The Legislative Gazette is a student-staffed newspaper dedicated to covering the politics, policy, and people of New York State government. The Legislative Gazette newsroom is powered by a dynamic team of student journalists, reporters, and multimedia storytellers dedicated to covering politics, law, and community issues with accuracy and creativity. Each staff member brings a unique perspective—whether through writing, photography, audio, or video—working together to deliver compelling stories that inform and engage our readers. The project is led by Editor and faculty member Darren Johnson (read more here). The Fall 2025 staff includes:
Meyghan Figueroa
Videographer/Podcast
Meyghan Figueroa, from Long Island, N.Y., is a senior digital media production major at SUNY New Paltz. At The Legislative Gazette, she is excited to expand her skills in hands-on media production and create visually compelling content that educates the public about politics. With experience in documentary and narrative filmmaking, Figueroa hopes to deepen her behind-the-camera expertise and strengthen her journalism skills. After graduating in December, she plans to pursue a creative career while continuing to advocate for social justice, child welfare, and animal welfare.
Alexander Genovese
Audio Production/Podcast
Alex Genovese, from Levittown, N.Y., is a senior digital media production major at SUNY New Paltz interning at The Legislative Gazette in his final semester. His focus is on producing and editing the Gazette’s podcast, building its studio, and assisting with other media projects. Genovese hopes to sharpen his skills in audio production while gaining valuable experience in political journalism, including storytelling and interviewing techniques. At SUNY New Paltz, he developed a passion for post-production, serving as chief editor on short films and podcasts he also helped produce and direct. His future goals include pursuing a career in video or audio editing. Outside of the studio, Genovese enjoys movies, gaming, and spending time with his cats, Taylor and Nami.
Kyra Higbie
Reporter/Assistant Editor/Multimedia
Kyra Higbie, from Long Island, N.Y., is a senior journalism major at SUNY New Paltz and a multimedia reporter for The Legislative Gazette. She is interested in politics, conservation, and the ways public policy shapes communities. An avid reader, currently of Sylvia Plath, and an advocate for accountability and accessibility in higher education, Higbie brings a thoughtful and investigative approach to her reporting.
Nancy Mac Innes
Reporter/Assistant Editor/Multimedia
Nancy Mac Innes, from Rockland County, N.Y., is a senior journalism major with a minor in psychology, graduating in May 2026. At The Legislative Gazette, they are focused on strengthening interviewing, reporting, and editing skills. Mac Innes also writes for The Little Rebellion and serves as a News Co-Director for WFNP The Edge radio. In addition, they work as a peer counselor with People USA, an organization assisting those facing short-term housing crises. After graduation, Mac Innes plans to move to Manhattan, take a gap year, and then pursue graduate studies in journalism and international relations while continuing to work in radio and broadcasting.
Benjamin Nellis
Reporter/Assistant Editor/Multimedia
Benjamin Nellis, from Broadalbin, N.Y., is a senior digital media management major with minors in journalism and communication, graduating this fall. At The Legislative Gazette, he looks forward to deepening his reporting portfolio, creating compelling multimedia work, and gaining hands-on experience in law, government, and politics. Post-graduation, Nellis doesn’t have a set career trajectory in mind, but is interested in the fields of politics, news, and entertainment. He hopes to use his skills in media, journalism, and messaging to find a career path that he finds appealing and personally fulfilling.
Maya Pasechnik
Social Media Coordinator/Graphic Design
Maya Pasechnik, from Brooklyn, N.Y., is a senior digital media management major with a minor in law and politics. This semester, she is excited to reimagine The Legislative Gazette’s social media presence, interview local legislators, and refine her business casual style. As a social media intern, Pasechnik hopes to explore both sides of her educational background—government and content creation—while graduating a semester early in December. Her long-term goal is to begin law school in Fall 2026, with interests in entertainment, environmental, and real estate law. In her semester off, she plans to find a digital marketing position in New York City, where she looks forward to spending time with family and enjoying the city’s food scene.
Jae Spooner
Reporter/Assistant Editor/Multimedia
Jae Spooner, from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., is a fifth-year senior digital media and journalism student at SUNY New Paltz focusing on journalism writing. A graduate of Poughkeepsie High School during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spooner has experience writing, editing, managing social media, and photographing for The Little Rebellion, a campus newsroom. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, a person of color, and a mental health advocate, they are passionate about amplifying marginalized voices. Spooner enjoys writing feature stories and opinion pieces that balance lightheartedness with social impact. Their future goals include establishing a magazine column with a respected voice while caring for many pets. Their dream job is to travel to the year 2014 to work at Buzzfeed during the peak of its popularity to experience the development and creation process of popular series such as Ladylike, The Try Guys, and Buzzfeed Unsolved.
