Good morning, Albany.

A 31-year-old Albany man, Stephen Brisee, pleaded guilty to six child pornography counts and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, 20 years of supervised release, and $3,000 in restitution after a phone search revealed videos and images depicting illegal sexual abuse of children (as young as 6 months to 10 years).

57-year-old Jeal Sutherland of Colonie pleaded guilty to orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting a Capital Region man who is the father of a child with his former partner & used his cell phone between November 2024 and January 2025 to arrange the murder, planning to use an interstate commerce facility & a Pennsylvania farm to dispose of the victim while leaving a Canada goose carcass with a threatening note at the victim’s mother’s door.

UAlbany twin seniors Kehinde and Taiwo Adejumo, who originally planned to attend different colleges, chose UAlbany after joining inviting Zoom sessions during the pandemic — they were honored with Spellman Achievement Awards on May 14.

The twins are enrolled in combined bachelor’s and master’s programs and will return in fall to finish their master’s degrees after this weekend’s graduation.

MFA student Hoora Mirabzadeh turned personal hardship into art as she graduates from UAlbany — her works, including a photo collage and bilingual letter series, are on display at the University Art Museum through May 18.

SUNY Chancellor John King discussed the new state budget that gives billions for public colleges, including a free community college program for adults 25 to 55 in high-demand fields and funds for faculty raises and research campuses.

He warned that future federal cuts may hurt international students and slow research that drives New York’s strength — state leaders say these changes could impact jobs and innovation.

Albany is using $12.9 million in state and federal funds to replace 2,500 lead service lines—aiming to improve safe drinking water and ease costs on homeowners—and the project also offers up to $2,000 in grant funds along with water filters for residents with high lead levels.

Mayor Kathy Sheehan said the measures are part of a broader initiative to reduce lead exposure in the city's water system.

Today, the New York State Capitol is undergoing rehabilitation on its eastern approach to boost safety and preserve history.

The project uses traditional and modern construction methods — granite pieces are being set exactly back in place to restore East Capitol Park.

Public health expert Erin Bell from the University at Albany warned that PFAS, toxic chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive harm and immune dysfunction, enter drinking water through industrial discharge and other sources.

She co-leads a federally funded study to track PFAS exposure in communities (45% of tap water nationwide contains these chemicals) and aims to understand their long-term health effects.

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.

Raymour & Flanigan Paint & Save

1-3 p.m. — Raymour & Flanigan — $1.50 ticket service fee — Paint a mug to support mental health therapy for service members and veterans.

Albany Comic Con

10 AM – 4 PM — Polonaise Ballroom at PCC — Free for kids 12 and under with a paying adult — Enjoy the premiere comic book and collectibles show in Upstate New York.

The Native Howl Concert

7-9 p.m. — Empire Underground — $39+ — Enjoy last-minute concert tickets for a thrilling performance by The Native Howl in Albany.

Neal Francis Concert at Tricentennial Park

4:30-8:00 p.m. — Tricentennial Park — Free entry — Experience Albany’s vibrant concert series featuring diverse live performances under the summer sky.