Good morning, Albany.

A fragile ceasefire agreement has been reached in the nearly two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas — Hamas released all 20 hostages while Israel released nearly 2,000 prisoners.

Local community members in Albany remain on edge after a gunshot was fired outside a local synagogue amid rising antisemitism.

Residents at Amsdell Apartments on Jay Street formed a tenant union on Saturday after reporting unsafe living conditions with mold, pests, and broken amenities in common areas—28 of the 35 occupied units joined the effort.

Management said they will meet with union leaders this week after the tenants gave NCG Jay LLC 30 days to make repairs.

On Oct 13, the Onesquethaw Volunteer Fire Company collected donations for the local fire department at Ice Cream Station on Indian Field Road — customers received free soft or hard ice cream for their donation, though hand-packed pints were excluded and supplies ran out.

Jajja's Kids will host its 2025 Fundraiser, Nurturing Dreams with Education, on October 19 at Revolution Hall in Troy — the event will offer a brunch buffet, African crafts for sale, artwork by Jajja's Kids, and a keynote speech by Paul Grondahl along with updates from Executive Director Diane Reiner after her Uganda visit. Board President Connie Frisbee Houde and Africa Program Director Ronnie Sseruyange will join by phone to provide more details.

A week has passed since the Twiller Street fire in Albany took five lives, making it the deadliest in over 60 years — investigators are still working to determine its cause as the city reflects on past fire tragedies preserved at a local museum.

Hoffman Car Wash and Jiffy Lube in Delmar closed Monday after engineers found a 23-foot crack in the parking lot that left the slope with equal forces of stability and instability—raising concerns ahead of an expected nor’easter rain event.

The business said customers with unlimited wash plans were directed to other locations while engineers continue to evaluate when it is safe to reopen.

A replica of the 1825 Seneca Chief boat is gliding down the Erie Canal for its 200th birthday celebration.

It left Buffalo on September 24th, arrived in Amsterdam on Monday+ docked in Schenectady today and will visit Troy and Albany over the weekend before reaching New York Harbor on October 25th.

The New York State Military Museum — on 61 Lake Ave — will host 'It's Over: A Celebration of the End of World War II' with music, films and family activities from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct.

18 in Saratoga Springs to honor the 80th anniversary of the war's end.

Dr. Patrick McGrath, Jr. announced his retirement after 14 years as superintendent of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District, and the Board accepted his decision on October 8th.

His retirement takes effect on June 30, 2026, and the Board will soon begin a statewide search for a replacement.

University at Albany is hosting a homecoming weekend on Oct.

17-19 that will include a football game against the University of Rhode Island on Oct. 18 at 3:30 p.m. and campus tours plus a pre-game event behind Tom and Mary Casey Stadium where students and alumni will gather to celebrate school spirit.

Artificial intelligence is coming into classrooms as educators in Albany use the technology for research and creative assignments—just as computers did in the past.

School leaders say teachers will always guide learning and verify work even as more schools add these tools.

On Oct 8, the Student Association Senate met to hear director Jason Jones explain accessible parking violations and discuss possible new parking options while senators debated leadership for the Rules and Administration Committee.

The Senate approved emergency legislation with a vote of 22 for, eight against and eight abstentions—despite concerns over lack of experience and transparency—moving forward with plans to revise their bylaws.

On Sunday, runners started the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon and Half Marathon in Schenectady and ran along the Mohawk — then followed the Hudson — finishing at the Corning Preserve boat launch in Albany.

Top finishers included Megan Vianese, who placed second in the women’s division with a time of 2:54:25, and Michael McCann, who won the half marathon in 1:03:56.

University at Albany teams finished a busy week with volleyball winning over Siena Saints on October 7 and NJIT on October 10, and field hockey shutting out Bryant Bulldogs 3-0 before defeating Northeastern 2-1, while both cross country teams finished second in their races.

Men's soccer lost 5-0 to Bryant and women's soccer fell 3-1 to New Hampshire (with standout efforts from key players) (the results show a packed schedule for the Great Danes).

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.

Day of the Deadbeats Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Lark Hall — Tickets available — Relive the Grateful Dead vibes with an award-winning tribute band delivering a unique musical experience.

From Ashes To New Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Empire Live — Tickets from $46 — Experience the high-energy performance of From Ashes To New in Albany, NY.

Albany Auto Show

3-7 p.m. — MVP Arena — $10 for adults, kids 12 & under free — Discover the latest car models and enjoy family-friendly activities at the Capital Region's premier auto event.

Desperados - A Tribute to the Eagles

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Cohoes Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the classic hits of the Eagles performed by an all-star band of seasoned musicians.