A fiscal watchdog group is using the Freedom of Information Law to try to get New York state’s health department to release more detailed data on the over 42,000 New Yorkers who died during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, our political observer Dr. Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the NYC Board of Elections. At a rally, last weekend outside the governor’s mansion in Albany, activists and elected officials demanded an increase in clemencies granted to the incarcerated.

This week, Environmental groups say there were some wins in the recently concluded New York State legislative session; including a new constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right to clean air and water. But, business groups say the provision could lead to all sorts of complications. Our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the primary races in New York. Also, U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand was in Colonie, New York this week. The Democrat is pushing to make the Universal School Meals program permanent.

This week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that he’s lifting all remaining state COVID-19 restrictions, including requirements for mask-wearing and social distancing, and capacity limits at events. The announcement comes after New York reached the governor’s goal of 70% of adults receiving at least one dose of the vaccine. We also hear from our political observer Alan Chartock, who shares his thoughts on the 2021 New York City mayor’s race. And, three bills intended to upgrade U.S. drinking water systems and address toxic pollutants took a step forward Wednesday as the conversation in Washington D.C. focuses on a wide-ranging infrastructure package.

Photo courtesy of NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

This week, calls are intensifying for the border between the U.S and Canada to re-open. Federal authorities on both sides appear to be moving toward a possible phased in reopening soon. Our political observer Dr. Alan Chartock, shares his thoughts on the criminal justice reforms that continue to dominate at the end of the New York Legislative session. Also, the New York State Senate’s Judiciary Committee held a hearing Tuesday over Governor Andrew Cuomo’s nominees to the state’s highest court.

(more…)

Democrats who lead the New York State legislature are moving ahead with several criminal justice reforms in the remaining weeks of the 2021 session. But Republicans are pushing back saying the measures go too far and will contribute to the rising crime rates across the state. Our political observer Dr. Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the proposed reforms. Also, the New York State Attorney General’s Office is suing the Rensselaer County Board of Elections over its early voting program.

On this week’s Gazette, we’ll report on what the state ethics commission did this week, our political observer Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the NY prosecution of former President Donald Trump, and a new poll finds New Yorkers still don’t think Governor Andrew Cuomo should resign.

(more…)

This week on The Gazette, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo revealed he will earn a total of $5.1M from his COVID-19 memoir. The disclosure further inflamed critics who are calling for his resignation over sexual harassment allegations.

(more…)

The week on The Gazette, a bill in the New York State legislature would give adult sexual abuse survivors their day in court. Also, former two-term Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino was in Plattsburgh Tuesday as he kicked off his second run for governor of New York. And, our political observer Alan Chartock discusses his conversation with Ithaca, New York Mayor Svante Myrick, and police reform.

(more…)

This week on The Gazette, the New York State legislature on Tuesday approved measures that would require hospitals and nursing homes meet minimum staffing levels of nurses and other health care workers. Our political observer Dr. Alan Chartock discusses his interview with New York State Conservative Party Chairman Gerard Kassar. Also, we’ll hear how the legalization of recreational cannabis in New York and New Jersey is bringing intense regulatory scrutiny.

(more…)

This week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has come under fire for limiting the media’s access and ability to ask him questions as he faces a number of scandals. So far the strategy has delivered some benefits to the embattled Democrat. Our political observer Dr. Alan Chartock shares his thoughts on the governor’s strategy. Also, the Siena College Research Institute has released its 14th annual survey of Upstate New York Business Leaders.

(more…)