Daily
Albany
Friday, December 12th, 2025
Good morning, Albany. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ X Ready To Wear, a new women’s clothing boutique inside the Grit + Grace Salon and Spa at Fresh Market Commons in Loudonville, held its grand opening recently; the store offers timeless apparel from brands such as Free People and Spiritual Gangster and will host more events this month. NewsChannel 13
- ➤ Restaurant owners in Albany are welcoming a new state law that will allow them to buy up to six bottles from liquor stores without fines starting in March. The change is expected to ease service when busy nights run low on spirits. WAMC
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A report by Comptroller DiNapoli (released Thursday, Dec. 11) shows young New Yorkers face rising housing costs, fewer job opportunities, and growing debt that threaten long-term economic growth. High student loan balances and AI-driven job changes intensify the squeeze on Gen Z and millennials. Times Union
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University at Albany unveiled its Holiday Card Design Contest winners on Dec. 9 at the Campus Center Great Hall, awarding junior Sara Sadaat a $1,500 scholarship for her artwork of friends enjoying a campus snowfall. Donation bins for the Northern Rivers holiday giving campaign were open until today. University at Albany
- ➤ East Greenbush Superintendent Kurtis Kotes drove a school bus on Tuesday after training during his lunch breaks to cover a shortage of drivers. He stepped in to safely transport students and ensure the route ran smoothly. Times Union
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Journalist Joe Donahue interviewed environmentalist Bill McKibben at a Skidmore College event yesterday, where McKibben discussed his new book (Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization) and explained how rising solar energy could help tackle climate change. WAMC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Marijuana growers are scrambling to meet a Dec. 17 deadline to adopt a new digital seed to sale system after Gov. Hochul removed the Office of Cannabis Management's executive director amid regulatory shakeups, and they warn the costly change may burden small businesses during the busy harvest season. Times Union
- ➤ DEC and local officials signed an order to restore Burden Lake Dam serving 340 residences and public fishing areas. The plan sets engineering assessments and safety upgrades — a solution to longstanding dam concerns — with work scheduled to begin in the coming months. WRGB
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Van Rensselaer Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in North Greenbush is set to receive a $112 million upgrade (with the state covering about $74 million) that will update rooms, communal spaces and rehab resources over two years. The facility’s 362-bed capacity will temporarily drop to about 275 residents during phased construction. WRGB
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Nutcracker Ballet
2-8 p.m. — University at Albany — Enjoy a magical holiday experience with Clara and the Nutcracker Prince.
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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.
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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.
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Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Adele
6-7 p.m. — The Venue — Ticketed — Experience a unique tribute to Adele's greatest hits illuminated by candlelight.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.
~ Anais Nin
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