Good morning, Albany.

After a contained electrical fire on Monday morning, Via Aquarium at the mall off Campbell Road will remain closed until safety inspections and town approval finalize its reopening (the 25,000 sqft facility houses freshwater and saltwater exhibits).

Every Tuesday, 40 to 50 Muslim seniors gather at the Islamic Center of the Capital District for a county-sponsored halal lunch provided by Falafel Express from Latham — the only congregate halal meal option in the state.

Cheryl McKeon from The Book House in Albany, Lily Bartels from Open Door Bookstore in Schenectady, and staff at Marketblock Books in Troy shared this week’s Book Picks (a curated selection) featuring titles such as The List of Suspicious Things and The Hitch.

Colin Stair and Lisa Thomas answered antiques questions from callers on a live broadcast hosted by Ray Graf yesterday.

Listeners were invited to phone in with inquiries about their treasures.

Amtrak will restore separate Empire Service trains between Penn Station and the Albany-Rensselaer Station by early March, Gov. Kathy Hochul said.

The decision follows service cuts made for East River Tunnel work that had reduced daily trips between the two stops.

State landmarks were lit in yellow yesterday for International Holocaust Remembrance Day, as Governor Kathy Hochul said the gesture honors the memory of those lost.

Governor Hochul announced the new HEALR program to offer health care professionals up to $300K in loan forgiveness for four years of full-time service in high-need communities.

Employer applications close March 31 at 11:59 p.m.—individual applications end April 15, with awards expected late summer.

The Stillwater Board did not vote on a proposed 2026 football merger with Mechanicville before the Feb.

1 deadline, so Stillwater will remain with Saratoga Central Catholic while Mechanicville stays independent + coaches cited low enrollment and cultural differences between the programs.

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.

High Society Gala

9 PM – 12 AM — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience DJ TGIF live at Albany's exciting High Society Gala.

Hilltop with Raisinhead

8-11 p.m. — Lark Hall — Ages 21+ — Experience an exceptional evening of music with Albany's best funk bands Hilltop and Raisinhead.

Valentines Day with Hollywood Herb

6-8 p.m. — Lark Hall — Free entry — Celebrate Valentines Day with guitar virtuoso Hollywood Herb as he brings his eclectic music talents to the stage.

Girl's NYSPHSSA State Championships

12:00–4:00 a.m. — MVP Arena — Ticket prices vary — Witness top high school athletic talent compete for state titles.