Gov. Kathy Hochul will make an announcement Thursday about the NYS budget and investments to make the subway system safer.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is outlining the investments in the state budget to make the subways safer. A passenger's mobile device was lodged in a seat and caused "an electrical smell," prompting an emergency landing to remove it.

Subway safety is a big chunk of New York’s tentative $254 billion FY2026 budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Thursday, marking a critical move that comes at a time of increased concern after a recent spate of high-profile crimes on the rails.

It looks like New York will become the next state to ban cellphone use during the school day, calling it a negative distraction for kids.

Gov. Kathy Hochul argued that the “bell-to-bell” ban — which restricts the devices during class, lunch and other parts of school — would help prevent disruption and cyberbullying.

New York will ban the use of smartphones and other internet-enabled devices (like smartwatches) during school hours, as the state aims to shield students from addictive technology and improve their mental health.