As vaccination rates are falling off nationwide, incentives are being offered — like discounts and specials at Crossgates Mall. An incentive for states is a new federal policy to reallocate doses from states not using their weekly allotments.

 Governor Andrew Cuomo on Monday joined with the governors of New Jersey and Connecticut to lift most industry capacity restrictions, beginning May 19. He cited the success of vaccination programs and the decline in cases of COVID-19.

“We’ve got to reimagine how we’re getting the vaccine out to people,” said Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy. New strategies include a mobile van, walk-ins at the county’s health department, and incentives provided by businesses.

BETHLEHEM — A hiker on the rail trail Sunday stopped to help an unconscious man who pulled a Taser on his resuscitator when he came to, according to a release from the Bethlehem Police.

Alexander Carp, 23, was charged on Tuesday with menacing and criminal possession of a weapon in the April 25 incident.

Edward Chevrette of Guilderland has a passion for piloting.

ALBANY COUNTY — The Capital Region on Wednesday was the first in the state to cross the half-way mark in giving a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to residents.

“We tend to socially distance as a norm,” nurse practitioner Jill Martin said of Hilltown residents. “Even our houses are situated far apart.” And many Hilltowners work independently — say, as farmers — and don’t regularly go to crowded venues like theaters or restaurants, she noted. “It gives a false sense of security that we don’t have the virus,” Martin said.

GUILDERLAND — Four candidates are running for three seats on Guilderland’s nine-member school board.

The new CDC guidance says that, except in certain crowded settings, fully vaccinated people do not need to wear masks.

Governor Andrew Cuomo was in Syracuse Monday to announce the 2021 Reimagined New York State Fair will run from Aug. 20 to Sept. 6.