Good morning, Albany.

Local homeless shelters struggled to meet rising demand amid a recent cold snap as more than 200 people took shelter last night despite adding 100 extra beds.

Advocates called on officials to act fast and suggested converting the old St. Rose campus for temporary housing.

The Capital Region welcomed its first baby of 2026 when Joselin Conteron + Henry Villa delivered their son at midnight on Thursday at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany.

The newborn weighed 6 lbs 14 oz and measured 19 inches long.

Capital Region welcomed its first baby of 2026 at midnight at St. Peter’s Hospital when Albany parents Joselin Conteron and Henry Villa delivered Ryan Sebastian Villa Conteron, who weighed 6 lbs, 14 oz and measured 19 inches.

Troy’s new wedding and event venue Evermore Hall hosted its first New Year’s Eve party in the historic Ilium building on Fulton Street.

Construction will finish next April so the venue can offer short-term rentals, hotel rooms, and a spa and lounge (the building once was a collar factory).

Bird enthusiasts, including North Greenbush’s Doug Steele, joined expert Scott Stoner (45th annual survey) at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in New Scotland on Jan.

1 to search for local birds with binoculars.

Crews responded to a water main break on Thursday night near 396 McCormack Road when freezing temperatures caused pipes to fail.

The city said impacted property owners will be notified directly.

City officials report demolition of the Central Warehouse has begun to pave the way for downtown projects — although experts expect part of the 1927 structure may be preserved to mark its 100th anniversary.

In 2025, jockey Manny Franco topped the NYRA circuit with 206 wins while trainer Linda Rice (leading as trainer and owner) broke the record with 172 wins at meets in Saratoga, Aqueduct and Belmont.

Their performances (Franco's fourth title, Rice's highest win total) marked a record year in racing.

UAlbany's women's basketball team lost 72-56 to Vermont on Thursday afternoon at Broadview Center, with sophomore Delanie Hill scoring a career-high 33 points, and the team (10-4 in conference play) will host UMass Lowell on Saturday.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Adele

6-7 p.m. — The Venue — Ticketed — Experience a unique tribute to Adele's greatest hits illuminated by candlelight.

The Pout Pout Fish Musical

10 a.m. — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices may apply — Experience a whimsical oceanic adventure with live performers and puppets turning frowns upside down.

Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift

8:30-9:30 p.m. — UAlbany Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the enchantment of Taylor Swift's music performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

High Society Gala

9 PM – 12 AM — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience DJ TGIF live at Albany's exciting High Society Gala.