Sunday, December 28, 2025

Daily Digest: ‘Successful year’: McLaughlin recaps end of year accomplishments

Also: DEC announces 2025-26 Holiday Deer Hunt through Jan. 1 • Questions and answers from the ‘Car Doctor’
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Sunday, December 28, 2025

 
 

Happy Sunday!

Happy third day of Kwanzaa for all those who celebrate. Hope everyone is having a great weekend. If you're out and about later today and especially tonight, please be careful. Sounds like it's going to be pretty icy out there. Before you head out or enjoy that morning cup of coffee or tea, check out some of the top stories on our website.

Be safe and enjoy the day. — Ron Rosner, Senior Editor


e-edition                            obituaries

‘Successful year’: McLaughlin recaps end of year accomplishments

RENSSELAER COUNTY, N.Y. — Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin recapped a packed year of projects, new business openings and looked ahead to next year’s plans after winning re-election this past November. The county executive said one of his biggest accomplishments this year was the completion of his mission to repave 330 miles of the county’s […]

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DEC announces 2025-26 Holiday Deer Hunt through Jan. 1

NEW YORK — New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton recently announced that late bow and muzzleloader deer hunting seasons will reopen throughout most of New York's Southern Zone through Jan. 1 for the Holiday Deer Hunt. DEC encourages deer hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to respectfully share the snow. "The Holiday Deer Hunt gives young hunters the opportunity to hunt while they are off from school and gathered with their families and friends for the holidays," Lefton said in a press release. "Time outside during winter is valued by many. Whatever brings you afield, be safe […]

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Questions and answers from the 'Car Doctor'

Q. My daughter loves to camp and go off road. She has become enamored by the old Toyota Land Cruisers from the 1990s. I know these vehicles have a tremendous reputation, but it seems the cult like following has led to some ridiculous prices. I have seen prices of $20,000 or more for a 30-year-old car with over 250,000 miles, which to me seems insane. Can you recommend a few alternatives which may not be as cool but can also go off-road and will be more contemporary with better safety features at a similar price point. A. I would look […]

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Siobhan Connally's Ittybits & Pieces: Perseverance pays off

It was a last-minute ask. ​My friend needed a few extra hands to finish her holiday confection preparation as Christmas Eve descended. "Your place or mine … I will come to you." ​I couldn't say no. ​She arrived with all the supplies from her kitchen: a dozen eggs, a carton of milk, a quart of neutral oil, a sack of flour, a bag of sugar, and all the spices. She even brought measuring utensils and other dishware we would need for an assembly line of tinkering and finishing touches. ​"These are called 'Buneulos'," she said slowly and clearly, nodding patiently […]

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READER'S VIEW: Look out for new rules and old risks on our roads this winter

Whether you love it or hate it, winter is here! We've already seen some snow, and we know more is on the way. With that, road safety becomes one of the biggest concerns this season. Driving in cold, snowy conditions is always more dangerous, but we don't have to accept those risks as inevitable. Preparation and awareness go a long way toward preventing accidents. Local officials do their part to keep roads clear, but drivers carry the greatest responsibility. Safe driving means slowing down, allowing extra travel time and keeping more distance between vehicles. It also means being prepared for […]

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SNAPSHOT: A 'sweet' future thanks to Capital Region BOCES

Aspiring pastry chef Shianne Calitri is planning a sweet future thanks to Capital Region BOCES. The area senior is building on her goals of being a bakery owner at the Career and Technical Education Center – Schoharie Campus where she is in the second year of the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Technology program. The Culinary Arts program serves approximately 100 students on the Albany and Schoharie campuses, preparing them to enter the workforce or pursue additional training in college. (Photo provided)

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It's been 25 years since America decided to save the Everglades. Where do we stand?

It's been 25 years since America decided to save the Everglades. The restoration is over budget and behind schedule, but experts see improvements, and a light at the end of the tunnel.

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Americans face growing loneliness and social disconnection

Small groups are working to restore community connections.

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