Thanks for joining us in Albany!

This Wednesday, hundreds of students, parents, educators, and advocates from across New York State gathered at the Capitol for AQE Advocacy Day. People traveled to Albany to speak directly with elected officials and bring their lived experiences into conversations that will shape how public schools and child care looks into the future across the state. Throughout the day, families and educators shared what the state budget looks like in real life. They spoke about classrooms stretched beyond capacity, schools operating without the resources students need, and the growing strain of an unaffordable child care system. These stories made clear that education and care shape whether families can stay in the workforce and whether children are supported in stable learning environments. From left to right: AQE Advocacy Day attendees rally in the Capitol's Well, and advocates meet with Foundation Aid champion, Senator Robert Jackson. As budget negotiations continue, the voices raised yesterday will help shape what is possible for students, families, and educators across New York. Thank you to everyone who showed up, shared their experiences, and helped move this work forward! In solidarity, Marina Marcou-O'Malley and Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari Co-Executive Directors, Alliance for Quality Education Sent via ActionNetwork.org. To update your email address, change your name or address, or to stop receiving emails from Alliance for Quality Education, please click here.

Daily Digest: Rensselaer Common Council votes in favor of director of operations position

Also: SIENA POLL: Hochul maintains overwhelming lead over Blakeman in governor’s race • NCAA BASEBALL: Siena baseball projected to finish tied for sixth in preseason poll

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Friday, February 6, 2026

Happy Friday! Hope everyone is having a great week and is looking forward to having a great weekend. Bundle up if you're heading out and about today. Before you head out or enjoy that morning cup of coffee or tea, check out some of the top stories on our website. Be safe and enjoy the day. — Ron Rosner, Senior Editor e-edition                            obituaries Rensselaer Common Council votes in favor of director of operations position RENSSELAER, N.Y. — The Rensselaer Common Council voted in favor of a measure to create a new director of operations position for the city, after the Rensselaer Republican Committee called out Mayor… Read more → SIENA POLL: Hochul maintains overwhelming lead over Blakeman in governor's race LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul continues to hold a commanding lead over Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, 54-28%, according to the latest Siena Poll of New York State registered voters. According to a press release, little changed from 50-25% in December. Among registered Democrats, Hochul has an overwhelming 64-11% lead over Lt. Governor Antonio Delgado, up from 56-13% in December. Hochul's 49-40% favorability rating, up from 43-41% in December, is the first time Hochul has hit 49% favorable. Six Hochul proposals each has between 58-68% support, including four that have bipartisan support: eliminating state income tax on the first […] Read more → NCAA BASEBALL: Siena baseball projected to finish tied for sixth in preseason poll LOUDONVILLE, NY – Despite returning eight of nine starting position players from a team which finished tied for third a season ago, Siena Baseball will look to prove the doubters wrong this spring.… Read more → A funeral home stashed 189 decaying bodies and handed out fake ashes. His mother was among them The funeral home owners gave families fake ashes for years, trying to conceal the bodies. Read more → Census Bureau plans to use survey with a citizenship question in its test for 2030, alarming experts The ACS includes a citizenship question while the census form does not. Read more → Republicans reject complaint about Gabbard as Democrats question time it took to see it The top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee said he will keep looking into it. Read more → Families of plane crash victims ask US appeals court to revive a criminal case against Boeing The families maintain prosecutors violated their rights by failing to consult them properly. Read more → Freight train derails in Connecticut, sending cars carrying liquid propane into river Officials say four of the train's car carrying liquid propane ended up in the water. Read more → A newborn's death likely linked to the mom drinking raw milk while pregnant State officials have warned people to avoid consuming unpasteurized dairy products following the death. Read more → US announces $6M in aid for Cuba as island's leader accuses it of imposing an 'energy blockade' The aid is largely meant for those affected by Hurricane Melissa last year. Read more → Hims & Hers launches copy of Wegovy pill, prompting legal threats from drugmaker Novo Nordisk By MATTHEW PERRONE WASHINGTON (AP) — Telehealth company Hims & Hers said Thursday it will launch a cheaper, off-brand version of the weight-loss pill Wegovy, just weeks after drugmaker Novo Nordisk launched its highly anticipated reformulation of the blockbuster medication. The announcement from Hims is the latest example of the company's efforts to capitalize on […] Read more → Argentina and US sign a major trade deal to slash tariffs and boost a political alliance It reflects the close alliance between the radical libertarian and President Donald Trump. Read more →

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