“As we call on the federal government to make this vaccine available through the Vaccines for Children program, the Department will keep working to remove barriers and protect families’ access to lifesaving immunization,” said Health Commissioner James McDonald. “Vaccines save lives, and we will always stand with New Yorkers to safeguard their health.”

ALBANY COUNTY — Annabelle Morton’s design for this year’s “I Voted” sticker got 99 percent of the public votes that determined the winner.

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. 

“An unusually dry period” combined with the danger of fallen leaves accumulating led to the ban, according to a proclamation signed by the governor. The ban prohibits outdoor fires for disposal of brush or debris as well as all uncontained fires, including campfires, and open fires used for cooking.

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.