Elections

Op-Ed: Why I Oppose Gov. Hochul’s Proposed Mask Restrictions

By J. GOODMAN
Regarding Gov. Hochul’s proposed mask ban, which she seeks to bundle into New York’s upcoming state budget (due to be finalized by March 31), I oppose the ban. As a disabled Jewish woman who engages in activism, I find the possible codification of this measure to be a horrific violation of human and civil rights, in multiple ways:

UPDATE Danielle Guggenheim Petitions to Run in Council District 11

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Petitioning is underway for those seeking to get on the electoral ballot to become candidates in the upcoming June primaries in New York City, and Danielle Herbert Guggenheim, a self-described, single mother, Black and Caribbean American who has served 25 years with the City’s Board of Education, and has tutored children with special needs, is among them.

Ocasio-Cortez Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Cap Credit Card Interest Rates at 10%

By SÍLE MOLONEY
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), a Democrat, and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL-13), a Republican representing Florida, introduced legislation that would immediately cap credit card interest rates at 10%. U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT), an independent representing Vermont, and Josh Hawley (R-MO), a Republican representing Missouri, introduced companion legislation last month in the Senate.

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. 

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.