David Stone
Founder & Euro Editor
Navigating Apps with Changes in Memory: Join Our Study
December 2, 2025
Weill Cornell Medicine seeks older adults with mild memory loss for a study on improving navigation apps. Participation is valuable,...
How to File a Freedom of Information Law Request and Avoid Process Pitfalls
In theory, you can get all kinds of public records and information through the law. But in practice, it takes know-how, patience and persistence. By Reuven Blau Oct 24 5:00am EDT THE CITY is a nonprofit newsroom that serves the…
Why Is RIOC Suddenly Doing the Right Thing? Sometimes… But Why?
Doing the right thing is not a sure thing with RIOC. More than a few WTF moments have sparkled through Roosevelt Island during the Haynes regime. And as a rule, they neither admit nor fix any mistake. But suddenly, something…
Governor Hochul Plays RIOC’s Fool As FOIL Requests Pile Up
RIOC’s fool is not what anyone expected of Governor Kathy Hochul when she took office in August 2021. She came on strong. She promised transparency from state agencies. Then, later, she pledged to speed up FOIL requests. But the opposite…
Lawless RIOC Under Hochul/Haynes. Information Lock Down
“First sign of a terrible leader is that they hide behind their staff who is out in the front lines,” an insider observed. He referred to RIOC President/CEO Shelton J. Haynes and Chief Counsel Gretchen Robinson. They “use that constantly”…
Inspector General Complaint #5 Lodged Against RIOC
While still awaiting the Inspector General’s response to our earlier complaints, we were shown evidence of misconduct by RIOC’s General Counsel Gretchen Robinson that couldn’t be ignored. She directed her allegedly illegal actions at the Roosevelt Island Daily in retaliation…
What are they hiding now? Hochul and RIOC protecting Haynes
What are they hiding now? After receiving valid information that RIOC President/CEO Shelton J. Haynes may have violated employee guidelines, we asked the bunkered state agency for some simple data. Five months later, Team Bozo can’t figure it out. Or…
RIOC Deep in Bunker Mode Now as Media Blockade Grows
Bunker mode has been a RIOC feature for years. Facing criticism or even troubling questions, they hunker down, out of sight, as if being fired on. Instead of standing proud on its achievements, the state agency hides. It’s been noted…
RIOC Stonewalling Pokes a Finger in Governor Hochul’s Eye
Taking office in August, Governor Kathy Hochul promised increased openness among state agencies, but RIOC stonewalling increased. Either Hochul was blowing smoke or RIOC couldn’t care less about her directives. By David Stone The Roosevelt Island Daily News RIOC Stonewalling…
Can Gov. Hochul rein in RIOC? Early returns are not promising
Early hopes that new governor Kathy Hochul might rein in RIOC dim as the local state agency hardens its battle against transparency and accountability. Hochul promised making both better across the state, but it’s all hot air so far. By…
David Stone
Founder & Euro Editor