Good morning, Albany.

Jack’s Oyster House reopens on Dec.

18 at 44 State St., serving lunch and dinner until late April or early May when it will close for renovations that include an elevator installation. NeoVista Hospitality is expanding downtown dining while its temporary liquor license awaits approval.

Northeastern Fine Jewelry announced it is now Hublot’s exclusive retailer in Upstate New York (1575 Western Ave in Albany) just in time for holiday shoppers as it carries timepieces like Big Bang, Classic Fusion, and Spirit of Big Bang.

UAlbany film studies students visited the New York State Archives (located steps from campus) on Dec.

9 to study century-old film censorship records for a seminar led by Eli Boonin-Vail. The visit gave students hands-on insight into how film history was shaped by public officials.

UAlbany researchers presented groundbreaking dark matter detection findings at Sanford Underground Research Facility on Dec.

8. Their work with the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment set a new world-leading standard for detecting both dark matter and solar neutrinos — a milestone advancing our understanding of the universe.

The Massry School of Business at the University at Albany is introducing a new master's program in artificial intelligence that teaches students technical programming and ethics of AI.

The program will prepare future business professionals for innovative practices in a rapidly evolving industry.

City officials ordered a code review at 241 Western Avenue (after a deadly fire in March 2021 left two UAlbany graduates dead and 13 residents displaced) while investigators seek the cause and the current owner may face new citations for expired permits.

Stephentown held a recount that confirmed the library proposal to raise the municipal tax from $95,000 to $110,000 passed with a vote of 540 (yes) to 279 (no), reversing unofficial results.

The certified election results were filed Monday with the state Board of Elections after officials discovered ballot processing errors.

Homeless advocates urged the County Legislature this week to use the 71 (Saint Rose campus) buildings for housing after a homeless man died from hypothermia outside the airport, and a spokesperson said no plans have been discussed yet.

After a government shutdown cut SNAP benefits, the Schenectady Food Council is urging Governor Hochul and the legislature to raise SNAP minimum from $23 to $100 and invest $100 million to aid hunger relief — plans that could let schools and hospitals buy local food and shape the legislative session.

Albany police report rising overdoses linked to synthetic drug K2 in recent weeks, urging residents to call 911 and use Narcan in emergencies.

They note that state licensed dispensaries offer safe alternatives and local agencies provide addiction support (Project Safe Point).

A new study from UAlbany found that nursing educators earn less than full-time clinical nurses, with faculty averaging $81,617 while staff nurses earned about $90,435 (2022 survey data).

The lower pay for highly educated professionals may worsen the nursing faculty shortage.

UAlbany midfielder Ivar Gissurarson (a junior from Reykjavík) was named Second Team All-Northeast Region by United Soccer Coaches after scoring six goals and adding two assists in 16 matches.

The All-America teams will be announced Friday, Dec. 12.

Adaliz Hunt of UAlbany track & field was named America East Track Athlete of the Week after running a personal best of 7.45 in the 60m dash at the Armory's Collegiate Distance Carnival held Dec.

5. The team will compete again on Jan. 16 at the Season Opener at Ramapo.

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.