature Popular Capital Region Eatery 'America's Best Restaurants' To Feature Popular Capital Region Eatery
'America's Best Restaurants' To Feature Popular Capital Region Eatery A popular restaurant in the region known for its elevated take on traditional American cuisine is about to get some major street cred. Rensselaer County’s Illusive Restaurant and Bar, located in Rensselaer at 3 Ferry Street, is set to be featured on “America’s Best Restaurants,” a media company that spotlights independently-owned restaurants across the country. “We’re one of America’s Best Restaurants! But don’t take our word for it – the experts say so too!” Joseph Ventrice, Illusive’s owner and chef, wrote on Facebook. “We're humbled by this amazing opportunity and would like to thank …
'Hardworking, Compassionate': Police Department In Capital Region Mourns Officer's Sudden Death 'Hardworking, Compassionate': Police Department In Capital Region Mourns Officer's Sudden Death
'Hardworking, Compassionate': Police Department In Capital Region Mourns Officer's Sudden Death Colleagues and loved ones are mourning the sudden death of a veteran police officer from the region. Watervliet Police Sgt. Marc Langlais died unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 19, the department announced on Facebook. An official cause of death was not given. “Marc was a beloved member of the Watervliet community and a dedicated police officer for nearly two decades,” reads the post. Langlais joined the department in July 2004 and “quickly established himself as a hardworking and compassionate officer,” the department said. He was promoted to sergeant in June 2015, and was a regular in…