Good morning, Albany.

Times Union’s Best of 2026 poll (with 100 nomination categories) invites residents to nominate local favorites in dining, shopping and services from Thursday through Feb.

2; voting runs from Feb. 18 to March 4 with winners announced on May 3.

Officials lifted the boil water advisory in Colonie after tests confirmed tap water was safe following a 24 inch transmission line failure near 31 British American Boulevard on Jan.

19. Crews restored pressure by Jan. 20 and tests on Jan. 21 cleared residents to resume use.

Plug Power and Walmart reached an agreement on a 2017 stock warrant deal to stop more shares from being issued (Walmart canceled its option to buy many shares) and to start a technology licensing deal that supports Plug Power’s renewable energy push.

Bethlehem Central School District approved a rezoning plan on Wednesday that will move roughly 130 elementary students from overcrowded schools to balance enrollment next school year, while 20 rising fifth graders can choose their new school.

The district said resources and transition plans will be offered to help families adjust + ease the changes.

Residents moved into Hudson on Nine Apartments, the first affordable housing development in Bethlehem in 25 years near Route 9W, after a ribbon cutting on Thursday.

The 72 unit project offers one bedroom, two bedroom and three bedroom homes with rents from $909 to $1,533 and serves low income families and disabled veterans.

The Hudson on Nine affordable housing unit for veterans and families opened in Bethlehem on Thursday, Jan.

22. The 72-unit building offers supportive services and is fully rented after three months, funded under the state's five-year, $25 billion housing plan (priority for sustainable housing).

The UAlbany men's basketball team lost a close game to Maine 52-49 at Memorial Gym in Orono.

They will travel to Durham to face the New Hampshire Wildcats on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 2:00 p.m.

UAlbany women’s basketball fought hard at Broadview Center on Thursday night but lost 65-60 to Maine after matching them through three quarters - key player Amaya Stewart led with 20 points.

The team will face New Hampshire on Saturday.

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.