Good morning, Albany.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Joythief Concert

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

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.

Turn It Up Dance Challenge

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

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.

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.