News

New York’s Governor addressed both houses of the state legislature yesterday to officially open up the budget season in Albany. Governor Kathy Hochul stressed a variety of topics, including kids’ usage of cell phones and social media, security at the northern border with Canada, the housing crisis, and ways to combat the effects of inflation. Governor Hochul also cited the improvements she’s made — and wants to make — to combat crime in the New York City subways, and promised to crack down on domestic violence…

While she didn’t mention congestion pricing specifically, she did tout other plans to strengthen the financial footing of the beleaguered MTA. Prior to the speech, Rockland State Senator, Republican Bill Weber of the 38th District, told “The Morning Show” the head of the MTA, Janno Lieber, is doing a poor job running that agency…

Also prior to the speech, 96th District Assemblyman Patrick Carroll, a Democrat, also told “The Morning Show” that affordability issues are at the top of his list of concerns…

And while New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in his State of the State address also did not mention congestion pricing by name, he did indicate that he would defend New Jersey commuters going in and out of New York, noting that those who respect New Jersey residents would be respected in kind, but any attack on his people, and they will fight back even harder.

A Gaza truce between Israel and Hamas is closer than ever, that’s according to CNN. After non-stop fighting since October 2023, a ceasefire could come, along with the release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. Congressman Mike Lawler of the Hudson Valley’s 17th district, said on top of everything, the priority has to be to get the hostages out…

Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of the potential ceasefire agreement. CNN reported that, according to the Commission of Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Society, there are more than 10,400 Palestinians being held prisoner.

A Valley Cottage man has been chosen to be Rockland’s next Poet Laureate. Rockland County Executive Ed Day and the Arts Council of Rockland announced Juan Pablo Mobili yesterday to fill that role. Mobili said he once fancied himself a singer, but eventually found the written and spoken word was more suited to his talents…

Mobili will serve as an ambassador for the literary arts, interacting with audiences throughout the county and beyond at public readings, civic events, and through educational activities. His first poetry reading titled “Echoes of the Heart: Life’s Joys & Sorrows,” will be on February 20th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Valley Cottage Library, all are invited to attend.