Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Albany. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Organizers of the Warmth of Winter tasting event are hosting a fundraiser to help seniors with rising heating costs in Albany, where community members can donate & sample local flavors. WRGB
- ➤ An Albany resident reported mail delays when his partner noticed a week-long gap in deliveries, and he later learned the issue was tied to staffing shortages. USPS officials said they will authorize overtime & hire more workers to prevent future disruptions. WAMC
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Researchers from UAlbany and UConn launched an initiative on Feb. 17 to develop an AI model that predicts storm-related power outages and improves grid resilience. The project will pilot in New England (and New York, California) to help utilities reduce outage durations and lower costs. University at Albany
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Following his passing, local leaders and organizations honored Rev. Jesse Jackson as a civil rights leader, pledging to continue his work in social justice and history preservation (Governor Hochul and others offered tributes). WRGB
- ➤ Guptill's Family Rolling Skating Arena in Latham celebrates 75 years as a beloved community venue (a local cornerstone since 1951) that continues to bring residents together. Spotlight News
- ➤ Albany leaders and residents remembered Rev. Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader who died at 84, for his influential visits during his presidential campaigns and voter registration efforts that paved the way for local progress. Officials noted that his legacy has inspired generations. NewsChannel 13
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Sethri Asamoah-Nani ’27, a biological sciences major at UAlbany, has been working as a patient care assistant at Albany Medical Center and engages in soccer, research, and volunteer activities (including Five Quad Volunteer Ambulance Service) to prepare for a career as a physician. University at Albany
- ➤ State Comptroller DiNapoli's report shows TAP aid lags behind rising college costs; since 2008, undergraduates have dropped by 77,000 and awards increased only 21% while inflation jumped 44% + recent eligibility changes spurred a 20% recovery for 2024-25 students. WRGB
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Birders gathered at the Albany Pine Bush Preserve yesterday for the Great Backyard Bird Count, logging species and learning bird-calling techniques from field ecologist Alex Soldo. The recorded data, including nuthatches + chickadees, will help researchers study bird migration patterns. WAMC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Valley Falls applied for $4 million in EPA funds to raze the asbestos-ridden mill near the Hoosic River in hopes of converting the site into a park. Officials plan to complete permit reviews, demolition, and testing work within two years, with a grant announcement expected by June. Times Union
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ With the Winter Olympics underway, Hudson-Mohawk Figure Skating Club saw more than 80 residents sign up for lessons at the Albany County Hockey Facility — a boost from the global spotlight on the sport. The club offers these lessons every Sunday afternoon for all ages. NewsChannel 13
- ➤ The UAlbany men's lacrosse team lost 15-10 to Penn Tuesday at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium despite a strong showing by Silas Richmond (who scored four goals), and they will face Drexel next Saturday at 12:00 p.m. in Philadelphia. University at Albany
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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.
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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.
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Joythief Concert
7-9 p.m. — Empire Underground — Tickets available — Experience the evocative music of Joythief with their poignant lyrics and engaging performances.
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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.
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Turn It Up Dance Challenge
March 13-15 — Palace Theatre — Registration open — Enjoy a thrilling weekend of regional dance competitions with awards and scholarships.
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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.
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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.
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Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
8:30-9:30 p.m. — UAlbany Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience the enchanting music of Taylor Swift illuminated by candlelight.
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Live Music with Luke Palvus
7-10 p.m. — Seven Dining and Catering — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of live music by Luke Palvus at a popular local venue.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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