John Purcell
Reporter
518-439-4949
Ext: 429
John Purcell has worked at Spotlight Newspapers for more than two and a half years and covers Albany County suburbs.
Purcell covers the towns of Guilderland and New Scotland, the villages of Altamont and Voorheesville and Albany County news and feature stories. He also covers the school districts of Guilderland and Voorheesville. Previously, he covered Schenectady County for Spotlight Newspapers.
In the New York Press Association's 2011 Better Newspaper Contest he received third place honors in Spot News Coverage for his story on the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene. Also, in NYPA's 2010 contest he received honorable mention for best news story.
Before joining Spotlight, he interned at The Legislative Gazette covering state government. He graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a B.A. in Journalism. Also, he is a Schenectady County native.
Recent Stories
Park lovers give back
Volunteers pitch in to help Thacher Park for 'I Love My Park Day'
More than 50 people turned out to lend Mother Nature a helping hand at John Boyd Thacher State Park for New York state's second "I Love My Park Day" on Saturday, May 4.
Tkaczyk proposes election reforms
Senator’s court battle spurs bills efforts to change ballot requirements
State Sen. Cecilia Tkaczyk unveiled two bills she is sponsoring during a news conference on Wednesday, May 1, which address legal challenges raised by her Republican opponent's legal team.
Remembrance effort still strong
Delmar man continues event commemorating D-Day veterans
As what has been called the Greatest Generation ages, finding World War II veterans is getting harder. Tougher still is locating survivors of a single action, even one as momentous and enormous as D-Day.
Growing green habits
Family-friendly Go Green Day to feature recycling, demos, good eats
Go Green Day 2013 will be held Saturday, April 27, at Farnsworth Middle School in Guilderland. Several area groups worked together to create the educational event and recycling drop off, along with opportunities to donate a variety of items to local causes and organizations.
Stress test
New standardized tests have parents, educators worried about effects on students
On Tuesday, April 16, students in third to eighth grade across New York will sit down for the first day of standardized tests that adhere to the Common Core Standards. But it has been months now that parents and educators have worried pupils are being pushed too far with the sudden shift to more rigorous standards.
Cracking the Common Core
New York’s students will start taking new standardized tests this year in the name of improving performance. So why are kids expected to fail?
Students in third to eighth grade will face English language arts and math tests adhering to Common Core Standards, national standards that were developed by looking at what students should achieve to be prepared for college.
Tonko tackles health care changes
Congressman fields questions on Affordable Care Act at V’ville library
Rep. Paul Tonko held a forum Wednesday, March 27, at the Voorheesville Public Library to discuss health insurance changes taking effect later this year as part of the Affordable Care Act.
Albany County Sheriff knocks SAFE Act
Local authorities see benefits and downsides to new gun control law
Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple isn’t convinced the SAFE Act will make the streets any safer, despite what the legislation’s acronym implies, but thinks it could turn formerly lawful gun owners into criminals.
Gun fight comes to Albany County Legislature
Gun rights advocates call on lawmakers to support SAFE Act repeal
Republican Albany County Legislator Deborah Busch presented a proclamation for fellow lawmakers to sign in support of repealing the SAFE Act. At least 14 legislators had signed the proclamation by the end of the meeting.
Protesters take aim at gun-control law [photo gallery]
Gun advocates and state legislators call for end of SAFE Act
Thunderous rally cries could be heard coming from Empire State Plaza as gun rights advocates and state legislators campaigned for a repeal of the law.