Tamara Starr

Statistics can mean more than numbers. According to the Siena Research Institute, polls can reflect broader attitudes and priorities among voters. During this election cycle, reproductive rights, healthcare, and education issues resonated with female voters. Meanwhile, male voters are focusing more on economic policies and national security.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey brings The Greatest Show On Earth to Albany Starting on Friday, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, The Greatest Show On Earth , will have several shows at MVP Arena. Although there will be no animals, over 75 performers from 18 countries will perform. Performances will feature stunts, acrobatic displays, comedic acts, and dancing. Tickets are now available on Ticketmaster for the following performances:

On Monday, Orange County fire officials continue fighting wildfires around Greenwood Lake. Now, East Berne and Berne fire officials have answered the call to help. Early Monday morning, 12 volunteers from both departments have been deployed to help get the wildfires under control.According to officials, about 1800 acres have been affected, and local structures have […]

Capital Region set to bring the new wave of tech in 2025 The U.S. is investing millions in expanding Albany nanotech as the first chip for America's flagship facility. U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer announced at a news conference last month. The $825 million in federal funding is due to the CHIPS & Science Law . This is part of the Biden administration's goal to make 20% of the world's advanced chips. News Channel 13 spoke with Marty Schmidt, President of RPI, who says this facility will not only make semiconductors but also help create new technologies. Any company interested in using or creating the next generation of tech can also use the facility. “This is going to bring a lot of people into the region and further grow this incredible asset that we have in Albany,” Schmidt said. So you are going to see a lot of talent coming together. But what's exciting is that this is going to be where the next generation of technologies is invested. And it may be applied to technologies in New York State, Arizona, Texas, or maybe even Hokkaido, Japan.” Schmidt also said that this means the new wave of technology will be able to start in the Capital Region before going anywhere else. Companies like Micron or IBM can use the facility to create new chip technology or even the next generation of AI technology. “Then take it out and manufacture electronic devices- chips in their own plants,” Schmidt said. “So the facility we have in Albany- which is now enhanced by this 28 million dollar investment is a primary global development facility for this technology.” The center's operators, the Department of Commerce and Natcast, will spend the money on equipment to conduct extreme ultraviolet (EUV) research and development. According to a news release, Albany NanoTech will be one of only two facilities in the world with this advanced machinery. It is used to print patterns and make chips on computer wafers, which will power AI in smartphones and computers. The goal of the center is to be operational by 2025.

More women are enrolling in automotive programs In recent years, more women have been watching Formula One (F1) and NASCAR races, and now many students said these sports have inspired them to enroll in automotive programs. This fall, Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) enrolled 13 women in automotive-related majors, the highest number in its history. “I find that a lot of the young women here have had a previous interest,” Kirsten Rogan, Advising Specialist at HVCC, said. “Maybe through family members, they worked alongside other folks in their families that spurted interest, and they're more of that hands-on learning.” Many students like Kadence Zaloga said they are excited to enroll because of the job opportunities. “It's awesome! I love all the people I'm with,” Zaloga said. “It's awesome learning. I'm really good at working with my hands and whatnot; I always have been. So I'm learning fast, and I enjoy it.” Some, like Emiley Filuta, are inspired to enroll in the program because their families work in the field. “I've grown up around automotive,” Filuta said. “My grandma and my dad were both mechanics. So, I've grown up doing it, and I honestly really enjoy it.” In Albany County, a graduate can find an automotive technician job that pays around thirty dollars per hour. Dr. Chris McNally, Department Chair of Applied Technologies, says he also sees more interest because of local community programs like Girls in Stem.' “We're starting to see those girls who were in 5th and 6th grade when they start to trend away from technology…the Girls in Stem program has shown them that yes, this is something you can do,” he said.. Kenneth Tremont, an Assistant Professor at HVCC, is also excited to see more diversity in the classroom. “Overall, every time we have a girl or woman here, they seem to work out to be the better students,” he said. “And the ones that are here are interested and are really doing a good job.”

Schenectady High alum is one of two national scholarship winners An RIT student from Schenectady is one of two national scholarship winners this year, receiving $10,000 from Sallie Mae and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. Amos Prince says he is thankful to his Schenectady High School Counselor for telling him to apply for scholarships. But he was still shocked when he learned the news. “As soon as I read the email, I jumped out of bed and ran outside because my roommates were still sleeping,” he said. “Called my mom… at this point, I did not even read the full email, I just saw congratulations and that was good enough for me. After attending Schenectady High School, he spent his upperclassman years getting his associate's degree at Schenectady County Community College. He is now a freshman at RIT in the combined master's program. “For the first year, I receive this fund, so it makes school really affordable,” he said. “And it's something I can do by myself. And having this financial freedom has really helped, and I don't have to get an on-campus job my first year, which allocates more time to study and have more of a social life, which I also think is an important part in college.” With 1,600 applications, Sallie Mae says Amos stood out for his exceptional academic performance and strong moral character. Now, his hard work is paying off. Caron Jackson, Sallie Mae's Corporate Communications Manager, wants to encourage anyone interested in or currently attending college to apply for scholarships. Since November is National Scholarship Month, we're trying to remind students and families to actively seek out scholarships,” Jackson said. According to education data, over 1.8 million scholarships from private sources are awarded each year. Since paying for school can be challenging, Sallie Mae and its partners are trying to lessen the load by offering scholarships to deserving students. Jackson said these applications require minutes to apply.

Cannabis in the Capital Region: Finding Community When cannabis became legalized in New York , many saw this as a new beginning and a fresh start. However, some legal setbacks delayed permits from being issued for months. But there has been progress despite the many setbacks. The industry is still trying to make up for lost time, while also working to develop trust in the community and be seen as a resource. Retail owners like Christine Richardson, CEO and president of Royale Flower Dispensary , are still trying to make up for lost time three years later while ensuring their businesses can continue to thrive. “We have had exceptional customer support,” Richardson said. “I have to say our community has been fantastic. I think dispensaries are your community. For the last few months, Royale Flower Cannabis Dispensary in Albany has been organizing various fall-themed events to attract shoppers and create activities for the community. The owner also ensures that a level of education is included since many are still learning about the market. “And when you look around at the store. You see all of the different people, just from every age. Young to old,” she said. “And I think we did phenomenal on that because everybody has come together.” Dispensers in the area are now learning how to partner with other small businesses to increase foot traffic. They are even inspiring special cannabis-infused drink and food menus with local restaurants. “I think as small businesses- as we all are. We need to stick together,” Richardson said. “I think it's good to support everybody.” Royale Flower hosted Harvest Fest, an event for industry professionals and cannabis enthusiasts to learn more about the regulated market in New York. Melany Dobson, co-founder of Hudson Cannabis , partners with retail dispensaries like Royale Flower. But Dobson said she never thought the farm would get so involved with marketing opportunities like pop-up shops. “Pop-ups and activations are totally new to us,” Dobson said. “At heart, here, we're farmers, manufacturers, and we distribute. So learning how to activate in our community is the new wave of our company.” And with ghost dispensaries continuing to be an issue, Richardson says retail owners now have a responsibility to make sure they are also educating the public about what it means to consume cannabis responsibly. “For the future, it's only going to get better as more and more people know they can come…can have safety, and can purchase safe cannabis,” she said. Another issue affecting retailers is how the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) currently does not have a regulatory cap on the number of cannabis locations. For Part Two of the series, NewsChannel13 will share how this has affected the area and how the business owner's equity licenses were supposed to help.

For years and even decades, cannabis advocates have been working to educate the public about the medical benefits of cannabis. And even after New York legalized it in 2021, cannabis advocates like Melany Dobson, co-founder of Hudson Cannabis, said educating the public is still necessary and should still be the focus.“Being able to cultivate cannabis […]

With the cannabis market continuing to grow across the country, health officials are predicting that psychedelics will be next. Most states approve recreational and medical use by 2033. Since the cannabis rollout, advocates say there is still a need to improve the infrastructure. But while new stores and dispensaries continue to open, the interest in […]

(518) Musicians on a Mission to Host Fundraiser for Capital City Rescue Mission Capital City Rescue Mission has served and fed the capital region for decades. However, the holidays can be even more expensive since the organization provides thousands with free holiday meals. Since the organization does not take any city, state, or federal funds, donations are heavily relied on for its operation. That's why (518) Musicians on a Mission will host its annual fundraiser on Sunday so the organization can continue to provide essential services for those in need. City official suspended, accused of misconduct City official suspended, accused of misconduct for allegedly directing a city worker to unclog a sink in the home of then DPW commissioner. More Videos 0 seconds of 24 seconds Volume 0% Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts Keyboard Shortcuts Play/Pause SPACE Increase Volume ↑ Decrease Volume ↓ Seek Forward → Seek Backward ← Captions On/Off c Fullscreen/Exit Fullscreen f Mute/Unmute m Decrease Caption Size Increase Caption Size + or = Seek % Next Up Exhibit tells story of storied mayor in lake George https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/LbAZ8VAa Live A full day of live music will support the Capital City Rescue Mission . The event, a cherished tradition in Albany, will take place at the Capital District Irish American Center , located at 375 Ontario Street, Albany, NY, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and admission is $25. Tickets can be purchased here