Policy
Labor
The worker shortages plaguing the public sector
There are a variety of reasons New York is struggling to maintain essential services.
New York State
Takeaways from New York’s (competing!) redistricting draft maps
Failing to find common ground, the Independent Redistricting Commission released different plans along partisan lines.
Housing
How do you make underground apartments safer? Many legislators and housing advocates say legalize them.
Though recent events have thrust the issue to the forefront, advocates have been working on the issue of expanding cellar and basement housing units for decades.
Marijuana
Industrial hemp promises sustainable solutions for New York, but will anyone buy in?
The industry in its “innovation stage” is eyeing Gov. Kathy Hochul for support.
Energy & Environment
Cornell’s ag program solves farmers’ toughest problems
The leading research institution also helps with workforce development and technological issues.
Energy & Environment
Will Kathy Hochul support a carbon tax?
Getting behind an effort that fell short last session could change the climate game in New York.
Policy
Hochul promised a ‘new era of transparency.’ Here’s what that would really take.
Under Cuomo, obtaining public records was often extremely difficult. Transparency advocates have a lot of ideas for reforming the process.
Technology
How New York is subsidizing Amazon
Local agencies across the state lure the retail giant to town using generous tax incentives.
Energy & Environment
How New York can prepare for flooding
A summer of extreme weather continued this week, as Hurricane Ida blew through the state, leading to at least 9 deaths in New York City.
Education
NYC schools and health officials push in-person learning, despite calls for remote option
Here are the key points for why kids are still returning to class, despite concerns members of the New York City Council had during an education committee hearing Wednesday.
Marijuana
Hochul’s pot picks get the thumbs up
Former Assembly Member Tremaine Wright and cannabis advocate Christoper Alexander will oversee the new state program
Housing
State lawmakers reach a deal to extend the eviction moratorium
Landlords and tenants both have reasons to like the proposed changes to a state housing relief program.
Transportation
The MTA isn’t budging on ending shared Access-A-Ride trips
Users want solo rides to resume because of the pandemic, but the MTA claims a driver shortage makes that impossible.
MagazineShow All
Education
NYC is moving almost 5000 school safety agents out of the NYPD. Will that help calm fears about policing in schools?
The city is working on completing the transition by June 2022, leaving the school safety agents under the oversight of the Department of Education.
Education
NYC schools gear up to handle students’ mental health needs
The city has hired more than 500 social workers and trained parents and staffers to support students after more than a year of remote learning.
Health Care
Calls for NY Hero Act’s implementation lack follow up
There has been no action on requests to Gov. Kathy Hochul to enact the law which aims to lessen the risks of coronavirus infection to frontline, essential workers.
Education
How students will rely on the vaccinated to stay safe
Most kids aren’t eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, which leaves their protection up to those around them.
Ethics
A new ethical zeitgeist hits Albany
Even JCOPE is doing something about holding public officials accountable.
Health Care
Living in isolation has saved – and harmed – New York’s seniors
Older adults were told to stay indoors during the pandemic, but that has had unintended consequences.
Policy
