Good morning, Albany.

Qamaria Yemeni Coffee in Latham will host an open mic fundraiser on Saturday, July 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. to honor Harbe Nagi and raise funds for the Autism Society of the Greater Hudson Region (a local nonprofit).

Community leaders in Latham hosted a safety workshop to review disability resources after 7-year-old Harbe Nagi drowned in a Menands pool; he wandered off during a family event.

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara and advocates said better use of technology (such as tracking devices) could help prevent similar incidents.

After a local tragedy, community leaders and families met at a community center to discuss autism wandering prevention and share safety tips (experts stressed the need for updated safety measures).

They plan to launch new initiatives to support local families.

Ragonese Italian Imports in Albany celebrates 40 years in business this year + the store marks four decades of serving local customers with Italian goods.

A heat wave last week triggered an Energy Watch that stressed New York’s electric grid and revealed strain on its aging power plants.

NYISO senior vice president Kevin Lanahan said outages during past extreme weather show outdated infrastructure must be replaced (like an old car under heavy use).

A coalition is asking the state to transfer Hudson-Jay Park and Capital Roots community garden to Albany before the current lease ends in August 2027—local groups say city control will protect these community spaces for the long term.

St. Peter's Health Partners introduced a new robotic lung cancer detection system that uses CT scans to form a 3D lung map; doctors performed the first robotic bronchoscopies at Samaritan Hospital on June 12 to access small nodules in the peripheral lung.

St. Peter’s Health Partners began using a robotic bronchoscopy system at Samaritan Hospital on June 12 to detect lung cancer earlier and with more precision.

Doctors say the catheter builds a 3D map of the lungs (using CT scans) that offers a less invasive alternative with fewer side effects.

Residents of historic Willett Apartments have unionized after reporting delays in repairs and ongoing safety concerns, including theft and a padlocked entrance; management says recent upgrades + proactive security measures aim to resolve the issues.

The University at Albany field hockey team announced its 2026 schedule Tuesday, featuring eight home games at Alumni Turf and matchups with Rutgers, Boston College, and UMass.

The season will begin on Aug. 28 against Wagner and continue through a November campus championship.

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.

WWE Friday Night SmackDown

7:30-9:30 p.m. — MVP Arena — Tickets from $81 — Experience the electrifying atmosphere of WWE SmackDown live in Albany.

Franz Ferdinand Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Empire Live — Tickets from $89 — Experience the iconic sounds of Franz Ferdinand live in Albany!