Policy

Policy

Hochul lifts mask mandate on transit

The governor announced that masks are still encouraged, but no longer required on MTA trains and buses.

New York City

Policy

Union organizers gear up for negotiations with New York City Council leadership

After an initial meeting in May, the Association of Legislative Employees wants higher pay and overtime compensation.

New York City

Policy

A timeline of arsenic contamination at the Jacob Riis public housing complex

It’s still unclear when New York City Housing Authority officials knew of the water conditions and why they didn’t inform residents sooner.

New York City

Policy

NYC Council passes resolution calling on Mayor to restore education cuts

The council continues to pressure the mayor to reverse a reduction to the schools budget – nearly three months after approving that budget

Policy

Policy

Buffalo Starbucks workers say the company illegally fired them. Will a conservative federal judge agree?

A pending labor case in Western New York could tip the scales for the Starbucks union after a recent victory in Tennessee.

Policy

Policy

With inflation soaring, some lawmakers want to hike New York’s minimum wage rates next year

They also want to follow the lead of 16 states who annually index their minimum wage to inflation to keep up with the cost of living.

New York City

Policy

What has New York done to protect from storms in the year since Ida?

A year after the devastating storm, New York has taken some steps to introduce absorbent infrastructure, but major vulnerabilities like basement apartments remain an issue.

New York City

Policy

New York’s new concealed carry law is severely flawed, federal judge says

The Wednesday ruling allowed the new law to take effect, but reads like a blueprint for future court battles.

Heard Around Town

Policy

Amid pandemics, New York City considers a dedicated pandemic preparedness office

“We do not want to be caught flat-footed,” Council Member Gale Brewer said at Wednesday’s oversight hearing

Heard Around Town

Policy

Eric Adams said those complaining about budget cuts should “pray.” Religious leaders said that’s not enough.

Dozens of faith leaders and organizations sent the mayor an open letter calling on him to add more to the Education budget.

New York City

Policy

New York City electeds say conditions at Rikers are improving despite 12 deaths this year

Officials made yet another visit to the troubled jail complex this year amid threats of a federal takeover, noting it’s unlikely to close as planned by 2027.

New York City

Policy

New York City’s real estate subsidy program is dead. What should a revived version look like?

Should developers get a shorter tax exemption period? Be made to offer more deeply affordable units? These details will determine if the 421-a program reemerges.

New York City

Policy

Strategies for solving homelessness in New York City and across the U.S.

A look at how communities are making progress helping people who are homeless.

New York City

Policy

New York City Council ramps up pressure on mayor to restore school budget funding

Even though they also approved the cuts, the council held a hearing on Monday highlighting the impacts on teachers and students.

New York City

Policy

New York City’s plan for integrating asylum-seeker children into public schools

Potentially thousands of these new students could be entering schools in the fall, and the nation’s largest school system will be developing a curriculum to meet their needs

New York City

Policy

An estimated 6,300 asylum-seekers have entered NYC’s shelters

A lack of coordination with Texas, Arizona and the feds has created uncertainty about how many migrants will ultimately arrive in the city.

New York City

Policy

NYC schools chancellor talks about preparing students for the real world

At City & State’s Education Summit, David Banks laid out the legacy he hopes to leave behind in the country’s largest school system.

New York City

Policy

NYPD, other uniformed agency overtime spending is on the rise

Combined overtime spending at four New York City agencies hit a record high of $1.8 billion, according to a new report from the state comptroller.