Good morning, Albany.

Ta-Sean Murdock, CEO of the Center for Law and Justice, said Albany violence is a moral crisis after 10 people were shot and a home burned on Madison Ave during the July 4 holiday weekend—he urged investment in youth programs, mental health, housing and education—warning that without community unity more violence will occur.

A Watervliet man, Fred Santiago (46), pleaded not guilty to charges including attempted murder and assault after he allegedly stabbed a man in the throat in Hudson Shores Park around 10:45 p.m. on June 26 during an argument, was arrested on foot, and remains in Albany County Jail.

Vincent Squitieri—a 45-year-old man with a long criminal history—pleaded guilty to robbing a store on April 13 at Lark Central Market in Albany, where he stole $500 and damaged the cash register, marking his 13th felony, and the district attorney said he will seek persistent felon status at his sentencing on October 7 that may lead to 25 years to life.

UAlbany will host the free Pro Musica International Choral Festival from July 13—20 where 140 high school singers from across North America will join rehearsals, workshops and vocal clinics at the Performing Arts Center on campus.

The festival, organized by Albany Pro Musica, will include three public concerts that let students learn and perform under renowned guest conductors.

The Albany Central School District is starting a new cell phone policy for summer classes at Albany High School where students must put their phones in a lockable pouch and arrive 15 minutes early.

Summer classes run Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. with no classes on Friday.

DuPont agreed to settle a federal class-action lawsuit filed nearly a decade ago by Hoosick Falls residents who were exposed to polluted drinking water by agreeing to pay roughly $25 million (with additional funds set aside for ongoing medical monitoring), and the settlement now awaits approval from a federal judge with a settlement conference set for Tuesday.

New rules from the Federal Trade Commission and New York will make it easier for consumers to cancel unwanted online subscriptions.

The Click-to-Cancel rule takes effect on July 14 and forces companies to add an easy-to-find cancel button — state law also requires clear notices of renewals and price changes.

New York State spent over $100 million on bridge lights under former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s plan but never used them, storing the equipment for years — costing taxpayers an extra $2.1 million in fees.

The state auctioned the unused lights in late June and recovered only $383,000 from the sale.

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.