Good morning, Albany.

Donna Merill is making homemade ice cream at Duck Pond Farms along Route 20 in Altamont.

She gathers fresh blueberries, raspberries (from Indian Ladder Farms) and strawberries from Altamont Orchards, plus produce from Gade Farm, to create fruity flavors that honor longtime stand owner Tim Coughtry.

GE Vernova is set to build its $110 million research campus in Niskayuna that will explore AI-based energy grid solutions, robotics and a process for making water, marking a new step in energy innovation.

Thirteen-year-old Mason Cufari from Rotterdam stars in the film The Odyssey out today, filmed in Italy last April.

Mason, who loves soccer and video games, shared behind-the-scenes moments with actors (including Matt Damon and John Leguizamo) during long hikes on set.

The Media Project aired yesterday at 3 p.m. on WAMC — featuring former Times Union Editor Rex Smith, Judy Patrick, and David Guistina discussing AI’s role in journalism — and will return tomorrow at 6 p.m. on the same station.

City and state officials announced Cap City Collective at Washington Park Lake House, forming a civic advisory board for Albany residents aged 20 to 35 to shape local policies.

Applications are open until Aug. 14 after Assemblywoman Romero secured $20,000 in state funding — a bid to keep graduates.

New York approved a one-year moratorium on hyperscale AI data centers (aimed at studying local impacts) to protect resources and communities, while cybersecurity expert Leeza Garber advises parents to check privacy settings on Snapchat amid ongoing child safety investigations.

A widening cyclosporiasis outbreak has prompted officials to reexamine food inspections after iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms was linked to cases in five states; local distributors in Albany are implementing extra safety measures until further findings determine a recall is needed.

A local landscaping company continues work despite wildfire smoke advisories and takes extra precautions with water and fans — health officials warn that air quality may worsen this weekend, urging outdoor workers to be cautious.

A boil water advisory was issued in Stillwater beginning Friday night after a 30-inch water main leak; it will remain in effect until Sunday evening + officials imposed an irrigation ban in Clifton Park to conserve water.

Gavin Van Kempen returned to East Greenbush on Friday night after being selected 12th overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers, signing autographs and posing for photos behind Howard L.

Goff Middle School (the field was renamed in honor of James J. Finke for his 50 years of community service).

Franz Ferdinand Concert

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

Guster Concert

7-11 p.m. — The Egg — Tickets vary — Enjoy an evening of catchy melodies from the beloved American rock band Guster.