Good morning, Schenectady.

Residents in the Capital Region can get food help at many local pantries such as St. Luke’s Daily Bread Pantry (Schenectady) and Sister Maureen Joyce Center (Albany), with sites also available in Troy, Bethlehem and nearby areas.

The list helps families find food support when they need it.

The Electric City Community Grocery co-op in downtown Schenectady has begun its capital campaign and will open its store sometime in 2026 — the effort is a key step toward a locally run market.

Rivers Casino closed Friday night due to a network outage — stopping digital cashouts and card processing — and casino officials said National Grid is on site or on the way with no timeline for service restoration.

A federal judge ordered the government to use its contingency funds to keep SNAP benefits going during the shutdown after New York AG Letitia James and 25 other AGs argued that stopping November benefits is likely unlawful — the administration must set a funding plan by Monday to help millions who depend on food stamps. This ruling marks a legal win for efforts to protect food assistance during the ongoing shutdown.

Emil Baker, a Vietnam veteran (disabled from Agent Orange exposure), is raising awareness about related illnesses and connecting local veterans to needed services in the Capital Region.

He appeared on NewsChannel 13’s 3rd Hour to discuss the issue.

Local athlete Bill Smith, who became legally blind after a long battle with alcoholism, will run the NYC Marathon on November 2 tethered to guide runner Rebecca Chapman—he relies on his guide dog Quidditch and support from Guiding Eyes for the Blind to overcome challenges.

Smith, who previously completed the Mohawk Hudson River Half Marathon, now uses his running to rebuild his life and inspire hope in others.

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.

Sixties Spectacular Concert

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Proctors — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an electrifying night of catchy tunes and energetic performances by Sixties Spectacular.