Gov’s cut to criminal public defense remains as budget deadline nears

Gov’s cut to criminal public defense remains as budget deadline nears

Governor Kathy Hochul may have reversed her plans to strip $100 million from a fund meant to pay for civil legal services in New York, but a similar proposal to take funds from an indigent defense attorney fund remains on the table as legislators and the governor head into the final week of negotiations over the state’s budget.

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City Planning Commission passes casino zoning rule – won’t affect Queens proposals

 City Planning Commission passes casino zoning rule – won’t affect Queens proposals

A change to the city's zoning rules aimed at easing the path for developers hoping to build a casino in New York City was approved by the the City Planning Commission on Wednesday. The rule, which city officials say is vital to ensuring at least one state issued casino license makes it to the five boroughs, now heads to the City Council for final approval.

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Queens pols want better buses in budget

Queens pols want better buses in budget

As the city gets closer to the implementation of congestion pricing later this year, a group of elected officials – including many from Queens – want to see money in the state’s budget for better, faster and more reliable buses in the five boroughs.

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Gov launches review of state cannabis agency

Gov launches review of state cannabis agency

Governor Kathy Hochul ordered a review of the state’s Office of Cannabis Management amid the agency’s troubled legal weed rollout. Officials hope the audit officials can better the process of creating the state’s legal marijuana market, which the governor has previously called a “disaster.”

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One-fifth of Queens residents in NY prisons are 55 or older, data shows

One-fifth of Queens residents in NY prisons are 55 or older, data shows

Nearly a fifth of all Queens residents behind bars in New York are 55 years or older – and despite being convicted at a far younger age, have few opportunities to advocate for their release, according to new data shared with the Eagle.

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City claims Rikers receivership isn’t needed with new commissioner at helm

City claims Rikers receivership isn’t needed with new commissioner at helm

Attorneys for the city on Tuesday told a federal judge that Rikers Island should remain in the hands of the city as a new, reform-minded commissioner takes a stab at curbing violent conditions at the notorious jail complex.

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With concert season near, locals seek answers in suits against Forest Hills Stadium

With concert season near, locals seek answers in suits against Forest Hills Stadium

After a brief reprieve during the winter months, residents of Forest Hills Gardens say that with concerts set to soon return to Forest Hills Stadium so too will the noise and other irritants they are fighting to address in two separate, ongoing lawsuits.

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