Good morning, Albany.

Dan Wilson, Montgomery County Legislator, was confirmed by his family as having died in a private plane crash on Block Island Wednesday — the aircraft from Albany International Airport crashed on its third landing attempt.

A Watervliet man, Sean Patrick, 46, was sentenced to one year and six months in prison for unlicensed gun dealing and will face three years of probation with a $7,500 fine as authorities confiscate multiple firearms and ammunition—federal agents stressed that breaking federal law will not be tolerated.

Anthony Lewis Jr., 32, from Rotterdam was sentenced Wednesday to life without parole and an extra three to seven years for fatally stabbing his mother and stepfather on July 4, 2023—police found their bodies on July 7 and he said he killed them under God's direction.

Today, SUNY is moving forward with a pilot program to train new nurses amid ongoing recruitment challenges in the field— the program will enroll students soon.

Community members are invited to join the 14th annual Great Hudson River Estuary Fish Count at Peebles Island State Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 2 — sponsored by DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Management Program — to count and study the river’s fish diversity.

A state-backed program called EMPOWER that helped emergency responders get ready for severe weather was stopped earlier this year because of federal funding cuts; local leaders urged DHS to reinstate the funds while University at Albany researchers seek new money as climate disasters grow more frequent—experts say the program is vital for protecting lives and property.

Assembly records show Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani missed 24 of 71 session days in 2025—he was absent from May 12 through June 17 while still sponsoring 21 bills—while Assemblyman David McDonough did not physically attend but participated virtually on 55 days due to personal and health challenges.

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.

Columbia County Fair

8 PM – 6 PM — Columbia County Fairgrounds — Admission fees vary — A delightful week of fun, rides, and local showcases.

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.

Bulldog Courage Concert

4-6 p.m. — Empire Live — Prices vary — Experience an exciting live performance featuring Bulldog Courage and Death Before Dishonor.