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New York State Assembly

Politics
Historic: House Democrats Elect NY Rep. As Leader, First Black Person To Head Party In Congress Historic: House Democrats Elect NY Rep. As Leader, First Black Person To Head Party In Congress
Historic: House Democrats Elect NY Rep. As Leader, First Black Person To Head Party In Congress History has been made after House Democrats elected New York Congressman Hakeem Jeffries as their leader, marking the first time a Black person will lead a party in either chamber of Congress. The move came in a closed-door meeting on Capitol Hill Wednesday morning, Nov. 30, CNN reports. Earlier Report: NY Congressman Seen As Favorite To Become Dems' Congressional Leader After Pelosi Departure Jeffries, the caucus chair who represents New York’s 8th Congressional District covering eastern Brooklyn and southwestern Queens, was unopposed in running for leader, the outlet reports. The 52-ye…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
NY Congressman Seen As Favorite To Become Dems' Congressional Leader After Pelosi Departure NY Congressman Seen As Favorite To Become Dems' Congressional Leader After Pelosi Departure
NY Congressman Seen As Favorite To Become Dems' Congressional Leader After Pelosi Departure The next House Minority Leader will most likely hail from New York, according to multiple reports. Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who represents the state’s 8th Congressional District covering eastern Brooklyn and southwestern Queens, is widely viewed as the favorite to succeed California Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who announced Thursday, Nov. 17, that she would not seek a party leadership role in the next Congress. Jeffries, age 52, was elected to Congress in 2012 after previously serving in the New York State Assembly since 2007, representing the 57th Assembly District. He has chaired the Hous…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
'Incredibly Grateful': Republican Marc Molinaro Prevails In NY's 19th District Race 'Incredibly Grateful': Republican Marc Molinaro Prevails In NY's 19th District Race
'Incredibly Grateful': Republican Marc Molinaro Prevails In NY's 19th District Race In another win for Republicans, Marc Molinaro has prevailed over Democrat Josh Riley in New York’s 19th Congressional District, NBC News projects.  Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, was leading Riley 51.1 to 48.9 percent with 99 percent of the vote counted as of Wednesday evening, Nov. 9. Earlier Report: Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) The 19th District includes the counties of Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster, as well as portions of Broome, Dutchess, Montgomery, and Rensselaer counties. President Bide…

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
NY State Senator Resigns NY State Senator Resigns
NY State Senator Resigns A New York state senator has resigned after serving nearly eight years in the state Legislature. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat representing the state’s 9th District on the South Shore of Long Island in Nassau County, announced his resignation Friday, July 29, in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. "Today is my last day as an elected official, and I will start a new chapter in my life next week in the private sector,” Kaminsky wrote. “It has been an incredible honor and privilege to work on behalf of the residents of Long Island’s South Shore for the past eight years.  …

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by Michael Mashburn
Politics
Ex-State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Dies At Prison In Orange County Ex-State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Dies At Prison In Orange County
Ex-State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Dies At Prison In Orange County Embattled former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, once one of the state’s most powerful politicians, has reportedly died at the age of 77 in a Hudson Valley prison. A Democrat, Silver was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison in July 2021 on corruption charges and died at the Otisville Correctional Institution in Orange County on Monday, Jan. 24, officials announced. Silver, who at one point represented most of Manhattan, was found guilty of two counts of honest service wire fraud, two counts of honest services mail fraud, two counts of extortion under the color of off…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Cuomo Was Serial Sex Harasser Who Misused Resources To Write Book, NY Assembly Report Says Cuomo Was Serial Sex Harasser Who Misused Resources To Write Book, NY Assembly Report Says
Cuomo Was Serial Sex Harasser Who Misused Resources To Write Book, NY Assembly Report Says Embattled former Gov Andrew Cuomo was found to be complicit as a serial sexual abuser who misused state resources while writing a book about leadership during the pandemic, according a report from the New York State Assembly. The Assembly Judiciary Committee released a 46-page report on Cuomo that took the former governor to task for alleged sexual harassment, miscounting COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes, and his book, which net him millions of dollars. According to reports, the Judiciary Committee determined that Cuomo engaged in multiple instances of sexual harassment, created a hostile w…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
'It's The Tappan Zee!': Brand-New Bill Introduced To Change Official Name Of New Bridge 'It's The Tappan Zee!': Brand-New Bill Introduced To Change Official Name Of New Bridge
'It's The Tappan Zee!': Brand-New Bill Introduced To Change Official Name Of New Bridge A New York State assembly member has introduced a bill to officially rename the new bridge connecting Rockland and Westchester counties. Democratic Assemblyman Tom Abinanti, who represents the Westchester County towns of Greenburgh and Mount Pleasant, introduced the bill, which seeks to change the name of the new Tappan Zee Bridge, officially named "the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge," to "the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Tappan Zee Bridge." The bridge opened in 2017 to replace the old Tappan Zee Bridge and continues to be referred to by many as the new Tappan Zee Bridge. "It's the Tappan …

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by Nicole Valinote
Politics
Cuomo Capable Of 'Mischief' During Two-Week Notice Period, Ex-SDNY Attorney Bharara Warns Cuomo Capable Of 'Mischief' During Two-Week Notice Period, Ex-SDNY Attorney Bharara Warns
Cuomo Capable Of 'Mischief' During Two-Week Notice Period, Ex-sdny Attorney Bharara Warns A former top federal prosecutor in New York found it curious that Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s resignation was scheduled to take effect in two weeks, warning of potential “mischief” before Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul officially takes over. Preet Bharara, the US attorney for the Southern District of New York from 2009 to 2017, expressed surprise regarding Cuomo’s intention to wait two weeks to resign, stating that he hopes “nothing nefarious” is in the works. Bharara said that there is no reason that Hochul couldn’t immediately take over following the New York Attorney General’s report that found Cuomo all…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
New York State Assembly Suspends Cuomo Impeachment Investigation New York State Assembly Suspends Cuomo Impeachment Investigation
New York State Assembly Suspends Cuomo Impeachment Investigation The New York State Assembly will be suspending its impeachment investigation into Gov. Andrew Cuomo once his resignation takes effect in less than 10 days. Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced on Friday, Aug. 13 that the inquiry into allegations of sexual harassment made by more than 11 women against the governor “could have likely resulted in articles impeachment had he not resigned." Cuomo announced on Tuesday, Aug. 10 that he would be resigning from office effective 14 days later. “There are two reasons for this decision. First, the purpose of the Assembly Judiciary Committee’s imp…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Kathy Hochul Says She'll Run For Full Term As Governor In 2022 Kathy Hochul Says She'll Run For Full Term As Governor In 2022
Kathy Hochul Says She'll Run For Full Term As Governor In 2022 Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is set to serve out the remainder of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s third term in less than two weeks following his resignation, announced her plans for 2022. In an interview on NBC’s “Today” show, Hochul made the announcement that she intends to run for a full term in 2022 when the current term expires. “Yes, I will. I fully expect to,” she said. “I am prepared for this. I have led a life working in every level of government, from Congress to local government. Earlier story - 'I'm Ready For This': Hochul Distances Herself From Cuomo, Vows Big Change In Workplac…

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by Zak Failla
News
Cuomo Accuser Speaks Out, Calls For Governor's Impeachment Cuomo Accuser Speaks Out, Calls For Governor's Impeachment
Cuomo Accuser Speaks Out, Calls For Governor's Impeachment One of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s first accusers is calling for his impeachment after he was found complicit in allegedly sexually harassing at least 11 women, including state staff members. Charlotte Bennett, a Northern Westchester native and the second woman to accuse Cuomo of sexual harassment, was on the TODAY show on Wednesday, Aug. 4 with NBC senior national correspondent Kate Snow, where she and a lawyer representing other victims spoke about the issue. Original story - Second Aide Accuses Cuomo Of Sexual Harassment During her appearance, Bennett called for the governor’s imp…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
New Poll Shows Majority Of New Yorkers Want Cuomo To Resign New Poll Shows Majority Of New Yorkers Want Cuomo To Resign
New Poll Shows Majority Of New Yorkers Want Cuomo To Resign New Yorkers have turned on Gov. Andrew Cuomo and are calling for his resignation, according to a newly released poll. A Marist poll conducted on Tuesday, Aug. 3 following the release of the Attorney General’s report into sexual harassment claims made against the governor found that 59 percent of New Yorkers are calling for Cuomo’s resignation. Of those polled, 52 percent of registered Democrats want Cuomo to resign, while 77 percent of Republicans are calling for the governor to step away from Albany. According to pollsters, 32 percent of New Yorkers believe that Cuomo should finish out t…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Lt. Gov Calls Cuomo's Behavior 'Unlawful, Repulsive'; Albany DA Says Criminal Probe Ongoing Lt. Gov Calls Cuomo's Behavior 'Unlawful, Repulsive'; Albany DA Says Criminal Probe Ongoing
Lt. Gov Calls Cuomo's Behavior 'Unlawful, Repulsive'; Albany DA Says Criminal Probe Ongoing New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s top lieutenant had harsh words for him following the release of a report by independent investigators into allegations of sexual harassment by 11 women. New York Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement on Tuesday, Aug. 3 following the scathing report from the Attorney General’s Office that found him guilty of inappropriate touching, comments, and actions. Original story - Cuomo Sexually Harassed 'Multiple Women,' Including State Trooper, Scathing AG Report Charges “Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, and certainly not in public service," she wr…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Calls Grow For Cuomo's Resignation Following Release Of NY AG's Sexual Harassment Report Calls Grow For Cuomo's Resignation Following Release Of NY AG's Sexual Harassment Report
Calls Grow For Cuomo's Resignation Following Release Of NY AG's Sexual Harassment Report New York politicians are calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign following the release of the results of the scathing independent investigation conducted by the Attorney General's Office that found he was a serial sexual harasser. On Tuesday, Aug. 3, New York AG Letitia James released the findings of a five-month independent investigation that found the governor allegedly fostered a toxic workplace environment while also subjecting state employees to unwanted touching and inappropriate dialogue. Earlier story - Cuomo Sexually Harassed 'Multiple Women,' Including State Trooper, Scathing AG…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Findings Of Cuomo Sexual Harassment Investigation Now Expected Soon Findings Of Cuomo Sexual Harassment Investigation Now Expected Soon
Findings Of Cuomo Sexual Harassment Investigation Now Expected Soon Click here for an updated story: NY AG Investigation Finds Cuomo Sexually Harassed Multiple Women, Violating State, Federal Law The months-long investigation by the Attorney General into New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo could be nearing its conclusion, according to reports. Since March, New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office has been investigating the claims of at least eight women who have alleged the governor harassed them or acted inappropriately toward them while in office. According to the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, the investigation could be wrapped up as soon a…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
'New Yorkers Will Be Shocked,' Cuomo Says Amid AG Investigation Into Sexual Harassment 'New Yorkers Will Be Shocked,' Cuomo Says Amid AG Investigation Into Sexual Harassment
'New Yorkers Will Be Shocked,' Cuomo Says Amid AG Investigation Into Sexual Harassment Gov. Andrew Cuomo said “New Yorkers will be shocked” as he doubled down on his claims of innocence amid the Attorney General’s probe into allegations of sexual harassment made by former aides. During a briefing from Yankee Stadium on Monday, July 26, Cuomo again proclaimed his innocence, stating that he will continue to “let the process continue” before commenting on Attorney General Letitia James’ investigation into the harassment claims. Earlier story - 'When The Time Is Right I Will Tell You The Truth': Cuomo Again Denies Harassment Claims “Let the process continue, and let the fac…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
NY Lawmakers Fall Short For Now In Effort To Rename Donald J. Trump State Park NY Lawmakers Fall Short For Now In Effort To Rename Donald J. Trump State Park
NY Lawmakers Fall Short For Now In Effort To Rename Donald J. Trump State Park Lawmakers in New York will have to wait, as their efforts to remove the Trump name from a Hudson Valley state park stalled in the Assembly. The state Senate approved a bill this week that could have led to New York stripping the Trump title from the rarely frequented Donald J. Trump State Park on the Westchester-Putnam border. Earlier story - NY May Rename Trump State Park The Senate approved a new, scaled-down version of the legislation with the hope of getting it passed before the Legislature wrapped its annual session at the state Capitol this week. However, the Assembly didn’t take up…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
NY Officially Legalizes Pot, Here's How Long It Will Take For It To Be Available NY Officially Legalizes Pot, Here's How Long It Will Take For It To Be Available
NY Officially Legalizes Pot, Here's How Long It Will Take For It To Be Available New York State lawmakers have given the green light for legalized marijuana possession and paved the way to allow for marijuana sales to people over the age of 21. Late on Tuesday, March 30, the New York State Senate voted 40-23 in favor of the new bill, while the Assembly approved it by a margin of 100-49. The bill was sent to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's desk to sign following the approval by both Houses, which he did on Wednesday, March 31, making the law official.  With Cuomo's approval, possession becomes legal immediately for those age 21 and over. The bill does not specify a date when …

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Current Aide Accuses Cuomo Of Sexual Harassment Current Aide Accuses Cuomo Of Sexual Harassment
Current Aide Accuses Cuomo Of Sexual Harassment A current employee in New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office has just become the eighth woman to accuse him of sexual harassment. Alyssa McGrath told The New York Times that Cuomo "would ogle her body, remark on her looks, and make suggestive comments to her and another executive aide" and once gazed down her shirt and commented on a necklace. At age 33, McGrath is 30 years younger than Cuomo and becomes the first person employed in the governor's office to publically make sexual harassment accusations. Another current aide has accused Cuomo of groping her breast in the Executive Man…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Cuomo Impeachment Investigation Will Go Beyond Sexual Harassment Allegations Cuomo Impeachment Investigation Will Go Beyond Sexual Harassment Allegations
Cuomo Impeachment Investigation Will Go Beyond Sexual Harassment Allegations As the New York State Assembly moves forward with its impeachment investigation into Gov. Andrew Cuomo, lawmakers are advising that the scope of it will be “very broad” and will expand past just the sexual harassment claims of seven women. Last week, the Assembly voted to move forward with its investigation, which could lead to the first impeachment trial in New York in over a century. The investigation is expected to focus on the harassment allegations and the COVID-19 deaths in nursing homes and subsequent attempted coverup by his administration. Lawmakers are also expected to look into a…

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by Zak Failla
News
Vote Now: Should 'Cuomo Bridge' Be Stripped As Official Name Of New Tappan Zee Span? Vote Now: Should 'Cuomo Bridge' Be Stripped As Official Name Of New Tappan Zee Span?
Vote Now: Should 'Cuomo Bridge' Be Stripped As Official Name Of New Tappan Zee Span? A New York lawmaker is pushing to restore the Tappan Zee Bridge as the official span of the bridge whose official name is currently the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. New York State Assemblyman Mike Lawler has introduced legislation in Albany to change the name of the bridge that connects Westchester and Rockland counties as the governor deals with multiple scandals surrounding his administration, one involving the reporting of COVID-19 nursing home deaths and the other involving seven accusations of either sexual abuse or sexual harassment. The old Tappan Zee Bridge's official name was the G…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
State Assembly Authorized To Begin Impeachment Investigation Into Cuomo Misconduct State Assembly Authorized To Begin Impeachment Investigation Into Cuomo Misconduct
State Assembly Authorized To Begin Impeachment Investigation Into Cuomo Misconduct The New York State Assembly Judiciary Committee will begin an impeachment investigation into misconduct allegations against Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie announced late Thursday afternoon, March 11. The move comes following reports of sexual harassment and inappropriate touching by six women who have come forward in recent weeks. Heastie, a Bronx Democrat, reportedly recommended the probe during a private meeting earlier Thursday with other Democratic members of the Assembly. He later confirmed the move in a released statement. "After meeting with the Assembly Majority …

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by Zak Failla
Politics
NY Republicans Introduce Cuomo Impeachment Resolution NY Republicans Introduce Cuomo Impeachment Resolution
NY Republicans Introduce Cuomo Impeachment Resolution New York Republicans are looking to make Andrew Cuomo the second governor in the state's history to be impeached as they announced they are introducing an impeachment resolution. Saying that Cuomo has lost "credibility and trust" and has an "inability to lead” New York, Republicans in the state Assembly announced an impeachment Monday, March 8 as the governor deals with sexual harassment allegations and investigations into his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’re going to introduce this resolution because we believe the time has come," New York State Assembly Minority Leader Will Barc…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Calls For Cuomo To Resign Draw Attention To Next In Line Lieutenant Governor As AG Starts Probe Calls For Cuomo To Resign Draw Attention To Next In Line Lieutenant Governor As AG Starts Probe
Calls For Cuomo To Resign Draw Attention To Next In Line Lieutenant Governor As AG Starts Probe As New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo nears a week without holding a news conference after a series of recent scandals, many are looking toward the next in line if he is forced out of office: Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. Cuomo has been under fire for weeks, first for his handling of COVID-19 cases in nursing homes, then allegedly attempting to cover it up. Now, he finds himself embroiled in separate sexual harassment claims, prompting for many to call for a probe of the governor, and potentially, his job. Earlier story - New Cuomo Sexual Harassment Allegations Spark Bipartisan Backlash, Some Calls To…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
COVID-19: Dems In Assembly Expected To Take Action Against Cuomo For Nursing Home Scandal COVID-19: Dems In Assembly Expected To Take Action Against Cuomo For Nursing Home Scandal
Covid-19: Dems In Assembly Expected To Take Action Against Cuomo For Nursing Home Scandal Lawmakers in New York are expected to take action against Gov. Andrew Cuomo following the reveal that his administration underreported the number of COVID-19 deaths in the state’s nursing home and then sought to cover it up from the federal government. Democrats in the New York State Assembly held a lengthy hearing on Monday, Feb. 22, with the proposed removal of Cuomo's emergency powers among the topics. Democratic Assembly members again met on Tuesday, Feb. 23 for a lengthy hearing, but no consequences have yet been announced for Cuomo.  “I do think there’s a consensus of the member…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
NY State Assembly Advances Bill To Rename Trump State Park In Hudson Valley NY State Assembly Advances Bill To Rename Trump State Park In Hudson Valley
NY State Assembly Advances Bill To Rename Trump State Park In Hudson Valley New York lawmakers are moving forward with plans to potentially replace and rebrand the Donald J. Trump State Park near the Westchester-Putnam County border. With the former president’s impeachment trial underway, the New York State Assembly voted 14 to 7 to advance a bill that would rebrand the 435-acre park and remove signage advertising it along the Taconic State Parkway. 
“Our parklands should be reflective of New Yorkers that we can be proud of, New Yorkers that have expressed our values,” Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, who sponsored the bill, said to Politico. “There are a lot of…

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
Former NY State Supreme Court Justice, Longtime Area Resident Ralph Beisner, Dies Former NY State Supreme Court Justice, Longtime Area Resident Ralph Beisner, Dies
Former NY State Supreme Court Justice, Longtime Area Resident Ralph Beisner, Dies Former Dutchess County Supreme Court Justice, lawyer and pastor Ralph Beisner died at 78 on Monday, Dec. 14.  “Ralph Beisner dedicated his life to his family and his community, and Dutchess County joins his loved ones in mourning his passing and celebrating his legacy of strong faith and devoted service," said Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro of Beisner's passing. "Ralph was from Dutchess County and a lawyer, New York State Supreme Court Justice, author, artist, and pastor, but most important to him was his role as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.  "We exte…

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by Christina Coulter
Politics
Former NY Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Sentenced For Conviction On Corruption Charges Former NY Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Sentenced For Conviction On Corruption Charges
Former NY Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Sentenced For Conviction On Corruption Charges Former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, once one of the state’s most powerful politicians, will spend the better part of a decade behind bars after being convicted on corruption charges. A federal judge in Manhattan sentenced Silver, 76, to six-and-a-half years in prison on Monday, July 20 following his 2018 conviction. The former Democratic leader, who acknowledged his wrongdoing at his sentencing, was also ordered to pay a $1 million fine. Silver, who at one point represented most of Manhattan, was found guilty of two counts of honest service wire fraud, two counts of hones…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Cuomo Wants To Move NY Presidential Primary From April To 'Prime' February Date, Reports Say Cuomo Wants To Move NY Presidential Primary From April To 'Prime' February Date, Reports Say
Cuomo Wants To Move NY Presidential Primary From April To 'Prime' February Date, Reports Say Governor Andrew Cuomo is reportedly pushing to “upend the presidential primary calendar” by having voters head to the polls in February rather than April. If Cuomo makes the decision to veto a bill that would set the presidential primary to Tuesday, April 28, it would occur just a few weeks after the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primary, which are considered to be “pivotal.” Cuomo may also approve of moving New York’s legislative primaries for state Senate and Assembly, currently scheduled for June 23, 2020, to coincide with a February presidential primary. However, officials say that …

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by Valerie Musson
Politics
Internet Abuzz With Speculation Cuomo Rigged New NY License Plate Contest Internet Abuzz With Speculation Cuomo Rigged New NY License Plate Contest
Internet Abuzz With Speculation Cuomo Rigged New NY License Plate Contest New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo continues to come under fire for his new license plate design proposal, this time with Internet buzzing with speculation the whole thing is rigged. Last month, the governor announced that he was launching a statewide survey (which has since closed without results being announced) to allow New Yorkers to vote on the design of a new license plate, with each of the five proposals featured Empire State landmarks. One of the plates features the new Tappan Zee Bridge, whose official name, Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, was pushed through by the governor to honor his late fath…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
State Bill Would Teach Students About Hateful Symbols State Bill Would Teach Students About Hateful Symbols
State Bill Would Teach Students About Hateful Symbols Middle and high school students in New York may soon be taught the meaning of hateful symbols such as the swastika and noose as part of new legislation that has been introduced by state lawmakers. With reports of hate crimes on the rise statewide, including dozens on Long Island and the Hudson Valley, lawmakers are seeking to improve student education on racist and anti-Semitic symbolism. In Nassau County, there have already been 44 reported incidents, more than double at this point last year. Last week, seven swastikas were found drawn on a pavilion at an Oyster Bay park, and nooses have …

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by Zak Failla