New York City
Policy
New Yorkers are scrambling for public restroom access with limited availability
While a new bill would require city departments to identify a new restroom location in every ZIP code, it stops short from ordering their completion.
New York State
Policy
New York lawmakers address abortion, gun restrictions during sleep-deprived extraordinary session
The Legislature took steps toward amending the state constitution to protect abortion rights and enacting adjusted gun restrictions after two pivotal Supreme Court rulings.
Policy
Policy
Finger Lakes cryptomining operation is inconsistent with climate law, state finds
Citing “tripled facility emissions,” the state Department of Environmental Conservation denied an air permit renewal for Greenidge Generation, a former coal plant near Seneca Lake.
Gun Control
Policy
As gun laws change in New York, enforcement agencies expect chaos
Police in New York are seeing a surge in requests from gun owners for concealed carry permission following the Supreme Court ruling, but new laws from the state Legislature will likely complicate the process.
Education
Policy
On determining NYC class sizes, all eyes turn to Hochul
The state Legislature voted to reduce class sizes to the mayor’s chagrin, and now the governor is facing pressure on all sides.
Policy
Policy
Supporters of noncitizen voting vow to appeal state Supreme Court ruling
After a Staten Island judge ruled that the New York City law violated the state Constitution, advocates remain hopeful.
Criminal Justice
Policy
Nearly 70% of detainees at Rikers women’s jail can be safely released: advocates
Criminal justice advocates and experts called on the city to study how it can free women and gender-expansive people housed at the Rose M. Singer Center following the death of inmate Mary Yehudah in May.
News & Politics
Policy
Another Staten Island secession task force bill, really?
New York City Council Member Joe Borelli wants to explore making the borough a city again after his last attempt failed.
Housing
Policy
Can Adams’ citywide affordable housing plan finally tear down the NIMBY wall?
When deeply affordable housing is proposed for neighborhoods other than the poorest, locals shout it down. Is the city ready to plow over the outrage?
Policy
New York City Council members blame Department of Education for budget mismanagement after cutting funding
New York City Council members said the Department of Education failed to anticipate cuts in line with declining enrollment, leaving principals “surprised” by dwindling budgets.
Gun Control
Policy
Supreme Court strikes down New York’s concealed carry law
The court ruled in favor of two upstate men who argued the state’s restrictions on who can carry a gun outside their home infringed upon their Second Amendment rights.
Housing
Policy
Why are rent stabilized tenants getting rent hikes?
New York City has a housing affordability crisis. So why are 2 million rent stabilized tenants getting a rent increase?
Criminal Justice
Policy
Eric Adams claims progress at Rikers despite several recent detainee deaths
Attorneys for one of the men who died called the mayor’s announcement “irresponsible and callous.”
New York City
Policy
Chaos at Rikers is partly due to COVID-19 quarantines
So why is the complex quarantining people for longer than the CDC recommends?
NYPD
Policy
Was the NYPD budget increased this year? Yes – but it’s complicated.
New York City plans to spend $5.53 billion on police this year. Here’s what’s changed.
New York City
Policy
Adams offers comprehensive affordable housing plan
The New York City mayor’s approach includes solutions for homelessness, promotes home ownership and improves support for NYCHA, but is short on metrics and numerical goals.
New York City
Policy
Federal takeover of Rikers Island is off the table, for now, judge says
Southern District Judge Laura Taylor Swain approved the city’s plan to reform Rikers in an order filed Tuesday.
Policy
Policy
Adrienne Adams’ City Council passes its first budget
The $101.1 billion spending plan was approved late at night, with some opposition – and possible retribution.
New York City
Policy
New York City’s FY 2023 budget by the numbers
Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Mayor Eric Adams announced the early deal on Friday.
New York City
Policy