Policy
Policy
Planned Parenthood: Hochul’s buffer zone bill may be unconstitutional
Reproductive health centers worry the proposal to restrict protests would violate New Yorkers’ First Amendment rights.
Energy & Environment
Politics
Some Republicans critical of NY climate law previously voted for it
Now-Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra and now-Rep. Nicole Malliotakis both backed the law in 2019.
News & Politics
Politics
Republicans file misconduct complaint against Chief Judge Rowan Wilson
Wilson said strict sentencing laws were “stupid” and voters should not reelect bad judges, which Republicans see as evidence he cannot be impartial.
Policy
Policy
Gounardes wants moratorium on sale of AI chatbot-enabled kids’ toys
After passing the RAISE Act, state Sen. Andrew Gounardes is drafting regulation aimed at keeping ChatGPT out of teddy bears.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Hochul remains firm on immigrant protections after meeting with Trump’s border czar
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Trump’s border czar Tom Homan met in Albany following the death of a nearly blind Burmese refugee in Buffalo.
Budget
Politics
Hochul and Mamdani are all smiles, despite disagreement on taxes
The girls are NOT fighting.
Healthcare
Politics
Hochul says federal Medicaid probe won’t impact health care coverage
The governor isn’t concerned a federal investigation and imminent lawsuit related to the state’s Medicaid decisions will hurt its chances to receive a key waiver from the Trump administration.
Policy
Policy
Lawmakers want independent medical examiner’s office to investigate prison deaths
It’s unclear how much it would cost to create the new entity within the state Commission of Correction.
Energy & Environment
Policy
Activists dispute Hochul’s claims about cost of complying with climate law
A new report highlights potential benefits of a cap-and-invest program, including energy rebates for millions of households.
News & Politics
Politics
The specter of the outside income cap looms over state legislative retirements
Not every state lawmaker has a large salary outside the Legislature, but several who are leaving do.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Lawmakers won’t water down or delay climate law mandates, Stewart-Cousins says
Republicans blame the state’s green energy mandates for high energy costs, but state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said there are no plans to change the law.
2026 New York state elections
Politics
Molinaro launches grand return to New York politics
Marc Molinaro left his post as the Trump-appointed head of the Federal Transit Administration to run for an upstate Assembly seat.
Policy
Policy
Socialists take aim at commercial rent
Two of the democratic socialists in the state Legislature are taking up the longtime fight for commercial rent stabilization in New York City.
2026 New York state elections
Politics
Former NYPD detective running for Assembly to support Mamdani’s Albany agenda
Shamsul Haque would be the first Bangladeshi American to serve in the state Legislature.
Albany Agenda
Personality
Could there be a Winter Olympics bid in New York’s future?
While in Italy, Assembly Member Robert Carroll talked about scouting the event for a potential plan.
Albany Agenda
Personality
Caucus Weekend kicks off in Albany
Assembly Member Latrice Walker previews the annual conference, where leaders of color from around New York descend on the capital.
2026 New York gubernatorial election
Politics
State GOP formally designates Blakeman as nominee for governor
But even Republicans acknowledged that Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s gubernatorial bid faces long odds.
Budget
Politics
Ta-da! NYC budget gap is now down to $7 billion, Mamdani says
Two weeks and some budget magic goes a long way, the mayor revealed to state lawmakers Wednesday in Albany.
2026 New York gubernatorial election
Politics
NY Dems select candidates with few surprises, much fanfare
Gov. Kathy Hochul, state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli and state Attorney General Letitia James will headline the statewide ticket again.
2026 New York gubernatorial election
Politics