Policy
Policy
Environmental advocates recycle campaign against plastic packaging for new session
Activists and plastics producers are back in Albany this week to continue last year’s fight over the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and the Bigger Better Bottle Bill.
Policy
Albany considers multiple approaches to discovery reform
State Sen. Zellnor Myrie and Assembly Member Micah Lasher introduced a bill to help prosecutors comply with the law, while Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to weaken the law’s requirements.
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.
Policy
Will banning cellphones keep students safe?
Gov. Kathy Hochul suggested that students would be safer in an active shooter situation if they were unable to use their cellphones.
Events
Trump’s executive orders aside, it’s full steam ahead for New York’s sustainable infrastructure projects
Transportation leaders Rick Cotton and Jamie Torres-Springer reiterated their commitment to sustainability and diversity at City and State’s annual infrastructure summit.
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.
New York City
Zohran Mamdani wants to make NYC buses free as mayor. How would that work?
In a race that is shaping up to be about who can make New York City most affordable, free buses are an appealing – if expensive – proposal.
Budget
Hochul’s FY 2026 budget, by the numbers
The governor proposed a record-high executive budget that includes funding for her affordability agenda
Policy
Congestion pricing shows early signs of reducing traffic
Improvements in commuting times were largely seen on bridges and tunnels entering the core of Manhattan.
Energy & Environment
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
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.
Budget
Eric Adams unveils $114.6 billion FY 26 preliminary budget with optimism
Kicking off a season of negotiation with the City Council, the New York City mayor said the city’s economy is strong.
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NYPD
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.
2025 New York City Mayoral Election
Scott Stringer wants to clean up New York City
Mayor Eric Adams introduced the revolutionary trash can to New York City. Scott Stringer, who is making his run for mayor official, says he’ll take waste management to the next level.
Immigration
Council to hold immigration oversight hearing ahead of Trump inauguration
City Council Member Alexa Avilés wants to know how the city is preparing to respond to deportation threats.
NYPD
New bill would seal unproven complaints against officers
Would this be a Clean Slate Act for cops?
Policy
Brisport skeptical of Hochul’s universal child care pledge
State Sen. Jabari Brisport, who has championed universal child care in the state Legislature, said he’ll believe Hochul’s commitment to the policy when he sees it.
Kathy Hochul
Kathy Hochul’s NYC agenda in 2025
The governor is preoccupied with perceptions of subway crime and giving money back to New Yorkers.
New York State
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