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NY joins with six other states for better buying power for medical equipment

On Sunday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that New York has formed a consortium with six other states — New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts —  to develop a regional supply chain for personal protective equipment, other medical equipment, and testing.

New Scotland looking to bring high-speed internet to all residents

by Sean Mulkerrin

Although still fairly preliminary, New Scotland residents without access to high-speed broadband now have an option.  

Hilltowns Community Resource Center

In Hilltown resource center, taking makes way for giving 

by Noah Zweifel

A client of the Hilltowns Community Resource Center also volunteers there.

United Way plans virtual 5.18 Day, donates $50K to Whitney Young

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

About two months ago, United Way established the Capital Region Community COVID-19 Response Fund and has so far raised over $800,000 with $650,000 already being given back to the community.

Red Cross offers help to families after a member has died of COVID-19

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

A team of 30 specially trained Red Cross Disaster Mental Health, Disaster Spiritual Care, and Health Services volunteers will be available to support families with their emotional and spiritual needs, as well as provide information and referrals to state and local agencies as well as other community organizations to help families meet their immediate needs.

Duty and heartbreak are part of missing the end of senior year, students say

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

“The way I like to think about it,” said Declan Duffy of missing the last half of his senior year at Albany Academy, “it’s taking the place of our final. It’s the hardest test we’ve had to go through in our lives but the easiest preparation. All we need to do is stay inside and keep each other safe.”

In Capital Region, 2.2 percent have COVID-19 antibodies

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

“It’s trial and error,” said McCoy on reopening. He had earlier mentioned the possibility of split shifts so workers could be spaced apart in their workplaces. “We’ve never been down this road,” he said on Saturday.

School board elections and budget votes on June 9

School board elections and budget votes, which are usually held the third Tuesday in May, will be held this year on June 9, according to an executive order issued today by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The votes will be conducted by mail and all qualified voters will be sent an absentee ballot with return postage paid.

Two more die of COVID-19 as county’s death toll climbs to 44

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

The recent spike in positive cases of COVID-19 is the result of widespread testing in nursing homes and long-term care facilities, said Albany County commissioner of Health Elizabeth Whalen. Her department is now testing some asymptomatic workers in hopes of identifying employees that may be infected but unaware.

Photos: Protesting closures, rally at the capitol

Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan on Thursday urged residents and workers to avoid the area where what she called an “un-permitted” rally was to be held.

Kirsten Gillibrand

Gillibrand pushes postal banking to serve the poor and save the post office

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand supports the creation of a Health Force, which she described as “an AmeriCorps for health care.” She explained, “We’d train a million workers over the next two months.” These workers would do testing and contact tracing and, once a vaccine is developed, administer the vaccine.

Berne likely to forego remote public hearings after mess of a meeting

by Noah Zweifel

After a public hearing on a controversial bill to add members to the Berne Planning Board that was so contentious and technically flawed it was discontinued, Supervisor Sean Lyons says the town board will continue with its plan, resuming the hearing once people are allowed to meet in person.

Legal Aid and State Bar offer help in the time of coronavirus

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

The Legal Aid Society of Northeastern New York is, according to its director, eager to help people who need a lawyer’s advice when facing the repercussions of the shutdown meant to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Cuomo keeps schools closed for rest of the academic year

by Melissa Hale-Spencer

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that all schools and colleges in New York will remain closed for the rest of the academic year and will continue to provide distance learning.

Voorheesville adopts $2.4M budget for 2020-21, raises water rates

by Sean Mulkerrin

The village of Voorheesville’s budget for next year is down but residents will see an increase in their water bills.

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