Good morning, Schenectady.

Today, CBS6 offers the final chance to donate to the Backpack Heroes campaign fighting childhood food insecurity with a $50,000 goal to provide backpacks filled with meals for kids to take home from school.

Donors giving $35 or more during the live phone bank from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. will receive a ticket—entry to the Regional Food Bank’s Mac N Cheese Bowl on Oct. 18 in Cohoes.

Schenectady County celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal when the replica canal boat Seneca Chief arrived at Mohawk Harbor at 3 p.m. October14 and held a welcome ceremony at 3:30 p.m. — guided tours were offered until 6:30 p.m. as the boat retraced its historic route.

At Cornells in Little Italy, owner Maria Perreca Papa showed how to make her famous braised mussels and roll secret-recipe cavatelli, serving diners dishes like charcuterie platter, braciole over pasta and tiramisu—the restaurant is at 39 N Jay Street in Schenectady and preserves classic flavors passed down over generations.

Politico leaked thousands of racist Telegram chats over seven months that showed young GOP leaders from several states, including one linked to Schenectady County, joking about gas chambers, slavery, and rape.

Schenectady GOP Chairwoman Liz Joy said local committee standards do not tolerate hate speech and demanded that the leader apologize and accept accountability—prompting calls from state officials for stricter measures.

State lawmakers examined psilocybin's benefits and risks for treating conditions such as depression, PTSD, chronic pain, and cluster headaches at an Assembly hearing led by Health Chair Amy Paulin.

Experts testified that the drug had been used for 20 years while lawmakers from both parties expressed support and some voiced concerns about bad trips and side effects + the hearing advanced the discussion on legalizing the treatment option.

Tom Rush Concert

7:30-11:30 p.m. — GE Theatre at Proctors — Tickets from $95 — Experience an unforgettable night with legendary performer Tom Rush.

The Thorn

7-8:30 p.m. — Proctors Theatre — Tickets start at $159 — Experience an unforgettable performance at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady.

Saratoga Fall Festival

12-3 p.m. — Jacob & Anthony's American Grille — Free entry — Experience the ultimate fall street festival with music, games, food, and seasonal fun.

New York Flames Tryouts

2:00 PM – 2:15 PM — Armory Studios NY — $30 tryout fee — Showcase your basketball skills and join the New York Flames team.