Yonkers Daily Local Headlines — March 3, 2026

Top local headlines

• City and schools push Albany over a reported $101M budget gap. Officials say the shortfall is driven by state aid formulas and rising costs, and they plan to press state leaders for funding changes.
• Paws for a Cause skating exhibition set for March 7. The city is promoting a public skate and donation drive to support the Yonkers Animal Shelter’s care and supplies.
• Hudson Valley Restaurant Week is underway through March 15. Two weeks of prix-fixe deals are designed to pull diners into local restaurants and highlight regional food and hospitality.
• Yonkers Raceway Pick 5 carryover builds for Tuesday night. A carryover and guaranteed pool are expected to draw extra interest ahead of the evening card.

What it means for Yonkers

School funding pressure heads to the Capitol

A new city announcement says Yonkers leaders are taking the district’s projected 2026–2027 gap to Albany, arguing that current state funding calculations don’t match Westchester-area costs. The message: without additional help, the district could be forced into program and service reductions next school year.

Helping the animal shelter, one lap at a time

This weekend’s skating exhibition is being billed as a simple way to support shelter operations, with proceeds and donations aimed at day-to-day needs like supplies and animal care. If you’ve been meaning to get out on the ice (or meet fellow pet lovers), it’s a low-key local fundraiser worth a look.

Restaurant Week deals return

Restaurant Week’s spring run has started across the Hudson Valley, including Westchester, with participating spots offering set-price menus. For diners, it’s a chance to try a new place with predictable pricing; for restaurants, it’s a seasonal boost that often fills slower weeknights.

At the track: a bigger-than-usual betting pool

Harness racing at MGM Yonkers Raceway gets a jolt when there’s a carryover, and Tuesday’s Pick 5 is being advertised with both a carryover and a guaranteed pool. Even if you’re not a bettor, it can mean a busier night at the venue and more attention on local racing.

Sources

https://www.yonkersny.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/2096
https://yonkerstimes.com/skating-for-a-cause-to-benefit-the-yonkers-animal-shelter-march-7/
https://yonkerstimes.com/spring-2026-hudson-valley-restaurant-week-has-begun/
https://standardbredcanada.ca/news/3-2-26/pick-5-carryover-tuesday-yonkers.html