Daily
Albany
Thursday, January 1st, 2026
Good morning, Albany. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 1st of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Services were held Wednesday in Albany for police officer Jan Mika Jr., who died off duty on Dec. 24 after 22 years of dedicated service. He is survived by his wife and two children, and the city lowered flags in his honor. WRGB
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Local firefighters used an old school auditorium raise method to control a small ceiling fire at Market Bistro (Price Chopper) in Latham; the department said the rarely taught technique proved practical during the incident. WRGB
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ John Mulrooney, a longtime comedian and radio personality known for his work on WPYX and WDHP, died suddenly at his home in Coxsackie on Dec. 29. Friends recalled his skill in improvisation (he performed on local stages and international venues) and service details will be shared soon. Times Union
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ The University at Albany has chosen Aramark to take over campus dining and catering services. The 15-year partnership—renamed Great Dane Hospitality—will begin Jan. 1 and bring new options and initiatives to enhance campus life. University at Albany
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ More than 300 environmental groups asked Governor Kathy Hochul to include updates to New York's four-decade-old bottle bill in her upcoming 2026 budget plan, arguing that modernizing the law would boost recycling and add revenue to help local waste programs in communities like the Adirondacks. WAMC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rensselaer solved its stray dog challenge by opening a temporary 16 x 12 shed behind the police station as a shelter with four kennels that offer indoor or outdoor lounging options and amenities like water and electricity. Mayor Mike Stammel and dog control officer Maggie Simmons say the facility will help ensure pets are promptly reclaimed (costing $40K). NewsChannel 13
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Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Adele
6-7 p.m. — The Venue — Ticketed — Experience a unique tribute to Adele's greatest hits illuminated by candlelight.
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The Pout Pout Fish Musical
10 a.m. — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices may apply — Experience a whimsical oceanic adventure with live performers and puppets turning frowns upside down.
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Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
8:30-9:30 p.m. — UAlbany Performing Arts Center — Ticketed event — Experience the enchantment of Taylor Swift's music performed by a string quartet under candlelight.
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High Society Gala
9 PM – 12 AM — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience DJ TGIF live at Albany's exciting High Society Gala.
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