Good evening, Capital Region and Hudson Valley. We're wrapping up the day for you with some of the most important stories you need to know and your weather outlook.
Your Weather Planner
Clouding up overnight with lows in the 20s to around 30. Chilly and raw Saturday with occasional rain and higher elevation light snow. Highs will reach only into the 30s to around 40.
Tomorrow's Forecast
Capital Region Hourly Forecast | Hudson Valley Hourly Forecast
Today's Big Stories
1. Fire at former Doane Stuart School leaves questions and broken hearts
Fire crews were still on hand Friday morning, controlling what had been a massive fire the night before that fully engulfed the historic former Doane Stuart School off Southern Boulevard in Albany. The fire, which was first called in around 6:30 p.m. Thursday, was owned by Kenwood Commons, LLC, which owed $5.5 million in back taxes and had entered bankruptcy proceedings, according to officials.
2. Hochul gets new list of chief judge candidates
The commission charged with selecting candidates to fill the role of chief judge in New York released its list of seven potential nominees for Gov. Kathy Hochul to select from on Friday, weeks after her prior nominee was rejected by the state Senate.
3. Influx of migrants prompts Hudson Valley communities to seek help from feds
Newly arrived migrants are straining New York’s social and humanitarian resources, according to one county executive who is asking for help from the federal government to address the issue. Rockland County Executive Ed Day said the situation is testing the resilience of community resources, especially food pantries. In Kingston, the Ulster Immigrant Defense Network said its food pantry hit a record in December 2021, as 100 immigrant families per week needed food, and since then, the number has nearly doubled.
4. New York lawmakers want utility bills to be more predictable
State lawmakers this week advanced a measure that's meant to give more predictability to people when they are paying their utility bills. The bipartisan proposal would codify in law a requirement that utility companies in the state perform actual meter readings unless they are unable to gain access due to circumstances beyond their control, like extreme weather.
5. U.S.-Canada migration deal aims to end walk-around crossings
The immigration deal expected to be announced Friday by President Joe Biden and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would end a legal process that has enabled tens of thousands of immigrants from across the world to move between the countries and pursue asylum cases without going through an official border crossing.
6. Young Muslim-Americans lend a helping hand during Ramadan
During Ramadan, the Islamic community participates in several rituals and prayers, honoring its culture, language and religion. The tradition of lending a helping hand continues at Al-Noor mosque in Wappingers Falls at the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association. All hands are on deck, like 17-year-old Zain Khan. Also, a Capital Region mosque marked the beginning of Ramadan on Thursday night.
Your Notes for the Weekend
- NCAA men's basketball tournament Elite Eight games start at 6 p.m. Saturday.
- Barn Dance/gala to raise money for Victoria Acres Equine Facility starts at 5 p.m. Saturday at Settles Hill Banquets and Events, Altamont
- Muddy Water Players presents Sweet Seasons: A Carole King Review at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Playhouse at Museum Village, Monroe.
In Case You Missed It
Roundabout coming to Crossgates Mall
Construction of a roundabout at Crossgates Mall will begin April 3, requiring some traffic disruptions on Crossgates Mall Road and connecting Northway ramps, the Capital District Transportation Authority announced Thursda.