Author Archive
Health Care
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.
Campaigns & Elections
Politics
SCOTUS sides with Malliotakis on redistricting case, in blow to NY Dems
New York City’s congressional districts, including Rep. Dan Goldman’s, all are but guaranteed to stay the same for the 2026 midterms.
Policy
Policy
Ex-cops and business leaders oppose Hochul’s 75% tax on nicotine pouches
The pushback comes as state lawmakers consider what proposals to include in the state Senate and Assembly’s one-house budgets.
Policy
Politics
Thousands, but few electeds, descend on state Capitol to pressure Hochul to tax the rich
Over 1,500 people marched in Albany, calling on state leaders to raise income taxes on the wealthiest New Yorkers and corporations.
Policy
Policy
State Senate’s bid-rigging probe prompts constitutional amendment
Lawmakers want to empower the state Legislature following an investigation into Gov. Kathy Hochul’s changes to a $9 billion Medicaid home care program.
Zohran Mamdani
Politics
Trump gives ‘nice guy’ Mamdani a State of the Union shoutout
And the president advertised NYC’s emergency snow shoveler program to the world.
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
Hochul’s 30-day budget amendments mum on Essential Plan debate
State leaders are still waiting on a decision from the Trump administration that could end health coverage for 470,000 legal noncitizens.
Policy
Policy
Updated state police tattoo policy could become law
The bill is advancing in the state Legislature, but State Police leaders and the union representing troopers disagree on its necessity.
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New York State
Policy
SUNY, CUNY seek more state aid beyond proposed increases
The city and state’s public universities want a combined $3B this year for capital projects.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Legislature considering funding reforms for Raise the Age, not rollbacks
Tweaks could come to the 2017 law increasing meant to keep teens from getting criminally charged as adults.
News & Politics
Politics
John Kagia could be tapped to lead Office of Cannabis Management
Gov. Kathy Hochul may promote Kagia, the office’s policy director, to take over the state agency.
Immigration
Policy
Lawmakers, Hochul negotiating proposal to sue federal officials
State and city officials and criminal justice groups are urging the gov to keep qualified immunity out of the final policy.
News & Politics
Politics
State Senate won’t change leaders, rules until end of 2026
New York’s top Senate Democrat will seek reelection in November.
Personality
Personality
‘I’m humbled’: A Q&A with Long Island Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra
Assembly Member Ed Ra was elected unanimously as the next minority leader.
Budget
Policy
Heastie: ‘We’re not going to leave the city on a ledge’
While Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s worried about New York City’s finances, the Assembly speaker’s feeling pretty chill.
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.
Kathy Hochul
Politics
Hochul defends Adams pick after Brooklyn Dems fallout
The governor is standing by her new lieutenant ahead of the Democratic convention.
