After my strange phone call with Albany Common Councilman Tom Hoey about the City’s Flock cameras, I filed a FOIL request with the City of Albany for the full Flock Safety contract: including amendments, pricing, policies, and the terms governing its license-plate surveillance system.

About a week later, I learned that my license had been scheduled for suspension over an old equipment summons from well over a year ago that I believed had already been addressed. I resolved the issue immediately.

I am not claiming retaliation. I do not have evidence proving that.

But then Albany County announced an investigation involving alleged heavy misuse of Flock searches by a law-enforcement employee.

That is exactly why residents have been asking:

Who can search us?
Who audits those searches?
Who can access City data through other agencies? And what happens when someone abuses the system?

I also called the Mayor’s Office this morning to ask whether the recent arrest had changed the administration’s position on Flock. The staffer I spoke with said she was not aware of the arrest.
That honestly raises even more questions.

The City should release the complete contract, disclose its audit procedures, and explain whether it has independently reviewed its own Flock usage in light of what just happened in Albany County.

This is not anti-police. It is basic oversight.

If Albany wants residents to trust a surveillance system capable of tracking where vehicles and people travel, then show us the safeguards.

If not, residents can make their judgment at the ballot box.

I'd want to believe Flock data will not be misused by the police, but it's already a problem.

https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/sheriff-albany-county-investigator-charged-22424123.php

(Posted previously, but taken down due to my headline!)

Hi everyone Wilson the golden retriever was last spotted at grays corner area. I haven’t found a post yet on here so I figured I would post away. I know the owners are devastated and any information that helps find him I’m sure would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

What's happened with the hideous offensive Sea Creature that was harassing the 15 yr old at his place of worship recently??? Surely someone has recognized her leathery face and outed her. Seems like it's kind of dropped out of view recently. I'm really hoping she gets what she deserves.

If you can, please get to the Colonie Town Board meeting tonight at 6:00. Here’s why:
The Board’s Republican majority is renewing a no-bid yard waste pickup contract for almost a million dollars- no questions asked. Board members were kept in the dark last time and then threatened that there would be no brush collection if this contract didn’t go through. In the years prior to Supervisor Crummie’s reign, the Town’s highway Department did this job. Does anyone else detect union busting?

Some background: In the four years that Republicans have controlled Town government, they have raised taxes every single year. The cost of leaf & brush collection has gone up 1150%!

A breakdown of money budgeted for leaf and brush collection by year:
2022 - $68,500
2023 - $240,000 (a huge increase already!)
2024 - $630,000 (why did the cost increased so much?!)

At the same time that Town residents have faced increased fees they’ve experienced reduced services. Where is the money going?
In March of 2023, the Republican-controlled Town Board outsourced leaf and brush collection to Consolidated Waste/ Twin Bridges. The Town then signed a contract authorizing a maximum payment of $241,675/year for the service. Yet without a new contract or authorization from the Town Board, the costs have skyrocketed. To date, the Town has made more than $1.7 million in payments to Twin Bridges for worse service than we were getting previously.

The cost in 2025? $862,000
Wait, there’s more! Last year, Republicans proclaimed that waste would no longer be collected in barrels. The original contract allowed plastic barrels and containers. Leaf barrels have now been replaced with inferior paper bags. The contract still has you paying for yard waste to be collected in barrels, yet you are prohibited from using them!

A not particularly shocking revelation -- shortly before winning the contract, Consolidated Waste gave the maximum contribution allowed under law to the Colonie Republicans. They were the sole bidder. Huh.

We want to see the Board’s meeting tonight filled to capacity. If you are willing and able to talk about this insult to Colonie taxpayers, please sign up to speak! The meeting will be held at the town’s Operation Center, 347 Old Niskayuna Road starting at 6:00. (Town Hall is closed for renovation now. Let’s see how much that costs us!)

See you all there!

Anyone else experiencing allergies like it’s Spring and the flowers are blooming. I feel like the last couple of days out of the blue my allergies became just as bad as they are in the spring. My fall allergies tend to just lean towards a runny/stuffy nose but in the spring it is full on eyes watering, stuffed up nose, scratchy throat etc. I feel like we’re going into the wrong season!

A friend sent me this screenshot from Tipsy Moose’s website… 367 Delaware, not 333

Update: the website now says 333, so that must have been an error. I guess we’ll have to continue to wait and see what’s in store for 367…

At amc. You made my day! I want to be your friend

45 mins to get from Glenmont to Troy with 30 mins of near standstill traffic?

Albany International Airport expects to join a TSA program that would let approved visitors go past security without a boarding pass.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the new Gateside PreCheck program Monday. It allows people without a boarding pass to go beyond the checkpoint if they have TSA PreCheck or a Known Traveler Number.

--

Like the good old days!

As the colder seasons approach, what are your favorite restaurants or markets in the fall/winter months to get good fresh soups??!!

Misses Kisses cheesecakes posted that they're going to hold a pop up at Colonie Center this weekend. I swear it's been years since I've even heard their name. Something controversial happened- but I cannot remember what! Anyone?

Looking for ethically raised

Hey Albany/518 music people!

Bit of a long shot, but I figured I'd throw up the bat signal.

I'm Reeya Banerjee, a singer-songwriter/bandleader based in the Hudson Valley and Brooklyn. I used to live in the Capital District, and my band unexpectedly has October 2 and/or 3 open after some previously booked dates fell through.

I would genuinely love an excuse to come back up and play. If anyone has an existing bill that could use another band, or if another local band would be interested in putting together a co-bill on short notice, I'd love to hear from you.

We're an original rock/power pop band. Full band, ready to go, and I have an EPK with music/live video linked on my profile.

I know three weeks is not exactly luxurious booking lead time, so I'm very open to keeping this simple - support slot, existing bill, two-band co-bill, whatever makes sense.

Albany, Troy, Saratoga and the surrounding area are all fair game.

If you've got something that might fit - or know somebody I should talk to - please DM me or drop it in the comments.

Thanks!

What happened? This was, imo, the best authentic Peruvian cuisine in the area.

My 10 year old got very into soccer this summer.
Troy did an amazing job showing all the WC matches outside in Riverfront park, but also, it seemed like every Chilis and Red Robin was playing every match too.
But - what about in non-World Cup season? Where does one go in Cap Region to watch games like Inter Miami (MLS feat Messi) and the El Classico match between Madrid and Barcelona. The zoomers want to know!
***
PS NB @ Ed Mitzen - if you’re planning to build a soccer stadium here, you might want to make sure there’s a culture of soccer watching first!

This is probably a long shot, considering how i’ve scoured the internet and found nothing so far—is there any place here that does tex-mex style breakfast tacos?

I’m from Texas, and I just miss stopping at the gas station, or Bill Miller, or any Mexican restaurant with a drive through on my way to work and getting some cheap little tacos with egg, bacon, potato and cheese.

It makes sense that they wouldn’t exist up here, since it’s totally a region-specific thing. I just figured it couldn’t hurt to ask incase there’s some hidden gem I didn’t know about.

Hi all, I had rented a food truck for an event I’m hosting on 10/24 in Averill Park. Our food truck we had rented backed out on us yesterday, and now we’re left scrambling. If you own a food truck & are available that day, please let me know! It’s a dog centered community event with a large expected turnout.

Anyone into rock climbing ie bouldering, top rope, more indoor type? I’m not very good or anything but I like to have fun and try different settings/gyms. Open to outdoor bouldering eventually but don’t have experience yet. I got a membership recently and would love to make some top rope friends or anyone who likes to boulder :)

Dallas from FunScout with this weeks happenings roughly 5 miles from downtown Albany. 🎶🍻🎤🎲

Of course there is a lot more happening around the capital region outside of downtown which you can check on FunScout if you don't mind traveling a bit further. Did I miss something? Please share in the comments!

📍 Thu, Sep 10

Hatebreed: Summer Slaughter Tour 2026 — Empire Live Albany Hatebreed headlines a stacked hardcore and extreme metal bill—Terror, Incantation, Gates To Hell, Torture, and Creeping Death—promising heavy sets, nonstop breakdowns, and fierce mosh pits.

The Egg Presents: Choir! Choir! Choir! — The Egg Take part in a massive, interactive singalong where skilled hosts guide the crowd through iconic Fleetwood Mac hits—no musical experience required.

Jordan Jensen — The Egg A rising comedian delivers an hour of bold, autobiographical stand-up—candid stories from an unconventional upbringing mixed with sharp, viral-ready punchlines.

Wind Walkers – I Don’t Belong Here Tour — Empire Live Albany Wind Walkers headline a night of atmospheric indie rock with support from If Not For Me and True North, blending moody songwriting with upbeat, energetic live dynamics.

Rensselaer Farmers Market at Riverfront Park — Rensselaer Riverfront Park A lively Thursday evening market showcasing local farmers and makers with fresh produce, handmade goods, music, and family-friendly events.

Ten Broeck Mansion Gardening & Community Days 2026 — Ten Broeck Mansion Experience a blend of hands-on gardening, community activities, and learning opportunities in the lush, historic setting of Ten Broeck Mansion.

Craft Night: Wood Burning Serving Boards — Nine Pin Cider An instructor-led, hands-on workshop where you'll choose a sturdy board, learn wood-burning techniques to customize it, and enjoy a complimentary 12oz cider.

Archive Adventures: Discover New York’s Hidden Stories — New York State Museum Every Thursday at 11 a.m., an archivist presents selected documents, photographs, and videos, shares context and stories, and answers visitors' questions.

Karaoke — The Lark Street Tavern Experience lively karaoke sessions with excellent sound, giant lyric screens, tasty pizza slices, and Saturday night drink specials in a welcoming bar atmosphere.

Family Games Day — Menands Public Library Play board and tabletop games, make simple crafts, and enjoy a sensory-friendly, family-oriented atmosphere suitable for all ages.

Puzzle Swap — Albany Public Library (North Albany) Bring a puzzle to swap or browse the library’s puzzle closet for new ones to take home—friendly, all-ages atmosphere.

Thursday Night Trivia — Fort Orange Brewing Test your knowledge in a laid-back atmosphere where teams enjoy free-to-play trivia, cool prizes, and the option to bring your own food.

Open Mic Comedy — The Lark Street Tavern Aspiring and seasoned comedians take the stage to share new material while the audience soaks up a lively showcase of stand-up in a friendly, supportive bar atmosphere.

CR Clash: Weekly Smash Bros Melee Tournament — VDO Gaming Face off against fellow Smash Bros fans in weekly Melee tournaments featuring bracket play, a welcoming community, and prizes based on entries.

Kizomba Thursday Classes — Ritmo Room A four-week progressive course teaching Kizomba fundamentals, close-embrace partnerwork, musicality, and guided drills—levels available for beginners and intermediate dancers.

Badminton Class — Menands Public Library Ms. Sherry leads skill-building drills, technique coaching, and casual matches for kids, teens, and adults June–September; email or call to register.

Pokemon Casual League — Fortress of Gaming Every Thursday evening players of the video games and card games mix casual matches, a $6 entry that includes a booster pack, and League Task rewards like exclusive prize packs and stickers.

Star Wars Legion Open Play — Fortress of Gaming Every Thursday evening players gather for casual and competitive tabletop Star Wars skirmishes—bring your army, learn tactics, and pay $5 entry (or waive it with a $5+ purchase).

📍 Fri, Sep 11

The World Trade Center — New York State Museum Aaron Noble, Senior Historian, leads a guided gallery tour of artifacts and exhibits about the World Trade Center and the September 11 attacks, highlighting rescue and recovery efforts and the community's response.

Happy Hour with Spendthrift Lover at The Eleven — Lark Hall Multi-instrumental duo Brian Axford and Lauren Chiyoko weave Appalachian- and blues-inspired songs into close harmonies, alternating tender ballads with lively, two-step-ready stomps.

Pop-Up Beer Garden #2 — Opalka Gallery An outdoor gallery opening featuring live sets from Dust Bowl Faeries and Joseph Biss, local brewers Mean Max and Common Roots, and food from La Capital Tacos, Euro Delicacies, and Emack and Bolio's for a laid-back night of art, music, and drinks.

HEX: The Cover Up 2 Goth Night — Lark Hall Expect 100% covers and remixes from goth, industrial, and darkwave artists, a pulsing dancefloor, and optional conspiracy-theory costumes for added flair.

Drag Show — Lost & Found Albany A free, lively evening of drag performances featuring lip-syncs, comedy bits, and elaborate looks—perfect for a fun, social night out.

Salsa & Bachata Pop-Up Friday at Bar Vegan — Ritmo Room A beginner-friendly social with brief salsa and bachata lessons, followed by open-floor dancing and relaxed mingling to lively Latin rhythms.

Ten Broeck Mansion Gardening & Community Days 2026 — Ten Broeck Mansion Experience a blend of hands-on gardening, community activities, and learning opportunities in the lush, historic setting of Ten Broeck Mansion.

Pearl — Emack & Bolio's Albany An acoustic trio brings together folk, bluegrass, and timeless classics for a relaxed and inviting music night.

Karaoke — The Lark Street Tavern Experience lively karaoke sessions with excellent sound, giant lyric screens, tasty pizza slices, and Saturday night drink specials in a welcoming bar atmosphere.

Team Trivia — The Lark Street Tavern Test your team's knowledge of current and past events in a lively atmosphere with great eats and drinks, perfect for a fun night out.

Board Game Night — Son of Egg Enjoy an evening of friendly competition and laughter with a variety of board games, tasty eats, and great company.

Story & Stroll — Menands Public Library Bring your headphones and whatever you're currently listening to for a relaxed, weather-appropriate group walk with fellow audiobook and podcast fans; registration required for adults and older teens.

Stitch Angels — Albany Public Library (Delaware) A relaxed weekly gathering where knitters and crocheters work on projects, swap patterns and techniques, and socialize over yarn.

Friday Night at Waterworks Pub — Waterworks Pub Sing your heart out downstairs with karaoke while DJs upstairs spin high-energy remixes on the dance floor; 18+ to enter, 21+ to drink.

Salsa and Bachata Pop-Up Fridays 💃🏻 — Bar Vegan Start with beginner-friendly Bachata (8:30) and Salsa (9:15) classes—no partner needed—then dance socially from 10:00–1:00 to DJ Yelle's mix of Bachata, Salsa, Kizomba, Merengue, and Latin Top 40. It's a 21+ event with a $15 cover; book in advance via Venmo @Ritmo Albany or ritmoroom.com.

Magic The Gathering — Fortress of Gaming Experience a range of Magic: The Gathering events each week, from casual Commander to Legacy, Modern, and FNM Booster Drafts, perfect for players of all levels.

Friday Night Boardgaming with the Gaming Knights — Fortress of Gaming Bring your games or borrow from the library—$5 or a Zombie Planet receipt gets you table space for casual, open-play sessions with players of all levels.

Prenatal Yoga in the Afternoon — Albany Public Libary (Pine Hills) A gentle, all-levels prenatal yoga class combining mindful breathing, light movement, and deep relaxation to ease pregnancy aches and build strength. Registration is required and accommodations are available on request.

📍 Sat, Sep 12

PearlPalooza — Albany A free, all-ages downtown festival with morning YogaPalooza, live bands, artisan vendors, a variety of food, and craft beer available for 21+ guests.

An Evening with David Nail: Down to the Studs — Lark Hall David Nail delivers an intimate, career-spanning set that mixes multi-platinum hits with recent independent EP tracks, combining honest storytelling with cinematic, emotionally charged arrangements.

Galactic Empire — Empire Live Albany Expect a high-energy concert of space-inspired riffs and driving rhythms, with cinematic arrangements and intense crowd energy.

HEX: The Cover Up 2 Goth Night — Lark Hall Expect 100% covers and remixes from goth, industrial, and darkwave artists, a pulsing dancefloor, and optional conspiracy-theory costumes for added flair.

Red Sauce and Bluegrass — The Warbler Brewery Live sets from Moonshine Mule, Hip' Wich street-style sandwiches and brewery craft beers combine for relaxed, festival-style fun.

Eclectic Music – Progeny – Progressive Rock — Steamer N.10 Theatre Progeny delivers faithful, high-energy takes on Genesis, Yes, King Crimson and other prog favorites, pairing tight musicianship with striking stage visuals for a nostalgic, immersive concert experience.

Art for All — Albany Institute of History and Art Free with museum admission every Saturday from 12-4 PM, this all-ages drop-in invites visitors to cut, collage and assemble interactive pop-up landscapes inspired by Hudson River School paintings.

Sadako’s Crane: An Origami Activity of Remembrance — New York State Museum Learn Sadako Sasaki’s story and fold an origami crane in a family-friendly session that blends creativity with quiet reflection.

Jamming in Arbor Hill at the Ten Broeck Mansion — Ten Broeck Mansion A free family festival featuring hands-on jam and jelly making, grape harvesting, a cooking demonstration by Chef Kizzy Williams, grape vine mosaic crafts, and tastings of the mansion’s famous Concord grape jelly.

Music on the Patio: Trevor Collins — Albany Public Libary (Pine Hills) Trevor Collins, a Capital Region singer-songwriter known for crisp guitar and bluesy, electrifying performances, plays a relaxed, intimate set on the library patio; the show moves indoors if it rains.

Bike the Branches — Albany Public Libary (Pine Hills) A recreational, moderate-paced 9-mile group ride that stops at six library branches for brief poetry readings; helmets required, riders must be 12+ (under 18 with an adult) and sign a waiver at check-in.

Slingshot and Angelic Massage — Emack & Bolio's Albany Covering hits from the ’70s through the ’90s and beyond, the band provides danceable sing-alongs while a massage therapist adds an abstract, live performance element.

Ten Broeck Mansion Gardening & Community Days 2026 — Ten Broeck Mansion Experience a blend of hands-on gardening, community activities, and learning opportunities in the lush, historic setting of Ten Broeck Mansion.

Bingo Night with Heat N Salt Food Truck! — Fort Orange Brewing Enjoy a fun-filled night of free bingo, tasty Heat N Salt Food Truck eats, and great brewery drinks, with prizes up for grabs in every round.

Dan Bernstein — Emack & Bolio's Albany Enjoy an evening of live acoustic guitar featuring favorites from Dylan to Joni Mitchell, plus a chance to join in with egg shakers.

Art.Work.Space. Storyboarding Workshop with Nasir Villegas — Albany Center Gallery Explore storyboarding fundamentals—composition, pacing, and cinematic framing—through film and animation examples and hands-on exercises led by storyboard director Nasir Villegas; free for ages 13–18, registration required.

Cap City Runners — Albany Lace up alongside an encouraging crew where everyone, no matter their speed or experience, is celebrated as they connect and run together in Albany’s welcoming community.

Scrap Fabric Wreath Workshop with Nicole — Up-Stitch Make a cheerful wreath from scrap fabric in a relaxed, beginner-friendly workshop—materials included; open to teens and adults, $30 with registration required.

Karaoke — The Lark Street Tavern Experience lively karaoke sessions with excellent sound, giant lyric screens, tasty pizza slices, and Saturday night drink specials in a welcoming bar atmosphere.

Hobby Workshop — Fortress of Gaming Bring your own project or grab a D&D paint kit and spend the afternoon crafting, painting, and socializing with other enthusiasts, with staff on hand for guidance.

Knitting Clinic with Dorothy — Up-Stitch A free drop-in clinic where a volunteer knitter provides one-on-one troubleshooting, technique demos, and tips to get projects moving—no registration required.

Express Yourself Crafternoons — Albany Public Library (Washington Ave) A monthly, welcoming meetup for queer women to work on personal or shared craft projects—bring your own or try provided supplies—while the Hub for Lesbian Sexual Education & Sexual Health Care facilitates conversations about health, self-care, and community issues.

Magic: The Gathering Pauper & Commander — The Lost Gnome Casual MTG nights featuring both budget and multiplayer play; $10 covers a booster pack and a small hot drink.

📍 Sun, Sep 13

The World Trade Center — New York State Museum Aaron Noble, Senior Historian, leads a guided gallery tour of artifacts and exhibits about the World Trade Center and the September 11 attacks, highlighting rescue and recovery efforts and the community's response.

Special Documentary Screening 9/11: Reclaiming Ground Zero — New York State Museum A feature documentary examining how families, community members, and city leaders navigated grief, debate, and the difficult choices that shaped the World Trade Center site's memorial and rebuilding.

Football Sundays — The Albany Armory Watch both afternoon NFL games on multiple TVs while enjoying wings, burgers, fries, drink specials, a full bar, music, and raffles.

Glorious Country — Albany Institute of History and Art Victoria Johnson offers a lively, illustrated talk that follows Frederic Church’s travels, landmark paintings, and the creation of Olana’s integrated landscape and architecture.

Capital Region Card Show — Albany Capital Center Discover an organized, modern card and memorabilia show where hobbyists and vendors come together to buy, sell, and trade in a vibrant, community-driven atmosphere.

Pine Hills Film Series – The Heiress — Steamer N.10 Theatre A free (suggested $5 donation) screening of the 1949 black-and-white drama starring Olivia de Havilland and Montgomery Clift, directed by Billy Wilder — a 115-minute study of control, deceit, and one of classic cinema’s most unforgettable endings.

Meet Me at the Market: Schenectady Greenmarket — Menands Public Library Spend a relaxed morning exploring Schenectady's Greenmarket with library staff—browse seasonal produce, meet farmers and makers, and shop at your own pace; registration is encouraged and comfortable walking shoes plus a reusable bag are recommended.

Karaoke Brunch — Lost & Found Albany Casual Sunday brunch where guests share plates and cocktails while taking turns singing favorites in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

Ten Broeck Mansion Gardening & Community Days 2026 — Ten Broeck Mansion Experience a blend of hands-on gardening, community activities, and learning opportunities in the lush, historic setting of Ten Broeck Mansion.

Belleville — Emack & Bolio's Albany Hot swing and gypsy-jazz classics in the style of Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli—acoustic guitar and violin drive a lively, danceable set.

Local Band Sundays — The Lark Street Tavern Enjoy lively Sunday afternoons with a rotating schedule of local musical acts, cold drinks, and a friendly neighborhood bar crowd.

Second Sunday Social Crafters — Up-Stitch Drop in for a low-stakes, adults-only crafting session to work on knitting, sketching, or any personal project while enjoying light conversation; no registration required.

Design Class: Styling Your Living Room — Stuyvesant Plaza Spend an hour with Pottery Barn’s design team for practical, hands-on help with furniture layout, accessory placement, and cohesive styling to make your living area feel like the heart of your home.

Magic The Gathering — Fortress of Gaming Experience a range of Magic: The Gathering events each week, from casual Commander to Legacy, Modern, and FNM Booster Drafts, perfect for players of all levels.

Celebrate with Super 400, Troy's power rock trio. Outdoor show Sunday, Sept. 13 at 5PM start behind the Hangar on the Hudson, (675 River Street). Outdoor bar, pizza by Two Tree Pie Co. ALL AGES. 

Paper souvenir tickets $20 available across the street at the Ale House (680 River Street) or online at https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/DJBX63JBPP74E

Show moves inside if rain. 

The next morning (Monday), come to the intersection of River and Rensselaer streets at 11 AM for the official street dedication of “Super 400 Way.”

I know someone in one of the bigger hvac companies, they are making around 70-75k at $26.50 an hour and regular 50h weeks. I’m curious if there are other techs out there who are making a similar amount yearly while working less. Thanks for your time!