Daily Albany Logo Daily Albany

Friday, February 13th, 2026

SHARE

Good morning, Albany. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 13th of February.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • On Thursday, Feb. 12, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society hosted its annual Puppy Love dog wedding at Country Inn and Suites by Radisson in Albany—dozens of dogs, including Albany County Executive Dan McCoy, participated to promote pet adoption before the hotel's on-site dog park opens this summer.  WRGB

CULTURE NEWS

  • A plain brick building in Albany once at the center of a freedom fight now shows a museum exhibit on the Underground Railroad — a display that explains how early acts of bravery shaped the city.  WRGB

EDUCATION NEWS

  • Mark Brooks (a former Schenectady high school social studies teacher) returns to Mont Pleasant Middle School as interim principal for the rest of the school year.  The Daily Gazette
  • A substitute teacher in Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake was removed after making a racially insensitive comment in an eighth-grade class. The district launched an investigation, met with the class on Thursday, Feb. 12, and informed parents about the incident.  NewsChannel 13

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • State senators celebrated the Senate passage of two bills to regulate toxic PFAS chemicals in consumer products and environmental discharge, with Sen. Rachel May (48th District) leading the effort; the Assembly will review the proposals next.  WAMC
  • St. Margaret’s Center in Albany will pay $1.3 million to settle federal Medicaid claims for substandard care provided to children. The facility admitted its compliance program failed to meet legal standards – and will enter a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement to improve oversight.  WRGB
  • Legislators from New York and Vermont introduced bipartisan legislation yesterday to reauthorize five-year, $35 million funding for Lake Champlain research, health + conservation, aiming to support local recreation and protect the lake for future generations.  WAMC

HEALTH NEWS

  • A 7-year-old girl from the Capital Region is honored as a heart hero for raising congenital heart defect awareness after surviving early heart surgery. Her family says she will share her story by distributing the awareness bag she designed for the Capital Region Heart Walk in June.  WRGB
  • Albany police reported in early December that overdoses linked to synthetic cannabis have averaged about one nonfatal case per day, with K2 (a synthetic drug) involved in over a third of cases from June through November. Officials caution that the unpredictable chemical can lead to severe reactions.  Times Union

SPORTS NEWS

  • UAlbany softball opens its 2026 season with a five-game weekend at Presbyterian (Feb. 13-15) as the Great Danes aim for a second America East title in three seasons; the team returns key players from last season along with a large class of newcomers.  University at Albany
  • The University at Albany volleyball program and head coach Josh Pickard will welcome transfers Madison Hess and Pinar Erol this spring to join the Great Danes as they prepare for fall competition at the PE Gym.  University at Albany

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 2/14/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Thu, 2/26/26

    View event
  • 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.

    Sat, 2/28/26

    View event
  • Joythief Concert

    7-9 p.m. — Empire Underground — Tickets available — Experience the evocative music of Joythief with their poignant lyrics and engaging performances.

    Fri, 3/6/26

    View event
  • Candlelight Concert: 90s Unplugged

    8:30-9:30 p.m. — The Egg — Ticket prices vary — Experience a magical evening of 90s classics performed by a string quartet under the soft glow of candlelight.

    Sun, 3/8/26

    View event
  • Turn It Up Dance Challenge

    March 13-15 — Palace Theatre — Registration open — Enjoy a thrilling weekend of regional dance competitions with awards and scholarships.

    Fri, 3/13/26

    View event
  • Capital District Wind Challenge

    8:30 AM – 2:30 PM — Sand Creek Middle School — School team participation — Experience the excitement of student-designed wind turbines in a competitive setting.

    Sat, 3/14/26

    View event
  • Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

    12-3 p.m. — MVP Arena — Tickets available — Experience the thrill of the circus with world-class performances and family-friendly entertainment.

    Sun, 3/15/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Reading is faster than listening. Doing is faster than watching.

Know who said this? Send us an email!

Reveal the author
About Daily Albany

Welcome to the Daily Albany, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Albany, New York community. If you like the Daily Albany, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Albany.

Advertising Opportunities

Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Albany and across New York. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.

Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.

Community, delivered

Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to Daily Albany

A free Albany community newsletter.

Daily local news
We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
6AM City
A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.

© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here