Good morning, Albany.

On May 14, several community leaders were honored at the 10th Albany PAL Breakfast of Champions at the Desmond Albany Crowne Plaza Hotel in Colonie for their work with youth.

NBA All-Star Antonio Davis delivered the keynote address.

Chick-fil-A opened its Latham location on Tuesday morning at 579 Troy Schenectady Road — drawing eager customers along the busy stretch near the Northway.

Owner-operator Jeremiah Mills, who began working at Chick-fil-A at age 16, said the opening marked a long-awaited personal milestone after years of delays.

New York State will celebrate Fourth of July at Empire State Plaza from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 4, with multi-platinum band Sugar Ray, fireworks, family activities, and a Revolutionary War exhibit — hosted by Market 32 and Price Chopper to honor 250 years of independence.

Artistic Director Vallejo Gantner said PS21’s 2026 season will turn its Chatham campus into a living lab for contemporary performance with 10 premieres and two festivals - inviting community members to help create place-based work.

The season will feature global artists and bold shows on American culture and history.

Soumya Kollipara will graduate this summer from UAlbany’s College of Nanotechnology, Science, and Engineering after six years of study in nanotechnology & semiconductor research.

Her work on solid-state batteries may help create safer energy for Albany businesses and residents.

Graduating seniors at Siena and UAlbany face a tough job market as they prepare for May 17 ceremonies.

Career counselors advise students to broaden their job search and steer clear of relying solely on AI for resumes.

UAlbany atmospheric science students launched weather balloons last month in Puerto Rico to collect data on thunderstorms and gain hands-on field experience during a five-day campaign in collaboration with UPR Mayagüez (the research will support improved storm forecasts).

On May 14 at 3 p.m., WAMC aired a talk with Jessica Dean from the Family Child Care Association of New York, who discussed state child care challenges plus Governor Hochul's plan to invest billions, highlighting service gaps in underserved areas.

The NY-BEST Capture the Energy Annual Conference was held at the Albany Capital Center May 12 to 14, featuring industry experts and a demo of Ashlawn Energy's VanCharg Vanadium Flow Battery (a non-flammable, water-based system) that supports renewable energy and grid modernization.

Tick season is active at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve where ecologist Alex Soldo uses tick drags and prescribed burns to lower tick numbers; state health officials advise residents to stay on trails and remove ticks with tweezers (the advised method) to lower Lyme risks.

The Capital Region Land Bank secured $6.65M to build 22 modular CrossMod homes in Schenectady & the project will replace blighted areas with affordable housing.

The University at Albany women's rowing team will race on May 16 in Pennsauken, N.J., at the Cooper River as part of the 2026 CAA Rowing Championship, marking their first appearance in the conference.

They aim to secure an automatic NCAA Championship bid.

Freshman players Julia Pike and Katie Parisi of the Great Danes were named All-Northeast Region by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association on Thursday; Pike earned a Second Team nod for her pitching and hitting, while Parisi received a Third Team honor for her record-setting batting average.

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.

Meet Me @ The Altar - The Worried Sick Summer Tour

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Empire Underground — Discount tickets available — Catch the energetic vibes of Meet Me @ The Altar on their summer tour.