Policy
Policy
NY advocates want to do away with mandatory minimums
While bail reform, parole reform and the sealing of criminal records have been the main focus for years, advocates are hopeful the growing enthusiasm of sentencing reform will be fruitful this session.
Heard Around Town
Policy
NYC education department says admissions diversity pilot is working
A program to set aside spots at high-performing schools for underrepresented students should be expanded, city education leader says.
Policy
Policy
The quest to end legal protections for public employees in NY – and not just police
Repealing qualified immunity, an issue that most often comes up with employees of public schools, is a priority for some state Democratic lawmakers.
Heard Around Town
Politics
PBA President Pat Lynch is getting a challenge from Corey Grable
The longtime NYPD union president is being criticized for not reaching a contract deal and for endorsing Donald Trump.
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
How crypto can right the failures of the traditional financial system
Rep. Ritchie Torres, who represents the South Bronx – one of the poorest areas in the country – sees the digital asset as a plus for his community.
Housing
Policy
NYC’s basement apartment pilot draws only 5 participants
A program to bring some illegal basement apartments up to code has demonstrated the financial and regulatory hurdles to conversions – a setback for the mayor and governor’s housing agendas.
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
A look at how cryptocurrency benefits New York
John Olsen, New York state’s lead for the Blockchain Association, said it’s time to talk to policymakers about the “breadth and diversity of the industry, as opposed to just talking about bitcoin or bitcoin mining.”
Policy
Policy
‘That era is over.’ Hochul touts support for law enforcement
Riding the high of recent positive polling, the governor wants more money for police and more discretion for judges deciding whether to set bail.
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
Putting a pause on crypto in New York
Assembly Member Anna Kelles wants to study the industry during this break.
Technology
Policy
New York City embarks on creating an AI strategy
The Office of Technology and Innovation is hiring a director of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Energy & Environment
Policy
Hochul, lawmakers, activists agree: It’s time for all-electric buildings in NY
A bill to ban new gas hook-ups is getting a renewed push in Albany.
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
Is there still reason to hope that crypto can benefit New York?
In a Q&A, Assembly Member Clyde Vanel remains optimistic because the strong companies will survive this downturn.
Heard Around Town
Policy
NYC’s law to prevent artificial intelligence bias in hiring is in limbo
The implementation of the 2021 law has been delayed until April, while the city continues to consider how to define automated hiring tools and other draft rules.
Immigration
Policy
Amid “crisis,” Adams defends cruise terminal migrant shelter
The New York City mayor has grown increasingly fed up with criticism levied at his administration’s efforts to house asylum-seekers.
Energy & Environment
Policy
The uncertain fate of upstate’s most controversial bitcoin mining site
Greenidge Generation demonstrated a way to revive old upstate power plants.
Opinion
Opinion
Commentary: Hochul’s grandstanding isn’t doing Latinos any favors
At this point, there is no good outcome for the governor even if she rams her Court of Appeals nominee through the state Senate.
Policy
Policy
With tweaks, could Clean Slate have a chance in 2023?
New York lawmakers have been trying to pass legislation to seal old criminal records since 2020 – and this year they’ve made some concessions.
Budget
Policy
Eric Adams eliminates vacant job openings, by the numbers
More than 4,300 city positions were cut in the mayor’s latest financial plan.
Heard Around Town
Policy