It may have come in a week late, but the $212 billion state budget is packed to the gills. And some state lawmakers say the extra deliberation was worth it. In previous years, state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi said she felt disheartened by the budget process. Gov. Andrew Cuomo almost completely controlled the process, according to law, and rarely would he yield to some of the more liberal big-ticket items she and other newer lawmakers craved.  But this year felt entirely different.  more

Ranked-choice voting has been promoted as a fresh coat of paint in New York City’s election process — but it’s paint that has yet to dry. Still, that’s opening doors for new ways to campaign. And at least two candidates in the upcoming March 23 special election race to replace Andrew Cohen on the city council are poised to take advantage. more

It might not be the kind of news House Speaker Nancy Pelosi wants to hear, but The Squad — an unofficial group of progressive members of Congress led by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez — expanded a bit this election cycle with a few new members, including the newly sworn in U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman. more

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi originally hoped a Donald Trump impeachment inquiry could be wrapped up just in time for families to sit down and enjoy their Thanksgiving dinner. Bill Weitz, however, had a much different message on Sunday. more