Newsday's Albany bureau chief, Yancey Roy, breaks down the $212.2 billion state budget legislators began passing Tuesday, reflecting an $18 billion increase driven by tax hikes for the wealthy and corporations, and federal aid to speed economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.


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A breakdown of the New York State budget plan

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The 2026 legislative session in Albany begins Wednesday, and affordability is a big priority for lawmakers. Newsday New York State correspondent Keshia Clukey reports.

'The biggest word of this session is affordability'

The state Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection was meant to reimburse people who had money stolen by dishonest lawyers. With payments in those cases now surpassing $100 million over the fund's history, the fund is struggling. Newsday investigative reporter Joshua Solomon reports.

State fund that reimburses victims more often can't pay in full

Rep. Elise Stefanik has announced she is dropping out of the governor's race. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

Stefanik drops out of governor's race

The bill will allow terminally ill individuals with less than six months to live to use doctor-prescribed medication to end their lives. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'We're not talking about ending life early'

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A complex formula known as Foundation Aid was enacted in 2007-08 and is the single largest source of financial support for public schools.

Education leaders: State funding formula comes up short for districts, needs updating

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The DEC set a new May 1 deadline for the town to finish the report, which is expected to outline plans for cleaning up the landfill.

State pushes back deadline for Brookhaven landfill cleanup report

In November, she not only will try to win reelection but also impact down-ballot congressional races that could tip the balance of power in Washington.

Facing reelection, Hochul is being pressured from left and right

A little-known state fund has reimbursed over $112 million in stolen real estate escrow money.

Fraud by lawyers prompts 'fresh look' at real estate deposits

The proposals, which aim to increase affordable child care for nearly 100,000 kids, are part of Hochul's legislative agenda for 2026.

Hochul, Mamdani announce plans to boost child care access

The Senate and Assembly gaveled in at the Capitol for a legislative session that runs through the first week of June.

Hochul: NYS should block building of homemade '3D guns'

Only 43.5% of test-takers reached Level 5, the state's highest academic level, in the 2024-25 school year. That marked a drop of nearly 10 percentage points from the prior year.

Fewer LI students get top scores on English Regents exam. What's driving the decline?

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The annual "Pennies for Charity" report found professional fundraisers took a big chunk out of donations last year. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

'That's not right'

Long Island food pantries are seeing an increase in demand amid the ongoing uncertainty over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed reports.

'Just an astounding amount of people coming in day in day out'

Newsday Albany Bureau Chief Yancey Roy talks about the future of the Young Republicans group in New York.

State GOP disbands groug after racist texts found online

Thomas Valva's death has some family law experts and state legislators rethinking state confidentiality laws in some circumstances.

Romaine, Tierney urge changes to law

A Newsday/Siena survey looks at Long Islanders' views on the likelihood that young people can build a successful life here. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'I am concerned about affordability'

The executive order is part of Trump's effort to increase the role of the federal government in local law enforcement. Newsday's White House correspondent Laura Figueroa Hernandez has more.

White House could restrict federal crime-fighting funds

While the majority of respondents in a recent Newsday/Siena survey gave high marks to quailty of life on Long Island, many voiced concerns about the high cost of housing and the ability to age in place here. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'It's not affordable. It's not possible.'

A federal court in Manhattan ruled that a plan to prioritize giving cannabis licenses to certain operators is illegal. Newsday's Albany Bureau Chief Yancey Roy has more.

NYS plan to prioritize cannabis licenses deemed illegal

President Donald Trump is not making life more affordable and is failing to make Americans feel safer, a Siena Poll says. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'I don't know if it'll change later'

The Northport power plant had its "highest daily output day ever" during the late June heat wave. Newsday energy reporter Mark Harrington tells us more.

'It's still a workhorse'

A Newsday/Siena College survey looks at the availability of affordable housing on Long Island and the cost of living compared to other places. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Parents' basement is good, but not permanent'

There is a new bill proposed in Albany to ban ICE agents from wearing masks. Newsday Albany reporter Michael Gormley has more.

Momentum grows for banning ICE agents from wearing masks

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Newsday's third annual Cheer Fest was held at Hofstra University on Sunday. Participants spoke about the thrill of competing and watching teams from other divisions. Newsday's Jared Valluzzi has more.

Energy, pride and school spirit: Newsday's 3rd annual Cheer Fest

New York became the first state to require health insurers to cover scalp cooling treatments, which help to reduce hair loss during chemotherapy. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Health insurers must cover scalp cooling treatments

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano joins Newsday food writer Marie Elena Martinez at Hometown Bakeshop in Centerport to try customizable bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches.

Bacon, egg and cheese with a twist at this LI bakery

Commuters are expressing frustration over a new MTA policy that imposes an $8 surcharge for activating mobile tickets after boarding. Newsday's Alfonso Castillo reports.

Last-minute ticket surcharge irks LIRR riders

Port Washington's Rapid Response Network aims to prevent or stop federal officials from making arrests by warning immigrants of ICE sightings. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie has more.

Rapid Response Network tracks ICE presence in Port Washington 

I.FLY opens its first Indoor trapeze school at Samanea in Westbury. NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano reports.

Flying high: New indoor trapeze school opens

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes us to the Custer Institute and Observatory in Southold for an up close look at the stars.

Out East: Custer Institute and Observatory

Each semifinalist will receive $2,000 and their school will receive a matching amount. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

33 LI students named Regeneron Science Talent Search semifinalists 

Newsday Washington reporter Billy House describes the chaos of the Jan. 6 insurrection from inside the U.S. Capitol, and how he sheltered in the House chamber.

Newsday reporter recounts being inside Capitol during Jan. 6 insurrection

After 44 years, the Oak Chalet Restaurant in Bellmore closed its doors. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed talked to Gisela Wedel and her family about their restaurant.

One of LI's oldest German restaurants closes

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