5 things to know this Friday, September 20

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Happy Friday! We made it to the weekend! Meteorologists Matt Mackie and Kevin Appleby say this Friday will be cloudier with temperatures in the high 70s.

A restaurant fire caused Aviation Mall in Queensbury to have to evacuate temporarily. Also, a murder charge has been reinstated against a former trooper from Catskill. These stories, and more, are in your five things to know this Friday.

1. Restaurant fire causes temporary evacuation of Aviation Mall

The Aviation Mall in Queensbury was evacuated on Thursday after a fire at the 99 Restaurant.

2. Murder charge reinstated against former trooper

A second-degree murder, depraved indifference charge was reinstated against a former New York State Police trooper from Catskill. Christopher Baldner is accused of causing a deadly crash on the Thruway in December 2020.

3. 2 Albany officers involved in crash released from hospital

Two of the four Albany police officers who were injured in a crash on Wednesday have been released from the hospital. Police said the two other officers remain hospitalized with serious head injuries.

4. NYSP warns public of ‘sextortion’ scam

New York State Police are warning the public of another nationwide scam — this one through your e-mail.

5. 2024 Adirondack Balloon Festival kicks off

The Annual Adirondack Balloon Festival kicks off Thursday night and goes through the weekend. NEWS10 was there for the start of one of the region’s favorite, family-friendly events.