Gov. Kathy Hochul is more than a year away from running for reelection, but she took another step this week in solidifying her position as the Democratic front runner. In the latest Siena College research poll, her job approval rating is now at 53%, up 3 points from last month.

She also has a double-digit lead in a potential matchup against Upstate Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik.

Rep. Ritchie Torres gave his endorsement to the governor last week during an exclusive interview with News 12.

Also, college students are heading back to the classrooms across Long Island. A WalletHub ranking put two local community colleges toward the top of the list in New York. Dr. Maria Conzatti, president of Nassau Community College, joined the show to discuss issues facing her school.