The state has an “action plan” meant to protect species under threat.

The state is encouraging residents in affected counties, particularly those dependent on private groundwater wells, to conserve water whenever possible during the coming weeks.

Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy announced on Friday that he and the Albany County Legislature had approved “an intermunicipal agreement to create the Albany County Healthcare Consortium.” But this is just the first step needed for six municipalities and three school districts that are considering being part of the consortium if, indeed, the costs turn out to be lower. McCoy is pictured here at Voorheesville’s Ruck March on Nov. 10.

This week, Hale-Spencer said, “I remain grateful to our readers who have sustained The Enterprise over these many years and who have been informed and empowered by our coverage.”

Hochul said that 11 wildfires were burning of varying degrees of size and dangerousness.

Wally Jones, Albany

Come Jan. 1, Patricia Fahy will move from the State Assembly to the Senate, replacing the retiring Neil Breslin.

Early voting started on Oct. 26 and runs through Nov. 3. Polls are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and from noon to 8 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday. Local early polling places include the Guilderland Public Library, the East Berne firehouse, and the Lynnwood Reformed Church are early polling places.

In the six counties served by the food bank — Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Schenectady — 100,000 people are experiencing food insecurity; the Regional food Bank plans to give 55 pounds of food to 30,000 of them for Thanksgiving.