New York City
Policy
Council passes bills to regulate protests outside schools and houses of worship
There was veto-proof support for the bill pertaining to churches and less support for restricting protests at schools.
Immigration
Policy
The Mayor’s Office of Immigration Affairs is 5 people. Amid ICE crackdown, some NYC officials want more
Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Faiza Ali testified before the New York City Council Immigration Committee on Wednesday, where she fielded calls for a bigger agency.
Budget
Policy
Soliman faces the council
The director of the Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget insisted he dislikes the idea of raising property taxes during an hourslong grilling before the City Council Finance Committee.
Policy
Policy
NYC Council members to Hochul: Tax the rich (corporations)
Progressive New York City Council members are backing the state Legislature’s push to raise the city’s corporate tax rate.
Ethics
Politics
New York City moves to dismiss Paladino’s free speech lawsuit
The City Council member faces potential consequences for a series of Islamophobic statements on X.
News & Politics
Politics
Judge rules that Rafael Rubio, council staffer detained by ICE, should be sent to Venezuela
The outcome was unwelcome news for Rubio’s many powerful allies and advocates. It came as others were released from federal immigration custody.
New York City
Politics
Jessica Tisch isn’t too worried about scrapped plans to hire 5,000 more cops
The NYPD commissioner stayed aligned with Mayor Zohran Mamdani during the City Council’s preliminary budget hearing.
Real Estate
Policy
‘Mr. Mayor, I would choose you as an adversary any day of the week.’ Some Council members are readying for latest rental voucher fight
Advocates and some City Council members say expanding CityFHEPS housing assistance is key to preventing homelessness. Budget watchdogs warn it’s unsustainable.
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
Linda Lee is not like other finance chairs
The former social worker isn’t a politico by nature, but the New York City Council member is ready for the Mamdani era.
News & Politics
Politics
Amid ethics probe over Islamophobic tweets, Vickie Paladino is likely suing too early, experts say
She’s arguing her posts are protected from council discipline by the First Amendment, but, as one legal expert put it, “you can’t sue before there’s a definitive action.” Her lawyer says she shouldn’t have to go through an "unconstitutional process.”
Budget
Policy
Council: Mamdani doesn’t need to tap rainy day reserve to close FY26 budget gap
The New York City Council’s preliminary budget hearings will start Wednesday.
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
NYC Council Oversight Committee to review compliance with sanctuary city laws
And Oversight Committee Chair Shekar Krishnan wants the committee to have actual teeth.
News & Politics
Politics
Vickie Paladino charged by ethics committee
The Republican New York City Council member will have a chance to defend her X posts calling to expel Muslims from western nations and similar Islamophobic comments.
New York City Council
Policy
Mamdani admin says nil on World Cup plans
The New York City Council probed City Hall's preparation for the soccer tournament kicking off in a few months.
New York City
Politics
Who is Rafael Rubio, the NYC Council staffer still being held by ICE?
The City Council employee detained in January has shown how vulnerable New York City’s immigrants can be – even those with documentation and powerful allies.
New York City Council
Politics
At hearing, Menin gets mixed feedback on her protest barrier bill
The council speaker tweaked the legislation that originally sought to keep protesters 100 feet away from houses of worship.
New York City Council
Personality
Julie Menin always gets her way
The New York City Council speaker wants to get stuff done again on the other side of City Hall.
Julie Menin
Personality
Julie Menin’s path to power
The New York City Council speaker worked in private practice and at various city agencies before elected office.
Budget
Policy
More money, still problems for Mamdani’s first budget
The New York City mayor announced new state aid ahead of releasing his preliminary budget, but he’s facing a delicate dance with partners in government.
Heard Around Town
Politics