Chris Churchill
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Husband and father. Albany Times Union columnist. Keeper of ducks.
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Articles by Chris Churchill
Churchill: Despite legal battle, McCoy says county will pay its tickets after all
Albany County Executive Dan McCoy talked in April about the role school bus cameras play in saving lives during a press conference at the Albany County Office Building. Lori Van Buren/Times Union Albany County Executive Dan McCoy presented a gift to Wyatt Bunce as he talked in April about the role school bus cameras play in saving lives. Bunce, right, was almost hit by a car while he was getting off the bus near his home.
Churchill: Albany plans lack sizzle, but maybe that's for the best
ALBANY - I'm known in these parts as Mr. Positivity, and I hate to dent that reputation by starting a column about the big Albany cash announcements on something of a sour note. But I feel obliged to mention that the developers who received the biggest chunk of state money under the $200 million Championing Albany's Potential initiative have donated significantly to Gov. Kathy Hochul's campaign fund. You're stunned.
Churchill: Albany plans lack sizzle, but maybe that's for the best
View of Albany’s so-called “Parking Lot District,” looking west from Broadway. Will Waldron/Times Union ALBANY — I’m known in these parts as Mr. Positivity, and I hate to dent that reputation by starting a column about the big Albany cash announcements on something of a sour note. But I feel obliged to mention that the developers who received the biggest chunk of state money under the $200 million Championing Albany’s Potential initiative have donated significantly to Gov.
Churchill: It will always be Lake Ontario to me
The author is among the swimmers at Sandy Island Beach State Park on Lake Ontario in July. Submitted by Chris Churchill A map labeling Lake Ontario as “Lake America” is displayed as U.S. President Donald Trump takes a question from a reporter after signing an executive order during an event in the Oval Office of the White House on Aug. 27 in Washington, D.C. Andrew Harnik/TNS In this crazy world of ours, we think of some things as constants.
Churchill: When Trump and Hegseth tried to restrict West Point speech, he fought back
Tim Bakken, a law professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, sits for a portrait at the academy’s visitor center on Wednesday. Bakken bristles at Defense Department policy that says faculty can no longer offer classroom opinions. Kelly Marsh/For the Times Union WEST POINT — In truth, the longtime law professor wasn’t the most popular person at the U.S. Military Academy even before he sued to challenge a Trump administration policy that stifled speech.
Churchill: Albany's fiscal crisis appears worse than ever Original
Albany Mayor Dorcey Applyrs recently claimed that the city’s budget gap had been reduced to $7 million. The number was wildly off. Will Waldron/Times Union ALBANY — Dorcey Applyrs got several things right in an essay published by this newspaper a month ago. The Albany mayor said then, for example, that it’s dangerous to spend too much time on thin ice. Can’t argue with that, except to add that any time on thin ice is probably a bad idea.
Where does upstate begin? It's obvious.
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Churchill: Where does upstate begin? It’s obvious. Original
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he's going on vacation upstate, renewing the debate over where upstate begins. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images Zohran Mamdani says he headed for an “upstate” vacation, to which I say: Good for him, and I hope he enjoys his time in White Plains. Oh, I’m kidding. Even if the New York City mayor suffers from the geographical myopia common among his borough-dwelling neighbors, Mamdani must know that a true upstate vacation requires more travel than that. Right?
Churchill: Constantino deepfaked it to make vile video
For more evidence of the Dystopian future we're speeding toward, look no further than the AI-generated deepfake video made and posted to social media by Anthony Constantino. On second thought, don't look at it. Don't give it the click it doesn't deserve. Don't let the video worm itself into your brain. The deepfake is ridiculously and deliberately juvenile.
Churchill: Constantino deepfaked it to make vile video
An AI-generated video from the campaign of Blake Gendebien, released a year ago, depicted U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik in ways she decried as sexist. Blake Gendebien Anthony Constantino delivers a speech after winning the Republican Party primary for the 21st Congressional District on June 23 at Lanzi’s on the Lake in Mayfield. Constantino used artificial intelligence to make a video depicting his opponent, Blake Gendebien, saying things he never said.
Churchill: Hate Buffalo and the Bills?! Who, me?
Buffalo Bills fans take in the team's Blue & Red practice Saturday, the first event held at the new, $2.2 billion Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Adrian Kraus/Associated Press As torrential rain hammered eastern New York on July 29, Gov. Kathy Hochul spent part of the day at the Buffalo Bills' training camp in Pittsford. Here, Bills player Tylan Grable signs autographs as Hochul, right, greets fans during her visit.
Churchill: Bethlehem will change, even if some residents don't like it
I'm starting this column with a quote from a recent meeting in Bethlehem, uttered as the town debated changing its zoning laws to allow for more housing. "To bring in all these people and varied income levels - if we wanted that we'd live in Latham, or Cohoes or Colonie," a woman said in May. "But we chose Delmar and Bethlehem and paid a lot of money to live here, and you're just going to change our lives and I don't think that's fair.
Churchill: ‘He never stopped being a Troy boy’
Mark McGrath speaks at a Troy City Council meeting in 2017. McGrath, who resigned in 2019 after being recorded using racial epithets, was 71 when he died last week in Florida. Lori Van Buren/Times Union Some of you will remember Mark McGrath only for the ugly slurs that ended his tenure on the Troy City Council. That’s understandable. There is, after all, no way to sugarcoat or justify the words, including the n-word, that he was recorded uttering on a short phone message leaked in 2019.
Churchill: Blakeman should stop the stupid claims about a steal
Nassau County Executive and Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman, seen above at a recent Albany news conference, asserts opponents “will try to steal the election,” an assertion columnist Chris Churchill calls “election nonsense.” Will Waldron/Times Union ALBANY — Gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman recently said “they” will try to steal the election. Hmm, who is this they he’s talking about? Are ballot-eating Martians set to descend on us?
Churchill: Sheriff is no longer the apple of her eye
ALBANY - Roni Minter had supportive parents, a happy childhood, and a middle-class upbringing divided between Queens and suburban Long Island. Trouble found Minter nevertheless. "I was an entitled kid that went very out of control," the 61-year-old told me, unstintingly explaining criminal behavior, including larcenies, that led to several prison stints. "I was immersed in the culture of addiction, all aspects of it." Enter Father Peter Young, the legendary Catholic priest from Albany.
Churchill: Sheriff is no longer the apple of her eye
Prison-rights activist Roni Minter has pushed for greater oversight of the Albany County Correctional Facility, alleging that abuses are rampant there. Will Waldron/Times Union Prison-rights activist Roni Minter, sitting in the Love Albany Center, says Sheriff Craig Apple's legacy is tainted by abuses at the Albany County Correctional Facility. Will Waldron/Times Union Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple recently announced that he will not seek reelection to a fifth term in office.
Churchill: As the Capital Region floods, the governor puts football first Original
Buffalo Bills player Tylan Grable signs autographs as Gov. Kathy Hochul, right, greets fans at the team's NFL football training camp Wednesday in Pittsford. Adrian Kraus/Associated Press ALBANY — As many of you are surely aware, a staggering amount of rain fell on the Capital Region overnight into Wednesday — the most rain since Tropical Storm Irene, up to nine inches in some places. Roads flooded as the National Weather Service told us to stay home.
Churchill: Does the state care about your health and happiness — or does revenue matter most? Original
Gov. Kathy Hochul has said that New York is “committed to building a cannabis market rooted in equity, safety, and opportunity.” Alexander MacDougall/Times Union Ronald Reagan used to quip that the most terrifying words in the English language are, “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” The point, of course, was that well-intentioned programs often do more harm than good. But in that formation, the government is at least trying to help. How quaint.
Churchill: After violence took his son, father keeps West Hill children swinging
Herman Thomas watches Lilyani Brown, 6, hit the ball during batting practice at Trey's House of Baseball at Frank Chapman Memorial Institute in Albany on Thursday. Thomas, a pastor at the Church of Jesus Christ on Clinton Avenue, has refused to let his son’s work and dream fade away. Lori Van Buren/Times Union Herman Thomas, second from left, watch children play a game at Trey's House of Baseball at Frank Chapman Memorial Institute in Albany on Thursday.
Churchill: Maybe Wolf Road isn't so terrible after all
COLONIE - I didn't start out liking Wolf Road. In fact, I pretty much hated it. In a prior life, before my arrival here, I worked in a Portland, Maine, office where I could stroll at lunch through narrow streets to stores, coffee shops, restaurants, even the harbor. Wolf Road, where the Times Union is located, was ... different, and not in a good way.
Churchill: Maybe Wolf Road isn’t so terrible after all Original
COLONIE — I didn’t start out liking Wolf Road. In fact, I pretty much hated it. In a prior life, before my arrival here, I worked in a Portland, Maine, office where I could stroll at lunch through narrow streets to stores, coffee shops, restaurants, even the harbor. Wolf Road, where the Times Union is located, was … different, and not in a good way.
Churchill: A strong point of view in a library? No, we can't have that.
SARATOGA SPRINGS - Patrick Battuello is a controversial figure in this city where horse racing is king. He is, after all, the founder of the nonprofit Horseracing Wrongs, which contends the sport is, well, wrong. So, Battuello admits he was surprised when the Saratoga Springs Public Library enthusiastically agreed to sponsor a talk in which he'd claim that horse racing is inherently cruel and cannot be fixed.
Churchill: A strong point of view in a library? No, we can’t have that.
Patrick Battuello of Horseracing Wrongs, shown outside the Saratoga Racehourse, believes industry pressure led to the cancellation of a talk he planned to give at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Lori Van Buren/Albany Times Union SARATOGA SPRINGS — Patrick Battuello is a controversial figure in this city where horse racing is king. He is, after all, the founder of the nonprofit Horseracing Wrongs, which contends the sport is, well, wrong.
Churchill: Here’s why you can’t lose that stubborn belly fat, maybe Original
Route 7 looking west from Algonquin Road in Niskayuna. Nearly 130 pedestrians died along Capital Region roadways from 2015 to 2025. Will Waldron/Times Union A new report called “Dangerous by Design” is full of depressing and damning statistics, but I’ll start with some relatively positive news. Here goes: The Capital Region is among the country’s better metro areas for pedestrian safety, with a fatality rate well below that of, say, Tucson or Tampa.
Churchill: I’m paying attention to Constantino vs. Gendebien so you don’t have to
Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino speaks to the media after announcing earlier this year that he is running for Elise Stefanik’s congressional seat. Chris Churchill/Times Union Anthony Constantino delivers a victory speech on June 23 after defeating Assemblyman Robert Smullen in the Republican Party primary for the 21st Congressional District.
Churchill: Four doors from Taste of Italy, a turn toward love and light
COLONIE - When Azam Khan joined the search for little Harbe Nagi, he was touched and amazed by the outpouring of love and community. "When we went out to look for this lost little boy," Khan told me, "I saw every kind of person, and everyone was trying to do good. I haven't seen anything like that in some time." The effort ended when Harbe, a 7-year-old with autism, was found dead in a swimming pool near the Menands home he had been visiting.
Churchill: Four doors from Taste of Italy, a turn toward love and light
Exterior of the Qamaria Yemeni Coffee Company coffeehouse, which sits near the Taste of Italy in Latham. Will Waldron/Times Union Harbe Nagi, 7, was found dead in a Menands swimming pool, despite a massive community search. “It was like a gut punch,” said Azam Khan, who has organized a benefit to celebrate the child’s life.
Churchill: A dumb American's guide to the beautiful game
Malik Tillman of the United States celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between USA and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on Wednesday in Santa Clara, Calif.
Churchill: For Harbe Nagi, a desperate search that ended in heartbreak Original
A makeshift memorial for Harbe Nagi is seen on Park Drive in Menands. Chris Churchill/Times Union Harbe Nagi, 7, disappeared from a home on Park Drive in Menands on Sunday, prompting a massive search. New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services MENANDS — By Wednesday morning, roughly 24 hours after little Harbe Nagi was found dead in a swimming pool, the woods had returned to their normal peace.
Churchill: A bus station at Empire State Plaza? It makes too much sense. Original
Could an intercity bus terminal join Albany's famous Egg at Empire State Plaza? The idea might have legs. Will Waldron/Times Union So far as I can tell, there are two big problems with the proposal to move Albany’s bus terminal to Empire State Plaza. It makes too much sense. It costs too little money. Article continues below this ad In Albany, complexity and a sky-high price tag are often viewed as key components of success, which is why there’s so little of it.
Churchill: America is flawed - but what other nation could produce Dolly Parton?
You may have heard and read, here and there, that there is nothing to celebrate this July Fourth, that the politics of the moment mean the nation's 250th birthday should pass without commemoration, that maybe America isn't all that great.
Churchill: America is flawed — but what other nation could produce Dolly Parton?
What other nation but America could produce Dolly Parton, seen here performing “Dolly: An Original Musical” last year in Nashville. Jason Kempin/TNS You may have heard and read, here and there, that there is nothing to celebrate this July Fourth, that the politics of the moment mean the nation’s 250th birthday should pass without commemoration, that maybe America isn’t all that great. Oh, really?
Churchill: Like it or not, here comes Anthony Constantino
Anthony Constantino delivers his victory speech after defeating Assemblyman Robert Smullen in the Republican Party primary for the 21st Congressional District on Tuesday at Lanzi’s on the Lake in Mayfield. Jim Franco/Times Union Anthony Constantino delivers his victory speech after defeating Assemblyman Robert Smullen in the Republican Party primary for the 21st Congressional District on Tuesday at Lanzi’s on the Lake in Mayfield.
Churchill: The bus station was a sure thing, until it suddenly wasn't Original
On Thursday, Albany County Executive Dan McCoy abruptly pulled the plug on a bus station plan opposed by many in Albany’s South End. Will Waldron/Times Union Albany County Executive Dan McCoy says a parking lot will replace the old McDonald’s at South Pearl and Madison, now that he’s pulled the plug on his bus station plan. Will Waldron/Times Union ALBANY — Well, you can put a fork in the plan for a bus station in the old McDonald’s at South Pearl Street and Madison Avenue.
Churchill: Love Costco if you want, but save space in your heart for the little guys Original
Robo's Creemees & Deli is coming to the historic Loudonville building that was home to Genoa Importing. Chris Churchill/Times Union COLONIE — I recently wrote about the retail behemoth Costco. Today, I’m highlighting another much-anticipated business that, in almost every respect, is Costco’s antithesis. That happens to be Robo’s Creemees & Deli, which is set to open this summer in Loudonville. Article continues below this ad The Costco opening in August near Crossgates Mall is one of many.
Churchill: I'm sure Costco is amazing -- but it's probably not for me
GUILDERLAND - The company that represents the apex of American consumerism and efficiency is at long last opening in our little corner of the world. Unless you missed the headline above these words, you know I'm talking about Costco, which plans to open its much-anticipated store on Western Avenue near Crossgates Mall in early August. For those who know and love the wholesaler, and for those who suspect they will, this is big.
Churchill: I’m sure Costco is amazing — but it’s probably not for me
The new Costco store in Guilderland is nearing completion and is expected to open in August. Will Waldron/Times Union GUILDERLAND — The company that represents the apex of American consumerism and efficiency is at long last opening in our little corner of the world. Unless you missed the headline above these words, you know I’m talking about Costco, which plans to open its much-anticipated store on Western Avenue near Crossgates Mall in early August.
Churchill: Hey look, there's a legislator standing up to Dan McCoy
Some of us bemoan that Democrats in the Albany County Legislature are rubber stamps for Dan McCoy, the county executive. Why won't they speak their minds? Dannielle Hille speaks her mind. There's no doubting that. Hille, 43, represents part of the South End, and she's been leading the charge against the controversial bus terminal proposed for the former McDonald's at South Pearl Street and Madison Avenue.
Hey look, there's a legislator standing up to Dan McCoy
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Churchill: Hey look, there's a legislator standing up to Dan McCoy
Chris Churchill Sat, June 13, 2026 at 3:00 PM UTC 6 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Dannielle Hille, an Albany County legislator, has bucked others in the Democratic Party to lead the opposition against plans to build a bus station in Albany's South End. (Michael P. Farrell/Times Union) (Michael P. Farrell) Some of us bemoan that Democrats in the Albany County Legislature are rubber stamps for Dan McCoy, the county executive.
Churchill: Hey look, there's a legislator standing up to Dan McCoy
Some of us bemoan that Democrats in the Albany County Legislature are rubber stamps for Dan McCoy, the county executive. Why won’t they speak their minds? Dannielle Hille speaks her mind. There’s no doubting that. Dannielle Hille carries a shovel and broom outside the Grand Street Arts Center in Albany in 2020. Hille has led the recent opposition to the construction of a new bus station in the city’s South End.
Churchill: Teenagers need the freedom to be teens Original
A sign in the window of the I Love Books store on Delaware Avenue in Delmar in May lists restrictions on the number of school children permitted to enter the store at one time. The store owner said that the bookshop was getting overrun with unruly students after dismissal time.
Churchill: In Smullen vs. Constantino, personality is king and a handshake might matter
Did the handshake snub really matter to voters? Should it? If you don't know what I'm talking about, I'll assume you haven't been paying attention to the increasingly absurd Republican primary in the 21st Congressional District, to which I can only say: Good for you and your mental health. The less fortunate will know I'm referring to Assemblyman Robert Smullen's refusal to shake Anthony Constantino's hand at the conclusion of their recent debate on WRGB, the Niskayuna-based CBS affiliate.
Churchill: In Smullen vs. Constantino, personality is king and a handshake might matter
Republicans Anthony Constantino, left, and Robert Smullen debate at WRGB’s Niskayuna studio as they prepare to face off in a primary debate for the 21st Congressional District on May 28. The two men are at odds over a handshake that didn’t happen after the debate ended. Alexander MacDougall/Times Union Anthony Constantino, a Republican candidate for the 21st Congressional District, is interviewed by the Times Union editorial board on June 2, 2026.
Churchill: Will critics kill a plan to replace that squalid bus station?
Regular readers will know I have concerns about Albany's bus station, the one on Hamilton Street in the "Parking Lot District." I've repeatedly called it a squalid little bunker. I've said it's a regional embarrassment. I've noted that its grimness epitomizes a transportation caste system in which millions of dollars are spent to fancify airports and train stations, while bus riders endure peeling paint, the scent of urine, and battered vending machines.
Churchill: Will critics kill a plan to replace that squalid bus station?
Regular readers will know I have concerns about Albany's bus station, the one on Hamilton Street in the "Parking Lot District." I've repeatedly called it a squalid little bunker. I've said it's a regional embarrassment. I've noted that its grimness epitomizes a transportation caste system in which millions of dollars are spent to fancify airports and train stations, while bus riders endure peeling paint, the scent of urine, and battered vending machines.
Churchill: Will critics kill a plan to replace that squalid bus station?
Albany’s Greyhound bus station, on Hamilton Street in the Parking Lot District, would be replaced by a new station within an existing building at 106 S. Pearl St. under a proposal announced by the Advance Albany County Alliance in February. Will Waldron/Times Union A former McDonald’s on South Pearl Street, most recently home to the defunct South End Grocery, is the proposed home of a new bus station.
Churchill: The world according to Daniel P. McCoy
A newsletter featuring County Executive Dan McCoy was mailed to Albany County residents. The county has refused to say how it spent on the 12-page mailer. (Will Waldron/Times Union) ALBANY - The tragedy of Dan McCoy's debut newsletter, aside from the money wasted to produce it, is that the glossy, 12-page mailer didn't need to be so staggeringly boring.
Churchill: The world according to Daniel P. McCoy
A newsletter featuring County Executive Dan McCoy was mailed to Albany County residents. The county has refused to say how much it spent on the 12-page mailer. Will Waldron/Times Union A newsletter featuring County Executive Dan McCoy was mailed to Albany County residents. The newsletter depicts Democratic elected officials, but excludes their Republican counterparts.
Churchill: Finding beauty in Albany's neglect Original
Artist Kevin Kuhne, in front of the Central Warehouse in Albany, sees the building as "a monument to industry" and isn't in favor of its demolition. (Jim Franco/Times Union) Jim Franco/Times Union Artist Kevin Kuhne, in front of the Central Warehouse in Albany, sees the building as "a monument to industry" and isn't in favor of its demolition.
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