Good morning, Albany.

Albany PAL and CRFCU held the 11th Annual Backpack Giveaway on Friday at Albany PAL’s Center, distributing 300 backpacks filled with school supplies to local youth.

Additional book bag giveaways will take place at several elementary schools over the next two weeks.

Goold Hill Estate in Castleton-on-Hudson has begun its four-day grand opening celebration offering live music, food trucks, bakery items, and drinks.

The cidery and vineyard will expand to include an apple orchard, corn maze, and a private ribbon-cutting scheduled for mid-to-late September.

UAlbany professor Jason D’Cruz discussed AI ethics and empathy with musician Sean Ono Lennon on the Sing for Science podcast (recorded at Harvard’s Radcliffe Institute).

The conversation, prompted by Lennon’s new concept album, tackled AI’s growth and its effects on human connection.

Albany County will ban kratom sales and distribution as the Department of Health issues a public health order on Monday, Aug.

24 — the ban goes into effect on Aug. 31.

The state inspector general's office's annual report found nearly half of gaming complaints involved online sports betting, a sign that the growing industry in New York is sparking consumer concerns (based on recent data).

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the NY LOVES CANADA initiative on Aug.

21, which offers discounted admissions and hotel rates at state venues + aims to attract Canadian travelers. Some deals run through December.

Amid summer foodborne illness outbreaks, local dietitian Dr. Theresa DeLorenzo advised shoppers at Clifton Park Farmers Market to buy local produce for its freshness and higher antioxidant content.

She recommended peeling fruits and choosing local honey (which may help prevent allergy symptoms).

The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports launched its ‘Take a Pause’ campaign this week to help people manage mobile sports betting risks; officials say visits to its online gambling resource have jumped from 38,000 in 2022 to 190,000 today.