Author Archive

Austin C. Jefferson

Policy

Policy

Court of Appeals upholds Kingston’s rent control policies

The decision from New York’s highest court will likely embolden other upstate cities that want to adopt rent control but have been scared off by lawsuits from landlord groups.

Energy & Environment

Policy

As session ends, Assembly acts on environmental legislation

The Assembly eliminated incentives for natural gas hook-ups and is expected to pass a bill to reduce plastic waste.

Immigration

Policy

Amid increased ICE raids, state Legislature fails to act on sanctuary state bill

The New York for All Act, which would prevent local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities, didn’t even make it to a vote in the state Senate.

News & Politics

Politics

The way-too-early 2026 gubernatorial election preview

Meet the top contenders hoping to become governor next year.

News & Politics

Politics

State leaders’ response to federal funding cuts: Blame Republicans

If the Senate passes the GOP federal budget bill, millions of New Yorkers will lose access to Medicaid coverage and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

News & Politics

Politics

Delgado calls for universal health care as he distances himself from Hochul

The lieutenant governor indicated he would be more willing to create ambitious and expensive social welfare programs than his boss has been.

2026 New York gubernatorial election

Politics

County Democratic Party chairs go in for Hochul

Most of the chairs leading county Democratic committees signed a letter endorsing Hochul in their personal capacities after Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado announced a primary challenge

Technology

Policy

‘Little tech’ lobby starts campaign against AI regulation bills

The American Innovators Network is warning about unintended consequences of the RAISE Act and other legislation regulating AI companies.

News & Politics

Politics

Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado launches campaign for governor

After breaking with Gov. Kathy Hochul, Delgado now looks to be challenging her from the left.

Immigration

Policy

Can NY stop ICE from arresting immigrants at federal courthouses?

Existing state law only limits arrests at state courthouses, and it’s not clear the state Legislature has the power to stop arrests in federal buildings.

MagazineShow All

Gambling

Politics

Parkland alienation bill passes Senate, potentially paving way for Cohen’s casino

State Sen. John Liu successfully bypassed fellow state Sen. Jessica Ramos to keep Mets owner Steve Cohen’s plans for a Queens casino on track.

News & Politics

Politics

The upstate mayoral primary races you should know about

New York City isn’t the only city with a competitive Democratic mayoral primary.

Energy & Environment

Policy

Will NY stop blocking natural gas pipeline following Trump approval of offshore wind farm?

The state Department of Environmental Conservation previously denied a clean water permit for the Constitution pipeline, but it could choose to take no action if the pipeline reapplies for the permit.

Policy

Policy

Unable to ban Zyn pouches, lawmakers target Zyn rewards instead

Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal compared the Zyn rewards system to loyalty programs for cigarette brands.

Housing

Policy

NY’s top court hears arguments on upstate rent control

The outcome of the case could determine whether cities like Kingston and Poughkeepsie can follow New York City’s lead and adopt rent stabilization measures.

New York State

Policy

Lawmakers press state prisons commissioner at hearing

The commissioner asked legislators for greater power to discipline problem corrections officers.

Albany Agenda

Politics

Employers of domestic workers push for legislation to protect immigrants

In addition to spreading fear in immigrant communities, the Trump administration’s mass deportation plans could hurt the state’s economy.

Albany Agenda

Policy

Which bills could pass now that the budget is done?

Elder Parole, the NY HEAT Act and Medical Aid in Dying are some of the controversial pieces of legislation that the Legislature is expected to consider before session ends in June.