New York News & Current Events | Public News Service

A 2022 report found New York State has one school psychologist for every 648 students, one school social worker for every 773 students, and one school counselor for every 288 students, far exceeding recommended ratios. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

NY schools working to improve kids’ mental health

Schools in New York and nationwide continue to play an important role in bolstering kids' mental health. New York made a $1 billion investment in …

The final phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal includes a three- to five-year plan for rebuilding Gaza under international supervision. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, January 20, 2025

NY, U.S. groups cautiously optimistic about Israel-Hamas ceasefire

New York and nationwide groups are cautiously optimistic about the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal. Phase one involves a 42-day ceasefire and gradual …

Research from the University of Washington in 2023 found 39% of New York State households struggle to cover costs, although the federal Official Poverty Measure only recognizes 13% of the state's population as living in poverty. (Adobe Stock)

NY bill creates expansive working families tax credit

New York legislation could help working families in the state cope with rising prices. The Working Families Tax Credit would combine a patchwork of …

The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege Program faculty pay has increased 15% since 2017. However, the president and the school executive's salaries have risen 78% and 87%, respectively. (MSM Precollege Union)

NYC music school hits sour note in union contract negotiations

The faculty of a New York City music school is planning to strike after contract negotiations stalled. The Manhattan School of Music's Precollege …

Reports find enrollment in free preschool varies across New York State. There's far less access and local investment outside of New York City. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NYS needs real solutions to improve child care

Advocates for working families in New York say they want less talk and more action to improve child care in the state. Gov. Kathy Hochul has …

Despite the New York Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act's minimum benefits for disadvantaged communities, there is insufficient integration of this and other justice mandates of the law into energy transmission plans. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NYS grid transmission process must be more equitable

A new report found New York State needs a more equitable grid transmission process. The Energy Justice Law and Poverty Center report noted …

In 2015, New York passed a bill implementing reforms to the Port Authority. But because it is a dual state agency, and the bill did not pass in New Jersey, it never went into effect. (Adobe Stock)

NY/NJ bill reforming Port Authority may come back before lawmakers

A bill reforming the New York-New Jersey Port Authority is coming back before New York's Legislature. The reforms it would implement date back to …

A New York State Nurses Association report found the number of nurses leaving the workforce doubled nationally, from 40,000 to 80,000, between 2010 and 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Many NY hospitals not staffing enough nurses

Some New York hospitals are not adequately staffing nurses, according to a new report. The New York State Nurses Association report showed between …

New York's Climate Change Superfund Act could collect as much as $75 billion over 25 years for climate change impacts from those who are most responsible for it: big oil and gas companies. (Adobe Stock)

NY's Climate Change Superfund Act takes effect

A law signed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul takes effect this week to penalize polluters for emissions. The Climate Change Superfund Act puts a fine …

In 2024, 13 people were pardoned, granted clemency or had their sentence commuted by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. (Adobe Stock)

New Yorker continues to seek pardon from Gov. Hochul

One New Yorker is redoubling efforts to get a pardon from Gov. Kathy Hochul. Pascal "Shakoure" Charpentier has called New York his home for 52 years …

According to New York State's Energy Research and Development Authority, energy storage and grid modernization jobs grew by 7% in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

NYS 2025 energy storage deadline is fast approaching

One of New York State's first energy storage deadlines is fast approaching. A roadmap established earlier this year sets a state goal of developing 6…

The Endangered Species Act protects a combined 2,300 domestic and foreign species of plants and wildlife. This includes the grizzly bear, the California condor and the whooping crane. Monarch butterflies are being considered for protection. (Adobe Stock)

Conservation groups celebrate Endangered Species Act anniversary

Conservationists in New York and nationwide will celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Endangered Species Act on Saturday. Since its passage in 1973…

A 2021 United Federation of Teachers survey finds 68% of teachers don't have time to teach climate change, but 52% teach it for one to two hours per year. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Board of Regents allocates funding for climate education

New York's Board of Regents approved a Department of Education funding request for climate education. The board is putting more than $536,000 aside …

Ithaca, New York, is the first city in the world to commit to electrifying all its buildings. The city is aiming to accomplish the goal by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

NY elected officials work to electrify municipal buildings

New York lawmakers are focusing on electrifying municipal buildings. Buildings statewide make up 32% of New York's greenhouse gas emissions and …

A New York law will ban the use of PFAS in outdoor clothing used in wet weather conditions but not until 2028. (Adobe Stock)

NY to ban PFAS in clothing; wider bans being considered

A New York law takes effect in January, banning the use of PFAS in clothing. The law is another step in ending the unnecessary use of the long-…

Along with a goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the Port Authority is looking to reduce direct emissions 50% by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

NY, NJ ports receive federal grants for clean energy transition

The Port of New York and New Jersey is receiving funding to cut emissions. It's part of the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Ports Program…

New York State is allocating $35.3 billion in total school aid, an $825 million increase from 2024. It also includes a $507 million increase in foundation aid. (Adobe Stock)

Study charts updates needed for NYS school funding formula

A new study provides New York State with an outline of necessary updates to its school funding formula. The Rockefeller Institute study called for …

The Supplemental Assistance Nutrition Program helps 40 million people put food on the table every month. (Adobe Stock)

NY, U.S. could see big effects from Trump’s proposed budget cuts

New York could see major effects from President-elect Donald Trump's proposed budget cuts. Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy's Department of Government …

A new report found 97% of New York hospitals face a shortage of nurses while 88% report a shortage of non-nursing workers. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Operating margins at NYS hospitals affect patient care

A new report found New York hospitals are in a precarious financial state. The New York State Hospitals Fiscal Survey Report showed statewide …

A group of 40 New York State lawmakers are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York Power Authority to build 15 gigawatts of renewable energy. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates, lawmakers want power authority to increase clean energy development

Advocates and lawmakers want New York's Power Authority to amend its draft plan to build at least 15 gigawatts of renewable energy. The current …

If New York established an unemployment bridge program, 750,000 workers would be eligible for its benefits. (Adobe Stock)

Immigrant NYers urge lawmakers to create unemployment bridge program

Immigrant New Yorkers want lawmakers to create an unemployment bridge program. It would support unemployed workers who are ineligible for state …

A Cornell University report finds 74% of New Yorkers support implementing universal public child care. (Adobe Stock)

Group plans to implement universal public child care in NY

A New York organization believes universal public childcare can be implemented in five years. New Yorkers United for Child Care is using its newly …

Along with watchdog group recommendations, New York lawmakers have proposed several bills to bolster the state's Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government. (Adobe Stock)

Watchdogs: NYS needs more robust ethics commission

New York good government groups want a more robust state ethics commission. The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government came about in 2022 …

The International Union for Conservation of Nature listed monarch butterflies as

Monarch butterflies candidate for Endangered Species List

Monarch butterflies could be on the federal Endangered Species list by year's end. Eastern monarchs found in New York and other northeastern states …

New NYPD commissioner must tackle agency’s public trust issues

The New York Police Department's new commissioner must address the agency's dwindling public trust as her tenure begins. Jessica Tisch became the …

Over 49,000 New Yorkers signed a petition demanding the city restore funding for the composting program after Mayor Eric Adams cut its funding in 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Composting keeps NYC environmentally friendly

By Doug Bierend for Civil Eats.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

House Resolution 9495 is not the first bill with language potentially harming nonprofits to be voted on this year. House Resolution 6408 passed the chamber earlier this year with bipartisan support. However, it stalled and hasn't been brought for a vote in the Senate. (Adobe Stock)

House passes bill that targets nonprofits in NY, US

House lawmakers have passed a bill advocates said will be harmful to nonprofits in New York and nationwide. House Resolution 9495 passed with a 219-1…

An Advocates for Children of New York report finds students living in shelters are three times more likely to drop out of high school than permanently housed students. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NYC must help homeless student population

A new annual report shows New York City has more than 146,000 homeless students. The Advocates for Children of New York report finds this is an …

More than 700,000 vehicles enter the Manhattan Central Business District daily. (Adobe Stock)

NYC congestion pricing revived with some alterations

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has revived congestion pricing after a five-month pause. The program's biggest change is a $9 toll, down from $15 but by 2…

Dual Special Needs Plans offer Medicare and Medicaid coverage for eligible consumers. (Adobe Stock)

Dual Special Needs Plans in NY can provide extra health care benefits

Some New Yorkers could see a host of benefits from Dual Special Needs Plan, which offer Medicare and Medicaid coverage for eligible consumers…

More than 40 city, state and federal elected officials in New York City opposed Mayor Eric Adams' slate of charter reforms for giving the mayor's office more power. (Adobe Stock)

NYC charter revisions pass despite voter confusion

New York City residents approved three of Mayor Eric Adams' four charter reforms in last week's election. But how many realized what they were voting …

More than 130 different organizations signed a letter to the House of Representatives urging lawmakers to oppose H.R. 9495. (Adobe Stock)

NY lawmakers supported House bill harmful to nonprofits

Some New York House lawmakers supported a bill harmful to nonprofits. H.R. 9495 faced staunch opposition since it would have given the Treasury …

A Department of Veterans Affairs report found 41% of veterans nationwide were found to have a potential need for mental health care. (Adobe Stock)

NY group establishes new veterans' direct care program

A New York group has a new program to help veterans. The Center for Independence of the Disabled New York's Veteran Direct Care program helps …

President-elect Donald Trump's plan for mass deportation of immigrants means the U.S. loses out on $22.6 billion and $5.7 billion in Social Security and Medicare contributions, respectively. (Adobe Stock)

Immigrant NYers fear what lies ahead in 2nd Trump term

As the dust settles from the 2024 election, immigrant New Yorkers fear how Donald Trump's second term will impact them. Many still recall the …

A study of 11,000 school districts over a decade found 12th graders' dropout rates were 23% higher in states requiring exit exams, such as New York, without alternative paths to graduation. (Adobe Stock)

NYS must fix underlying education issues, graduation requirements

As New York considers new graduation requirements, the alternatives might not be easy to implement. The state's Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation …

A New York State Comptroller report found New York City had the highest rental cost burden in the state between 2016 and 2020. (Adobe Stock)

NYC legislation gives communities more control over housing

A package of New York City bills can help preserve affordable housing. The Community Land Act creates more pathways for communities to purchase and …

A 2023 Siena College poll showed 77% of New York State residents feel the lack of affordable housing is a major problem. (Adobe Stock)

Corporate landlords a big part of NY affordable housing crisis

New York's affordable housing crisis is being made worse by corporate landlords, according to groups trying to reform the system. The state …

The National Alliance to End Homelessness found 10% of people experiencing homelessness have service, emotional support or companion animals. (Adobe Stock)

Pet-inclusive shelters benefit NY, US homeless people

By Corrie Aune for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Yes! Media-Public News Service …

The average yearly salary of a New York State childcare worker is around $38,000, But the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Living Wage Calculator showed the living wage salary for a single person in the state is more than $55,000. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY still has immense barriers to accessing child care

New York families are still dealing with child care barriers despite improvements. A new report found more than half the state is a child care …

New York State saw higher rates of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles purchased in 2023 than in 2024. (Adobe Stock)

NY, US face misinformation about electric vehicles

Despite their growing popularity, consumers in New York and nationwide still face misconceptions about electric vehicles. One of the most pervasive …

There are 24 national park units in New York State, with about half located in New York City. (Adobe Stock)

NY, federal lands prove important in 2024 election

National parks and public lands in New York and nationwide are proving to be an important issue in this year's election. Despite increasing …

A Siena College poll shows broad support among New Yorkers to increase taxes on the top 5% of highest-income earning New Yorkers and the top 1% of profitable corporations. (Adobe Stock)

NY bills could bolster state programs by taxing the wealthy

A package of New York bills could boost public services and create a fairer tax system. The Invest in Our New York Act aims to get corporations and …

New York City is closing the Randall's Island Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center in February because of declining capacity. About 16 other such centers remain open. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NYC needs to close other relief centers housing migrants

With the Randall's Island Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center closing, immigrant advocates want the other such centers closed, too…

Around 9% of children in Syracuse have high lead levels in their blood. Even low-level lead exposure can harm a child's ability to learn and is linked to attention deficit disorder. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Syracuse water contains dangerously high lead levels

New data show lead levels in Syracuse's drinking water are higher than those in Flint, Michigan, and Newark, New Jersey. The city's tests show lead …

A solar canopy project at SUNY New Paltz required $43,613 in startup money, with profitability in five years, according to student projections. In 50 years, though, it would save the school $787,130 in energy costs. (Adobe Stock)

SUNY New Paltz business course helps green the campus

By Caroline Preston for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for The Hechinger Report-…

Though a Marist poll found 81% of New York City residents do not want Mayor Eric Adams to run again, campaign finance data show he has the most spending capital of all 2025 mayoral candidates. (Adobe Stock)

NYC election integrity questioned after Mayor Adams indicted

New York City election integrity is under added scrutiny after Mayor Eric Adams' indictment. Part of the indictment alleges Adams broke campaign …

New York State has one of the highest rates of lead pipes in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

NY begins work to remove lead pipes under new EPA rule

A new Environmental Protection Agency rule means New York and other states will have ten years to remove all lead service lines. The Lead and …

Columbia University finds New York State's Foundation Aid formula uses outdated information. It uses poverty numbers from the 2000 Census and cost of living averages from 2006. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: NYS needs new school funding formula

After 17 years, the state of New York is re-evaluating its school funding formula. The state budget agreement calls for the Rockefeller Institute to …

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