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New York mayor names East Harlem as first site for city-run grocery store

New York mayor names East Harlem as first site for city-run grocery store

By Maria Tsvetkova NEW YORK, April 14 (Reuters) - New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Tuesday named East Harlem as the first site for a city-run grocery store, choosing a neighborhood where the median household income is below half the Manhattan average, in line with his affordability agenda that

Governor Hochul's Efforts to Reduce Car Insurance Rates Face Opposition from Special Interests

Governor Hochul's Efforts to Reduce Car Insurance Rates Face Opposition from Special Interests

Governor Kathy Hochul of New York is pushing for reforms aimed at reducing auto-insurance rates in the state. Her initiative is facing significant resistance from special interests and political figures who benefit from the current system. The opposition is particularly strong from the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and its allies in the legislature, including Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. The governor's efforts are underscored by a recent lawsuit filed by FedEx, which alleges a massive fraud scheme involving the Ikhilov Law Group. This scheme reportedly exploits liability claims to defraud the company, contributing to the high insurance premiums in New York. Currently, New Yorkers pay an average of $4,000 annually for car insurance, significantly higher than the national average. Hochul's proposed reforms are inspired by successful measures in Florida, which have led to a decrease in insurance rates.

In apparent flub, Energy Secretary Wright says US heading 'in the wrong direction'

In apparent flub, Energy Secretary Wright says US heading 'in the wrong direction'

Energy Secretary Chris Wright raised eyebrows Tuesday after saying the country “looks like we’re going in the wrong direction” in remarks hailing a new natural gas pipeline project

New York Officials Oppose $1.5B Union Pension Proposal Amid Budget Concerns

New York Officials Oppose $1.5B Union Pension Proposal Amid Budget Concerns

Officials across New York are opposing a $1.5 billion pension proposal by unions that would allow government workers hired after 2012 to retire at 55 instead of 63. The proposal, part of negotiations with Governor Kathy Hochul, aims to amend the 'Tier 6' pension plan established in 2012 to reduce pension burdens. Local leaders argue that the state should absorb the costs rather than imposing them on local governments, which are already under fiscal constraints. The proposal could lead to significant budgetary impacts, with New York City alone facing a $328 million increase in costs.

Senate Considers Resolution Impacting Boundary Waters, Raises Concerns Over Environmental Impact

Senate Considers Resolution Impacting Boundary Waters, Raises Concerns Over Environmental Impact

The Senate is set to consider House Joint Resolution 140, which could repeal the U.S. Forest Service Land Management Plan for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota. The resolution would allow Chile's largest mining company to build a copper mine, potentially harming the area's ecosystem. The Congressional Review Act is being used to bypass the filibuster, allowing a simple majority vote. The resolution's passage could lead to significant environmental and economic consequences, affecting the region's tourism and natural resources.

Hawaii Legislature Considers Traffic Camera Bill to Monitor Vehicle Compliance

Hawaii Legislature Considers Traffic Camera Bill to Monitor Vehicle Compliance

A new bill in the Hawaii state legislature proposes the use of traffic cameras to monitor vehicle registration and safety checks at high-risk intersections. The measure, which has passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee, aims to implement automated license plate recognition (ALPR) technology to track expired registrations and safety checks, as well as common traffic infractions like red light violations and speeding. The state Department of Transportation supports the bill, citing the need for safer roads following a record number of traffic fatalities in 2025. Fines for non-compliance could range from $75 to $200, with the possibility of waiving fees if issues are resolved within 30 days. The bill is set to be heard by the full senate floor.

Maine legislature approves first US moratorium on big data centers

Maine legislature approves first US moratorium on big data centers

(Refiles to add media packaging code, with no changes to text) WASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) - Maine lawmakers have passed a bill that could make it the first U.S. state to put a moratorium on new data centers as opposition to the electricity-hungry facilities grows across the country over their

Trump's Federal Reserve Pick Kevin Warsh Faces Wealth Disclosure Scrutiny Amid Confirmation Process

Trump's Federal Reserve Pick Kevin Warsh Faces Wealth Disclosure Scrutiny Amid Confirmation Process

Kevin Warsh, nominated by President Trump to lead the Federal Reserve, has filed financial disclosures indicating assets exceeding $100 million. These disclosures are a prerequisite for his Senate confirmation. Warsh's investments include significant holdings in the Juggernaut Fund and consulting fees from Stanley Druckenmiller's investment office. His filings reveal a complex portfolio with confidentiality agreements, pledging to divest certain assets if confirmed. Warsh's spouse, Jane Lauder, also holds substantial assets, linked to the Estee Lauder company. The Senate Banking Committee is yet to schedule a hearing, and Warsh's confirmation is complicated by a DOJ investigation into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, which a federal judge has recently quashed.

House approves aviation safety bill based on deadly midair collision near Washington

House approves aviation safety bill based on deadly midair collision near Washington

An aviation safety bill seeking to address lessons learned from last year’s midair collision of a jet and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., was approved by the House Tuesday

Aviation safety bill based on deadly midair collision near Washington faces a House vote

Aviation safety bill based on deadly midair collision near Washington faces a House vote

An aviation safety bill seeking to address lessons learned from last year’s midair collision of a jet and an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., is up for a vote Tuesday

Gov. Kelly Signs Bill to Expand Health Coverage for Kansas Children

Gov. Kelly Signs Bill to Expand Health Coverage for Kansas Children

Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Bill 271, a bipartisan legislation aimed at updating income eligibility requirements for Kansas' Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The bill adjusts the household income eligibility threshold to align with current federal poverty income guidelines, ensuring access to affordable health coverage for Kansas children. The legislation also introduces a sliding-fee scale for premiums, making health coverage more affordable and predictable for families. This move is part of a broader effort to safeguard access to health coverage for working families in Kansas.

Kansas Governor Signs Bill to Expand Children's Health Coverage

Kansas Governor Signs Bill to Expand Children's Health Coverage

Governor Laura Kelly of Kansas has signed Senate Bill 271, a bipartisan effort to update the income eligibility requirements for the state's Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). The bill adjusts the eligibility threshold to align with current federal poverty income guidelines, ensuring that more Kansas children have access to affordable health care. This legislative change aims to provide a permanent solution to outdated standards that previously hindered families from obtaining necessary health coverage. The bill also introduces a sliding-fee scale for premiums, making health insurance more affordable and predictable for families.