Reuven Blau
@reuvenblau.bsky.social
Senior Reporter @ THE CITY. Co-author: "Rikers: An Oral History." Denver native.
If you’re interested in any opportunity, inside of City Hall or out, you shouldn’t just submit through the Mamdani portal and leave it at that, experts said.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/25/c...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/25/c...
70K Apply to Mamdani’s Transition Team. Here’s How to Actually Get Hired by NYC.
More than 70,000 people have applied to Mamdani’s transition site, but the real route to thousands of open roles runs through civil service exams.
www.thecity.nyc
November 25, 2025 at 12:30 PM
If you’re interested in any opportunity, inside of City Hall or out, you shouldn’t just submit through the Mamdani portal and leave it at that, experts said.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/25/c...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/25/c...
“I am hearing loud thuds,” said Mr. Chung, who was released on parole in 2024 after serving eight years for weapons possession and conspiracy. Then came shouts from the guards: “‘Stop resisting, stop fighting, put your hands behind your back!’”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/n...
Restrained, Beaten, Asphyxiated: New York Prison Guards’ Brutality Grows
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:35 PM
“I am hearing loud thuds,” said Mr. Chung, who was released on parole in 2024 after serving eight years for weapons possession and conspiracy. Then came shouts from the guards: “‘Stop resisting, stop fighting, put your hands behind your back!’”
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/n...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/24/n...
“During the latest clinical trial, my doctor told me that he could keep me alive for a year, maybe. My first thought was that my kids, whose faces live permanently on the inside of my eyelids, wouldn’t remember me.”
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
A Battle with My Blood
When I was diagnosed with leukemia, my first thought was that this couldn’t be happening to me, to my family.
www.newyorker.com
November 23, 2025 at 12:59 PM
“During the latest clinical trial, my doctor told me that he could keep me alive for a year, maybe. My first thought was that my kids, whose faces live permanently on the inside of my eyelids, wouldn’t remember me.”
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
www.newyorker.com/culture/the-...
New: Edwin Ramos was hours away from freedom. Ramos, 38, was set to plead guilty to an attempted burglary charge at a hearing in Brooklyn court Friday morning. The judge was then expected to release him from Rikers Island into some type of program. www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/21/r...
Hours Before Expected Release, Rikers Detainee Dies After Apparent Seizure
Edwin Ramos, 38, was slated to plead guilty and walk free Friday morning. Instead, he became the 13th person to die in city custody this year.
www.thecity.nyc
November 21, 2025 at 9:21 PM
New: Edwin Ramos was hours away from freedom. Ramos, 38, was set to plead guilty to an attempted burglary charge at a hearing in Brooklyn court Friday morning. The judge was then expected to release him from Rikers Island into some type of program. www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/21/r...
Reposted by Reuven Blau
This is seismic news. It's hard to overstate how big the implications are for both future prosecutions and wrongful convictions. This NJ decision could reshape how courts across the country treat shaken-baby expert testimony.
news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/n...
news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/n...
NJ Bans ‘Shaken Baby Syndrome’ Evidence in Nationwide First (1)
Criminal prosecutors can’t build murder cases on medical diagnoses that the mere shaking of a baby, without further evidence of trauma, resulted in a child’s death, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled ...
news.bloomberglaw.com
November 21, 2025 at 3:31 PM
This is seismic news. It's hard to overstate how big the implications are for both future prosecutions and wrongful convictions. This NJ decision could reshape how courts across the country treat shaken-baby expert testimony.
news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/n...
news.bloomberglaw.com/litigation/n...
Reposted by Reuven Blau
November 20, 2025 at 11:49 PM
She grew award-winning strains and was poised for a legal cannabis license. Instead, a massive police and FDNY raid — triggered by her vindictive ex-DEA uncle — left “the Godmother” facing felony charges. @rosalindadams.bsky.social deep dive into the family saga.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/20/g...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/20/g...
The ‘Godmother’ of Weed vs. Her Uncle, the DEA Agent
Cannabis officials courted a rising pot star to join New York’s legal market. Then a stunning police raid upended everything and shattered her family.
www.thecity.nyc
November 20, 2025 at 5:57 PM
She grew award-winning strains and was poised for a legal cannabis license. Instead, a massive police and FDNY raid — triggered by her vindictive ex-DEA uncle — left “the Godmother” facing felony charges. @rosalindadams.bsky.social deep dive into the family saga.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/20/g...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/20/g...
Reposted by Reuven Blau
They did not identify themselves, according to the family, or show Jennifer a warrant, though it’s not clear if they had one.
VIDEO: Federal Agents Bust Into Queens Apartment, Pointing Guns at Mother and Her Four Kids www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/19/q...
On Camera, Fed Agents Point Guns at Mother and Four Kids in Queens
The agents came looking for a relative who no longer lived in the apartment, the shellshocked mother told THE CITY. Days later, her children are terrified to leave their parents' sides.
www.thecity.nyc
November 19, 2025 at 6:45 PM
They did not identify themselves, according to the family, or show Jennifer a warrant, though it’s not clear if they had one.
“The raid has rattled Jennifer’s four young children, ages 2, 6, 10 and 13, who were sleeping when agents started circling the house and banging on the doors and windows for about 30 minutes, yelling at them to open the doors, before they eventually burst in.”
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/19/q...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/19/q...
On Camera, Fed Agents Point Guns at Mother and Four Kids in Queens
The agents came looking for a relative who no longer lived in the apartment, the shellshocked mother told THE CITY. Days later, her children are terrified to leave their parents' sides.
www.thecity.nyc
November 19, 2025 at 6:12 PM
“The raid has rattled Jennifer’s four young children, ages 2, 6, 10 and 13, who were sleeping when agents started circling the house and banging on the doors and windows for about 30 minutes, yelling at them to open the doors, before they eventually burst in.”
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/19/q...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/19/q...
Reposted by Reuven Blau
Jon Adams, The New Yorker
November 19, 2025 at 3:31 PM
Jon Adams, The New Yorker
Reposted by Reuven Blau
I have been thinking about this line today, on the value of editors, from the late great John Bennet, for no reason in particular.
November 18, 2025 at 2:14 PM
I have been thinking about this line today, on the value of editors, from the late great John Bennet, for no reason in particular.
Inbox: DOCCS plans to close Bare Hill Correctional Facility and consolidate space at Collins Correctional Facility. Advocates had urged Gov. Hochul to close Marcy where Robert Brooks was murdered by guards and Imam Abdallah Hadian recently took his life.
November 18, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Inbox: DOCCS plans to close Bare Hill Correctional Facility and consolidate space at Collins Correctional Facility. Advocates had urged Gov. Hochul to close Marcy where Robert Brooks was murdered by guards and Imam Abdallah Hadian recently took his life.
He filed reports, flagged officers and in two instances, pointed to video that seemed to back him up, including one in which a fellow male detainee is seen leaving the victim’s cell with what appears to be a wet spot on the front of his pants. He was never believed.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/18/r...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/18/r...
City Pays $4M to Rikers Detainee After His Five Rape Claims Were Ignored
Despite multiple reports, surveillance footage and pleas for help, the Department of Correction brushed aside the allegations but has since settled lawsuits.
www.thecity.nyc
November 18, 2025 at 11:16 AM
He filed reports, flagged officers and in two instances, pointed to video that seemed to back him up, including one in which a fellow male detainee is seen leaving the victim’s cell with what appears to be a wet spot on the front of his pants. He was never believed.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/18/r...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/18/r...
“McDonald’s executives say the higher costs of restaurant essentials, such as beef and salaries, have pushed food prices up and driven away lower-income customers who already are being squeezed by the rising cost of groceries, clothes, rent and child care.“
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
McDonald's is losing its low-income customers. Economists call it a symptom of the stark wealth divide
These customers are feeling the pressures of higher prices on groceries and apparel and the growing costs of rent and child care, the company's chief executive said in a recent earnings call.
www.latimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:05 AM
“McDonald’s executives say the higher costs of restaurant essentials, such as beef and salaries, have pushed food prices up and driven away lower-income customers who already are being squeezed by the rising cost of groceries, clothes, rent and child care.“
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
www.latimes.com/business/sto...
"At least one of the properties in Brooklyn was stolen after his sentencing in Queens — indicating that he continued to defraud people even after being convicted of the same crime in a different borough."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/r...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/r...
Brooklyn Investor Who Stole Homes Faces Years Behind Bars
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 3:23 PM
"At least one of the properties in Brooklyn was stolen after his sentencing in Queens — indicating that he continued to defraud people even after being convicted of the same crime in a different borough."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/r...
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/13/r...
Reposted by Reuven Blau
A lot of people are going to walk away from the Ghislaine Maxwell coverage with the impression that our prison system isn’t punitive enough but I’d say it highlights how most everyone else is treated with *deliberate* cruelty.
November 14, 2025 at 1:27 PM
A lot of people are going to walk away from the Ghislaine Maxwell coverage with the impression that our prison system isn’t punitive enough but I’d say it highlights how most everyone else is treated with *deliberate* cruelty.
Reposted by Reuven Blau
mariska hargitay’s documentary on her mother, jayne mansfield, is phenomenal
November 14, 2025 at 2:06 AM
mariska hargitay’s documentary on her mother, jayne mansfield, is phenomenal
New: Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez is backing a bid to re-sentence a prominent counselor in the Hasidic Jewish community who was originally sentenced to 103 years in prison for repeatedly abusing an adolescent girl.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/13/brooklyn-eric-gonzalez-nechemya-weberman/
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/13/brooklyn-eric-gonzalez-nechemya-weberman/
Brooklyn DA Backs Reduced Sentence for Notorious Child Molestor
The DA’s office argues the original 103-year sentence was excessive, while critics say reducing it sends a dangerous message.
www.thecity.nyc
November 14, 2025 at 12:11 AM
New: Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez is backing a bid to re-sentence a prominent counselor in the Hasidic Jewish community who was originally sentenced to 103 years in prison for repeatedly abusing an adolescent girl.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/13/brooklyn-eric-gonzalez-nechemya-weberman/
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/13/brooklyn-eric-gonzalez-nechemya-weberman/
“The 23-page document calls on the incoming mayor to immediately reduce the number of people incarcerated, fully end solitary confinement and improve medical and mental health care. It also demands that Mamdani do everything possible to close Rikers Island for good.”
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/13/r...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/13/r...
Rikers-Reform Fight Awaits Mamdani as Advocates Release Jails 'Blueprint'
With a court-appointed manager set to take over parts of the city’s Correction Department, advocates want the incoming mayor to back up pledges he made about city jails while on the campaign trail.
www.thecity.nyc
November 13, 2025 at 1:54 PM
“The 23-page document calls on the incoming mayor to immediately reduce the number of people incarcerated, fully end solitary confinement and improve medical and mental health care. It also demands that Mamdani do everything possible to close Rikers Island for good.”
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/13/r...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/13/r...
There are hundreds of interested police officer candidates on multiple civil service rosters generated after they took and passed a written test for the job.
"Hundreds of New York City police officers are ready to leave the force in the wake of Zohran Mamdani’s (D.) election victory, with some openly weeping after the cop-hating socialist seized the city’s mayoralty earlier this month"
(Note: This story has 3 sources, who wouldn't go on record)
(Note: This story has 3 sources, who wouldn't go on record)
NYPD Officers Say Mamdani’s Win Will Lead to Exodus of ‘A Few Hundred’ Officers
Hundreds of New York City police officers are ready to leave the force in the wake of Zohran Mamdani’s (D.) election victory, with some openly weeping after the cop-hating socialist seized the city’s ...
freebeacon.com
November 12, 2025 at 10:30 PM
There are hundreds of interested police officer candidates on multiple civil service rosters generated after they took and passed a written test for the job.
"On the eve of Zohran Mamdani’s election, an assistant commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs joined a wave of commenters smearing the young Muslim candidate as a terror sympathizer." — @gwynnefitz.bsky.social reports
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/12/i...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/12/i...
Immigrant Affairs Assistant Commissioner Posted Anti-Muslim Mamdani Meme
MOIA Commissioner Manuel Castro recommended he be fired, a source said, though Erick Salgado remains employed at City Hall.
www.thecity.nyc
November 12, 2025 at 10:27 PM
"On the eve of Zohran Mamdani’s election, an assistant commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs joined a wave of commenters smearing the young Muslim candidate as a terror sympathizer." — @gwynnefitz.bsky.social reports
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/12/i...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/12/i...
"While the facility is meant to hold 123 detainees, ACS has obtained and extended waivers from the state since 2023 to accommodate up to 154 teens as recently as the monitor’s visit this July, when 33 young people slept on portable bunks in classrooms and dayrooms."
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/12/f...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/12/f...
Federal Monitor Says It’s Done Overseeing Bronx Youth Jail
But advocates say the monitor’s recent report overlooked “extreme conditions” caused by overcrowding at Horizon Juvenile Center.
www.thecity.nyc
November 12, 2025 at 10:25 PM
"While the facility is meant to hold 123 detainees, ACS has obtained and extended waivers from the state since 2023 to accommodate up to 154 teens as recently as the monitor’s visit this July, when 33 young people slept on portable bunks in classrooms and dayrooms."
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/12/f...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/12/f...
“This means we’re going to see a $200,000 loss each year,” Fischer said. “For an organization like ours, with a $4.8 million budget, that’s devastating. We may have to let go of three full-time staff who do on-the-ground work with our clients.”
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/10/o...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/10/o...
State Scraps $300M in Victim-Services Grants, Throwing Programs Into Crisis
A comptroller’s ruling overturning 250 awards has left hundreds of New York providers in limbo, forcing layoffs, intake freezes and service cuts for survivors of violence.
www.thecity.nyc
November 11, 2025 at 1:38 PM
“This means we’re going to see a $200,000 loss each year,” Fischer said. “For an organization like ours, with a $4.8 million budget, that’s devastating. We may have to let go of three full-time staff who do on-the-ground work with our clients.”
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/10/o...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/11/10/o...
Marcy is the prison where Robert Brooks was killed by a group of officers as he was handcuffed on Dec. 9, 2024.
November 7, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Marcy is the prison where Robert Brooks was killed by a group of officers as he was handcuffed on Dec. 9, 2024.
“Zane’s family is still reckoning with their loss – and trying to understand how he could have chosen to spend months talking with an AI tool rather than his loved ones. From their home, his parents recalled their son as a loving family member who was taken too soon.”
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/u...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/u...
ChatGPT encouraged college graduate to commit suicide, family claims in lawsuit against OpenAI | CNN
A 23-year-old man killed himself in Texas after ChatGPT ‘goaded’ him to commit suicide, his family says in a lawsuit.
www.cnn.com
November 7, 2025 at 11:36 AM
“Zane’s family is still reckoning with their loss – and trying to understand how he could have chosen to spend months talking with an AI tool rather than his loved ones. From their home, his parents recalled their son as a loving family member who was taken too soon.”
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/u...
www.cnn.com/2025/11/06/u...