With Rikers in Crisis, Critics Wonder: Where Is Bill de Blasio?
The New York Times
The mayor is facing growing calls to address chaotic and violent conditions inside New York City’s vast jail complex.
Mayor Bill de Blasio has been all over New York City this summer, heralding the city’s recovery. He visited a pool in Brooklyn in a bright beach outfit. He attended a series of concerts in every borough. He rubbed elbows with celebrities at the Met Gala on Monday.
But in recent days he has faced withering criticism for not visiting Rikers Island, even as the notorious jail complex has spiraled into crisis. His last trip there was four years ago.
Ten people have died on Rikers this year, and staff shortages have led to a series of violent episodes and an unsanitary and chaotic living environment inside the jail, a federal monitor said this summer. As the jail has grown less safe, there have been growing calls for Mr. de Blasio to visit the complex and to move more aggressively to improve the dangerous conditions there.
Michael Blake, a former state assemblyman and a veteran of the Obama administration, joins a crowded field of candidates running against Mayor Eric Adams.
Democrat-led states successfully challenged policies during the first Trump administration. Now, they worry the new White House will be more prepared and less restrained.
The Jets and Giants are both having seasons that fans would rather forget. But they took very different routes to get there.
Donald Trump’s promise to carry out mass deportations has driven fearful immigrants to seek protections and advice.
Some in the party are considering alternative ways of assessing the federal budget as they prepare to extend temporary tax cuts passed in 2017.
Street side sheds and shanties helped keep restaurants afloat during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic. Now, for better or worse, new city rules are forcing their removal.
After enduring a host of election conspiracy claims in recent years, Ada County believes it has found a way to restore confidence in the vote-counting system.
The inquiry follows a New York Times report questioning the validity of more than $162,000 in matching funds given to Dao Yin, a Democrat of Queens.
Donald Trump has a record of pardoning favored companies from tariffs. Companies are once again lining up to try to influence him.
An atmospheric river that has brought damaging wind, rain and snow to the Pacific Northwest fed a storm spreading as far south as Los Angeles.
The world’s richest person, not known for his humility, is still learning the cutthroat courtier politics of Donald Trump’s inner circle — and his ultimate influence remains an open question.