Good morning, Albany.

The Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York ended their record 2025 cookie season by selling 784,148 packages by 3,772 girls across 15 counties and are donating $1,500 worth of outdoor furniture to Ronald McDonald House in Albany—proceeds from the $801,994 raised will support future Girl Scout programs.

Michael Lang, a 56-year-old Albany man, was arrested after police found fraudulent documents when he attempted to open an account at Sunmark Credit Union on July 10—he faced additional charges from an earlier fraud case at Pioneer Bank on June 23.

31-year-old Ocya Easley was sentenced to 10 years in state prison — plus 5 years of post-release supervision — after she attacked a woman with a box cutter on North Pearl Street on July 22nd, when witnesses recorded the chase and the victim needed emergency surgery.

Rashad Maye, 37 from Menands was arrested by the Albany County Sheriff's Office after a shots fired incident near 123 Livingston Avenue on July 31 at 2:18 p.m.—officers recovered a 9mm ghost gun loaded with 12 rounds and he faces charges of second, third and fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon as well as tampering with evidence, with his arraignment held on Friday.

Louis Coplin II retired as officer-in-charge at HVCC on Thursday after stepping in following President Ramsammy’s firing over misconduct allegations — his successor Michael S.

Brophy has taken over while Coplin said he will help if needed and plans to enjoy more time with his grandchildren and golfing.

Today marks the deadline for New York schools to submit their plans to ban cellphones in classrooms as part of Governor Hochul's push to reduce distractions and cyberbullying.

Some districts have already proposed using lockable storage devices such as Yondr pouches—Guilderland, Albany and Troy High Schools have submitted plans—and other schools plan to use lockers or noninternet-connected phones.

On Friday, August 1, UAlbany hosted its RNA Day celebration where the RNA Institute said AI would help in research.

SUNY Chancellor John King said AI could change how we fight diseases—while Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new supercomputer project under the Empire AI program—to boost lab work at University at Buffalo.

Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin and local officials urged the state to fully restore the century-old Martin Dunham Dam in Grafton after a safety study found it did not meet requirements.

Local residents worry that removing the dam could risk downstream flooding, and the state is reviewing near-term fixes and longer-term options — decisions that may affect the 98-acre reservoir used for recreation.

Federal Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F.

Kennedy, Jr. announced the government will review restrictions on synthetically altered kratom derivatives—following rising concerns about dangerous levels of 7 hydroxymitragynine linked to overdose deaths. State lawmakers in Albany are expected to debate further regulations as victims’ families and industry groups push for clear rules—balancing consumer relief with safety measures.

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.