Grace Ashford
Grace Ashford is a reporter covering New York government and politics for The New York Times. She has been with the publication since 2017, starting as a researcher on the Investigations team before moving on to cover New York State politics. During her time at The Times, she has reported extensively on criminal justice and legal issues, technology and the climate. Prior to joining The Times, Ashford attended Vassar College in New York and received a master's degree from Columbia University. She is committed to upholding the standards of integrity outlined in The Times' Ethical Journalism Handbook and identifies herself as a reporter while she is working, honoring confidential sourcing arrangements. While she chooses not to belong to any political party, Ashford votes because she believes that democracy works best when we all participate. When not working, Ashford enjoys hiking, skiing and cooking over an open fire. She can be reached at grace.ashford@nytimes.com or via Signal at 518-618-2776.
Biography:
https://www.nytimes.com/by/grace-ashford
82%
The Daily's Verdict
This author has a mixed reputation for journalistic standards. It is advisable to fact-check, scrutinize for bias, and check for conflicts of interest before relying on the author's reporting.
Bias
88%
Examples:
- The article states that at least 13 female state employees had been subjected to Mr. Cuomo’s behavior two more than were cited in Ms. James’s report. The identities of the women and the nature of their complaints were not disclosed which is an example of using language that dehumanizes victims by referring to them as ‘complaints’ instead of acknowledging their experiences.
- The article states that Investigators also found that Executive Chamber staff systematically enabled this conduct, and in four cases, senior staff retaliated against women who accused Mr. Cuomo of harassment which is an example of using language that demonizes victims by referring to them as ‘accusers’ instead of acknowledging their experiences.
- The author uses language that dehumanizes the women accusing Cuomo of sexual harassment by referring to them as 'female employees'. This is an example of disproportionate number of quotations reflecting a specific position and it also implies that all female employees were subjected to unwanted sexual contact, comments and looks. The author also uses language that demonizes the women accusing Cuomo such as referring to them as 'accusers' instead of victims which is an example of using language that depicts one side as extreme or unreasonable.
Conflicts of Interest
75%
Examples:
- The article only reports on two more women than were cited in Letitia James’s report
- The author quotes sources that are not disclosed
- The author uses sensationalist language such as ‘sexually hostile work environment’
Contradictions
92%
Examples:
- Governor Hochul cited economic concerns as the reason for pausing the congestion pricing plan. It’s unclear where $1 billion in funding for MTA would come from after congestion pricing was paused.
- Gov. Kathy Hochul cited economic concerns and lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic on working families and New York City’s economy as reasons for halting the program. The move angered environmentalists, transit advocates, and economists.
- The budget includes measures on criminal justice, education and illegal cannabis shops. New York state leaders have reached a deal on the framework of a legislative plan to address the housing crisis.
Deceptions
85%
Examples:
- The article contains multiple examples of bias. The author uses language that dehumanizes the women accusing Cuomo of sexual harassment by referring to them as ‘female employees’. This is an example of disproportionate number of quotations reflecting a specific position and it also implies that all female employees were subjected to unwanted sexual contact, comments and looks. The author also uses language that demonizes the women accusing Cuomo such as referring to them as ‘accusers’ instead of victims which is an example of using language that depicts one side as extreme or unreasonable.
- The article states that at least 13 female state employees had been subjected to Mr. Cuomo’s behavior two more than were cited in Ms. James’s report. The identities of the women and the nature of their complaints were not disclosed which is an example of using language that dehumanizes victims by referring to them as ‘complaints’ instead of acknowledging their experiences.
- The article states that Investigators also found that Executive Chamber staff systematically enabled this conduct, and in four cases, senior staff retaliated against women who accused Mr. Cuomo of harassment which is an example of using language that demonizes victims by referring to them as ‘accusers’ instead of acknowledging their experiences.
- The author does not disclose their sources
Recent Articles
New York's Congestion Pricing Plan Paused Indefinitely: Unintended Consequences and Funding Uncertainty
Broke On: Wednesday, 05 June 2024New York Governor Kathy Hochul has paused the congestion pricing plan for NYC indefinitely, citing economic concerns and opposition from New Yorkers. The tolls aimed to generate $1 billion for MTA's operations and infrastructure projects but their pause leaves these projects in limbo. 
New York City's Indefinite Postponement of Congestion Pricing: Impact on Transit Systems and Reasons Behind the Decision
Broke On: Wednesday, 05 June 2024New York City's Congestion Pricing Plan Postponed: A $1 Billion Loss for Subway and Bus Systems Amid Economic Concerns and COVID-19 Impact. New York City, the first US city to adopt a congestion pricing plan, faced opposition due to economic struggles and lingering pandemic effects. The program aimed to generate $1 billion annually for subways and buses but was indefinitely postponed amid criticism. 
New York's $237 Billion Budget: Historic Housing Policy Changes and Tenant Protections
Broke On: Monday, 15 April 2024New York lawmakers pass $237 billion budget with historic housing policy changes, including affordable-housing construction incentives, tenant protections from evictions and rent increases, and repurposing of commercial properties and state lands for residential use. The agreement marks the most comprehensive overhaul in years to address New York's affordability crisis. 
DOJ Settles Sexual Harassment Claims Against Cuomo, New York Executive Chamber
Broke On: Friday, 26 January 2024The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has reached a settlement with the New York Executive Chamber in the wake of former Governor Andrew Cuomo's sexual harassment scandal. The DOJ had concluded that Cuomo engaged in a pattern or practice of sexual harassment and retaliation in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Rep. George Santos to Not Seek Re-election Following House Ethics Committee Report
Broke On: Thursday, 16 November 2023Representative George Santos will not seek re-election following a report from the House Ethics Committee. The report found 'substantial evidence' of lawbreaking by Santos, leading to nearly two dozen pending felony charges. Santos has admitted to lying about his life story to voters. Two of his campaign aides have pleaded guilty to felony charges linked to his campaign. The report alleges that Santos used campaign funds for personal expenses, including botox treatment, purchases at Hermes and Sephora, and OnlyFans.