Good morning, Albany.

Police seized about 2,700 bags of fentanyl — along with 58 grams of crack cocaine, two loaded semiautomatic handguns, and a shotgun — when officers searched a Sherman Street home at around 6 a.m. on Thursday and arrested 55-year-old Darrell Perkins, who faces charges for controlled substance possession, weapon possession, possessing stolen property, and using drug paraphernalia.

An Albany man, Isaiah Matos, 26, was arraigned Wednesday on a seven-count indictment—including assault, multiple drug possession charges, and tampering with evidence—after officers found drugs, a scale, and baggies during traffic stops on January 14 and April 1 and he fought police during an arrest attempt.

UAlbany announced it will award $500,000 for 17 projects in the 2025-2026 school year that boost research and help the community—projects include new internship programs, tree nurseries, and mapping for community safety.

The funding will spur innovative ideas to solve real-world problems.

UAlbany's Center for Behavioral Health Promotion and Applied Research is partnering with the New York Council on Problem Gambling and the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports—aiming to collect data on college students' gambling behaviors and provide support such as screening, prevention, and training. Seven colleges have been chosen for the project, and experts will guide the new effort to reduce gambling-related harm on campuses.

Judge Susan Kushner, 65, announced that she will retire from Albany Family Court on April 30 to spend more time with her family.

Her departure leaves the court with four judges and three magistrates to manage over 11,500 cases—Gov. Kathy Hochul will appoint a replacement until the next general election.

Lawmakers announced plans to curb highway expansion under the Get Around NY Act—this bill will require projects like the upgrade of I-787 to meet state emissions goals and boost public transit, aiming to cut car mileage by 20% by 2050.

Advocates say the changes will help bring Albany closer to its climate goals and ease community isolation from the Hudson River.

New York State lawmakers in the Capital Region have been negotiating behind closed doors on a delayed state budget after missing the April 1 deadline—addressing policy updates, federal funding cuts and a proposed change to the involuntary commitment law.

Legislators will return on April 28 to work on resolving the remaining issues in Governor Hochul’s proposal.

New York law allows darker car tints only when front windows let at least 70% of light through and drivers have a valid exemption—inspectors and police check tints during tests and stops to help keep everyone safe after a 2023 incident on Interstate 88 raised concerns.

More than 38,000 exempt tint licenses have been issued since early 2022, showing the state’s effort to balance privacy with public safety.

LEGOLAND New York reopened on April 10 offering a full day of rides and LEGO building zones for families with children ages 2 to 12.

The park in Goshen now features a new LEGO DUPLO Peppa Pig Playground and an on-site hotel with themed rooms that offer advance ticket savings — a popular option for spring break travelers.

Toy Story Family Fun Day

1 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy a classic film screening of Toy Story and fun activities for the whole family.

Albany Job Fair

9 AM – 4 PM — Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albany Airport Area — Free entry — Connect with 90+ companies hiring in the Albany area.

Joywave Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Empire Live — $32 — Catch Joywave live and enjoy a night of vibrant music in Albany.

Nurse John's Stand-Up Comedy Show

7-8:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Ticket price varies — Experience laughter as Nurse John shares the ups and downs of healthcare through his comedy.

Easter Brunch Cruise

11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. — Dutch Apple Cruises & Tours — $79.99 — Enjoy a delightful Easter brunch while cruising on the Hudson River with scenic views and tasty treats.

NSH USA Job Fair

Join NSH USA on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 to learn more about exciting and rewarding careers in machine tool manufacturing. Registration is required to attend this event; to register, submit your resume to [email protected] along with the position you would like to be considered for.

NSH USA Job Fair

Join NSH USA on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 to learn more about exciting and rewarding careers in machine tool manufacturing. Registration is required to attend this event; to register, submit your resume to [email protected] along with the position you would like to be considered for.

Chris Distefano Live

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Egg — $35 — Enjoy an evening of laughter with one of comedy's brightest stars.

Albany Food Not Bombs Plant Sale

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Townsend Park — Free — Celebrate spring with a community plant sale and artistic exchange focused on sharing and sustainability.

Arabic American Heritage Month Concert

3:00 – 4:30 PM — The Linda WAMC's Performing Arts Studio — $10 General Admission — Celebrate Arabic art and culture through a vibrant showcase of folk music traditions.

Certified Network Defense (CND) Training

Mon, Apr 28 - Fri, May 2 — Logical Operations — Pricing available upon inquiry — Prepare for the ECmCouncil Certified Ethical Hacker exam with comprehensive training in Albany, NY.