Good morning, Albany.

Abdul Malik Mustahin, known as King Modest when he served as a lookout during the fatal 2008 robbery of UAlbany student Richard Bailey, was sentenced to two to four years in prison Monday for selling over $10,000 in stolen goods online — prosecutors said the items were taken from stores like CVS, Target and Home Depot.

UAlbany students said Arab American Heritage Month gives them a chance to share their culture, food, music, and community—helping the campus break harmful stereotypes and see the true diversity of Arab American life.

They stressed that increased recognition through events and student clubs supports a more inclusive future.

New York lawmakers agreed on a plan to ban cellphones in schools during school hours starting next school year after Gov. Hochul announced it on April 21; school districts will choose how to store phones—students with health needs, learning challenges or limited English are exempt.

Twenty-five MSW students spent the spring mapping eight communities in the Capital Region and will present their findings at UAlbany Showcase today at Broadview Center from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. They interviewed local residents and analyzed data—completing street surveys and reviewing demographic information—to help identify each community’s strengths and needs.

The Town of Bethlehem approved a Source Water Protection Plan on April 29 to address threats from an algae bloom and risks posed by nearby biosolids storage—measures that include enhanced reservoir sampling and a moratorium on recycled organic matter.

State technical assistance will guide plan updates while affected residents monitor water safety—especially after past well contamination incidents.

Gov. Hochul announced a tentative agreement on a $254B budget—banning most cell phone use during school, sending rebate checks to middle-class families, easing evidence sharing for prosecutors, and adding a crime for wearing a mask while committing a crime—that aims to boost safety and affordability. Lawmakers will resolve remaining details before the vote later this week.

On Monday, April 28, interim U.S. Attorney John A.

Sarcone III said he planned to sue major telecom companies like AT&T and Verizon to require algorithms that scan texts for signs of sexual predation. He made the proposal at a press conference amid rising child exploitation cases+ his office will research a civil case despite potential constitutional and privacy challenges.

UAlbany’s second-year computer science student Jeremy Varghese is developing two virtual reality projects to improve healthcare; one project creates a mixed reality tool for stroke rehabilitation while the other offers a simulator for dental training.

His work is featured today at UAlbany Showcase and his stroke tool will be presented in July at an international IEEE conference.

UAlbany researchers are using machine learning to predict depression in college students by analyzing survey responses to improve early support interventions.

Doctoral student Evan Ozmat will present his findings today at 12:45 p.m. (Lecture Center Concourse, Section J).

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.

Fontaines D.C. Concert

7:00 – 9:30 PM — Empire Live — $65 — Experience the energy of Fontaines D.C. live in Albany, NY.

Albany Job Fair

2-6 p.m. — Holiday Inn Express & Suites Albany Airport Area — Free admission — Connect with 90+ companies hiring and find the job of your dreams.

Kane Brown's High Road Tour Featuring Ashley Cooke

7-11 p.m. — MVP Arena — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of country hits with Kane Brown and special guests Mitchell Tenpenny and Ashley Cooke.

World Ballet Company: The Great Gatsby

7-8:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the jazz-filled world of F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic in a stunning ballet premiere.