Judicial sentencings prompt push for transparency
Scrutinize founder Oded Oren discusses excessive sentences from trial judges and why opaqueness in the judiciary is bad.
Addiction treatment inaccessible at some prisons
The correction system has a mixed record of providing medication assisted treatment for substance abuse disorder.
Closing the gaps in the state’s health insurance coverage
Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas wants the state to offer health insurance coverage to low-income, undocumented adults.
Assemblyman Stirpe talks grocery deserts and budget focus
Assemblymember Al Stirpe highlights incentives to open food retail stores in underserved communities.
Investigative reporter exposes Speaker Heastie’s conflict of interest
New York Focus reporter Chris Bragg discusses his story on Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie's relationship with a lobbyist.
Education 2024: The good, the bad, and shifting alliances
The education headlines of a decade ago are back in the news on Planet Albany, with policymakers fighting over state
NYSUT wants to sweeten retirement benefits for recent public employees
New York State United Teachers President Melinda Person argues for boosting the benefits in Tiers 5 and 6.
Dearth of state regulations for short-term rental properties
Sen. Hinchey makes the case for new regulations on shot-term rental properties.
Assemblymember Lunsford discusses anti-gun violence initiatives
The Rochester-area Democrat highlights what the state is doing to respond to an influx in gun violence.
Mandatory court fees eyed for extinction
Sen. Julia Salazar hopes to end mandatory surcharges imposed on certain criminal matters and traffic infractions.
