Good morning, Albany.

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany installed Bishop Mark O’Connell at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton Park on Friday, Dec.

5. Named the 11th bishop in October, he pledged to serve the community amid ongoing civil claims and church healing efforts.

Bishop Mark O'Connell assumed leadership of the Diocese after a prayer service at the Cathedral and will be installed at St. Edward the Confessor Church at 1:30 p.m. today (his work with abuse survivors may aid him in tackling bankruptcy and a pension crisis).

Hatsgiving, a non-profit started from an eight-year-old’s idea in 2012, collected over 11,000 winter hats for pediatric cancer patients nationwide in 2025 but now seeks donations to cover rising shipping costs — Jeff Wernick discussed the need on 3rd Hour of NewsChannel 13 today.

Siena community will gather on Saturday to honor coach Liam Gleason, who died on Wednesday following a fall at his Halfmoon home.

A Mass is set for 11 a.m. at Siena University UHY Center (515 Loudon Road) with a reception for the family.

The Empire State Plaza Ice Rink opened for the 2025–2026 season on Friday, Dec.

5, with free admission, $5 skate rentals, and 25¢ locker rentals; its hours run Tuesday through Sunday weather permitting.

Swifty’s abruptly closed after a $2.2M tax seizure on Dec.

5, leaving many local gift card holders with few options to recover their funds. Consumers are advised to contact the business or file a complaint with the BBB — and check with their credit card companies for dispute options.

French accordionist Théo Ould will perform a tango-inspired concert on Sunday (Dec.

7) at Union College's Memorial Chapel in Schenectady. He is on his U.S. debut tour and has been praised by Le Monde for his masterly technique.

The National Union of the Homeless Albany Chapter urged county lawmakers to declare a state of emergency after a man died in an Albany International parking garage on Nov.

30 and asked leaders to use vacant county facilities for emergency housing as winter approaches — to address the growing homelessness crisis.

County Executive Dan McCoy led CBS6 on a tour of the repurposing progress at the Saint Rose campus, where Albany Pine Hills Land Authority purchased the site for $35 million in March.

UAlbany and schools announced plans to redevelop campus buildings — more details are expected soon.

Northern Rivers announced a mental health program for teens in crisis that moves kids from hospitals to a care center accepting referrals.

The center, serving up to 16 youths for 120 days from ages 11 to 17, will open in January with support from Sen. Pat Fahy + state funding.

The Great Danes opened their track and field season Friday at the Armory's Collegiate Distance Carnival in NYC where runners set personal records + a separate group will compete today at Army’s Crowell Invitational.

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.

Albany’s New Year’s Eve Latin Dance Party

8 PM - 2 AM — Ritmo Room — $25 Early, $30 At the Door, $35 After 11 PM — Celebrate the New Year with a fun and friendly Salsa and Bachata dance night.