Budget
Policy
What Cuomo’s 2021 proposed Medicaid cost-shift on localities could mean
Possible cuts to home health services, and NYC is especially vulnerable under formula that includes property tax cap.
Technology
Policy
James loses bid to block Sprint/T-Mobile merger
A U.S. District Judge gave the go-ahead to the Spring and T-Mobile merger.
Energy & Environment
Policy
Everyone’s got a problem with the plastic bag ban
Environmentalists say new rules are too permissive and the plastics industry says they are too restrictive.
Criminal Justice
Policy
The Democrats working to reform bail reform
A working group of state senators is under pressure to rethink criminal justice – again – or risk electoral defeat.
Technology
Policy
Talking tech and urban challenges with New Lab’s Shaun Stewart
First Read Tech talks to CEO of New Lab, Shaun Stewart.
Criminal Justice
Policy
What to know about New York’s new discovery laws
Bail wasn’t the only major criminal justice reform passed in 2019
Housing
Policy
Some real estate brokers aren’t following new rent regulations
Multiple tenants have reported that brokers are still trying to charge them considerable fees.
Technology
Policy
Clearview AI lands in Big Tech’s crosshairs
The New York-based start up is receiving demands to stop using data from other platforms.
New York State
Policy
Should sex workers still end up in handcuffs?
New York lawmakers are reevaluating the labor of lust.
New York City
Policy
#OscarsSoNewYork, but should they be?
Seven Academy Award-nominated films qualified for a controversial tax credit that Cuomo wants to extend.
Technology
Policy
De Blasio’s developing a penchant for electric vehicles
In his State of the City de Blasio introduced his plan to turn city vehicles electric
Housing
Policy
Broker’s fees have been eliminated, thanks to new rent reforms
While renters rejoice, the real estate industry fears the worst.
MTA
Policy
New York City’s microtransit experiment
A proposed pilot would use fees from a fee on ride-hail apps to fund late-night ride-hail service in outer boroughs.
Transportation
Policy
NY City Council may require truck underride guards
They could save pedestrian and cyclist lives, but industry fears costs.
Technology
Policy
Albany sheriff doesn't want gig workers classified as employees
The debate over whether Uber drivers and Postmates delivery cyclists should be classified as employees or independent contractors is now in full swing.
Campaigns & Elections
Policy
An app screwed up Iowa’s caucuses. Could the same happen in New York?
New York doesn’t use an app, but its voting technology has had its own problems in the past.
Technology
Policy
Talking algorithms with Jeff Thamkittikasem
First Read Tech talks to the director of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Operations, and acting Algorithms Management and Policy Officer for the city.
Small Business
Policy
A balancing act in Brooklyn
Brooklyn business improvement districts want to grow their neighborhoods - without spurring gentrification.
New York City
Policy
Get to know Brooklyn's Business Improvement Districts
A rundown of BIDs in Brooklyn and what they're doing.
New York State
Policy