News & Politics
Politics
Trump administration sues NY over ‘Green Light’ law
The 2019 law lets undocumented immigrants get driver’s licenses and prevents federal immigration authorities from accessing DMV data without a warrant.
Policy
Policy
Hochul issues rare pocket veto
The governor quietly rejected a bill that would have impacted busing for yeshiva students.
Albany Agenda
Politics
Criminal justice groups, public defenders start campaign to defend discovery law
As Gov. Kathy Hochul and district attorneys push to weaken the 2019 law, advocates have launched a new website highlighting the law’s benefits.
Albany Agenda
Politics
At Hochul’s urging, legislative leaders delay passage of special elections bill
The proposed legislation, which had been expected to pass quickly, might end up being killed in exchange for the Trump administration allowing congestion pricing to continue.
News & Politics
Politics
Public campaign finance has been a success so far, report finds
The Brennan Center for Justice concluded that instituting a public matching funds program for state-level campaigns has had a net positive impact on civics.
Immigration
Policy
Nassau County deputizes local cops to act as ICE agents
County Executive Bruce Blakeman said 10 detectives would be allowed to act as federal immigration agents under an agreement with the federal government.
LGBTQ+
Politics
State AG says NY hospitals must continue offering gender-affirming care to minors
State Attorney General Letitia James helped win a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from denying federal funds to hospitals – at least for now.
News & Politics
Politics
Poll: Voters back Hochul’s budget proposals, still don’t like Hochul
New York voters support Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget proposals like universal school meals but would prefer someone else as governor, the latest Siena College poll found.
Personality
Personality
Former Gov. David Paterson is at peace with the past
In an extensive Q&A, he talks about his tenure in Albany and about karma that has come to a successor.
MTA
Policy
Trump targets MTA funding
The president’s threats to kill congestion pricing and tie transit funding to immigration enforcement could imperil the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
Energy & Environment
Politics
Environmental groups launch coalition to pressure Hochul on cap-and-invest
New Yorkers for Clean Air wants Hochul to immediately publish draft rules for the cap-and-invest plan to limit greenhouse gas emissions, rather than delaying the program for another year.
Policy
Policy
One bill from last session still awaits action from Hochul
Hochul only has one more week to sign or veto the bill – a relatively technical measure related to state reimbursement for a busing program used by yeshivas – before it gets pocket vetoed.
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
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
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
Budget
Policy
Hochul’s budget to extend millionaire’s tax, but leaves MTA funding question open
The governor is set to propose a $252 billion state budget as she pushes an affordability agenda
Energy & Environment
Politics