Annie McDonough
@anniemcdonough.bsky.social
Reporter @cityandstateny.bsky.social • Write me/send tips at amcdonough (at) cityandstateny (dot com) • DM for Signal • She/her
NEW: A report by the state comptroller finds New York City has room for improvement in its AI governance.
Among the issues identified: risk assessments of AI tools aren't required, and tools are still only self-reported by agencies.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Among the issues identified: risk assessments of AI tools aren't required, and tools are still only self-reported by agencies.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
State audit finds room for improvement in NYC’s AI governance
A new report from state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli found New York City has only partially implemented 2023 recommendations on how government should use AI.
www.cityandstateny.com
August 31, 2026 at 9:40 PM
NEW: A report by the state comptroller finds New York City has room for improvement in its AI governance.
Among the issues identified: risk assessments of AI tools aren't required, and tools are still only self-reported by agencies.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Among the issues identified: risk assessments of AI tools aren't required, and tools are still only self-reported by agencies.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Reposted by Annie McDonough
My latest for City & State!
SCOOP from @fariharahman.bsky.social
Pre-K and 3-K providers haven't been paid their regular advance payments ahead of the school year, forcing some to dig into their own pockets and apply for loans.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Pre-K and 3-K providers haven't been paid their regular advance payments ahead of the school year, forcing some to dig into their own pockets and apply for loans.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Weeks away from the start of school, 3-K and pre-K programs are without funding
Several providers said they’ve had to dig into their own pockets or apply for loans to be able to open their doors on Sept. 10.
www.cityandstateny.com
August 25, 2026 at 10:59 PM
My latest for City & State!
SCOOP from @fariharahman.bsky.social
Pre-K and 3-K providers haven't been paid their regular advance payments ahead of the school year, forcing some to dig into their own pockets and apply for loans.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Pre-K and 3-K providers haven't been paid their regular advance payments ahead of the school year, forcing some to dig into their own pockets and apply for loans.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Weeks away from the start of school, 3-K and pre-K programs are without funding
Several providers said they’ve had to dig into their own pockets or apply for loans to be able to open their doors on Sept. 10.
www.cityandstateny.com
August 25, 2026 at 10:13 PM
SCOOP from @fariharahman.bsky.social
Pre-K and 3-K providers haven't been paid their regular advance payments ahead of the school year, forcing some to dig into their own pockets and apply for loans.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Pre-K and 3-K providers haven't been paid their regular advance payments ahead of the school year, forcing some to dig into their own pockets and apply for loans.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is AI avoidant, telling us earlier this year he doesn't use tools like ChatGPT if he can help it.
But the city government he inherited was increasingly embracing AI, and the new admin has yet to set a plan for how it should be used.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
But the city government he inherited was increasingly embracing AI, and the new admin has yet to set a plan for how it should be used.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Mamdani’s government has started to embrace AI. Will he?
The personally AI-avoidant mayor faces calls to both expand use of cutting-edge technologies and put in guardrails to curb their usage.
www.cityandstateny.com
July 20, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Mayor Zohran Mamdani is AI avoidant, telling us earlier this year he doesn't use tools like ChatGPT if he can help it.
But the city government he inherited was increasingly embracing AI, and the new admin has yet to set a plan for how it should be used.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
But the city government he inherited was increasingly embracing AI, and the new admin has yet to set a plan for how it should be used.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Driverless cars may not be coming to New York this year, but Waymo’s brief false start has opened an existential debate that labor and their allies aren’t going to give up easily.
Wrote about the (possible) future for this week’s cover.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Wrote about the (possible) future for this week’s cover.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Across NY, debate about the inevitability of driverless cars begins
Waymo is crouched at the gates, and labor and worker advocates are hell bent on keeping them out.
www.cityandstateny.com
April 6, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Driverless cars may not be coming to New York this year, but Waymo’s brief false start has opened an existential debate that labor and their allies aren’t going to give up easily.
Wrote about the (possible) future for this week’s cover.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Wrote about the (possible) future for this week’s cover.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
New: City Hall has hired an AI and privacy expert in a senior tech role.
Rashida Richardson will support DM for Operations Julia Kerson and CTO Lisa Gelobter on AI – which, like it or not, was never going to begin and end with that one failed chatbot.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Rashida Richardson will support DM for Operations Julia Kerson and CTO Lisa Gelobter on AI – which, like it or not, was never going to begin and end with that one failed chatbot.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
City Hall hires expert on AI and privacy
Rashida Richardson, an alum of the White House and Federal Trade Commission, will work with the Mamdani administration on AI, among other tech issues.
www.cityandstateny.com
March 19, 2026 at 10:06 PM
New: City Hall has hired an AI and privacy expert in a senior tech role.
Rashida Richardson will support DM for Operations Julia Kerson and CTO Lisa Gelobter on AI – which, like it or not, was never going to begin and end with that one failed chatbot.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Rashida Richardson will support DM for Operations Julia Kerson and CTO Lisa Gelobter on AI – which, like it or not, was never going to begin and end with that one failed chatbot.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
State Sen. Andrew Gounardes is drafting legislation that would ban the sale of AI chabot-enabled toys for kids – a real thing that currently exists, but which he likened to an episode of "The Twilight Zone"
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Gounardes wants moratorium on sale of AI chatbot-enabled kids’ toys
After passing the RAISE Act, state Sen. Andrew Gounardes is drafting regulation aimed at keeping ChatGPT out of teddy bears.
www.cityandstateny.com
March 9, 2026 at 6:44 PM
State Sen. Andrew Gounardes is drafting legislation that would ban the sale of AI chabot-enabled toys for kids – a real thing that currently exists, but which he likened to an episode of "The Twilight Zone"
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2026/...
Hearing @mayor.nyc.gov will be announcing Lisa Gelobter, a technologist with a national profile (including serving in the Obama admin), as the city's next Chief Technology Officer this afternoon.
Last CTO, Matt Fraser, resigned at end of last year. Ruby Choi has been acting CTO since.
Last CTO, Matt Fraser, resigned at end of last year. Ruby Choi has been acting CTO since.
February 10, 2026 at 6:26 PM
Hearing @mayor.nyc.gov will be announcing Lisa Gelobter, a technologist with a national profile (including serving in the Obama admin), as the city's next Chief Technology Officer this afternoon.
Last CTO, Matt Fraser, resigned at end of last year. Ruby Choi has been acting CTO since.
Last CTO, Matt Fraser, resigned at end of last year. Ruby Choi has been acting CTO since.
Reposted by Annie McDonough
🚨 SCOOP🚨: NYC Mayor Mamdani appoints Phylisa Wisdom, progressive Jewish leader, to run the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism.
forward.com/fast-forward...
forward.com/fast-forward...
Mamdani appoints Phylisa Wisdom, progressive Jewish leader, to run Office to Combat Antisemitism
Mayor Zohran Mamdani has appointed Phylisa Wisdom, a progressive Jewish leader, to lead the Office to Combat Antisemitism.
forward.com
February 4, 2026 at 8:10 PM
🚨 SCOOP🚨: NYC Mayor Mamdani appoints Phylisa Wisdom, progressive Jewish leader, to run the Mayor's Office to Combat Antisemitism.
forward.com/fast-forward...
forward.com/fast-forward...
Reposted by Annie McDonough
NEW: Gov. Hochul announces former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate to form a historic all-female majority party ticket in NY. Rare city and state joint byline with @anniemcdonough.bsky.social www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Hochul taps former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate
Gov. Kathy Hochul picked Adrienne Adams to be her lieutenant governor for an all-female ticket.
www.cityandstateny.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:50 PM
NEW: Gov. Hochul announces former NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams as her running mate to form a historic all-female majority party ticket in NY. Rare city and state joint byline with @anniemcdonough.bsky.social www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Annie McDonough
Kamar Samuels is Mamdani's pick to lead the DOE, three sources with knowledge of the plan tell City & State.
Big city team scoop by @hollypret.bsky.social, @anniemcdonough.bsky.social and @sahalied.bsky.social
www.cityandstateny.com/personality/...
Big city team scoop by @hollypret.bsky.social, @anniemcdonough.bsky.social and @sahalied.bsky.social
www.cityandstateny.com/personality/...
Mamdani to name Kamar Samuels as schools chancellor
The Manhattan superintendent will lead the nation’s largest public school system.
www.cityandstateny.com
December 31, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Kamar Samuels is Mamdani's pick to lead the DOE, three sources with knowledge of the plan tell City & State.
Big city team scoop by @hollypret.bsky.social, @anniemcdonough.bsky.social and @sahalied.bsky.social
www.cityandstateny.com/personality/...
Big city team scoop by @hollypret.bsky.social, @anniemcdonough.bsky.social and @sahalied.bsky.social
www.cityandstateny.com/personality/...
New: Last summer, the New York City Council accidentally paid former staffers who didn't work for the body at the time.
The council now says the former staffers have to pay them back.
The former staffers are pissed.
More here: www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
The council now says the former staffers have to pay them back.
The former staffers are pissed.
More here: www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
The New York City Council accidentally paid former staffers. Now the council is demanding repayment.
“I was shocked and horrified,” said one former staffer who is being asked to repay more than $800.
www.cityandstateny.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:04 PM
New: Last summer, the New York City Council accidentally paid former staffers who didn't work for the body at the time.
The council now says the former staffers have to pay them back.
The former staffers are pissed.
More here: www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
The council now says the former staffers have to pay them back.
The former staffers are pissed.
More here: www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Annie McDonough
Scoop from @anniemcdonough.bsky.social: City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa is dropping her own bid to be City Council Speaker and instead backing her colleague Crystal Hudson for the position.
It's a sign that progressives are consolidating behind Hudson: www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
It's a sign that progressives are consolidating behind Hudson: www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Carmen De La Rosa to drop speaker bid and back Crystal Hudson
The move could help consolidate support for a more progressive candidate for City Council speaker.
www.cityandstateny.com
November 3, 2025 at 12:43 AM
Scoop from @anniemcdonough.bsky.social: City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa is dropping her own bid to be City Council Speaker and instead backing her colleague Crystal Hudson for the position.
It's a sign that progressives are consolidating behind Hudson: www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
It's a sign that progressives are consolidating behind Hudson: www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Annie McDonough
Cuomo just clarified that he meant ONLY the last four years because of Hochul, a person he only minutes ago said he could work well with because he had picked her as his LG (though tried to ditch her at least twice)
Cuomo, speaking about how he'd deal with state elected leaders as mayor, says "the city has been getting screwed by the state" (quite ironic, given Cuomo was governor until 2021).
October 22, 2025 at 11:46 PM
Cuomo just clarified that he meant ONLY the last four years because of Hochul, a person he only minutes ago said he could work well with because he had picked her as his LG (though tried to ditch her at least twice)
Reposted by Annie McDonough
More video of the tank on Lafayette a short while ago outside 26 Federal Plaza, and federal agents making arrests of counter protesters.
October 21, 2025 at 10:19 PM
More video of the tank on Lafayette a short while ago outside 26 Federal Plaza, and federal agents making arrests of counter protesters.
Reposted by Annie McDonough
SCOOP: DSA-backed City Council Member @cmalexaaviles.bsky.social is exploring a primary challenge to Rep. Dan Goldman in NY-10.
Avilés is meeting with @socialists.nyc's Electoral Working Group next week to discuss her potential congressional run.
Read more at @cityandstateny.bsky.social:
Avilés is meeting with @socialists.nyc's Electoral Working Group next week to discuss her potential congressional run.
Read more at @cityandstateny.bsky.social:
Alexa Avilés exploring challenge to Rep. Dan Goldman in NY-10
The DSA-backed City Council member has been talking to allies about potentially challenging the incumbent representative.
www.cityandstateny.com
October 2, 2025 at 6:43 PM
SCOOP: DSA-backed City Council Member @cmalexaaviles.bsky.social is exploring a primary challenge to Rep. Dan Goldman in NY-10.
Avilés is meeting with @socialists.nyc's Electoral Working Group next week to discuss her potential congressional run.
Read more at @cityandstateny.bsky.social:
Avilés is meeting with @socialists.nyc's Electoral Working Group next week to discuss her potential congressional run.
Read more at @cityandstateny.bsky.social:
Curtis Sliwa wants all four major mayoral candidates to stand on the City Hall steps to jointly call for a ban on horse-drawn carriages.
On the very off chance that that doesn't come to fruition, we rounded up where the candidates stand on the issue.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/...
On the very off chance that that doesn't come to fruition, we rounded up where the candidates stand on the issue.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/...
Where do NYC mayoral candidates stand on banning horse-drawn carriages?
One guess where Curtis “Protect Animals party” Sliwa stands.
www.cityandstateny.com
September 18, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Curtis Sliwa wants all four major mayoral candidates to stand on the City Hall steps to jointly call for a ban on horse-drawn carriages.
On the very off chance that that doesn't come to fruition, we rounded up where the candidates stand on the issue.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/...
On the very off chance that that doesn't come to fruition, we rounded up where the candidates stand on the issue.
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/...
Albany’s ‘3 people in a room’ are all with Zohran Mamdani.
The Democratic mayoral nominee is set to drive that point home with an appearance alongside state Senate Majority Leader (and early endorser) Andrea Stewart-Cousins tomorrow.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
The Democratic mayoral nominee is set to drive that point home with an appearance alongside state Senate Majority Leader (and early endorser) Andrea Stewart-Cousins tomorrow.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Albany’s ‘3 people in a room’ are all with Zohran Mamdani
They want him to be mayor. Will they support his agenda?
www.cityandstateny.com
September 18, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Albany’s ‘3 people in a room’ are all with Zohran Mamdani.
The Democratic mayoral nominee is set to drive that point home with an appearance alongside state Senate Majority Leader (and early endorser) Andrea Stewart-Cousins tomorrow.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
The Democratic mayoral nominee is set to drive that point home with an appearance alongside state Senate Majority Leader (and early endorser) Andrea Stewart-Cousins tomorrow.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Annie McDonough
Just now, 11 state and city lawmakers were arrested by DHS police on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza after a hour of demanding access to the ICE lock up on the same floor. @thecity.nyc
September 18, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Just now, 11 state and city lawmakers were arrested by DHS police on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza after a hour of demanding access to the ICE lock up on the same floor. @thecity.nyc
TB control, building bus lanes, cleaning parks - the MMR shows how staffing shortages hindered city services.
It also showed how new hires can improve them. DVS reached more veterans and some ACS specialists' case loads declined thanks to increased hiring
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/...
It also showed how new hires can improve them. DVS reached more veterans and some ACS specialists' case loads declined thanks to increased hiring
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/...
Tuberculosis control, bus lane construction, bathroom cleaning: Where staffing problems continued to hurt city services
An updated review of city agency performance in fiscal year 2025 highlights how staffing shortages contributed to delayed or diminished city services – and where the city saw some improvements.
www.cityandstateny.com
September 17, 2025 at 10:05 PM
TB control, building bus lanes, cleaning parks - the MMR shows how staffing shortages hindered city services.
It also showed how new hires can improve them. DVS reached more veterans and some ACS specialists' case loads declined thanks to increased hiring
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/...
It also showed how new hires can improve them. DVS reached more veterans and some ACS specialists' case loads declined thanks to increased hiring
www.cityandstateny.com/policy/2025/...
Andrew Cuomo's "Zohran's Law" would 1) require new rent-stabilized tenants to be rent burdened to live in those units and 2) not apply to Zohran Mamdani.
More w/ @rebeccaclewis.bsky.social here
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
More w/ @rebeccaclewis.bsky.social here
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
‘Zohran’s Law,’ Cuomo’s very political housing proposal, would not apply to Zohran
The rule pitched by Cuomo’s campaign would means test incoming tenants in rent-stabilized units.
www.cityandstateny.com
August 11, 2025 at 9:54 PM
Andrew Cuomo's "Zohran's Law" would 1) require new rent-stabilized tenants to be rent burdened to live in those units and 2) not apply to Zohran Mamdani.
More w/ @rebeccaclewis.bsky.social here
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
More w/ @rebeccaclewis.bsky.social here
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Eric Adams is trying to thread an independent mayoral bid through the eye of a needle. Zohran Mamdani has the wind at his back
But if there's a time for Adams to shine, it’s on the campaign trail
More on the 2 candidates' retail chops w/@sahalied.bsky.social
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
But if there's a time for Adams to shine, it’s on the campaign trail
More on the 2 candidates' retail chops w/@sahalied.bsky.social
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
For Zohran Mamdani, Eric Adams is a different kind of rival
If Andrew Cuomo was more of a rarified cardboard box, Adams is a true street campaigner.
www.cityandstateny.com
July 10, 2025 at 7:10 PM
Eric Adams is trying to thread an independent mayoral bid through the eye of a needle. Zohran Mamdani has the wind at his back
But if there's a time for Adams to shine, it’s on the campaign trail
More on the 2 candidates' retail chops w/@sahalied.bsky.social
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
But if there's a time for Adams to shine, it’s on the campaign trail
More on the 2 candidates' retail chops w/@sahalied.bsky.social
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Zohran Mamdani aimed to assemble a new coalition of South Asian and Muslim voters to pull off a longshot victory in the Democratic primary.
He accomplished much more than that.
Took a look at his strong performance with Asian American voters here ⬇️
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
He accomplished much more than that.
Took a look at his strong performance with Asian American voters here ⬇️
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Zohran Mamdani’s Asian American coalition
The Assembly member who is well positioned to become New York City’s first Asian American mayor won with the support of the rapidly growing AAPI electorate.
www.cityandstateny.com
July 1, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Zohran Mamdani aimed to assemble a new coalition of South Asian and Muslim voters to pull off a longshot victory in the Democratic primary.
He accomplished much more than that.
Took a look at his strong performance with Asian American voters here ⬇️
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
He accomplished much more than that.
Took a look at his strong performance with Asian American voters here ⬇️
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
He’s taking in donations again. His campaign website is live. His scandal-scarred advisers are back in public view. And most importantly, he’s got an opponent he thinks he can beat.
More on Mayor Eric Adams' reelection kickoff w/ @sahalied.bsky.social here.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
More on Mayor Eric Adams' reelection kickoff w/ @sahalied.bsky.social here.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Eric Adams, surrounded by faith leaders, officially launches his reelection campaign
It would take an act of God for this man to be reelected, and if he is to be believed, there just might be one.
www.cityandstateny.com
June 26, 2025 at 9:32 PM
He’s taking in donations again. His campaign website is live. His scandal-scarred advisers are back in public view. And most importantly, he’s got an opponent he thinks he can beat.
More on Mayor Eric Adams' reelection kickoff w/ @sahalied.bsky.social here.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
More on Mayor Eric Adams' reelection kickoff w/ @sahalied.bsky.social here.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
Zohran Mamdani stuns New York City. Andrew Cuomo calls to congratulate him on his victory.
More here with @sahalied.bsky.social, in a story that will be updated.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
More here with @sahalied.bsky.social, in a story that will be updated.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
And ultimately – Zohran Mamdani stuns New York
The 33-year-old democratic socialist Assembly member outperformed everyone’s expectations – emerging on election night with a decisive lead.
www.cityandstateny.com
June 25, 2025 at 3:14 AM
Zohran Mamdani stuns New York City. Andrew Cuomo calls to congratulate him on his victory.
More here with @sahalied.bsky.social, in a story that will be updated.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...
More here with @sahalied.bsky.social, in a story that will be updated.
www.cityandstateny.com/politics/202...