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Kathy Hochul

From Exile To Elections: These Stories Shook Long Island Politics In 2025 From Exile To Elections: These Stories Shook Long Island Politics In 2025
From Exile To Elections: These Stories Shook Long Island Politics In 2025 From a beloved Long Island celebrity leaving the country to a missing candidate remaining on the ballot, 2025 delivered a string of political moments that were as unsettling as they were unprecedented. The year saw national drama collide with local consequences across Nassau and Suffolk counties, with elections, scandals, court rulings, and resignations reshaping the region’s political landscape.  Here’s a look back at the Long Island–linked stories that dominated headlines, sparked outrage, and defined a turbulent year in local and national politics — for better or worse. Rosi…
Blakeman Launches Bid For NY Governor, Setting Up GOP Clash With Stefanik Blakeman Launches Bid For NY Governor, Setting Up GOP Clash With Stefanik
Blakeman Launches Bid For NY Governor, Setting Up GOP Clash With Stefanik Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has officially launched his campaign for New York governor, setting up a high-profile Republican primary fight with Rep. Elise Stefanik. Blakeman announced his run Tuesday, Dec. 9, releasing a campaign video and posting on X that he plans to “Put New York First” by focusing on public safety, taxes, and utility costs. “Our state is struggling with high taxes, rising utility bills, and rising crime,” Blakeman wrote. “New Yorkers deserve a proven leader who will put New York first” Blakeman pointed to his record as Nassau County executive, including keep…
Gun Violence Drops In These Hudson Valley Cities, Hochul Says: Here's Why Gun Violence Drops In These Hudson Valley Cities, Hochul Says: Here's Why
Gun Violence Drops In These Hudson Valley Cities, Hochul Says: Here's Why Gun violence is on the decline in several Hudson Valley cities, with officials crediting a new initiative for the progress.  Governor Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday, Sept. 16, that across the 28 municipalities participating in New York State’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative, including Mount Vernon, Yonkers, and Poughkeepsie, shooting incidents with injury fell 14 percent in the first eight months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.  The number of people shot dropped 22 percent, and gun-related deaths decreased by nearly a third, Hochul ad…
'Hard No': Westchester County Exec Comes Out Against Indian Point Restart 'Hard No': Westchester County Exec Comes Out Against Indian Point Restart
'Hard No': Westchester County Exec Comes Out Against Indian Point Restart Westchester County’s top official is making it clear: the Indian Point nuclear power plant should stay shut down. On Tuesday, Sept. 16, County Executive Ken Jenkins announced his strong opposition to any effort to restart the Buchanan facility, urging the Westchester County Board of Legislators to pass a resolution formally declaring the county’s stance.  "Opening this plant again is a hard no," Jenkins said, adding, "New York State has access to low-cost, environmentally conscious energy alternatives including solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower – we don’t need or want Indian …
Hochul Widens Lead On Stefanik As Approval Climbs, New Poll Shows Hochul Widens Lead On Stefanik As Approval Climbs, New Poll Shows
Hochul Widens Lead On Stefanik As Approval Climbs, New Poll Shows New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s approval numbers are climbing, and she now holds a double-digit lead over Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik in a potential 2026 gubernatorial matchup, new polling shows. Hochul’s favorability rating sits at 45–42 percent — her best showing since January 2024, according to a Siena College poll released Tuesday, Sept. 16. Her job approval ticked up to 54–40 percent, also her strongest in more than a year. Hochul leads Stefanik 52–27 percent statewide, the first time she has cleared 50 percent support in the Siena poll. Among Democrats, 75 percent back Hochul, while S…
Rules To Limit Addictive Social Media Feeds For Kids Proposed By NY AG Rules To Limit Addictive Social Media Feeds For Kids Proposed By NY AG
Rules To Limit Addictive Social Media Feeds For Kids Proposed By NY AG New York Attorney General Letitia James has proposed new rules requiring social media companies to restrict addictive feeds and nighttime notifications for young people under the state’s new SAFE for Kids Act, officials announced. The law, signed in 2024 and championed by James along with Gov. Kathy Hochul, Sen. Andrew Gounardes, and Assemblymember Nily Rozic, requires platforms to limit algorithm-driven feeds for users under 18 unless parents give consent. It also blocks platforms from sending notifications between midnight and 6 a.m. without approval.  The proposed rules, open to pub…
Dem LI Congressman Suozzi Refuses To Endorse NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani Dem LI Congressman Suozzi Refuses To Endorse NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani
Dem LI Congressman Suozzi Refuses To Endorse NYC Mayoral Candidate Mamdani Hours after Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor, Long Island Congressman Tom Suozzi said he will not follow suit. Suozzi, a Democrat who represents parts of Nassau and Queens, posted his statement on X Monday, Sept. 15. “I will not be endorsing Mamdani,” Suozzi wrote. “While I share his concern about the issue of affordability, I fundamentally disagree with his proposed solutions. Like the voters I represent, I believe socialism has consistently failed to deliver real, sustainable progress.” Suozzi added that he had not discussed Hochul’s decision …
Hochul Blames Trump As LIRR Strike Threatens To Disrupt 300K Commuters Hochul Blames Trump As LIRR Strike Threatens To Disrupt 300K Commuters
Hochul Blames Trump As Lirr Strike Threatens To Disrupt 300K Commuters Gov. Kathy Hochul is pinning the blame on President Donald Trump for a stalled contract dispute that could push Long Island Rail Road workers to strike, threatening commutes for nearly 300,000 riders. In a statement Monday, Sept. 15, Hochul accused Trump and his administration of fueling the breakdown in negotiations by allowing the National Mediation Board to release the unions and the LIRR from talks. “Make no mistake, this is a strike encouraged by Donald Trump and enabled by his allies in Washington,” Hochul said. “The reckless actions of the Trump administration’s National Mediation Bo…
$10B Plan Could Restart Indian Point Nuclear Plant In Buchanan, Company Says: Report $10B Plan Could Restart Indian Point Nuclear Plant In Buchanan, Company Says: Report
$10B Plan Could Restart Indian Point Nuclear Plant In Buchanan, Company Says: Report Several years after ending operations, the Indian Point nuclear plant in the Hudson Valley could still be restarted, but it would take billions of dollars, according to a new report by Politico.  Kelly Trice, the President of Holtec International, which is in charge of dismantling the facility, told Politico that reviving the 2,000-megawatt plant is “possible,” though it would require political and financial backing from Gov. Kathy Hochul and President Donald Trump, the outlet reported on Wednesday, Sept. 10. Holtec’s proposal comes as New York leaders show increasing op…
NY Spending $7.5M On New ‘Safe Spaces’ For Teens, Young Adults NY Spending $7.5M On New ‘Safe Spaces’ For Teens, Young Adults
NY Spending $7.5M On New ‘Safe Spaces’ For Teens, Young Adults New York will fund four new “Safe Spaces” designed to help teens and young adults cope with rising behavioral health challenges. The $7.5 million in funding has been awarded to four community-based nonprofits to launch the peer-led programs, which will serve young people ages 12 to 24, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Tuesday, Sept. 2. The initiative is administered by the state Office of Mental Health. Safe Spaces will provide welcoming, non-clinical environments where participants can connect with peers, build resilience, and access resources to support their mental well-being,” Hochul’s offi…
NY Expands Crossbow Use To Battle 'Overgrown' Deer Herds: Here's What To Know NY Expands Crossbow Use To Battle 'Overgrown' Deer Herds: Here's What To Know
NY Expands Crossbow Use To Battle 'Overgrown' Deer Herds: Here's What To Know New York hunters will soon have more access to crossbows to help manage what state officials say is a skyrocketing deer population.  Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed into law a bill sponsored by State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner that legalizes crossbows for big game hunting anywhere longbows are permitted.  The new law, which took effect immediately upon the Governor’s signature on Tuesday, Aug. 26, also reforms outdated equipment standards and establishes safety buffer zones around homes and other occupied buildings, according to Harckham and Woe…
$25M To Be Put Toward Transforming Bear Mountain State Park: Here's What's Coming $25M To Be Put Toward Transforming Bear Mountain State Park: Here's What's Coming
$25M To Be Put Toward Transforming Bear Mountain State Park: Here's What's Coming Bear Mountain State Park, one of the Hudson Valley’s most iconic outdoor destinations, is about to undergo a $25 million rehabilitation project. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul revealed in an announcement on Tuesday, Aug. 26, that the sweeping upgrades will bring a new accessible playground, expanded picnic areas, modern public restrooms, and major infrastructure improvements to the 115-year-old park, which straddles Rockland and Orange counties.  What’s Coming Construction is expected to begin just after Labor Day 2025 and wrap by summer 2027.  One of the planned upgrades includes th…
Rate Hikes Approved For Central Hudson Customers: Here's By How Much Rate Hikes Approved For Central Hudson Customers: Here's By How Much
Rate Hikes Approved For Central Hudson Customers: Here's By How Much Central Hudson Gas & Electric customers in the Hudson Valley will see rate increases starting next month after state regulators approved a new three-year plan they say aims to strengthen the region’s energy infrastructure and cybersecurity defenses.   The New York State Public Service Commission’s approval allows Central Hudson to make critical upgrades to improve service reliability while keeping cost impacts relatively low for most customers, the company said Thursday, Aug. 14.  Beginning Monday, Sept. 1, the average electric customer will see their total bill rise by a…
Global Pharma Giant Picks Spot Near Stewart Airport For $46M Flagship US Plant Global Pharma Giant Picks Spot Near Stewart Airport For $46M Flagship US Plant
Global Pharma Giant Picks Spot Near Stewart Airport For $46M Flagship US Plant A global pharmaceutical company is bringing a major new disinfectant manufacturing facility to Orange County in a $46.1 million investment.  Garonit Pharmaceutical Inc., which specializes in antiseptic products and health care solutions, will build a 200,000-square-foot plant in the Town of New Windsor that will be the world’s largest producer of chlorhexidine gluconate — a disinfectant and antiseptic widely used in hospitals for surgical disinfection and infection control, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Monday, Aug. 4. The facility is expected to create 100 full-time high-skill jobs a…
Texas AG Sues Ulster County Clerk Over Abortion Pill Case, New York Refuses To Back Down Texas AG Sues Ulster County Clerk Over Abortion Pill Case, New York Refuses To Back Down
Texas AG Sues Ulster County Clerk Over Abortion Pill Case, New York Refuses To Back Down A fiery legal showdown between Texas and New York is escalating. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a legal petition against Acting Ulster County Clerk Taylor Bruck on Monday, July 28, for blocking the Lone Star State’s efforts to collect a $100,000 penalty from a New Paltz doctor. Bruck refused to enforce a judgment against Dr. Margaret Carpenter after Paxton secured the six-figure penalty and permanent injunction against Carpenter for sending abortion-inducing drugs to a Texas resident. Carpenter, who co-founded the Abortion Coalition for Telemedicine, was sued by Paxton in December…
Lawler To Pass On NY Governor Race, Will Run For Reelection To House Lawler To Pass On NY Governor Race, Will Run For Reelection To House
Lawler To Pass On NY Governor Race, Will Run For Reelection To House US Rep. Mike Lawler announced he will seek re-election to Congress rather than run for governor, ending speculation about a potential 2026 challenge to Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. In a statement posted to social media on Wednesday, July 23, the second-term Republican said serving New York’s 17th Congressional District has been “the greatest honor” of his life and said his legislative "wins" on taxes, immigration, national security, and digital finance as reasons for continuing his work in Washington.  The 17th District includes all of Rockland and Putnam counties, most…
Bell-To-Bell Ban: NY Schools Have Days Left To Finalize Smartphone Restrictions Bell-To-Bell Ban: NY Schools Have Days Left To Finalize Smartphone Restrictions
Bell-To-Bell Ban: NY Schools Have Days Left To Finalize Smartphone Restrictions “More learning, less scrolling:” That’s the message behind New York’s new Distraction-Free Schools Law, which will restrict smartphone use from the first bell to the last across K-12 public schools starting this fall. Gov. Kathy Hochul hosted a roundtable on Monday, July 14, with Capital Region school leaders and the state teachers union to discuss how the statewide ban will be implemented when the 2025-2026 school year begins. The new law — signed earlier this year — requires all public school districts to publish their distraction-free device policies by Friday, August 1. Nearly 150 distr…
‘No Way In Hell’: Hochul Slams Texas’ Latest Attempt To Target New Paltz Abortion Provider ‘No Way In Hell’: Hochul Slams Texas’ Latest Attempt To Target New Paltz Abortion Provider
‘No Way In Hell’: Hochul Slams Texas’ Latest Attempt To Target New Paltz Abortion Provider Gov. Kathy Hochul is once again making it crystal clear: New York will not cooperate with efforts to criminalize legal abortion care in the Empire State. Hochul released a fiery statement Monday, July 14, after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton made a second attempt to file a legal judgment against an Ulster County doctor who prescribed abortion medication to a patient out of state. “The anti-abortion extremists are at it again,” Hochul said. “Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is still trying to target a New York doctor for prescribing legal medication used to provide an abortion.” Hochul …
Hundreds Of Troy Families Get Renovated Homes After $136M Public Housing Overhaul Hundreds Of Troy Families Get Renovated Homes After $136M Public Housing Overhaul
Hundreds Of Troy Families Get Renovated Homes After $136M Public Housing Overhaul Nearly 400 Troy families are now living in safer, modernized homes after a $136 million makeover of the city’s largest public housing complex. Major renovations wrapped up at Griswold Heights in Troy’s Lansingburgh neighborhood, complete with energy-efficient features and new community amenities, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced Thursday, July 10. The $136 million renovation was made possible through a mix of public and private funding. The project received $53.3 million in equity through the Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, along with $32.2 million from New York State’s P…
$1M In State Funding Going To Over 60 New Affordable Apartments In Greenburgh $1M In State Funding Going To Over 60 New Affordable Apartments In Greenburgh
$1M In State Funding Going To Over 60 New Affordable Apartments In Greenburgh More than 60 new affordable apartments will soon be built in Westchester, thanks to $1 million in funding announced by county officials this week.  The money—awarded through New York State’s County Infrastructure Grant Program—will support the second phase of the Mayfair Apartments project in Greenburgh, transforming a former community center into 62 affordable senior rental units, the county announced on Thursday, July 3.  The development is located on the site of the former WestHELP Homeless Shelter on the campus of SUNY Westchester Community College. It is adjacent to the Knoll…
Hochul Leads '26 Governor’s Race Against GOP Challengers, But Fails To Hit 50%, Poll Shows Hochul Leads '26 Governor’s Race Against GOP Challengers, But Fails To Hit 50%, Poll Shows
Hochul Leads '26 Governor’s Race Against GOP Challengers, But Fails To Hit 50%, Poll Shows Gov. Kathy Hochul holds a commanding early lead over three potential Republican challengers in the 2026 New York governor’s race, fresh polling shows. Hochul leads Rep. Elise Stefanik by 23 points, 47 to 24%, Rep. Mike Lawler by 20 points, 44 to 24%, and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman by 25 points, 44 to 19%, according to a Siena College poll released Tuesday, July 1. However, she’s still falling short of the 50% mark in every matchup, and more than a quarter of voters remain undecided, pollsters found. “While the early leads seem large, Hochul is not hitting the ‘magic’ 51% mark …
$1B State Push Brings New Affordable Housing To Albany, Hudson Valley $1B State Push Brings New Affordable Housing To Albany, Hudson Valley
$1B State Push Brings New Affordable Housing To Albany, Hudson Valley In a sweeping push to tackle New York’s housing crisis, the state is investing $1 billion to create or preserve nearly 3,000 affordable homes across 15 communities. Nearly 500 affordable apartments are set to be created or rehabilitated in the Capital Region and Hudson Valley, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office announced Thursday, June 26. The funding, allocated through New York State Homes and Community Renewal, will support construction or preservation efforts in Albany, Yonkers, Mount Vernon, and Poughkeepsie, advancing Hochul’s five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to build or preserve 100,000 a…
Trump Rages Over Mamdani's Upset Mayoral Primary Win: 'Our Country Is Really Screwed' Trump Rages Over Mamdani's Upset Mayoral Primary Win: 'Our Country Is Really Screwed'
Trump Rages Over Mamdani's Upset Mayoral Primary Win: 'Our Country Is Really Screwed' President Donald Trump isn’t taking the New York City primary results well. Following Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani’s stunning victory in the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, Trump unleashed a furious response on Truth Social, criticizing everything from Mamdani’s appearance to his voice. “It’s finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line,” Trump wrote. “Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor… He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, he’s not very smart…” Two minutes later, Trump continued his diatribe wi…
$21M Lifeline Going To Storm-Struck Westchester Towns For Flood Relief: Hochul $21M Lifeline Going To Storm-Struck Westchester Towns For Flood Relief: Hochul
$21M Lifeline Going To Storm-Struck Westchester Towns For Flood Relief: Hochul A flood-prone Westchester area battered by past storms is getting a $21 million state-funded fix, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced. The money, part of New York’s $4.2 billion Environmental Bond Act, will go toward storm-proofing infrastructure in Rye and Rye Brook along the Blind Brook, a waterway that swells with devastating force during heavy rain events, including Hurricane Ida.   Key upgrades include replacing two undersized, flood-vulnerable county-owned bridges on Playland Parkway and Oakland Avenue with larger spans that can handle increased water flow. The state will a…
From No. 2 To Top Dog? Antonio Delgado Launches Primary Challenge Against Gov. Hochul From No. 2 To Top Dog? Antonio Delgado Launches Primary Challenge Against Gov. Hochul
From No. 2 To Top Dog? Antonio Delgado Launches Primary Challenge Against Gov. Hochul New York Lieutenant Gov. Antonio Delgado is making a bold move: running against his boss. Delgado, 48, announced Monday, June 2, that he will challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 Democratic primary, saying it’s time for “bold, decisive, transformational leadership” in Albany. “Let’s not drop the ball on figuring out what it is we’re fighting for,” Delgado said in his campaign launch video, posted on X. “The powerful and well-connected have their champions. I’m running for governor to be yours.” Though he didn’t mention Hochul by name in the video, Delgado later told The New York Times, …
Fired NY Trooper Was Targeted For Being A Woman, Lawsuit Alleges Fired NY Trooper Was Targeted For Being A Woman, Lawsuit Alleges
Fired NY Trooper Was Targeted For Being A Woman, Lawsuit Alleges A former New York State Police trooper claims she was unjustly fired after a botched drug test — and targeted in part for being a woman. Jamie Kasper, a decorated Army combat veteran and eight-year State Police officer based in the Hudson Valley, says she was punished for a positive drug test caused by a contaminated dietary supplement — even after two follow-up tests came back negative. In a lawsuit filed in Albany County Supreme Court on Thursday, May 22, Kasper alleges the New York State Police “manipulated due process and disregarded their own internal policies” by relying on an unautho…
Controversial Pipeline Expansion: Rockland Becomes First NY County To Oppose Project Controversial Pipeline Expansion: Rockland Becomes First NY County To Oppose Project
Controversial Pipeline Expansion: Rockland Becomes First NY County To Oppose Project In a move against fossil fuel infrastructure, Rockland has become the first county in New York to formally oppose a proposed fracked gas pipeline expansion that would impact the lower Hudson Valley.  Earlier this week, the Rockland County Legislature passed a resolution against “Project Maple,” a controversial expansion of the Algonquin Pipeline proposed by energy giant Enbridge. The project includes plans to enlarge the Stony Point compressor station, raising environmental and health concerns among residents and local officials.  The pipeline, which runs through the lower Hu…
Hochul Touts One-Time Baby Bonus For Eligible NY Families: Here's How Much To Expect Hochul Touts One-Time Baby Bonus For Eligible NY Families: Here's How Much To Expect
Hochul Touts One-Time Baby Bonus For Eligible NY Families: Here's How Much To Expect Expecting a baby? New York’s latest state budget will soon deliver a financial boost for some growing families. Low-income families with new babies who are on public assistance are eligible for an $1,800 birth allowance, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Tuesday, May 20. Known as the BABY Benefit (Birth Allowance for Beginning Year), the one-time cash payment was among a slate of measures in the newly passed FY 2026 state budget meant to ease the burden of birth-related expenses, Hochul’s office said. “By putting more money in the pockets of working families, the BABY Benefit will contribute …
Trouble Ahead For Hochul In NY Governor's Race, Fresh Polling Shows Trouble Ahead For Hochul In NY Governor's Race, Fresh Polling Shows
Trouble Ahead For Hochul In NY Governor's Race, Fresh Polling Shows Fresh polling has alarm bells ringing in Albany. As New York’s 2026 race for governor begins to take shape, a new Siena College poll shows voters are craving new leadership, though incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul still leads potential Democratic challengers by a wide margin. The poll, released Tuesday, May 20, found that 36% of voters are ready to reelect Hochul, while 55% prefer “someone else,” a 10-point dip in support compared to last month. Her favorability rating sits at 44-46% and job approval at 50-46%—largely unchanged from April. Among Democrats, Hochul remains the frontrunner in a hy…
Trump Reverses $5B NY Wind Halt After $50M Weekly Loss, Whale Claims Debunked Trump Reverses $5B NY Wind Halt After $50M Weekly Loss, Whale Claims Debunked
Trump Reverses $5B NY Wind Halt After $50M Weekly Loss, Whale Claims Debunked The Trump administration has reversed its highly controversial stop-work order on the Empire Wind 1 project, allowing construction of New York’s largest offshore wind farm to resume, officials announced Monday, May 19. The $5 billion project, spearheaded by Norwegian energy giant Equinor, had already completed more than 30 percent of construction — including seabed foundations and a Brooklyn terminal — when Interior Secretary Doug Burgum halted work on April 16, citing "flawed science." That claim, echoed in a Fox News report and Burgum’s social media post, was not supported by any released…
School Of Horror: Hochul To Apologize For NY’s Role In Native Child Abuse At Notorious Site School Of Horror: Hochul To Apologize For NY’s Role In Native Child Abuse At Notorious Site
School Of Horror: Hochul To Apologize For NY’s Role In Native Child Abuse At Notorious Site New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is gearing up to formally acknowledge a painful chapter in the state's history. Hochul is planning a historic visit to Seneca Nation Territory to apologize for the state’s role in the abuses carried out at the Thomas Indian School. In a joint statement, the governor and Seneca Nation President JC Seneca called it a pivotal moment in the long road to healing for Indigenous communities affected by the state-run boarding school system. The visit, scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, on the Seneca Nation’s Cattaraugus Territory will mark the first time a sitting…