🥵 Historic heat wave hitting Capital District

Today in The 518

• Potentially historic heat wave hitting the Capital District

• Shogun Sushi owner’s long road to recovery

• Beautifully restored Washington Park multi-unit is our Home of the Week 🏡

• Plus, all the music listings you need to know

Major heat wave coming to the Capital District 🥵 

Did you know that it has reached 100 degrees in Albany in June only once in the past 150 years? Amazing, but true.

The record high for this month was set back on June 9, 1933. June is still early summer —we’ve had multiple 100-degree days in other months. The all-time temp topped out at 104 on July 4, 1911.

More records could fall this week. Forecasters say a high-pressure system will wallop the Capital Region with oppressive heat and humidity, with temps warming up to the high 80s today and intensifying through Friday. We could hit 99° or higher.

This heat wave follows the hottest year on record for Albany. In fact, 28 cities in the Northeast experienced their top-five warmest years in 2023—the 26th year in a row with above-normal temperatures, according to the folks at Cornell’s Northeast Regional Climate Center.

It’s not your imagination—our summers are getting hotter, winters are becoming drier, and the frequency of extreme weather events like floods is increasing. Climate change is coming for the Capital Region in more ways than one.

Looking for ways to beat the heat? Regal has some great summer promotions, starting at just $1. You can also look for cooling centers in your county here. Or take the kiddos to one of these local spray pads.

“It’s finally hot enough to complain about how hot it is.” —Everyone in the 518 this week

Expect temps to be 90 or above all week, possibly hitting 100 for the first time since 1933!

Shogun Sushi owner’s long road to recovery

Weeks after being assaulted as he tried to stop an alleged dine-and-dasher, Su Wen, the co-owner of Albany’s Shogun Sushi & Sake Bar, has emerged from a coma—but he still can’t speak, move, or eat. Su is expected to stay at Albany Med until reconstruction work can be done on his skull. His alleged attacker is behind bars on hate-crime charges.

A GoFundMe campaign started by Shogun neighbor, Chris Pratt of Lark Street Tavern, has reached a third of its $75K goal. Donations will go toward the family’s medical bills.

Early voting for the primary election has begun

It’s time to decide who will advance in local races throughout the state and region. The Times Union has a handy primary ballot guide here.

Cricket on the rise in the Capital District

The USA men’s cricket team has been on a Cinderella run at the Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup, thrilling fans across the country and right here in the Capital Region. Apparently, cricket is seeing a surge in interest all across New York, fueled by immigrants who have fond memories of playing the sport. Started in 2015, the Capital District Cricket Association now attracts hundreds of cricketers and youth players.

Arrested Development to headline Schenectady SummerNight

Two-time Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group Arrested Development will headline this year’s Schenectady County SummerNight on Friday, July 12. This year’s performance comes after last year's unfortunate weather-related flight cancellation.

Schenectady County goes all out for its annual SummerNight block party with several stages, local food and good vibes, ending with a fireworks display at 10 p.m. It all happens on State Street, between Broadway and Barrett. Free to the public—we’ll see you there!

Located on one of our favorite blocks in Albany, this dollhouse oozes curb appeal as it looks out over lush Washington Park. The 3-family building is an investor’s dream. Renting for $1,600, the middle unit has been exquisitely renovated into an open-plan studio space with freshly exposed brick and a marble fireplace—well suited for an owner-occupant who cherishes Center Square. The upper level apartment features original arches, hardwood floors and huge windows. Finally, the garden apartment, currently rented for $600, adds an affordable, stylish rental unit to this excellent investment opportunity!

The deets: Multi-family 3 bd, 3 ba, 2724 sf + garage. Asking: $400,000. Days on market: 5. Turnkey rental value total: $2,550 per month. Get a 3D tour and see the full listing here.