Good morning, Albany.

Local labor unions donated $25,000 to the Regional Food Bank to set up the state's largest Thanksgiving meal distribution later this month—union members will volunteer to help prepare an event that will serve 350,000 meals.

Locals enrolled in SNAP received benefits earlier this week after legal disputes during a 43-day shutdown delayed funds—many said they saw their EBT cards refilled by Thursday.

Bridge Tha Gap, a local non-profit, continues to serve daily meals and snacks as food insecurity remains a concern.

Operation Toy Train, organized by TOYX, Inc., will bring a holiday train to Greenfield on November 15.

Santa, Mrs. Claus and Buddy the Elf will appear as the train collects donated toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation in 69 towns—launching the season of giving.

The North Colonie Central School District is hosting a drive-through food drive on November 15 from 8 a.m. to noon at North Colonie District Offices (91 Fiddler’s Lane, Colonie) to refill its backpack program and help families facing food insecurity.

Volunteers will collect (non-perishable) food and personal care items to support all eight district schools.

Community members gathered in Troy on November 13th to kickoff the annual Rensselaer County Toy Drive and donate new, unwrapped toys at local businesses, county offices, and senior centers (organizers also hold fundraisers to purchase extra gifts for families in need).

Staples on Route 9W in Glenmont will close on Nov 21, with a 50% discount on most items until then—customers have been directed to other Capital District stores.

Local leaders say a new Dollar Store will take over part of the space and other businesses may soon fill nearby vacancies.

The Hudson–Mohawk Weavers’ Guild is hosting its 47th Annual Show and Sale at Pat’s Barn in North Greenbush today through November 16 — nearly 40 local weavers are displaying over 2,500 handcrafted items and offering live spinning, weaving demonstrations and daily fashion shows.

Regeneron is expanding into Saratoga County with a new facility on Duplainville Road that will create 1,000 permanent and 500 temporary jobs.

Empire State Development supports the $2 billion project with up to $35 million in tax credits—this expansion will double the firm’s manufacturing capacity and help develop life‐saving medicines.

Albany High School has delayed installing a new security system, raising concerns among parents that student safety might be affected.

Superintendent Joseph Hochreiter said the district is reviewing newer technology and will hold two more community discussions before the measures are implemented after Thanksgiving — mayor-elect Dorcey Applyrs also pledged to work with school officials on safety plans.

Charles Giglio is UAlbany's only Latin professor who teaches a class for about 30 students and shows them that many English words come from Latin—he uses everyday texts to make the lesson real.

His work keeps the ancient language alive even as few take it up.

On Veterans Day, kids in the Capital Region joined an event at UAlbany where staff from the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity and Pioneer Bank taught them about tech by building with legos—student ambassadors led stations that let children build towers, spaceships and robots to spark their creativity.

County Executive Daniel McCoy declared a Code Blue in Albany County to help homeless residents find shelter as temperatures are forecast to drop below 32°F; the alert will run Thursday and Friday and HATAS advises those in need to visit designated shelters such as Capital City Rescue Mission at 259 South Pearl Street + Safe Haven Drop-In Center at 26 South Swan Street + Warming Center at 45 South Ferry Street.

Lawmakers in Washington reopened the federal government last night after a 43-day shutdown that led to missed pay and disruptions for services such as SNAP and flight schedules.

In the Capital Region, federal workers, schools and community groups now face ongoing challenges — teachers are starting programs to deliver meals — as full recovery remains uncertain.

U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 rankings for best nursing homes in New York after evaluating 601 facilities and rating 86 as top performers.

Three Capital Region centers — Ellis Residential and Rehabilitation Center, Pathways Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, and Woodland Pond at New Paltz — earned a five out of five rating — the study’s highest score — in the evaluation.

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.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Varies — Experience a magical Christmas ballet featuring world-class talent and stunning visuals.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the cherished holiday classic in a magical ballet performance.

AMA Coffee and Connections – Albany

8:30-9:30 a.m. — Motor Oil Coffee Albany State Street — Free entry — Engage in meaningful conversations while sipping on delicious coffee with local professionals.

Adoption Clinic at Pet Supplies Plus

11 AM - 12:30 PM — Pet Supplies Plus East Greenbush — Free entry — Find your new furry friend and support local dog rescue efforts.