Democratic state Senator Andrew Gounardes, a key figure behind New York’s RAISE Act, has said recent warnings from AI industry leaders confirm the urgency of state-level regulation. The RAISE Act, which will go into effect in January, mandates that large AI companies report safety incidents and face penalties for noncompliance. The law was passed by New York lawmakers last year despite opposition from industry lobbyists. Now, top AI executives are increasingly highlighting the potential dangers of their technology. Gounardes is currently working on two new proposals: one that would require third-party safety audits—similar to a law in Illinois—and another that would enhance the requirements for safety reporting. He emphasized that these bills are crucial and should be passed as written, though he believes even more can be done. Governor Kathy Hochul has also shown interest in additional measures aimed at reducing AI-related risks. State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, who chairs the Internet and Technology committee, is pushing for a “rights-based” framework focused on high-risk AI applications. Her proposed legislation includes a data privacy measure and the New York AI Act, which aims to address concerns about algorithmic bias in areas like employment, courts, and finance. The act also includes protections for employees of AI companies who report safety issues. New York Attorney General Letitia James has encouraged AI workers to report safety risks or violations of existing state laws, providing an anonymous tip line for such reports. Gonzalez also has a bill awaiting approval from Governor Hochul that would regulate AI chatbots and assign legal liability to companies that develop them. She argues that passing these bills would create a legal basis for holding AI companies accountable and seeking damages if needed. In a separate development, the New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council approved a merger between NYC Health + Hospitals and the private Brooklyn hospital Maimonides Health. The merger was initiated last year after Hochul allocated $2.2 billion from the state-funded Safety Net Transformation Program. The deal was expected to be finalized by April 1, but a court ruled that the council’s approval was necessary before proceeding. A recent report from New York City’s Department of Investigation found that several top officials from former Mayor Eric Adams’ administration are receiving higher-than-expected NYPD pensions due to inconsistent documentation of 821 waivers. The report recommended recalculating these pensions to ensure they are not excessively generous. Among those affected are Kaz Daughtry, Louis Molina, and Juanita Holmes. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the department expects multiple protests daily during the upcoming United Nations General Assembly. Although there are no credible security threats, the NYPD will maintain a high level of alert. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has decided not to attend the anti-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu protests, citing a focus on transportation during the assembly. However, he plans to meet with foreign officials attending the event. Some City Council members have criticized Mamdani for a recent increase in crime in the Bronx. Separately, federal prosecutors have charged five men with involvement in a Kremlin-linked network planning to assassinate Russian dissidents and others both in the U.S. and abroad. Meanwhile, Rep. Mike Lawler has launched a seven-figure advertising campaign targeting his Democratic challenger, Cait Conley, over her stance on data centers.