Good morning, Schenectady.

Schenectady police and the ATF are investigating the homicide of E-Shawn Berkley that occurred at Tropics Restaurant & Bar on September 5, 2021—offering a reward of up to $5,000 for tips that lead to the arrest of those responsible.

Schenectady police say a 6 year old dog with a cut off ear and broken teeth, found Saturday evening near Eastern Parkway and McClellan streets, is recovering at Mohawk Hudson Humane Society+ investigators are checking whether her injuries come from dog fighting or other abuse+ a Good Samaritan rescued her.

On March 31, Albany police stopped Russell Piper, a 24-year-old Schenectady man riding an electric bike near Second Street and Henry Johnson Boulevard, and found him with a loaded handgun and crack cocaine—he now faces one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the third degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the third degree—and is held in Albany County Jail.

On Monday night, Albany Police arrested Russell Piper of Schenectady near Second Street after detectives found he allegedly carried a loaded handgun and cocaine on his e-bike—he now faces several felony charges.

Tuesday night, the Schenectady County Community College Foundation hosted its annual Food For Thought and All About That Jazz fundraiser that showcased students from the School of Hotel, Culinary Arts and Tourism and the School of Music while unveiling renovations at Elston Hall, a historic building on campus built in 1925. The renovation took about 18 months and restored the lobby with new paint and trim while crews uncovered hidden details—an 80 year old cashier sign, original terrazzo flooring and crown molding—and updated the building’s wiring and facade at a cost of nearly $1.5 million funded by county and state.

The City was set to start its new trash policy on April 1 but now will mail residents three free bulk trash stickers by the end of this week or next, Mayor Gary McCarthy said today.

The rules will also crack down on major trash dumping and out-of-town dumpers — police are tracking these cases.

Stewart's Shops has partnered with the New York Racing Association to offer nonrefundable 3-day passes for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival for $99+ fans can purchase passes with cash at over 175 stores including in our area for events running from June 5 to June 7.

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.