The Court of Appeals said Democrats violated the State Constitution and ignored the will of the voters. The judges ordered a court-appointed expert to draw replacements. Source: New York Times
Posts published in “Politics and Government”
New York Democrats Make Last-Ditch Bid to Save New Congressional Maps
By Gotham Rex on April 26, 2022
The state’s highest court heard arguments on Tuesday on whether to uphold earlier rulings that voided maps drawn by Democrats as illegal gerrymanders. Source: New York Times
N.Y. House Districts Illegally Favor Democrats, Appeals Court Rules
By Gotham Rex on April 21, 2022
A divided five-judge panel found that Democrats engaged in gerrymandering in creating new district maps. The case is expected to head to New York’s highest court. Source: New York Times
After Pardon for Bannon, 2 Admit Bilking Donors to Border Wall
By Gotham Rex on April 21, 2022
Prosecutors say they took money from donors to Donald J. Trump’s signature project and spent it on jewelry, plastic surgery and a golf cart. Source: New York Times
Brian Benjamin’s Bribery Defense: He Got ‘No Personal Benefits’
By Gotham Rex on April 18, 2022
The case against Brian Benjamin, who resigned as New York’s second-in-command last week, may hinge on whether political contributions in this case constituted a bribe. Source: New York Times
Taxpayers Shoulder Costs for $1.4 Billion Stadium. Buffalo Bills Fans Cheer.
By Gotham Rex on April 16, 2022
Critics have savaged the deal, which would use $850 million in state and local funds. But many in the city say keeping the Bills in Buffalo is good for civic pride. Source: New York Times
Lt. Gov. Benjamin Resigns Following Campaign Finance Indictment
By Gotham Rex on April 12, 2022
Brian A. Benjamin, New York’s second in command to Gov. Kathy Hochul, was charged with bribery, fraud and falsification of records while a state senator. Source: New York Times
Lt. Gov. Benjamin Arrested in Campaign Finance Scheme
By Gotham Rex on April 12, 2022
Brian A. Benjamin, New York’s No. 2 official to Gov. Kathy Hochul, was charged with bribery, fraud and falsification of records while a state senator. Source: New York Times
New York’s Bail Laws Are Changing Again. Here’s How.
By Gotham Rex on April 11, 2022
Governor Kathy Hochul pushed for a rewrite of the 2019 laws governing the criminal justice system. Source: New York Times
Mayor Adams’s First 100 Days: A Focus on Crime, Covid and Crises
By Gotham Rex on April 10, 2022
Eric Adams has served as a cheerleader for New York City’s revival while taking an aggressive stance against homeless encampments and signs of lawlessness. Source: New York Times
Hochul Emerges From Budget Talks Unbowed, but Not Unscathed
By Gotham Rex on April 8, 2022
The governor won policy measures aimed at easing New Yorkers’ concerns over crime and rising prices, but alienated some fellow Democratic lawmakers. Source: New York Times
With New York District Lines On Hold, Judge Blesses Possible Backup Plan
By Gotham Rex on April 8, 2022
A state appeals court judge approved the use of a special master to draw new congressional districts that could be used if the existing maps are thrown out. Source: New York Times
New York Toughens Bail Law in $220 Billion Budget Agreement
By Gotham Rex on April 7, 2022
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s first budget also includes billions in child care funding, a green light for three casinos and a return of to-go drinks. Source: New York Times
Cuomo Sues Ethics Panel to Block It From Seizing Book Profits
By Gotham Rex on April 1, 2022
The lawsuit is the latest example of Andrew Cuomo’s aggressive stance as he returns to public life seven months after resigning as New Yorks governor. Source: New York Times
Judge Tosses Out New York’s New Political Districts
By Gotham Rex on April 1, 2022
The ruling puts the state’s June primary elections in doubt, but Democrats said they would appeal. Source: New York Times