Friday Morning Brief August 21, 2026
Member Spotlight
Mary Beth Walsh
This week, Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh joins us to discuss her district, priorities, and her duties as Minority Leader Pro Tempore in the Assembly. Before being elected to the Assembly, she served her community as an attorney and at various levels of local government, which now guides her policies in Albany. Currently, she is the Minority Leader Pro Tempore in the Assembly and serves on Judiciary, Ways and Means, Commission on Administrative Regulations Review, and Legislative Women's Caucus.
What district do you represent?
I represent the 112th Assembly District, which includes 10 towns, mostly in Saratoga County, along with portions of Fulton and Schenectady counties.
If I 'm visiting your district, where would you recommend I go?
I love Ballston Spa. The village has really come back after years without much investment. There are a lot of nice shops, little restaurants, and bars. I recently cut the ribbon on a spa located in one of the old hotels.
Many people know Saratoga Springs for its springs, but Ballston Spa also has historic healing springs. Back in the day, it was another destination people would travel to for that reason. With the newer investments being made, it’s become a really cute place to visit and hang out—and it’s not quite as congested as Saratoga Springs. My district office is there as well. They call Ballston Spa the “Village of Friends,” and it really does live up to the name. They also have a lot of fun community events, so that’s where I’d send you.
What kind of music do you enjoy?
I love all kinds of music. I was just at the Saratoga Jazz Festival, but if I had to choose one genre, I’d probably say alternative music. Brandi Carlile is one of my favorite artists, and I try to see her whenever I can. I also loved Amy Winehouse. And a little-known fact about me — or maybe if you know, you know — is that I really enjoy karaoke. I love to sing, so I tend to gravitate toward artists I can sing along with. I’ll never sound as good as Brandi Carlile, but I do love singing her songs.
What was your profession before being elected to the Assembly?
I’m an attorney and have practiced law for more than 30 years. I also came up through local government. I served on my town board, zoning board, and planning board for several years, and I think that experience is an important part of my background as well.
How has your legal and local government experience influenced your work in Albany?
A great deal. In the years immediately before I was elected, and even for a period after, I primarily practiced in Family Court and represented children. I believe I’m currently the only member of the Assembly with that particular background, so when legislation comes up involving that part of the court system, I understand it firsthand.
Over the course of my career, I’ve also handled personal injury cases, worked on both the plaintiff and defense sides, handled product liability matters, represented businesses, and served as a town attorney. Having that range of legal experience gives me a perspective that I think is valuable in the Legislature.
My experience in local government matters too. Having served on planning and zoning boards, I understand how policies created at the state level ripple down to municipalities. It makes me think carefully about when the state should intervene in local planning decisions and what the appropriate roles of different levels of government should be.
I’ve served on several committees over the years, including Judiciary, Children and Families, and Education. I’m glad I’ve been able to remain on the Judiciary Committee even with my newer responsibilities on the floor because that legal background continues to be useful.
What were some of your priorities this year?
In my role as floor leader, my primary focus when we’re in session is running floor operations. When it comes to my own legislation, being a member of the minority means I have to work across the aisle on bills with statewide importance.
One area I’ve worked on extensively is kratom. This year, we passed legislation banning 7-OH, a highly synthesized kratom product. That bill passed both chambers, and we hope the governor will sign it.
Last year, we also worked on other kratom legislation, including age restrictions and warning labels. That issue became a priority for me after a constituent shared the tragic story of losing her son following kratom use. I’ve also worked on local legislation involving retirement-system issues and economic development. In Ballston Spa, for example, a property owner was redeveloping a brownfield site where certain tax credits were about to expire. We initially developed local legislation to extend them but ultimately addressed the issue through the state budget because other communities across New York were facing similar circumstances.
Beyond that, affordability, energy diversity, and childcare were all top of mind for me this year. Those are issues people on both sides of the aisle care deeply about, even if we sometimes differ on how to address them.
Are there any other issues you hope to continue working on next year?
There are always local issues that come to me throughout the year when constituents need help. I have one retirement-system matter that we weren’t able to get across the finish line this year, so I’ll continue working on that next year. Another bill I want to keep pushing would help increase organ donation across New York. It has passed in the Assembly but hasn’t yet moved through the Senate, so I’d really like to see us get that done.
As the Republican floor leader in the Assembly, what advice would you give the new members coming into the Assembly?
One of my responsibilities as floor leader is helping orient new members, and we have a pretty rigorous orientation program that takes place over several weeks. Some new members come in as former legislative staffers and already understand a lot about how Albany works. Others, like me when I first arrived, don’t have that background. I benefited tremendously from the orientation I received.
My goal is to figure out where each new member is starting from and provide as much support as possible. We joke about Albany being a bubble, and once you’ve been here for a while, a lot of the process starts to make sense. But when you arrive for the first time, there’s a very steep learning curve. I want to help new members navigate that.
What advice would you give young people who want to get involved in politics?
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about serving is mentoring the next generation. My current chief of staff actually started as a high school intern in my office. She went to college, continued working on my campaigns and part-time in the office, and as soon as she graduated from Siena, I hired her full-time. She became chief of staff at 23 years old and does a fantastic job.
I’ve also had law, college, and high school students come through the office. My advice is simple: reach out to your local representatives. Ask whether you can intern, shadow someone, or even just visit the Capitol. If you think you may be interested in government but don’t know where to start, ask. There are plenty of elected officials and staff members who remember how they got their own start and want to help bring the next generation along. Even if you never want to work in politics, understanding civics and how government functions is important. I work with school groups, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, and participation-in-government classes because I want young people to understand how their government works—and, sometimes, why it doesn’t work as well as it should.
Any final comments?
I just finished my 10th year in office, and it has gone by incredibly fast. I’ve really enjoyed public service and getting to know colleagues from all around the state.
I’ve lived in the Capital Region essentially my whole life, aside from going to college in Rochester. Serving in the Assembly has given me the chance to meet people with completely different personal and professional backgrounds, and that’s been one of the most rewarding parts of the job. When former members come back, I sometimes ask whether they miss this place. A lot of them say, “I don’t miss the work, but I really miss the people.” I understand that.
I hope we never lose that personal connection in our chamber. Politics is politics. If I stand up to debate a bill, you might not agree with what I say—but I hope you’ll always feel that I’m fair and professional in how I say it. I’ve really enjoyed my service so far, and hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to keep doing it.
Are you a public official or staffer that would like to be featured in our spotlight? If so, reach out to your favorite D&A team member or contact us at team@dickinsonavella.comto set up an interview!
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
NYC Council Holds Hearing on Pied-à-Terre Tax
After a Staten Island judge issued a temporary restraining order against the rollout of NYC’s pied-à-terre tax, NYC Council held a hearing on the rollout, where various Councilmembers criticized Mamdani for the tax and for failing to testify in person. “Given the ongoing litigation, our administration has decided to submit written testimony to the City Council tomorrow for its hearing on the pied-à-terre surcharge,” a Mamdani spokesperson explained. However, NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin called Mamdani's decision not to attend as "unfortunate" and explained that “Oversight is an essential function of government, and past mayoral administrations have shown up to answer questions despite ongoing litigation."
The litigation, which was in part led by former Mayor Eric Adams' First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, alleges that NYC’s publication of more than 900,000 properties that could fall under the pied-à-terre tax “arbitrarily and capriciously foisted onto New York City residents the burden of proving they are not subject to the” tax. Similarly, during the hearing, many Councilmembers opposed to the tax testified that some of their constituents who live in NYC full time were notified they would be subject to the tax. "My residents in my district shouldn't have to hire lawyers to prove they live in their own home," explained Councilmember Phil Wong.
Although the Mamdani Administration is prohibited from moving forward with implementation due to the TRO, it has appealed the verdict. “We are confident in our position. And that is a confidence coming from both the legality of the city’s actions as well as the importance of a surcharge on secondary homes worth more than $5 million,” said Mamdani. However, as the appeal process moved forward, President Donald Trump publicly called the tax a “dangerous political experiment.” He said it would “destroy what was once a great City and State.” Additionally, Trump said that he is “looking to see if the Federal Government has any legal right to avert this disaster, before it is too late, for the millions of people who cherish New York and want to see it thrive, as opposed to becoming a filthy, crime-ridden, decrepit place of mockery and scorn.”
In response to Trump, Hochul defended the tax, which she advocated for during this year’s Budget negotiations. “It's about paying your fair share. Donald Trump should focus on all the pain he's causing New Yorkers and knock it off and not worry about us,” said Hochul. While some have suggested that Trump opposes the tax because he could be captured by it, Trump explained that the tax would lead to more outmigration from the state. “The money, eventually to be gotten, is very little compared to the TAXES PAID by the tens of thousands of people who are fleeing the City, never to return,” explained Trump.
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
EXECUTIVE UPDATES
On Wednesday, Hochul launched the FutureWorks Commission’s listening sessions, with the first session focusing on the impacts of AI on women in the workforce. The listening sessions are expected to provide Hochul and the Commission with possible policy routes for how best to protect workers from the increased adoption of AI across many industries. With future listening sessions expected to take place and engage workers from various industries, the Commission is tasked with releasing a report with recommendations for Hochul on how to strengthen employee protections. “I launched the FutureWorks Commission to make sure New Yorkers’ voices are heard and our workers are protected as AI continues to impact New Yorkers’ jobs and the future of our economy,” said Hochul.
Joined by NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Hochul recently touted record-breaking reductions in crime in NYC public housing developments. Citing the lowest number of homicides, shooting incidents, and robberies, Hochul and Tisch explained that the data highlights a 6.3% reduction in major crimes, including a 45% decrease in homicides and a 33.3% decrease in shooting incidents. With the data, Hochul reiterated her continued commitment to public safety and touted the $4 billion investment in public safety initiatives statewide. “When I became Governor, I made public safety my top priority. For the last five years, I have made unprecedented investments in public safety — nearly $4 billion — to support law enforcement and their efforts to tackle crime head-on,” said Hochul.
Joined by lawmakers, AG Tish James, and NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Hochul held a press conference to reiterate the state’s commitment to protecting immigrant communities and announced $7.25 million in funding for approximately 1,400 unaccompanied immigrant children and youth in the state facing active deportation proceedings. Administered through the Office for New Americans, the funding is expected to provide relief for impacted immigrant youths, including 250 children currently being detained, after the federal government recently decided not to renew a legal services contract for unaccompanied minors. The state funding to fill that gap comes as Hochul and lawmakers agreed to include several immigration protection items in this year's Final Budget, including the prohibition on 287(g) agreements and the wearing of face coverings by all law enforcement officers.
Last week, Hochul announced the launch of an RFP to select applicants for building four new Regional Quantum Technology Commercialization Hubs across the state. The $60 million program will distribute up to $15 million per hub to help move quantum research from universities and labs into the market. The RFP supports the state’s priority to support the emerging new technology industry and builds upon the state’s $300 million Quantum Research and Innovation Hub at SUNY Stony Brook to connect researchers, entrepreneurs, industry partners, and government resources. “With this $60 million investment, we are creating regional hubs that will turn groundbreaking quantum research into growing companies, good-paying jobs and real-world solutions,” said Hochul.
Earlier last week, Hochul touted that more than 1.8 million low-income children across the state have received over $216 million in summer food assistance through the 2026 Summer EBT program. The program provides $120 per eligible child, with approximately $240 million expected to be distributed to nearly 2 million school-aged children by the end of the year. The announcement comes as Hochul has prioritized food affordability as part of her agenda, with the state implementing universal free school meals. “At a time when groceries and other costs are sky high, we’re continuing to put money back in the pockets of millions of New York families,” said Hochul.
Joined by Rep. Ritchie Torres, Hochul announced the state’s investment of $10 million to complete the funding of a new cardiac catheterization lab at Lincoln Hospital in the Bronx. With combined city, state, and federal funding of $14 million, the new lab is expected to expand access to lifesaving heart and stroke care in the South Bronx through new medical equipment and systems. The investment builds upon the state’s commitment to expanding access to healthcare, especially in historically disadvantaged communities with gaps in healthcare access. “With this investment, we are providing needed cardiac care to residents of the South Bronx, and addressing the health disparities that have plagued this area for far too long,” said Hochul.
Late last week, Hochul announced the disbursement of $434 million in grants and low-cost financing for local governments to modernize their water and sewer infrastructure. Combining several state and federal grants, $361 million in low-cost financing was given to 11 NYC drinking water and sewer projects, with the rest of the funds going to municipalities statewide. The funding builds upon Hochul’s clean water and affordability agenda by protecting public health, improving environmental resiliency, creating good-paying jobs, and helping municipalities upgrade aging systems while keeping household water and sewer bills manageable. “Affordability means investing before problems become crises. That's why we're making historic investments to help communities modernize their water infrastructure, protect public health and keep costs low for families across New York,” said Hochul.
Joining NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Hochul announced that more than 2,000 children have received offers to join NYC’s free 2-K class. Touted as a key milestone in implementing universal free childcare for all two-year-olds in NYC, the state investment for the program is expected to reach $425 million by next year, up from this year’s initial $73 million. Currently, an estimated 5,700 families applied for the 2-K program, prompting NYC to expand from the initial 2,000 2-K seats. This expansion of 2-K builds upon Hochul’s affordable childcare agenda, which includes lowering costs for working families, strengthening early learning, and helping parents remain in the workforce. “Starting a family while working full-time was nearly impossible for me, which is why I’ve made it my mission to make sure no parent has to choose between their career and their children,” said Hochul.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES
Shelley Mayer Appointed as Chair of DSCC
After the early departure of Senator Mike Gianaris from the Legislature, Senator Shelley Mayer has been appointed to lead the conference’s finance committee. Gianaris, in addition to being the Deputy Majority Leader, was also the Chair of DSCC. “While we will all miss Senator Gianaris as Chair, he has built the DSCC into an incredibly strong and durable organization, and I am thrilled to have Senator Shelley Mayer build on that success as she leads the committee into its next chapter,” explained Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. D&A team members consider Senator Mayer a great friend and exceptionally strong leader and look forward to continuing to work with her in her new role.
Don Pollard/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Federal CFTC Allows Kalshi to Operate in the State
After Hochul and AG Tish James filed a lawsuit against Kalshi, alleging that Kalshi has been operating as an illegal gambling operation in violation of state gaming laws, the federal Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) allowed Kalshi to continue operating in the state. In a statement, the Commission also criticized the state for suing Kalshi, saying that “New York intends to make event contract derivatives waste away under its iron curtain of state gaming laws before the courts get the chance to issue final rulings,” and that “Congress did not intend for derivatives exchanges to be regulated under a patchwork of state gaming laws.” This comes as lawmakers in the state are eyeing to regulate Kalshi and other prediction markets, with the lawsuit filed by James and Hochul alleging prediction markets’ wagers on elections and sports should fall under the state’s gaming laws.
New Data Shows 44% of 450K Former EP Enrollees Remain Without Coverage
According to data released by the state DOH, 56% of individuals who lost expanded Essential Plan coverage enrolled in other coverage through the state official health marketplace. In total, out of roughly 450,000 individuals who lost coverage due to federal HR.1 taking effect on July 1st, 43,000 former EP enrollees were able to qualify for Medicaid, 140,000 due to a drop in income, while 59,000 were able to get ACA plans through the state health marketplace. However, an estimated 192,000 individuals, or 44% of newly ineligible EP enrollees, remain potentially uninsured. This comes after Hochul and the Legislature failed to reach an agreement to preserve coverage for the 450,000 impacted individuals due to federal HR.1 during this year's budget negotiations, explaining that the state cannot fill the funding gap left by HR.1.
Lawmakers Criticize CMS Decision to End Medicare Part D
After the federal CMS announced its decision to end the Medicare Part D subsidy program by the end of this year, lawmakers criticized President Trump, with Hochul calling it a “new assault on seniors.” The program, first implemented in 2024, provides federal subsidies to private insurers to cap monthly premium spikes for prescription drug coverage, which advocates argue is essential for lower-income seniors. “I am appalled by the Trump administration’s decision to end Medicare Part D subsidies by next year and jeopardize the well-being of 1.3 million seniors in New York State who rely on their prescription drugs,” said Senate Health Chair Gustavo Rivera. “The President’s action will force many seniors to pay more for needed prescription drugs,” explained Assembly Health Chair Amy Paulin.
State and NYC Comptroller Warns NYC of Spending & Budget Deficit Next Fiscal year
Joined by the state and NYC comptrollers and Hochul, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave an optimistic view of his handling of NYC’s Budget in his first meeting with the state Financial Control Board. "We demonstrated the responsible fiscal management needed to address these challenges and to strengthen our budget,” explained Mamdani. Additionally, Mamdani did not mention the need for raising taxes but instead explained that Wall Street profits and cutting city bureaucracy have been helping the city keep a balanced budget.
However, city and state comptrollers warned Mamdani of the increase in spending and the projected $6 billion budget deficit for the next fiscal year. "Those measures close gaps in the near term but did not resolve the underlying imbalance of what it spends and what it takes in every year," explained NYC Comptroller Mark Levine. This comes as some lawmakers and allies of Mamdani in the Legislature are reportedly planning to push Hochul to raise taxes to help close NYC's cumulative budget deficit.
Earlier today we visited Nassau County Jail, where no New Yorkers were currently being jailed for ICE.
— NYS Senator Julia Salazar (@SalazarSenate) August 7, 2026
This was an encouraging sign given Dignity Not Detention goes into effect on Aug 25th, which will terminate Nassau’s shameful contract with ICE.
(1/several) pic.twitter.com/4OINQOA4fm
Lawmakers' Unannounced Visit to Nassau County's ICE Detention Facility
Earlier this month, Senate Crime Victims, Crime & Correction Chair Julia Salazar, Senator Siela Bynoe, and Assemblymembers Michaelle Solages and Noah Burrough made an unannounced surprise visit to Nassau County’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility. But it was found that the four ICE detainees had been transferred hours before the visit, with Salazar remarking it as “an interesting coincidence, if it is a coincidence.” However, Salazar explained that this may be an indication that Nassau County is working on complying with the state law that prohibits 287(g) agreements. “We didn't speak to immigration detainees today because they weren't here. That is encouraging to me,” said Salazar. This comes as a judge recently blocked the state from enforcing its ban on federal immigration agents wearing masks but allowed the prohibition of 287(g) agreements to continue.
ELECTION UPDATES
State Democratic Party Compliant Against Blakeman's Use of AI
Last week, the state Democratic Party filed a complaint against GOP gubernatorial candidate Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman over the use of AI in campaign ads on social media. Specifically, the Democratic Party alleges that Blakeman is violating state laws by not disclosing AI-generated content and requests the BOE and the Public Campaign Finance Board to withhold public matching funds until the violations are addressed. However, Blakeman criticized the complaint as a “desperate” move to “distract from her record of higher taxes and soaring utility bills that she’s begging Jay Jacobs to run interference.”
Hochul Leading by 10% in Latest Poll of Likely Voters
In a first poll of likely voters by Siena, Hochul is leading Blakeman by 10%, with 46% of voters viewing her favorably and 40% viewing her unfavorably. Meanwhile, 33% of voters view Blakeman favorably, and 26% view him unfavorably. Additionally, while Hochul is leading 64-19 in NYC, Blakeman is leading Hochul by 8% in the suburbs and by only 1% in Upstate. Blakeman is also seen to be leading Hochul by 5% amongst likely independent voters. Notably, it was found that the majority of Gen-Z likely voters neither approve of Hochul nor Blakeman, with only 40% approval for Hochul and 17% for Blakeman. Blakeman recently dismissed the poll, explaining, “I don’t believe the Siena polling because I have seen seven polls that have me neck and neck with Kathy Hochul.”
Former GOP Gov George Pataki Urge All Candidates to Accept Election Results
After Blakeman said that Democrats will try to “steal” the November general and that he will only accept the outcome if it is only “fair” former GOP Governor George Pataki urged all candidates to accept the election results. While not explicitly criticizing Blakeman’s remarks, Pataki said, “Whoever wins, wins, and the election’s over.” It’s not about a Republican beating a Democrat or a Democrat beating a Republican, it’s about you being able to make people’s lives better, and I would just run a campaign based on that,” Pataki added. When asked again after Pataki’s comments, Blakeman reiterated his claims and said, “That’s a ridiculous question. Of course, I will accept the results of the election because I'm going to win.”
OTHER UPDATES
Brooklyn Dems Chair Proposes to Expand Borough Party's Executive Committee
In an interview, Brooklyn Democratic Party Chair Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn announced she will expand the Brooklyn Dems’ executive committee from 42 members to 68. This comes as Bichotte Hermelyn is expected to lose her Chairperson position, as Julio Peña III is expected to get enough votes from current executive committee members to win the chairperson position. “We want to create a perception of inclusiveness. I think the perception has been backroom politics, and we don’t want that perception anymore.
However, many Brooklyn Democratic officials have criticized the proposal, with Senator Andrew Gounardes calling it “on par with Trump trying to get states to overturn their election results in 2020 in a desperate attempt to hold onto power” and calling on the state Democratic Party to intervene. Notably, this also comes as a district leader who pledged to vote for Peña faces calls for resignation due to a video she shared that referenced antisemitic conspiracy theories.
Paraprofessionals have long deserved better, which is why the Council is united in supporting them. We will vigorously defend the law.
— Speaker Julie Menin (@SpeakerMenin) August 19, 2026
Read my statement with @CnDelarosa. pic.twitter.com/JJjaTvqeL9
Mamdani Plans to Sue NYC Council's Paraprofessional Pay Increase Bill
After NYC Mayor Mamdani let a bill that would increase pay for paraprofessionals lapse into law, the Administration announced it plans to sue over the bill. Although he supported the bill during the campaign trail, the Administration now opposes it, arguing that it violates a state law governing collective bargaining between the Administration and unionized city workers. “Instead of protecting that process, the City Council has passed legislation that undermines collective bargaining and sets a dangerous precedent: allowing politicians to bypass workers and their unions and dictate the terms of employment themselves,” a Mamdani spokesperson said. However, Council Speaker Menin has defended the bill so far. Alongside bill sponsor Carmen de la Rosa, Menin said the bill passed unanimously and the Council will “vigorously defend the law.”
Susan Watts/Office of Governor Kathy Hochul
Hochul and Tish James to Sue Trump if ICE Officers Use Electric Shock Gloves
After it was reported that ICE is planning on allowing officers to use gloves that can deliver electric shocks, Hochul and AG James indicated that they may sue if those gloves are found to be used in the state. “That appears to me on its face to be a violation of civil rights to cause that kind of physical harm to an individual regardless of what the offense may be,” Hochul explained. James also explained that state laws also allow any individuals in the state to sue federal law enforcement officers over violations of constitutional rights. “There will be a private right of action as well as action from the state of New York,” said James.
Senator Jeremy Zellner Reportedly on the List for Next DMV Commissioner
Last week, it was reported that the outgoing Senator Jeremy Zellner is in line to be nominated as the next DMV commissioner. Zellner, who lost his primary election to Assemblymember Jon Rivera, is currently running for reelection as the Chair of the Erie County Democratic Committee. If he wins the reelection and gets nominated by Hochul, he must give up his Chair position. However, Zellner recently said, “I haven’t had any discussions about that…My plan is to find a position where I can continue serving as chair and doing the good work that I’ve done for the last 14 years.” Hochul has so far not commented on whether she will nominate Zellner, and Zellner remarked that any speculations are from people who want to “cause drama.”
Prediction markets aggressively entice consumers to bet and wager on sports, politics, culture, weather, and pretty much anything.
— Speaker Julie Menin (@SpeakerMenin) August 12, 2026
We refuse to let New Yorkers, especially our young people, become collateral damage.
As a mom and the former Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, I… https://t.co/S0RGWlwAoc
NYC Council Investigates Marketing Practices of Prediction Market Platforms
Amid a state lawsuit against Kalshi, NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin announced that the City Council is investigating the marketing practices of prediction market platforms, including Polymarket, Kalshi, Coinbase, and Gemini Titan. Specifically, Menin sent the four prediction market platforms a list of questions about whether current city laws adequately protect residents from false or deceptive marketing and explained that the City Council is considering policies to regulate “compulsive wagering on event contracts.” “Prediction markets aggressively entice consumers to bet and wager on sports, politics, culture, weather, and pretty much anything,” Menin explained.
Other Interesting Friday Reads
Is 'woke' a joke? AOC sparks debate among NYC progressives about liberal excess. - Gothamist
Harckham’s Traveling with Dignity Act approved in State Legislature awaits Governor’s signature - Mid Hudson News
Congestion pricing hasn’t changed much about NYC’s air quality, city report finds - Gothamist
Taking a page from Zeldin, Blakeman makes his pitch to East Asian voters - City & State New York
ICE agreements: Bruce Blakeman, Todd Hood take different paths - Newsday
Trump seeks to boost New York Republicans with tough-on-crime message - POLITICO
Unions eye influence over marijuana industry – The Capital Pressroom
Mayor backs Queens pol’s bill to regulate Amazon’s deliveries — Queens Daily Eagle
Speaker Julie Menin And Council Members To Launch Sweeping Review Of E-Bike And E-Scooter Safety – Harlem World Magazine
Tribeca Citizen | Staffer for Marte files complaint with Department of Investigation
Congress is using AI to do its work. The rules are barely enforced. - The Washington Post
Trump Administration Cuts New York Sex Ed Funding - New York Focus
The first NY-17 forum of the general election was … well … awkward. - City & State New York
DCCC adds NY-21 to Districts in Play list | News | Rome Sentinel
Tweet of the Week
Could AI do this TAMBIEN? pic.twitter.com/VyOkKDdI3n
— Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@NYCMayor) August 17, 2026
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