Good morning, Albany.

The Capital Region is set to begin the holiday season with parades and tree lightings across several towns including Albany’s event on December 5 in Academy Park and Amsterdam’s festival on November 28 on the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Bridge.

Many events offer scheduled activities like parades, refreshments, crafts, and Santa appearances plus community gatherings that mark the festive start of the season.

Jacquelyn Archina of Colonie started a meal train on November 1 to help families struggling amid the government shutdown, and nearly 20 volunteers now deliver home-cooked meals and grocery orders for families like Faith’s.

The effort also plans to support displaced youth like 10-year-old Preston — providing essential supplies soon.

The Rev. Donna Elia has announced her retirement after 25 years leading Troy Area United Ministries—she helped provide food and furniture aid to the local needy.

Her successor, Rev. Abby Norton-Levering, will continue the programs with a farewell celebration planned for Dec. 8.

Troy and Wynantskill school districts are moving forward on a high school merger after Troy's board approved a resolution on Wednesday night to start circulating petitions today—Troy requires 750 and Wynantskill 175 signatures.

Wynantskill is expected to pass a similar resolution on Thursday night as parents continue to express mixed reactions.

SUNY experienced three consecutive years of enrollment growth, with Chancellor John King crediting affordable tuition and diverse programs for a 3% system-wide increase and a 5% rise at community colleges.

SUNY Maritime saw the largest boost and the SUNY Reconnect program is drawing adult learners to high-demand fields such as nursing — cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing.

Governor Hochul announced a new $25M Open Space Conservation Grant Program to help municipalities, not-for-profits and Indian Nations or Tribes permanently protect open space in New York.

The program—which supports the Governor’s 30x30 climate goal—provides no-match grants from $50,000 to $3.5M for projects that improve air and water quality and green space access, with applications due on February 18, 2026 at 3 p.m.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $10M funding package for animal shelter upgrades to help organizations meet new regulatory standards taking effect December 15—shelters must apply online by 4 p.m. on January 30.

The funds are part of the Companion Animal Capital Fund to support critical projects such as facility expansions and HVAC improvements across the state.

Former St. Clare's Hospital workers are asking the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation to restore their collapsed pension fund — they joined Save Our Buffalo Churches and abuse survivors in seeking help amid a trial over whether the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany shares responsibility. They face ongoing financial hardships after the hospital closed and the pension fund crumbled in 2018.

The pause of SNAP benefits during the federal government shutdown affected many in the Capital Region — federal judges later ordered partial funding restored last week as Regional Food Bank CEO Tom Nardacci noted that SNAP supplies about 36 million pounds of food monthly.

Changes coming under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will soon make some recipients ineligible — officials warn that further cuts could reduce support.

New York State Police warned on Wednesday that drivers who decorate their vehicles with colored, flashing, or moving lights risk citations under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law—only white lights are allowed on non-emergency vehicles.

The DMV noted that holiday decor is legal if it does not obscure vision or license plates.

Albany Medical Center celebrated a $1.8M donation from the Nicholas T.

Mancinelli Family Trust given Monday to support the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer & Blood Disorders—this gift fulfills Nicholas Mancinelli’s wish to help children and their families.

Albany Medical Center recently performed the region's first minimally invasive tricuspid valve replacement using the Evoque system through a groin vein to help patients with leaky heart valves.

Doctors said the procedure reduced symptoms and led to shorter hospital stays and faster recoveries for patients who were not candidates for open-heart surgery.

Hatsgiving donated 900 winter hats to pediatric cancer patients at Albany Med yesterday to help them stay warm during treatment.

The annual tradition began in 2012 and continues—supporting children in the Capital Region with a thoughtful winter gift.

The University at Albany women’s volleyball team earned five America East awards with sophomore Maria Olga Siapani named Setter of the Year and honors also for Shynelle Woroniuk and Gabriella Karman.

The team will face Bryant on November 21 at 8:00 p.m. in Baltimore for the semifinals and will play in the championship game on November 22 at 4:00 p.m. (Baltimore).

Albany Great Danes vs. Siena Saints Men's Basketball

7-8:30 p.m. — MVP Arena — Tickets starting at $25 — Catch the local college basketball rivalry unfold at this exciting matchup.

Cornhole Tournament for Youth Fundraiser

12:30-6 p.m. — Fort Orange Brewing — Entry fee to benefit a Cooperstown trip — Join in for fun and competition at this indoor cornhole tournament.

CHIODOS: 20 Years of All's Well That Ends Well

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Empire Live — $71+ — Celebrate 20 years of Chiodos with a vibrant live concert experience.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Varies — Experience a magical Christmas ballet featuring world-class talent and stunning visuals.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the cherished holiday classic in a magical ballet performance.

AMA Coffee and Connections – Albany

8:30-9:30 a.m. — Motor Oil Coffee Albany State Street — Free entry — Engage in meaningful conversations while sipping on delicious coffee with local professionals.

Adoption Clinic at Pet Supplies Plus

11 AM - 12:30 PM — Pet Supplies Plus East Greenbush — Free entry — Find your new furry friend and support local dog rescue efforts.

The Muppet Christmas Carol Screening

7-11 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy a holiday classic with The Muppet Christmas Carol during the M&T Bank Holiday Movie Series.

Secret Star Acoustic Jam

7:30-9:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre Albany — Tickets required — Experience an intimate acoustic performance in a historic setting.

Bored Teachers Comedy Tour

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Ticketed event — An evening of laughter exploring the realities of teaching for educators and non-educators alike.