Tamara Starr

18 hours ago | wnyt.com | Tamara Starr

The call to serve has never been louder. This weekend, fire departments across New York State will launch RecruitNY, a statewide initiative aimed at addressing a critical volunteer shortage in local fire services. With volunteer firefighter numbers down by nearly 40,000 from two decades ago, the campaign is targeting everyone from young adults to retirees, including those with administrative skills who may not wish to be on the front lines but still want to make a difference.

1 day ago | wnyt.com | Tamara Starr

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. In a moment of rare political civility, state Senators Pat Fahy and Michelle Hinchey faced tough questions and heartfelt pleas from Montgomery County residents during a town hall meeting that proved both urgent and unexpectedly constructive.

1 day ago | wnyt.com | Tamara Starr

Walk into Jennifer Rightmyer’s 5th-grade classroom at Radez Elementary, and you’re met with a peaceful hum of calm music, focused students, and a warm, welcoming energy. For nearly a decade, Rightmyer has been a guiding light for students during one of the most pivotal years of their elementary school journey. Named this week’s Top Teacher by NewsChannel 13, Rightmyer is being celebrated not just for her teaching skills, but for the way she turns everyday moments into lasting memories.

3 days ago | wnyt.com | Tamara Starr

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis, history’s first Latin American pontiff who charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change, died Monday. He was 88. Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the announcement, which was read out by Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta, where Francis lived.

3 days ago | wnyt.com | Tamara Starr

Dennis Drue, the man at the center of a tragic 2012 crash that claimed the lives of two Shenendehowa High School students, is once again facing legal consequences. Drue is scheduled to appear in Colonie Town Court today at 5 p.m. following a recent arrest. He is currently charged with false personation and remains in custody. His attorney attempted to secure his release pending a parole violation hearing.