Just as Andrew Cuomo was getting ready to take the stage at today's State of the State speech, word came out of more confusion in the State Senate. We aren't in the midst of another coup, but four state senators have decided to leave the Democratic conference. The change won't be as dramatic as last time—the Republicans control ain't going anywhere—but it does give the troubled state party another headache to worry over. more ›

When we reported on the State Assembly's proposal to add another dollar tax onto cigarettes, making New York's tax the highest state in the land, some wondered, "Why the F can't politicians stand up to the beverage companies and tax soda a meager $.10?" But standing up doesn't really pay in Albany, where you can just keep your seat by taking big campaign contributions from lobbyists. Today the Daily News looks at how the soda tax sausage got unmade, thanks in no small part to State Senator Jeffrey Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester). more ›

With attempts by the Republicans in the state senate to hold a legislative session continuing to go nowhere, a bipartisan group of senators met behind closed doors today in an attempt to get through the impasse they have found themselves in. That too proved futile. more ›