State Politics
NYC Politicians React Strongly to Columbia Protests
Following days of protests at Columbia University in New York City, a variety of reactions have emerged from city pols. While both progressives and mainstream liberals cannot seem to agree on whether the protests are appropriate, they both seem to agree that it is a big deal.
On Saturday, four city council members visited the encampment of protesters at Columbia. Tiffany Cabán (D-Queens), Alexa Avilés (D-Brooklyn), Sandy Nurse (D-Brooklyn), and Shahana Hanif (D-Brooklyn) all attended the event, which was organized by the New York City Youth Democratic Socialists of America.
The students have now been protesting for five days. They have gained national media attention after the University contacted the NYPD to allow the arrest of 108 affiliated students on Thursday, and have not backed down under threat of suspension and more potential arrests.
While some politicians have expressed their support, other city officials have responded in strong opposition to the protests.
The New York City Council Common Sense Caucus called the protests a “disgraceful, sickening display of antisemitism and hatred.” They condemned the demonstrations, and called on the Columbia president to shut down the protests.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams also commented on the protests, posting on social media platform X that he is “horrified and disgusted” with the protests. He also urged the university to continue communications with the NYPD to ensure student safety.
State Politics
Oklahoma City to host 2028 Olympic Events
In a surprise move by the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Committee, Oklahoma City has been named the host of two events for the Olympic Games. Come Olympic season, OKC will be hosting the Olympic Canoe Slalom and Softball events, as Los Angeles does not have the necessary facilities locally.
LA28 stressed that the Oklahoma facilities were “built to international competition standards,” and that this move allowed the City of Los Angeles to save money on venues they would not continue to use after the Olympics.
Softball has a long tradition in Oklahoma City, which has hosted the Women’s College World Series every year except 1990. They already have these world class facilities in place, as well as an in-built and enthusiastic audience for the sport.
Oklahoma City also recently completed construction on Riversport Rapids, a world class canoeing and kayaking facility, in 2016. They currently offer consumer rafting experiences as well as training facilities for athletes. In preparation for the Olympics, they will also use it to host the Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2026.
While the plan is still awaiting approval from Los Angeles, LA28 has received approval from all relevant international bodies for the move. However it is unlikely that LA will deny the request considering the cost benefits laid out under the plan.
Campaign 2024
NYC Mayor Eric Adams says Rikers Island prison “ready” for Trump
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday that the infamous Rikers Island prison is “ready” to receive Former President Donald Trump. Trump is currently facing potential temporary incarceration following repeated violations of his gag order.
The judge overseeing Trump’s hush money trial, Judge Juan Merchan, made it clear on Monday that if the Former President continued to violate his gag order, he could be placed in jail. He called Trump’s repeated violations a “direct attack on the rule of law.”
Putting the Former President in jail could prove difficult for the New York City Department of Connection. Due to the high security required for his incarceration, the options could be very limited.
Despite Rikers Island’s poor reputation, city officials could be of the mind that they are best equipped to handle a prisoner of Donald Trump’s stature. Eric Adams told the media that “they’re professionals, they’ll be ready.”
State Politics
Florida teenagers face charges after viral video
Off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida, two teenagers were caught throwing heaps of trash into the ocean from their boat. The teenagers were partying on their speeding boat with their friends when they committed the offense. Wavy Boats, a social media account, first uploaded the viral video on April 30.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) led the investigation, which the Coast Guard and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection were also involved in. The FWC wanted to send a message that the state of Florida “doesn’t tolerate this” and wants to “protect [their] environment.”
According to a South Florida newspaper, after turning themselves in on Friday, the two teenagers (unnamed) face “felony third-degree charges of causing pollution so as to harm or injure human health or welfare, animal, plant, aquatic life or property, which amounts to $50,000 in fines or up to five years in prison.”
Pingback: Op-ed: Trump is going to win New York - The Youth Insight
Pingback: Columbia protests continue as megadonor pulls support - The Youth Insight