Regional

As the proliferation of large-scale battery storage facilities continues across New York, local officials and volunteer fire departments are raising alarms over the unique and serious fire risks posed by the technology, prompting a state-level push for stricter safety codes.

A heat dome that moved across southern states is bringing higher temperatures to parts of New York.

The forecasted baseline peak demand for today, July 25, is 29,000 megawatts.

New York Independent System Operator, known as NYISO, says it is ready for the demand.

ALBANY COUNTY — Phase two, affecting Albany County, of the School Tax Relief program known as STAR has started.

Eligible homeowners in communities with school tax due dates in August or September will start receiving their STAR benefit in the coming weeks, according to a release from the governor’s office.

In Albany County last year, according to data from the state’s health department, 871 ticks were collected from 12 sites, showing a population density of 41.69 percent.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets says the state has achieved “Unaffected” status as part of the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Milk Testing Strategy designed to detect highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy herds.

ALBANY COUNTY — The county will provide $100,000 in grants to school, after-school, and community-based programs curbing bullying and preventing youth violence.

Applications will be accepted through Aug. 4 with individual grants capped at $20,000.

Joanne Cunningham, who chairs the legislature and represents part of Bethlehem, introduced the bill in March after the town of Bethlehem was not immediately informed about contaminants in New Scotland wells on property close to Bethlehem’s Vly Creek Reservoir.

“The truth is — and I think we all know it — that when women are at the table of leadership, the conversation changes … policies find compassion and communities gain equity,” said Romero.

“Flare guns were never designed to be weapons, but they are now being weaponized and used to inflict destruction, panic, and pain within our communities, including right here in the Capital Region with the outrageous and unacceptable violence we saw over the Fourth of July weekend,” said Senator Patricia Fahy.

ALBANY COUNTY — American Rescue Plan Act funds totaling $950,000 have been awarded to 53 businesses in Albany County.

The recipients, announced on July 3, included local businesses RAD Soap Co. in Guilderland’s Stuyvesant Plaza and New Scotland Physical Therapy in Slingerlands.