Politics
Bail Reform’s Discontents in NY
The governor and two local DA candidates would like to further dismantle New York’s bail reform law. But there’s less evidence than ever of a link between the reform and an increase in crime.
The Moms Fighting Against Moms for Liberty
Defense of Democracy, a nonpartisan, pro-democracy group, is taking on right-wing extremism in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
The Working Families Party Wants Your Vote
In this tight electoral environment, New York’s Working Families Party is primed to play a significant role. The progressive third party is trying to convince voters that it remains a vital force in New York politics, while seeking to push a number of Democrats over the finish line and promoting a slate of progressive policies statewide and nationally.
On the Trail with Josh Riley
The democratic candidate for NY-19 steps off the campaign trail and onto a hiking trail to talk about the issues.
A Test of the Left in NY-16
Primary challenges to Rep. Jamaal Bowman test progressivism of New York’s 16th district.
For A Democratic Leader, A Blue District Is Anything But Safe
By switching to a safer district, Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney angered the left. Now the Democratic leader is facing a challenger he didn’t expect.
Hudson Valley Progressives Grapple With Redistricting Chaos
For voters, New York’s new Congressional districts and two-part primary are a source of confusion. For local progressives, they might also be an opportunity.
With Abortion Rights Under Threat, Local Advocates Mobilize
Is New York ready for a post-Roe America? In the Hudson Valley and across the state, advocates are bracing for worst-case scenarios.
Public Power Has Albany Rattled
The push for the Build Public Renewables Act in New York has become surprisingly muscular. Is it strong enough to break Albany’s climate gridlock?
Rob Astorino in the Widening Gyre of GOP Politics
The Reaganite Republican finds himself running for governor (again) in a party frothing about COVID, Cuomo, and critical race theory. Can he keep up?
Assembly Candidate Sarahana Shrestha Is Tired of Waiting
The climate and justice activist believes the time is now for transformative action in Albany.
High Traffic: The Cannabis DUI Conundrum
While alcohol can be accurately machine tested, there is no effective mechanical field test for weed. Instead, New York is turning to cops.
On Cannabis Opt-Out, Towns Search Their Souls
Fractious board meetings, strident Facebook posts, political challenges—and that was just one town. How Hastings-on-Hudson served as a microcosm for the legal weed debate.
Hochul’s Budget Charts a Middle Path on Climate
The $216 billion budget would ban gas in new construction, but otherwise offers few dramatic moves on climate. Advocates say it’s not enough.
New Yorkers Voted Not to Make Voting Easier. Why?
Voters surprisingly rejected ballot proposals that would have allowed same-day registration and no-excuse absentee voting.
Defeated With Prop 1: A Fix for New York’s Prisoner Counting Problem
The defeat of the Redistricting Changes Amendment keeps prison gerrymandering in place for the state’s Congressional maps.
New York Is America’s Latest Battleground Over Gun Rights
The Supreme Court seems poised to strike down a New York law and expand the Second Amendment. The question is: by how much?
Secret Memo Reveals Wheaton Park Pact Between Poughkeepsie and Developer
The four-page memo details a plan to win over the city’s preservation commission on a proposal to transform the historic site into an arts-focused mixed-use complex.
A Wave of Hudson Valley Cities Could Ban Eviction Without ‘Good Cause’
Blocked at the state level, the campaign for “good cause eviction” is going local. Organizers achieved a major victory in Albany this week.
The Gospel of Ganja: A Q&A with Cannabis Activist Steve DeAngelo
The “father of legal cannabis,” who has been fighting to end prohibition for nearly 50 years, outlines his vision for a more inclusive and radically just industry—and how it might change the world.
