Albany Agenda

Policy

Brouk rolls out doula care proposals

A new report from the state senator recommends how best to support the nonclinical professionals who have been key to improving childbirth outcomes, especially for women of color.

Rikers Island

Policy

What would receivership look like for Rikers Island?

Here are the options a judge has for stripping New York City of its control of the dysfunctional jail complex.

Heard Around Town

Policy

NYPD doesn’t need to be more detailed in tech transparency, official says

“I'm more concerned about public safety and keeping people safe and being true to the spirit of the law,” Ruben Beltran said, when asked about criticisms of POST Act compliance.

Education

Policy

City & State’s Education in New York Summit brings light to resource disparities across the state

The event attended by government leaders and educators revealed obstacles to equity and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

MTA

Policy

Congestion pricing still has skeptics in the City Council

Many elected officials acknowledge the benefits of congestion pricing, but still have questions about the MTA’s implementation of the historic program.

Heard Around Town

Policy

NYC outdoor dining permits won’t generate much revenue, deputy mayor says

Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi said that the new pay-by-square-foot permit system for outdoor dining setups won’t generate much revenue for the city, despite charging up to $31 per square foot.

Heard Around Town

Policy

25 pols call for taxis, app-based drivers to be exempt from congestion pricing

In a letter to the Traffic Mobility Review Board, the electeds said taxi and for-hire vehicle drivers shouldn’t be burdened with extra fees.

Housing

Policy

Could New York City’s right to shelter apply statewide?

Some advocates and elected officials argue that the state constitution requires all localities, not just New York City, to provide shelter to anyone who needs it.

Policy

Policy

After PR stunts, damning reports and a new lawsuit, judge sets stage for potential federal takeover of Rikers next year

Federal judge Laura Taylor Swain is losing patience with the city Department of Correction, which has now come under fire from the court-appointed federal monitor, Legal Aid Society, federal prosecutors, city comptroller and Board of Correction.

New York City

Policy

New York City Council members probe shelter limits for asylum-seekers

At a hearing Thursday, Adams administration officials said many people are ready to make an “exit strategy” within the 60-day cap.

Policy

Policy

Eric Adams’ ‘record-breaking’ year for affordable housing has some caveats

New affordable housing starts saw significant growth in the last fiscal year, but the financing of affordable units is still lower than in recent years under de Blasio.

Policy

Policy

Is New York ready to legalize supervised injection sites?

Two sites in New York have saved hundreds of lives, but stigma and lack of buy-in from the governor might prevent expansion.

Campaigns & Elections

Policy

State Board of Elections approves controversial electronic voting machines

In a 3-1 vote, the ExpressVoteXL machines were certified by the state, but one commissioner predicted lawsuits to follow.

Policy

Policy

Adams, Hochul, James announce $485 million gun violence prevention plan

The “Blueprint for Community Safety” was written by the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force.

Policy

Policy

New York BOE expected to vote on the use of highly controversial electronic voting machines

Watchdogs have raised concerns about the machines’ vulnerability to glitches and hacks and say paper ballots are still the most secure.

Immigration

Policy

Amid heat wave, at least one shelter for asylum-seekers lacks air conditioning

NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said the city limits the age of residents of a Harlem shelter that doesn’t have air conditioning.