As the Republican majority leader for 13 years, he was one of the “three men in a room” who decided things in Albany. Then came corruption charges and, ultimately, vindication. Source: New York Times
Posts published in “Politics and Government”
WeChat, Wild Rumors and All, Is Their Lifeline. Washington May End That.
By Gotham Rex on October 5, 2020
The app has reshaped the experience of Chinese-Americans for the better, but also spreads misinformation and government propaganda. Source: New York Times
100,000 New Absentee Ballots Go Out, but N.Y. Voters Are Wary
By Gotham Rex on October 1, 2020
The mishap in absentee ballots in Brooklyn raises questions about the ability of the Board of Elections to handle a pandemic-era presidential election. Source: New York Times
‘We’re at War’: New York City Faces a Financial Abyss
By Gotham Rex on September 28, 2020
The pandemic has crippled tourism, retail and the culture sector. The damage could last years, and layoffs, service cuts and added debt are all on the table. Source: New York Times
Trump Attacked Rochester Protesters. Not All Local Republicans Agree.
By Gotham Rex on September 26, 2020
In Western New York, the president’s vilification of Black Lives Matter protests has forced candidates to decide whether to line up behind him. Source: New York Times
Even Paper Bags Will Be Banned From N.J. Supermarkets
By Gotham Rex on September 25, 2020
The bill, which would make the state the first to ban single-use paper bags at supermarkets, would also ban single-use plastic bags in stores and restaurants. Source: New York Times
N.J. Will Borrow $4.5 Billion as Pandemic Pain Hits States
By Gotham Rex on September 24, 2020
It is one of the first states to take on debt to plug a budget hole created by the impact of the coronavirus. Source: New York Times
Deal Reached in N.J. for ‘Millionaires Tax’ to Address Fiscal Crisis
By Gotham Rex on September 17, 2020
Gov. Philip Murphy said the tax would help make up shortfalls caused by the pandemic, but Republicans warned it would lead to an exodus of wealthy residents. Source: New York Times
NYC Mayor to Furlough 495 Staff Members for a Week, Including Himself
By Gotham Rex on September 16, 2020
The symbolic move, which would yield $860,000 in anticipated savings, could be a precursor to similar maneuvers to slash the budget. Source: New York Times
Inside the Clash Between Powerful Business Leaders and N.Y.C.’s Mayor
By Gotham Rex on September 12, 2020
The tensions burst into the open when 163 executives joined to criticize Bill de Blasio’s leadership. Others think their portrait of the city is overly bleak. Source: New York Times
In Steve Bannon Border Wall Case, Prosecutors Have ‘Voluminous’ Emails
By Gotham Rex on August 31, 2020
The documents were seized in a case against the president’s former aide, who is accused along with three others of a fraudulent scheme to build a border wall, prosecutors said. Source: New York Times
New Yorkers Are Fleeing to the Suburbs: ‘The Demand Is Insane’
By Gotham Rex on August 30, 2020
The pandemic is spurring home sales as prosperous city residents seek more space. One listing had 97 showings and received 24 offers. Source: New York Times
$1,000 ‘Baby Bond’ Proposed in N.J. in Bid to Narrow the Wealth Gap
By Gotham Rex on August 25, 2020
A plan would set aside money at birth for children in most families, giving them a financial lift when they reach 18 and enter adulthood. Source: New York Times
Claire Shulman, First Woman to Lead Queens, Dies at 94
By Gotham Rex on August 17, 2020
She became borough president in the wake of a corruption scandal in 1986, then won elections that kept her in office as an advocate for Queens for 16 years. Source: New York Times
N.Y.C. Health Commissioner Resigns After Clashes With Mayor Over Virus
By Gotham Rex on August 4, 2020
The resignation of Dr. Oxiris Barbot, the commissioner since 2018, came after Mayor Bill de Blasio stripped her agency of a key virus tracing program. Source: New York Times