Politics

NYS Launches Language Dashbord to Visualize Languages Spoken by New Yorkers Other than English

By SÍLE MOLONEY
New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy announced Feb. 18 the launch of the New York State Language Dashboard by the New York State Office of Language Access (OLA), which is part of general services. She said the dashboard seeks to provide a point of reference for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the population of New Yorkers whose primary language is not English or who have limited English proficiency (LEP) and inform data-driven decisions around language access that can eliminate communication-related obstacles.

Op-Ed: The Impact of DOGE on Catholic Relief Services

By LOIS HARR
The Catholic News Agency reported on Jan. 31 that U.S. bishops have asked Catholics to reach out to their members of Congress and request the resumption of foreign aid programs following the Trump-Vance administration’s decision to temporarily pause funding for many programs, including those provided by Catholic Relief Services, pending review.

UPDATE Trump Administration Layoffs on Advice of DOGE Worry Bronx Vets

By DAVID GREENE
Hours after rumors circulated on social media on Feb. 13 that members of the new U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), run by unelected billionaire Elon Musk, a special federal government employee, would visit the Bronx VA Medical Center in Fordham Manor on Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the dismissal of 1,000 employees at unspecified VA sites across the country. 

UPDATE Poultry Markets Reopen & Zoo Tackles Bird Flu

By DAVID GREENE
Live poultry markets in New York are back open after a five-day closure was implemented by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday, Feb. 7, after the avian flu/bird flu or H5N1 virus was discovered in bird flocks at seven live bird markets in The Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. Officials said the ordered closures were mandated for testing, cleaning and disinfection of poultry markets in New York City, Westchester and Long Island.

UPDATE Amid Protests, Hochul Takes Action to “Restore Public Trust in New York City Municipal Government Leadership”

By DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed new actions on Thursday, Feb. 22, to restore public trust in New York City government with what was described as a sweeping expansion of state oversight and new guardrails to ensure accountability and protect New Yorkers. State officials said these actions require legislative action and would take effect immediately upon passage.