A rare virus usually seen in Africa, monkeypox has recently been identified in Europe and North America.

State Senator Michelle Hinchey, a Democrat representing the 46th District, will seek election to the new 41st District, which features a large portion of the current 46th District but excludes Albany County. 

“As the Omicron variant emerged in New York State, the number of people who have been infected with COVID for a second time has increased dramatically,” the state’s health department reports.

The map will be subject to a public hearing on May 26.

Michelle Hinchey and Richard Amedure were opponents in 2020, when both sought office for the first time after former Senator George Amedore, a Republican, decided not to seek re-election.

When Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday afternoon, May 8, tweeted that she had tested positive for the virus — “Thankfully, I’m vaccinated and boosted, and I’m asymptomatic,” she posted — her followers were divided in their advice and remonstrances.

Governor Kathy Hochul said on Tuesday morning that $25 million will be used to expand access to abortions as she anticipates women will be coming from the 26 states poised to ban abortion once the Supreme Court hands down its decision. Another $10 million will be used to beef up security for abortion providers.

ALBANY COUNTY — New York State has $34 million in federal funding awards for over 1,000 homes to become more energy efficient. The money is to reduce energy costs for low-income homeowners and renters.

The report covers the 24 months between Jan. 1, 2020 and Dec. 31, 2021, representing 9.49 million more deaths than those globally reported as directly attributable to COVID-19.

ALBANY COUNTY — This week, as China’s strict zero-COVID policy is under strain, the more relaxed approach in the United States may be what led to the results in a recent report posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicating that most Americans have been infected with the virus.