Source: Politics<\/p>\n
With help from Shawn Ness<\/p>\n
Happening now:<\/span><\/p>\n State Sen. Zellnor Myrie is running for mayor. He also might have his own Senate opponent. NEVER TOO EARLY: State Sen. Zellnor Myrie\u2019s challenge to Mayor Eric Adams might have just earned him his own challenger next cycle.<\/p>\n Assemblymember Brian Cunningham has got his eye on 2026 and filed a campaign committee Monday for Myrie\u2019s District 20 seat in Central Brooklyn, first reported by Playbook<\/a>.<\/p>\n So does Cunningham think Myrie will beat the mayor, and he\u2019s preparing to run for the open seat? Or does Cunningham think Myrie will lose and is threatening to challenge him for daring to take on Adams?<\/p>\n After all, Cunningham is one of Adams\u2019 top allies in Albany and is so close with the mayor\u2019s top political adviser Ingrid Lewis-Martin that he calls her \u201cMom,\u201d a person familiar with the relationship told Playbook.<\/p>\n Myrie and Cunningham\u2019s districts overlap, but they\u2019ve never been close. When Cunningham won his seat in a 2022 special election, Adams endorsed him<\/a>, while Myrie and his camp backed Jelanie DeShong, who was working for Hochul.<\/p>\n Cunningham downplayed the drama.<\/p>\n It\u2019s \u201ccertainly not an endorsement\u201d of Myrie winning, or of Adams, for that matter, he said in an interview with Playbook. \u201cThis is just a matter of exploring and seeing how I can best serve the 43rd Assembly District.\u201d<\/p>\n Would he take on Myrie in 2026? \u201cI would never run simply for retribution,\u201d Cunningham said, and he is not challenging anyone \u201cat this time.\u201d Both he and Myrie are running uncontested for their legislative seats this year.<\/p>\n Myrie\u2019s campaign declined to comment on the move.<\/p>\n But insiders were split over how to read Cunningham\u2019s move. \u201cIf he\u2019s doing that, I assume it\u2019s to support Adams,\u201d a Brooklyn Democratic consultant told Playbook.<\/p>\n But a progressive Democratic consultant thinks Cunningham\u2019s filing means he thinks Myrie could be mayor.<\/p>\n \u201cIt sends a signal that folks think this Senate seat is going to be open in 2026, and there is good reason for that,\u201d they said. \u201cFor those who think this is an attempt to mess with Zellnor, it’s worth pointing out that filing a challenge after the petitioning deadline doesn’t strike much fear into anyone’s heart.\u201d<\/p>\n Adams tried to brush off Myrie\u2019s challenge, in his first public comments since he filed to fundraise<\/a> on Wednesday. And despite one of his close political allies in Albany making moves against Myrie, Adams said he is not thinking about the election at all.<\/p>\n \u201cThe election is a year and [several] months away,\u201d Adams said during a Tuesday press conference. \u201cI\u2019m just focused on governing.\u201d \u2014 Jeff Coltin<\/p>\n HIGHWAY EXPANSIONS: Advocacy groups convened in Albany earlier today to call on Hochul and state lawmakers to give more attention to investments that would improve transit, cycling and walking accessibility projects.<\/p>\n “New Yorkers all across the state deserve the freedom to get around, regardless of how old we are, how much money we have, and whether or not we’re living with a disability,” Riders Alliance senior organizer Danna Dennis said in a statement.<\/p>\n Many of the speakers want to see a reallocation of funding from downstate highway investments, like the $1 billion planned expansion of Route 17 in the Hudson Valley, and reinvest to projects that would increase accessibility. \u2014 Shawn Ness<\/p>\n FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: Prominent labor unions in New York are throwing their support to a measure meant to shorten prison sentences<\/a> in exchange for vocational training.<\/p>\n The measure is among a handful of criminal justice law changes that have been sought in recent years in Albany.<\/p>\n And it is a proposal the labor groups, including influential organizations like 1199 SEIU, the United Federation of Teachers and the New York State Nurses Association argue could help alleviate a labor shortage in New York.<\/p>\n \u201cThis labor shortage has been exacerbated by the exclusion of people who are locked out of the workforce because of extremely long prison sentences and limited opportunities to earn release through educational and workforce development programs in prison,\u201d the groups wrote in a letter<\/a> to top state officials released today and obtained by Playbook.<\/p>\n The measure, backed by state Sen. Jeremy Cooney and Assemblymember Anna Kelles, would allow people in prison to earn time off if they participate in vocational, educational and rehabilitative programs.<\/p>\n Criminal justice reforms have come under scrutiny, however, amid criticism from Republicans \u2014 potentially making moderate Democrats less inclined to take up the proposals, especially in an election year.<\/p>\n But labor support could help push some of these sentencing law changes over the finish line.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is imperative that our elected leaders prioritize these reforms during this legislative session to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their past mistakes, have a chance to successfully reintegrate into society,\u201d Tori Newman-Campbell, the legislative coordinator for 1199 SEIU said. \u2014 Nick Reisman<\/p>\n UPK FUNDING: School districts across the state are gaining access to $34 million in universal pre-kindergarten funding that will go towards 64 school districts across the state, the state Education Department announced today.<\/p>\n This comes after significant changes to pre-kindergarten funding were made in the 2025 enacted budget<\/a> that streamlined the funding process for schools looking to create or expand their programs. The budget consolidated its funding into one funding source with $10,000 per-per-pupil for programs run by a certified teacher and $7,000 for per-pupil for programs run by a teacher without the early childhood certification.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen we provide equitable opportunities for children in their early years, they reap the benefits throughout their lives,\u201d Commissioner Betty Rosa said in a statement. \u2014 Katelyn Cordero\u00a0<\/p>\n JAMES FILES ERA APPEAL: Attorney General Tish James\u2019 office filed an appeal today to a Livingston County court\u2019s decision to block the state Equal Rights Amendment<\/a> from appearing on November\u2019s ballot.<\/p>\n The appeal has been expected. The filing confirmed that James will bring the case to a mid-level court based in Rochester, rather than attempting a rarely-successful maneuver to take arguments directly to the Court of Appeals.<\/p>\n \u201cThis appeal is a crucial step toward ensuring that the voters \u2014 not a single, anti-abortion litigant or backward politicians \u2014 get to decide the future of our rights and reproductive freedoms,\u201d New Yorkers for Equal Rights campaign director Sasha Ahuja said in a statement. \u201cWe are confident the amendment will be on the ballot.\u201d \u2014 Bill Mahoney<\/p>\n BROOKLYN IN THE HOUSE: Hochul, Adams and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey have come to a deal \u2014 in principle \u2014 that would transform the Brooklyn Maritime Terminal into a more modern ship port.<\/p>\n The project would entail building a 122-acre waterfront project to generate more jobs for the region and stimulate the economy. The Democratic governor and mayor were together this morning to discuss the deal.<\/p>\n \u201cToday\u2019s announcement marks the next great chapter for Brooklyn\u2019s storied waterfront and is a win for the people of New York City,\u201d Hochul said in a statement. \u201cOur partners at the Port Authority will ensure that the marine terminal at Howland Hook remains a thriving shipping hub\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n A task force will be created to assist in the engagement process. It will be chaired by Brooklyn lawmakers Rep. Dan Goldman, state Sen. Andrew Gounardes and City Council Member Alexa Aviles.<\/p>\n The engagement process will take input from local elected officials, unions, waterfront companies, businesses and the local community to come up with a shared vision for what the waterfront should look like. \u2014 Shawn Ness<\/p>\n DAILY SHOW PLAYS THE HITS: Is Adams merely the mayor, or the \u201cPhilosopher King of New York?\u201d<\/p>\n Comedy Central\u2019s \u201cThe Daily Show\u201d has taken the mayor\u2019s most hilarious moments \u2014 both purposefully funny and otherwise \u2014 and turned it to a seven minute \u201cDaily Showography of Eric Adams.\u201d\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n The video is airing tonight, but was shared first with Playbook.<\/p>\n Adams is introduced as \u201can enlightened thinker\u201d who \u201csaw his city as a playground of transcendental possibilities.\u201d<\/p>\n Then the video runs through some of Adams\u2019 greatest hits, familiar to New Yorkers.<\/p>\n There\u2019s his \u201cplane crashing into our Trade Center\u201d quote, and declaring himself \u201cGandhi-like,\u201d plus hits from the archives like his state senate \u201cStop the Sag\u201d campaign against young men showing their underwear.<\/p>\n The Daily Show takes a progressive bent, hitting him for budget cuts to schools while spending more on cops. But it\u2019s largely a meditation on the bizarre.<\/p>\n \u201cNot since Biggie, had New York seen a philosopher with such flow,” the narrator says. \u201cAnd not since 50 Cent had New York seen a leader who spent so much time in da club.\u201d \u2014 Jeff Coltin<\/p>\n OPERATION PADLOCK TO PROTECT: After one week of \u201cOperation Padlock to Protect\u201d \u2014 an enforcement effort to close illegal weed shops \u2014 the city shuttered 75 locations and issued nearly $6 million in penalties, City Hall said today.<\/p>\n The effort was undertaken during four days earlier this month. Locks were administered by the city\u2019s Sheriff\u2019s Joint Compliance Task Force and the NYPD.<\/p>\n \u201cWeek one of \u2018Operation Padlock to Protect,\u2019 reaffirms what we\u2019ve long said: With the backing of legal authority behind us, our administration will act swiftly to combat illegal cannabis and smoke shop operators,\u201d Adams said in a statement.<\/p>\n Adams had long been asking Albany for help to close down the illegal shops<\/a>, and he got more power to do so in the state budget.<\/p>\n The task force conducted 150 inspections of businesses that were allegedly selling illegal cannabis products or untaxed cigarettes. Out of those inspections, 77 businesses were issued cease and desist orders (in addition to the 75 stores being locked).<\/p>\n \u201cFor too long, illegal operators have posed a threat to our children, our public safety, and our quality of life, and they have undermined those justice-involved, legal businesses that are trying to succeed. With this coordinated and sustained multi-agency enforcement, we will help usher in a thriving, safe, and just legal cannabis market that our city deserves,\u201d Adams added. \u2014 Shawn Ness<\/p>\n ENDORSEMENT WATCH: Democratic Assemblymember Ron Kim\u2019s reelection bid won the nods of two prominent labor unions today as he faces a primary challenge from Andy Chen for the Queens seat.<\/p>\n Kim was endorsed by District Council 37 and the New York State United Teachers.<\/p>\n Chen\u2019s bid, meanwhile, was endorsed by the Chinese American Trucker Association, he announced via X<\/a>. \u2014 Nick Reisman<\/p>\n CELEBRATING HISTORY: Hochul announced today the inception of the 250th Commemoration Commission to recognize the American Revolution and signing of the Declaration of Independence.<\/p>\n \u201cNew York State played a pivotal role in the American Revolution, and we look forward to welcoming people from all over the world to join us in commemorating the 250th anniversary in 2026,\u201d Hochul said in a statement.<\/p>\n The commission will be co-chaired by Randy Simons, the commissioner pro tempore of the Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, as well as Dr. Betty Rosa, the education commissioner.<\/p>\n The commission\u2019s goal in its first year is to support the state\u2019s heritage organizations in developing exhibits, coordinate state learning standards and promote heritage tourism.<\/p>\n The commemoration will take place in 2026. \u2014 Shawn Ness<\/p>\n DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEGISLATION: The Senate is gearing up to pass legislation that would further protections for domestic violence victims in New York. Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins announced a package of legislation set to pass the Senate on Tuesday.<\/p>\n The package includes legislation that would eliminate voluntary intoxication of a victim from use as a permissible defense in sex crimes. Other bills include a requirement that extreme risk protection orders be added to a statewide registry; a bill that would clarify the definition of \u201cwelfare\u201d to increase awards made to crime victims; and another bill that would help to inform victims of their rights upon conviction.<\/p>\n \u201cThose who have survived domestic and sexual violence should have access to all available resources and protection during their journey toward recovery,\u201d Stewart-Cousins said in a statement.<\/p>\n \u201cUnfortunately, existing regulations and practices often create unnecessary obstacles, bureaucratic processes, and discourage individuals from seeking essential services. Through this legislative package, we aim to clarify procedures and genuinely prioritize the rights of victims.\u201d \u2014 Katelyn Cordero\u00a0<\/p>\n A SURPRISINGLY QUIET COLUMBIA GRADUATION: Columbia College students graduated in a relatively calm atmosphere this morning despite recent pro-Palestinian protests on campus.<\/p>\n To be sure, there were brief moments in which students expressed solidarity with Palestinians at the ceremony, the institution\u2019s largest for graduating seniors. But overall, the event went down without significant demonstrations. Columbia President Minouche Shafik decided to skip the ceremony<\/a>.<\/p>\n Kathy Fang, the college\u2019s valedictorian, arrived onstage with a keffiyeh and held up her hand to show off a \u201cFree Palestine\u201d sticker.<\/p>\n The salutatorian \u2014 Priya Chainani, president of Columbia College Student Council, which offered support to students \u2014 lauded student-run publications Columbia Daily Spectator, a newspaper, and WKCR, a radio station, as \u201cthe best, most reliable sources for on the ground reporting.\u201d<\/p>\n “In the past weeks, students continue to uphold the true values of Columbia even when many of the adults in the room or not in this room did not,\u201d Chainani said to loud and continuous cheers.<\/p>\n Longtime CNN anchor Poppy Harlow\u2019s speech was largely well-received by students.<\/p>\n \u201cNow like some of you I am considering my options. I am unemployed, find me on LinkedIn,\u201d Harlow said, to laughter and cheers, referring to her recent exit from CNN<\/a>. The crowd was also supportive when she fought back tears as she honored her late father, a 1969 Columbia graduate.<\/p>\n She praised student journalists on campus, adding that over 300 journalists are currently in jail, including The Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. “You have blown me away, you have worked day and night in such difficult circumstances to document history,” Harlow said.<\/p>\n Columbia College Dean Josef Sorett also called for acknowledging everyone\u2019s pain, noting the deaths of Palestinian and Israeli people due to the Israel-Hamas war as well as conflicts in Armenia and Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Yemen, Haiti, Sudan and the Congo. \u2014 Madina Tour\u00e9 and Irie Sentner<\/p>\n \u2014 Central New York\u2019s Regional Market Authority is in a poor financial situation, an audit from Comptroller Tom DiNapoli found. (State of Politics<\/a>)<\/p>\n \u2014 Adams wants to restructure the police academy to consolidate training programs for various agencies. (Daily News<\/a>)<\/p>\n \u2014 More chemical barrels were found underneath a park on Long Island. (Newsday<\/a>)<\/p>\n
\n Mayor Eric Adams will be featured on The Daily Show tonight. Details below.
\n The Brooklyn Maritime Terminal is getting an overhaul, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams announced.
\n Attorney General Tish James has officially appealed a state court decision to toss the Equal Rights Amendment. <\/p>\n