New York News & Current Events | Public News Service

According to a report from the Rainforest Action Network, 60 of the largest banks funneled a little over $185 Billion into 100 companies doing the most to expand fossil fuels like ExxonMobil and Saudi Aramco. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

NY Environmentalists Protest Banks Invested in Fossil Fuels

New York environmentalists are protesting banks heavily invested in the fossil fuel industry as part of a national day of action today (Tuesday)…

According to 2022 data from the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, 21.3% of people with a disability were employed, which has increased from 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, March 20, 2023

Advocates Urge Age Cap Removal on NY Medicaid Buy-In Program

New York disability-rights advocates are calling for the age cap on the state's Medicaid Buy In Program to be raised or eliminated. The program is …

Some products to come under the purview of a new bill to create transparency with companies contracting with New York State include timber, pulp, paper, palm oil, soy and livestock. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed NYS Legislation Creates Supply-Chain Transparency

New York's State Legislature is considering a bill to ensure that companies contracting with the state don't contribute to tropical deforestation…

According to an analysis by the Brennan Center for Justice, the financial power of small donors could increase sevenfold, from 6% to 41% of all campaign funds through the Public Campaign Finance Program. (Adobe Stock)

Campaign Finance Program Facing Delays From NY Legislators

New York's Public Campaign Finance Program is facing delays from the very people who approved it - New York legislators. The program was approved by …

A new report from AARP New York finds the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program doesn't meet the program's own definition of regular ombudsman presence, since only 9% of all nursing homes received a weekly visit from an ombudsman. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY Nursing Homes Not Getting Enough Oversight

A recent report finds nursing homes across New York are going without proper oversight. AARP New York's report finds about 80% of New York City's …

According to data from the Economic Policy Institute, alongside people age 25 or older, a quarter of people who would see benefits from increasing the minimum wage over $20 are parents. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Bill Would Raise NY Minimum Wage Over $20

A bill in the New York State Legislature would increase the minimum wage to over $20 by 2026. The Raise the Wage Act would increase New York's $15 …

According to a study by the Leapfrog Group, New York hospitals ranked 39th in the U.S. for patient safety in the fall of 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY Nonprofit Hospitals Putting Profits Before Patients

A review of nonprofit hospitals in New York found they are more concerned with making money than patient care. According to a patientsrightsadvocate.…

According to the Federal Trade Commission, pay-for-delay deals cost consumers and taxpayers $3.5 billion ever year in higher drug costs.(Adobe Stock)

NY Budget Seeks to Reform Prescription Drug Prices, Transparency

New York's executive budget is calling for reforms to prescription drug prices. For starters, Governor Kathy Hochul is calling for public disclosure …

A new study from the Rural Housing Coalition of New York finds while rural counties in the state have higher levels of homeownership, vacancy rates are twice as high as urban counties. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Rural NY Struggling with Numerous Issues

A new study shows rural New York is struggling with declining populations and lacking employment. The State of Rural New York examines about a …

Holtec International is also considering dumping 1 million gallons of nuclear waste from Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station into Cape Cod Bay. (Adobe Stock)

NY Lawmakers Want to Ban Discharging Radioactive Waste

New York lawmakers have introduced a bill to ban radioactive waste from being discharged from the Indian Point Energy Center. This comes as the …

In January 2023, the city of Troy's Public Utilities Department found elevated levels of lead in some homes and buildings around the area. Though they have found the community's water supply is free from lead, service lines or interior plumbing are possible causes for lead being found in samples. (Adobe Stock)

Residents of Troy Demand Action Against Lead Pipes

Residents of the east-central New York city of Troy and environmental advocates have devised a plan to remove lead pipes from the city's water system…

Ticonderoga's DRI grant is part of the sixth round of funding for this program. Grant winners from past years include Plattsburgh, Massena Tupper Lake and Saranac Lake. (Adobe Stock)

Ticonderoga Has Big Plans for Downtown Revitalization Grant

The Town of Ticonderoga has received a Downtown Revitalization Initiative Grant from the state. The $10 million grant will go toward a series of …

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-…

According to the Anti-Defamation League, New York state had 416 incidents documented in 2021, up from 336 in 2020. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: Incidents of Anti Semitism Rising Nationally

A new report found antisemitism is on the rise across the U.S., but awareness of its detriment is rising as well. The report from the American …

Part of the New York State 2024 budget aims to make electricity more affordable. One such initiative calls for $200 million to help the Department of Public Service provide relief to more than 800,000 New Yorkers making less than the state median income. (Adobe Stock)

2024 Budget Calls on NYPA to Help Develop Renewables

As part of New York's 2024 executive budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul is aiming to further the state's climate action initiatives. One particular piece of …

The National Parent Teacher Association updated its standards post-pandemic to make them more widely accessible across the education system, and to garner input from families, educators and kids from historically marginalized communities. (Adobe Stock)

It's "Take Your Family to School Week" in NY

This is "Take Your Family to School Week," an effort to increase New York parents' involvement in their children's education. After the uncertainty …

According to a poll from New York State United Teachers, some other top priorities voters feel should made for education include greater access to career and technical programs for students, addressing school staffing shortages, and improving safety and security. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: NYers Oppose Proposed Charter School Increase

While most New Yorkers oppose charter schools, Gov. Kathy Hochul wants to better fund them. According to the 2024 New York State Executive Budget…

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one person dies every 34 seconds in the United States as a result of cardiovascular disease. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Explain Differences Between Cardiac Arrest, Heart Attack

As part of American Heart Month, doctors want to ensure New Yorkers know the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack. According to an …

As of late 2022, there were more than 40,083 megawatts of offshore wind projects in various stages of development. (Ian Dyball/Adobe Stock)

NY/NJ Offshore Wind Farms Hit by Misinformation

Misinformation about the effects of offshore wind turbines on marine life could derail offshore wind farm projects in New York and New Jersey…

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 report from the National Association of Social Workers New York Chapter finds there's a racial disparity in social-worker salaries. The report finds 16.3% of people earning $60,000 to $70,000 a year identified as white, 6% are people of color and 3.8% are Hispanic. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Low Salary Contributes to NY Social Workers Leaving Field

A new report shows social workers are not being paid equal to similar professions. The report, from the National Association of Social Workers New …

Although the Food and Drug Administration removed the in-person requirement for patients to get abortion pills, they must only be prescribed by health-care providers who are certified to treat such patients, and patients must complete a consent form. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation Would Expand NY Medication Abortion Access

New York pharmacists would be able to dispense abortion medication under newly proposed legislation, and a person could get the prescription from a …

According to data from the 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress, reading scores for New York fourth graders declined by six points from 2019. Meanwhile, eighth graders' reading scores remained unchanged. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Students Still Struggle with Pandemic Learning Loss

Students are still struggling with learning loss from the COVID-19 pandemic. A study from the research group NWEA showed 2022 test scores are not …

The City of Albany received $80 million as part of the American Rescue Plan. $25 million will go to city agencies and organizations to fund local projects to support the city's post-pandemic economic recovery. (Adobe Stock)

Albany Mayor Focuses on Housing, Infrastructure after Mayors' Conference

The mayor of New York's state capital said she is eager to get to work on projects she observed at the U.S. Conference of Mayors' big meeting last …

According to the Economic Policy Institute, if the New York state minimum wage had risen in tandem with employee productivity, it would currently be at $24.79 per hour. (Adobe Stock)

Legislation Proposes Raising NY Minimum Wage Over $20

New York's minimum wage would increase to more than $20 an hour by 2026 if a bill in Albany is successful. Known as "Raise Up NY," it would raise …

According to a poll by the American Federation of Teachers, 85% of those surveyed want the new Congress to focus on providing resources and support to public schools, instead of carrying our political investigations. 15% felt otherwise. (Adobe Stock)

New AFT Poll Shows Parent, Voter Priorities for Public Education

A new poll shows parents and voters want improved public education and stronger building blocks for those students. According to the poll, from the …

According to the World Economic Forum, green buildings can reduce a city's temperatures up to 2 degrees Celsius. (Adobe Stock)

NY Ranks 3rd on National Green Building List

New York ranked third on a list of the top 10 states for green buildings in the U.S. The report from the U.S. Green Building Council found 142 …

As part of the National Day of Racial Healing, a 14-part digital series debuts. Produced by NBC News and sponsored by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, <a href=

"Changing the Narrative"explores advancing racial equity though racial healing. (Adobe Stock) ">

NY Celebrates National Day of Racial Healing

Today is National Day of Racial Healing, which aims to encourage more dialogue about race and racism. Events commemorating the day in New York …

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, New York has a shortage of 615,025 rental homes that are affordable and available to extremely low-income renters. (Gov. Kathy Hochul)

Critics: NY State of State Address Misses Needed Solutions

While Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State speech addressed key issues affecting New Yorkers, some feel the solutions fell short. In her speech…

According to a report from AARP New York, one solution to lack of accessible rural homes for seniors would be to create a tax credit of up to $2,750. It would be available to homeowners who retrofit their homes to make them more accessible to those who use walkers or wheelchairs or have trouble with steps. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Senior Rural NYers Face Housing, Transportation Disparities

A recent report from AARP New York finds older rural New Yorkers are struggling to age in place due to a wealth of disparities. The two biggest …

New York is the sixth state to approve legislation for natural composting. It joins California, Colorado, Oregon, Vermont and Washington in doing so. (Adobe Stock)

NY Law Allows for End-of-Life Natural Composting

New York is the sixth state to approve legislation for what's known as natural composting. Natural composting is when, after death, a body is put …

According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, deforestation makes up 12 to 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions. (Adobe Stock)

New Company Helps Cities with Reforestation

By Sakshi Udavant for Next City.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-…

According to a Cornel University study, one challenge for farmers interested in solar grazing is finding grazeable sites. This is due mostly to the fact that farmers don't have influence in deciding on solar sites. (Adobe Stock)

NY Solar Grazing Combines Farming, Climate-Smart Resources

By Lissa Harris for The River. Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for The River/Solutions Journalism/Public …

Four organizations in New York will receive $500,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency to provide brownfield job training. In New York State, there are more than 5,000 brownfields, mostly located in Western New York, New York City and Long Island. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Provides Funding for Green Jobs in NY

The Environmental Protection Agency is investing several million dollars in green jobs training in New York. Two million dollars of this money comes …

According to a report, New York has the potential to generate 295.2 terawatt hours of electricity from offshore wind. A terawatt is a unit of power equivalent to one trillion watts. (Adobe Stock)">

NY Offshore-Wind Experts Look Ahead to 2023

New York has seen growth in offshore wind investments, which advocates hope will continue into the new year. In 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced a $…

According to a 2021 survey by health-care marketplace Sesame, three in five Americans feel their mental health is negatively impacted by the holidays. (Adobe Stock)

Rise in Mental-Illness Issues Seen in Holiday Season

Although the holidays are one of the happiest times of the year, people with mental illness may not see it the same way. According to the American …

According to a letter from the National Labor Relations Board, newly-approved funding could be used for a 4.6% pay increase, and to help blunt any non-labor-related inflation costs. (Adobe Stock)

Congress Boosts NLRB Funding by $25 Million

Congress has approved a $25 million funding boost for the National Labor Relations Board, and labor experts hope it will allow the agency to better …

A report by the Comprehensive Care Network for New York State education officials finds high school exit exams don't always lead to positive student outcomes. (Adobe Stock)

NY Student Advocates: Enough With Regents Exams

Student advocates in New York have petitioned state education officials for alternate pathways to graduation. The Coalition for Multiple Pathways to …

The New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services' Gun Involved Violence Elimination (GIVE) Initiative says the number of people killed with guns remained unchanged from 2021 to 2022. It examines data from over 20 police departments in 17 New York counties. (Adobe Stock)

NY Bill Would End NRA’s Ability to Certify Gun-Safety Trainers

A bill before the New York State Legislature would remove the National Rifle Association's ability to certify gun-safety instructors. Under Senate …

According to a report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, the state with the largest increase in its rate of uninsured children was Idaho, at 46%. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY's Doing Well at Keeping Kids Insured

Compared to most states, New York is doing a good job of making sure children have health coverage, according to a new report. The Georgetown …

East Side Access began in 1998 and is finally coming to fruition in 2022. Part of the project was slated to include a new station in Sunnyside, Queens. However, construction has been moved to accommodate Metro North's Penn Station Access. (Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul)

Long Island Railroad’s East Side Access Finally Opens

After two decades of waiting, Long Island commuters will finally have access to Grand Central Terminal. East Side Access, the Metropolitan …

As part of New York City's new plan to address mentally ill homeless people, a special hotline will be staffed with clinicians to aid first responders as to whether a person presents as mentally ill. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Worried About NYC’s New Plan for Mentally Ill Homeless People

New York City Mayor Eric Adams' new plan for aiding the mentally ill is facing backlash for its effectiveness. Adams' plan allows police officers…

According to a survey from Power to Decide, about seven in 10 young adults incorrectly believe emergency contraception can end a pregnancy in its early stages. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Young Adults Concerned about Birth-Control Access

Results of a new survey show many young people are worried about losing access to birth control. The survey, by the nonprofit Power to Decide…

According to 2020 data from AIDSvu, in New York, 125,383 people were living with HIV in the state, including 1,963 newly diagnosed with the disease. (Adobe Stock)

Viral Suppression Provides Hope on World AIDS Day

As part of World AIDS Day, a report finds through treatment, patients are able to suppress HIV - the virus that causes AIDS. According to data from …

New York State has allocated $50 million for the Empire Building Challenge, which will create climate-friendly buildings throughout in New York State. (Adobe Stock)

NYC Company Makes Buildings Eco-Friendly

By Phil Roberts for Next City.Broadcast version by Edwin J. Viera for New York News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public …

Numerous utility companies in New York such as Con-Edison, NYSEG and RG&E are expecting to see higher bill prices, as energy costs have increased. Specifically, Con Edison is expecting a 32% increase from the previous year in bills for natural-gas users, and NYSEG's natural gas customers might see a 47% increase in their bills. (Adobe Stock)

NYS Legislation Gives Ratepayers Voice in Utility Increases

A bill passed by the New York State Legislature would provide ratepayers with a voice in utility rate increases. The utility intervenor bill would …

According to the Alzheimer's Association, over 560,000 family caregivers in New York bear the burden of this disease. The value of unpaid care in the state is around $16 billion. (Adobe Stock)

NY Education a Focus for Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

Though National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month is coming to a close, experts say education on the disease must continue beyond November…

Of about 1,678 part-time faculty at The New School, more than 1,300 decided to strike. At issue are wage increases, assurances of no health-care cuts, and third-party protection from harassment and discrimination. (Adobe Stock)

New School Instructors Strike for Better Pay

Faculty members at The New School have been on strike since Wednesday, seeking to negotiate a new contract with the school administration. Some 87% …

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