On Tuesday afternoon, the county executive’s office put out a release saying that Daniel McCoy had signed an executive order setting 21 as the minimum age to buy a flare gun and then on Tuesday evening, the county legislature introduced a local law that would treat flare guns like traditional firearms and “must be primarily purchased, possessed, and used by those over 21 years old.”

The county tax rate will drop from about $2.73 per $1,000 of assessed value this year to about $2.56 per $1,000 in 2026. 

ALBANY COUNTY — Six murals were unveiled this week as the start of the “Within Us” project, which seeks to use art as a catalyst for healing and discourse on mental health and suicide.

The project is funded by a $34,000 grant through Albany County’s American Rescue Plan Act program.

Dorcey Applyrs, Albany’s chief city auditor and the Democratic candidate for mayor, said, “Showing up for causes like this means becoming a target.”

ALBANY COUNTY — Albany County has received $1,639,396 in state funds — part of $85 million in grants awarded to 57 counties across New York — to prepare for implementing Next Generation 911.

Despite changes in federal guidance, the state recommends COVID vaccination for children (6 months to 18 years old), all adults, and individuals at higher risk, including those who are pregnant, lactating, or immunocompromised.

The Article 78, filed Sept. 12 with the Albany County state Supreme Court by civil-rights law firm Roth and Roth, claims the county unlawfully withheld records related to a “shakedown” incident on Aug. 20, 2024, at Oneida County’s jail, where members of the Albany County Sheriff’s Office Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) allegedly inflicted severe beatings on eight incarcerated individuals.

About one in five people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with febrile illness due to West Nile virus recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

ALBANY COUNTY — Fifty counties, including Albany, are now under a drought watch, according to an announcement from the governor and the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation.

Maria College, with 867 students, has announced a 35-percent increase in enrollment this year, crediting the jump to meeting regional workforce needs with flexible degree programs.