Author: Rozalyn Tanner

New York is home to one of the most competitive higher-education landscapes in the country. From Ivy League institutions and elite liberal arts colleges to specialized conservatories and federal service academies, admission to many of the state’s colleges has become increasingly selective. According to data from the U.S. Department of Education, acceptance rates across New York’s top institutions reveal just how intense the competition has become for prospective students. This ranking highlights the colleges and universities in New York with the lowest acceptance rates, based on Fall 2022 admissions data, and explores the factors driving their exclusivity. Elite Universities at…

As New York state officials shape Governor Kathy Hochul’s upcoming budget proposal, debates over affordability in health care and education have taken center stage. A commentary by Blair Horner, senior policy advisor with the New York Public Interest Research Group, argues that fiscal pressures are undermining the financial stability of both public and private colleges across the state. Horner draws attention to structural changes at the federal and state levels that he says are eroding the fiscal health of higher education, threatening campuses and local economies alike. Federal policy is highlighted as a significant headwind. A joint opinion from New…

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signaled support for progressive policy proposals put forward by incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, including plans for universal, taxpayer-funded childcare and related social programs that her critics characterize as components of a broader push toward universal healthcare and welfare expansion. The move has drawn sharp reactions from political opponents and advocates alike, reflecting broader debates over affordability and fiscal responsibility in state and city governance. Aligning With a New Mayor’s Agenda Governor Hochul’s endorsement of Mayor-elect Mamdani’s agenda represents an unusual alignment between a moderate Democrat and a self-described democratic socialist. Mamdani,…

For residents of the Lehigh Valley planning travel to New York City this winter, a seasonal fare reduction is making long-distance bus travel more affordable. Trans-Bridge Lines, a regional motorcoach carrier that has connected Pennsylvania communities with New York for decades, announced a limited-time promotional fare of $39.95 for one-way adult tickets on select routes to New York City. This special pricing is available through January 4, 2026, and applies to certain departures and designated stops between the Lehigh Valley and various points in New York. Seats at the discounted rate are limited and sold on a first-come, first-served basis.…