RI DAILY

Manhattan's little, quieter island and beyond

Stories that matter, from the heart of the East River.

RI DAILY

Manhattan's little, quieter island and beyond

Reporting Roosevelt Island since sunrise.

Kathy Hochul

Gov. Hochul’s Transit & Childcare Decisions — What It Means for Roosevelt Island

By Ericka O’Connell, Roosevelt Island Daily Hello, friends! Today we’re diving into two major policy moves by our state government that could ripple all the way to our little slice of the city here on Roosevelt Island. What’s happening Our…

Feeling the Inflation Pinch? New York Returns Some of It to Our Mailboxes

Hello friends and neighbors! In a thoughtful nod to all of us feeling the high cost of everyday life, New York State is sending out its first-ever inflation refund checks starting late September through mid-October 2025. For many Roosevelt Islanders, it means a…

The RIOC Puzzle: Why Do Smart People Do Stupid Things?

RIOC’s chaos stems from a spineless board, outdated practices, and bureaucratic dysfunction, leading to disastrous decisions and a community detached from its needs.

Hochul Set to Resurrect Congestion Pricing at $9

Governor Hochul plans to announce a revised congestion pricing scheme with a $9 daily toll to address transit funding and traffic issues in Manhattan by late December.

Congestion Pricing Proponents Warn ‘Now or Never’ After Trump Win

Trump’s return could kill congestion pricing, jeopardizing NYC’s transit funding. Hochul must act fast or risk severe transit crises amidst looming federal funding cuts.

Lawsuits over New York’s congestion pricing pause to proceed

Lawsuits against Governor Hochul’s suspension of NYC’s congestion pricing will proceed, as a judge ruled she may have overstepped her authority, affirming legal challenges by advocates.

Gov. Hochul’s rating falls below Trump in New York

New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s favorability has plummeted, falling below Donald Trump’s, with only 34% of voters supporting her. A Siena College poll reveals significant discontent with her job performance, as only 39% approve, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the state’s direction—an alarming signal for Democrats. The landscape seems less ‘deep blue’ than before.

Ex-Hochul Aide’s Indictment as Alleged China Operative Riles Local Community Leaders

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn has charged Linda Sun, a former official in Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office, and her spouse Chris Hu with unlawfully acting as unregistered agents for the Chinese government. Sun allegedly sought to influence New York officials in favor of China, while Hu faces money laundering charges. The couple pleaded not guilty and awaits trial.

Hurricane Debby and Climate Change Superfund Act: Senator Liz Krueger Urges Action

Senator Liz Krueger calls on Governor Hochul to sign the Climate Change Superfund Act, holding Big Oil accountable for storm damage and infrastructure repairs. With overwhelming public support and backing from community groups, the Act aims to shift the financial burden from taxpayers to the industry responsible for climate change, a move fiercely advocated for by the Senator.

Dual Lawsuits Slam Hochul’s Congestion Pricing ‘Pause’

Advocates are challenging Governor Kathy Hochul’s sudden halt to Manhattan’s congestion pricing, citing violations of state laws and climate goals. The move disrupted the MTA’s plans for transit upgrades and prompted legal action from transit and environmental groups. Lawsuits seek to reinstate the tolling program and hold the governor accountable for her decision.