City Council in the spotlight as bills on worship protections, antisemitism, and housing heat up; 51 members, led by Speaker Julie Menin.
A city report shows NYCHA's vacant units doubled from 2,840 in 2022 to 6,740 in 2025, with vacancies lasting up to a year. The cost to renovate each unit is estimated at $52,000, highlighting inefficiencies amid a housing crisis and ongoing safety risks.
New York City Council approved a bill creating buffer zones around houses of worship to prevent protests and harassment, following a rise in antisemitic incidents and protests targeting Jewish communities. The legislation aims to enhance safety and religious freedom, with strong council support despite opposition from some groups and the mayor-elect.
Unionized residential building workers in New York City have been preparing for a strike set to begin April 20 after negotiations over wages, benefits, and healthcare have failed. The contract expiration is imminent, and the union is demanding better pay, pensions, and healthcare protections. The strike could impact 1.5 million residents across the city.
Executives from more than two dozen global news organisations have urged Israel to grant independent access to Gaza for foreign journalists, arguing on-the-ground reporting is essential despite security concerns. The appeal comes amid a ceasefire and ongoing restrictions, with no immediate response from Israel.