Capital Region News

In Albany Tuesday, officials hailed the completion of Phase One of the South End Connector, which links two popular bike trails.

Senator Chuck Schumer was in Schenectady today calling for immediate fiscal relief for cash-strapped local governments throughout the Capital Region.

Two high-ranking Albany County Democratic officials remain at odds over wearing a face mask in public.

The World War II-era destroyer escort docked in downtown Albany is about to head down the Hudson River for repairs. Making a rare voyage, the USS Slater is expected to depart for Staten Island at 7 a.m. Sunday. 

The Albany Housing Authority is getting a new Executive Director.

Schenectady Police say the owner of a city ice cream shop was arrested on menacing charges for pointing a pellet gun at protesters outside his business Tuesday night. Demonstrations have continued outside Bumpy’s Polar Freeze since the weekend amid reports that the owner, David Elmendorf, sent text messages with racist slurs and said that he doesn’t hire Black people. 

Absentee ballot counting began today as four candidates in two Democratic primaries in the Capital Region await the final tally.

After two more gun homicides in the past 24 hours, Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Police Chief Eric Hawkins called another press conference this afternoon. WAMC's Dave Lucas was at police headquarters for the update.

There have been major developments related to the Norlite Hazardous Waste Facility in Cohoes.

Following a meeting with New York state officials Tuesday afternoon, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy announced that malls, gyms and movie theaters have not yet been cleared to reopen under phase four of the state’s coronavirus reopening plan. If health metrics hold, the Capital Region would enter that phase on July 1. 

Municipal leaders have had to adapt quickly to deal with both the coronavirus pandemic and social unrest that followed the death of George Floyd. WAMC's Capital Region Bureau Chief Dave Lucas recently spoke with Troy Mayor Patrick Madden.

Officials say there is zero tolerance for gun violence in the city of Albany, where shootings have continued almost daily.

The Democratic candidates for Albany County District Attorney have solidified their positions going into Tuesday's primary.

Albany’s mayor, police chief and common council members representing wards impacted by the violence held a press conference Friday at police headquarters to urge an end to a rash of shootings.

Coming in the middle of a national conversation about race, today is Juneteenth, commemorating the day enslaved people in Texas learned they were free in 1865. A number of state and local celebrations are marking the day.

A new survey finds the COVID-19 pandemic hasn't stopped Capital Region companies from hiring new employees, but the pace of hiring has slowed and employers’ expectations for the future are uncertain.

The death of George Floyd and the national outcry it spawned has municipal police departments and elected officials scrambling to institute changes some say are long overdue.

The city of Albany is seeking public input as it works to improve biking and walking networks.

The New York State Police have appointed a 30-year veteran as Troop G commander. Albany native Captain Christopher West takes over for Major Robert Patnaude. 

Albany's municipal water system made it through the worst of the pandemic without a hiccup.

Eleven days before the primary, Albany County district attorney candidate Matt Toporowski picked up two endorsements from two high-ranking area officials late Friday.

Since announcing his bid for a fifth term in January, Albany County District Attorney David Soares says he’s running on his record in June 23rd’s Democratic primary. Soares spoke with WAMC's Capital Region Bureau Chief Dave Lucas.

Another large Capital Region event has been canceled due to COVID-19.

Weeks before the city became the site of sometimes violent protests between demonstrators and police, the Center For Law And Justice in Albany released a report calling attention to systemic racism. Now it plans a community/government symposium this fall.

Following similar moves across the country, Mayor Kathy Sheehan has signed an Executive Order directing the removal of the Major General Philip Schuyler statue from the front of Albany City Hall. 

A bill banning the burning of AFFF firefighting foam has passed both the New York State Assembly and Senate. The legislation was crafted specifically for Cohoes, as the prohibition would only impact cities with populations between 16,000 and 17,000 people.

A New York Capital Region tradition has been sidelined due to COVID-19.