Good morning, Albany.

Master Sgt. Scott Potter, a Ravena resident, is among the first airmen to earn the Army's new Master Combat Infantryman Badge after his work as a combat arms instructor with the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard Base + his award recognizes years of military service.

Today, Mohawk Honda and the Haraden Family Foundation launched the '12 Days of Giving' initiative at their Glenville showroom + 12 local nonprofits will each receive a $5,000 donation to support their missions in the Capital Region.

The National Wreaths Across America project delivered nearly 5,000 wreaths at Capital Region cemeteries on Monday, Dec.

8 as part of its December initiative. It will also stop at 11 other locations across the state.

Police in Amsterdam are asking residents for help finding the owner of a dog left chained near a local bike path in freezing conditions; the rescued dog now receives care at a shelter.

Troy Foundry Theatre will present its adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol from Dec.

10 to 12 at 8 p.m. in The Waiting Room, Troy. The winter fundraiser features a solo performance by David Girard with live music by Connor Armbruster.

The 43rd annual Victorian Stroll returned to Troy Sunday, Dec.

8, with locals dressed in period costumes enjoying music and street acts. The event showcased cultural traditions and brought history to life.

UAlbany mourned the loss of two alumni from a fire on Western Ave on Monday, Dec.

8—Sahaja Reddy Udumala and Shanmukh Anvesh Sarepalli—who earned master’s degrees in digital forensics and cybersecurity and data science.

Gov. Hochul will celebrate an economic development milestone in Albany soon as part of efforts to boost local growth.

Officials say the upcoming event highlights progress in key initiatives + sets a tone for further economic success in the community.

Dr. Robert Busch from Albany Med Health System explained that hypoparathyroidism is a rare endocrine disorder marked by low parathyroid hormone levels that lower calcium in the body (often caused by neck surgery) and noted an FDA-approved treatment can help manage symptoms.

The UAlbany women's basketball team will host Boston University for Taylor Swift Day on Saturday, Dec.

13 at 2:00 p.m. at the Broadview Center in Albany — the game is set to boost school spirit as the Danes, entering 7-2, are ready to shine.

UAlbany women's basketball team beat Colgate 55-41 at Cotterell Court Monday night — sophomore Delanie Hill scored a career-high 23 points.

The Great Danes will host Boston University for Swifties Day on Saturday.

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.