A Close-Up View of the UK Election Gave Rise to an Unfamiliar Emotion: Envy A Close-Up View of the UK Election Gave Rise to an Unfamiliar Emotion: Envy
The US left can only dream of Democrats’ having five years ahead of interrupted power—and control of Congress—with the GOP, like the Tories, driven far to the margins for a d...
Jul 15, 2024 / Ross Barkan
Has NY Governor Kathy Hochul Killed Congestion Pricing For Good? Has NY Governor Kathy Hochul Killed Congestion Pricing For Good?
Or just until after the election? Either way, she’s blown a $15 billion hole in the MTA budget, leaving New Yorkers with overcrowded streets, filthy air, and an underfunded subwa...
Jun 11, 2024 / Ross Barkan
Why Are Armed Troops in NYC Subways? Why Are Armed Troops in NYC Subways?
Kathy Hochul made a grave miscalculation by further militarizing a city she doesn’t live in or understand.
Mar 14, 2024 / Ross Barkan
New York's Long Congressional Redistricting Nightmare Finally Comes to an End New York's Long Congressional Redistricting Nightmare Finally Comes to an End
Liberals and leftists hoping for a sure path to retaking the House may be disappointed, but Democrats should still do well. And voters and incumbents each gain valuable clarity.
Mar 4, 2024 / Ross Barkan
It’s Time to Negotiate With Russia It’s Time to Negotiate With Russia
Diplomacy will be ugly, but peace must be the ultimate goal.
Dec 21, 2023 / Ross Barkan
Blink and You Missed It: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Was Accused of Sexual Assault—and Nothing Happened Blink and You Missed It: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Was Accused of Sexual Assault—and Nothing Happened
Why the big yawn by the media over this particular allegation against New York’s scandal-surrounded mayor might actually be a sign of mature judgment.
Dec 14, 2023 / Ross Barkan
Senator John Fetterman Is a Progressive Icon, a Republican Hate Figure—and a Pro-Israel Pinup Senator John Fetterman Is a Progressive Icon, a Republican Hate Figure—and a Pro-Israel Pinup
The Pennsylvania Democrat has long bucked convention on everything from legalizing marijuana to the Senate dress code. But his views on Israel/Palestine risk alienating his base.
Nov 14, 2023 / Ross Barkan
Jonathan Lethem Returns to the Scene of the Crime Jonathan Lethem Returns to the Scene of the Crime
In his new novel, the bard of Boerum Hill interrogates the brutal truths of gentrification.
Oct 27, 2023 / Ross Barkan
Can New York Make Deadbeat Dolan Stop Freeloading at Madison Square Garden? Can New York Make Deadbeat Dolan Stop Freeloading at Madison Square Garden?
If the city and state can’t prevent the Knicks owner from barring his critics, perhaps they can at least shut down his sweetheart tax subsidy.
Feb 21, 2023 / Ross Barkan
Kathy Hochul’s Nomination of Hector LaSalle Is a Self-Inflicted Wound Kathy Hochul’s Nomination of Hector LaSalle Is a Self-Inflicted Wound
Nominating a Latino conservative as chief judge might have seemed like a clever triangulation. Instead, New York's governor has only underlined the limits of her power.
Jan 5, 2023 / Ross Barkan