I’m excited to welcome a new freelance journalist to the Explorer team. Mike De Socio, formerly of the Albany Business Review, has jumped in on some business and community news stories for us. Keep scrolling to see some of his work that we posted to the Explorer website this week!

Upcoming event
“Challenges and Opportunities in Journalim in 2021 and Beyond”
A panel discussion
7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25
Suggested donation: $10
Registrationrequired
Join Adirondack Explorer and the Adirondack Center for Writing for a conversation with new and veteran journalists on the evolving nature of journalism. Rex Smith, editor-at-large at the Times Union of Albany, will act as moderator for the evening.

What’s new
BUSINESS/ECONOMIC STORIES
Here’s what our new reporter Mike has been up to so far:
- SAVE OUR BANK: Indian Lake convinces Community Bank to keep its branch from closing. Community organizer Brenda Valentine helped rallied residents to voice their concerns. READ MORE
- TOPS/PRICE CHOPPER MERGER: While it’s too soon to say exactly what will happen, company leaders say the Adirondack locations will remain in business. READ MORE
- ELECTRIC VEHICLE REVOLUTION? NYS and local organizations set an ambitious goal to boost the number of EV charging stations around the park READ MORE
Trending

SPLITTING HAIRS OVER TREE CUTTING: Continuing the debate around tree cutting for trails, we ask the following question: When is a tree a tree? Join the conversation on the Almanack. READ MORE
MAJESTIC, MAGNETIC FOXES: The most-read story in the Almanack this week is about foxes. READ IT
PETE HORNBECK TRIBUTE: The most-read story on the Explorer this week is this poignant tribute to the legendary boat builder READ MORE