Governor Hochul presented her State of the State address last week. The State of the State is an effort by governors to set the policy priorities of the upcoming legislative session. Usually, the speech focuses on topics that are sure to resonate with the voting public and with this year being one in which the governor faces the voters, it did not disappoint.

What you buy these days seems increasingly to be a reflection of your politics. At least, that’s what we learn in a report from Columbia University Business School research, which cites the polarization that has followed Donald Trump’s first election.

It’s no secret that January and February are the slowest months for the entertainment industry. Between weather, post-holiday blues and lethargy people have plenty of reasons to stay home.

This year’s Christmas tree didn’t survive as long as those in years past. What we’ve discovered is that tying them to the roof of the car and careening for a couple of hours down the Taconic State Parkway — a trauma-inducing ride under any circumstances — isn’t good for the sprig’s psychological or physical health.

Across New York, our public schools share a common problem hiding in plain sight: they are old. Very old.

Hudson Valley-based Afrobeat group Armo brings its Fela Kuti-derived party music to Barrington Hall at Crissey Farm in Great Barrington, Mass., tonight at 7:30 p.m.

In a week when the news felt unbearable, I found myself clinging to something seemingly small and yet luminous: rooting for American figure skater Max Naumov to make the U.S. Olympic team.

Everyone love an upset. Well, everyone but the fans of the team that was supposed to win. But generally speaking, in sports, David over Goliath is as time tested as any sports narrative there is, with all due respect to Rags to Riches and Overcoming Adversity.

Have you ever had a question that you wanted to answer about your government or your community where data might help you answer the question? You’re contemplating “how bad is the City’s crime rate, is it increasing or decreasing?”, “Are streets getting safer for pedestrians?”, “Is our Town in a better financial position than 5 years ago?”

Reporting to New Yorkers on the “State of the State” is a job requirement for every governor. The state Constitution commands that “The governor shall communicate by message to the legislature at every session the condition of the state and recommend such matters to it as he or she shall judge expedient.”