Daily
Albany
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Albany. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Albany Police Chief Brendan Cox (with the Albany High School chorus) performed 'Jingle Bells' yesterday at the Center for Disability Services on South Manning Boulevard as volunteer helpers delivered gifts to students. WRGB
- ➤ Residents of Ramsey Place gathered for the 300th Wine and Wave last Friday at 5 p.m. outside Margaret King's house — a weekly event begun in the pandemic that continues to unite neighbors over food, drinks, and conversation. Times Union
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Mayor Carmella Mantello announced that HBO will film season four of 'The Gilded Age' in Troy next spring, a move that's expected to boost local business + create opportunities for extras in the city's historic downtown. The production highlights Troy's unique charm. Times Union
- ➤ The annual Christmas harness race pits Santa Claus against the Grinch at Saratoga Harness Track in Saratoga Springs — Santa aims to redeem himself after last year’s loss in this festive tradition. WRGB
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ A Community Service Society survey released Wednesday showed that one in four New Yorkers lacked emergency savings and many turned to short-term debt to cover rising living and housing costs; state officials are now considering new policies to boost affordability. Times Union
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Judge Vincent Versaci confirmed that the diocese is vicariously liable in the St. Clare’s pensioners case after over 1,100 retirees lost benefits when the pension fund collapsed in 2019. New court proceedings are set for Thursday after the jury’s $54 million verdict. WAMC
- ➤ New York state officials finalized a 1,000-page energy plan on Tuesday that uses an 'all-of-the-above' strategy to diversify power sources and add over 80,000 jobs while aiming to meet greenhouse gas targets, though measures like cap-and-invest are missing (according to critics). Business groups urge clearer rules. Times Union
- ➤ The DEC ordered Rensselaer County, Sand Lake and the Burden Lake Preservation Corporation to repair a 162-year-old dam (unsafe since 2019) and split costs for engineering and emergency action plans (settlement reached today). Times Union
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ A state comptroller audit released Wednesday found counties lack timely data on suicide calls and hospital visits, leaving critical gaps in prevention. The Office of Mental Health will issue a new strategy this fall — a move to improve data sharing and better support communities in crisis. Times Union
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ The Albany Patroons will not compete in the 2026 season as the organization focuses on enhancing community engagement and game-day experience at the Historic Washington Avenue Armory — planning to resume play in 2027 with a stronger, more stable franchise. WRGB
- ➤ The UAlbany men's basketball team overcame an early deficit to win 71-55 at Stony Brook Arena (ending the Seawolves' home winning streak) on Wednesday night, with Amir Lindsey scoring 24 points. They will host Cornell at Broadview Center on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 3:00 p.m. University at Albany
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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
Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.
~ Jean-Paul Sartre
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