Heard Around Town
Policy
After banning ChatGPT, NYC Schools consider how to use it
Schools Chancellor David Banks said the DOE is looking for the right “guardrails.”
Policy
Policy
Lawmakers and advocates say state’s plan to address New York City’s migrant crisis won’t cut it
The governor’s support has been labeled as “insufficient,” amid calls for greater advocacy and public statements from the Legislature.
Policy
Policy
Repealing the public sector vaccine requirement, New York City leaves COVID-19 mandates behind
The end of the city’s public sector vaccine mandate comes as the federal government prepares a major pandemic policy shift of its own.
Immigration
Policy
Unions back bill to give immigrants legal representation in New York
The Access to Representation Act would help people facing deportation if they fall below a certain income level.
Energy & Environment
Policy
Hochul’s budget proposes taking action on climate
Charging polluters, banning natural gas in new buildings and building up public renewable energy supply are all actions the governor wants to take to promote New York’s energy transition.
Heard Around Town
Policy
‘We just have to do better.’ NYC Council speaker criticizes mayor on migrant ‘standoff’
Adrienne Adams said that while the mayor’s calls for more funding are important, he needs to make policy changes too.
Kathy Hochul
Policy
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s 2024 budget proposal, by the numbers
The governor proposed the largest state spending plan in history in her second executive budget while upholding her promise not to increase income taxes.
Kathy Hochul
Policy
Takeaways from Hochul’s state budget proposal
The governor unveiled a plan to increase education spending and address MTA fiscal woes and New York City’s migrant influx.
Policy
Policy
City blames staffing shortages for slow delivery of food stamps
The timely processing rate for SNAP applications continued to plummet in the first four months of fiscal year 2023.
Infrastructure
Policy
Biden touts $300 million grant for 'critical first phase' of Gateway Hudson River tunnel
The funding, however, will only go towards a sliver of the work that’s needed for the $16.1 billion project, which is set for completion in 2038.
Policy
Politics
NY lawmakers argue over crime data in hourslong hearing
There was a fair bit of subtweeting the New York Post.
Interviews & Profiles
Personality
5 Borough Housing Movement forms to support reshaping Midtown
A Q&A with Executive Director John Sanchez
Eric Adams
Policy
5 takeaways from Eric Adams’ State of the City
The New York City mayor laid out his “Working People’s Agenda” for 2023 at a theater in Queens on Thursday.
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