Good morning, Albany.

After an increase in gun violence on Albany streets during the Fourth of July, community groups led by Violence Task Force Coordinator Eric Thompson and Bishop Avery Comithier are urging parents to watch for warning signs by using music — with Thompson’s drill song Ceasefire set to launch on July 18 — and holding a mass meeting.

Leonardo Guzman, a Schenectady man and predicate felon, pleaded guilty in Albany County Court to manslaughter after shooting Dewitt Miller on Jan 30 on Central Avenue—he will face a 20-year prison sentence and five years of post-release supervision when sentenced in September—marking Albany’s first homicide of 2025.

After a violent Fourth of July weekend that injured ten people, Albany officials and community groups aim to curb youth violence — launching a summer youth employment program and accepting grant applications to support schools and local organizations — to give at-risk teens more opportunities.

A wave of violence by minors rocked Albany over the July 4th weekend, with a flare gun incident that destroyed a home on Madison Ave and a shooting on Livingston Ave that injured five people, while police arrested juveniles on Sunday & experts said parents might face civil liability if they fail to control their children as investigations continue.

A traffic stop early Friday morning led police to arrest Albany man Robert T.

Epps at Remsen Street and Cayuga Street in Cohoes where they found a loaded Glock 17, two magazines with 18 rounds, a switchblade, and 9.87 ounces of marijuana (all during the stop), and he now faces multiple weapons and drug charges while being held at Albany County Correctional Facility on $25,000 cash bail.

Avi Small, Gov. Hochul’s former press secretary, resigned last week after an investigation found he allegedly inappropriately touched a coworker at McGeary’s following a June 16 softball game + he had been on leave since June 25.

Senators Gustavo Rivera and James Skoufis postponed the CDPAP hearing set for July 9 because the Department of Health is not ready—officials plan to set a new date soon so the agency can answer questions about the program changes.

Planet Asia Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Empire Underground — Check website for price — Experience the sounds of Hip-Hop with Planet Asia at this lively concert event.

Dinner Detective Murder Mystery Show in Albany

6 p.m. — Hilton Garden Inn Albany Medical Center — Tickets starting at $74.95 — Enjoy an interactive comedy murder mystery while dining on a fantastic dinner.

Sushi Dinner at Asian Tea House

6-9 p.m. — Asian Tea House — $40.00 — Experience a delightful night of sushi and cocktails with fellow sushi enthusiasts in a cozy atmosphere.

Summer Art Fest 2025

12-5 p.m. — Quackenbush Square — Free entry — Experience an interactive and immersive arts festival for all ages in Downtown Albany.

Kids Mindfulness & Yoga Summer Camp

9 AM – 12 PM — The Hot Yoga Spot — $250.00 — A fun and engaging camp merging yoga, mindfulness, and creativity for children aged 5-10.

Speed Dating in Albany for Singles Aged 24-39

8:30-10:30 p.m. — The Loft @205 — Ticket required — Meet up to 12 potential matches in a cozy and vibrant atmosphere.

Albany Career Fair

9:30 AM-12:30 PM — Marriott Albany — Free entry — Meet with top recruiters from local and Fortune 500 companies to explore career opportunities.

2025 CrossFit Games - Friday Only

8:59-10:29 a.m. — MVP Arena — Tickets available — Experience elite athletes showcasing unparalleled strength and endurance at the CrossFit Games.

Spitzies Harley-Davidson Ride for Ronald McDonald House Charities

10:30 AM – 5:00 PM — Spitzie's Harley-Davidson of Albany — Donations welcome — Support children's health and well-being with a charity motorcycle ride.

Albany County Summer Hockey School

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. — Albany County Hockey Facility — $560 — Develop your hockey skills with focused training sessions daily.