Albany News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!

Saratoga Springs just modernized its city charter with major amendments—updating outdated language and aligning with current county rules, while preserving its commission government. Key changes include shifting from requiring exactly two county supervisors to “one or more,” removing the finance commissioner’s audit mandate, and strengthening public records access under New York’s FOIL. Critics argue these moves bypass voter input and undermine transparency, while supporters say the changes are necessary for legal alignment and efficiency. Despite pushback from residents and the local Democratic Committee, the City Council voted to approve the amendments, with Mayor Safford defending the process as...

A former Nicaraguan police instructor faces 51 months in federal prison for assaulting a Homeland Security agent during a high-speed chase in Rotterdam last year. After being released from local custody for shoplifting, he bolted from a federal vehicle, leading to a violent struggle that left the agent with severe injuries. Prosecutors blame lax immigration policies and invoke the Laken Riley Act to send a clear message: violence against officers won’t be tolerated. The defense argued he panicked fearing separation from his family, citing a tough upbringing, but prosecutors pushed for a harsher sentence to deter future attacks. Complicating ma...

The Department of Justice just sued New York over its CDPAP home care program, accusing state officials of rigging a bidding process to award a massive Medicaid contract to Public Partnerships LLC — a company now under fire for allegedly siphoning millions while leaving thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers, like Renee Christian, without essential caregivers. As the state pivoted to a single vendor in 2024, chaos erupted: Renee lost 12 aides and now struggles to find even two when she needs ten. While she sees the lawsuit as validation of her ordeal, she fears federal involvement could mean deeper cuts. VP JD Va...

In Dorset, Vermont, a 51-year-old man, Malcomb Clough, is facing serious charges after multiple allegations of inappropriate contact with a 16-year-old over several dates. Police are investigating further, and Clough has been released under strict curfew conditions. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information to help solve this developing case.

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A 46-year-old man from Granville, Ricky Baker, faces serious charges after police uncovered allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor dating back to 2013. The investigation, launched in June, centers on claims of inappropriate contact with someone under 14. Baker has been formally charged and ordered to appear in court on July 7th as authorities continue to probe the decades-old case.

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Upstate New York shelters are overwhelmed as animal surrenders spike amid economic hardship, forcing rescues to stretch thin on food, vet care, and housing—yet advocates urge struggling pet owners to reach out, because help is available to keep families and furry friends together.

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A 27-year-old man named Emory Johnson got three years in prison after going on a rampage at the City Mission, smashing computers and monitors—then turning his rage on a police officer, kicking him hard enough to break his kneecap and force surgery. Johnson pleaded guilty to assault and criminal mischief, facing not just jail time but three years of supervised release. This case underscores the serious consequences of violence against law enforcement and the lasting impact of such actions.

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Seventeen horses perished in a catastrophic early-morning fire at the Saratoga Casino Hotel harness track, igniting a community in mourning and sparking urgent questions about barn safety. Firefighters contained the blaze to a single structure, averting wider disaster, but the cause remains unknown as multiple agencies investigate. Despite recent city inspections, the tragedy has ignited scrutiny of current safety protocols, with the New York State Gaming Commission launching a review. Trainers and racing families are grappling with profound grief, receiving counseling and preparing for a memorial service to honor the lost animals. The investigation and safety review are still...

New York becomes the first state to mandate judges conduct annual jail/prison tours—starting January 2028—to gain firsthand insight into incarceration conditions, strengthen judicial empathy, and boost public trust in the justice system.

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A critically endangered snail, the Chittenango Ovate Amber Snail, survives in just one spot in Central New York—with maybe only a hundred left in the wild. Scientists at SUNY ESF are racing against time to save them, studying their needs in labs and the wild, searching for backup habitats, and warning that even a rock slide could wipe out the entire population. Their work underscores how fragile ecosystems can be—and how vital every effort is to preserve unique life.

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A harrowing incident in Central Park left an 18-year-old passenger critically injured when a carriage horse bolted—triggered while the driver snapped a photo—and flipped the carriage after colliding with another. The horse, newly assigned just six weeks prior, is now under scrutiny as union reps demand accountability and an investigation. This tragedy follows last week’s death of a horse in the park, reigniting the debate over the safety and future of horse-drawn carriages—and fueling calls for a complete ban.

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New York’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative just hit a major milestone—$1 billion total in grants—with another $10 million going to Jamestown, which already saw $57 million in follow-on investment after its first grant. Governor Hochul praised Jamestown’s progress and said they’re just getting started, while Mayor Kim Ecklund called the new funding a game-changer for long-delayed projects like the riverwalk and building renovations. Rensselaer, another recipient, will use its $10 million to boost its downtown, waterfront, and train station, tapping into its annual 10 million visitor draw. Both cities are now forming committees to plan how to spend the money. With nearl...

New York is cracking down on kratom after a deadly surge of overdoses — lawmakers have banned sales to minors, forced warning labels, and outlawed the most dangerous form, 7-OH, which experts say is as addictive as heroin. The push comes after the tragic death of Nick Scribner, whose mother fought for these changes to prevent others from suffering the same loss — urging everyone to recognize that this “natural” herb can be lethal.

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A new van called the BOTS Mobile is rolling into community events across the Capital Region, offering a quiet, sensory-friendly retreat for neurodivergent kids and adults overwhelmed by crowds and noise. Designed with expert input, this calming space lets people pause, reset, and recharge before heading back out — making big gatherings more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.

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Garcia Rojas just got sentenced in Albany after a violent standoff with federal agents outside the Rotterdam Police Department—where he allegedly punched an agent, shoved him into a door, and fought back aggressively, despite being trained in defensive tactics. The assault left the agent injured and sidelined for months, underscoring the real stakes when someone trained to fight resists arrest.

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Residents of Hillcrest Villas in Duanesburg are enduring months of undrinkable tap water, forcing them to rely on bottled water for basic needs like showering and flushing toilets — some even likening their situation to living in a third-world country. After repeated failures by the park’s owner to fix the issue despite county warnings and deadlines, Schenectady County has filed a lawsuit to compel action. With zero communication from management and complaints met with eviction threats, residents are desperate for relief — and now, legal pressure may finally force accountability.

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A horrific barn fire that killed seventeen horses is igniting urgent calls for safety reform in aging equestrian facilities—many built before the 1940s and lacking fire alarms or sprinklers. The tragedy has galvanized horse owners, lawmakers, and the equestrian community to demand updated regulations that mandate fire suppression systems in all barns, regardless of age, to prevent future disasters and honor the lives lost.

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Kababee’s, a fresh Mediterranean eatery on Pawling Avenue, just dropped its doors open—and it’s already turning heads. Owner Naseem Yousaf brought his A-game, spotting a gap in Troy’s food scene and filling it with bold flavors like tandoori wings and mixed gyro platters. This isn’t his first rodeo—his team’s already got kitchens humming in Lake George, Latham, and downtown Albany. More than just a new spot to eat, Kababee’s is a beacon of economic growth in Troy, signaling investment and opportunity blooming right here. If you’re craving something different, this is your new go-to...

NYRA’s rallying cry for Saratoga: $50K donated to harness racing victims after a devastating barn fire, plus special T-shirts selling for charity — with more support pouring in from the Thoroughbred community. Racing comes together in solidarity, with gear hitting shelves June 19th and July 3rd, and heartfelt thanks from Saratoga’s CEO for the outpouring of care.

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St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, just completed phase one of a major restoration effort—installing new copper gutters to protect its historic 1883 structure from water damage. Funded entirely by community donations, the project reflects deep local pride in preserving architectural heritage. More updates and ways to support the cause are coming soon.

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A 24-year-old Albany man, Niajateke Johnson, escalated a robbery investigation into a violent confrontation with detectives—throwing punches and biting one on the finger—leading to multiple charges including assault, resisting arrest, and attempted assault, all while facing three active arrest warrants.

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Inmates in New York prisons are enduring horrific medical neglect—some for years—with dire consequences. Justus Holmes, wasting away from untreated gastrointestinal illness, and Jose Rodriguez, whose eyelid mass became cancerous and led to blindness after four years of ignored pleas, are just two of countless victims. Families and advocates label this “medical torture,” citing systemic failures: understaffed transport, no specialist access, and a chilling lack of accountability. Despite corrections officials claiming they meet community standards, data reveals rising inmate deaths with unknown causes—and experts warn that since most inmates eventually return to society, prison healthcare is a public h...

The Justice Department is suing New York over the controversial consolidation of its Medicaid home care program, CDPAP, which serves 200,000 vulnerable residents. The state rushed the contract to Public Partnerships LLC, which won on a rock-bottom fee but allegedly planned to profit by siphoning payments from caregivers. Internal documents suggest the company pitched a non-existent tech platform and misrepresented wait times and enrollment status. Despite state claims the lawsuit is baseless and PPL denying wrongdoing, VP JD Vance called them “fraudsters,” while disability advocates see this as proof the transition endangered care access. The state also paid $40.5 million upfront — violat...

The Department of Labor is issuing a stern warning to states, threatening to cut administrative funds unless they crack down on unemployment fraud, waste, and abuse — a move that singles out Democratic-led states like California, Illinois, and New York. With outdated tech, weak oversight, and insufficient identity checks enabling widespread fraud — estimated at 11-15% of pandemic-era payouts — the federal government is deploying AI and task forces to audit state systems. States like California are pushing back, claiming they’re already effective and blaming past administrations for loosening pandemic-era rules. The stakes are high: failure to comply could mean lost federal...

Poestenkill takes a major step forward with the groundbreaking of Water District Two, a $6.2 million project designed to deliver clean water to Algonquin Middle School and surrounding families after years of toxic PFOA and PFOS contamination. The crisis, first detected in 2021 with levels exceeding state safety limits by more than double, has been a long fight—but federal, state, and county grants finally made it possible. With completion targeted by end of 2026, this isn’t just infrastructure—it’s a promise of health and hope for generations to come.

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New York’s congressional races are boiling over as primaries heat up, setting the stage for pivotal November showdowns. In the GOP-heavy 21st District, establishment-backed Robert Smullen clashes with Trump-endorsed Anthony Constantino, while Democrats Blake Gendebien and Stuart Armoriell battle for the nomination in a district ripe for disruption. The swing 17th District sees five Democrats vying to unseat Mike Lawler, who narrowly won a district that backed Kamala Harris. Meanwhile, in the 19th District, veteran Senator Peter Oberacker faces off against newcomer Alex Portelli to challenge freshman Rep. Josh Riley. With Election Day just days away, these races co...

Assemblymember Pat Burke is fighting to bring transparency to how vacant elected positions are filled, introducing the OPEN Appointments Act to force public notice, open candidate disclosures, and public hearings — ending backroom deals and ensuring voters have a real say in who replaces their officials.

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A routine traffic stop for a suspended license turned into a major legal ordeal for 32-year-old Corbin McIntosh from Milton. Deputies discovered his registration and license were both suspended, plus he was in possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell — leading to charges of criminal possession in the fifth degree and aggravated unlicensed operation. McIntosh was arraigned in Milton Town Court but released on his own recognizance, leaving the outcome of his case uncertain as legal proceedings unfold.

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A twenty-year-old guy named Daymian Massago got himself into major trouble after shining a laser pointer at a police helicopter during night training in Saratoga Springs. The cops traced the beam to his location on Louden Road, leading to a felony charge for aiming a laser at an aircraft — a move that can seriously endanger pilots and even cause crashes. Massago was arrested, processed, and issued an appearance ticket, with court proceedings set for Wilton Town Court. This wild incident serves as a stark warning: messing with law enforcement gear can have deadly consequences.

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A惊天骗局在Glens Falls上演：一名父亲接到电话，被告知女儿因酒驾被关，需现金1.6万美元保释，还被要求装箱交给Uber司机。警方迅速介入，通过车牌照片锁定司机，在Clifton Park当场截获，顺利找回全部赃款。警方提醒：任何要求现金保释的电话都是骗局，正规保释只在Warren County Correctional Facility办理。

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Four more ex-officers sentenced in the tragic death of Messiah Nantwi, who died in March 2025 after a brutal beating inside prison. Caleb Blair gets 11 years for manslaughter, Joshua Bartlett faces 3 years for obstruction and fraud, Craig Klemick gets 9 months, and Nathan Palmer walks away with probation after cooperating. Jonah Levi, already sentenced to 25 years, refused a murder plea. One more officer, Thomas Eck, awaits sentencing. Justice finally inching toward closure after a long, painful journey.

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A 22-year-old from Latham, Ethan Rupeka, faces serious charges after being indicted for receiving and possessing child pornography, uncovered following a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Authorities found the illegal material across four devices during a February 2025 raid. If convicted, Rupeka could face up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, supervised release, and mandatory sex offender registration. Law enforcement is emphasizing their relentless pursuit of justice to protect children and hold predators accountable.

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Niagara Falls High School’s groundbreaking real estate class is turning heads—and futures—by teaching students how to buy, sell, and invest in property before they even graduate. In its third year, the program blends hands-on training with industry partnerships, giving students 77 hours of real-world coursework that could earn them a diploma and launch them into home-selling careers—or simply empower them as savvy consumers. Beyond spreadsheets and comps, students are gaining confidence, communication skills, and lifelong financial savvy, all while learning how real estate can be a flexible income stream—even while pursuing college. This isn’t just another...

Vermont Woman Charged for Eluding Police

New York’s cannabis regulators just scored a major legal victory—courts cleared the way for them to inspect licensed marijuana businesses without needing a warrant each time. This removes a previous court-imposed block that stalled enforcement, affirming that state cannabis laws provide clear, sufficient guidelines for inspections. With this hurdle lifted, regulators can now actively monitor and hold the industry accountable, paving the way for stronger oversight and a more stable legal cannabis market.

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A big rig got stuck under the Maple Avenue bridge just after 7 AM, sparking a full emergency response. This spot’s no stranger to truck clearance disasters—thanks to low bridges like this one and the nearby Glenridge Road overpass. Traffic’s gridlocked, locals are buzzing, and crews are working hard to free the rig and clear the road. We’re watching closely as the situation unfolds.

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A CFO in Albany pulled off a staggering $4.2 million heist by using company fuel cards to buy gift cards, trading them for crack cocaine—and even overpaying for the drugs. He also wrote himself fraudulent checks and falsified financial records for years, from 2017 to 2025. The scheme was exposed when the company’s accountant noticed red flags. Now, Kevin Stevens has pleaded guilty to grand larceny and identity theft, faces up to 12 years in prison, and must repay the company—though he’s likely to struggle to pay even a fraction before sentencing in September.

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Despite oil prices swinging wildly—from $65 to $115 per barrel, then crashing $15 in a week—Americans are still booking summer trips, absorbing higher flight and gas costs without ditching their vacations. Airports report steady or rising passenger numbers, showing travelers are adjusting budgets or embracing the reality that travel is pricier now. Some are switching to domestic road trips to save money, while experts warn that oil price swings are driven by both supply/demand and financial markets, with gas prices lagging behind. Bottom line: budget for today’s prices, not tomorrow’s hopes—fuel rises fast, falls slow.

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The Justice Department is suing New York officials and a Georgia-based company over a $10 billion Medicaid home care contract, accusing them of rigging the bidding process to funnel taxpayer money into private pockets. The lawsuit alleges that the state’s push to consolidate home care services led to widespread fraud, with the company allegedly inflating hourly rates to siphon millions in extra profits while failing to deliver promised savings or care. Governor’s office calls it a political hit job, but federal prosecutors are determined to hold accountable those who allegedly defrauded the system.

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This Saturday and Sunday, June 27th and 28th, celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival in Lake George — a powerhouse event that’s pumped millions into the local economy and spotlighted regional small businesses. Started by Adirondack Winery, it’s grown from humble roots to host 130 vendors and draw 7,000 food and wine lovers. More than just tastings, it’s a vital economic engine and a beloved community hub where you can savor local flavors, shop unique crafts, and support the entrepreneurs who make the Adirondacks special.

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