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National Immigration Project Files Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Dismiss Mandatory Detention Case After Pardon

National Immigration Project Files Amicus Brief Urging Supreme Court to Dismiss Mandatory Detention Case After Pardon

The National Immigration Project (NIPNLG) has filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in the case of *Genalo v. G.M.* The brief supports Keisy G.M., whose mandatory detention under 8 U.S.C. § 1226(c) was based solely on a single conviction. New York Governor Kathy Hochul pardoned this conviction in August, which the NIPNLG argues eliminates the basis for detention and renders the case moot. Consequently, the organization urges the Supreme Court to dismiss the case or, at minimum, remand it to lower courts to assess the pardon's impact before the Supreme Court intervenes. The brief also advises the Court against addressing issues not directly presented in this case, specifically mentioning questions about due process for detention based on mere suspicion under the Laken Riley Act, and the necessity of a bond hearing for individuals detained long after release from criminal custody.
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Governor Hochul Allocates Record $70 Million to Protect New York Nonprofits from Hate Crimes

Governor Hochul Allocates Record $70 Million to Protect New York Nonprofits from Hate Crimes

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the distribution of a record $70 million to 290 nonprofit community-based organizations across New York State. These funds are specifically designated to protect organizations vulnerable to hate crimes and attacks, particularly those targeted due to their ideology, beliefs, or mission. The Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grant program, administered by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), will enable these nonprofits to enhance their physical facilities, bolster cybersecurity measures, and improve the safety of their staff and the individuals they serve. This initiative comes as New York faces a rise in hate crimes, including antisemitic incidents. Since taking office, Governor Hochul has provided over $201 million in state funding for 2,035 projects through this grant program.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul Utilizes AI to Streamline State Regulations

New York Governor Kathy Hochul Utilizes AI to Streamline State Regulations

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that her administration is actively employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to review and reduce state regulations. According to Governor Hochul, this initiative aims to identify and eliminate burdensome rules, policies, boards, and commissions within the state government. She stated that her team has harnessed AI in a manner unprecedented by other governors, specifically to analyze the extensive framework of state governance. This strategic use of AI is part of a broader effort to enhance efficiency and potentially alleviate regulatory burdens on businesses and citizens in New York. The governor emphasized using AI as a 'force for good' to achieve these objectives, signaling a proactive approach to integrating advanced technology into state administration.
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National Immigration Project Files Amicus Brief Challenging Mandatory Detention After Governor Hochul's Pardon

National Immigration Project Files Amicus Brief Challenging Mandatory Detention After Governor Hochul's Pardon

The National Immigration Project has filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in the case of Genalo v. G.M., advocating for Keisy G.M. The brief argues against mandatory detention under 8 U.S.C. § 1226(c), specifically in light of a pardon issued by New York Governor Kathy Hochul in August for the single conviction that formed the basis of G.M.'s detention. The National Immigration Project contends that with the conviction pardoned, the legal grounds for mandatory detention are eliminated, rendering the case moot. Consequently, they argue the case should be dismissed or, at minimum, remanded to lower courts to consider the pardon's effect before the Supreme Court makes a ruling. The brief also advises the Court against addressing issues not directly presented in this case, such as detention based on mere suspicion or the necessity of a bond hearing for individuals detained long after criminal custody release.
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Governor Kathy Hochul Faces Tight Re-election Race Amidst Voter Dissatisfaction

Governor Kathy Hochul Faces Tight Re-election Race Amidst Voter Dissatisfaction

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is encountering a challenging re-election campaign, with recent polls indicating a narrow lead over Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman. A survey conducted by McLaughlin & Associates for Blakeman's campaign shows Hochul leading 49.6% to 45.7% among likely voters, with 4.7% undecided. This poll, which interviewed 800 likely voters from August 27-31, suggests significant voter dissatisfaction, as 55% of voters hold an unfavorable view of the governor, and 56% believe it is time for a change. In contrast, only 38% feel Hochul has performed well enough to merit re-election. While Hochul maintains a strong lead in New York City (60% to 33%), Blakeman leads upstate (51% to 46%) and in the suburbs (53% to 43%). Another poll by Siena College last month showed a wider 10-point lead for Hochul (49% to 39%).
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New Homebase Clubhouse Opens in Saratoga Springs to Support Mental Health Amidst Shelter Closure

New Homebase Clubhouse Opens in Saratoga Springs to Support Mental Health Amidst Shelter Closure

RISE Housing and Support Services has opened its Homebase Clubhouse on Union Street in Saratoga Springs, New York. This new facility is designed to provide a voluntary, safe, and supportive environment for adults facing mental health challenges. It offers resources such as nutritious meals, social support, employment and life-skill training, and opportunities to connect with peers. The Homebase Clubhouse is the first of its kind in Saratoga County and one of seven new clubhouse programs being launched across New York State, funded by a $6.3 million grant from Governor Kathy Hochul, with nearly $1 million allocated to RISE. The opening of the clubhouse coincides with the impending closure of RISE’s 24/7 low-barrier homeless shelter, which is set to cease operations in less than two months. While the clubhouse does not offer overnight shelter, RISE Executive Director Sybill Newell anticipates it will serve approximately 60 individuals daily, providing an alternative daytime resource.
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Hong Kong court convicts Wall Street Journal publisher of deterring reporter from taking union role

Hong Kong court convicts Wall Street Journal publisher of deterring reporter from taking union role

A Hong Kong court has convicted the publisher of The Wall Street Journal of deterring its reporter from taking up a trade union role
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New York State and Local Retirement System Announces Employer Contribution Rate Adjustments for SFY 2027-28

New York State and Local Retirement System Announces Employer Contribution Rate Adjustments for SFY 2027-28

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli has announced the employer contribution rates for the New York State and Local Retirement System (NYSLRS) for State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2027-28. The average contribution rates for the Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) will see a decrease from 17.6% to 17.3% of payroll. Conversely, the Police and Fire Retirement System (PFRS) will experience an increase in average contribution rates, moving from 36.5% to 37.4% of payroll. NYSLRS, which comprises these two systems, provides service and disability retirement benefits to state and local public employees and death benefits to their survivors. The system serves over 3,000 participating employers and approximately 1.3 million members, including current and former employees, and over 535,000 retirees and beneficiaries. In the SFY ending March 31, 2026, NYSLRS disbursed more than $17.5 billion in benefits. The New York State Common Retirement Fund's long-term assumed rate of return will remain at 5.9%.
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Supreme Court Rejects Religious Vaccine Exemption for Kindergartener in New York

Supreme Court Rejects Religious Vaccine Exemption for Kindergartener in New York

The U.S. Supreme Court has declined an emergency appeal from a mother in New York seeking a religious exemption for her son from state vaccination requirements for school entry. The decision, issued on September 8, allows New York to maintain its stance that the kindergartener cannot attend school while his mother's lawsuit challenging the vaccination rules proceeds. Lower courts had previously ruled that the mother was unlikely to succeed in her request for a religious exemption and thus denied her son enrollment in an Eastchester, New York kindergarten. Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch indicated they would have granted the mother's request. The mother, a practicing Catholic, argues that additional vaccine doses for polio, chickenpox, and other diseases violate her faith, citing objections to 'biological material derived from unclean sources.' This ruling comes amidst a measles outbreak and a broader political debate surrounding childhood vaccinations, with data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Con...
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Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall Secures Federal Court Victory Against New York's $75 Billion Climate Law

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall Secures Federal Court Victory Against New York's $75 Billion Climate Law

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, leading a multistate coalition, has achieved a federal court victory blocking New York's Climate Change Superfund Act. This law, enacted in 2024 under Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, aimed to compel major fossil fuel producers to contribute $75 billion over 25 years for climate-related infrastructure and projects. Chief U.S. District Judge Brenda Sannes of the Northern District of New York ruled on Monday that New York could not enforce the law. Judge Sannes determined that the measure was preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and federal authority over foreign affairs, concluding that New York had overstepped its regulatory boundaries into areas where federal interests are paramount. Marshall praised the decision, asserting that the law threatened energy producers operating legally under existing federal regulations and that the ruling prevents New York from penalizing two decades of lawful energy production. The law sought to assign financial responsibility to ...
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Amazon accused in lawsuit of systematic pregnancy discrimination

Amazon accused in lawsuit of systematic pregnancy discrimination

NEW YORK, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Amazon.com was sued on Tuesday in a proposed nationwide class action accusing the retailer of systematically discriminating against thousands of pregnant employees, including by firing some it claimed took too much time off.
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Gibson Dunn Crutcher Seeks Director of AI-Driven Legal Innovation to Lead Enterprise AI Strategy

Gibson Dunn Crutcher Seeks Director of AI-Driven Legal Innovation to Lead Enterprise AI Strategy

Gibson Dunn Crutcher Seeks Director of AI-Driven Legal Innovation to Lead Enterprise AI Strategy