Capitol Confidential
@www.capitolconfidential.com
An exclusive inside look at the latest in New York government and politics.
New York created a new state registry for multi-family dwellings built before 1980 in designated “communities of concern.”
That list includes 25 cities across the state in which owners of those kinds of dwellings must add them to the registry.
That list includes 25 cities across the state in which owners of those kinds of dwellings must add them to the registry.
New York is launching a registry of homes that could contain toxic levels of lead
And a new bill seeks to set stronger sanctions against corporations that defraud consumers
bit.ly
December 5, 2025 at 4:44 PM
New York created a new state registry for multi-family dwellings built before 1980 in designated “communities of concern.”
That list includes 25 cities across the state in which owners of those kinds of dwellings must add them to the registry.
That list includes 25 cities across the state in which owners of those kinds of dwellings must add them to the registry.
The legality of the appointment of acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III was argued in front of a judge on Thursday by attorneys for the Justice Department and state Attorney General Letitia...
Attorneys square off in court over appointment of US Attorney John Sarcone
The legality of the appointment of acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III was argued in front of a judge on Thursday by attorneys for the Justice Department and state Attorney General Letitia...
bit.ly
December 5, 2025 at 3:37 PM
The legality of the appointment of acting U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III was argued in front of a judge on Thursday by attorneys for the Justice Department and state Attorney General Letitia...
Elise Stefanik and state allies say the Health Department halted talks and payments, imperiling North Country hospitals, and seek a probe.
Stefanik, lawmakers say Hochul derailed North Country hospital partnership
Elise Stefanik and state allies say the Health Department halted talks and payments, imperiling North Country hospitals, and seek a probe.
bit.ly
December 5, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Elise Stefanik and state allies say the Health Department halted talks and payments, imperiling North Country hospitals, and seek a probe.
Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to announce new ways the state can find “efficiencies” in spending and here’s the date for State of the State.
We've got how much she said the state is projected to save from the CDPAP transition. It’s more than expected.
We've got how much she said the state is projected to save from the CDPAP transition. It’s more than expected.
Hochul to pitch 'efficiencies' in state spending to soften budget blows
And Stefanik softened her rhetoric on Mike Johnson Thursday.
bit.ly
December 5, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul plans to announce new ways the state can find “efficiencies” in spending and here’s the date for State of the State.
We've got how much she said the state is projected to save from the CDPAP transition. It’s more than expected.
We've got how much she said the state is projected to save from the CDPAP transition. It’s more than expected.
ICE is on track to arrest twice as many people in New York in 2025 than in 2024. But the pace of arrests fell slightly in recent months compared to summer highs.
ICE arrests in New York dropped after summer highs
ICE is on track to arrest twice as many people in New York in 2025 than in 2024. But the pace of arrests fell slightly in recent months compared to summer highs.
bit.ly
December 4, 2025 at 7:30 PM
ICE is on track to arrest twice as many people in New York in 2025 than in 2024. But the pace of arrests fell slightly in recent months compared to summer highs.
A state audit says New York health agencies must tighten funeral oversight after risks of misidentified bodies and invalid burial permits.
New York funeral industry audit finds red flags: 'This is a horror scene'
A state audit says New York health agencies must tighten funeral oversight after risks of misidentified bodies and invalid burial permits.
bit.ly
December 4, 2025 at 5:01 PM
A state audit says New York health agencies must tighten funeral oversight after risks of misidentified bodies and invalid burial permits.
After the shooting of two National Guard members, immigration officials are targeting Afghans for deportation. At least 10 were arrested this week in the Albany area.
Afghans arrested by ICE in Albany amid crackdown after D.C. shooting
After the shooting of two National Guard members, immigration officials are targeting Afghans for deportation. At least 10 were arrested this week in the Albany area.
bit.ly
December 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM
After the shooting of two National Guard members, immigration officials are targeting Afghans for deportation. At least 10 were arrested this week in the Albany area.
More than 150 community, prisoner-advocacy and faith-based organizations are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign legislation that its supporters contend will improve conditions in state prisons.
150 groups urge Hochul to sign legislation to revamp prison oversight
More than 150 community, prisoner-advocacy and faith-based organizations are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign legislation that its supporters contend will improve conditions in state prisons.
bit.ly
December 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM
More than 150 community, prisoner-advocacy and faith-based organizations are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign legislation that its supporters contend will improve conditions in state prisons.
ICYMI: Gov. Kathy Hochul said again Wednesday she won’t raise income taxes but signaled she’s eyeing other revenue sources for the state budget.
And New York’s presidential primary would be set for Super Tuesday each cycle under a new bill from state lawmakers.
And New York’s presidential primary would be set for Super Tuesday each cycle under a new bill from state lawmakers.
Hochul eyes 'other revenue sources' ahead of state budget due date
And the acting mayor of Buffalo could be running for state office.
bit.ly
December 4, 2025 at 1:01 PM
ICYMI: Gov. Kathy Hochul said again Wednesday she won’t raise income taxes but signaled she’s eyeing other revenue sources for the state budget.
And New York’s presidential primary would be set for Super Tuesday each cycle under a new bill from state lawmakers.
And New York’s presidential primary would be set for Super Tuesday each cycle under a new bill from state lawmakers.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has about a month and a half to finalize her executive budget proposal, which is required by the state constitution to be balanced.
But with a budget gap on the horizon, we’ve got some details on how she’s planning to deal with that.
But with a budget gap on the horizon, we’ve got some details on how she’s planning to deal with that.
December 3, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Gov. Kathy Hochul has about a month and a half to finalize her executive budget proposal, which is required by the state constitution to be balanced.
But with a budget gap on the horizon, we’ve got some details on how she’s planning to deal with that.
But with a budget gap on the horizon, we’ve got some details on how she’s planning to deal with that.
ICE is on track to arrest twice as many people in New York in 2025 than in 2024. But the pace of arrests fell slightly in recent months compared to summer highs.
ICE arrests in New York dropped after summer highs
ICE is on track to arrest twice as many people in New York in 2025 than in 2024. But the pace of arrests fell slightly in recent months compared to summer highs.
bit.ly
December 3, 2025 at 7:03 PM
ICE is on track to arrest twice as many people in New York in 2025 than in 2024. But the pace of arrests fell slightly in recent months compared to summer highs.
Another 93 bills have made it to Hochul’s desk with a decision deadline of next Friday. Here’s the full list and some highlights.
And Stefanik is publicly feuding with House Speaker Mike Johnson, accusing him of ‘torpedoing the Republican agenda.’
And Stefanik is publicly feuding with House Speaker Mike Johnson, accusing him of ‘torpedoing the Republican agenda.’
Full list: 93 bills sent to Hochul with decisions due next week
And Stefanik publicly accused House Speaker Mike Johnson of blocking a proposal she authored.
bit.ly
December 3, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Another 93 bills have made it to Hochul’s desk with a decision deadline of next Friday. Here’s the full list and some highlights.
And Stefanik is publicly feuding with House Speaker Mike Johnson, accusing him of ‘torpedoing the Republican agenda.’
And Stefanik is publicly feuding with House Speaker Mike Johnson, accusing him of ‘torpedoing the Republican agenda.’
Three new casinos have been recommended for approval in New York City, employing the same strategy used upstate a decade ago.
And supportive housing providers are asking Hochul for a funding bump amid recent changed anticipated for federal funding sources.
And supportive housing providers are asking Hochul for a funding bump amid recent changed anticipated for federal funding sources.
New York takes a gamble on three new casinos
And supportive housing providers are pleading with Hochul for funding.
bit.ly
December 2, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Three new casinos have been recommended for approval in New York City, employing the same strategy used upstate a decade ago.
And supportive housing providers are asking Hochul for a funding bump amid recent changed anticipated for federal funding sources.
And supportive housing providers are asking Hochul for a funding bump amid recent changed anticipated for federal funding sources.
RealPage New York seeks to block a new state law that bans algorithmic rent pricing.
AI companies have a right to set New York rent prices, lawsuit says
RealPage New York seeks to block a new state law that bans algorithmic rent pricing.
bit.ly
December 1, 2025 at 6:00 PM
RealPage New York seeks to block a new state law that bans algorithmic rent pricing.
Clean energy and greenhouse emission reduction requirements are years behind schedule.
What New York’s climate mandates mean for your lifestyle and energy costs
Clean energy and greenhouse emission reduction requirements are years behind schedule.
bit.ly
December 1, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Clean energy and greenhouse emission reduction requirements are years behind schedule.
Renters, often living in squalid conditions, are now emboldened by the Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act. They spend months, sometimes more than a year, suing their landlords, property managers or housing authorities.
Upstate New York renters can sue landlords, often at high personal cost
Albany tops 70 of 320 Article 7-D cases as upstate tenants use the Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act to seek repairs, rent cuts and refunds.
bit.ly
December 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Renters, often living in squalid conditions, are now emboldened by the Tenant Dignity and Safe Housing Act. They spend months, sometimes more than a year, suing their landlords, property managers or housing authorities.
Hochul has about a month left to either sign or veto more than 200 bills. Here are eight you’ll want to watch between now and the end of the year.
8 big bills Hochul still has to decide in 2025
Medical aid in dying, the 100-ft. rule, the RAISE Act and five others.
bit.ly
December 1, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Hochul has about a month left to either sign or veto more than 200 bills. Here are eight you’ll want to watch between now and the end of the year.
The focus on affordability by Democrats is giving hope to supporters of a bill to create a new advocate for residential ratepayers.
Hochul's decision on utility consumer advocate bill eyed by advocates
And a second Republican is running for Elise Stefanik's seat in Congress.
bit.ly
November 26, 2025 at 4:28 PM
The focus on affordability by Democrats is giving hope to supporters of a bill to create a new advocate for residential ratepayers.
A federal judge tossed the U.S. Department of Justice’s mortgage fraud case against New York Attorney General Letitia James but it likely isn’t over.
And NYRA is asking lawmakers to carve horse racing into mobile sports betting.
And NYRA is asking lawmakers to carve horse racing into mobile sports betting.
Tish James escapes DOJ's case against her — for now
Plus: Elise Stefanik received a big endorsement Monday and Hochul signed 70 bills.
bit.ly
November 24, 2025 at 8:36 PM
A federal judge tossed the U.S. Department of Justice’s mortgage fraud case against New York Attorney General Letitia James but it likely isn’t over.
And NYRA is asking lawmakers to carve horse racing into mobile sports betting.
And NYRA is asking lawmakers to carve horse racing into mobile sports betting.
Some, including western New York Democrats concerned over the impacts of the electric building mandate, say the Gov. Kathy Hochul is deftly responding to emerging concerns about the viability of the electric grid and specter of inflation.
Whether implementing or slowing green energy mandates, Hochul cites affordability
Electric building and cap-and-trade program face different kinds of pauses amid legal battles and concern over grid reliability.
bit.ly
November 24, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Some, including western New York Democrats concerned over the impacts of the electric building mandate, say the Gov. Kathy Hochul is deftly responding to emerging concerns about the viability of the electric grid and specter of inflation.
ICYMI: There's much more to CapCon than the lead story.
New York’s ethics agency finally closed its sexual harassment probe into Jeff Klein, the former IDC leader in the state Senate.
And Attorney General Letitia James now has a second Republican challenger as she heads into reelection in 2026.
New York’s ethics agency finally closed its sexual harassment probe into Jeff Klein, the former IDC leader in the state Senate.
And Attorney General Letitia James now has a second Republican challenger as she heads into reelection in 2026.
Trump says Mamdani will be 'a really great mayor' of New York City (Yes, really)
After meeting at the White House, Trump and Mamdani had nice things to say about each other.
bit.ly
November 24, 2025 at 2:06 PM
ICYMI: There's much more to CapCon than the lead story.
New York’s ethics agency finally closed its sexual harassment probe into Jeff Klein, the former IDC leader in the state Senate.
And Attorney General Letitia James now has a second Republican challenger as she heads into reelection in 2026.
New York’s ethics agency finally closed its sexual harassment probe into Jeff Klein, the former IDC leader in the state Senate.
And Attorney General Letitia James now has a second Republican challenger as she heads into reelection in 2026.
After meeting at the White House, Trump and Mamdani had nice things to say about each other.
Trump says Mamdani will be 'a really great mayor' of New York City (Yes, really)
After meeting at the White House, Trump and Mamdani had nice things to say about each other.
bit.ly
November 21, 2025 at 10:00 PM
After meeting at the White House, Trump and Mamdani had nice things to say about each other.
ICYMI: There's much more to CapCon than the lead story.
A Republican candidate for state comptroller has emerged, the first Republican has filed to run for Stefanik’s seat in Congress, and a state lawmaker wants Hochul to use state funds to pay for HEAP.
A Republican candidate for state comptroller has emerged, the first Republican has filed to run for Stefanik’s seat in Congress, and a state lawmaker wants Hochul to use state funds to pay for HEAP.
New York's top court rejects challenge to Voting Rights Act
And now introducing: Capitol Confidential Pro. More details inside.
bit.ly
November 21, 2025 at 6:50 PM
ICYMI: There's much more to CapCon than the lead story.
A Republican candidate for state comptroller has emerged, the first Republican has filed to run for Stefanik’s seat in Congress, and a state lawmaker wants Hochul to use state funds to pay for HEAP.
A Republican candidate for state comptroller has emerged, the first Republican has filed to run for Stefanik’s seat in Congress, and a state lawmaker wants Hochul to use state funds to pay for HEAP.
And now introducing: Capitol Confidential Pro. More details inside.
New York's top court rejects challenge to Voting Rights Act
And now introducing: Capitol Confidential Pro. More details inside.
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 9:29 PM
And now introducing: Capitol Confidential Pro. More details inside.
Big day! We just launched Capitol Confidential Pro — a new collaboration between Hearst Newspapers and USLege that pairs real journalism with real-time legislative intelligence.
For anyone tracking state politics or government affairs, it’s a total game changer.
#HearstNewspapers #GovTech
For anyone tracking state politics or government affairs, it’s a total game changer.
#HearstNewspapers #GovTech
New York Legislative Intelligence | Capitol Confidential Pro + USLege
Stay ahead in New York politics with Capitol Confidential Pro and USLege. Get real time legislative tracking, insider reporting, live video, transcripts and instant alerts.
bit.ly
November 20, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Big day! We just launched Capitol Confidential Pro — a new collaboration between Hearst Newspapers and USLege that pairs real journalism with real-time legislative intelligence.
For anyone tracking state politics or government affairs, it’s a total game changer.
#HearstNewspapers #GovTech
For anyone tracking state politics or government affairs, it’s a total game changer.
#HearstNewspapers #GovTech