Good morning, Albany.

Albany's Department of Recreation transforms streets into free summer spaces where families enjoy games, music, and community events.

The events began on July 11 at Lincoln Park + continue with Sports Day on July 18 at Hackett Park + Culture Day on July 25 at Black Lives Matter Park + Nature Day on August 1 at Buckingham Pond Park + and conclude with an End of Summer Celebration on August 8 at Swinburne Park/Bleecker Stadium.

On Thursday at 6:30 p.m. near 2nd Avenue and 107th Street in Troy, a motorcyclist from Albany named Kyran A.

Nardolillo (39) lost control of his bike, struck a parked vehicle, and later died at a local hospital.

Hot Dog Charlie’s in Cohoes reopened Monday on Saratoga Street—after being closed for over a year by a fire that caused about $300,000 in damage—and received a warm welcome from locals.

Owners Florence Dimitriadis and Chuck Fentekes said the family eatery is known for its mini hot dogs and chili meat sauce and has seen nonstop customers since reopening.

The Boulevard—an American grill with a taste of Italy—will open this fall at the former Sam’s Italian space on Southern Blvd, using cherished recipes from the neighborhood favorite.

Meanwhile, the potato-themed Mash More is set to open by the end of August in the former KFC on Delaware Ave, and Hana Japanese Steak House is expanding with a second location in Latham this fall.

Joshua McKoy, 24, pleaded guilty in Albany County Court to using an illegal firearm in two separate shootings that occurred last year on November 4 near Madison Avenue and Ontario Street and on December 9 when his handgun shattered a firehouse window while firefighters were inside—he will be sentenced on September 5 and could face 12 to 18 years in prison.

On July 10th, the Pine Hills Land Authority voted 4—1 to begin negotiating a $6 million sale of five buildings on the former College of Saint Rose campus to Albany County; the county already uses some structures and plans to convert the library into a community center while the Sheriff's Office will occupy the business school. The deal starts a 90-day waiting period and may help lower campus debt from recent bond financing.

Governor Hochul warned that the One Big Beautiful Bill Act—signed on July 4—will sharply cut Medicaid and SNAP benefits, potentially leaving over 2 million New Yorkers uninsured and costing billions, while also expanding Pell Grants and tax exemptions and sparking heated partisan debate.

Today, the STRIDE Adaptive Sports I Can Bike program at Union College pairs children with disabilities with volunteers during daily 90-minute sessions so they can learn to ride bikes.

The five-day program—using special bikes that gradually change to standard ones—helps kids build balance and gain confidence.

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.

Descendents Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Empire Live — Tickets start at $36 — Experience an energetic performance from the punk rock legends Descendents in Albany.

Columbia County Sanctuary Movement Caribbean Festival

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Jennings Landing — Free entry — Experience vibrant performances from youth stilt teams and Moko Jumbies at this community celebration.