Good morning, Albany.

Friday Knights (a program for kids and young adults with autism) moved to UAlbany this spring and started using classrooms for art, music, STEM and games.

The program filled all its spots and a grant was secured to grow its services in the fall (more space is planned).

DV Safe Space began 16 years ago as a blog and now supports people facing domestic violence.

Co-founders Lindsay Prespare and Cody Putnam lead outreach programs—bringing community members into shaping better help for those in crisis.

Community members will join a cornhole tournament on May 3rd at Mixed Breed Brewery starting at 2 p.m. to raise funds for blood cancer research; the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is organizing the 10-week campaign (with special craft beer High Stakes, High Hopes donating $1 per purchase).

On Wednesday, local residents, shop owners and artists met at a pop-up forum at 292 Lark Street (a revamped storefront) to share ideas for reviving a corridor with over 45 empty shops.

The grassroots event, co-hosted by a longtime neighbor running for council and a Brooklyn transplant, aimed to guide future plans for small businesses in the 6th Ward (a lively local hub).

The Albany Fire Department responded after 1 a.m. today to a fire at 188 Colonie Street in Arbor Hill that displaced 11 residents from the three-story building and affected nearby structures at 186 and 190 Colonie Street + no injuries were reported and the fire was controlled by 2:10 a.m. as investigators work to determine the cause.

Equal Vision Records celebrated the opening of its expanded headquarters on South Pearl Street in Albany—combining music production, printing and vinyl operations under one roof—and the move is expected to create new jobs and boost local creative energy.

An Albany man, Nazir Ross—28—threatened a woman with a knife and stole property from her on Morton Avenue near Grand Street around 4:20 p.m., and officers later found him on Delaware Avenue, arrested him, arraigned him in Albany City Criminal Court, and released him on probation with an electronic monitoring device.

The New York Department of Health has shifted the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program from over 600 payroll processors to one company, PPL, to cut high costs and improve time tracking.

Commissioner Jim McDonald said 156,000 workers were paid last week and nearly all consumers started enrollment—though registration issues and payment delays still persist, and he promises daily oversight to resolve them.

Columbia High School’s girls’ flag football team is set to play Troy tonight at home — they hold a 6-1 record after winning last year's regional finals and even playing at MetLife.

The team is ready to extend its winning streak and build on a historic inaugural season.

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.

Digital Music Bingo

7-9 p.m. — Albany Airport Inn — $20 early bird tickets — Test your music knowledge with a fun twist at Digital Music Bingo featuring popular categories.

77th Annual Royal Tulip Ball

6:30 p.m. — Duo at the Dunes — Ticketed event — Celebrate the legacy of Albany's Tulip Court with an elegant evening of dining and dancing.