Heard Around Town

Politics

Phil Banks quiet on rumored exit from Adams administration

The deputy mayor for public safety declined to comment on whether he would continue to serve in the role after this year.

Politics

Politics

George Santos expelled from Congress

The lying Long Island representative was ousted Friday, becoming only the sixth person in the nation’s history to be expelled.

Policy

Politics

New York’s top court upholds state gun laws – for now

The Court of Appeals rejected Second Amendment challenges to the state’s gun laws on procedural grounds, but both sides of the gun control debate expect more lawsuits to be filed.

2024 New York congressional battleground

Politics

Who’s running in NY-17 in 2024?

Incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Lawler is in national Democrats’ crosshairs, but he’s pulled off impressive victories more than once.

Policy

Politics

Hochul to abandon required construction mandates in ambitious housing plan

The governor is backing off the requirement in a policy which has had little legislative support, and as Democrats face competitive and consequential elections in 2024.

Adams probes

Politics

Brianna Suggs no longer fundraising for Eric Adams campaign

Suggs, whose home was raided as part of a federal investigation into Mayor Eric Adams’ 2021 campaign, will stay on the 2025 campaign in another role.

News & Politics

Politics

Eric Adams accused of 1993 sexual assault

The mayor denied knowing his accuser, who filed the lawsuit under the Adult Survivors Act on Nov. 22.

News & Politics

Politics

Will Latimer challenge Bowman? It may come down to redistricting.

If the Independent Redistricting Commission redraws the congressional district’s boundaries, Westchester County Executive George Latimer could have a tough time beating Rep. Jamaal Bowman.

News & Politics

Politics

Gotham Government Relations cuts ties with former Obama administration official caught harassing halal cart vendor

“By the way, I’ll represent the food vendor pro bono if he wants to bring a lawsuit,” Gotham Government Relations president David Schwartz said.

News & Politics

Politics

As federal takeover of Rikers Island looms, Mayor Eric Adams insists jails conditions are improving

The mayor credited outgoing DOC commissioner Louis Molina with moving things in “the right direction.”

Policy

Politics

Ask the experts: Are the Adams administration’s budget cuts necessary?

Experts weigh in on the state of the city’s financial crisis and explore how the city should be dealing with it.

Education

Politics

Report: More than 300K NYC students are in overcrowded classrooms

A UFT study found that 50% of schools with a high concentration of poverty that receive federal funds, have larger class sizes than state law currently limits.

Policy

Politics

Hochul announces attempt to address hate online amid rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia

The governor said she would put more resources toward social media surveillance on college campuses and pressure social media companies to curb hateful rhetoric.

Albany Agenda

Politics

Democratic socialists look to make inroads in the Bronx

The DSA plans to endorse challenges to incumbent Assembly Member Michael Benedetto in the East Bronx. They’re also eyeing seats in Queens and Central Brooklyn.

News & Politics

Politics

Public defender Eli Northrup announces Assembly run

Northrup jumped into the open primary for Assembly District 69 after incumbent Assembly Member Danny O’Donnell said he wouldn’t seek reelection.

Adams probes

Politics

Will Eric Adams survive the federal investigation into his campaign?

Previous mayors have emerged from federal inquiries relatively unscathed – but former prosecutors say the investigation into Adams seems particularly aggressive.

Politics

Politics

Claire Cousin wants to be part of the NY Legislature’s progressive bloc

The lefty challenger to Assembly Member Didi Barrett got the Working Families Party’s early backing – and she’s demanding to be taken seriously.

Politics

Politics

AOC, other progressives call on Columbia University to reinstate pro-Palestine groups

Members of Congress, state legislators and City Council members are asking the Ivy League university to reinstate Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, which were suspended following an unauthorized protest.