Tamara Starr

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics First Fridays at Five returns to Pittsfield Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement A comprehensive look at local, statewide and national news events is provided by the NewsChannel 13 Team, along with updates on sports and the weather forecast. PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WNYT) – Downtown Pittsfield is set to come alive as the city kicks off its First Fridays at Five series for the 2026 season. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will feature live music, local food vendors, and family-friendly activities throughout the downtown area. A headlining performance by Berkshire native Nate Martel will take place in Persip Park. Organizers say additional performers and buskers will also be spread across downtown, creating a festival atmosphere for visitors. Hot Plate Brewing Co. will host a beer garden as part of the event, while nearby businesses and vendors prepare for increased foot traffic. Local restaurant owners say food plays a central role in the experience. André “Chef Dré” Lynch, owner of Dre's Global Kitchen, said his goal is to create a welcoming space for everyone. “No matter where you come from or what you look like- when you walk in here, you're family,” Lynch said. “The food comes from my mother's cookbooks- but the whole space was built by my family. This isn't just something we talk about- we live it.” In addition to music and dining, organizers say the event will include lawn games and activities designed for all ages. Business owners in the area say First Fridays highlight what makes Pittsfield unique, from its arts scene to its growing focus on health and wellness. “I think there's a niche here that not very many places have,” said Christina Meucci of The Recovery Room. “You're seeing a community built around people who are active and engaged.” NewsChannel 13 will broadcast live from Pittsfield starting at 4 p.m. as part of its Live Around coverage.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Albany mayor offers support letters for $200M downtown funding initiative Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. ALBANY, N.Y. (WNYT) – The City of Albany is encouraging developers and organizations to bring forward “big, bold ideas” as applications open for a $200 million state funding initiative aimed at transforming downtown. Mayor Dorcey L. Applyrs announced a new process to provide letters of support for projects applying to the state's Downtown Albany Strategy funding through the Championing Albany's Potential initiative. City officials say the letters- along with technical assistance- are designed to strengthen local applications and improve Albany's chances in a competitive statewide process. The mayor's office is working with Capitalize Albany Corporation to help applicants refine proposals, align projects with state priorities, and navigate the application process. “This is a generational opportunity for Albany,” Applyrs said in a statement. “We have the resources to drive transformational projects in our downtown.” The funding targets projects within a one-mile radius of the State Capitol and is divided into three categories: $120 million for large-scale transformative redevelopment projects $40 million to expand housing, including converting commercial buildings into residential units $40 million for community and public space improvements Applicants seeking a letter of support from the city must submit a project intake form at least 30 days before their planned application date. Officials say the form is not a substitute for the full application, which must be submitted through the state's Consolidated Funding Application portal City leaders say the initiative could help revitalize underused spaces, increase housing supply, and strengthen neighborhoods across downtown Albany.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Nothing Bundt Cakes rolls out limited-time flavors, gifts for Mother's Day season Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement A comprehensive look at local, statewide and national news events is provided by the NewsChannel 13 Team, along with updates on sports and the weather forecast. ALBANY, N.Y. (WNYT) – Nothing Bundt Cakes is introducing a lineup of seasonal flavors and gift options just in time for Mother's Day and other spring celebrations. The bakery chain announced it is bringing back its popular Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl flavor starting April 13. The limited-time cake features the brand's signature white cake filled with cheesecake, topped with strawberry glaze and graham streusel. It will be available through May 31, while supplies last. In addition to the limited-time flavors, Nothing Bundt Cakes is also offering new seasonal decorations and retail items. These include butterfly-themed designs, floral cake toppers, updated cake boxes, and Bundtlet gift bags to make gifting easier. The flavors and seasonal items are available for a limited time while supplies last. Customers can order online, through the company's mobile app, or visit local bakeries for pickup.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Delmar mom writes children's book inspired by mother's battle with MS Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement A comprehensive look at local, statewide and national news events is provided by the NewsChannel 13 Team, along with updates on sports and the weather forecast. DELMAR, N.Y. (WNYT) – A Delmar mother is turning a deeply personal family experience into a children's book meant to help others better understand love, loss, and living with disability. Meaghan Baxter recently wrote and self-published “My Mama Moves Different,” a story inspired by her own mother, who lived with a progressive form of multiple sclerosis and used a wheelchair for most of Baxter's life. Baxter says she didn't fully grasp her mother's experience growing up, but that changed during her own recovery from surgery last Mother's Day. Unable to go outside and play with her children, Baxter says she was overwhelmed listening to them from inside… a moment that gave her a new perspective. “And they were outside playing with their dad, and I could hear them, and it just hurt that I couldn't be outside to play with them. Especially on Mother's Day,” she said. “And I just couldn't stop thinking about my mom and how this was only a two-week recovery for me. But her whole life was listening and watching us play. And not being able to do the things that other moms can do.” That realization led Baxter to begin writing, eventually creating a children's book that highlights how families may look different- but still share the same love. Baxter says the goal is to help children better understand parents or loved ones with physical limitations, while also helping families feel less alone. The book is now available for pre-order on her website . Baxter will also host a community book launch event on June 7 at the Sheehy Palmer VFW in Albany. “It's for any of their family members who love differently and want to show their kids that no matter how they move…they still love them,” she said. “And that's what this book's about. The mom's in a wheelchair, and she moves differently, but she shows love in everything she does in every way she shows love to her kids.”

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Gov. Hochul vows New York will fight back in national redistricting battle Gov. Kathy Hochul says New York is prepared to push back against what she described as a national effort to reshape congressional districts and influence control of the U.S. House. Speaking on Tuesday, Gov. Hochul accused allies of President Donald Trump of pressuring states to redraw congressional maps mid-decade to benefit Republicans. She said states including Texas, Florida, and North Carolina are already taking steps to redraw district lines, warning the moves could weaken representation for communities of color, particularly in the South. “This is a national effort,” Hochul said, adding that New York is committed to “protecting our democracy.” The governor said she is coordinating with Democratic leaders in Congress, including Rep. Joe Morelle, who has been tapped by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to help lead redistricting efforts. Hochul also criticized a recent Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act , calling it “horrific” and saying it increases the urgency of the issue. She warned that dozens of congressional districts represented by Black lawmakers could be at risk if redistricting efforts continue. The governor said she expects New York's Legislature to work with her in response. “We did not start this fight,” Hochul said. “But we're prepared to end it.” Hochul also briefly addressed comments from former federal immigration official Tom Homan about a possible increase in ICE enforcement in New York, saying the state will continue cooperating with federal authorities on serious criminal cases but is not seeking any additional federal presence.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics New York budget negotiations continue as deadline stretches past five weeks Negotiations continued late into Wednesday night at the state Capitol after a possible budget announcement was scrapped earlier in the evening. Sources told NewsChannel 13 that leaders had been preparing for a potential agreement announcement before talks stalled around 5 p.m. Discussions later resumed behind closed doors inside Gov. Kathy Hochul's office. But, there may be a Red Room news conference at 9 a.m. on Thursday. So far, the state has passed nine budget extenders to keep the government operating while negotiations continue. Lawmakers say progress has been made on several of Hochul's major policy priorities, including housing initiatives, immigration protections, climate law changes, and car insurance reforms. However, several major issues remain unresolved, including aid for New York City, assistance for upstate municipalities, education and health care spending, and possible changes to the state's Tier 6 pension system. New York State Assemblyman John McDonald said lawmakers are nearing the final stages of negotiations. “You know, the expression we're close to the beginning of the end is actually appropriate,” McDonald said. “We're moving along at a very good pace.” McDonald also compared this year's negotiations to last year's budget process, which was also delayed. “This year is kind of similar to last year,” he said. “There's been a compromise in that conversation. That's always the art of good government from my perspective.” Hochul is now facing her fifth consecutive late budget as governor. Last year's state budget was not signed until May 9. Even if legislative leaders announce a conceptual agreement soon, final budget bills could still take several more days before reaching the Senate and Assembly floors for a vote. NewsChannel 13 will continue to follow developments at the Capitol both on air and online.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Park-It is giving away World Cup tickets through “Goals for Good” campaign Park-It recently launched “Goals for Good,” a community campaign encouraging people across New York to submit personal soccer stories for a chance to attend a World Cup match this summer. The family-owned parking company says the initiative is meant to celebrate the culture and community surrounding the sport ahead of what organizers call a “once-in-a-generation” moment for soccer in the region. Participants can submit written stories, photos, audio, or videos describing their connection to the game- from childhood dreams and family traditions to coaches who made a difference or teams that became family. Derek Messalum with Park-It said the organization wants to spotlight everyday fans and the role soccer plays in their lives. “The idea here is we want to send everyday New Yorkers to this event,” Messalum said. “We've got two tickets to see France or Norway play Senegal on either June 16 or June 22 with exclusive hospitality. And the idea is just Park-It wants to create a connection for our local community with the three and a half billion fans that make this the most popular sport on the planet.” Messalum, who coached his children's soccer teams for nearly a decade, said the company's leadership has deep personal ties to the sport, helping inspire the campaign. According to organizers, standout submissions will also be featured across Park-It's social media platforms as part of a larger fan storytelling initiative. Submissions are open now through May 27. Stories can be submitted through the Goals for Good page on Park-It's website or through social media using the hashtag #GoalsForGood.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics FIFA World Cup experience coming to LEGOLAND New York Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement A comprehensive look at local, statewide and national news events is provided by the NewsChannel 13 Team, along with updates on sports and the weather forecast. ALBANY, N.Y. (WNYT) – Families heading to LEGOLAND New York Resort this summer will be able to celebrate the excitement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a new interactive soccer-themed experience. The resort announced the launch of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience, a limited-time event running from June 11 through July 19. The experience is designed to bring together soccer fandom and LEGO creativity ahead of World Cup matches being hosted across New York and New Jersey. The event will feature interactive games, LEGO builds, and soccer-themed activities for guests of all ages. Visitors will be able to test their skills in activities like “Spot Shot” and “Super Squad,” challenge themselves to score against a LEGO Minifigure, and design custom LEGO soccer jerseys to display on the “Heroes of Play Wall.” The event will also feature LEGO brick versions of soccer stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, Lionel Messi, and Vini Junior. Guests can also pose with a LEGO version of the FIFA World Cup Trophy during the event. “Bringing the FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience exclusively to LEGOLAND Resorts gives families the chance to feel part of the tournament in true LEGO style,” Stephanie Johnson, vice president of LEGOLAND New York, said in a statement. “This event captures the excitement of soccer, creativity, and family fun where fans of all ages build, play, and score together.” The resort says newly released LEGO soccer-themed sets will also be available for purchase at the LEGOLAND LEGO Shop while supplies last. The FIFA World Cup 2026 Experience is included with regular park admission. More information is available at LEGOLAND New York Resort

An announcement on a possible budget agreement is scheduled to take place at the Capitol on Thursday moning. Gov. Kathy Hochul is holding a news conference in the Red Room at about 9 a.m. New York state lawmakers have been working to pass a budget — more than five weeks after the April 1 deadline passed.

Opens in a new window Opens an external website Opens an external website in a new window This website utilizes technologies such as cookies to enable essential site functionality, as well as for analytics, personalization, and targeted advertising. You may change your settings at any time or accept the default settings. You may close this banner to continue with only essential cookies. Privacy Policy Targeted Advertising Personalization Analytics Albany Tulip Festival returns to Washington Park this weekend Video Player is loading. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color Transparency Background Color Transparency Window Color Transparency Font Size Text Edge Style Font Family End of dialog window. Advertisement ALBANY, N.Y. (WNYT) – One of the Capital Region's signature spring traditions returns this weekend as the 78th annual Albany Tulip Festival takes over Washington Park. The free, family-friendly event runs Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day at Washington Park in Albany. Festival organizers say visitors can expect more than 140,000 tulips in 150 varieties blooming throughout the park, along with live music, food vendors, artisans, family activities, and cultural events celebrating Albany's Dutch heritage. The festival will feature two stages of live entertainment, nearly 100 craft vendors, a fine arts show, and the KidZone family activity area. City officials are encouraging attendees to plan ahead for traffic and parking restrictions around the park throughout the weekend. All roads inside Washington Park will be closed to traffic beginning Friday night through Sunday evening. Additional street closures and parking restrictions will also impact nearby roads, including portions of Lancaster Street, Hudson Avenue, Willett Street, Henry Johnson Boulevard, and State Street during festival hours. Free CDTA shuttle service will be available both days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from designated parking locations, including the Elk Street and Eagle Street lots. Accessible parking and shuttle service will also be available from Albany Medical Center. Paid parking will also be available at several ParkAlbany lots within walking distance of the festival. Organizers also recommend using 1 New Scotland Ave., Albany, as the GPS address for the main park entrance. The Tulip Festival is considered Albany's signature spring event and draws tens of thousands of visitors to Washington Park each year.