Austin C. Jefferson

Before becoming Albany Bureau Chief in late 2025, Austin C. Jefferson was a state politics reporter for City & State NY, covering state government, elections and major legislative debates. His reporting has also appeared in the Daily Freeman, Chronogram Magazine and The Legislative Gazette. Having grown up in the Hudson Valley, he’s always happy to argue about where Upstate New York truly begins.
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Friday Headlines: Trouble On The Horizon Edition
New York is seemingly all spin and fear these days. Plus other news.
Assembly To Discuss E-Bike Regulations In Wake of NJ Restrictions
Lawmakers appear ready to regulate e-bikes amid concerns that they are looking at the wrong solution and knee-capping the industry
Heastie Undecided On Gov. Hochul’s Uber-Backed Push to Lower Car Insurance Rates
The Assembly Speaker is definitely not sold on Gov. Hochul's effort to reduce car insurance costs by lowing payouts to victims.
Wednesday Headlines: ‘Well, With That Attitude’ Edition
Is affordable car insurance going to cost New York's pedestrians their bones? Plus other news.
UPDATE: Route 17 Widening is Not Really Paused But Actually Happening
Route 17 could be headed down a dark path if recent signs are to be believed.
Tuesday Headlines: Budget Deets Edition
It's budget season, so let's start the calls to tax the rich. Plus other news.
Friday Headlines: The State Has Its Own Agenda Edition
A gruesome scene in Syracuse and our state Comptroller is looking for his seat.
Thursday Headlines: Legalese And Funding Freeze Edition
Lawyers and pedestrians are calling foul on the governor's car insurance premium proposals and upstate transit needs more dough. Plus other news.
Wednesday Headlines: Open Questions And Missed Opportunities Edition
An up and down election year state of the state and Mamdani hits his old stomping grounds. Plus other news.
Not So Fast: Advocates Aren’t Sold on Gov. Hochul’s AV Push
"There is no evidence that autonomous vehicles help us achieve our goals to make our state or city’s streets more people-centered," one group said.









