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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
News & Politics
Politics
The way-too-early 2026 gubernatorial election preview
Meet the top contenders hoping to become governor next year.
- By Rebecca C. Lewis and Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
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
- By Rebecca C. Lewis and Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson and Rebecca C. Lewis
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson and Steve Kastenbaum
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
How SUNY is responding to the Trump administration
An interview with SUNY Chancellor John King
- By Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
New York State
Policy
Lawmakers press state prisons commissioner at hearing
The commissioner asked legislators for greater power to discipline problem corrections officers.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson
2025 New York City Mayoral Election
Personality
‘The Trump candidate is Eric Adams’: Curtis Sliwa sizes up the mayoral race
A candid chat with the Republican mayoral candidate
- By Austin C. Jefferson
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.
- By Austin C. Jefferson