Good morning, Albany.

Mayor Sheehan and local officials toured the future Albany West Community Center on Livingston Ave, a nearly 22,000-square-foot facility that will offer a clinic, kitchen, garden, fitness spaces, an outdoor pool, and an indoor basketball court—expected to be finished by the end of the year with American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Alexis Diner closed on Friday due to unforeseen events and will reopen today from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Neighbors reported that federal agents detained several people near a local apartment—prompting police to refer follow-up inquiries to the BATFE.

Pad Thai Noodle reopened Friday morning in Colonie after a natural gas explosion destroyed it last year — the Singthon family rebuilt the restaurant using insurance funds, savings, and the sale of their home while all staff returned to serve authentic Thai food.

Today, the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians is holding their first powwow on ancestral homelands in New Lebanon—celebrating tradition with dance, crafts and music as the event continues on Sunday.

New York has issued a statewide burn ban through Oct.

15 due to dry conditions that raise fire risk and call for water conservation — the ban stops outdoor fires for brush and debris disposal and for cooking while small campfires are still allowed. Officials said they will reevaluate conditions before the ban ends.

Sixteen parks across Albany County will soon be upgraded thanks to over $225,000 awarded by the county legislature on Oct 3—funds will enhance playgrounds and recreation areas at sites in cities, towns, and villages.

These improvements aim to boost local recreational facilities for residents.

Governor Kathy Hochul announced her appointment of Kathy Moser—formerly with the Open Space Institute—to serve as acting Parks Commissioner and lead over 250 parks and historic sites until the Senate confirms her next year.

Governor Hochul expressed relief after federal funding cuts for law enforcement and counterterrorism operations were reversed—restoring $187 million to support public safety.

New York State was ranked the top for mental health care by Mental Health America, showing low rates of uninsured adults and youth with depression—Governor Hochul said the ranking reflects ongoing efforts including a $1B plan for suicide prevention and youth services.

New York’s Stop Hiding Hate Act is now in effect and big social media companies must file reports on their content moderation twice a year.

However, X Corp—formerly Twitter—is suing the state because it claims the law violates free speech rights and its lawsuit is still ongoing.

A white-tailed deer tested positive for rabies in Columbia County on October 3 and the county health department offered safety tips—urging residents to avoid contact with wild animals and keep pets vaccinated.

Residents are advised to seek medical care immediately if exposed.

Jessica Fuller, owner of The Hot Yoga Spot studios and co-founder of Bare Blends, is sharing her fight with breast cancer publicly this week to warn women against ignoring symptoms—she underwent chemotherapy and surgery after a routine appointment led to the diagnosis earlier this year.

UAlbany will host its rivalry game against Stony Brook today at Casey Stadium with kickoff at 3:30 p.m.—the team will honor local heroes during Family Weekend while competing for the Golden Apple trophy.

Albany Skelly Run

12:00 AM — 123 S Main Ave, Albany, NY — Tickets on sale now — Get ready for a spooky fun run filled with Halloween surprises and an after-party extravaganza.

Sir Chloe Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Empire Live — Ticket pricing available — Experience the energetic pop sounds of Sir Chloe live in Albany.

TV Doctors Live at Lark Hall

6-9 p.m. — Lark Hall — Free entry — Experience a psychedelic jazz trio blending funk, reggae, and contemporary jazz with improvisational flair.

Albany Midnight Mile Vampire Run

10 PM – 3 AM — Albany, NY — Tickets on sale now — Experience a thrilling vampire-themed fun run under the moonlight.

Psychedelic Furs Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Catch the iconic Psychedelic Furs live in a great local venue.

The EBlock Featuring Glass Pony and Victory Soul Orchestra

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Lark Hall — Ticket info not provided — Experience an electrifying night of soul, funk, and rock with some of Albany's best local bands.

Drake White Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Empire Live — Tickets from $39 — Experience the energetic performance of Drake White at a local favorite venue.

Nate's Playlist Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — The Eleven — Free entry — Experience the debut performance of Nate's Playlist in an inviting local venue.

Stardew Valley - Symphony of Seasons

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Cost not specified — Experience a musical journey through the beloved world of Stardew Valley with a live orchestra performance.

Hilltop Halloween Bash

8-9:30 p.m. — Lark Hall — Free entry for early show — Enjoy a night of funk rock with Hilltop and Red Meat Conspiracy at Lark Hall's festive Halloween event.