Background checks can make or break someone. Especially if that someone has a criminal history. Such checks may already cost people jobs and maybe even loans. But a new piece of legislation in front of the city council could take one essential piece of living off that list: homes. more

While many hope to find solace in their own home, Rosario Ramon has grown weary of hers. “As much as I love my home, I’m also tired of fighting these battles with this building’s landlord,” Ramon said, in Spanish. “There’s just so much to deal with that I don’t even know where to begin.” more

Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez might be leaving his city council seat in just a couple weeks, but he has no plans to leave City Hall anytime soon. more

The Nov. 2 general election yielded few surprises. At least at the city level. Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams is on his way to the top job at City Hall. Brooklyn councilman Brad Lander will run the numbers as the city’s next comptroller. And Jumaane Williams will continue in his role as public advocate. more

Letitia James has jumped into the 2022 gubernatorial race not just with a lot of attention over the fact she’s willing to challenge Gov. Kathy Hochul for her office, but with a number of endorsements as well. more

Letitia James is in. Kathy Hochul most likely will run. And both Bill de Blasio and Jumaane Williams are making a lot of noise about mounting their own campaigns as well. more

New York City hasn't even finished the 2021 election, but a number of eyes are turning to state races next year with state attorney general Letitia James already jumping into the race for governor, with others like Mayor Bill de Blasio and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams not far behind.  more

It’s only been a half-year since Eric Dinowitz won his city council seat in a special election to replace now-Bronx Supreme Court judge Andrew Cohen. And only about four months since the Democratic primary where Dinowitz all but assured he’d hold onto his seat for the next two years. more

It’s a name that might evoke serenity and relaxation. But Letchworth Village was anything but.

For decades, the massive complex was home to thousands diagnosed with physical or mental disabilities. Too many, in fact. Residents — especially children — were forced to live in filthy conditions, many times with no clothes to wear and nothing to do.

It was enough to create a national outcry so loud, an entire nation radically reformed disability services.

“I’ve visited penal institutions all over the country,” U.S. Rep. Mario Biaggi said. “I’ve visited hospitals all over the country. I’ve visited the worst brigs in the military. I’ve never seen anything like” Letchworth.

How could he know, less than a half-century later, his granddaughter would experience something tragically similar. But it wasn’t Letchworth Village state Sen. Alessandra Biaggi toured last month — instead, it was Rikers Island. A place also hidden far away from inquiring eyes, this time on a one-square-mile plot of mostly landfill-created dirt in the middle of the East River. But not hidden far enough. more

He’s always looking up, but not at the stars. No. Pedro De La Cruz — no relation — is staring at the ceiling. Not because it’s some architectural marvel, but instead out of fear it may all come crashing down on him. Again. more