Latest News from Empire State Today

New York small-business closures could cut 3 million jobs permanently

By April Bamburg | Jul 10, 2020

Small businesses in New York City that struggled before the COVID-19 pandemic have arrived at the brink of permanent closure with no relief in sight for them or their landlords.

Medium jim justice west virginia governor 1600x900

CNBC: Billionaires, private plane companies receive PPP bailouts

By April Bamburg | Jul 10, 2020

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been a source of controversy since it was announced, with small business owners struggling to apply, extreme secrecy over who received funding, and large corporations obtaining loans. As the names of companies receiving these funds have been revealed, small business owners have seen exactly who received funding while they struggled.

Business insurance often excludes damage from looting, protests due to COVID-19 shutdown losses

By April Bamburg | Jun 25, 2020

Small business owners are learning the limitations of business insurance during the pandemic and the protests that have sprung up and continued after the death of George Floyd.

Medium 12804727 607974212690026 5967407503290420565 n

Gooden urges Congress to protect businesses from sketchy lender tactics

By April Bamburg | Jun 25, 2020

New York’s hotel owners and hospitality businesses are in trouble, like many hospitality businesses in other locations, which are all struggling with the loss of business from shutdowns meant to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Potential evictions threaten millions of renters

By April Bamburg | Jun 25, 2020

Rent and eviction moratoriums are beginning to expire just as states are reopening their doors and many workers are finally returning to work. Yet there are potential problems on the horizon as landlords can start demanding months of back rent.

Remote learning during COVID-19 earns a failing grade, says WSJ

By April Bamburg | Jun 10, 2020

Despite the hopes and efforts of educators, remote learning in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic has earned a failing grade.

Clemency supporter backs Muhadith's' bid for freedom

By April Bamburg | Apr 7, 2020

Amir Muhadith, formerly Chauncey Hawkins, a 45-year-old inmate in federal prison in South Carolina is deserving of clemency, says U.S. prison reform activist and former inmate Alice Marie Johnson.

Chad Marks deserves clemency from President Trump, says CAN-DO Foundation

By April Bamburg | Apr 6, 2020

Since President Donald Trump granted clemency to a handful of federal inmates, criminal justice advocates continue raising awareness of other inmates deserving of clemency. Chad Marks, having served 17 years of a 40-year sentence for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and two possession of weapons convictions, deserves clemency, say his family and friends, CAN-DO Foundation, and his sentencing judge.

William Underwood deserves Presidential pardon for life sentence, justice reform advocate says

By April Bamburg | Apr 2, 2020

William Underwood, 66, is serving a life sentence for a RICO statute drug conviction. It was his first felony charge. After 30 years behind bars, some believe it's time for Underwood to receive clemency under President Trump's recent sentence commutations.

New York and New Jersey utilities will not cut service for nonpayment during coronavirus crisis

By April Bamburg | Mar 23, 2020

Residents of New York and New Jersey have one less thing to worry about, because both states have agreed that utility companies will not be allowed to shut off service for nonpayment during the coronavirus emergency.