New York News & Current Events | Public News Service

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)

Thursday, December 1, 2022

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% …

According to a poll by Voto Latino, only 21% of voters had heard of President Joe Biden's infrastructure bill. The group ascribes low voter turnout to a lack of information about the policies and proposals on the ballot. (Adobe Stock)

Political Parties Missed Chance to Boost Latino Turnout

A recent poll from a Latino rights group finds both political parties neglected outreach to Latino voters. The National Association of Latino …

According to a survey by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, only about 17% of those surveyed knew about foster care adoption. But, other findings were more hopeful: 37% of Americans have considered adopting at some point in their life, which is up 12% from 2017. (Adobe Stock)

Creating Family Not Always Easy for NYS Foster Kids

It can be a long road to finding permanent homes for kids in the New York State foster care system, but many find it worthwhile. Megan Battista is …

A 2022 study from the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs finds suicide rates decreased for veterans in 2020 compared to 2019. However, it still ranked as the second-leading cause of death for veterans under age 45. (Adobe Stock)

NY Outdoor RX Coalition Aids Veterans' Mental Health

New York State's Outdoor RX Coalition is launching a website to spread the word about its services. Established in late 2020, the coalition is a …

The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act is the first environmental bond on the New York state ballot since a $1.75 billion bond act was approved by voters in 1996. (Adobe Stock)

NY Voters Approve New Environmental Bond Act

New York voters approved the state borrowing $4.2 billion for robust climate-friendly projects. The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs …

New York City's Administration for Children's Services has increased the number of children placed in kinship care, with family members, with 43% last year, up from 31% in 2017. (Adobe Stock)

Adoption Month: Number of Kids in NYC Foster Care Shrinking

November is National Adoption Month, and New York City's foster care system is making headway in reducing the number of children in the system…

According to a poll by the Brennan Center, one in six election workers experienced threats, although more than half of cases have not been reported to law enforcement. (Adobe Stock)

NY Poll Workers Part of Keeping Elections Safe

With Election Day upon us, concerns abound about the safety of elections, and one of so many reasons the 2022 elections are expected to be safe is …

According to a study done by CoStar Group, a real estate research company, most counties in Central New York have seen rental prices increase by at least 3% since 2019. (Adobe Stock)

New Affordable Housing to Aid CNY Renters, Eventually

Two new affordable housing developments in Central New York should help alleviate the region's affordability problem. The Wheat Street Apartments …

According to a survey by Nurses.org, 77% of nurses feel unsupported at work and 56% have felt unsafe at their jobs. Despite this, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting a 6% growth in the number of registered nurses over the next decade. (Adobe Stock)

NY Nurses Association Growing to Aid Union Efforts

New York's largest nurses union has affiliated with the largest nurses union nationwide. The New York State Nurses Association voted to affiliate …

The five-year Clean School Bus Program will replace school buses with zero- or low-emission models, starting this year. The total cost will be $5 billion. (Adobe Stock)

NY Receives Federal Funding for Electric School Buses

School districts across New York will be receiving almost $70 million in federal funding for electric school buses, via a grant awarded through the …

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment for adults with disabilities rose to 38% in September 2022, up from 35.1% in 2021. However, this is still less than half the employment rate for people without disabilities. (Adobe Stock)

As Disability Employment Awareness Month Ends, NY Advocacy Continues

As National Disability Employment Awareness Month comes to a close, New Yorkers are contending there is more to do beyond October. According to the …

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 …

New Jersey's Star Jet Roller Coaster, pictured, was dumped into the ocean by Superstorm Sandy. At its peak, Sandy reach wind speeds of 115 mph. Hurricanes Fiona and Ian, exceeded that with wind speeds of 130 and 155 mph, respectively. (Adobe Stock)

Superstorm Sandy 10 Years Later: NY Bracing for Future

Ten years ago this week New York City was ravaged by Superstorm Sandy, what was then considered a once-in-a-lifetime disaster. But storms of the same …

A study by the Moore Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse finds Medicaid expansion is associated with a 17.3% decline in the rate of first-time neglect reports among children age 5 and younger. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Researchers Link Medicaid Expansion to Health Benefits

New York is one of the states opting to expand Medicaid as soon as it could through the Affordable Care Act, and recent studies found a 2014 decision …

Efforts to implement high-speed rail in the U.S. have been ongoing since the mid-1960s, but only Amtrak's Acela service, between New York and Washington, D.C., has been completed. (North Atlantic Rail Alliance/Shop Architects)

Reactions Mixed to Proposed High-Speed Rail Line for Northeast

A proposed high-speed rail line could change the way people travel across Long Island and through the New England states. The line, conceived by the …

According to a 2020 report, as Lake Placid has become more of a vacation destination and second home location, the year-round population of the town has been on the decline. The decline has been faster than Essex County and New York's North Country. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New NY Housing Development Highlights Rural Affordability Crisis

A new affordable housing development is coming to Lake Placid, an area facing a workforce housing crisis. Fawn Valley, with six homes and 16 town …

According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, the Biden Administration's goal of 30,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy could create more than 77,000 jobs nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Elected Officials Seeking More Offshore Wind Farms

Offshore wind is becoming an increasingly popular way for coastal communities to hit their carbon-neutral goals. According to a report from the U.S…

While there are some misconceptions about where to charge electric vehicles, there are at least 3,000 charging stations across the state, according to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. (Adobe Stock)

New NY Bill Opens Market for Electric Vehicles

A new piece of legislation would provide New Yorkers with further access to electric vehicles. The Direct EV Sales bill, still under consideration …

According to the Empire Center, the average family health-care plan premium in New York is $23,450. That's 14% above the national average, and the third-highest cost, behind Connecticut and New Hampshire. (Valeri Luzina/Adobe Stock)

What NYers Should Consider When Buying Healthcare Plans

Many New Yorkers will be shopping for new health insurance plans this month, when open enrollment begins. If you are among them, experts advise it is …

Amtrak's Acela, at its fastest, travels at 150 miles per hour, but Northeast Maglev's proposed system could safely travel at double that speed. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed Maglev Speeds Up Ride from NY to DC

Traveling between New York and Washington D.C. takes three hours on Amtrak's Acela, but an upcoming high speed rail concept could reduce the trip to …

According to a June poll by Voto Latino, two of the issues that are most important to Latino voters in the 2022 midterm elections are gun safety regulations and abortion rights. (Adobe Stock)

Uncertainty Surrounds NY Latino Voter Turnout for Midterms

As the midterm elections approach, there are concerns about whether Latino voters will turn out as much as they have in past elections. In New York…

In the 2007-2008 school year, New York City was set to implement a plan to limit class sizes to 25 students by the 2011-2012 school year. However, the plan hasn't yet come to fruition. (Adobe Stock)

New Law to Cap Class Sizes in NYC Schools

Class sizes in New York City schools will be limited by 2028 - the result of a new state law. The law will cap Kindergarten through third-grade …

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, invasive carp species have been working their way along the Mississippi River and into other waterways for several decades. Now, people are fighting back to keep them out of the Great Lakes. (Adobe Stock)

New Film Details Fight Against Invasive Carp in Great Lakes

A new film is documenting efforts to prevent invasive carp species from entering the Great Lakes. "Against the Current 2: Keeping Invasive Carp Out …

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 2021 study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center, Americans are split on whether arresting the people involved in the January 6th Capitol Riot was constitutional or not. (Adobe Stock)

More Civics Education Needed for Healthy Democracy

As political tensions have risen in the last few years, experts are calling for a bigger emphasis on civic education. In a 2021 study by the …

According to a 2021 study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, there was a reduction in symptoms of depression, PTSD and anxiety when those surveyed used telehealth. However, there are some who feel little things could be lost in the conversion to a virtual world. (Valerii Honcharuk/Adobe Stock)

Social Workers Go Virtual, Leaving Nonprofits Shorthanded

Nonprofit social workers in New York are seeing a shortage of people coming into the field, abdicating it for telehealth work. Early in the COVID-19 …

Part of New York State's climate law says 35% of total statewide spending on clean energy and efficiency programs must go to disadvantaged communities. (Adobe Stock)

NY Prepares Disadvantaged Communities for Climate Change Effects

New York State has been working to ensure disadvantaged communities aren't so vulnerable to the effects of climate change. However, as storms grow in …

According to the 2022 Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy Data Book, the use of health-care services among children covered by Medicaid and CHIP declined during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Healthy Habits Important as Kids Return to School

As kids return to school, New York parents are encouraged to ensure their kids are getting yearly checkups. According to the U.S. Health Resources …

According to a New York State Comptroller audit, out of 563 schools previously cited for not having one of the Department of Education's six mental health programs, 30% did not have a social worker. (Valerii Honcharuk/Adobe Stock)

NY Experiencing Shortage of School Social Workers

School districts across the state of New York are facing a shortage of social workers. According to an audit by the state comptroller's office…

In 2018, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York filed a lawsuit against the City of Mount Vernon for violating the Clean Water Act. (Adobe Stock)

NY Town Faces Similar Infrastructure Woes to Jackson, MS

A small city in New York faces water infrastructure issues similar to the ones making national headlines in Jackson, Mississippi. Mount Vernon has …

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 …

In 2017 and 2018, a quarter of New York Hospitals placed over 4,800 liens on patient's homes, according to a report from the Community Service Society of New York. (Adobe Stock)

NY Legislature Bans Some Types of Medical Debt Collection

The New York State Legislature passed two bills aimed at easing medical debt back in May, and a new report indicates they're much needed. The first …

A 2021 Gallup poll shows most of the folks who have their end-of-life plans in order are age 50 or older. Only one in five Americans younger than age 30 has a will. (Adobe Stock)

Numerous Reasons Why People Delay End-of-Life Planning

August is National Make-A-Will Month, which experts say is an opportune time for New Yorkers to begin end-of-life planning. According to a 2021 …

With a 29.7% jump in population over the last decade, residents of Hell's Kitchen are calling on MTA officials for a new subway station to be built in the neighborhood. But, it could face stiff competition for funding from other proposed capital projects. (Adobe Stock)

NYC Community Calls on MTA to Build Long-Planned Subway Station

Numerous community advocates are calling on the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to build a long-proposed subway station at 10th Avenue and 41st …

Part of the Inflation Reduction Act's $369 billion climate-change investment creates the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, which aims to reduce leaks from the production and distribution of natural gas. (Adobe Stock)

Inflation Reduction Act is Law; Climate Future Still Murky

Although President Joe Biden has signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, many are hoping he will declare a climate emergency to provide further …

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…

The upcoming 2022 hurricane season has a 60-percent chance of producing more storms of higher intensity. This comes as the Inflation Reduction Act provides $2.6 Billion Dollars for coastal resilience programs. (Jillian Cain - Adobe Stock)

New Bill Allocates Funds for NY's Coastal Resilience Measures

The Inflation Reduction Act, newly passed by the U.S. Senate, allocates $369 Billion to fight climate change, and appropriates funds specifically for …

While the number of high school students graduating on time has risen, a new report showed early education is stunted in the state of New York. (Adobe Stock)

Report Urges More Support for NYS Early Education

Early education in New York State needs more support and better resources, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count …

According to a report from the University of California Berkeley, prior to the pandemic, restaurant workers in the state of New York had a workforce of 675,000 employees. Now that figure is down to 554,000. (Adobe Stock)

Restaurant Workers Seeking Legislation Outlining Rights

Restaurant workers have been fleeing the industry throughout the Great Resignation, with no end in sight. In order to codify necessities for better …

In four of the last five years, New York state has seen severe drought conditions, which experts say could worsen as the effects of climate change become more pronounced. (Adobe Stock)

NY Droughts Could Advance with Climate Change

Twenty-one counties in New York are under a drought watch, which could become the norm as climate change heats up the planet. According to the New …

At least 70% of all public park restrooms in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens are not ADA compliant. In Staten Island, 45% are not ADA compliant. (Sascha Burkard/Adobe Stock)

NYC Public Restrooms Need Better Disability Access

The New York City Council is considering asking the Department of Transportation and the Department of Parks and Recreation to develop a report outlin…

As many states work to achieve their own climate goals, the United States is working toward its goal of having 30 gigawatts of electricity generated from offshore wind by 2030, enough to power 10 million homes. (Fokke Baarssen/Adobe Stock)

Offshore Wind Backers: Long-Term Benefits Outweigh Costs

As part of New York state's climate goals, Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced the third competitive solicitation of offshore wind projects, with the …

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