An advocacy group, the Empire State Local News Coalition, gathered in Albany to rally support for the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, aiming to provide tax credits to local news outlets employing journalists in New York communities. With bipartisan backing and inclusion in the Senate's One House budget resolution, the bill aims to address the crisis facing the local news industry, which has seen significant decline over the past decades, leading to job losses and diminished community coverage. The rally highlights the urgent need for legislative action to preserve local journalism and democracy. more

Community Board 8 is accepting nominations for its annual Betty Campbell Most Valuable Merchant and Irving Ladimer Community Service awards. more

They’re protesting a pair of bills they say would limit their ability to protest. And they have their sights on one of the lawmakers who sponsored that legislation: Assemblyman Jeffrey … more

Following the failure of Signature Bank last March, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. has announced has begun the process of selling its $33 billion commercial real estate loan portfolio. more

U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres establishes the Congressional Clubhouse Caucus to advocate for improved mental health care, emphasizing the effectiveness of clubhouse models in supporting individuals with severe mental illness. The caucus aims to educate on the clubhouse model, address challenges in mental health care, and promote social integration. Torres, sharing his personal experience with depression, seeks to destigmatize mental illness and raise awareness in Congress and beyond, particularly crucial amid the mental health challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. more

U.S. Rep. Ritchie Torres introduced legislation last week aiming to advance accessible and comprehensive mental health care services. The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Expansion Act of 2024 seeks to modify the existing Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014. more

Unionized workers in the Bronx, represented by 32BJ SEIU, rallied at the Bronx Supreme Court against the potential renegotiation of their contract by the Bronx Realty Advisory Board. Threats of strikes emerged as the board considered reopening negotiations, prompting concerns about lowered standards and benefits. Elected officials, including Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, voiced support for the union, emphasizing the importance of fair contracts and the role of unions in protecting workers' rights. However, the realty board cited rising expenses and regulatory challenges, urging collaboration with property owners to address housing affordability concerns. more

Apparently, local elected and cricket leagues are not the only ones opposed to Mayor Eric Adams’ proposed temporary 34,000-seat cricket stadium on the parade ground of Van Cortlandt Park to host the 2024 T20 Cricket World Cup. more

Amid concerns about its financial stability, Manhattan College's president, Milo Riverso, reassures faculty and students that the institution is not closing despite layoffs and budget cuts. The meeting aimed to address rumors and provide clarity on the college's future, but some students remain skeptical about the administration's transparency and effectiveness in managing the situation. more

Local Democratic clubs urge voters to participate in the upcoming presidential primary on April 2, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement despite the presumptive nominees already being decided. The clubs highlight concerns over democracy, voting rights, and the future impact of the election on civil liberties. While the primary won't determine the final candidates, it serves as preparation for the general election in November. more