News headlines for February 17, 2012 By Paul Smith Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott has ordered a major revision in staff discipline, following a third sexual assault in a New York School in two weeks. In a letter sent home to parents this afternoon, Walcott wrote that starting from today principals can vet job applicants for [...]

The House and Senate passed an extension to the payroll tax cut on Feb. 17, reaching relatively quick agreement on an issue that was extremely divisive just two months ago. Much of the discussion has centered around the political fight—who won and who lost, and who scored the most political points during the debate. But [...]

Governor Andrew Cuomo brokered a last minute deal between the United Federation of Teachers and the mayor’s office over the thorny issue of evaluating New York’s teachers. By Russ Finkelstein The new evaluation system will take into account student growth. In addition, teachers given low ratings will be able to appeal their evaluations, though there is [...]

The New York City’s Panel for Education Policy voted to close 18 schools last week. Nearly 2000 people turned out, many in protest of the closings, at a meeting that has become an annual event at the Brooklyn Technical High School.   By Jackie Mader The 18 schools will not shut down right away, but [...]

Since Whitney Houston’s death last Saturday, fans around the world have mourned the star many call the “Queen of Pop.” In New York City, fans have been gathering in front the Apollo Theater in Harlem, where they’re building an impromptu memorial. By Annie Russell There’s a growing shrine of roses, photos, balloons and candles on the [...]

The riot in Egypt during a soccer game killed more than 70 people earlier this month and  brought global attention to fan vandalism. But violence in the stands is almost taken for granted in many countries. By Hristina Tisheva Just a year ago, I was at the Bulgarian soccer version of the Red Sox versus [...]

When Occupy Wall Street’s tent city was up and running,  one of its features was a so-called medical clinic, where doctors and nurses volunteered their services. The clinic lives on in the form of a volunteer first aid center about two blocks south, on the corner of Rector and Greenwich Street.   Correction: On the original broadcast, [...]

Small business owners are more optimistic now than they’ve been since before the recession. A nationwide poll, commissioned by Wells Fargo and conducted by Gallup, says twenty two percent of business owners with fewer than 20 employees plan to add workers over the next year. By Leanna Orr Tech startups are leading job growth in [...]

News headlines for February 17, 2012 By Rachel Rogers The House of Representatives approved the extension of the Payroll Tax Cut and Jobless Benefits earlier this afternoon. In an unusual act of cooperation the majority of both Democrats and Republicans voted in favor of the bill. Republican Representative Nan Hayworth from New York pointed out [...]

Duvalier returned to Haiti from exile a year ago. Now, he faces corruption charges, but not charges for alleged human rights abuses. New York is home to one of the largest Haitian populations outside of the country, and the decision isn’t sitting well with the community. Correction: On the original broadcast, due to an editing error, [...]

  It’s been a balmy winter in New York City, and apparently the rest of the nation, too. A study shows that last month was the fourth warmest January in one hundred eighteen years for the contiguous United States. By Jacqueline Guzman It’s another sunny afternoon in Morningside Park — around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.  Children [...]

New York fashion week wraps up today in New York City. Blogger Tamahr Anithai discusses the trend coming out of the eight-day extravaganza with co-host Sarah Laing.

Since February 3rd, point-guard sensation Jeremy Lin has set rookie records for points-scored and assists. The Asian-American star’s sudden rise to fame has launched an avalanche of American media attention. In Asia, the hype has taken on another dimension. By Will Sloan Since February 3rd, Lin has set rookie records for points-scored and assists (although he’s [...]

Times Square is full of comedy clubs hoping to entertain New York’s many tourists. But getting customers into the seats is no joke. Sidewalk sellers work strictly on commission, and some days they don’t leave laughing. By Annie Russell Times Square is full of comedy clubs hoping to entertain New York’s many tourists. But getting [...]

This Valentine’s day, the Housing Works Café in Soho hosted an event that saw a line snaking around the block. Over 100 people were turned away, a desperate few even attempting to bribe the guard at the door. It was a story slam: an evening of real life tales told by ordinary people. By Sarah Laing [...]