Policy

Policy

No, New York wasn’t the anti-slavery hero you thought it was

In light of the state Legislature passing a bill to create a reparations commission, a look back at history shows that the state has a lot of wrongs to make right for Black New Yorkers.

NYPD

Policy

Under Adams and Sewell, advocates allege rollback in police accountability

The city’s police watchdog said that Sewell has disagreed with or declined to pursue their recommended discipline for substantiated complaints of misconduct in most cases.

New York City

Policy

City Council considers bills to alleviate the harms of slavery

From the removal of artwork to reparations, this legislative package also addresses the lingering impacts of systemic racism.

Campaign Confidential

Policy

How legislators changed election law, from busier ballots to early payouts

Lawmakers made a ton of changes in the final days of the legislative session – and now some local elections might be moved.

2023 session wrap-up

Personality

Poll: City & State readers predicted Clean Slate would pass by end of session

Our latest unscientific survey reveals what policies were most likely to pass before lawmakers were to come home for the summer.

2023 session wrap-up

Policy

Legislative session not over until the Assembly says so

Assembly lawmakers are expected to return soon to consider a slew of prominent bills, including Sammy’s Law, a bill challenging wrongful convictions and a gaming deal with the Seneca Nation.

2023 session wrap-up

Policy

State lawmakers debate late into the night at session end

The legislature passed a series of bills Thursday night, from a bill to form a commission to study reparations in the state to a bill to seal criminal records after a certain amount of time.

Opinion

Opinion

Opinion: New York must say no to social media surveillance

With just three words – “Accept friend request” – covert cops can surveil your most private and unfiltered communications, putting youth of color at risk.

Policy

Policy

NYC DAs tell Legislature to address deed theft before session end

Homeowners across the state have been impacted by deed theft. State Attorney General Letitia James and state lawmakers have crafted two bills to address the issue head-on.

Opinion

Opinion

Opinion: Albany must step up for essential retail workers

A package of bills designed to protect and empower employees at stores throughout our community should pass before the end of this legislative session.

Kathy Hochul

Policy

Hochul remains tight-lipped on her plans for the revised Grieving Families Act

Just five months ago, the governor vetoed the popular bill to update the state’s wrongful death laws. Lawmakers have passed a new version they say addresses the governor’s concerns.

Policy

Politics

Eric Adams, NYC health officials warn of poor air quality risks

New York City health and emergency officials urged all New Yorkers– especially those with underlying medical conditions – to limit outdoor activities.

2023 session wrap-up

Policy

Things to look out for as legislative session closes out

From sealing criminal records to parole and campaign finance law, state lawmakers have several legislative issues to tackle before heading to their districts for the rest of the year.

2023 session wrap-up

Policy

With new bill, Clean Slate looks closer than ever to becoming law

State leaders say they’ve reached a three-way deal on sealing people’s criminal records after a multi-year period.

Criminal Justice

Policy

Rap Music on Trial bill would stop prosecutors from citing irrelevant lyrics in court

The bill addresses the increasingly common practice of prosecutors using defendants’ rap songs to harm their character.

2023 session wrap-up

Policy

40 government reform groups decry proposed tweaks to NY campaign finance law

In a letter to legislative leaders, the watchdogs said the changes undermine the much celebrated campaign finance reforms passed in 2019.