On Wednesday, September 14, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams held a virtual town hall meeting to discuss matters afflicting New Yorkers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting focused on several of New York City’s public safety issues, such as reopening schools, a spike in gun violence and the path that the […]
Policy
State begins new phase of artificial reef expansion off Long Island coast
Gov. Andrew Cuomo held a press conference Wednesday, Sept. 16 to launch the third year of the largest artificial reef expansion in state history. As a way to address the warning signs of climate change, while also bolstering tourism and recreational fishing, Gov. Cuomo launched the development of artificial reefs […]
Public spaces and cultural institutions sought for additional polling sites
As Election Day approaches in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many cultural institutions in New York City are being called upon to become polling sites to ensure that all New Yorkers can cast their ballot safely. Only a few institutions currently act as polling sites for both early and […]
New Albany County Clean Air Act considered toughest in the state
Albany County Executive Daniel McCoy signed Local Law B, enacting the Albany County Clean Air Act on Thursday, Sept. 10. The law bans industrial waste burning within the county and prohibits opening new waste incinerators. The ban includes the burning of aqueous film-forming foam at the Norlite facility in Cohoes […]
New COVID-19 ‘Report Card’ tracks infection rates in schools
On September 8, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a new COVID-19 “Report Card, an online dashboard for New York school districts to record and publicize up-to-date information on positive cases and testing protocols. Per Cuomo’s Executive Order, the dashboard will be updated daily and will provide the day and time at […]
Casinos re-open to smaller crowds, routine check-ins by the Gaming Commission
On Wednesday, September 9, casinos statewide reopened for the first time since their initial closure in March. They are currently subject to 25 percent capacity limits as well as strict COVID-19 safety standards. Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced last week that New York state would be allowing casinos to reopen with […]
Albany mayor concerned about the rise in COVID cases among UAlbany students
A sudden rise in COVID-19 cases at the University at Albany is concerning local officials. As of Sept. 14, there are an estimated 56 positive cases recorded at UAlbany. Out of those 56 cases, more than 30 were reported in the last five days. Many of the cases are being […]
NYC restaurateurs proceed with lawsuit despite plans to reinstate some indoor dining
Despite Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s move on Wednesday to partially reopen indoor dining in New York City, restaurateurs say they are moving forward with a planned lawsuit against the governor and Mayor Bill de Blasio until they are allowed to serve 50 percent capacity. Restaurant owners, and their allies in state […]