Good morning, Schenectady.

Ryan Sebastian Villa Conteron is the Capital Region's first baby of 2026.

He was born at midnight on Jan. 1 at St. Peter's Hospital and weighed 6 lbs, 14 oz.

On New Year's Day, Noah Coughlan, on day 76 of his 260-day cross-country run, picked up a challenge coin honoring Patrolman Corey Shields from Schenectady Police.

He is running 5,500 miles to pay tribute to everyday Americans.

Tara Kitchen closed its Guilderland location for dine-in and takeout service due to declining sales, but it will continue offering catering at that site while its Schenectady, Troy, and New York City locations continue serving customers.

New York state minimum wage will increase to $17 per hour in New York City, Westchester County and Long Island, and to $16 per hour in the Capital Region with a 50-cent boost under Governor Hochul’s plan to put money back in workers’ pockets.

New laws raise the minimum wage to $16 per hour in the Capital Region and $17 in New York City, Westchester and Long Island — with annual increases planned based on inflation, and health insurers required to cover medically necessary EpiPens and cap yearly out-of-pocket costs at $100.

The former AnnaBelle’s Cafe in Rotterdam will be converted into apartments (and retail space) to offer new housing and shopping options for local residents.

The project is planned to enhance the area’s real estate and community amenities.

Schenectady has launched a $5.4M affordable housing project on Hamilton Hill that will convert six vacant buildings into 11 rental units (available for households at 50% to 80% AMI).

The first unit is expected in May 2026 as developers work with community groups to provide essential tenant services.