Good morning, Albany.

Former Albany Medical Center NICU patients and caregivers reconnected at the Italian Community Center in Albany over the past weekend; the event (now in its third year) featured games and food to celebrate patient recovery.

Straight No Chaser, an all-male acapella group known for record-breaking albums and concert ticket sales, is kicking off its Beach Bash Tour today and will perform at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center on Saturday, June 20 at 8:00 p.m.

The Arch Stanton Quartet will conclude its yearlong music & spoken-word series with a free performance on June 19 at the Albany Institute of History & Art; the event starts at 12:30 p.m. and follows a series seen at a dozen libraries since Oct.

2025.

State education officials previewed a new graduation system on Monday that will replace five Regents exams with demonstrations of skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, civic responsibility, and self-reflection.

The education department will work with teachers and students to fully implement the system in Fall 2029.

A state-ordered audit found 72 ways for National Grid to improve after noting gaps in estimated bills, customer privacy, and cost oversight (auditors also praised gains in load forecasting and system reliability).

National Grid will file an implementation plan with regulators by July 13.

Early voting for the upcoming primary is underway at several polling locations across the Capital Region (some spots differ from your usual polling place), so residents should check online for details.

Eligible families will receive Summer EBT cards with $120 for groceries, which automatically replenish on existing cards until they expire in 122 days.

Families should expect notification by letter, email, or text and update their PIN to protect against benefit theft.

St. Peter's Health Partners, an Albany-based hospital, tested new MRI imaging and 3D printing technology to better locate breast cancer tumors — cutting second surgeries by 34% in a recent trial while the system awaits wider approval.

University at Albany and TNA Wrestling announced an upcoming two-day event on July 1-2 at Broadview Center; the event will be broadcast live on AMC and promises a fresh entertainment treat for local fans.

On Monday, the University at Albany field hockey team announced the return of Robyn Murray as assistant coach, highlighting her coaching experience from Central Michigan + her standout history as a 2022 America East Champion alum.

Murray will bring renewed energy and expertise to the program.

NYRA announced free giveaway items for the 2026 Saratoga summer meet (pins, kids plushie, lawn jockey statue and flannel shirt) and will offer a $9 season pass discount if purchased by Wednesday, June 17.

The meet opens Friday, July 3 at Saratoga Race Course and runs through Sept. 7.

Neighborhood Specialist Office Hours

3-5 p.m. — Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch — Free entry — Engage with the Neighborhood Specialist and share your thoughts on local services.

Capital Concert Series Featuring Kansas and Muscle Shoals

5-8:30 p.m. — Empire State Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of free concerts and festivities at the Plaza this summer.

Neighborhood Specialist Office Hours

3:00 – 4:30 PM — Arbor Hill/West Hill Branch — Free entry — Engage with your local Neighborhood Specialist and share your thoughts on community services.

Alive at Five Summer Concert Series: Classic Rock Night

5-11 p.m. — Washington Park — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of high-energy classic rock with FJ's tribute to Foreigner and Journey.

Atomic Rule Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Empire Underground — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying night with Atomic Rule and The Virgos in Albany.

John Caparulo Comedy Show

9:15 PM — Funny Bone — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian John Caparulo at the Funny Bone Comedy Club.