Good morning, Albany.

Patrick Lafortune, a 32-year-old entrepreneur and mentor, died in a motorcycle crash on Route 9W near Corning Hill Road in Bethlehem on July 14 when a car crossed the centerline, and his family now demands a swift investigation after learning the driver—previously cited for DWAI—was allowed to drive.

An Albany man, 18-year-old Ambishas Cowan, was arrested Thursday after police responded to a report of a loaded handgun in a backyard on Thornton Avenue near Livingston Avenue—he is charged with second and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and police found another handgun nearby.

A dog named Lavender, a pit bull mix rescued from severe abuse in Schenectady in March, is now showing a remarkable transformation after receiving care at Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and a foster home in Niskayuna — final check-ups are scheduled in the coming weeks while police continue investigating charges against a 31-year-old man accused of abandoning her.

Scientists at the New York State Museum in Albany are researching mastodon remains, a giant ancient beaver skull and a dinosaur egg using scanning machines from Albany Medical Center.

Some fossils come from Orange County and date back millions of years — the study links a billion-year-old past to modern science.

Cynthia Erivo canceled her SPAC show due to scheduling conflicts beyond her control and Jon Batiste will perform music from his upcoming album at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on Aug.

22, with ticket holders able to request a refund or credit by Aug. 1.

On Friday morning, Congressman Tonko and environmental justice advocates in Albany urged the EPA to reinstate a $20 million Community Change grant that was cut in May — eight grantees from the ALL(bany) Together Project vowed to use legislation and litigation to restore the funding.

State Route 85 in Bethlehem will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on weeknights beginning Monday, July 28 until August 6 for pavement renewal—drivers must use a detour via New Scotland Road and Maher Road and expect travel delays.

A reinterpretation of federal policy — announced by the Department of Health and Human Services on July 14 — now prevents community health centers like Whitney Young on Lark Drive from using federal funds to treat patients without legal immigration status, which may force the center to find alternative funding or charge higher fees when patients lose legal status.

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.