Good morning, Albany.

Honorary Troy Fire Captain George 'Dawg' Boone, who served over 40 years with the Troy Fire Department, died on Saturday from post-heart surgery complications at age 62.

His wake and funeral are held today at Wynantskill Funeral Home — fire department members and friends will join an 11:45 a.m. procession on Sixth Avenue to pay their respects.

Albany police confirmed that two patrol vehicles collided while they were responding to a call for a handgun arrest, causing damage to a parked Mustang, a work van, and a fire hydrant—officers suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to local hospitals.

A Saratoga Springs-based floral boutique and event studio will open its pop-up store at Stuyvesant Plaza next month between Simone’s Kitchen and Union Hall Supply Company — the shop will offer curated fresh florals, seasonal arrangements, and specialty items.

This new location marks the business's expansion from its original store on Lawrence Street.

A Middleburgh man, Michael Todtschinder, was sentenced on Thursday to up to 4 years in prison for tampering with physical evidence and concealing a human corpse in connection with a 2023 death (he was acquitted of murder and manslaughter) after his arrest near Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Troy police responded at 11:30 p.m. on Wednesday to the intersection of Fourth and Monroe streets in North Central Troy where a 20-year-old man was shot in the torso and taken to a local hospital in stable condition—investigators believe he was involved in a disturbance with another person.

The National Semiconductor Technology Center opened in Albany this week as part of the CHIPS and Science Act, and its EUV accelerator began operating on July 1—CEO Mark Egan said the center may bring roughly 1,000 new jobs over the next six months.

Albany was ranked fourth in LinkedIn’s Cities on the Rise 2025 ranking on July 17th, showing the metro area is growing in jobs and talent.

The report credited the University at Albany with a $1 billion economic impact (including research, construction and high-tech job creation) that is boosting local innovation.

Governor Kathy Hochul held a cabinet meeting in Albany on July 17th at 11:30 a.m. to discuss the impact of federal cuts—after the Senate approved a bill early that day, which now heads to the House due to amendments.

On Wednesday night the Lloyd Town Board tabled three zoning resolutions that would have moved Heavenly Heart Pet Cremation from near Highland Primary School to a light industrial zone — a step meant to address resident concerns over toxic air emissions.

Several locals protested the plan while officials stated they will revisit the issue next month.

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.

Charcuterie Board & Sip Event

6-8 p.m. — Washington Tavern — $65 per person — Build your own delicious charcuterie board while enjoying drinks and a fun night out with friends.