Good morning, Albany.

Today, Albany-based law firm Harding Mazzotti is giving free $20 Uber vouchers on a first-come basis through its Safe Ride Home program to help stop drunk driving on Thanksgiving Eve.

Vouchers can be claimed on the firm’s website and social media and will work in Albany + Plattsburgh from noon to midnight.

Albany International Airport unveiled a new children’s play area, sensory room and business center on Nov.6 as part of its $100 million terminal expansion.

Across the region, Stuyvesant Plaza now hosts a See’s Candies pop-up and a Kendra Scott store that will open Tuesday with a ribbon-cutting and food drive, Amped Coffee House opened on Nov.14 in Colonie, Crossgates announced extended holiday hours starting after Thanksgiving and a Chocolate Bash dessert shop will open Dec.6 in Albany.

Crossgates announced that it will close on Thanksgiving Day — Nov.

27 — and reopen on Black Friday at 7 a.m., with several major retailers starting even earlier and in-mall events such as Santa’s visit and a prize drawing scheduled for later that week. Shoppers are advised to check individual store hours to plan their holiday visits.

The Empire State Youth Orchestra broke ground Tuesday on a new 20,000 sq. ft. music center at the site of the former St. Joseph’s Parish in Schenectady—located on eight acres with nearly $10 million secured and an additional $2 million needed to complete the project by December.

The University at Albany was named to The Princeton Review’s Mental Health Services Honor Roll for the second year—officials say the honor reflects strong services that include counseling, peer support, and a 24/7 wellness option through TimelyCare.

Students at UAlbany celebrated Geographical Information Systems last week with presentations, career fairs and seminars held at the Lecture Center Concourse—state and local vendors joined to show how GIS connects maps with digital information for urban planning and environmental management.

In Albany, a study of 140 years of weather records showed October 26 was the most common day for the first snowfall—recent decades have seen the first snow shift to early November as warmer temperatures delay winter's start, according to climatologist Jessica Spaccio.

This trend suggests that warming may continue to push snowfall later into the season.

Bethlehem town board member David DeCancio sent a letter to the state DOT on Monday asking for a safety assessment of Route 85 after six serious crashes in the last three years and a recent head-on collision on Saturday that sent three people to the hospital — his call stresses that urgent funding and safety measures are needed along the busy road. Residents worry about the repeated accidents on a road used by thousands daily — the board awaits a response from DOT.

On Tuesday, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office delivered nearly 2,000 hot Thanksgiving meals to communities across the Capital Region and planned to finish delivering 4,000 meals by day's end—including 1,500 family-style meals for shelters and group homes—marking one of its largest meal efforts in nearly 10 years. Sheriff Craig Apple said the team had been working since early morning to meet growing local needs.

A former employee who lost his retirement benefits testified Tuesday in the trial of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany after the St. Clare’s Hospital pension fund dried up — his testimony is a key part of the legal proceedings.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a new law that lets patients with out-of-state prescriptions buy medical cannabis—extending their certification to two years and allowing adults 18 and older to grow cannabis at home for their own treatment.

The law aims to modernize the state program and improve patient access.

Golden Harvest Farms in Valatie is open year-round and offers seasonal produce, apple cider donuts, local honey, and tastings of award-winning spirits — the farm hosts live music on Friday evenings and serves barbecue at the Harvest Smokehouse from May to November.

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.

Albany Holiday Princess Ball

12-3:30 p.m. — Crowne Plaza Albany - the Desmond Hotel — Ticket required — Celebrate the holiday season with an enchanting afternoon of princess-themed fun and interactive activities for children.

Elf Movie Screening

7-11 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy a classic holiday film with family-friendly fun at this festive movie night.