Good morning, Albany.

Stuyvesant Plaza announced Tuesday that Shake Shack will open as the first year‐round restaurant in the Capital Region + the new location is in a corner building near the Western Avenue entrance and will serve burgers, hot dogs, crinkle cut fries, frozen custards and milkshakes.

Troy police detectives arrested a 26-year-old suspect, Juan S.

Rivera, on Monday after a property dispute turned deadly in South Troy; he was taken into custody at a hotel in Latham at 4:30 p.m. and charged with second-degree murder for the stabbing death of Kevin R. Hall Jr.

On April 19, police arrested Taylor Houlihan, 32, of Valley Falls after he left an unattended backpack at West Capitol Park during a protest—officers said he falsely reported that it might contain explosives and caused an evacuation before being released for evaluation.

Two New York City residents were arraigned in Albany County Court on Monday on charges of drug and .380 weapon possession after a traffic stop on March 11 at 6:40 p.m. near Grand Street and Madison Avenue — officers found crack cocaine, counterfeit bills, and loaded handguns — and they now face up to 15 years in prison.

Juan Rivera, a parolee aged 26, stabbed Kevin Hall, 47, during a fight on Monday morning in South Troy and was later found in a Latham hotel — police have charged him and hold him at Rensselaer County Jail.

Eight UAlbany students will be honored as winners of the 2025 Chancellor's Awards for Student Excellence on April 29 at the Hart Theatre in the Egg—Empire State Plaza.

They reflected on cherished campus memories and shared plans to pursue further studies and careers in diverse fields.

UAlbany now hosts the Friday Knights Supported Recreation Program for youth with autism which moved from the College of Saint Rose after the college closed last year; the program held its first two sessions in March and will run a session this Friday at the Catskill building.

Founded in 2004 and currently serving 40 children, the program plans to expand next semester to five sessions and up to 60 participants—using trained volunteers to lead activities like art, music, STEM activities and games.

UAlbany hosted SUNY's first in-person Esports Tournament on Friday and Saturday in its 4,000-square-foot gaming arena on the Uptown Campus, where over 120 students from 16 SUNY schools competed in seven video games including Overwatch and Rocket League.

The arena is open for student use daily from 5 to 10 p.m. + it will help grow skills in the competitive gaming industry.

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.

Melissa Etheridge Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Experience the powerful performance of Grammy-winning artist Melissa Etheridge live in Albany.

Albany Tulip Festival

0 a.m. — Washington Park — Free entry — Experience the vibrant celebration of Albany's Dutch heritage with stunning tulips and exciting festivities.

Fuego Base Concert

8-11:59 p.m. — Fuze Box — Early bird tickets available — Celebrate a night of vibrant performances and drink specials at Albany's legendary venue.

Candlelight Concert: The Best of Hans Zimmer

6-7 p.m. — The Venue — Tickets available — Experience the magic of Hans Zimmer's music illuminated by candlelight.

Bit Brigade Concert

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Empire Center At Egg — $22 — Last-minute tickets available for a thrilling concert experience featuring Bit Brigade.

Evening in the Garden 2025

5:30-7 p.m. — New Scotland Elementary School — Free entry — Explore local gardening with tastings, tours, and entertainment from student musicians.