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Five years after the pandemic, many students remain behind in school and a new study reveals that hate groups are using social media platforms such as Twitter to reach young people.
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California fires
As California braces itself for more wildfires, it is crucial to remember that these fires have long-term and disproportionate repercussions that extend far beyond lost homes and evacuation numbers. They have lasting and cumulative impacts that disproportionately harm marginalized communities.
Altadena residents fear rebuilding will become prohibitively expensive and that gentrification could return due to the fires in Altadena, once home to generations of Black families who sought refuge from discriminatory housing practices elsewhere. Residents worry about rebuilding in an economically sustainable manner without experiencing further gentrification pressures.
Caltech students, staff and faculty were affected by the Calisades and Eaton fires as they have been forced from their homes and schools due to loss claims, shelter issues or limited water availability (due to multiple fire engines pulling on same hydrants at once). Although California is providing resources to aid those affected, long-term recovery requires investing in mental health support, economic revitalization and environmental restoration initiatives immediately.
Congestion pricing
Congestion pricing has garnered support from a diverse coalition of stakeholders, such as business groups such as Partnership for New York City and Real Estate Board of New York. Businesses like these stand to benefit from reduced traffic congestion, pollution reduction and an increase in funding for mass transit systems.
But congestion pricing extends well beyond Manhattan; families in South Bronx allege that vehicles attempting to avoid congestion pricing by detouring along Cross Bronx Expressway could cause traffic and air quality issues in their area.
This arrangement violates New York’s Green Amendment, which guarantees all residents of the state the right to clean air and water, as well as being an immediate danger to children who are particularly susceptible to pollution’s harmful effects.
Bronx stabbing
Waldo Mejia, 29, who is charged with stabbing 14-year-old Avery Barlow to death during an unprovoked, random and unprovoked attack outside a Bronx bodega last week has been arrested and is now facing murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of weapon charges. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described Mejia as “violent recidivist with documented history of mental health interactions with NYPD.”
She explained that Mejia was identified after images were shared of him assaulting a teenager and one of the Transit Bureau recognized him; after which, detective units in the borough notified police, who then were able to track down Mejia.
Jacob Caleb Rijos’ brutal stabbing has sent shockwaves through New York, even amid its decrease in murders. FOX 5’s Duarte Geraldino reported live from Williamsbridge where classmates of his victim are holding a rally to remember and demand change for all New Yorkers.
Yankees fans banned
Two New York Yankees fans who grabbed Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts during Game 4 of the World Series have been permanently banned from all MLB ballparks. Both individuals were removed from Yankee Stadium after one fan in a gray road jersey attempted to remove Betts’ glove while another grabbed his non-glove hand, prompting police intervention and ultimately being removed by security personnel.
According to ESPN, both of the Connecticut fans who grabbed Betts and grabbed his wrist were former Notre Dame West Haven hockey players and have been given refunds on tickets for Wednesday’s Game 5 against the Yankees.
An MLB official wrote to both of them earlier this week to inform them that any time they showed up at any stadium or event they would be arrested for trespassing and their conduct would constitute arrest for trespassing. He claimed their behavior posed a significant risk to players and went “far beyond acceptable fan behavior”. According to the Yankees, both fans were using seats owned by season ticket holders who will keep them.
