Policy
Policy
Dying man’s cries for help at Rikers Island went unheeded, fellow detainees say
Two people in the same unit recalled how jail guards failed to respond to Donny Ubiera’s fight for his life.
Disability
Policy
Report: Just a third of NYC schools are ADA compliant
People with physical disabilities are unable to access a single classroom at 40% of schools.
Policy
Policy
Rosie Perez and cat-loving influencer Jackson Galaxy join Brooklyn electeds in effort to reduce the borough's feral cat population
The celebrities helped City Council Members Justin Brannan and Farah Louis highlight a new nonprofit veterinary clinic offering affordable spaying and neutering for kitties.
Heard Around Town
Policy
Hochul’s favorability and job ratings sink to new low in latest Siena poll
Concerns over the ongoing migrant crisis are weighing down on the governor.
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.
Health Care
Policy
New York City retirees score major victory in Medicare Advantage fight
A judge blocked a planned switch of their health benefits after months of acrimony.
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.
Immigration
Policy
Hochul is under pressure to help with migrants. What about the state Legislature?
New York legislative leaders have been relatively quiet about the crisis.
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.
Policy
Policy
NYC Council passes compromise outdoor dining program
The pandemic-era program will become permanent, but with some changes.
Campaigns & Elections
Policy