New York City

Policy

Why did Con Edison cut power in Brooklyn?

On Sunday evening, Con Edison took the somewhat extraordinary step of pre-emptively cutting power to 33,000 customers in Southeast Brooklyn. Here’s why the unusual decision was made, whether it might happen again, who is at risk in the future and if the utility will face any repercussions.

New York City

Policy

A new way for ride-hail drivers to fight back?

What would happen if drivers took advantage of an antitrust loophole and incorporated into a single entity?

New York State

Policy

New York’s drone conundrum

Groups like the New York Civil Liberties Union have raised red flags over surveillance and invasion of privacy concerns. 

New York City

Policy

Media turns Garner fury on de Blasio and O’Neill

Five takes on the federal decision not to press civil rights charges.

New York City

Policy

Ride-hail growth slows under new regulations

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a permanent extension of the FHV cap and new limits.

New York City

Policy

Inadequate traffic enforcement is undermining Vision Zero

After years of decline, New York City’s traffic deaths have ticked upwards so far this year and bicycle advocates point to misplaced priorities in the NYPD’s traffic enforcement as a leading culprit.

New York State

Policy

After blackout, can Cuomo kick Con Edison out?

Following Manhattan’s brief power outage over the weekend, Gov. Andrew Cuomo declared that if Con Edison “can be replaced.” Here’s what removing Con Ed from New York would entail.

New York City

Policy

Protesters hit Amazon over facial recognition, ICE ties

On Amazon's Prime Day, activists plan to deliver 250,000 petitions to CEO Jeff Bezos’ Fifth Avenue residence, calling on the company to cut its ties with ICE.

Andrew Cuomo

Policy

New York’s limited power to resist ICE raids

While New York’s elected officials have vowed to “fight back" against ICE’s planned immigration raids this weekend, their powers are mostly confined to “know your rights” campaigns, legal assistance and non-cooperation with ICE. Here’s what the city and state can and can’t do.

New York City

Policy

Amazon tax breaks debate continues

Several tech companies are expanding, or are rumored to be doing so, in New York City. 

New York State

Policy

Can the Green Light bill protect against facial recognition mining?

Reports revealed the FBI had been mining state driver’s license databases with facial recognition technology, prompting concerns about New York’s new Green Light law.

New York State

Policy

How much lead-contaminated water does NY let students drink?

It’s not just NYCHA that struggles with potential lead poisoning. Schools across New York state may also have lead contamination at levels experts consider unsafe, and now activists are calling for tightening the lead regulations and strengthening the testing and remediation rules.

New York City

Policy

Why the federal government could take Jeffrey Epstein’s Manhattan mansion

The federal government is seeking to seize Jeffrey Epstein’s Manhattan mansion. Here’s how criminal asset forfeiture can be applied in a sex trafficking case and what it means for the future of one New York City’s biggest homes.

New York State

Policy

Cuomo signed pay equity legislation – but does it guarantee equal pay?

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced his signing of “new pay equity legislation” on Wednesday morning, but fully ensuring that women and people of color get the same pay for the same work will be more complicated.

New York State

Policy

Trump’s blocking of critics ruled unconstitutional

A three-judge panel sitting at the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled unanimously that because Trump uses his Twitter account for government business, he can’t block other users because they have disagreed with or mocked him. 

New York City

Policy

City recommends tighter regulations for medallion lenders

The big question is: will a city bailout be approved to ease some drivers’ more immediate issues?

New York City

Policy

MTA ‘network communications issue’ halts subway service

The Fast Forward plan would modernize the subway system’s decades-old signaling system over the next 10 years.

New York State

Policy

New York bucks the national trend on immigration

As the federal government takes a hard-line stance on immigration, the Empire State opens its doors.