Summary: On July 16, 2025, the City of New York, in support of a coalition led by Attorney General Letitia James and 20 states, filed a legal declaration challenging the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) termination of over $351 million in Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program funding. These funds, appropriated by Congress,…
Summary: Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos announced the implementation of bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions across New York City’s public schools, the nation’s largest school system, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. This initiative aligns with New York State’s Distraction-Free Schools law, mandating all K-12 public school districts, charter schools,…
The New York City Council voted on July 14, 2025, to boost protections for delivery workers, ensuring better pay, transparency, and safety for those delivering food, groceries, and other goods. This builds on past efforts to improve the fast-growing delivery sector. The Council also passed laws to support displaced tenants, increase transparency about deaths at…
On July 14, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul sent a letter to President Trump and Congressional leaders, pressing for a comprehensive federal strategy to address the growing threat of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), or drones, following concerning sightings in New York City and the Hudson Valley. Highlighting the inadequacy of current federal drone detection capabilities and…
On July 14, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul announced the grand opening of the CHIPS for America Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Accelerator at NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex, marking a milestone for U.S. semiconductor innovation. As one of three NSTC flagship R&D facilities nationwide, the EUV Accelerator, operational since July 1, features North America’s only publicly-owned High…
On July 14, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul announced proactive measures to evaluate the economic fallout from the Trump Administration’s tariff policies, which have caused cost increases and supply chain disruptions across New York. State agencies, directed by Kathryn Garcia, must compile data by September 30 on tariff impacts affecting consumers, small businesses, farmers, construction, tourism,…