Good morning, Albany.

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City Holiday Train brings holiday joy to local families today by stopping in Menands and near Mechanicville.

The event supports food pantries and has raised food donations since 1999, uniting the community.

The Lansingburgh Central School District’s Knights Football Program set a new record by donating 2,400 toys on December 22 at Forty-One Sports Bar + Grille to benefit Pre-K to 5th grade students at two local elementary schools.

A winning TAKE 5 ticket worth $27,380 was sold at Edleez Tobacco Inc. on Western Ave for the Dec.

21 drawing, the New York Lottery said — winners must claim their prizes within one year.

Swifty's restaurants in Albany and Delmar reopened today after state officials seized them for over $2M in unpaid taxes.

Owner Dave Swifty said he hopes to rebuild local support (after a two-week closure) as the venues resume service.

moe. will perform at the Palace Theatre on Dec.

27 in a set closing out their 35th anniversary tour. The band has played over 80 shows in 2025 and holds a deep history with Albany (first played here in 1996), making the event a homecoming celebration for longtime fans.

New York attorney general Letitia James and a coalition of 50 attorneys general announced a $150 million settlement with Mercedes-Benz USA today that addresses illegal emissions-cheating software installed in diesel vehicles (impacting hundreds of thousands of vehicles) while directing over $13 million to local air pollution prevention.

Albany International Airport officials are advising holiday travelers to arrive two hours early for flights and carry valid ID as they face tighter security checks—passengers should also note restrictions on liquids in carry-ons for a smooth trip.

Governor Hochul announced that on Jan.

1, 2026, New York's minimum wage will increase by 50 cents statewide (to $17 per hour in NYC, Westchester County, and Long Island and $16 per hour elsewhere) as part of a third consecutive wage hike.

Four Army National Guard aviation units have new commanders—Capt. John Anderton in Niskayuna accepted command at the Army Aviation Support Facility 3 near the international airport, while Capt. Alyssa Griffith, Capt. David Mackey, and Capt. Kevin Walsh assumed leadership roles in Colonie, Ballston Lake, and Poughkeepsie respectively.

Gov. Hochul signed two bipartisan laws in Albany to curb kratom sales by banning sales to under-21 customers and requiring clear health warnings after 60 overdose deaths in 2024 raised concerns (officials say).

On Medical Monday, Dec.

22, Dr. Jason Friedman addressed sports medicine topics at WAMC, where host Ray Graf led the discussion — listeners called in at 2 p.m. for questions seeking insights into emergency and sports care.

St. Peter’s Health Partners and CDPHP remain deadlocked in contract talks affecting care for 112,000 members as their agreement expires Dec.

31; state rules keep care steady until a 60-day cooling period ends in March, with both sides planning future talks to address rising costs and low Medicaid reimbursements.

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.

The Pout Pout Fish Musical

10 a.m. — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices may apply — Experience a whimsical oceanic adventure with live performers and puppets turning frowns upside down.