Explore

Rapid Read Rapid Read
New York Targets Tax Cheats with Pied-à-Terre Levy Amid Rollout Challenges

New York Targets Tax Cheats with Pied-à-Terre Levy Amid Rollout Challenges

New York City's new pied-à-terre tax aims to collect revenue from luxury second homes while identifying tax cheats who claim non-residency. Governor Kathy Hochul's administration is using the tax to expose individuals who avoid paying New York taxes by declaring residency elsewhere. The tax targets properties valued at $5 million or more, with the potential to generate $500 million annually. The initiative has faced challenges in its rollout, with some residents confused about their tax obligations.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Governor Hochul Ratifies Five-Year Labor Agreements with CSEA, Benefiting Over 55,000 State Employees

Governor Hochul Ratifies Five-Year Labor Agreements with CSEA, Benefiting Over 55,000 State Employees

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the ratification of five-year labor agreements with the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), covering more than 55,000 New York State employees. The agreements, which run from April 2, 2026, to April 1, 2031, were overwhelmingly approved by CSEA members. They include annual raises of 4.5%, 4%, 3.5%, 3%, and 3%, along with boosts to location pay, additional paid pre-natal leave, and increased sick leave accumulation. The contracts also update health insurance terms to reduce costs for members. CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan expressed gratitude to Governor Hochul for recognizing the value of CSEA members and their contributions to public services.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
CSEA Union Secures Raises and Benefits in New Five-Year Contract with New York State

CSEA Union Secures Raises and Benefits in New Five-Year Contract with New York State

The Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), New York's largest public-sector labor union, has approved a five-year labor agreement with the state, announced by Governor Kathy Hochul. The contract includes annual raises ranging from 3% to 4.5%, additional paid pre-natal leave, and increased sick leave accumulation. It also eliminates certain health insurance co-pays, benefiting over 55,000 state employees. The agreement reflects a collaborative effort between the state and the union to recognize the essential work of public servants.
Westchester County Journal News Westchester County Journal News
Yes, let's pursue a Lake Placid-NYC winter Olympic bid | Editorial

Yes, let's pursue a Lake Placid-NYC winter Olympic bid | Editorial

Gov. Kathy Hochul's exploratory committee for a joint Lake Placid-NYC Olympics must deliver a definitive decision to pursue the 2042 Winter Games.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Qualifying Begins for November 3 Election in Southwest Louisiana with Over 200 Seats Open

Qualifying Begins for November 3 Election in Southwest Louisiana with Over 200 Seats Open

Qualifying for the November 3 election has commenced in Southwest Louisiana, marking one of the largest local elections in recent years. Over 200 offices are up for grabs, including positions in the U.S. House of Representatives, judicial districts, and local government roles. Candidates are encouraged to make appointments with the Clerk of Court’s Office to streamline the qualifying process. The election will see a diverse array of candidates vying for positions across various parishes, including Calcasieu, Allen, and Beauregard. This election cycle is notable for the high number of open seats and the potential for significant shifts in local political dynamics.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
New York State and CSEA Finalize Five-Year Labor Agreement with Raises and Benefits

New York State and CSEA Finalize Five-Year Labor Agreement with Raises and Benefits

New York State's largest public-sector labor union, the Civil Service Employees Association (CSEA), has ratified a five-year labor agreement with the state. Announced by Governor Kathy Hochul, the contract includes annual raises ranging from 3% to 4.5% for four CSEA bargaining units, covering over 55,000 state employees. The agreement also provides boosts to location pay, additional paid pre-natal leave, an increase in the sick leave accumulation cap, and the elimination of certain health insurance co-pays. CSEA President Mary E. Sullivan expressed gratitude towards the governor for recognizing the value of the union's members and the essential services they provide.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Teacher Unions Pressure Governor Hochul Over Federal Tax-Credit Program

Teacher Unions Pressure Governor Hochul Over Federal Tax-Credit Program

New York's teacher unions are campaigning against a federal tax-credit program that aims to make education more affordable for low- and middle-income families. The unions are urging Governor Kathy Hochul to reject the program, which they claim could divert funds from public schools. The program offers a federal tax credit for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, benefiting students in states that opt in. Despite union opposition, the program's funding comes entirely from the federal government and does not require state or local matching funds.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Ohio Candidates Finalize Filings for November 3 Election, Setting Stage for Key Races

Ohio Candidates Finalize Filings for November 3 Election, Setting Stage for Key Races

The filing deadline for candidates and issues to appear on the November 3 general election ballot in Ohio has passed. The Wood County Board of Elections has released a list of candidates who have filed to run in various races. Among the notable races is the 5th Congressional District, where Republican Bob Latta will face Democratic candidate Brian A. Shaver and Libertarian Michael J. Veloff. Other significant races include the 9th Congressional District, with Democratic incumbent Marcy Kaptur running against Republican Derek Merrin and Libertarian Matthew Althaus. The gubernatorial race features Democratic candidates Amy Acton and David Pepper, Libertarian Don Kissick and James L. Mills, and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Robert A. McColley. Additionally, several state-level positions, including Ohio Attorney General, Auditor, Secretary of State, and Treasurer, have candidates from the Democratic, Republican, and Libertarian parties. The Board of Elections will meet on August 11 to officially approve the c...
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Louisiana Begins Qualifying for 2026 U.S. House Races Amid Redistricting Changes

Louisiana Begins Qualifying for 2026 U.S. House Races Amid Redistricting Changes

Qualifying for the 2026 U.S. House of Representatives races in Louisiana has commenced following the Supreme Court's ruling that the state's previous congressional map was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. This decision has led to the reopening of districts five and six, creating uncertainty about candidate alignments. Political figures like Garret Graves and Blake Miguez are considering their options in the newly open districts. The process will follow an open primary system, with the top two candidates advancing to a runoff if no one secures a majority.
The Corpus Christi Caller Times The Corpus Christi Caller Times
Taxpayers would be assuming long-term debt for desalination | Opinion

Taxpayers would be assuming long-term debt for desalination | Opinion

If a desalination plant proceeds, Corpus Christi residential taxpayers would be assuming debt for a project that will primarily benefit industry, Tom Krepel writes.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
Congressman Shri Thanedar Loses Democratic Primary in Michigan, Impacting Indian-American Representation

Congressman Shri Thanedar Loses Democratic Primary in Michigan, Impacting Indian-American Representation

Indian-American Congressman Shri Thanedar has lost the Democratic primary for Michigan's 13th District to Donavan McKinney, a candidate supported by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). McKinney won by a margin of 3.79%, securing 51.9% of the votes compared to Thanedar's 48.1%. This outcome highlights the growing influence of the DSA within the Democratic Party. Thanedar's defeat means that the representation of Indian-Americans in the U.S. House of Representatives is expected to decrease from six to four, assuming other Indian-American lawmakers like Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, Pramila Jayapal, and Suhas Subramanyam win their respective elections in November.
Rapid Read Rapid Read
New York State Awards Cybersecurity Grants to Municipalities

New York State Awards Cybersecurity Grants to Municipalities

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York State has awarded grants through the Strengthening Essential Cybersecurity for Utilities and Resiliency Enhancements (SECURE) program. These grants aim to bolster the cybersecurity defenses of local communities against sophisticated cyber threats. The funding will help protect critical infrastructure, particularly water systems, from potential cyberattacks. The initiative underscores the state's commitment to safeguarding essential services that millions of New Yorkers rely on daily.