The Committee to Save New York is not the only lobbying group active in New York whose donors remains shielded from public scrutiny. These groups have special superpowers denied charitable organizations, whose contributions are tax deductible but are barred from the political fray. ⧸ Full Story
The Bloomberg Administration told a judge yesterday that it will not appeal a court injunction against the mayor’s move to license livery cars for street hails in the outer boroughs and add up to 2,000 more taxi cab medallions. The mayor had obtained approval from the state legislature after failing to win support of the City Council. Acting State… ⧸ Full Story
Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced that he is planning a ban on large sugary drinks in New York City to combat obesity. The proposal has already prompted familiar complaints that the mayor is turning New York City into “Nannyville.” To fast-track the restriction on beverage cup sizes, the mayor is seeking an amendment to the city’s health code via the… ⧸ Full Story
On Monday, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved a new natural gas pipeline to New York City . The 20-mile transmission line will carry up to 800 million cubic feet of gas each day from Linden, N.J., into Manhattan’s West Village. The pipeline faced stiff opposition from environmental and community groups concerned that it would pass through… ⧸ Full Story
In a big upheaval for the New York political calendar, this year’s congressional primaries will take place on June 26, following a court order that rolled back federal elections from their previous September spot. Incumbents who usually spend their spring months focused on business in Washington are now looking over their shoulders at this year’s crop of challengers,… ⧸ Full Story
Today’s question, in honor of President Obama’s public stand in support of gay marriage, follows up on the protests last year that greeted New York State’s legalization of same-sex marriage. Shortly after the state legalized same-sex marriage, three town clerks in New York – Rosemary Centi from Guilderland,, Laura Fotusky from Barker, and Ruth Sheldon… ⧸ Full Story
Ministry of Christian Renovation has brought thousands of men from Puerto Rico to New York, for treatment that relies on prayer and welfare funds ⧸ Full Story
End to federal stimulus leaves city budget short of funds for child care and other services ⧸ Full Story
Obsolete and redundant publications and task forces will be eliminated ⧸ Full Story
Last week Mayor Michael Bloomberg released his $68.7 million executive budget, which as we reported counts on $300 million in state and federal aid to help pay for education. But this aid isn’t guaranteed: The city can only receive the money if the mayor and the United Federation of Teachers reach an agreement on a teacher evaluation system before… ⧸ Full Story
Executive budget includes service cuts that face fierce City Council opposition ⧸ Full Story
New York City is growing faster than expected. The Census Bureau estimates that the city’s population grew by 69,777 since April 1, 2011, an increase attributed to higher birth rates and immigration. While the director of the New York City Department of City Planning’s Population Division, Joseph Salvo, said he welcomed the news, he added that the feds… ⧸ Full Story
EDC President Seth Pinsky challenges living wage bill, says approach "destroys jobs" ⧸ Full Story
It’s coming down to the wire: New York State has about three months to create a state-sponsored health care insurance exchange as part of the federal Affordable Care Act. Currently both Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Assembly are in favor of a bill that would create an exchange, while Senate Republicans say they need… ⧸ Full Story
City Department for the Aging asks community groups to reapply to run gathering spaces ⧸ Full Story
Proprietors tell City Council of onerous fines and relentless inspections ⧸ Full Story
After-school programs face $60 million in cuts under mayor's proposed budget ⧸ Full Story
Today a new city task force – the Report and Advisory Board Review Commission –will hold its first meeting. No, that’s not a joke. With the blessing of voters, who approved an amendment to the City Charter in 2010, this special commission to take a look at hundreds of other commissions on the books –… ⧸ Full Story
What does a no-snow winter mean for the city budget? This year New York City is on pace for its second-mildest winter ever, according to the National Weather Service. A mere seven inches of snow have fallen on Central Park this season. High temperatures across the region have already savaged business that depend on snow, from ski… ⧸ Full Story
Today Comptroller John Liu delivered a “State of the City” address, the first by a sitting comptroller in recent memory. Traditionally only the mayor and city council speaker give state of the city speeches but Liu, who is considered a contender in the upcoming 2013 election, seized a chance to pitch his platform. At a… ⧸ Full Story
