New York State
Politics
Where things landed in the New York state budget
A lot is at stake with bail reform, public school funding, Medicaid and other key issues.
Labor
Personality
The importance of low-wage workers during a pandemic
RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum talks about the challenges his members face as they perform essential work.
Budget
Policy
Why recreational marijuana legalization won’t be in the state budget
The coronavirus crisis has a lot to do with it.
Housing
Policy
A rent freeze is possible, but the details are murky
A bill in the state Legislature would offer rent relief for struggling tenants, but landlords would be affected too.
Health Care (Archived)
Policy
New York’s existing plans for pandemics were not enough for the current crisis
Gov. Andrew Cuomo followed a pandemic playbook in his response, but it wasn’t enough to curb the new coronavirus.
New York City
Politics
Coronavirus cases continue to climb and Flanagan retires
Rounding up the week’s political news
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
A Q&A with New York City’s go-to crisis manager
Kathryn Garcia talks about tackling food insecurity during the coronavirus, and her many other jobs.
New York State
Policy
Can pot legalization pass while the state reacts to the coronavirus?
Albany lawmakers still disagree with Cuomo on how to use tax revenues from pot sales.
Politics
Lentol proposes vote-by-mail for New York’s presidential primary
Assemblyman Joseph Lentol has introduced an unusual piece of legislation meant to allow every registered Democrat in the state to vote by absentee ballot to ensure that voting takes place while limiting social contact.
New York City
Politics
Coronavirus spreads, NYC schools close and Albany keeps going
Rounding up the week’s political news
Andrew Cuomo
Policy
Federal coronavirus bill could throw a wrench in Cuomo’s budget
On top of possible restrictions on changing Medicaid, the governor could face reduced tax revenues due to the coronavirus.
Education
Policy
Prospects dim for major charter school victories
Gov. Andrew Cuomo continues to back charters, but he’s unlikely to flex his influence in the state Legislature.
New York City
Politics
Do borough presidents actually have any power?
It depends almost entirely on their personality.
New York City
Politics
Coronavirus containment zone, limiting public gatherings and St. Patrick’s Day parade canceled
Rounding up the week’s political news
New York State
Politics
Voting in the time of coronavirus
While states consider postponing elections, expanding absentee voting may be another solution.
New York State
Personality
A blunt conversation with Cuomo’s pot czar
Norman Birenbaum has been heading up the governor’s efforts to legalize marijuana.
New York City
Politics