Good morning, Albany.

Firefighters responded at 9:20 p.m. Wednesday to a fire at Livingston School Apartments in Albany and extinguished the flames with the building's sprinkler system; all residents were evacuated and the investigation continues.

GE Vernova spent $1.19 billion on research in 2025, a 20% jump from 2024 spending+ company officials said the boost aimed to drive revenue through innovation.

The firm, with key centers in Niskayuna, posted a $3.6 billion fourth-quarter profit that raised its forecast for 2026.

Union College has planned a respectful spring reinterment for a skull from the 1690 massacre (a tiny casket is being prepared and a graveside ceremony will be held at First Reformed Church) to honor the victim’s legacy.

The New York State Writer’s Institute’s spring season starts tomorrow and runs through early May with top national best-selling authors, memoirists, historians, and poets.

Director Paul Grondahl (Opalka Endowed) curates an event lineup that brings diverse voices to our local community.

The New York State Brewers Association held its 11th New York Craft Brewers Festival on Jan.

24 at Crown Plaza Albany+Desmond Hotel in Albany, where local breweries showcased a range of distinctive craft beers for visitors.

Damage from a barge hit last April worsened the historic lighthouse’s structural issues along the Hudson River — repair estimates could reach $3.6 million.

The Preservation Society is working with engineers to secure funding and stabilize the beacon.

Meteorologists in Albany warn that a coastal storm forming off the East Coast may bring strong winds and up to 4 inches of snow to the region this weekend.

An Arctic air mass will push in, making temperatures drop for the rest of the week.

Saratoga Lake now offers a unique wellness experience with the state’s first public floating sauna at the Lago by Druthers Marina (combining heat and cold-water plunges for stress relief).

The sauna holds up to 15 guests and offers social sessions, private bookings, and monthly memberships.

The UAlbany baseball program named Dylan Banner, Matthew Mariano, Luke Filippi, and Levi McAllister as team captains for the 2026 season after strong 2025 play + the team will travel to Lubbock on Feb.

20 at 2:00 p.m. to open their season against Texas Tech.

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.

Girl's NYSPHSSA State Championships

12:00–4:00 a.m. — MVP Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness top high school athletic talent compete for state titles.

We Sing, We Speak, We Rise — Soulful: A Broadway Showcase

7-9 p.m. — Capital Repertory Theatre — Ticket prices may apply — Experience local talent performing beloved Broadway tunes in a unique style.