We’re over the hump, CivMixers. It’s all downhill to the weekend from here.
Some news of note…
The United States’ victorious women’s national soccer team rolled up the “Canon of Heroes” – a stretch of Broadway from Battery Park to City Hall in Manhattan – cheered by thousands and showered in confetti.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said that there is “no rationale” why the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team members are paid less than men, and then signed a law eliminating a “loophole” that he said still allows gender discrimination in pay for the same jobs.
In signing the equal pay bill, Cuomo stole some thunder from his political frenemy, NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio, even as the mayor said that he would sign an executive order to do the same if elected president.
Another bill signed by the governor is designed to prevent employers from asking prospective employees, in any way, about their salary history as a condition of being considered for a job, or even an interview.
US women’s national soccer team star Megan Rapinoe defended her decision to kneel during the national anthem in solidarity with Colin Kaepernick, conceding that she was aware the protest would make “people uncomfortable.”
In her post-parade speech, Rapinoe called on Americans to “love more” and “hate less.” (She also dropped the f-bomb on live TV).
Posters of Rapinoe were vandalized at a New York City subway station and police were investigating the incident as a possible hate crime, officials said.
Labor Secretary Alex Acosta offered a defense of his actions related to Jeffrey Epstein’s prosecution a decade ago, telling reporters that his office stepped in when state prosecutors appeared prepared to “let him walk.”
A federal appeals court has ordered the dismissal of a lawsuit accusing President Donald Trump of illegally profiting off the presidency through his luxury Washington hotel, handing Trump a significant legal victory.
Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell strongly hinted at a potential rate cut later this month, citing unresolved trade tensions and worries over the weakness of the global outlook.
A State Department intelligence analyst has resigned in protest after the White House blocked portions of his written testimony to a congressional panel to exclude data and evidence on climate change and its threat to national security.
A lawsuit challenging New York’s end to the religious exemption for vaccinations was announced today by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., along with longtime legal activist Michael Sussman.
Democratic Assemblyman Sean Ryan has created a campaign account with the state Board of Elections to accept donations and make expenditures for an increasingly likely bid for a state Senate seat that represents parts of Buffalo and several suburban communities.
In a stunning turn of events, General Electric Co.’s main unions, including Local 301 in Schenectady, have rejected the negotiated contract with the company that would have provided raises and a $1,500 ratification bonus.
Ahead of a July 13 deadline for public comment, utility company National Grid is attempting to enlist its New York customers in petitioning the state for approval of the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline, which would help the company transport fracked gas from Pennsylvania to the city.
Pioneer Bank depositors have granted the OK needed to take the bank public in a $110 million initial public offering.
RIP Karen Hitchcock, the first woman to serve as president of the University at Albany, who died today at the age of 76 after a long illness.
A special advisor at Park Strategies, Hitchcock was named the 16th and first female president of UAlbany in 1994, leaving for Canada after 10 years to head Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. After that, it was a return home to Albany.
Unlicensed all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes have become familiar sights on downtown Albany streets. Not for long, say city officials.
Albany police have released the name of the man killed in a motorcycle crash last night: Jacob Bostick, 43, of Albany.
Woodstock 50 promoters say they’re appealing after being denied a local permit to stage the festival at the Vernon Downs track and casino. Organizers believe unspecified “political forces” worked against them, but they remain hopeful they can prevail through their appeal and reapplication process.
NY-21 Democratic hopeful Tedra Cobb is getting an earlier start on her congressional fundraising this election cycle, but Republican incumbent Elise Stefanik, whom Cobb failed to unseat in the last cycle, still has more money in the bank.
The state Office of General Services auctioned off a 2017 Bentley for $136,000 today as part of its regular auctions of surplus or seized vehicles.
Take these tick tips from the DEC seriously.
The struggle is real.
Photo credit: Donna Dixon. (First appeared on the “Looking Good, Albany! Facebook page).
