Good morning, Schenectady.

Local high school students are preparing for the 56th Annual Schenectady County Holiday Parade—floats are being decorated and final rehearsals are in progress.

A ribbon cutting was held Wednesday morning at Thrifty Connections on Lafayette Street — a new store owned by Natalie Smarro and Rose Vincent that sells thrifted items and runs creative repurposing workshops.

The shop is open Wednesday through Saturday.

Senators and business leaders met Wednesday in Albany to discuss rising costs in child care, housing, and energy that are making New York less affordable.

A Columbia University study showed many families struggle with grocery bills while child care centers face staffing shortages — leading lawmakers to call for changes in state regulations.

State lawmakers are reviewing why home insurance premiums are rising for New York homeowners even as coverage remains unchanged due to increased construction costs and more frequent climate disasters.

Lawmakers will draft recommendations in the legislative session (in January) while Consumer Reports advocates for a Homeowners Insurance Bill of Rights to boost pricing transparency.

Adoption Clinic at Pet Supplies Plus

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Pet Supplies Plus East Greenbush — Adoption fees apply — Find your new best friend at this rescue dog adoption event.