The Spotlight

Established in 1955 as a modest publication in Delmar, NY, The Spotlight has grown into the leading source for local news in the greater Capital District over the years. Today, it offers five weekly editions covering Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and Saratoga counties, reaching more than 20,000 readers. Our newspapers include a mix of paid subscription weeklies, free issues, and total market publications. In addition to these, The Spotlight publishes two specialized monthly magazines: Capital District Parent Pages and Capital District Senior Spotlight. These are distributed in Rensselaer, Columbia, and Warren counties, as well as throughout the Capital District. Together, these publications, along with The Spotlight’s online platforms, deliver exceptional coverage of local news and events, offering advertisers a unique opportunity to connect with consumers.

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SPOTTED: Noah XO, featuring Freedom Stratton, DJ Hollyw8d and more

5 days ago | spotlightnews.com | Michael Hallisey

ALBANY — On a night packed with shows across the Capital City, Empire Underground delivered a lineup that was not to be slept on. Headlined by Noah XO, the Friday, April 18, the bill served up a cross-genre showcase of hip-hop, R&B, and power pop that stretched deep into the night.
South Colonie presents second draft of 2025-26 academic budget plan

6 days ago | spotlightnews.com | Michael Hallisey

COLONIE—South Colonie Central School District leaders presented the second draft of the 2025-26 budget during a public meeting held Tuesday evening at Shaker Road Elementary School. The proposed $139,550,500 spending plan marks an 8.36% increase over the current year’s budget, with district officials focusing on preserving existing academic programs while expanding support services and investing in long-term improvements.
Planners approve proposed ALDI

6 days ago | spotlightnews.com | Michael Hallisey

LATHAM—A proposal to construct a new ALDI grocery store at 829–831 Loudon Road cleared its final hurdle Tuesday night, as the Colonie Planning Board voted to approve the site plan along with required zoning waivers and a determination of no significant environmental impact. The planned 20,664-square-foot store would occupy a long-vacant lot previously home to a hotel and restaurant.
Grammy-winning composer Michael Daugherty teams up with the Albany Symphony

1 week ago | spotlightnews.com | Michael Hallisey

ALBANY — The Albany Symphony’s latest recording takes listeners skyward — from Amelia Earhart’s final flight to Buddy Holly’s last dance and Neil Armstrong’s leap onto the Moon — in a new album of world premiere works by Grammy Award-winning composer Michael Daugherty. Released Friday by Naxos, “Blue Electra” features the Albany Symphony under the direction of David Alan Miller and violinist Anne Akiko Meyers.
Bridgerton’s Lucas Aurelio to deliver commencement address to Russell Sage College graduates

1 week ago | spotlightnews.com | Michael Hallisey

ALBANY — Lucas Aurelio, a 2018 graduate of Russell Sage College whose acting career has taken him from the Capital Region to an international streaming audience, will return to Albany next month to deliver the keynote address at the college’s 108th commencement ceremony. The event takes place Saturday, May 17, at 10:30 a.m. at the MVP Arena. Aurelio, who earned his degree in musical theatre from Sage, has been steadily building a name for himself in film and television since graduating.
Siena College Poll shows quality of life rated high, yet affordability concerns persist

1 week ago | spotlightnews.com | Michael Hallisey

LOUDONVILLE—A majority of Capital Region residents continue to view their quality of life favorably despite concerns over affordability and the local economy, according to a new Siena College Poll released Friday, April 11. It’s worth noting, however, that the survey was conducted in early January—before President Donald Trump took office and issued sweeping tariffs that many economists and world leaders have described as igniting a global trade war.
District enters interview stage following decision not to renew Bailey’s contract

1 week ago | spotlightnews.com | Michael Hallisey

RAVENA—The Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District has entered the interview phase in its search for a new superintendent, following the board’s recent decision not to renew the contract of Dr. Brian Bailey. In a message to families and staff this week, the Board of Education thanked community members for participating in a series of focus groups and an online survey and outlined the themes that emerged from that input.
Joywave Empire Live this Thursday

1 week ago | spotlightnews.com | Michael Hallisey

ALBANY — Indie rock band Joywave will perform at Empire Live on Thursday, bringing their genre-blending sound to the Capital Region. The Rochester-based group is known for its mix of electropop and rock and its high-energy stage shows. With a catalog that includes hits like “Dangerous” and albums such as “Permanent Pleasure,” Joywave continues to evolve its sound while maintaining a sharp lyrical edge. The concert takes place at 8 p.m. at Empire Live, 93 N. Pearl St., Albany.
Shaker High School students sweep podium at Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge

1 week ago | spotlightnews.com | Michael Hallisey

ALBANY—Students from Shaker High School’s Financial Decision Making classes secured the top three spots in this year’s Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge, competing against hundreds of peers from across the Capital Region in a fast-paced, real-time investment simulation. The competition, held Thursday at the Broadview Center on the University at Albany campus, brought together teams of students from 11 school districts to test their financial knowledge and decision-making skills.
Energy Diagnostics Podcast expands its reach, bridging holistic healing and music

1 week ago | spotlightnews.com | Michael Hallisey

When Joy Adler and Dan Zavadil launched the “Energy Diagnostics Podcast,” they set out to bridge the gap between holistic healing and music, two fields they’ve spent their careers intertwining. The podcast, which debuted earlier this year, features discussions on alternative health practices, energywork, and the transformative power of sound, offering listeners insight into how these modalities supportpersonal well-being.