Samantha Simmons

The City of Troy has gotten green light from the state to issue bonds to replace lead pipes on private property.

The Troy Police Department has identified the man shot by police on Monday and the officers who fired.

Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello’s first budget was passed by the Republican-led council Monday night over protests by Democrats about the process.

Officials in Troy say a man was shot and critically wounded by city police around midnight Monday after a foot chase. But many details are still unknown.

Today is the 15th year of Small Business Saturday. It’s meant to bolster small businesses during the holidays, encouraging consumers to purchase locally. Last year, the American Express 2023 Saturday Consumer Insights Survey found that U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday spent an estimated $17 billion. Capital Region Chamber President and CEO Mark Eagan says the one day can make a difference. He spoke with WAMC’s Samantha Simmons.

With the holiday season here, it’s a time to gather with friends and family to celebrate. But many of us experience dread over such gatherings — which include financial and family pressures. And during the Northeast's dark months, it can be hard to stay motivated. WAMC's Samantha Simmons spoke with Melanie Wilcox, an associate professor at the University at Albany's Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology about how to deal with the stress of the holiday season.

The Regional Food Bank is preparing for its largest Thanksgiving meal service program yet. It comes after Equinox, a domestic violence outreach service, decided to end its Annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner after many years. The Regional Food Bank and dozens of sponsors are stepping in to fill the gap and serve the food insecure. WAMC’s Samantha Simmons spoke with the food bank’s CEO Tom Nardacci about the decision to pick up the distribution, replacing its annual Holiday Hunger Appeal.

After more than four months, the City of Troy is still without a comptroller, despite pledges that a new hire was imminent.

Each year, dozens of people lose their lives in acts of anti-transgender violence. On November 20th, members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies will come together to honor those who have died. Transgender Day of Remembrance was started in 1999 in honor of Rita Hester, a transgender woman who was killed a year earlier. This year, people across the nation will honor nearly 30 victims. To learn more about the violence transgender people face, WAMC's Samantha Simmons spoke with Mother Grace Ferris, a Pastor with Saint John of God Parish of the Catholic Apostolic Church in Schenectady.

Odie Leigh, who rose to fame with her single “Crop Circles,” which gained popularity through social media, released her debut album “Carrier Pigeon” this summer. The Detroit-based musician connects with fans thanks to songs about her life and her feelings. Leigh has toured Europe and played festivals like Newport Folk and Kilby Block Party. I spoke with the guitarist and singer right before she returned to her “Carrier Pigeon” tour, which stops at Albany’s Lark Hall on Friday.