Good morning, Albany.

The annual Carrot Festival in Niskayuna celebrated nearly 50 years of tradition Saturday at Congregation Agudat Achim and featured food, music, carrot cake and events like a touch-a-truck and a 'stuff the bus' fundraiser—an effort that began as a parking lot expansion drive.

The festival brought community members together for family fun ahead of the holiday season.

Owners Jessica James and Cody Shields lost three dogs at a kennel in Argyle when neglect caused 21 dogs to die, and local officials—along with Senator Tedisco—are now pushing for stricter state regulations and pending misdemeanor charges against the facility’s owners.

The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York will receive roughly 7 million fewer pounds of food this year than in 2024 due to federal cuts and COO Nick Pisani said the bank is seeking new donation sources—steps that could help ease the supply shortfall.

SU professor Grant Reheer said that rising political polarization and a heated social media environment have fueled violence after right wing commentator Charlie Kirk was killed at a college event in Utah.

NYSUT President Melinda Person explained that the statewide cellphone ban in schools is expected to reduce distractions — giving students more focus for learning.

Today, the CDC plans to award a contract to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study whether vaccines are linked to autism.

Biomedical engineer and autism researcher Juergen Hahn will lead the project if awarded (details on funding and timeline remain unclear).

On Sunday, the University at Albany women's soccer team lost 2 to 0 to Rider at Ben Cohen Field (Lawrenceville) after taking 13 shots with six on target.

The team could not score as Rider opened the scoring in the 8th minute and scored again in the 66th minute.

UAlbany’s volleyball team lost to unbeaten Boston College in a five-set match at Connell Recreation Center in Chestnut Hill—Boston College took the match 3–2 with scores of 17-25, 25-23, 25-18, 19-25, 16-14.

The Great Danes will compete in the Red Raider Classic in Lubbock starting Friday, September 19 with another game on Saturday, September 20.

Adam Sandler Live

7:30-9:00 p.m. — MVP Arena — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with the iconic comedian Adam Sandler.

Nurse Blake Live Show

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Palace Theatre — Last-minute tickets available — Enjoy a night of comedy with Nurse Blake in Albany.

Auto Recyclers NorthEast Convention & TraceShow

Sep 18-20 — Hilton Albany — Check official website for entry fees — A premier gathering for automotive recycling professionals to network and explore new technologies.

Peak Live Concert

11:30 p.m. — Lark Hall — Free entry — Experience an energetic Wheel Aftershow with Brooklyn’s psychedelic indie funk quartet PEAK.

Jade Bird Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Empire Live — Tickets starting at $36 — Experience the captivating sounds of Jade Bird in Albany.

Graham Barham Concert

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Empire Underground — Tickets from $40 — Catch Graham Barham live in Albany with a range of ticket options.

CHEFS: Palm Royale

5:30-6:30 p.m. — Albany Capital Center — Support culinary excellence — Experience a delightful evening of farm-to-table tastings and community spirit.

Upstate New York Pickleball Championship

8 AM – 5 PM — Broadview Center — Check the event page for cost — Compete in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles across various age and skill levels at this inclusive tournament.

Oktoberfest 5k Albany

10:00 AM — Jennings Landing — Race fee required — Celebrate Oktoberfest in style while supporting local charities.

Albany Job Fair

9 AM – 4 PM — Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Latham — Free admission — Explore opportunities with 90+ companies hiring in Albany.