| | | | |  | | By Erin Durkin, Anna Gronewold and Deanna Garcia | Presented by Equinor | More maps! After releasing a set of congressional redistricting maps that heavily favor Democrats, the state Legislature has come out with maps for the state Senate that are likely a boon for the party as well. There's a big geographic shift: New York City would gain two new Senate seats as two seats upstate get eliminated. The historically Republican-controlled Senate gave the solidly-blue city the short shrift when it came to drawing district lines. In 2012, most districts in the five boroughs had around 320,000 residents while those upstate had around 290,000. Now, ruling Democrats are keeping the newly-proposed districts roughly equal in size, leading to four upstate seats being consolidated into two, and two new districts emerging in Brooklyn and Queens. One new seat spanning parts of Queens and Brooklyn would have a plurality of Latino voters, while another seat in southern Brooklyn would be plurality of Asian voters. District line changes around the state would significantly improve Democrats' chances in three state Senate seats held by Republicans. Democrats already have a supermajority in the Senate, holding 43 of the 63 seats. As with the congressional maps, a legal battle is likely. "By drawing their own partisan maps, Democrats in the Legislature are ignoring the will and testimony of hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers — all to protect and enhance their own political power," Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said yesterday. "Democrats' closed door map making is a shameless, partisan example of gerrymandering at its worst. We anticipate a court challenge, and are confident that a challenge will ultimately be successful." IT'S WEDNESDAY. Got tips, suggestions or thoughts? Let us know ... By email: EDurkin@politico.com and agronewold@politico.com, or on Twitter: @erinmdurkin and @annagronewold WHERE'S KATHY? Attending the funeral of Police Officer Wilbert Mora. WHERE'S ERIC? Speaking at the funeral of Police Officer Wilbert Mora and meeting with U.S. attorneys about drug trafficking.
| | | | A message from Equinor: Can a wind turbine generate more than electricity? We believe it can. At Equinor, we're planning to power 2,000,000 New York homes with homegrown, renewable energy that will also boost the economy and generate jobs. And we will do more. Equinor is a broad energy company with an ambitious net-zero target for 2050. We're pursuing the Empire Wind and Beacon Wind offshore wind developmentsin the US and quickly becoming a leader in this growing industry. | | | |  | What City Hall's reading | | " Medical Care at Rikers Is Delayed for Thousands, Records Show ," by The New York Times' Jonah E. Bromwich: "It started with a toothache. A 25-year-old man taken into custody last winter asked New York City jail officials if he could see a dentist for cavities. But his consistent requests for care went unanswered, according to court records and lawyers for the man, even as it became difficult for him to eat and sleep because of the pain. His mouth became infected, leaking blood and pus. He was in agony by the time he finally saw a dentist last month, nearly a year since he first requested medical treatment. He was told he would need extensive surgery. His story is emblematic of the basic medical neglect in New York City's jails, where data from the city itself shows that thousands of incarcerated people miss appointments each month." " NYC Public Schools Will Increase COVID Testing Of Students Ahead Of Midwinter Break," by WNYC's Jessica Gould: "The New York City Department of Education said it is ramping up safety measures ahead of the public schools' midwinter break. Officials said the city will increase testing starting next Monday to reach 10% of 1st through 12th graders, up to a cap of 250 students or 20 % of the school's unvaccinated population – whichever is larger – and 10 % of interested staff. The move marks another expansion in testing, though it falls short of some educators' and parents' requests for more widespread surveillance of the virus in schools.…As part of the new guidance, the city also announced another update to attendance policies: starting Wednesday, students who are not sick or in quarantine will only be marked present if they attend in-person school." " Is NYC safe? Violence, perception and a complicated reality," by The Associated Press' Michael R. Sisak and Michelle L. Price: "A teenage fast-food cashier shot to death in Manhattan. A woman pushed to her death in front of a subway train in Times Square. An 11-month-old girl wounded by a stray bullet in the Bronx. Two police officers killed in Harlem. A string of headline-making violence in New York City has frayed nerves and become a rolling trauma for Mayor Eric Adams' nascent administration. But while January brought tragedy to the city, statistics suggest it is still about as safe or safer than it was a decade ago, when former Mayor Michael Bloomberg touted it as the 'safest big city in America.'" — " 'Cut Him Some Slack': Hochul Says DA Bragg Deserves A Chance ," by WNYC's Jon Campbell: "New York Gov. Kathy Hochul delivered a message Tuesday to those calling for the ouster of newly elected Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. Give him some time. 'Someone who has been on the job a very short time, people like me – I cut him some slack,' Hochul said at a COVID briefing in the Bronx." " City to Pay Protester Shoved by Cop $387K, Officer Contributes $3,000," by The City's Reuven Blau and Yoav Gonen: "A Brooklyn protester who was forcefully shoved to the pavement by a police officer during the spring 2020 protests has settled her federal lawsuit against the city — an agreement that includes a rare payment out of the officer's own pocket. Under the terms of the settlement, the city will pay 22-year-old Dounya Zayer $387,000, after a viral video showed an officer using both arms to aggressively push her into a street curb near the Barclays Center on May 29, 2020. Officer Vincent D'Andraia, who allegedly shoved her that night, is required to personally pay $3,000, settlement documents filed in Brooklyn federal court show." " Pregnant New Yorkers Discouraged From Getting COVID Vaccine At City-Run Site," by Gothamist's Caroline Lewis: "On Monday, WNYC/Gothamist visited the vaccine hub at Bathgate Contract Postal Station Business Service Center to confirm this messaging. Asked if the vaccine was safe for pregnant women, a nurse administering the shots said, 'We don't have enough research.' Similarly, a staff member doing intake said that there could be unknown side effects. Those statements are incorrect and defy health guidance, both on the city and federal level. Officials have recommended COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy for months. But another pregnant person who spoke to WNYC/Gothamist about getting vaccinated at a separate city-run site said the staff there also defied established health guidance. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officially began recommending vaccination against COVID-19 for pregnant and breastfeeding women last August, noting that a growing body of evidence showed it was safe and there was not an increased risk of miscarriage among pregnant women who took the shots."
| | | | BECOME A GLOBAL INSIDER: The world is more connected than ever. It has never been more essential to identify, unpack and analyze important news, trends and decisions shaping our future — and we've got you covered! Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Global Insider author Ryan Heath navigates the global news maze and connects you to power players and events changing our world. Don't miss out on this influential global community. Subscribe now. | | | | | | | WHAT ALBANY'S READING | | " New York 'turning the corner' on COVID winter surge: Hochul ," by amNewYork's Kevin Duggan: "New York is 'turning the corner' on the winter surge of COVID-19 amid dropping infections and hospitalizations, Governor Kathy Hochul said Tuesday. 'We believe we're finally turning the corner on the winter wave. Just like the snow is melting, hopefully these numbers will continue to melt away,' Hochul said during a COVID press briefing at North Central Bronx Hospital on Feb. 1. The latest numbers show 7,119 positive coronavirus cases as of Jan. 31, a 92% drop from three weeks ago when the state's Department of Health registered a whopping 90,132 cases on Jan. 7. The infection rate across a seven-day average was 5.9%, a nearly 17-point drop from a 23% peak on Jan. 2, and there were 7,100 hospitalizations, down from a peak of 12,671 on Jan. 11, according to DOH data." — State health officials will gather medical experts this week for a public summit on "long Covid" and how New York can help individuals still affected by the virus months after their infections. " Why These Women Are Determined to Clear Cuomo's Name ," by The New York Times' Nicholas Fandos and Dana Rubinstein: "Five months after Mr. Cuomo left office in disgrace, a vocal band of ardent supporters armed with checkbooks and active social media accounts — most of them women — is carrying on a battle most New Yorkers have long since tuned out. Of the more than 230 people who collectively donated $31,000 to Mr. Cuomo's campaign since his resignation announcement, three out of every four appeared to be women, according to a New York Times analysis of public campaign filings. Online, they have banded together in Facebook groups and on Twitter in a tireless campaign to boost his legal team and muddy his accusers. Some hold regular Zoom meetings; others sell Cuomo-related merchandise (T-shirts emblazoned with the word 'allegedly,' among other items)." " Cannabis retailer to seek subpoena of Hochul's office over approval of pot firm sale," by New York Post's Josh Kosman: "Cannabis retailer MedMen plans to ask a judge Wednesday for permission to subpoena Gov. Kathy Hochul's office, according to New York State Supreme Court records. MedMen wants to look for evidence that Hochul and her office forced the company to sell its New York operations as a favor to political contributors. Hochul's office has strongly denied the allegation." " GOP leaders lay out details on public safety plans as they continue to pitch 'tough on crime' stance," by Times Union's Joshua Solomon: "Republican leaders in New York are sharpening their positions on public safety as they continue to turn to surging crime as a priority ahead of the November election, which is set to feature new federal and state political lines that were drawn by Democrats. U.S. Rep. Lee Zeldin, the state Republican Party's desired nominee for governor, offered a public safety plan Tuesday, which featured reversal calls on hot-button criminal justice issues. He is pushing for the state to walk back changes to the state's bail laws, add more discretion for 16- and 17-year-olds accused of crimes, beef up correctional facilities, remove district attorneys who are not in line with his view of the law and overhaul parole proceedings." — Zeldin is launching his first TV ad this morning. TRUMP'S NEW YORK " N.Y. attorney general subpoenaed Trump D.C. hotel records from feds," by Washington Post's Jonathan O'Connell, Josh Dawsey and Shayna Jacobs: "New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) subpoenaed the General Services Administration for information about how the agency selected former president Donald Trump's business to lease the historic post office where he developed his D.C. hotel, according to two people familiar with the request. The inquiry, part of a civil investigation into Trump's business, sought information about whether Trump inflated his net worth to secure the lease, according to the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing legal inquiry." — "Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday accused Attorney General Letitia James of targeting him for 'selective prosecution' to boost her political career — and urged a judge to quash subpoenas for testimony from him and two of his kids."
| | | | A message from Equinor:   | | | | | FROM THE DELEGATION | | " Brooklyn electeds, community leaders ask state gov officials to reconsider redistricting maps," by Brooklyn Paper's Kirstyn Brendlen: "Local electeds and prominent community officials in Brooklyn are calling on state leaders to redraw the outline of a district that includes parts of coastal Brooklyn and lower Manhattan. The map, drawn by state Democratic leadership after last year's census count revealed that New York was losing a seat in Congress, significantly changes the layout of the 7th Congressional District, currently represented by Nydia Velázquez. Most notably, Sunset Park, Gowanus, and Park Slope have been sliced out of her district and added to the new NY-11 with Bay Ridge and Staten Island. The move is likely to turn CD11, a swing district represented by Republican Nicole Malliotakis, into a more comfortable win for future Democratic candidates." " How the proposed congressional lines could alter New York's politics," by Spectrum's Nick Reisman: "When a federal court took control of the congressional redistricting process in 2012 after state lawmakers failed to reach a deal on what the maps should look like, something new happened: House seats in New York were competitive. But now as majority Democrats in the state Legislature prepare to finalize their maps a decade later, some fear New York is falling further into a similar cycle of polarization and partisanship that has played out in other states."
| | AROUND NEW YORK | | — The state has postponed a decision on whether to approve a permit that could expand natural gas production at the Greenpoint Energy Center following protests against the project. — A report found that most adult New Yorkers with serious health problems have lived in poverty or had trouble paying for routine expenses. — Drivers for apps companies like Uber, Lyft, GrubHub and Doordash are attempting to unionize but face an uphill battle. — An off-duty rookie NYPD cop was shot by two suspects who tried to steal his car on his way to work in Queens Tuesday night. — The highly anticipated Michael Jackson musical officially debuts on Broadway. — A Long Island receptionist helped the two nurses in the $1.5 million fake Covid-19 vaccination card scam.
| | | | STEP INSIDE THE WEST WING: What's really happening in West Wing offices? Find out who's up, who's down, and who really has the president's ear in our West Wing Playbook newsletter, the insider's guide to the Biden White House and Cabinet. For buzzy nuggets and details that you won't find anywhere else, subscribe today. | | | | | | | SOCIAL DATA BY DANIEL LIPPMAN | | HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Barry Diller is 8-0 … The Atlantic's McKay Coppins … NBC's Carrie Dann … The New Yorker's Michael Luo … Teddy Downey of The Capitol Forum … Adrienne Lee Benson … Ina Garten ... Zosia Mamet MEDIA MOVES — Taylor Lorenz is joining WaPo as a tech columnist. She previously was a tech reporter at the NYT. WaPo announcement … Vanity Fair piece … Terry Samuel has been promoted to be acting VP and executive editor of NPR. He most recently was managing editor of NPR. Edith Chapin, who was previously VP and executive editor, is staying on to focus on strategic planning and the core function of fundraising around news. MAKING MOVES — Aaron Groce is now legislative director for Rep. Sean Casten (D-Ill.). He most recently was senior legislative assistant for Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.). … Andrew R. Notaro is now COO at Seward & Kissel LLP. She most recently was chief practice officer at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. ... Tim O'Keefe is now global marketing officer at Kobre Kim. He most recently was global head of marketing and communications for the firm. … … William Rich, a former U.S. Treasury and Intelligence Community official, has joined Citibank as chief sanctions officer for emerging markets. He will lead a global team conducting Citi's sanctions compliance efforts in Russia, Ukraine, Turkey, the Middle East, Pakistan and Africa. He most recently was managing director for Middle East and Africa at risk data fintech company Kharon. (h/t POLITICO National Security Daily)
| | | | A message from Equinor: The energy transition is the defining challenge opportunity of our time. Our world needs energy to keep moving forward — but it must be affordable, reliable, and accessible. How will we do it? By accelerating the energy transition. At Equinor, we're growing our renewable energy portfolio and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. We're already on the way to powering 2,000,000 New York homes with energy from the Empire Wind and Beacon Wind offshore wind projects. But for us, that's only the beginning. By the time the global population reaches 9 billion in 2050, our goal is to have net-zero emissions. Discover more about Equinor at www.equinor.com/USA. | | | | | Real Estate | | " Progressives and Hochul Battle Over Fate of $1.7B Developer Tax Break ," by The City's Greg David : "Every year, the city comptroller issues a report listing all the tax breaks the city hands out. And every year, the 421-a abatement that provides decades of property tax exemptions to rental housing tops the list. In the year ending last June, 421-a accounted for $1.73 billion in foregone revenue, up from $1.6 billion the year before. Now, with the program expiring at the end of June, lines are being drawn over whether to renew the abatement. On one side are Gov. Kathy Hochul, who included a renamed version in her budget that makes only modest changes to the current plan, and the real estate industry, which claims that very little new housing will be built without it. On the other side are progressive politicians — especially City Comptroller Brad Lander — and housing activists who denounce it as an unneeded subsidy to wealthy real estate developers that costs the city much-needed tax dollars." " New York City Planning Commission withholds support for Gov. Hochul's Penn Station plan," by New York Post's David Meyer: "The City Planning Commission is withholding its support for Gov. Kathy Hochul's massive Penn Station development plan over questions about the project's financing and insufficient benefits for both transportation and 'the public realm.' As the commercial development project currently stands, the plans for new above-ground public space consist mostly of wider sidewalks — with very little space for biking or public gathering or sitting, commissioners said in a letter Friday to the state's Empire State Development Corporation." | | | | Follow us on Twitter | | | | Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook | Playbook PM | California Playbook | Florida Playbook | Illinois Playbook | Massachusetts Playbook | New Jersey Playbook | New York Playbook | Ottawa Playbook | Brussels Playbook | London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters | | Follow us | | | | |
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