Labor
Policy
Unemployed New Yorkers still can’t get through to the Department of Labor
The problem persists despite $193 million in contracts to address it.
Health Care
Policy
After de Blasio, will NYC’s mental health thrive?
The outgoing mayor’s signature initiative was much-criticized, and the pandemic has exacerbated psychiatric problems.
Energy & Environment
Policy
Legislative progress on climate change divides political left
Groups like the New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America say Albany Democrats are not doing enough to promote renewable energy.
Energy & Environment
Policy
Inside the chemical lobby’s unusual campaign to protect the fire retardant business
Lobbyists planted stories in local media outlets with quotes from a tenant organizer who never spoke to them.
New York State
Policy
Savino to introduce bill allowing gig workers to unionize
While some lawmakers approve of the compromise legislation, there’s not much time left in the session to pass it.
Budget
Policy
Police funding returns as issue in NYC budget
The mayor doesn’t propose more cuts to the NYPD, but police reform activists still want them.
Budget
Policy
Legislation to watch in the final weeks of the 2021 session
A dozen outstanding bills remain on criminal justice reforms, single-payer health care and more.
Energy & Environment
Policy
New York carbon tax proposal fizzles
The Assembly sponsor of the Climate and Community Investment Act says another year or so is needed to rally support.
Budget
Policy
De Blasio spending big on NYC’s recovery
But will the city’s coffers be empty for the mayor’s successor?
New York State
Policy
Can New York state force people to get COVID-19 vaccines?
The answer depends on a number of factors.
Health Care
Policy
Should NY relax its mask mandate?
Public health experts and epidemiologists are concerned that doing so could lead to a spike in COVID-19 cases.
Transportation
Policy
So when will NYC have congestion pricing?
Biden’s approval of an environmental assessment is a shortcut on the long road to completing the toll project.
New York City
Policy
How NYC can protect residents from extreme heat
Air conditioning is a lifeline, and it’s expensive. There are policies that can help.
Energy & Environment
Policy
Achieving New York’s climate goals will be massively challenging
From retrofitting buildings to finding land for renewable energy projects, the state is in for a few decades of really hard work.
Labor
Policy
When union endorsements matter, and when they don’t
In 2021, the smaller the race, the bigger the bounce from organized labor’s backing.
Criminal Justice
Policy
The police are watching you, and some lawmakers aren’t happy about it
Concerns about police surveillance hardly begin and end with “digidog.”
New York City
Policy
Is NY reopening too quickly?
It all depends on how well the city can adhere to COVID-19 restrictions.
Education
Policy
How did New York colleges use federal coronavirus relief money?
Some schools cut tuition and others reimbursed students for on-campus housing.
New York City
Policy