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Council Member Pushes Habitat for Humanity to Restore Homes to Displaced Families
ProPublica showed last week how the charity had used federal funds to acquire vacant buildings, but some had been occupied just days before the charity moved to acquire them.
New York Top Court Revives Suit Against Hospital That Let Man’s Death Be Filmed
Mark Chanko’s family sued NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and one of its doctors for allowing a TV crew to film his death without permission. A lower court had thrown the case out, but the New York Court of Appeals revived it.
Another Senator Calls for Action on Social Media Abuse of Nursing Home Residents
The move follows a ProPublica report that identified some three dozen incidents since 2012 in which dehumanizing or degrading photos of residents were posted on social media sites.
Senator Asks Privacy Regulators to Stop Abuse of Nursing Home Residents on Social Media
ProPublica reported in December about three dozen inappropriate posts by employees of nursing homes and assisted living centers. A top Democrat wants details on efforts to combat the trend.
Verizon to Pay $1.35 Million to Settle Zombie Cookie Privacy Charges
The settlement is the latest sign that the FCC is stepping up privacy enforcement actions.
Corporate Campaign to Ditch Workers’ Comp Stalls
An Oklahoma commission ruled that a state law allowing companies to “opt out” of workers’ comp and write their own plans was unconstitutional while similar bills in other states lose steam.
NYPD to Change How Police Use Nuisance Abatement Law
Police Commissioner Bill Bratton said New York City is retreating from the practice of locking out tenants before they even see a judge.
NYC Mayor Wants ‘Due Process,’ But Doesn’t Object to Secret Orders Tossing Tenants
The mayor's office also said there would be a review of the NYPD’s nuisance abatement program, but later clarified it would be by the same agency that has been approving the filings.
NYC May Actually Crack Down on Developers Who Cheat Taxpayers and Renters
The head of the city’s housing department has laid out steps to boost oversight of tax breaks for developers and other programs overseen by the agency.
Officials Outraged After ‘Shocking’ Report on NYPD Kicking People Out of Homes
New York City officials said reforms were needed after our investigation showed that the police have been locking out residents who haven’t been charged with a crime.
NY Lawmakers Want Stiffer Penalties for Landlords Who Ignore Rent Limits
A bill introduced in response to ProPublica’s reporting would make landlords liable for up to 10 times the amount of overcharges imposed on tenants in rent-stabilized apartments.
NYC Bill Targets Landlords Who Get Tax Breaks, Duck Rent Limits
City Council members propose inventory system and fines for landlords after ProPublica reports that 50,000 apartments aren’t registered for rent regulation as required.
To Address Race Gap, Missouri AG Pushes Debt Collection Fixes
Citing ProPublica’s reporting, Missouri’s attorney general proposed reforms to the state court rules to address the prevalence of debt collection suits in black neighborhoods.
State Lawmakers to Investigate Workers’ Comp Opt Out
In response to a ProPublica and NPR investigation, the National Conference of Insurance Legislators said it will look into an effort by some of the biggest names in corporate America to opt out of workers’ comp.
Alabama Considers a Step Back From Prosecuting Pregnant Drug Users
A task force studying ways to fix the state’s broken health care system takes aim at a law that criminalizes prenatal drug use.
Own a Vizio Smart TV? It’s Watching You
Vizio, one of the most popular brands on the market, is offering advertisers “highly specific viewing behavior data on a massive scale.”
California Backs off Group Homes, Looks to Lean on Foster Families
As California dismantles its beleaguered system of youth group homes, state lawmakers bet big on expanding foster care.
U.S. Lawmakers Call for More Oversight of Workers’ Comp
In response to a ProPublica and NPR investigation, members of Congress are urging the labor secretary to come up with a plan to protect injured workers and taxpayers.
Dealmakers Drop a Plan to Divert Millions from the Health Insurance of Retired Coal Miners
A bankruptcy plan for Patriot Coal Corp. would have thrown into question the medical coverage of 208 miners, wives and widows.
