Good morning, Albany.

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, Rachel Person (Northshire Books in Saratoga Springs) and Joan Grenier (Odyssey Bookshop in South Hadley) presented this week’s Book Picks with a selection of new titles to inspire local readers.

The University at Albany is launching a new 30-credit master's program in Artificial Intelligence for Business + designed to equip students in marketing, finance, and management with both AI and domain skills amid growing job demand.

Polluters including the Bethlehem Energy Center and other natural gas plants must submit annual greenhouse gas emissions data under state rules; reports are due by June 2027 (at costs between $4,000 and $17,000 per facility).

The rule aims to fill data gaps as federal reporting decreases.

A water main break on Buckingham Dr is causing service interruptions for 14 houses in Albany.

Crews are working to repair the break and have closed Buckingham Dr (between Bender Ln and Tampa Ave) until repairs are complete.

Governor Hochul announced that New York landmarks will shine purple tonight to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities (a display of state commitment to inclusion) as part of ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility statewide.

After falling at his Halfmoon home on Sunday, Siena lacrosse coach Liam Gleason was hospitalized and his GoFundMe page quickly exceeded its initial goal (originally set at $250K), raising over $400K from about 2,900 donations to support his wife and three children.

UAlbany's women's basketball team edged Sacred Heart 60 to 57 at the William H Pitt Athletic (Convention Center) in Fairfield, Conn.

Wednesday afternoon, Delanie Hill and Martina Borrellas each scored 17 points, and the Great Danes will close a three-game road streak with a Dec. 8 game at Colgate.

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.

Candlelight: 90s Hip-Hop on Strings

8:30 p.m. — The Venue — Tickets available — Experience the magic of 90s hip-hop reimagined with strings under candlelight.

Greg Bell's Halliday Ball

6-8 p.m. — The Eleven — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of captivating music with The Eastern Highs and their unique sound inspired by the Adirondacks.

The Nutcracker Ballet

2-8 p.m. — University at Albany — Enjoy a magical holiday experience with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince.

A Minecraft Movie Screening

1-5 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Free entry — Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with a free screening of the family-friendly Minecraft movie as part of the holiday series.