Politics
In Rural New York, Counties Turn a Blind Eye to Policing Problems
Police reforms mandated by Governor Cuomo fell short of addressing systemic issues in Delaware and Sullivan counties, advocates say—in part because local officials don’t see an issue with policing in their communities.
Grounded In Local Issues, Delgado Punches Above His Weight
As one of the few House Democrats from a rural district, Antonio Delgado has a balancing act to perform. The River checks in with NY-19’s Congressional rep on the value of keeping it local.
Changes on High: What to Know about New York’s Recreational Marijuana Law
The effort ties licenses and revenue to social equity—but it’s good for small farmers, too.
Uneven Police Reform Compliance Frustrates Mid-Hudson Communities
In Executive Order 203, Governor Cuomo gave officials a litmus test in community engagement. Their constituents say they’ve got a ways to go.
How the Poughkeepsie Police Union Tried to Defeat Reform
A monthslong dispute between the Common Council and the police department’s labor union spilled out into the public, revealing the tactics cop associations use to bully politicians.
Dutchess County Sheriff’s Deputy Under Investigation for Social Media Posts
The officer, Ryan Griffin, shared racist, offensive, and untrue material on Facebook, but has not faced disciplinary action.
Taxing New Homeowners to Preserve Local Character? New Paltz Will Try It
A real estate transfer tax targeting wealthy new arrivals takes effect during the unprecedented migration of New York City residents to the region.
Immigration Has Not Been Magically Fixed Under Biden
The recent deportation of a Rockland County resident shows that reforming the system will take time. Meanwhile, state legislators and activists are trying to prevent further injustice.
Capitol Stormers of the Hudson Valley
Two FBI arrests—so far—and many social media posts attest to a local presence at the DC riot, and to the viability of right-wing organizing in New York.
Did the Public Have a Fair Say in the Closure of the Village of Rhinebeck’s Court?
Abolition? Consolidation? Democratic participation? The future of Rhinebeck’s village court begs questions.
Local Races Mired in Uncertainty, With Long Wait Ahead for Absentee Votes
Everything we know—and don’t know—about who won the Congress, state Senate, and Assembly contests.
A Farmer Joins the Race for Albany
In the sprawling 51st state Senate district, Schoharie County farmer Jim Barber sees an opportunity to help rural economies recover.
The Closest Senate Race in New York State?
The 41st district went to Republican Sue Serino by just 688 votes in 2018. This year, a successful challenge by Karen Smythe could give Democrats a supermajority in the Senate.
Long Lines, Perseverance Mark First Weekend of Early Voting in Hudson Valley
Total ballots cast in Ulster, Dutchess, Greene, and Columbia counties over the weekend are already approaching 2019 early-voting totals.
Running for Office When the Campaign Trail Is Virtual
The pandemic has inhibited door-knocking, fundraiser dinners, and other tried-and-true methods of retail politics, forcing candidates to get creative to connect with voters.
Technical Difficulties: Public Struggles to Participate in Online Meetings
Can local governments keep proceedings open and democratic while they remain remote? In Poughkeepsie, it hasn’t been easy.
‘Show the Connection Between Our Environment and Our Lives’: A Q&A with Michelle Hinchey
The Democratic state Senate candidate for the 46th district discusses our interconnected crises, environmental policy fixes, and her father’s legacy.
How to Make Sure Your Vote Counts This Election Day
Everything you need to know about where, when, and how to vote in November’s elections.
A New Kind of Judge for Orange County
Paul Trachte hopes to not only win a seat long held by Republicans, but to build a more progressive criminal justice system.
