Good morning, Albany.

The Capital Center will host the first ever Empire State Strength and Fitness Expo on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the venue plans to expand from 50,000 sqft to 84,000 sqft next year to add a ballroom, multi-use space and meeting rooms.

An AARP report warns thousands of local households may face shutoffs this spring as rising energy costs and unpaid bills mount pressure on budgets; National Grid will raise rates on April 1, adding about $15 monthly amid a three-year rate hike schedule.

Shenendehowa Central School District named Dr. Cecily Wilson-Turner its first female superintendent when its Board approved her appointment on March 24; she will now focus on developing the 2026-2027 budget and opening the new Atrea Early Learning Center (with plans for a full-day kindergarten program this fall).

Thoroughbred Advisors has partnered with SAGE Scholars Tuition Rewards to launch a fee-free program that lets families earn points (1 point equals $1) for everyday financial planning steps to help cover college tuition at over 400 private colleges including Union College and RPI.

A free online cybersecurity webinar series (Cyber Smart: Leadership Webinar Series) will begin tomorrow, Mar.

27. Organized by LogicalNet with UAlbany’s cybersecurity department, the series will help entrepreneurs strengthen their digital defenses.

State lawmakers and advocates are pushing for repair funds for SUNY and CUNY facilities with issues like crumbling roofs, weak heating, and pest problems.

The One-House budgets include proposals that could resolve problems that left 200 students without heat last winter, with a final state budget due April 1.

Two UAlbany track athletes earned America East All-Academic honors when the conference announced the awards on Wednesday; Isaac Graber medaled in the 1000m + helped his relay team break a 14-year meet record, while Lalenii Grant set new marks in weight throw + maintained a high GPA.

The University at Albany women's rowing varsity 8+ was named Boat of the Week by the CAA on Wednesday afternoon after a win at the John Ferriss Regatta, and the team will compete at the Sarasota 2K in Florida on March 27-28 (the first honor for the conference this year).

On Wed, March 25, Siena star Gavin Doty entered the NCAA transfer portal, a move that could shift team dynamics after he averaged 18 points + nearly 7 rebounds per game and earned First Team All-MAAC honors with a standout 21-point performance against Duke during the NCAA Tournament.

UAlbany's Great Danes won a five-inning softball game, defeating Le Moyne 10-2 at UAlbany Field Wednesday afternoon — senior Kasey Conn hit two doubles as the team will host UMass Lowell this weekend for their first home conference series.

I Love R&B Party

8:30-11:30 p.m. — Empire Live — $20 - $50 — The ultimate R&B party experience featuring sing-along anthems and feel-good energy.

First Friday at Albany Center Gallery with Mixed Roots

5-8 p.m. — Albany Center Gallery — Free entry — Experience live music by Mixed Roots while enjoying the 27th annual High School Regional Juried Art Exhibition.

Lake Street Dive Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Enjoy a night of vibrant music blending soul, folk, jazz, and classic pop.

iDKHOW Concert

7-10 p.m. — Empire Live — Tickets from $35 — iDKHOW brings an electrifying live performance to Albany that fans can't miss.

Dashboard Confessional Concert

8-10 p.m. — Empire Live — Tickets from $14 — Enjoy a live performance by Dashboard Confessional in a vibrant venue.

Fetty Wap Concert

8:00-11:59 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Tickets from $114 — Enjoy a live performance from the hit rapper Fetty Wap.

Jeff Dye Live Comedy Show

9:15 PM – 12:15 AM — Funny Bone — Ticket required — Experience sharp and loud comedy as Jeff Dye brings his humor to Albany.

Raven Live Performance

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Empire Underground — Ticket details available — Experience an evening with Raven at this popular Albany venue.

Sir Chloe Concert

4-9:30 p.m. — Empire Live — Cost not specified — Experience the unique blend of grungy guitar hooks and emotionally raw vocals from Sir Chloe.

Al Olender Live Performance

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Lark Hall — Tickets required — Experience songwriter Al Olender's introspective music exploring the fleeting moments of life.