The federal government sends states billions of dollars each year to improve and maintain their transportation systems. By default, 80 percent of that money is allocated to highways and 20 percent to mass transit. But that’s not set in stone: Governors can choose to shift up to half of their state’s highway funding to transit instead, a move known as “flexing” the funds. Transit advocates and climate groups have urged governors to make wider use of this power to boost mass transit and reduce the environmentally harmful effects of highway expansion and car use.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro did just that. $153 million in funds that were allocated to highways will now go to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority instead, placing the agency on firm footing until state politicians can work out a permanent funding solution next year.

Meanwhile in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to lower New York City’s maximum congestion pricing toll from $15 to $9 means that the state Metropolitan Transit Authority will likely slow down key upgrades and possibly pay more in interest on its loans, according to the state comptroller and independent experts.

New York’s top court, somewhat confusingly known as the Court of Appeals, meets just down the street from the state Capitol in Albany. From its stately Greek Revival building, the court issues rulings that are the final word on state law and the state constitution.

Here’s a short introduction to how the court works and who’s on it.

Workers, advocates, and unions have long alleged that home care agencies are systematically underpaying aides for grueling, around-the-clock work. Now, health aides are suing to hold the insurance companies accountable, too.