Daily
Albany
Thursday, July 31st, 2025
Good morning, Albany. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 31st of July.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Amber Mercado, 38, was arrested on July 29 for allegedly stealing $7,364.55 from Carver Companies at Coeymans Landing Marina while working as a corporate controller—she was released on her own recognizance and will appear in court on August 9 at 9 a.m. ABC NEWS 10
- ➤ Albany authorities arrested 38-year-old Kinyetta Gordon after a reported Lexington Avenue stabbing left a 36-year-old critically injured and a second victim hurt — she pleaded not guilty after being indicted on charges of attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon. ABC NEWS 10
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ After a general manager was fired for embezzlement last summer, Albany Rural Cemetery has focused on restoring trust and upgrading aging facilities with new plans for a $1.8 million, two-retort crematorium—efforts aimed at meeting state air quality rules and stabilizing its revenue. The cemetery, a long-standing cultural landmark with over 135,000 burials, now faces steep repairs and financial challenges as it builds a path forward. Times Union
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Russell Sage College and Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences have advanced to the next step in their proposed merger after approving a binding transaction agreement this month. The schools will operate independently while multiyear regulatory reviews take place—if all approvals are met, the merger will complete in fall 2027—so current students can finish their degrees under their existing programs. Spotlight News
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The New York Power Authority released an updated draft strategic plan that will add 17 solar arrays and three wind turbine projects to increase renewable capacity to about 7 GW—enough to power roughly 7 million homes. Public comments are accepted until Sept. 12 and virtual hearings are set for Aug. 19 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Aug. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. as the agency works toward the state's renewable energy goals. Times Union
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Pelvic health once was a taboo topic but received fresh attention on social media and among Albany health professionals, who stressed its role in bladder and bowel control—especially for core strength and sexual function. Physical therapist Kathleen Kosinski at St. Peter’s Health Partners Pelvic Health Center worked with patients on exercises to strengthen muscles affected by pregnancy, menopause and aging. ABC NEWS 10
- ➤ Local Laura Barker, who battled stage five kidney failure, received a kidney from donor Bruce Martone after they met at Samaritan Hospital two years ago, and she now feels much better. The couple says they will enjoy many more years together. ABC NEWS 10
- ➤ Albany Medical Center is planning to expand its emergency room by 7,000 square feet—a move expected to boost patient care capacity. The Daily Gazette
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Columbia County Fair
8 PM – 6 PM — Columbia County Fairgrounds — Admission fees vary — A delightful week of fun, rides, and local showcases.
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Meet the Scientist: Heather Clark
12 PM — New York State Museum — Free entry — Discover how archaeological mapping unveils the stories beneath our feet with expert Heather Clark.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.
~ Friedrich Nietzsche
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