Good morning, Schenectady.

The Regional Food Bank is set to lose 8 million pounds of food due to federal cuts, and local pantries have seen a 52% service increase from 2023 to 2024 as they struggle to keep shelves stocked.

Advocates urge the 2025 budget to include nearly full HDNAP — a measure they believe would help maintain a supply of healthy food for the community.

Founded by Amy and Kyle Greth to honor their baby boy Noah, the Ohana Foundation has provided financial relief and comfort to families coping with infant loss for ten years—its annual Sky Full of Stars Gala featuring music by Funk Evolution and dinner by Old Daley Catering will be held on April 12 at the Hangar at 743.

Schenectady police received a call Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. from an out-of-town family member about a 73-year-old man found starving and living in a dirty home on Avenue A—officers took him to Ellis Hospital and charged his caretaker daughter, 48-year-old Christine Jackson, with a felony after she pleaded not guilty at arraignment and was released on probation, and she will return to court on March 31.

On Crescent Fisher Road near Exit 8, a driver left his truck and allegedly struck DOT worker William Barbour at a construction site this past Wednesday—Barbour said the incident escalated when the driver threw a punch before driving off.

After its Wednesday meeting, the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority approved six projects to boost local growth—these include a $195,000 grant to upgrade Armory Studios NY for sports and film events, a $45,000 grant to relocate Gorman Construction that will add jobs, $125,000 to transform Frog Alley Brewing into an administrative hub for Simone’s Kitchen, $45,000 for two new Jay Street retail stores, the purchase of two downtown parcels for a trail project, and $95,758 for improvements at the Five Corners intersection in Rotterdam.

A judge ruled that the State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government can now take enforcement actions, giving it power to investigate ethics issues.

Executive Director Sanford Berland said the decision—after three years of work—is a clear boost for the commission as it works to restore public trust in government.

5th Annual Scrabble-Rama Fundraiser

9 a.m. — Schenectady High School Cafeteria — Check website for entry fee — Gather your team and flex your word skills in this local Scrabble tournament.

2025 Education Celebration Gala

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Proctors Theatre — Admission supports local education — Celebrate and recognize achievements in Schenectady's education sector.

Game Night

10 PM — Woodlawn Preserve — Free entry — Connect with locals over games and make new friends in a welcoming environment.