This Week’s Headlines: Ferrily we roll along, whether you Trumpcare or not

Ferrily we roll along

All aboard for the Rockaways! The new NYC Ferry opened its Rockaway route, which ran temporarily after Superstorm Sandy and has now been made permanent. Meanwhile, the existing East River Ferry route has been absorbed into the NYC Ferry branding, with its lower $2.75 MetroCard swipe price. Mechanical issues caused delays on the first day, but it’s nothing subway riders aren’t used to.

Does Trumpcare for New York?

The American Health Care Act made it through the U.S. House, drawing praise from many Republicans while spurring widespread Democratic attacks. Gov. Andrew Cuomo called the repeal and replace plan “a targeted assault against our values” that would shift Medicaid funding from New York counties to the state, thanks to a deal brokered by upstate Reps. Chris Collins and John Faso. Staten Island Rep. Dan Donovan and Central New York Rep. John Katko were among the 20 Republicans who voted “no,” citing the financial burden to constituents. Passage will be tougher in the U.S. Senate, where Sen. Charles Schumer is leading the opposition. New York Democrats did find bright spots in a separate spending bill that passed Thursday – programs benefiting upstate will stay funded, and the city’s getting paid back for Trump Tower security.

RELATED: New York lawmakers react to House health care vote

Cats, Avella not running

Tony Avella. (Photo courtesy the New York Senate)

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s re-election bid is gaining steam, as Democratic state Sen. Tony Avella dropped out. On the GOP side, billionaire and 2013 also-ran John Catsimatidis officially declined to run, giving the recently announced Staten Island Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis a shot in the primary. Former detective Bo Dietl was denied the GOP line, while Queens Republicans endorsed real estate mogul Paul Massey Jr.