Good morning, Albany.

Community members will gather on August 2 for the second annual Ride for Dan Lawler—a motorcycle fundraiser that starts at Elm Avenue Park and ends at the Slingerlands Fire Department to honor Dan Lawler, a highway department employee who died by suicide in 2022.

Proceeds will benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and raise awareness for mental health.

Two individuals, including a juvenile, were arrested after burglarizing a Colonie vape shop on Tuesday, July 22 when a store manager spotted the theft on surveillance cameras and police tracked them to a local motel—charges include burglary, grand larceny, and criminal mischief.

Deputies executed a search warrant at 742 Third Street on Tuesday at 11 a.m. and seized 200 grams of cocaine as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation — leading to the arrest of business owner 65-year-old Samuel Guerrero, who is charged with multiple drug offenses — before transporting him to the county jail pending arraignment on Wednesday.

New York State United Teachers joined a lawsuit to force the Education Department + Office of Management and Budget to release $6 billion in federal education funding that school districts planned to use for low-income support, mental health programs and teacher training.

Governor Hochul asked school districts to submit plans to ban cell phone use from bell to bell by August 1, and over 150 districts have already filed their new policies.

Local Rep. Paul Tonko introduced a bipartisan Medicaid Bump Act today to expand mental health services by raising Medicaid reimbursement from 50 to 75 percent to 90 percent + he warned that recent budget cuts could leave many without vital care.

On July 20, 2025, LPGA Tour pros competed at Pinehaven Country Club in Guilderland where Maria Fassi tied for fifth with a -4 finish behind champion Briana Chacon and Yani Tseng, a two-time LPGA Player of the Year, played to try to return to top form.

Local favorite Kennedy Swedick was disqualified for a rules-infraction and tournament director Jim Miller said he will keep the event at Pinehaven for future Epson Tour stops.

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.

CRVN Mini Golf Event

6:30-8 p.m. — All 4 Fun Entertainment — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a family fun night of mini golf and activities with CRVN.

Tommy: The Movie Screening

10 PM – 12 AM — Scene One Spectrum 8 Theatres — Cost not listed — Geek out at a screening of the classic musical with like-minded fans.