5 Things to Know This Thursday, March 5

A grocery store closure, a stabbing investigation, and a new police chief among the top stories.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A roundup of the top news stories for Thursday, March 5, including the closure of a grocery store in the North Country, a stabbing investigation in Schenectady, the introduction of a new police chief in Pittsfield, comments from New York's governor on child hunger, and the declaration of a Code Blue alert in Albany.

Why it matters

These stories cover a range of important local issues, from public safety and community leadership to social welfare and emergency response, providing readers with a comprehensive update on the key happenings in the region.

The details

The Grand Union grocery store has closed in the town of Warrensburg in the North Country. In Schenectady, police are investigating a stabbing that occurred in Vale Cemetery, where a woman was found with multiple stab wounds. In Pittsfield, the city introduced a new police chief, Mark Maddalena, who has been with the department for 28 years and plans to focus on police staffing, mental health, and quality of life issues. New York Governor Kathy Hochul spoke about the need to ensure no child goes hungry during the school day, even in the wealthiest nation. Finally, Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy announced a Code Blue alert, effective from Wednesday night through Saturday, in coordination with the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society.

  • The Code Blue alert in Albany will be in effect beginning Wednesday night, through Saturday March 7.
  • The stabbing incident in Schenectady's Vale Cemetery occurred on March 4.

The players

Mark Maddalena

The new police chief in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, who has been with the department for 28 years.

Kathy Hochul

The Governor of New York, who spoke about the need to ensure no child goes hungry during the school day.

Daniel McCoy

The Albany County Executive, who announced the Code Blue alert in coordination with the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society.

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What they’re saying

“In the wealthiest nation in the world, there should be no excuses, no reason why any child should not be able to have a full stomach all the way through the entire school day.”

— Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York (news10.com)

The takeaway

This roundup of local news highlights the diverse range of issues communities are facing, from public safety and community leadership to social welfare and emergency response, underscoring the importance of staying informed on the key happenings in one's local area.