Daily
Albany
Wednesday, August 13th, 2025
Good morning, Albany. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 13th of August.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Officials broke ground at Hoffman Park on Tuesday afternoon for the New Albany South Recreation Center — a project funded by $2 million from American Rescue Plan Act dollars and additional federal support that aims to replace a long-used facility in the South End. The center will offer new programs for youth and adults and is expected to be completed next year. WAMC
- ➤ A third-prize Powerball ticket worth $50,000 from the August 11 drawing was sold in Troy at Stewart’s Shops—located at 50 North Greenbush Road—and the winning numbers were 6, 16, 33, 40, 62 with Powerball 2. ABC NEWS 10
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Mufid Fawaz Alkhader fired two shotgun blasts outside Temple Israel in December 2023 and pleaded guilty to a hate crime—he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. NewsChannel 13
- ➤ Mufid Fawaz Alkhader fired two rounds from a shotgun outside Temple Israel on Dec. 7, 2023, when children were in day care as congregants prepared for Hanukkah, and he has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to charges that included obstructing religious exercise—legal officials said his actions caused lasting trauma to the temple community. Times Union
- ➤ A new report from the Albany Violence Prevention Task Force shows that overall crime is down but pockets of summer violence still persist and experts call for expanded youth programs and community supports. The report, now under review by the public safety committee, details tragic events like the July 4th gun incident that caused a fatality and displaced families—urgent measures are needed to address systemic issues. WRGB
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Daniel Harkin, a UAlbany weather student, spent his summer in North Dakota working as a NOAA Lapenta intern at the National Weather Service Grand Forks office—he helped with a project that uses AI to better predict snowfall and supported severe weather alerts. He will soon share his summer experience with about 100 weather professionals. University at Albany
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Kathy Hochul leads the race with a 53% approval rating—her highest in over two years—while challengers like U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik trail her by 14 points in a head-to-head matchup, and voters remain split on how to handle a looming $3 billion federal funding shortfall. Lawmakers plan to address the funding gap by either raising revenue or cutting services as the upcoming budget approaches. Times Union
- ➤ A Siena Research poll of 813 registered voters conducted August 4 to 7 showed that Governor Kathy Hochul's job approval rating improved slightly to 53-42 and her favorability reached 42-44; however, her 23-point lead over Representative Elise Stefanik in a potential 2026 race narrowed to 14—45-31. The poll indicates shifting voter views that may influence their support as the race approaches. WRGB
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Charcuterie Board & Sip Event
6-8 p.m. — Washington Tavern — $65 per person — Build your own delicious charcuterie board while enjoying drinks and a fun night out with friends.
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CRVN Mini Golf Event
6:30-8 p.m. — All 4 Fun Entertainment — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a family fun night of mini golf and activities with CRVN.
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Tommy: The Movie Screening
10 PM – 12 AM — Scene One Spectrum 8 Theatres — Cost not listed — Geek out at a screening of the classic musical with like-minded fans.
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Columbia County Fair
8 PM – 6 PM — Columbia County Fairgrounds — Admission fees vary — A delightful week of fun, rides, and local showcases.
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Meet the Scientist: Heather Clark
12 PM — New York State Museum — Free entry — Discover how archaeological mapping unveils the stories beneath our feet with expert Heather Clark.
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Bulldog Courage Concert
4-6 p.m. — Empire Live — Prices vary — Experience an exciting live performance featuring Bulldog Courage and Death Before Dishonor.
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Phantogram Concert
8:00–9:30 p.m. — Empire Live — Tickets from $54 — Enjoy a night of alternative music with Phantogram in Albany.
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Improvement Movement Concert
7-11 p.m. — Lark Hall — Check website for ticket info — Experience the eclectic sounds of Atlanta's Improvement Movement live on stage.
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