Monday Headlines: Slirring Their Words Edition

Now that the state Legislature and Gov. Hochul have an agreement in principle on car insurance, albeit a disastrous one, they can hopefully hammer out details on other necessary legislation, like a fare-free bus pilot.

But while state lawmakers have been engaging in legislative bloodsport, the MTA is on its way to handling its first strike in more than 20 years. LIRR unions and the state’s transit authority can’t come to terms on a new contract, and in a perfect storm of events, the federal government, generally antagonistic towards New York government, has been siding with workers.

Unlike most public employee unions, LIRR workers retain their right to strike thanks to a 1982 Supreme Court decision that ruled the Federal Railway Labor Act preempted the state’s Taylor Law. Last year’s wildcat strike at state prisons derailed the careers of so many guards because the Taylor Law barred them from a work stoppage.

If the MTA and workers don’t find an agreement soon, a strike is scheduled to go into effect on May 16.

More news:

• LIRR is changing its schedule ahead of a possible strike. (Newsday)
• Fatigue, ambition and an impending cap on outside income are all motivations for turnover in 30 seats in the state Legislature. (Newsday)
• State police went on a work zone ticket blitz, issuing nearly 1000 tickets. (Gothamist)
• Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is running for governor as a Republican, trashed New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at a rally. (The New York Post)
• Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie clarified some of his comments on Hochul’s premature budget announcement. (NY1)
• In Manhattan’s 12th Congressional District, Assembly Member Alex Bores secured the backing of the city’s teachers union and Assembly member Micah Lasher kicked a competitor off the ballot. (City & State)
• The MTA will add elevators to the 125th St 1 train station with help from Columbia University. (amNY)
• President Trump gave Rep. Mike Lawler (R-Rockland) his endorsement. (The Journal News)
• Roadwork on Washington Street in Poughkeepsie will also result in new bike infrastructure. (Mid Hudson News)
• Troy lawmakers are considering new license plate regulations. (WAMC)
• Law firms retained by state Comptroller Tom Dinapoli’s office are also large campaign contributors. (The Times Union)
• Democrats are looking safe in Central New York. (Central Current)
• Ithaca is looking at how it can repurpose a decrepit parking garage. (The Ithaca Voice)
• State Sen. Lea Webb (D-Southern Tier) received free legal services from a non-profit she helped receive state funding. (WSKG)
• Trump’s investigations into state Attorney General Letitia James have cost taxpayers $1.4 million. (WXXI)
• U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has a new reality show. (CNN)