Good morning, Albany.

Saratoga Springs filmmaker Sharon Liese — a UAlbany alumna — will have her investigative documentary Seized premiere at Sundance Film Festival on Sunday in Park City, Utah, as it examines a controversial 2023 raid that raised questions over press freedom.

UAlbany’s The Short Version podcast returns from winter break with a visit to Assistant Professor Max Turner’s fly neurobiology lab, where he and his students use AI, a fly-sized movie theater (and treadmill) to study fruit fly neuron responses; a conversation with Professor Robert Rosenswig is set for next week.

Bethlehem School Board will vote tonight at 7 p.m. on a rezoning plan that shifts 150 students among five elementary schools to balance enrollments.

Several parents are asking to delay the vote, saying the plan is rushed (one parent noted the change may separate friends).

Hudson Taconic Lands completed its due diligence and plans to convert a 9-acre riverfront parcel near Troy into a nature preserve.

The group expects to raise $1.5 million through grants and will work with the Stockbridge-Munsee Band (local tribe) to protect archaeological resources.

Guilderland Police Department celebrated Sgt. Carl Duda’s retirement after 35 years in law enforcement, including 30 with the department.

Duda was known for his work in community service and youth outreach — a legacy that builds trust among residents.

A dangerous winter storm will hit Niskayuna this weekend, and animal experts warn that pets left outdoors risk frostbite or hypothermia — they advise pet owners to bring animals indoors and limit exposure.

CEO Steve Bouchey of Bouchey Financial Group funded a new van for Flutter Express after meeting five-year-old Lily Smith at a fundraiser last summer in Galway.

The van, bearing Lily's name, will transport pediatric cancer patients to appointments around the Capital Region.

UAlbany baseball is set to finish fourth in the 2026 America East Baseball Preseason Poll after a competitive 2025 season; starting pitcher Banner and catcher McAllister earned preseason honors & the team will host spring games at Varsity Field.

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.

Hilltop with Raisinhead

8-11 p.m. — Lark Hall — Ages 21+ — Experience an exceptional evening of music with Albany's best funk bands Hilltop and Raisinhead.

Valentines Day with Hollywood Herb

6-8 p.m. — Lark Hall — Free entry — Celebrate Valentines Day with guitar virtuoso Hollywood Herb as he brings his eclectic music talents to the stage.