Daily Digest: New York drops Regents exam requirement for high school graduation starting in 2028

Also: ‘We thank you’: Troy honors good Samaritan, first responders for river rescue • Double M’s Haunted Hayrides returns for 36th season this weekend in Ballston Spa

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Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Good morning! Here are some of our top stories today. — Ivan Lajara, Regional Managing Editor. • Local news • E-edition • Obituaries • Sports • New York drops Regents exam requirement for high school graduation starting in 2028 Starting in 2028, graduating high school students in New York will not be required to pass Regents examinations to graduate. Read more → ‘We thank you’: Troy honors good Samaritan, first responders for river rescue The City of Troy held a special honoring ceremony on Monday to recognize Michael Schnoop and other individuals who helped rescue 8-year-old Amarys Lopez from the Hudson River last week. Read more → Double M’s Haunted Hayrides returns for 36th season this weekend in Ballston Spa For more than three decades, Double M’s Haunted Hayrides has been providing terrifying thrills, immersive experiences, and Halloween traditions. This weekend marks the start of its 36th season, inviting those brave enough to experience six terrifying attractions. Read more → Preparing to ‘safely’ build a future at Capital Region BOCES Students in the two-year HERO program at Capital Region BOCES learn how to operate, maintain, and repair large construction-related equipment, such as backhoes, dozers, front-end loaders, and excavators. There are approximately 90 students taking the program that is offered at the Extension Center and on the Schoharie CTE Campus. Read more → Johnny Rockets returning to Crossgates Mall by end of year By the end of the year, foodies can once again grab a meal from Johnny Rockets while at Crossgates Mall. Read more → Rensselaer County announces Papscanee Island Nature Preserve walk The Rensselaer County Legislature invites residents and visitors to a guided walk through the Papscanee Island Nature Preserve on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Read more → Hudson Crossing Park in Schuylerville to host Adaptive Outdoor Open House event this month Hudson Crossing Park will welcome community members of all ages, abilities and disabilities to explore the possibilities of adaptive outdoor recreation during an Adaptive Outdoor Open House from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, and from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23. Read more → Kathryn Jean Lopez: Bad anniversaries One weekday morning about a decade ago, I was at St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue in New York City, waiting in line to go to confession. My pre-sacrament reverie was broken by the sight of a seemingly heavily armed man. This particular day came during the height of the Islamist terror groups’ threats on Christian churches and the United Nations’ annual General Assembly week in Manhattan. Read more → Siena adding acrobatics & tumbling as 22nd Division I sport LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. – Siena University has announced the addition of women’s acrobatics & tumbling as the school’s 22nd Division I athletic program. The Saints’ newest varsity sport is targeted to begin competition in the 2027-28 academic year. “Our focus is on strategic growth that delivers real value for students,” said Siena University President Chuck Seifert. […] Read more → GasBuddy survey: Average gasoline prices in Albany up 8.4 cents from last week Average gasoline prices in Albany have risen 8.4 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $4.31/g on Monday, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 546 stations in Albany. Read more →

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