Good morning, Albany.

Albany International Airport CEO Stephen Clark began on his first day amid a nine-figure renovation that recently expanded the departure hall queue space for quicker TSA checks, and he will work with the business community to add nonstop routes as the project wraps up mid-year next year.

Heidenberg Properties has proposed a Colonie Center redevelopment that includes drive-thru locations for Chick-fil-A and Starbucks plus traffic improvements—designated queuing lanes aim to prevent spillover.

The plan also features a children’s park and additional retail with groundbreaking planned for summer 2027.

Thomas Pest Services in Albany has hired entomologist Danielle Restuccia as fall weather brings more pests indoors.

She will advise technicians and help refine treatment methods (including integrated pest management plans) to better protect local homes.

UAlbany professor Gabriel Hetland (named on Oct.

15) was tapped as one of 12 new SUNY Sustainability Faculty Fellows to add climate and sustainability topics in courses on 10 campuses. He will work with colleagues to prepare future teachers for a new K-12 climate education mandate.

UAlbany’s Forensic Science Club offers hands-on crime scene investigation training that helps students build practical skills and earn academic credits.

The club hosts workshops (footprint casting, profile analysis) and guest speaker sessions to boost career prospects.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that about 3 million New Yorkers have received energy rebate checks of up to $200, and another 5.2 million checks will be mailed from Sept.

21 to December as part of the state’s POWER program.

Drivers on the New York State Thruway will pay slightly higher tolls in January after rates rise by a penny between Albany & Schenectady, with longer trips facing greater increases as officials say the funds will cover vital highway repairs for aging bridges.

UAlbany will host the R.

Keith Munsey Invitational on Friday, Oct. 18 at its track, featuring a 5k women's race at 12:00 p.m. and an 8k men's race at 1:00 p.m. The event honors R. Keith Munsey (the cross country pioneer) and is the teams' first home meet since 2021.