Ian Pickus / WAMC

The New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) wants the state to include wine, spirits, hard cider, and other non-carbonated beverages in the bottle deposit program while doubling the deposit from 5 to 10 cents.

Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick will be special prosecutor for the Marcy Prison death of Robert Brooks. Attorney General Leticia James recused herself to avoid conflict of interest claims.

Nearly 80% of New Yorkers are optimistic about the future, though 90% worry about politics and global issues, according to a June Siena College poll.

The New York State Democratic Party plans to spend $5 million this fall on a coordinated campaign to flip five Congressional districts, including Onondaga County’s, while also protecting two swing seats.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli's new audit highlights inadequate planning, monitoring, and assessment by state agencies in meeting New York's clean energy goals. He urges stronger actions and more accurate reporting to achieve 70% renewable electricity by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2040.

Tom DiNapoli's report finds nearly three million New Yorkers face housing costs that absorb about a third of their household income.

State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli responded to Gov. Kathy Hochul's $227 billion budget plan last week, approving of increased reserves but warning against other spending and debt issues with the proposal.

Jay Jacobs, leader of the New York State Democratic Party, says the odds are looking in the Democrat's favor for the upcoming midterm election, yet only slightly.

While many New Yorkers approve of Hochul's performance, a good portion of those surveyed feel her three weeks on the job are too few to judge.