Good morning, Albany.

Albany PAL hosted its annual Christmas celebration Saturday, providing nearly 300 families with certificates for winter coats, books, and games while children enjoyed activities including a Santa visit and face painting (a festive treat) in a warm community space.

Bishop Mark O’Connell was installed on Dec.

5 at St. Edward the Confessor Church in Clifton Park and now leads the diocese as it navigates legal and financial challenges (including bankruptcy protection and pension issues). He expressed a strong commitment to transparency and will visit all 14 counties.

On Friday night, Albany firefighters responded to a blaze on Garfield Place that injured two and displaced 18 residents plus a demolition crew razed three damaged buildings on Saturday while officials investigate the cause.

A Schenectady County jury ruled on Friday (Dec.

13) in favor of 1,100 former St. Clare’s Hospital employees by ordering the Diocese to restore their pensions and awarding over $54 million in restitution. The ruling is expected to prompt swift pension payments amid claims of fund mismanagement.

HUD paused its plan to shift federal housing funds from long-term to transitional support, leaving local shelters in Albany unsure of future funding.

Officials say the change may affect housing for vulnerable families while agencies prepare new grant applications & monitor further updates.

Today, Katie Wygel’s family hosts a stem cell donor testing event at Watervliet AOH at 1021 9th Ave from 11 am to 2 pm to find a donor for her battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia — a critical effort as 15,000 U.S. patients need transplants annually.

The UAlbany women’s basketball team won 62-46 over Boston at Broadview Center Saturday afternoon (three players scored in double digits), and the Great Danes will face Vanderbilt on Thursday, Dec.

18.

The Great Danes fell to Florida Atlantic 105-79 at Abessinio Court at Eleanor R.

Baldwin Arena (Boca Raton) despite Jaden Kempson’s 30 points. UAlbany will face Stony Brook on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7:00 p.m.

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.

Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Adele

6-7 p.m. — The Venue — Ticketed — Experience a unique tribute to Adele's greatest hits illuminated by candlelight.