Capital city of New York; county seat of Albany County
State budget talks remain unsettled as Gov. Hochul’s push to tie policy reforms to the budget has drawn criticism from Assembly Speaker Heastie and others, signaling a tense, ongoing fight over climate, immigration and fiscal priorities ahead of session end.
A wave of local and state actions is driving a pause in new data-center approvals as officials weigh electricity demand, water use, and community impact. Governors and legislators are considering temporary bans or moratoria while studies assess environmental and economic effects. Industry groups warn against overreach while residents push for local control and benefits.
Los Angeles Unified has halted device issuance to the youngest students as a broader move to curb screen time. The district is rolling out a fall policy to limit device use, with benchmarks on higher grades, strict lunch/recess rules, and a review of ed-tech contracts. Critics and parents say the step reflects a national reckoning on classroom screens.
DC candidates and officials are pushing ambitious housing agendas focused on reforming zoning and expanding affordable housing. Campaigns link zoning changes to cost of living, homelessness, and budget gaps as new data and political dynamics shape implementation.
New York’s Democratic primaries have yielded three wins for Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s democratic socialist slate. Brad Lander, Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez have defeated establishment-backed rivals in the 10th, 13th and 7th districts, signaling a stronger left-wing presence in Congress ahead of November.
Whitman College has begun offering a transparent “you will pay” figure, following Brandeis’ similar move, in response to upper-middle-class families exceeding aid eligibility while facing steep sticker prices. Applications from affluent families have fallen as a result, prompting more colleges to disclose pricing.
The pied-à-terre tax in New York City has taken effect, with rates up to 6.5% for non-primary luxury residences. Authorities anticipate $340 million to $500 million in annual revenue from roughly 10,000 units, while brokers report continued strength in luxury sales as market liquidity remains high.
A socialist-led slate backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani has swept several New York Democratic primaries, defeating incumbents and signaling shifts within the party. The results prompt questions about titles like House speaker and the future of the caucus as 2026developments unfold.
New York has filed a lawsuit in Albany against 3M, DuPont de Nemours, The Chemours Company, Corteva and others over PFAS, alleging they knew these “forever chemicals” were toxic and polluted air, water and soil. The suit seeks funding for cleanup, consumer warnings, damages and other penalties..
Governor Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order imposing a one-year statewide moratorium on new hyperscale data centres that use 50 megawatts or more, directing regulators to complete an environmental impact review and consider rules to make developers pay for power, contribute to grid upgrades and lose tax breaks. The move has drawn praise from community and environmental groups and rebuke from industry and national conservatives.
The female marmoset found on a 302 bus in Kensal Rise has been named Oyster. Following April’s licensing law for primates, the RSPCA says abandonment may rise and urges licensing help. Oyster is healthy in sanctuary care after a stressful rescue.
A multi-day wave of severe storms is forecast across the East Coast and Ohio Valley, bringing heavy rainfall, flash flooding risk, and heat alerts as moisture surges ahead of a cold front.
A round-up of fresh car reviews shows hybrids and crossovers remain dominant, with new models testing affordability and performance amid high gas prices. Multiple outlets assess mid-size SUVs and compact pickups, highlighting value plays and evolving tech. The coverage underscores ongoing consumer recalibration as costs and efficiency drive buying decisions.
Across several reports, educators are seeking guidance on using AI in classrooms while unions push for safeguards. Training programs funded by major tech players are sparking debate about influence and curriculum integrity as schools navigate AI’s role in teaching.