Good morning, Albany.

Albany Catholic Diocese parishes have begun a fundraising drive to raise $50M for a $148M abuse settlement — plans include selling land and using savings to prevent cuts in parish programs.

Cheryl McKeon from The Book House in Albany and Marketblock Books in Troy teamed with Suzanna Hermans from Oblong Books in Rhinebeck and Millerton to share this week's book picks.

Their recommendations include titles like Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke and Go Gentle by Maria Semple.

Albany’s free Alive at Five concert series returns for its 37th season starting Thursday, June 4, with local artists performing from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.—backup rain location is the Corning Preserve Boat Launch under the 787 bridge.

UAlbany junior Parmesh Thakoordial was named a 2026 Key into Public Service Scholar on May 12 by the Phi Beta Kappa Society after being chosen as one of 20 students from nearly 800 applicants.

He will receive a $7,600 scholarship + attend a conference in Washington, D.C. in June.

Maria Latorre, 23, is graduating from UAlbany this summer with a Master’s in Special Education and Literacy + will begin full-time teaching in a local school district to help young learners build foundational skills.

Scientists at UAlbany used methane fingerprints to track emissions from 2019 to 2021 — a method that refines global estimates — and found higher outputs in East Asia, South Asia and Central Africa, signaling a stronger human impact on rising methane levels.

The New Salem Water Treatment Facility was evacuated Tuesday after an employee discovered a chlorine leak involving a 150-pound cylinder at 10 a.m. Emergency crews promptly contained the leak & confirmed the drinking water was unaffected.

Albany County officials approved a law that extends the 6.5% hotel occupancy tax to short-term rentals beginning in 2026.

Property owners must register their units + file periodic tax returns to support local tourism and economic development.

Local advocate Avery Stempel joined farmers and activists Tuesday urging lawmakers to pass the New York Medical Psilocybin Act to permit clinician-approved treatment for conditions (PTSD, cluster headaches) in Albany.

This push follows a federal executive order accelerating psychedelic research for serious mental illness.

Albany Medical Center performed the world’s first AI-guided brain surgery using the new Stealth AXiS System—surgeons Grube and Heller removed a pituitary tumor by navigating through a small nasal camera to map critical brain structures.

Julien Basile, a Lansingburgh High freshman, returned to track after emergency open-heart surgery by finishing as a top-two runner in the 4x8 relay that moved his team to state qualifiers Tuesday.

Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello honored his comeback (and spirit) with a proclamation at a ceremony with his family present.

The UAlbany baseball team scored 20 runs on 15 hits yesterday at Varsity Field for a dominant win over Le Moyne.

The team will visit Maine from May 14–16 for its final regular season series.

4i's & Friends Vol II: 4i's SEXTET

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Van Dyck Music Club — Student tickets available — Experience an exciting jazz evening with the dynamic 4i's SEXTET performing standards and deep cuts.

Mindful Strides Walk for Neurodiversity & Mental Health Awareness

9 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Crossgates Mall — Free entry — A Star Wars-themed walk promoting neurodiversity and mental health awareness through physical activity.

Capital District Reptile Expo - Spring 2026

10 AM - 4 PM — Albany Capital Center — $12 adults, $6 children — Explore over 180 vendor tables of exotic pets and enjoy hands-on education with experts.

Alpha Wolf Concert

6-8:30 p.m. — Empire Live — Tickets starting at $22 — Experience the unforgettable live performance of Alpha Wolf in Albany.

Shemekia Copeland Live

8:00-10:00 p.m. — The Egg — Tickets available — Experience the powerhouse voice of Shemekia Copeland as she performs songs from her acclaimed album 'Blame It On Eve'.

French Montana Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the electrifying performance of French Montana live at the iconic Palace Theatre.

The 502s Concert

8:00–9:30 p.m. — Empire Live — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a lively performance by The 502s in Albany's vibrant music scene.

Anberlin Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Empire Live — 16+ with valid photo ID required — Experience a night of emotional melodies and powerful performances by Anberlin.

The Artis(t) Comedy Showcase

8-9 p.m. — The Local 217 Taproom & Kitchen — Free entry — Enjoy a night of laughter with some of the funniest local comedians.

Sesame Street Live!

2-11:59 p.m. — Palace Theatre Albany — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical adventure with beloved Sesame Street characters in a delightful family show.