Gov. Kathy Hochul on Thursday introduced State Sen. Brian Benjamin, a Democratic state senator from Harlem, to be her lieutenant governor, the second highest-ranking position in New York State.


News

Region/State

State Sen. Brian Benjamin introduced as Gov. Hochul's pick for Lt. Gov.

Newsday

stBENJAMIN210827_video

Most Popular

Latest videos

Region/State video slot

Newsday's Keshia Clukey explains what is included in the latest state budget.

'More affordability for LIers'

The governor says she secured an agreement for a new state budget, but state Senate and Assembly leaders say otherwise. Newsday Albany bureau chief Yancey Roy reports.

Budget confusion in Albany

A Newsday/Siena College survey looks at the availability of affordable housing on Long Island and the cost of living compared to other places. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Parents' basement is good, but not permanent'

An online suvey announced by the governor on Friday seeks commuters' input on their experiences at the Jamaica LIRR station as well as the proposed redesign of the transit hub.

Take a survey about the Jamaica LIRR station

Sign up for the Breaking News newsletter

Region/State Newsletter Widget

The findings show a decisive change in settlement patterns among the Hispanic population in region.

LI's Latino population growth far outpaces NYC, report finds

Region/State Article Bottom Module

The railroad hub is going to be very crowded. The first match at MetLife Stadium is next week.

MTA chair's message to LIRR riders on World Cup days: Try to avoid Penn Station

New York is one of 14 states considering banning or placing a moratorium on development of data centers.

NYS bill would place moratorium on new data centers

Some Long Island SNAP recipients the Trump administration considers "able-bodied" could lose the benefit because of tighter work requirements.

Thousands of Long Islanders could lose SNAP benefits

The state recently unveiled $25 million in funding for programs that specialize in healthcare geared to people with developmental disabilities.

Improving healthcare access for LIers with developmental disabilities

The push comes as Democratic- and Republican-led legislatures nationwide are redrawing their maps to maximize their chances of controlling Congress.

NYS Dems' plans for redistricting faces time crunch

Parents, children, subway riders, seniors, college students, utility ratepayers and food servers are among those who could be impacted by the budget.

The $268B state budget is in. What's in it for you?

Region/State Video Playlist

The 2026 legislative session in Albany begins Wednesday, and affordability is a big priority for lawmakers. Newsday New York State correspondent Keshia Clukey reports.

'The biggest word of this session is affordability'

Despite Blakeman's rising favorability, the poll found 61% of New Yorkers still say they do not know, or have no opinion, on Blakeman. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Exec makes gains with men, suburbanites

In his nearly 30-minute acceptance speech, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman hit on themes that have been central to his campaign as the Republican nominee for governor. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed has more.

'Families and seniors are being priced out of their homes'

Assemblyman David McDonough's absence from Albany raises concerns as he misses key votes, citing health challenges while voting remotely via videoconference. Newsday's Albany reporter Steve Hughes has more.

'Much more than just voting on bills'

Democrats across the state are converging on Syracuse to decide who will get the party's nomination to run this November. Doug Geed is joined by NewsdayTV's Joye Brown and expert Larry Levy about what to expect out of the convention.

'Make sure there isn't some huge political food fight'

New York Attorney General Letitia James is setting up a program to have legal monitor immigration enforcement across the state. Newsday Nassau County Politics Reporter Bahar Ostadan has more.

NYS AG deploying legal observers to monitor ICE

Gov. Hochul unveiled plans for her state budget proposal, including no new state taxes, a 4.3% increase in school aid and no taxes on tips. NewsdayTV political analyst Joye Brown has more.

'You can make historic investments'

Gov. Kathy Hochul spoke about immigration enforcement at her State of the State address on Tuesday. She spoke about proposals to curb what she called abusive tactics of immigration enforcement officers. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

'Not allow the use of state resources'

Affordability, child care and crime were some of the topics touched on by Gov. Kathy Hochul during her 2026 State of the State address, which was met by both praise and criticism. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed has more.

'Universal Pre-K for every single 4-year-old'

In her address, Hochul discussed affordable child care, protecting the offshore wind industry and lowering car insurance costs. NewsdayTV's political analyst Joye Brown reports.

Newsday's Joye Brown: 'It was a call to arms'

Affordability is expected to be a big issue in Albany in 2026, as well as in Gov. Kathy Hochul's upcoming State of the State address. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

'I hope to hear ... about real tax cuts'

The state Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection was meant to reimburse people who had money stolen by dishonest lawyers. With payments in those cases now surpassing $100 million over the fund's history, the fund is struggling. Newsday investigative reporter Joshua Solomon reports.

State fund that reimburses victims more often can't pay in full

Homepage Trending

Knicks in NBA Finals

Working Moms 

Summer Fun Book

School Election results

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

Dennis Arfa, the architect of the Piano Man's record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden, was inducted on Saturday into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook. NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano reports.

Billy Joel inducts longtime collaborator into LI Music Hall of Fame

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Yaphank Deli to try their "chip bag sandwich."

Trendy Bites: It's a bag of chips ... it's a sandwich ... it's the chip bag sandwich! 

NYU researchers are surveying the Eastern box turtle population to better understand how they are faring against habitat destruction, roadways and global warming.`

Turtle-sniffing dogs searching LI woods to help protect a species

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is back for a second stint with the Giants. Head coach John Harbaugh on Wednesday said Beckham seems healthier and Beckham said he is looking forward to making the most of the opportunity.

Odell Beckham Jr. back with the Giants

Recently passed state auto insurance reforms could help lower car insurance rates as much as 10% for New York drivers, according to some estimates. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

NYS takes crack at lowering auto insurance premiums. Here's what that means for LI.

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits the Long Island Game Farm for an inside look at the incredible hands-on wildlife encounters there.

Out East: What's new at the Long Island Game Farm

If approved, it would be the first new hospital on Long Island since 1980. Newsday business reporter James T. Madore has more.

NYU Langone plans new hospital in Melville 

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visited Main Event, an entertainment center that recently opened in Deer Park.

Arcade, bowling and giant claw machine at Main Event 

Newsday food writer Erica Marcus helps make a strawberry crunch ice cream at Coyle's Ice Cream in Islip.

Making ice cream at Coyle's in Islip

Rockville Centre's Lavert Henderson-Hobbs has been a Knicks' season-ticket holder since 1969.

Rockville Centre's Lavert Henderson-Hobbs a Knicks' season-ticket holder since 1969

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

6 injured in Penn Station stabbings ... Previewing Knicks Game 3 tonight ... LI Catholic group's challenge to diocese ... Out East: Jamesport Country Store

6 injured in Penn Station stabbings ... MSG heightens security ahead of Trump visit ... LI Catholic group's challenge to diocese

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

Region/State - megaslot

Read the latest New York state and regional breaking news and updates, including politics, crime, education and more.

Stay logged in.