Author Archive
Policy
Policy
New York’s ‘mask ban’ wouldn’t actually ban masks
But opponents still worry that it could have a chilling effect on people who wear masks for health or safety reasons.
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
Brian Benjamin never wanted a pardon from Trump
The former lieutenant governor is finally speaking out now that federal prosecutors have dropped all charges against him.
Policy
Policy
Lina Khan asks NY to outlaw unfair business practices
The outgoing FTC chair wrote a letter to state leaders encouraging them to pass a new law banning “unfair and abusive” business practices.
Budget
Policy
Hochul’s FY 2026 budget, by the numbers
The governor proposed a record-high executive budget that includes funding for her affordability agenda
Energy & Environment
Politics
BPHA caucus joins chorus of supporters for 15 gigawatts of public renewables
The influential caucus sent a letter to the governor and the New York Power Authority endorsing advocates’ demand to build 15 gigawatts of renewable energy by 2030.
Policy
Policy
Legislators seek greater loan forgiveness for prosecutors, public defenders
A bipartisan group of lawmakers sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul asking for additional $4 million in the budget for a program to assist public service lawyers.
Heard Around Town
Politics
Senate Dems’ campaign arm names new director
Kaylee May will now lead the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee.
NYPD
Policy
Cops will start patrolling overnight subways on Monday
Gov. Kathy Hochul said that the state will foot $77 million in NYPD overtime costs over the next three months.
News & Politics
Politics
Hochul’s soft launch for reelection
The governor’s State of the State speech laid out a vision of affordability and safety that felt like it could be a stump speech.
New York State
Policy
Breaking down Hochul’s State of the State
The governor laid out the broad strokes of her agenda for the year in her annual speech and a nearly 150-page policy book.
Transportation
Policy
Transit advocates back bill to encourage alternatives to highway expansion projects
The Get Around NY Act would aim to reduce total vehicle miles traveled by 20% by 2050.
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News & Politics
Politics
New year, new committee chairs
Legislative leaders announced committee chairs for the new legislative session, with some notable new roles
New York State
Policy
Legislative leaders pledge to prioritize affordability as session begins
In opening remarks, both state Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said they intend to pass legislation to address New Yorkers’ cost of living.
Policy
Politics
State lawmakers await committee assignments as legislative session begins
New year, new committees.
Policy
Policy
DMV defends Green Light Law meant to protect immigrants
Although the DMV strongly defended the law, Hochul wouldn’t say whether she might revisit the law that has Trump's incoming border czar threatening retaliation against New York.
Personality
Personality
‘Just Tolled’: Public transit enthusiasts celebrate start of congestion pricing
A group of friends borrowed one of their parents’ cars to try to become the first people tolled under the new congestion pricing program just after midnight on Sunday.
Policy
Policy
Hochul says 2025 is the year to change involuntary commitment laws
Despite past opposition from lawmakers, the governor once again plans to propose expansions to laws involving involuntary mental health treatment
Policy
Policy
Happy 2025! It’s time to start thinking about the next census
New population estimates show minor improvements for New York, but experts are worried about how Trump could interfere with census count efforts in 2030.
New York State
Policy
Is New York really a ‘sanctuary state’?
A patchwork of statewide measures limit cooperation with immigration officials, but none entirely prohibit information sharing by local law enforcement
New York State
Policy
Hochul’s end-of-year vetoes and signatures
Just one bill remains for the governor to act on as 2024 comes to a close.
