Power & Politics: Legionnaires cluster in the South Bronx; the rapid growth of artificial intelligence; Regents exams no longer a graduation requirement
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and New York City Council Member Eric Dinowitz join the show this week.
More Stories
Legionnaires' Cluster Concerns
A deadly Legionnaires' disease cluster is raising concerns in the South Bronx. On this week's show, News 12 will look at what city leaders are doing to address the outbreak and what residents need to know.
NYC Council Speaker Julie Menin calls the outbreak "incredibly concerning," and says that the NYC Health Dept. has not done enough enforcement in advance of the summer months.
The City Council passed a bill last year that increased penalties and required buildings to test every single month in the summer. Speaker Menin says that the council found that these rules were not being enforced.
Debate Over Artificial Intelligence's Potential Risks
Questions are growing about the potential risks of artificial intelligence as the technology continues to expand rapidly. The New York City Council is seeking answers from industry leaders about AI's impact and potential dangers.
New York City Council Member Eric Dinowitz, chair of the Council's Education Committee, also discussed his push to secure funding for school safety agents. He said relationships between students and local police officers can help create a safer school environment.
Dinowitz also pointed to the ongoing school bus shortage, saying some students spend two to three hours commuting home each day. He said the council plans to hold a hearing in the coming months to address concerns raised by parents and students.
Regents exams no longer a graduation requirement
Dinowitz, a former educator, also discussed changes to New York's education system, including the decision to eliminate Regents exams as a graduation requirement. He said he has advocated for moving away from the exams for years.
However, Dinowitz said any replacement should continue to provide meaningful guidance for students and educators while placing a greater emphasis on community-based and project-based learning.
