#kathy-hochul
#kathy-hochul

Belmont Stakes to return to Saratoga for final time in 2026 | amNewYork

New York is home to world class sports and entertainment and this final chapter of the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course honors our rich racing heritage while paving the way for a bold, new future at Belmont Park, Hochul said.

New York Mets

Hochul goads Trump to cough up $15B to fix NYC subways if congestion pricing is cut

Governor Hochul demands $15 billion from Trump to maintain subway funding amid proposed congestion pricing cuts.

5 days ago

Zohran Mamdani's policies face a big obstacle: Gov. Kathy Hochul

Mamdani's proposed tax on the wealthy faces strong opposition from Gov. Hochul.

Hochul defies federal deadline to end NYC congestion toll: 'The cameras are staying on'

New York City plans to resist federal demands to halt its congestion pricing scheme.

fromCity Limits

Here's What We Know So Far About New York's New Housing Voucher Program

New Housing Voucher Access Program (HAVP) aims to assist those at risk of homelessness with funding for rent support.

fromMiami Herald

New York City ignores federal deadline to end congestion pricing

New York City's congestion pricing fee remains effective, showing success in reducing traffic and supporting local businesses.

Hochul takes victory lap on congestion pricing - as she eyes hitting New Yorkers with more taxes for MTA

Gov. Kathy Hochul celebrated congestion pricing's benefits, but considers additional taxes to fund the MTA's $68.4 billion capital plan.

Hochul goads Trump to cough up $15B to fix NYC subways if congestion pricing is cut

Governor Hochul demands $15 billion from Trump to maintain subway funding amid proposed congestion pricing cuts.

5 days ago

Zohran Mamdani's policies face a big obstacle: Gov. Kathy Hochul

Mamdani's proposed tax on the wealthy faces strong opposition from Gov. Hochul.

Hochul defies federal deadline to end NYC congestion toll: 'The cameras are staying on'

New York City plans to resist federal demands to halt its congestion pricing scheme.

fromCity Limits

Here's What We Know So Far About New York's New Housing Voucher Program

New Housing Voucher Access Program (HAVP) aims to assist those at risk of homelessness with funding for rent support.

fromMiami Herald

New York City ignores federal deadline to end congestion pricing

New York City's congestion pricing fee remains effective, showing success in reducing traffic and supporting local businesses.

Hochul takes victory lap on congestion pricing - as she eyes hitting New Yorkers with more taxes for MTA

Gov. Kathy Hochul celebrated congestion pricing's benefits, but considers additional taxes to fund the MTA's $68.4 billion capital plan.

Trump administration gives deadline to end congestion pricing in NYC

Congestion pricing in New York faces uncertainty as federal authorities order its cessation by March 21, 2025, amid legal disputes.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is determined to continue the congestion pricing program despite federal opposition.

fromStreetsblog

Friday's Headlines: Ms. Hochul Goes to Washington Edition - Streetsblog New York City

Governor Hochul is advocating for congestion pricing, signaling a shift in her stance since stalling it last year.

Hapless Kathy Hochul refuses to hold college Jew-haters accountable

Gov. Kathy Hochul's response to antisemitism in colleges is criticized as ineffective and lacking accountability.

Here's where Gov. Hochul and lawmakers still don't agree on NY state budget

New York's budget negotiations remain stalled over criminal discovery law changes essential to Governor Hochul's policy priorities.

fromHuffPost

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Is Getting Primaried By Her Deputy

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado is challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 Democratic primary, highlighting a rift between the two.

Delgado aims for transformational leadership focusing on affordable housing and health care.

Yet again, Kathy Hochul is losing big-time on her budget plan and criminal justice 'fixes'

The changes to New York's discovery laws are insufficient to effectively curb crime.

Trump administration gives deadline to end congestion pricing in NYC

Congestion pricing in New York faces uncertainty as federal authorities order its cessation by March 21, 2025, amid legal disputes.

Gov. Kathy Hochul is determined to continue the congestion pricing program despite federal opposition.

fromStreetsblog

Friday's Headlines: Ms. Hochul Goes to Washington Edition - Streetsblog New York City

Governor Hochul is advocating for congestion pricing, signaling a shift in her stance since stalling it last year.

Hapless Kathy Hochul refuses to hold college Jew-haters accountable

Gov. Kathy Hochul's response to antisemitism in colleges is criticized as ineffective and lacking accountability.

Here's where Gov. Hochul and lawmakers still don't agree on NY state budget

New York's budget negotiations remain stalled over criminal discovery law changes essential to Governor Hochul's policy priorities.

fromHuffPost

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul Is Getting Primaried By Her Deputy

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado is challenging Gov. Kathy Hochul in the 2026 Democratic primary, highlighting a rift between the two.

Delgado aims for transformational leadership focusing on affordable housing and health care.

fromThe American Conservative

Yet again, Kathy Hochul is losing big-time on her budget plan and criminal justice 'fixes'

The changes to New York's discovery laws are insufficient to effectively curb crime.

Kathy Hochul Comes Up Empty When Pressed By Elise Stefanik About Examples Of Crimes Illegals Committed In Her State

Governor Hochul failed to identify notable crimes by illegal immigrants during a House hearing.

#legislation

6 days ago

Right-wing politics

Will Hochul Sign New York's Assisted Suicide Bill?

fromThe American Conservative

NYC politics

Gov. Hochul makes last-minute push for NY mask ban in state budget talks

6 days ago

Right-wing politics

Will Hochul Sign New York's Assisted Suicide Bill?

NYC politics

Gov. Hochul makes last-minute push for NY mask ban in state budget talks

The New York Governor's Race Just Got a Lot More Interesting

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado's challenge to Governor Kathy Hochul deviates from typical political strategy, driven by urgent concerns facing New Yorkers.

fromWRVO Public Media

1 week ago

Lt. Gov. Delgado holds first campaign event in bid to unseat his boss

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado criticizes Gov. Kathy Hochul's ties to powerful interests and advocates for more equitable distribution of state resources.

NYC politics

NY Lt. Gov Antonio Delgado chides politicians who worry 'about holding onto power' in fiery first remarks since leaving Hochul ticket

fromIntelligencer

1 week ago

The New York Governor's Race Just Got a Lot More Interesting

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado's challenge to Governor Kathy Hochul deviates from typical political strategy, driven by urgent concerns facing New Yorkers.

fromWRVO Public Media

1 week ago

Lt. Gov. Delgado holds first campaign event in bid to unseat his boss

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado criticizes Gov. Kathy Hochul's ties to powerful interests and advocates for more equitable distribution of state resources.

NYC politics

NY Lt. Gov Antonio Delgado chides politicians who worry 'about holding onto power' in fiery first remarks since leaving Hochul ticket

Exclusive | Elise Stefanik in dead heat with Kathy Hochul in potential governor race, as Trump edges Democrat in favorability: poll

Rep. Elise Stefanik is in a tight race with Governor Kathy Hochul, with many voters undecided.

fromBrooklyn Eagle

GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik is considering a run for governor of New York

Rep. Elise Stefanik is considering a candidacy for New York governor while criticizing current governor Kathy Hochul.

fromFox News

Could this top Trump ally break Republican's 2-decade losing streak in this key state?

Elise Stefanik is positioning herself as a strong challenger to Governor Kathy Hochul for the 2026 elections.

Gov. Kathy Hochul dismisses Rep. Elise Stefanik's potential run for NY governor: 'Bring it on'

Gov. Hochul isn't intimidated by Rep. Stefanik's potential gubernatorial run, claiming the GOP in New York is tainted by Trump's influence.

NYC politics

Exclusive | Rep. Elise Stefanik tells Post she's in 'strongest position' to defeat NY Gov. Kathy Hochul as she mulls 2026 run

NYC politics

Stefanik, a Trump Ally, Might Run Against Gov. Hochul Next Year

3 weeks ago

Exclusive | Elise Stefanik in dead heat with Kathy Hochul in potential governor race, as Trump edges Democrat in favorability: poll

Rep. Elise Stefanik is in a tight race with Governor Kathy Hochul, with many voters undecided.

fromBrooklyn Eagle

GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik is considering a run for governor of New York

Rep. Elise Stefanik is considering a candidacy for New York governor while criticizing current governor Kathy Hochul.

fromFox News

Could this top Trump ally break Republican's 2-decade losing streak in this key state?

Elise Stefanik is positioning herself as a strong challenger to Governor Kathy Hochul for the 2026 elections.

Gov. Kathy Hochul dismisses Rep. Elise Stefanik's potential run for NY governor: 'Bring it on'

Gov. Hochul isn't intimidated by Rep. Stefanik's potential gubernatorial run, claiming the GOP in New York is tainted by Trump's influence.

NYC politics

Exclusive | Rep. Elise Stefanik tells Post she's in 'strongest position' to defeat NY Gov. Kathy Hochul as she mulls 2026 run

NYC politics

Stefanik, a Trump Ally, Might Run Against Gov. Hochul Next Year

more#elise-stefanik

fromFingerlakes1.com

Hochul launches Erie Canal bicentennial season with $50M investment | Fingerlakes1.com

"By supporting the Canal system's essential infrastructure... we're ensuring this network of waterways and trails will continue to positively support those who come to recreate and do business here."

New York City

#trump-administration

fromwww.npr.org

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is ready to 'fight back hard' against Trump's demands

Democratic governors like Kathy Hochul are positioning themselves as resistance leaders against Republican policies, particularly concerning local infrastructure like NYC's congestion pricing.

4 weeks ago

Sure as the wind blows: Mayor Adams and Hochul take credit separately for Trump restoring NY wind farm project | amNewYork

Mayor Adams credits his friendly relationship with Trump for lifting the federal pause on the Empire Wind 1 project.

fromNews 12 - Default

3 weeks ago

Judge rules NYC congestion pricing can continue for now ahead of Trump deadline

Judge maintains NYC congestion pricing amidst Trump administration pressure.

NYC politics

Trump & Co. must put the brakes on idle threats and keep its vow to end congestion tax

fromwww.npr.org

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is ready to 'fight back hard' against Trump's demands

Democratic governors like Kathy Hochul are positioning themselves as resistance leaders against Republican policies, particularly concerning local infrastructure like NYC's congestion pricing.

4 weeks ago

Sure as the wind blows: Mayor Adams and Hochul take credit separately for Trump restoring NY wind farm project | amNewYork

Mayor Adams credits his friendly relationship with Trump for lifting the federal pause on the Empire Wind 1 project.

fromNews 12 - Default

3 weeks ago

Judge rules NYC congestion pricing can continue for now ahead of Trump deadline

Judge maintains NYC congestion pricing amidst Trump administration pressure.

more#trump-administration

NYC politics

Trump & Co. must put the brakes on idle threats and keep its vow to end congestion tax

Give up the lame 'resistance' theater - and GOVERN, Hochul

Gov. Hochul's resistance against Trump appears to be politically motivated rather than genuine, reflecting her low approval ratings and Voter discontent.

NY Gov. Hochul abruptly shifts stance as she now claims to lead the anti-Trump 'resistance': 'We're coming back hard'

Kathy Hochul has shifted from cooperation to leading the resistance against Trump due to policy conflicts affecting New Yorkers.

Exclusive | Before pushing NYC congestion pricing, Gov. Hochul was an anti-toll 'pioneer'

Gov. Hochul's shift from opposing tolls in upstate NY to supporting congestion pricing in NYC highlights a stark political evolution.

Ex-Gov. Cuomo claws back his popularity, but not with NY Democrats: poll

Cuomo's popularity recovery is chiefly due to increased support from Republicans, not Democrats.

How would Hochul's involuntary commitment plan impact subway mental health?

Stakeholders support Gov. Hochul's mental health reform plan, advocating for new involuntary commitment laws in New York to aid those in urgent need.

fromwww.mediaite.com

Hochul Tells Sharpton She Wants Understanding With Trump That New York Won't Allow' Him To Just Take People Off the Streets'

Governor Hochul affirms her stance against indiscriminate federal immigration enforcement despite dialogue with Trump.

Give up the lame 'resistance' theater - and GOVERN, Hochul

Gov. Hochul's resistance against Trump appears to be politically motivated rather than genuine, reflecting her low approval ratings and Voter discontent.

NY Gov. Hochul abruptly shifts stance as she now claims to lead the anti-Trump 'resistance': 'We're coming back hard'

Kathy Hochul has shifted from cooperation to leading the resistance against Trump due to policy conflicts affecting New Yorkers.

Exclusive | Before pushing NYC congestion pricing, Gov. Hochul was an anti-toll 'pioneer'

Gov. Hochul's shift from opposing tolls in upstate NY to supporting congestion pricing in NYC highlights a stark political evolution.

Ex-Gov. Cuomo claws back his popularity, but not with NY Democrats: poll

Cuomo's popularity recovery is chiefly due to increased support from Republicans, not Democrats.

How would Hochul's involuntary commitment plan impact subway mental health?

Stakeholders support Gov. Hochul's mental health reform plan, advocating for new involuntary commitment laws in New York to aid those in urgent need.

fromwww.mediaite.com

Hochul Tells Sharpton She Wants Understanding With Trump That New York Won't Allow' Him To Just Take People Off the Streets'

Governor Hochul affirms her stance against indiscriminate federal immigration enforcement despite dialogue with Trump.

more#new-york-politics

fromCounterPunch.org

New York Governor Kathy Hochul's Major Nuclear Power Push

Governor Hochul aims to establish New York as a leader in nuclear energy development, amid pushback from environmental advocates.

#new-york-state-budget

Kathy Hochul and lawmakers' budget deal isn't just late, it's reckless too

Gov. Hochul's budget deal significantly increases spending without addressing key fiscal risks or cuts, which may lead to financial instability.

Hochul and legislators announce preliminary deal on budget - 28 days after deadline

Governor Hochul announces a $254 billion budget deal after lengthy negotiations aimed at public safety, mental health reforms, and funding for the MTA.

N.Y. Gov. Hochul announces budget deal that includes tax cuts, mask crime law

Governor Hochul announced a budget agreement aimed at tax cuts and safety improvements for New Yorkers.

Hochul's sneaky MTA tax hike is a job-killing train wreck

Hochul raises taxes hidden from voters, like the Payroll Mobility Tax, which finances transit projects without direct backlash.

Hochul willing to hold up NY budget 'as long as it takes' to pass discovery law changes, involuntary commitment: aide

Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to delay the state's budget until her proposals on public safety are accepted.

How a $254 Billion Budget Deal Might Become a Battle Plan for Democrats

Gov. Hochul's budget proposal emphasizes family support and criminal justice reform as key elements in her strategy ahead of the re-election campaign.

Kathy Hochul and lawmakers' budget deal isn't just late, it's reckless too

Gov. Hochul's budget deal significantly increases spending without addressing key fiscal risks or cuts, which may lead to financial instability.

Hochul and legislators announce preliminary deal on budget - 28 days after deadline

Governor Hochul announces a $254 billion budget deal after lengthy negotiations aimed at public safety, mental health reforms, and funding for the MTA.

N.Y. Gov. Hochul announces budget deal that includes tax cuts, mask crime law

Governor Hochul announced a budget agreement aimed at tax cuts and safety improvements for New Yorkers.

Hochul's sneaky MTA tax hike is a job-killing train wreck

Hochul raises taxes hidden from voters, like the Payroll Mobility Tax, which finances transit projects without direct backlash.

Hochul willing to hold up NY budget 'as long as it takes' to pass discovery law changes, involuntary commitment: aide

Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to delay the state's budget until her proposals on public safety are accepted.

more#new-york-state-budget

How a $254 Billion Budget Deal Might Become a Battle Plan for Democrats

Gov. Hochul's budget proposal emphasizes family support and criminal justice reform as key elements in her strategy ahead of the re-election campaign.

Governor Kathy Hochul praises changes to discovery reforms

Governor Hochul announced changes to evidence-sharing laws aimed at aiding prosecutors and improving the justice process for victims.

NYC politics

Gov. Hochul drops bid for new crime of 'masked harassment' in NY budget talks

fromBrooklyn Eagle

Governor Kathy Hochul praises changes to discovery reforms

Governor Hochul announced changes to evidence-sharing laws aimed at aiding prosecutors and improving the justice process for victims.

NYC politics

Gov. Hochul drops bid for new crime of 'masked harassment' in NY budget talks

more#criminal-justice

Taxpayers - and politicians - will have just hours to review Hochul's $254 billion NY state budget before voting begins

New York lawmakers face a rushed vote on a massive budget package without adequate public and legislative review.

NY lawmakers pass budget extender as negotiations for key Hochul proposals remain at a 'standstill'

Albany lawmakers pass a stopgap funding bill as budget negotiations stall over Governor Hochul's crime reduction proposals.

New Yorkers must pray that the state budget standstill lasts for a good long time

Governor Hochul's budget plans may deepen New York's financial crisis by disregarding federal cuts and proposing excessive spending.

NYC politics

Rushing NY's budget with 'message of necessity' only emboldens Hochul's, Dems' bloat

Taxpayers - and politicians - will have just hours to review Hochul's $254 billion NY state budget before voting begins

New York lawmakers face a rushed vote on a massive budget package without adequate public and legislative review.

NY lawmakers pass budget extender as negotiations for key Hochul proposals remain at a 'standstill'

Albany lawmakers pass a stopgap funding bill as budget negotiations stall over Governor Hochul's crime reduction proposals.

New Yorkers must pray that the state budget standstill lasts for a good long time

Governor Hochul's budget plans may deepen New York's financial crisis by disregarding federal cuts and proposing excessive spending.

NYC politics

Rushing NY's budget with 'message of necessity' only emboldens Hochul's, Dems' bloat

Kathy Hochul asks NHL to commit to All-Star event at UBS

Hochul seeks a replacement event for the canceled NHL All-Star Weekend in 2026.

fromFingerlakes1.com

New York Islanders

Hochul demands NHL replace canceled 2026 All-Star Weekend at UBS Arena | Fingerlakes1.com

New York Islanders

fromNewsday

Kathy Hochul asks NHL to commit to All-Star event at UBS

Hochul seeks a replacement event for the canceled NHL All-Star Weekend in 2026.

fromFingerlakes1.com

New York Islanders

Hochul demands NHL replace canceled 2026 All-Star Weekend at UBS Arena | Fingerlakes1.com

more#nhl

Hochul urges NYers to make chocolate cake with applesauce in bizarre anti-Trump tariff rant about egg prices

Gov. Kathy Hochul humorously suggested making chocolate cake with applesauce as an alternative to eggs due to their soaring prices, which she deemed "outrageous."

NYC food

Gov. Kathy Hochul attends MTA board meeting to discuss future of congestion pricing

Gov. Hochul is committed to preserving congestion pricing despite federal opposition, emphasizing its benefits for NYC's transportation future.

Brooklyn

fromBKReader

NYC Bus And Subway Fare Evasions Drop

MTA's revenue is up 67% due to increased ridership and anti-fare evasion measures.

NYC politics

Hochul touts congestion pricing success following Trump admin extending deadline to shut down program by 30 days | amNewYork

Gov. Kathy Hochul attends MTA board meeting to discuss future of congestion pricing

Gov. Hochul is committed to preserving congestion pricing despite federal opposition, emphasizing its benefits for NYC's transportation future.

Brooklyn

fromBKReader

NYC Bus And Subway Fare Evasions Drop

MTA's revenue is up 67% due to increased ridership and anti-fare evasion measures.

NYC politics

Hochul touts congestion pricing success following Trump admin extending deadline to shut down program by 30 days | amNewYork

Hochul will make good on threat to pull $1.3B from Penn Station overhaul after Trump booted MTA from project

Gov. Hochul threatens to withdraw $1.3 billion for Penn Station overhaul amid ongoing budget negotiations, redirecting funds to tackle fare evasion.

Could NYC Penn Station become Trump Station? Here's what Gov. Hochul had to say

Governor Kathy Hochul is open to renaming Penn Station after Trump if he invests heavily in its redevelopment.

fromTime Out New York

The federal government is taking over Penn Station's massive renovations plans

Federal government to oversee $7 billion Penn Station renovation, expected to save taxpayers $120 million.

NYC politics

Hochul will defy Trump deadline to stop NYC congestion pricing - but insists president still backs her Penn Station revamp plan

Hochul will make good on threat to pull $1.3B from Penn Station overhaul after Trump booted MTA from project

Gov. Hochul threatens to withdraw $1.3 billion for Penn Station overhaul amid ongoing budget negotiations, redirecting funds to tackle fare evasion.

Could NYC Penn Station become Trump Station? Here's what Gov. Hochul had to say

Governor Kathy Hochul is open to renaming Penn Station after Trump if he invests heavily in its redevelopment.

fromTime Out New York

The federal government is taking over Penn Station's massive renovations plans

Federal government to oversee $7 billion Penn Station renovation, expected to save taxpayers $120 million.

NYC politics

Hochul will defy Trump deadline to stop NYC congestion pricing - but insists president still backs her Penn Station revamp plan

Hochul's plan to limit embattled Eric Adams' powers may be DOA as New York pols say it's all show

Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan to limit Mayor Eric Adams' powers faces skepticism and potential failure in Albany, as critics call it superficial.

Mayoral hopeful Stringer cautions Gov. Hochul's proposed guardrails for Adams go too far | amNewYork

Scott Stringer warns against excessive state oversight of NYC under Gov. Hochul's proposal, cautioning it may hinder future mayors instead of solving current issues.

Hochul, MTA set to blow off Trump April 20 deadline to kill congestion tolls

Gov. Hochul aims to maintain the $9 congestion toll in Manhattan despite federal objections and an imminent deadline.

Hochul's plan to limit embattled Eric Adams' powers may be DOA as New York pols say it's all show

Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan to limit Mayor Eric Adams' powers faces skepticism and potential failure in Albany, as critics call it superficial.

Mayoral hopeful Stringer cautions Gov. Hochul's proposed guardrails for Adams go too far | amNewYork

Scott Stringer warns against excessive state oversight of NYC under Gov. Hochul's proposal, cautioning it may hinder future mayors instead of solving current issues.

Hochul, MTA set to blow off Trump April 20 deadline to kill congestion tolls

Gov. Hochul aims to maintain the $9 congestion toll in Manhattan despite federal objections and an imminent deadline.

more#eric-adams

fromBKReader

Empire State Service Corps Opens Applications For SUNY Students

The Empire State Service Corps is providing SUNY students with invaluable opportunities to serve their communities, gain hands-on experience and build a foundation for future success.

Brooklyn

NYC parents

Senate Dems slammed for trying to 'water down' Gov. Hochul's school smartphone ban: 'Almost meaningless'

Proposed 'bell-to-bell' ban on smartphone use in schools faces opposition from state Senate, compromising its effectiveness.

Kathy Hochul cries wolf on Medicaid 'cuts' to cover up her own political abuse of its funds

Gov. Hochul's Medicaid expansion has drawn criticism for mismanagement and inefficiency despite New York's significant budget.

NYC politics

Hochul touts economic agenda, vows to fight Medicaid cuts in Sunday visits to Queens | amNewYork

Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized economic equity and social justice during her church visit while fighting against Medicaid cuts.

Kathy Hochul cries wolf on Medicaid 'cuts' to cover up her own political abuse of its funds

Gov. Hochul's Medicaid expansion has drawn criticism for mismanagement and inefficiency despite New York's significant budget.

Hochul touts economic agenda, vows to fight Medicaid cuts in Sunday visits to Queens | amNewYork

Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized economic equity and social justice during her church visit while fighting against Medicaid cuts.

Hochul looks to support federal workers axed by Elon Musk and his clueless cadre of career killers' | amNewYork

Governor Hochul defends public servants and offers job opportunities for federal workers laid off under Elon Musk's DOGE initiative.

Exclusive | Rep. Ritchie Torres raps Gov. Hochul for foot-dragging on approving mask ban after latest anti-Israel protest on NYC campus

Rep. Ritchie Torres criticizes Gov. Hochul for delaying a mask ban to combat hate crimes, emphasizing the need for action against identity-hiding protesters.

Hochul ruthlessly dismisses Garden State's congestion pricing concerns: 'What do we care what New Jersey thinks?'

Governor Hochul dismisses New Jersey's concerns over New York's congestion pricing toll.

Hochul event at CUNY campus canceled over security concerns, expected anti-Israel protest

Event with Gov. Kathy Hochul canceled due to security concerns over expected protests.