If you would like more information about any of the news or views you see here, or you are a member of the press and would like to schedule an interview with one of our subject experts, please contact Margi Trapani, Director, Communications & Education at mtrapani@cidny.org or call 646-442-4154.

Public News Service Live Feed:

Education Reform Activist Decries “Shotgun Wedding,” Albany Style
Public News Service - June 25, 2010
Another state budget deadline looms Monday, and Governor Paterson continues to push through short-term emergency “extender” bills. The procedure is setting a dangerous precedent, according to an education reform activist. Comments from Billy Easton, executive director, Alliance for Quality Education.

Oil Disaster Pushes Florida Event to NY Beaches and Around the Globe
Public News Service - June 24, 2010
New York, NY – An event that started in Florida aimed at warning of the dangers of offshore oil drilling will be pushed onto beaches all across New York this weekend and into the international spotlight. The first "Hands Across the Sand" event was held on Florida beaches in February. The “hands” event on Saturday will be observed in all 50 states and at least 20 countries. Comments from Lauren Schuster, environmental attorney, New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG); and Shannon Miller, Defenders of Wildlife in Florida.

How New Yorkers Can Respond to Kyrgyzstan Crisis
Public News Service - June 23, 2010
New York, NY - Renewed ethnic violence in the formerly Soviet country of Kyrgyzstan (KEER-gis-stan) has killed or injured hundreds, and forced some 80 thousand Uzbeks (OOZE-becks) – most of them women and children - across the border and into refugee camps in Uzbekistan (ooze-BECK-istan). New Yorkers are looking for ways to help. Comments from Bill Farrell, Mercy Corps (core); Janysh Osmon (YAHN-ish Oz-mon), KyrgzClub.org. (KEER-giz club)

Odds Are Long Against NY Youth Seeking Summer Employment
Public News Service - June 22, 2010
New York, NY – A lottery process is underway today (Tuesday) to award 34,000 state-funded summer jobs to the more than 140,000 young New Yorkers who applied for work. Experts say the national youth unemployment rate already exceeds that of the Great Depression and NY seniors and young children will also be impacted by the loss of these younger workers. Comments from John Albert, VP external relations, the After-School Corporation (TASC) and Gigi Li (LEE) co-director, Neighborhood Family Services Coalition.

Shale Gas Conflict Renews Call for Better Disclosure
Public News Service - June 21, 2010
Albany, NY – A recent report raising conflict-of-interest questions about New York State Senator George Winner is renewing interest in revised disclosure requirements for lawmakers. A video on the investigation will be made public tomorrow (Tueaday). It involves Winner's endorsement of industry-drafted revisions to gas drilling laws at a time he was representing the industry as an attorney. Comments from Christopher Denton, Elmira-based former law partner of Winner; and Angela Burton, Corning landowner.