Cannabis
Policy
Crackdown on loophole allowing some stores to sell THC products draws complaints
The hemp cannabinoid industry fired back that new regulations approved by the Office of Cannabis Management are causing more harm than good to small businesses.
2024 New York congressional battleground
Politics
Who’s running against Anthony D’Esposito in NY-4?
A current state senator and a former Olympic figure skater are among those looking to unseat the Republican incumbent in this purple district on Long Island.
Housing
Policy
Hochul comes around to incentive approach on housing after lawmakers rejected her mandates
The governor is unilaterally employing a strategy she disliked when the Legislature pitched it.
News & Politics
Politics
Hirsch and Berger compete in a bellwether special election for the 27th Assembly District in Queens
The two Orthodox Jewish candidates in opposite parties are running on Sept. 12 to replace Assembly Member Daniel Rosenthal, who resigned earlier this year.
New York State
Personality
Anna Kaplan talks about protecting abortion rights and electing more women to Congress
If victorious, she would be only the second Iranian American in the House.
News & Politics
Politics
Landlord group was one of biggest spenders on lobbyists last year
The group “Homeowners for an Affordable New York” paid $1.4 million to a single lobbying firm to fight “good cause” eviction protections.
News & Politics
Politics
Inside DSA deliberations on Juan Ardila’s Assembly seat
An endorsement forum is expected next month that could have a major influence on the primary race to oust the incumbent.
Immigration
Policy
On the heels of negative polling, Hochul makes formal call to Biden for work authorization for asylum-seekers
Earlier this week, Siena College found that 82% of New Yorkers believe the influx of migrants is a “serious problem.” Hochul said she’d ramp up efforts to connect migrants to jobs as soon as the federal government acts.
Personality
Personality
Legislative victory: Blocking radioactive wastewater from being dumped in the Hudson River
A Q&A with state Sen. Pete Harckham on decommissioning the Indian Point nuclear power plant.
Heard Around Town
Policy
Hochul’s favorability and job ratings sink to new low in latest Siena poll
Concerns over the ongoing migrant crisis are weighing down on the governor.
Albany Agenda
Policy
Brouk rolls out doula care proposals
A new report from the state senator recommends how best to support the nonclinical professionals who have been key to improving childbirth outcomes, especially for women of color.
2024 New York congressional battleground
Personality
Mike Lawler doesn’t plan to shut up
The first-term member of Congress in the 17th Congressional District is one of the most vulnerable Republicans in the country, but he’s pulled off impressive victories before.
Heard Around Town
Policy
25 pols call for taxis, app-based drivers to be exempt from congestion pricing
In a letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board, the electeds said taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers shouldn’t be burdened with extra fees.
Albany Agenda
Politics
A growing number of current and former NY lawmakers are running for Congress
In 2022, Democrats trying to jump from the state Legislature to the House lost. Republicans had better luck.
Heard Around Town
Politics
Liz Gereghty is Liz Whitmer Gereghty, if you haven’t noticed
The candidate for New York’s 17th Congressional District has rebranded to include her maiden name, the same as her sister Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s.
Heard Around Town
Politics
NY socialists touch base on successes, failures of session
Blocking nominations and Fix the MTA were wins touted internally.
Immigration
Policy
Hochul is under pressure to help with migrants. What about the state Legislature?
New York legislative leaders have been relatively quiet about the crisis.
Policy
Policy
Is New York ready to legalize supervised injection sites?
Two sites in New York have saved hundreds of lives, but stigma and lack of buy-in from the governor might prevent expansion.
Campaigns & Elections
Policy
State Board of Elections approves controversial electronic voting machines
In a 3-1 vote, the ExpressVoteXL machines were certified by the state, but one commissioner predicted lawsuits to follow.
Politics
Politics