Good morning, Albany.

In downtown Albany, the Vandy Thrift Shoppe received a $30,000 matching grant from Business for Good Foundation to support its job training program for at-risk people and cover two years' rent + boost the Vanderheyden initiative that has helped over 30 individuals build work skills.

Children at the Center for Disability Services enjoyed a holiday celebration on Dec.

18, 2025 when area teens, high school students, and local police athletic league members joined Santa and the Albany High School Choir to spread festive cheer in the community.

Colonie police responded at 9:12 a.m. Wednesday when they found an injured ram on ice near the New York Power Authority parking lot by Cohoes Crescent Road; the ram (not native to the area) is now receiving medical care at a veterinary hospital.

Sara Lombardo, a graduate student at UAlbany, earned the NASA FINESST Award on Dec.18 for her project linking wildfire smoke to cloud chemistry at Whiteface Mountain Field Station.

Her work builds on 50 years of monitoring to deepen our understanding of atmospheric science.

Lawmakers urged the power authority to reach 15 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030, but its updated plan commits $1.2 billion to projects totaling 5.5 gigawatts.

Legislators are also considering a board expansion to boost public oversight and support cleaner energy efforts.

The Capital District Transportation Authority launched a pilot program on Monday that designates a section for one braked stroller on select bus routes to ease boarding for families.

The change, which removes one seat, will be evaluated in March to decide if it should expand.

Town officials are proposing zoning changes that may allow mixed-density homes on a vacant field off Jefferson Avenue in Bethlehem’s Glenmont neighborhood.

The planning board will review recommendations early next year plus public hearings in spring will let residents voice concerns about traffic and school enrollments.

The NYS DMV warns Albany residents to avoid Learn to Drive at 235 Lark St, which operates without a valid license & has received complaints that lessons were not provided; consumers should use the DMV’s online tool to find approved driving schools.

On Dec. 18, an undisclosed agreement ended the punitive damages phase in the St. Clare’s pension case by dismissing the jury set to decide financial punishments (defendants had filed for bankruptcy earlier); a prior jury awarded $54 million for lost retirement benefits after the 2018 collapse.

Mayor‑elect Dorcey Applyrs celebrated a lively campaign party on Nov.

4 at LaSerre in Albany, promising a new vibe through a commission on nightlife and a multi‑day inauguration festival (featuring a mayor’s ball, kids’ party, and gospel brunch) to boost community spirit.

Two UAlbany researchers have developed a compound that may lower harmful CAG+repeats causing dozens of neurological illnesses; they received $50,000 from a SUNY accelerator and will test 40 versions before planning clinical trials in the future.

The University at Albany softball team released its 2026 schedule — starting in February in South Carolina at Presbyterian — with road and home games including the Make It Happen Games in Madeira Beach, a doubleheader versus Siena, and a finale at Maine in May.

At Memorial Gymnasium last night, the UAlbany Great Danes lost 35-64 to Vanderbilt while the defense kept the Commodores to their lowest season score.

The team will host Hofstra for its final non-conference game on Sunday (Dec. 21).

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.