Good morning, Albany.

El Loco closed after 42 years because rising costs made it hard to compete—many locals shared their memories as they said goodbye; the owner will sell the building and plans to spend more time with his family.

Albany police are investigating two separate alleged stabbing incidents from Friday where a 42-year-old man with a hip wound was treated after an altercation on South Pearl Street and a 41-year-old man was treated for a wound near Partridge and Bradford—no arrests have been made.

The Schenectady Police Department arrested 36 year old Calvin Williams Jr. from the Bronx in connection with the fatal 2021 shooting at Tropics Restaurant & Bar on Brandywine Avenue, where 23 year old E-Shawn Amir Berkley died—an investigation involving federal agencies continues.

Calvin Williams Jr., a 36-year-old Bronx man, was charged with second-degree murder after a four-year investigation—by many police—that linked him to the fatal shooting of 23-year-old E-Shawn Amir Berkley outside a Schenectady nightclub in 2021.

The Albany Art Room on New Scotland Avenue has added retail space for in-house art and will host a grand opening celebration today at 5 p.m.—offering items priced from $30 to $50 like paintings, printed shirts for kids and pottery.

Owner Karen Schupack said the update follows a gradual rebuild after pandemic shutdowns.

The DEC opened submissions for its annual Arbor Day Poster contest in Albany with a theme called Trees for the Future—creators of all ages can submit original artwork or photography until November 30, and the winning image will be featured on the 2026 State Arbor Day Poster at local events. This contest requires entries to showcase trees grown in New York.

A nationwide protest organized by the Nonviolent Medicaid Army saw demonstrators rally in Albany and across 12 states to demand a stop to Medicaid cutoffs that put vulnerable people at risk.

Albany Assemblymember John McDonald warned that ending coverage could lead to higher costs for local hospitals—costs many communities may soon face.

The University at Albany Great Danes won a hard-fought 3-2 match over Canisius at the PE Gym in Albany as part of the UAlbany Invitational, with graduates Elif Yasar and Shynelle Woroniuk named to the All-Tournament Team.

The team will travel to the Boston College Invitational on Sept-12 to face Dartmouth.

Improvement Movement Concert

7-11 p.m. — Lark Hall — Check website for ticket info — Experience the eclectic sounds of Atlanta's Improvement Movement live on stage.

Harvest Craft Fair

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Shaker Heritage Society — Suggested donation of $5 — Enjoy a family-friendly weekend with a petting zoo, live music, and over 65 vendors.

Tunnel to Towers Climb

12:00 – 3:00 p.m. — Albany Mall — Registration fee required — Honor the heroism of firefighters and participate in a community climb.

Adam Sandler Live

7:30-9:00 p.m. — MVP Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with the iconic comedian Adam Sandler.

Nurse Blake Live Show

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Palace Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Enjoy a night of comedy with Nurse Blake in Albany.

Auto Recyclers NorthEast Convention & TraceShow

Sep 18-20 — Hilton Albany — Check official website for entry fees — A premier gathering for automotive recycling professionals to network and explore new technologies.

Peak Live Concert

11:30 p.m. — Lark Hall — Free entry — Experience an energetic Wheel Aftershow with Brooklyn’s psychedelic indie funk quartet PEAK.

Jade Bird Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Empire Live — Tickets starting at $36 — Experience the captivating sounds of Jade Bird in Albany.

Graham Barham Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Empire Underground — Tickets from $40 — Catch Graham Barham live in Albany with a range of ticket options.

CHEFS: Palm Royale

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Albany Capital Center — Support culinary excellence — Experience a delightful evening of farm-to-table tastings and community spirit.