Good morning, Albany.

RPI’s Pi Kappa Phi fraternity is hosting a haunted house at historic Paine Castle in Troy to raise funds for Ability Experience, a charity for people with disabilities.

The event runs today through Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. (admission is $10 for the general public and $5 for students).

On Thursday, a new playground opened in Washington Park as part of a $1.5 million renovation project built by a partnership between the Washington Park Conservancy and the city—designed with 14 activity zones for children of all ages.

This project has improved the park for local families.

The YWCA of the Greater Capital Region will hold its 10th annual Brava! fundraiser in Troy on November 6 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.—an event meant to provide new bras to those in need and feature local artists with readings and performances.

Cardona’s Market relaunched its popular G-Mac sandwich with a new chili oil drizzle—called the 'zip'—just in time for the upcoming Siena Men’s Basketball season.

The family-owned Italian market held a first bite event with Coach Gerry McNamara and senior guard Justice Shoats and will donate part of the sales to the Capital Region Boys and Girls Club across its three locations.

This week, a wide range of arts events is occurring in the Capital Region—from a marathon public reading of William Kennedy’s 'Legs' at Albany Distilling Co. on Wednesday to concerts, plays and film screenings scheduled from Oct.

30 to Nov. 5.

UAlbany doctoral student Tia Swenty is testing RNA switches in the Tenenbaum Lab to help scientists check organoids without having to destroy them, a method that may lower research costs and reduce waste.

She is backed by UAlbany’s RNA Institute fellowship and an NIH award and plans to share her new non-destructive testing approach—her work aims to bridge lab research with real-world biotech needs.

As the government shutdown continues, local food pantries are under strain as SNAP benefits may soon halt, leaving centers like St. Luke's Daily Bread to serve over 2,300 meals daily amid record demand.

Schenectady County officials are extending food drives and seeking extra funds to cover the gap — community members worry about looming shortages.

On Thursday, 8,500 pounds of food were delivered by the Regional Food Bank and partners to 250 federal workers at Albany International Airport who missed their first paychecks due to the government shutdown—officials warned that if the shutdown continues, local help might soon run short.

A four-year-old girl who had been separated from her deported mother for eight months was reunited in Colombia on Thursday after Albany County officials coordinated a legal effort—two county social workers escorted her on a flight paid for by the county.

This reunion followed months of legal battles and delays with federal immigration authorities.

Community members attended a packed town hall Wednesday at Columbia Memorial Hospital to hear leaders discuss changing its status from a rural hospital to a critical access hospital—this move would reduce licensed beds from 192 to 25 and could add $20M in revenue per year.

Albany Medical Center promised continued support for the hospital regardless of the changes.

University at Albany field hockey came back from a three-goal deficit to win 4-3 in overtime at UMass Lowell on Thursday evening at Wicked Blue Field, with sophomore Tessa Overgoor scoring the game-winning goal.

The team will host a conference quarterfinal + face Bryant on November 2.

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.

Albany All Stars Roller Derby Game

6-9 p.m. — Washington Avenue Armory — Ticket information not provided — Experience the thrill of live roller derby action with the Albany All Stars.

Creed Fisher Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Empire Underground — Ticket info available — Experience an evening of live music with Creed Fisher in Albany.

Self-Care Masterclass with Cecily Braden: Facial Care Routine

6-9 p.m. — Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness — Check website for pricing — Discover the transformative benefits of manual lymphatic drainage in skin and body care with an expert demonstration.

Albany Great Danes vs. Siena Saints Men's Basketball

7-8:30 p.m. — MVP Arena — Tickets starting at $25 — Catch the local college basketball rivalry unfold at this exciting matchup.

Cornhole Tournament for Youth Fundraiser

12:30-6 p.m. — Fort Orange Brewing — Entry fee to benefit a Cooperstown trip — Join in for fun and competition at this indoor cornhole tournament.

CHIODOS: 20 Years of All's Well That Ends Well

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Empire Live — $71+ — Celebrate 20 years of Chiodos with a vibrant live concert experience.