Politics

NYS Launches Language Dashboard 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.

Inquiring Photographer: Opinions on DOJ Dropping Bribery Charges for Now Against Eric Adams

By DAVID GREENE & SÍLE MOLONEY
This week, we asked readers their opinion on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) memo dated Monday, Feb. 10, directing the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of New York to drop the bribery and corruption charges formally brought against New York City Mayor Eric Adams last year, which resulted from a 2023 investigation into his 2021 mayoral election campaign and related campaign financing. As reported, the mayor had his iphones and other devices seized by federal agents in November 2023 as part of that investigation.

UPDATE Feds Hit NY Politicians but Not Mayor with Lawsuit over Alleged Ice Raid Tip Offs, Prosecutor Resigns

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Newly confirmed U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Wednesday evening, Feb. 12, that federal authorities have filed a lawsuit against New York State, NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York Attorney General Letitia James and NYS Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Commissioner Mark Schroeder over its “Sanctuary City” status and “Green Light” law amid reports of tip-offs being given to undocumented immigrants of the ongoing federal raids being carried out by U.S. Department of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies across New York State in recent weeks.