RPI Graduate Leads Historic Moon Mission, Siena Names New Basketball Coach

Plus, updates on a Catskill police recruit DUI crash, Troy's public safety camera funding, and a Walmart incident in Wilton.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An RPI graduate is part of the crew for the first manned moon mission in over 50 years, while Siena University has named a new head coach for its men's basketball team. The news also includes a Catskill police recruit arrested for DUI, Troy declaring a public safety emergency to keep security cameras running, and a guilty plea from a man who intentionally hit Walmart employees with his car in Wilton.

Why it matters

These stories highlight the accomplishments of local residents, the challenges facing public safety and infrastructure in the region, and the need for accountability when crimes are committed against workers and the public.

The details

The RPI graduate is part of the historic moon mission crew, marking the first time astronauts will travel around the lunar surface in over half a century. In other news, a part-time Catskill police recruit was arrested for drunk driving and crashing his car, while Troy declared a public safety emergency to keep security cameras operational after the city council directed the auditor to withhold payments. Additionally, a Gansevoort man pleaded guilty to intentionally hitting two Walmart employees with his car in Wilton.

  • The historic moon mission is scheduled to take place in the coming months.
  • The Catskill police recruit incident occurred on Sunday.
  • Troy declared the public safety emergency earlier today.
  • The Walmart incident in Wilton took place in October 2026.

The players

RPI Graduate

An alumnus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute who is part of the crew for the first manned moon mission in over 50 years.

Siena University

A private Jesuit university in Loudonville, New York that has named a new head coach for its men's basketball team.

Timothy Besaw

A 34-year-old man from Gansevoort, New York who pleaded guilty to intentionally hitting two Walmart employees with his car in Wilton.

Carmella Mantello

The mayor of Troy, New York who declared a public safety emergency to pay for the FLOCK contract and keep security cameras operational.

Nevada Smith

The new head coach of the Siena men's basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This mission will not only make history, but inspire the next generation of engineers here in Albany.”

— RPI Graduate

What’s next

The judge will decide on Timothy Besaw's sentencing in the Walmart incident in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

These stories showcase the achievements and challenges facing the Capital Region, from the historic space mission led by an RPI alum to the public safety concerns around infrastructure and accountability for crimes against workers. They highlight the diverse news impacting the local community.