Good morning, Albany.

Today, the Capital Region hosts many events as residents can catch the Tri-City ValleyCats’ opening game in Troy at 6:30 p.m. and local theater shows in Albany and Schenectady, while the Albany Tulip Festival runs in Washington Park on Saturday and more activities continue through Sunday (May 11).

Rakayla Austin, who was once homeless and lived in a shelter at the Albany County Jail, completed Marine boot camp and became a squad leader + a sign of her strong determination.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple praised her success and noted that her achievement inspires others.

Joseph Kellogg Jr., a 29-year-old from Amsterdam, was sentenced to up to eight years in prison for firing a rifle at his family during a dispute on Division Street in January 2024—no one was injured, but his actions put the neighborhood at risk.

Jonte Wunner of Monticello was found guilty of second-degree murder for shooting unarmed Mohammed Poquee during a party at an Ida Yarborough Apartment on North Pearl Street and was also convicted of criminal weapon possession + reckless endangerment with sentencing set for June 30.

On Thursday at 2:20 a.m., Albany Police responded to a Cortland Place home after 23-year-old Christian McClay allegedly assaulted a woman by injuring her face and legs and threatening her with a loaded 9mm handgun—he fled in his vehicle but was later arrested on Western Avenue with bail set at $50,000.

Students at Columbia High School are taking part in a mock DWI crash today to learn about the dangers of impaired driving as prom and graduation season approaches, with emergency responders and police simulating treatments and field tests.

A presentation by the Rensselaer County District Attorney will follow at 8 a.m. in the school auditorium.

Albany County has asked the State Liquor Authority to let liquor stores open from 8 a.m. to midnight Monday to Saturday while keeping Sunday hours the same.

Many store owners support the idea for special events but say they will not open later regularly because extra hours usually do not earn enough money & a hearing on the proposal is set for 10 a.m. May 21.

UAlbany men's lacrosse team beat Siena by a final score of 11 to 9 on May 7 at Casey Stadium with Ryan Doherty scoring a hat trick and Silas Richmond adding two goals and three assists.

The win moves them into a first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against top-seeded Cornell scheduled for Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

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.

The Uncle Louie Variety Show

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Italian American Community Center — Ticket required — A night filled with laughter, music, and entertainment awaits at this dinner-show event.

Capital District Reptile Expo - Spring 2025

10 AM – 4 PM — Albany Capital Center — $12 adults, $6 children — Explore 82,000 sq. feet of reptiles, exotic pets, and family-friendly fun.

Wilderado Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Empire Live — $15 — Gametime is offering last-minute tickets for an exciting concert by Wilderado in Albany.

Spring Dinner at Grappa '72

5:30-7:30 p.m. — Grappa '72 — Cash preferred — Enjoy a delightful casual Italian dining experience with a well-respected menu.

Alive at Five Summer Concert Series - Classic Rock Night

4:30-9 p.m. — Tricentennial Park — Free entry — Experience a night of classic rock with Queensryche and Gozer during Albany’s signature summer concert series.