Good morning, Albany.

A new shelter, the L.E.A.S.H. kennel, opened Tuesday next to Albany County Jail through a partnership with Mohawk Hudson Humane Society to house up to 15 abandoned dogs and offer work through the SHIP program for former inmates (reducing recidivism).

Capital Streets, led by James Rath, is working to improve pedestrian safety by partnering with Albany, Troy, and Watervliet to address speeding and crumbling sidewalks.

The nonprofit will launch a project in Watervliet in the coming weeks with a focus on cost-effective infrastructure upgrades.

UAlbany earned national recognition yesterday when US News ranked it (No. 58 among public colleges and No. 121 overall) and highlighted its value and social mobility; the university welcomed its largest first-year class while expanding academic programs and support services.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday a new state climatology portal from the New York State Mesonet at the University at Albany; the 10-year data set gives meteorologists + local officials improved access to track New York's changing climate.

The Olympic Regional Development Authority plans to hire 736 full-time employees this upcoming year and 752 next year — a move to boost staffing in ski areas like Whiteface, Gore, and Belleayre with continued Albany support.

Gov. Hochul unveiled a nearly $1 billion clean-energy program (the Sustainable Future Program) aimed at lowering heating bills, improving school air quality and boosting renewable energy.

The plan funds energy upgrades, rebates and school projects, with benefits starting this week.

Doctors at St. Peter’s Addiction Recovery Center report pregnant patients using kratom and newborns in withdrawal in Albany; officials have banned a concentrated form of the drug due to safety concerns+ warnings about its high risk persist.

Patients face hurdles accessing GLP-1 weight loss drugs as insurers require extensive documentation (including gym receipts, dietitian reports, and medical records), which delays approval, said Dr. Guptill of Community Care Physicians.

Some opt for direct payment, but costs remain steep at about $300 per month.

The NYS Capital District Walk for Pancreatic Cancer (marking its 23rd anniversary) will be held at Elm Avenue Town Park in Delmar from 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Sept.

27 and will surpass $2 million in funds raised to fully support a clinical trial.

Health officials say rising K2 use in Albany is causing more hospital visits for hallucinations, anger, and severe reactions (including intubation) as the potent synthetic drug sometimes laced with fentanyl is reported to be up to 100 times stronger than THC, prompting warnings from local experts.

Cardona's Market launched its Chicken Cordon Pink sandwich during a ceremonial event in Latham Tuesday to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer; the dish is available at all locations through Oct.

31 and benefits the American Cancer Society + Making Strides Albany.

Shen senior Liam Anderson bench pressed over 400 pounds — setting a new USA Powerlifting national record for his age and weight class.