Albany Agenda
Power Lists
The 2025 Albany Power 100
The ever-evolving hierarchy in state politics.
Albany Agenda
Heading home, here’s what lawmakers got done in the last legislative week
The state Senate and Assembly passed hundreds of bills in the final days of the legislative session. These are some of the most important.
Immigration
Stefanik laces into Hochul over immigration in preview of 2026 race
“We deserve a governor who stands up for law-abiding New Yorkers,” said Rep. Elise Stefanik, who would like to be that governor.
Albany Agenda
Former Assembly Member Daniel O’Donnell on track to join state parole board
During his long career in the state Legislature, O’Donnell supported expanding parole – and soon, he’ll get to decide who deserves it.
Health Care
Religious groups urge Hochul to kill Medical Aid in Dying bill
The controversial Medical Aid in Dying legislation has finally made it through both the Assembly and the state Senate, but the governor could still veto it.
Albany Agenda
The bills to watch in the final week of session
Prison reforms, a packaging reduction bill and the Grieving Families Act could all come up for a vote before the Legislative session ends.
2026 New York gubernatorial election
County Democratic Party chairs go in for Hochul
Most of the chairs leading county Democratic committees signed a letter endorsing Hochul in their personal capacities after Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado announced a primary challenge
Technology
‘Little tech’ lobby starts campaign against AI regulation bills
The American Innovators Network is warning about unintended consequences of the RAISE Act and other legislation regulating AI companies.
2026 New York gubernatorial election
Electeds race to endorse Hochul following Delgado campaign launch
Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado’s announcement that he will challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul next year has resulted in a flood of endorsements for the incumbent.
News & Politics
A guide to the federal government’s numerous legal fights with NY
Since returning to power, the Trump administration has taken legal action against the state’s policies related to immigration, transit and other issues.
Immigration
Can NY stop ICE from arresting immigrants at federal courthouses?
Existing state law only limits arrests at state courthouses, and it’s not clear the state Legislature has the power to stop arrests in federal buildings.
Albany Agenda
Faith leaders urge Assembly to pass packaging reduction bill
The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act just passed the state Senate but faces intense opposition from the plastics industry and some business leaders.
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Interviews & Profiles
How SUNY is responding to the Trump administration
An interview with SUNY Chancellor John King
Energy & Environment
Will NY stop blocking natural gas pipeline following Trump approval of offshore wind farm?
The state Department of Environmental Conservation previously denied a clean water permit for the Constitution pipeline, but it could choose to take no action if the pipeline reapplies for the permit.
Heard Around Town
Hochul rebuttal pokes fun at LCA, declares 2025 show ‘still sucks’
The governor also went after critics and rivals in her remarks at the event.
Policy
Unable to ban Zyn pouches, lawmakers target Zyn rewards instead
Assembly Member Linda Rosenthal compared the Zyn rewards system to loyalty programs for cigarette brands.
Campaigns & Elections
GOP looks to flip a southern Brooklyn Senate seat
The special election to replace Simcha Felder, a former state senator now serving in the New York City Council, pits two Jewish community leaders against each other.
Personality
Marina Marcou-O’Malley wins City & State 2025 budget poll
The co-executive director of the Alliance for Quality Education correctly predicted the budget would be finished on the night of May 8.
Housing
NY’s top court hears arguments on upstate rent control
The outcome of the case could determine whether cities like Kingston and Poughkeepsie can follow New York City’s lead and adopt rent stabilization measures.
Health Care
Poll finds majority support for Medical Aid in Dying Act
Although the Catholic Church opposes the bill, the new poll found that 65% of Catholic New Yorkers believe terminally ill patients should be able to end their lives with a doctor’s help.
