Public News Service

As of this writing, a petition to stop Nassau County's plan to deputize residents with gun permits has 2,080 signatures. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, April 15, 2024

Nassau County exec's plan to deputize armed citizens draws fire

Nassau County's executive wants to deputize residents who hold gun permits. County Executive Bruce Blakemen's plan involves training 100 residents …

A poll released last June found 48% of Americans oppose reparations for Black Americans whose ancestors were enslaved, while 41% approve of it and another 13% don't know where they stand on the issue. (Wikimedia Commons)

Members appointed to NYS reparations commission

New York state lawmakers have appointed members to the Community Commission on Reparations Remedies, created through legislation Gov. Kathy Hochul …

New York has made strides in voter access through the June 2022 enactment of The New York Voting Rights Act. (vesperstock/Adobe Stock)

New York Senate pushes for more ballot access

Just a week into the legislative session, New York lawmakers are moving to uphold democracy and expand voting rights. The state Senate passed a …

A 2022 Compassion & Choices poll finds 57% of nurses support medical aid in dying, professionally, and 49% said they support it personally. (Adobe Stock)

Medical aid-in-dying bill sees stronger support in NY Legislature

Legislation to allow medical aid in dying bill has been introduced in New York State every year since 2015, and its backers say 2024 could be the …

Una encuesta realizada en 2022 por Compassion & Choices revela que el 57% de las y los enfermeros apoyan la ayuda m�dica para morir, profesionalmente, y el 49% dijo que la apoyan personalmente. (Adobe Stock)

Proyecto de Ley de Asistencia Médica para Morir recibe fuerte apoyo en NY

La legislación para permitir la ayuda médica para morir se ha introducido en el estado de Nueva York cada año desde 2015, y sus …

The New York City Comptroller's Office reported the number of migrants not living in New York City but still in its care has grown from 276 in May to 2,127 in September. (Adobe Stock)

NYC community health centers focus on migrant health

A network of New York City community health centers is in the crossfire of the city's migrant crisis. Ryan Health is a system of primary health …

A Brennan Center for Justice report finds 58% of early voting polling places surveyed didn't have proper signs prohibiting parking in access aisles for wheelchair users to get in and out of their cars at parking spaces. (Adobe Stock)

NY disability advocates want more accessible polling places

New York disability rights advocates are working to make polling places more accessible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds 25% …

Un informe del Centro Brennan para la Justicia revela que el 58% de los centros de votaci�n anticipada encuestados no ten�an se�ales adecuadas que prohibieran estacionarse en los pasillos de acceso para que los usuarios de sillas de ruedas pudieran entrar y salir de sus coches en las plazas de estacionamiento. (Adobe Stock)

Defensores de discapacitados en NY quieren colegios electorales más accesibles

Defensores de los derechos para las personas con discapacidad en Nueva York trabajan para que los colegios electorales sean más accesibles…

A new United Nations report found actions between Israel and Palestine have only exacerbated divisions between them. The U.N. said Hamas' initial attack on Israel constitutes a war crime. (Jewish Voice for Peace)

NY group in Washington to protest Israel/Gaza war

A New York group is among many at the U.S. Capitol today, protesting the U.S. response to the Israel-Gaza conflict. Elected officials from President …

The 78th session of the U.N. General Assembly included a speech from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who spoke of peace with Saudi Arabia. The annual meeting's focus was the global warming crisis. (RawBeautyPixels/Adobe Stock)

Why Israeli politics matter in NYC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the United Nations General Assembly sparked major demonstrations in New York City on Friday…

Protesters take to the streets of New York as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu attends the U.N. General Assembly Today. (VICHIZH/ Adobe Stock)

NY rallies for Jewish democracy as Netanyahu meets UN

Protests have heightened in New York as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu joins the United Nations General Assembly today. Sonya Meyerson-…

A Pew Research poll finds 70% of voters, and a slightly higher number (72%) cited convenience as a major reason they voted by mail in the 2020 election. (Adobe Stock)

NY Legislation Expands Vote-by-Mail Access

Before New York's legislative session ended, lawmakers expanded vote-by-mail access. The New York Early Mail Voter Act allows registered voters to …

Experts find one factor driving antisemitism is social media. A report from the American Jewish Committee finds 82% of Americans saw some form of antisemitism on social media. (Adobe Stock)

New Plan Combats Antisemitism Across U.S.

The Biden administration has unveiled a plan to combat the rise in antisemitism across the U.S. In New York, Anti-Defamation League data finds …

According to a 2022 report from the American Library Association, 80% of parents have confidence in librarians to make good decisions about the books they make available in their collections. (Adobe Stock)

NY Libraries Grapple With Increase in Book Challenges

As National Reading Month ends soon, libraries across New York and the nation are dealing with the increasing number of book challenges. New data …

Even before the U.S .Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, many abortions were being sought out of state. In 2020, 9% of abortions were obtained by people away from their state of residence. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation Would Protect NY Abortion Providers

Proposed legislation in Albany would mean increased protections for women's healthcare providers. Brought forward by state Sen. Shelley Meyer - D-…

Sesenta centros han probado el nuevo curso AP de Estudios Afroamericanos del College Board, que se impartir� en m�s de 200 centros a partir del curso 2024-2025. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Encuesta: Estudiantes quieren un plan de estudios más diverso e inclusivo

CORRECTION: The number of students surveyed has been corrected. (2:10 p.m. MDT, Feb. 6, 2023) Mientras continúa la polémica sobre el curso …

Sixty schools piloted College Board's new AP African American Studies course, which is set to appear in over 200 schools starting in the 2024-2025 school year. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Students Want More Diverse, Inclusive Curriculum

CORRECTION: YouthTruth surveyed more than 28,000 high school seniors from the class of 2022 and the class of 2019 in 19 states, including New York…

A recent Marist poll predicts 71% of registered New York voters will head to the polls this November. Statewide, 15% plan to cast their ballots early, and 12% will vote by mail or absentee ballot. (Adobe Stock)

Early Voting Begins in NY; Big Turnout Predicted

Early voting begins in New York this week, with in-person early voting starting on Saturday, October 29. Early voting has been a popular option …

According to a 2021 report from Stop AAPI Hate, the state of New York had the second-highest percentage (15.7%) of anti-Asian hate-crime reports. California was the highest, at 38.1%. (Adobe Stock)

NY Groups Work to Address Rising Anti-Asian Hate Crimes

As Asian Americans continue to face discrimination and hate crimes, new funding could aid New York officials in reporting - and preventing - these …

According to a recent survey by the American Library Association, about 71% of voters, across party lines, oppose book bans altogether. Yet, the ALA has found 1,651 different books were the target of book bans since the start of 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Brooklyn Public Library Hosts 'Books UnBanned' Program

Banned Books Week continues through Saturday, and the Brooklyn Public Library has a program for teens facing book bans in their states. The Books …

Some marijuana convictions, which keep people from getting a better job, joining the military, going back to school or getting a student loan, can be erased right now. (Adobe Stock)

Legal Clinic: How to Put a Pot Conviction Behind You

A special legal clinic is being held on September 24 in Buffalo about expunging certain marijuana convictions. The clinic, a collaboration between …

According to a 2018 Compassion & Choices survey, 56% of New York physicians support medical aid in dying. (Andy Dean/Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Targets VT’s Medical Aid-in- Dying Law's Residency Rule

A nonprofit group is suing the state of Vermont on behalf of a New York and Vermont doctor and a terminally ill woman. At issue is Vermont's medical …

A case to be heard in the next U.S. Supreme Court team involves what's known as the

Upcoming SCOTUS Case Could Alter Redistricting Process

Whether state courts are allowed to review the validity of redistricting by state legislatures is at the heart of a case to be considered by the U.S…

According to the Detention Watch Network, the U.S. detained nearly 250,000 immigrants in Fiscal Year 2021, in a network of about 200 facilities. (Gustavo Frazao/Adobe Stock)">

NY Law Regulates ‘Predatory’ Immigrant Bond Companies

A new law in New York State is expected to keep for-profit lenders from taking advantage of immigrants in detention facilities. Some people in the …

Buffalo's East Side is still reeling after the racially-motivated shooting in a local grocery store in May. The store's Friday reopening has only drummed up controversy about whether it should be back in business. (Adobe Stock)

East Buffalo Tops Store Reopens Amid Neighborhood Ambivalence

The Tops supermarket in Buffalo, where a racially-motivated gunman killed 10 people and injured three, has reopened today, almost two months since …

The Supreme Court's ruling in the case Vega v. Tekoh may have weakened the court's position on Miranda rights, but does not entirely invalidate those rights for people who are arrested. (Adobe Stock)

Vega v. Tekoh Ruling Weakens ‘Miranda’ Protections

Another important U.S. Supreme Court ruling this month has been overshadowed by the controversy about overturning abortion rights. Legal experts say …

The most common voting obstacle in New York City in 2021 was a raised lip at the doorway entrance, which can obstruct wheelchair users. (Jelena/Adobe Stock)

Disability Advocates to Survey NYC Polling Places for Accessibility

Tomorrow marks the New York primary, and advocates for New Yorkers with disabilities are raising awareness about the barriers some voters face for …

El obst�culo de votaci�n m�s com�n en la ciudad de Nueva York en 2021 fue un borde levantado en la entrada de la puerta, lo cual puede obstruir a las y los usuarios de sillas de ruedas. (Jelena/Adobe Stock)

Defensores de personas con discapacidad realizarán encuesta sobre accesibilidad en lugares de votación en NY

Mañana es el comienzo de la votación anticipada para las primarias de Nueva York, y los defensores de los neoyorquinos con discapacidades …

A group of 42 lawmakers signed a letter to the CEO of Google, asking the online search engine to stop collecting location data on its users. (petunyia/Adobe Stock)

Report Warns About Tools Used to Surveil Pregnant People

A new report sounds the alarm about surveillance technology which could be used to target pregnant people if and when Roe v. Wade is overturned…

Buffalo residents gathered at Macedonia Baptist Church on Sunday for a vigil in honor of the victims of the mass shooting at Tops supermarket on Saturday. (Darren McGee/Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul)

Buffalo Reeling After 10 Killed in Racist Attack at Supermarket

Buffalo residents are grieving after a shooter killed 10 community members on Saturday in an anti-Black attack, apparently fueled by racist white …

Elizabeth Jennings started New York City's first kindergarten for African American children, which she ran from her home until her death in 1901. A monument in Manhattan to honor her is in the works. (Photo courtesy Jerry Mikorenda)

Telling the Story of Elizabeth Jennings, NY's 19th-Century Freedom Rider

One hundred years before Rosa Parks ignited a 13-month bus boycott, Elizabeth Jennings led the way for New York. A presentation this evening at a …

Nearly a quarter of New York residents are immigrants, while almost one-fifth are native-born U.S. citizens with at least one immigrant parent, according to the American Immigration Council. (G. Lonmbardo/Adobe Stock)

Immigrant Communities 'Left Out' of NY Redistricting Plan

The State Assembly is proposing a new set of redistricting maps this week, but members of several New York immigrant communities say they've been …

Under New York state law, the right to sepulcher allows someone's next of kin to control the final disposition of their loved one's body. (Office of Chief Medical Examiner, City of New York)

NY Medical Examiner Challenged in End-of-Life Directive Lawsuit

A lawsuit claims the New York City Medical Examiner's Office violated the advance directive of a transgender Muslim man who specified what to do with …

Kalaya'an Mendoza of Nonviolent Peaceforce introduces training practices on holistic safety and security, situational awareness and threat assessment on Saturday in Brookyln's Sunset Park neighborhood. (Neha Gautam)

As Anti-Asian Violence Continues, NY Groups Host Community Safety Trainings

NEW YORK -- Police data show New York City saw a 368% increase in assaults against Asian residents in September, compared with the same time last …

Final versions of revised New York congressional, State Senate, and Assembly district maps are expected to be ready by Jan. 15, 2022, at the earliest. Another 14 public hearings will be held before the end of December. (NYIRC)

NY Groups for Fair Redistricting Question Release of Two Draft Map Sets

BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- Some New Yorkers are voicing concerns about the creation of not one, but two draft maps for congressional, State Senate and …

Juneteenth is the first federal holiday established since Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 1983. (Adobe Stock)

Juneteenth Made Federal Holiday, But Room for Progress Remains

ITHACA, N.Y. -- Legislation declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday is now law, after President Joe Biden signed a ball Thursday approved by Congress…

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to a Mississippi law banning abortions after only 15 weeks. (David/Adobe Stock)

Report Highlights Economic Impact of Reproductive Rights

NEW YORK -- An online tool from the Institute for Women's Policy Research makes the case that ending reproductive health restrictions is good for wome…

Las campa�as pol�ticas frecuentemente no hacen sus eventos y su propaganda accesibles a toda la gente con discapacidades. (Reneshia/Adobe Stock)

Gente con Discapacidades a Candidatos: "Hagan Accesibles sus Campañas"

New York, NY - Los grupos que abogan por la gente con discapacidades enviaron una carta a los cadidatos de New York City que buscan ser elegidos para …

The Healthy Terminals Act, signed into law on New Year's Eve, provides covered airport workers access to quality, affordable health insurance. (SEIU 32BJ)

Airport Workers Rally for Health Care, New Contract

NEW YORK - City and state elected officials will join workers for a rally at John F. Kennedy International Airport today to demand a new contract and …

The Nelson Mandela Rules, adopted by the United Nations, define isolated confinement of more than 15 days as torture. (karenfoleyphoto/Adobe Stock)

Cuomo Urged to Sign HALT Act

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Prison reform advocates rallied outside Gov. Andrew Cuomo's Manhattan offices and the executive mansion in Albany Sunday, to demand …

Transferring a nursing-home resident to a new facility could lead to loss of contact with family and friends. (Bonsales/Adobe Stock)

"COVID-Only" Nursing Homes Raise Concerns for NY Residents’ Rights

NEW YORK - Are some nursing-home residents being moved without notice to create "COVID-only" facilities? That's one of several concerns being raised b…

The Equality Act builds on the 2020 Supreme Court ruling that the Civil Rights Act prohibits anti-LGBTQ discrimination in employment. (nito/Adobe Stock)

Equality Act Reintroduced in Congress

NEW YORK - A bill to update federal civil-rights laws to include comprehensive protections for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer or …

If approved by voters, the Environmental Bill of Rights would add the rights to clean air and water to Article 1 of the New York State Constitution. (Natali/Adobe Stock)

NY Environmental Rights Amendment Heads to Voters

ALBANY, N. Y. - New York is poised to become one of only three states to enshrine the inalienable rights to clean air and water in its state …

On January 2020, according to an ACLU report, 81% of ICE detainees were being held in privately owned or managed facilities. (Jason/Adobe Stock)

Executive Order Leaves Immigrants in Private Prisons

NEW YORK -- Immigrant advocates say President Joe Biden's executive order to end the use of private prisons is an important first step, but more …

In 29 states, LGBTQ people can still be evicted, denied health care or turned away from businesses because of their sexual orientation. (Yakobchuk Olena/Adobe Stock)

Rights Advocates See New Hope for Equality Act

NEW YORK -- A new report suggests a bill often promoted as expanding rights for LGBTQ people could benefit a wide spectrum of racial and religious min…

Civil-rights advocates point out that police regularly confront social-justice demonstrations with militarized force. (saksuvan/Adobe Stock)

Civil Rights Groups Call for Investigation of Attack on Capitol

NEW YORK - Civil-rights advocates say the police response to a violent attack on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of President Donald Trump was in …

Las personas en mayor riesgo por coronavirus est�n siendo consideradas como prioridad para recibir las vacunas COVID-19. (Dmytro S/Adobe Stock)

Prioridades y Precauciones de la Vacuna para Personas con Discapacidades

NEW YORK -- Con las vacunas contra el coronavirus ya distribuyéndose, los defensores de las personas con discapacidades enfatizan la importancia …

Since his release from prison, Pascal Shakoure Charpentier has started his own business and founded a nonprofit to mentor at-risk youth. (Photo: Free Shakoure Campaign)

ICE Holding U.S. Citizen for Deportation

NEW YORK -- A Queens man held in immigration detention for more than five months is being threatened with deportation but his lawyer said there's a bi…

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