The Thorn

Local News

New York City’s COVID 19 infection rate has risen above two percent, the highest since May and more than double the rate in mid-September. The rising numbers have many fearful of a second wave.
Only 15,000 of the nearly 100,000 applicants to New York’s COVID Rent Relief Program met the State’s strict requirements for approval. Over half of the $100 million set aside for the program by the State Legislature from the CARES Act remains unspent.
Tenant union organizers have been coordinating so-called “stoop courts” to show solidarity with tenants facing harassment and illegal evictions from their landlords during the pandemic.
The Civilian Complaint Review Board is seeking the authority to investigate sexual misconduct allegations against police officers.
Mayor de Blasio announced a pilot program that would establish non-police response teams to respond to mental health emergency calls. The teams will reportedly include crisis workers and health professionals.
City Council Member and Comptroller candidate Brad Lander unveiled a plan to remove the NYPD’s traffic enforcement authority. DSA-endorsed City Council candidate Tiffany Cabán has supported the plan.
Governor Cuomo is pushing to weaken a law that bans the burning of toxic firefighting foam.

NYC-DSA has officially endorsed six candidates for New York City Council in the 2021 election cycle. Adolfo Abreu is running in District 14 in the Bronx (Morris Heights). Tiffany Cabán and Jaslin Kauer are running in Districts 22 (Astoria) and 23 (Floral Park), respectively, in Queens. Michael Hollingsworth, Alexa Aviles, and Brandon West are running in Districts 35 (Crown Heights), 38 (Sunset Park), and 39 (Park Slope) in Brooklyn.
Politico took a look at NYC-DSA’s influence on the upcoming City Council races.
New York State has begun counting absentee ballots. The returns have so far resulted in a massive shift towards the Democrats, putting a veto-proof State Senate supermajority back into play.
This February’s race to replace ex-Councilmember Rory Lancman in Central Queens will be NYC’s first under its new ranked choice voting system.
New York Republican leaders are largely refusing to comment on President Trump’s baseless claims of widespread voter fraud.
State Senator Kevin Parker (District 21, Flatbush) has announced a run for City Comptroller in 2021.
An unscientific poll conducted by City & State has Scott Stringer leading the pack in the mayoral race.
City Limits took a look at the 59 races in 2020 where only a single candidate was on the ballot.
The City mishandled $1.4 billion of medical equipment during the first coronavirus wave.