National: On September 8th, the decision of a settlement was reached for the family of Freddie Gray. He was a 25 year old black male who suffered a fatal spinal cord injury while in police custody, which let to the wort civil unrest in Baltimore since 1968.  The court settled to give the family $6.4 million, days before the judge is to consider moving trails of the six officers who are facing charges in Freddie’s death.

Even though this was a large settlement, it was approved by city leaders before the Gray family filed a suit against the city. According to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings, “should not be interpreted as a judgment on the guilt or innocence of the officers facing trial”. Thus meaning the settlement on the cities behalf was not an admittance to guilt of the officers that are facing current trail. The mayor then explains, the settlement was reached in order to protect from costly litigation that would result in a longer period of time for Baltimore to heal from civil unrest due to racial profiling of African Americans.

This also relates to similar cases involving Eric Garner, his family received $5.9 million after the police used a chokehold to restrain him, him saying “I cant breathe” led to his death. As well as Kenneth Smith, received $5.5 million after an off-duty officer fatally shot him. In my opinion, these cities understood the settlements was a must in order to restrain the public from further outreach, protests against the police, and government.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/09/us/freddie-gray-baltimore-police-death.html

Local: Last night, a former 35 year old tennis star was known as James Blake once ranked No.4 in the world, was tackled to the ground, and handcuffed outside the Hyatt Hotel.

The two NYPD officers mistook him for a fraud suspect, after he was misidentified by a witness during a credit card fraud investigation. Blake claims that he was standing outside the hotel, waiting for a car ride to the Queens tennis center, with a magazine writer after an interview. When all of a sudden he was tackled by someone who was racing towards him in shorts, and a t-shirt. Blake states that he was cooperative the entire time, but is very frustrated with the incident, and demands an apology from the officers involved. “I have resources to get to the bottom of this. I have a voice,” Blake said. “But what about someone who doesn’t have those resources and doesn’t have a voice?” meaning that if he didn’t have his career as a tennis player, he wouldn’t be able to reach out to media outlets so easily.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more-sports/ex-tennis-star-james-blake-mistakenly-tackled-white-cops-article-1.2353983

International: In latest news with Syria, Obama wants to allow 10,000 refugees into the US. White house claims the U.S has only accepted about 1,500 Syrians since civil war broke out several years before that. Josh Earnest says, “about 4 billion the administration has provided to relief agencies, and others is the most effective way for the U.S to meet the humanitarian crisis in Europe”. Tens of thousands of people form the middle east, are seeking a “safe haven” across Europe. However, many are not allowed to enter Europe. Obama claims that admitting more Syrian refugees would boost the U.S response to the crisis.

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/latest-3000-migrants-cross-austria-33650547

International News: Germany and Sweden Press for E.U. Deal on Quotas for Migrants

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/09/world/europe/denmark-migrant-crisis.html?ref=world

The European Commission, in hopes to quell concerns about the migrant issue, plans to release a proposal that would call on the 28 members of the European Union to collectively distribute the influx of refugees from neighboring Middle Eastern countries. Due to the growing conflicts in Syria, the number of people seeking asylum in Europe is expected to rise.

Germany has stated that it will open its borders to a half million refugees seeking asylum, however expect closer to 800,000. The high estimation is hypothesized to actually help Germany sustain its economic prosperity as the current workforce is heavily reliant on older generations. Greece, who is already struggling with their own financial crisis has asked for 2.5 million Euros in order to aid in the relief. There are a reported 17,000 migrants on the Greek island of Lesbos, which has a population of 85,000, currently seeking asylum. The Danish government has reportedly used advertisements to dissuade migrants hoping to seek asylum. Using tactics closely resembling disinformation in order to scare away those thinking about travelling to the Nordic country.

The migrant issue must be addressed collectively by all the members if the European Union instead of separately. However, many nations feel that immigration laws should be managed by each nation independently. Either way all of the countries will need to work together in order to find a suitable solution for the migrant issue.

National News: Baltimore Reaches Settlement in Death of Freddie Gray

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/09/us/freddie-gray-baltimore-police-death.html?ref=us

The family of Freddie Gray has received a $6.4 million settlement, however, it is important to note that the Baltimore Police Department has stated that the settlement is not an admission of guilt. The suite was settled in order to avoid further litigation that could be costly on both sides. It is also important to note the current time in which the suite was settled, a time of civil unrest due to the targeted policing of African Americans.

Within past few years the issue of targeted policing augmented with the unfair treatment of black Americans has been a hot topic. In the case of Freddie Gray it resulted in violent protests in Baltimore. The amount of money in these settlements has also increased due to the publicity of the cases; the estates of Eric Garner and Kenneth Smith came to settlement of $5.9 million and $5.5 million respectively.

Local News: New York City Health Board Approves Sodium Warnings on Menus

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/10/nyregion/new-york-city-health-board-approves-sodium-warnings-on-menus.html?ref=nyregion

The NYC Board of Health unanimously passed legislation that would require many restaurants to put a warning label on items that surpass a certain amount of sodium. NYC has been very liberal when it comes to Public Health issues and legislation. The Bloomberg administration made strides towards reducing the problem of obesity in NYC by cutting sizes and increasing taxes on soft drinks at restaurants. NYC restaurants are also banned from using trans fats and are required to post calorie counts of all the items that they service.

I believe it is also in the best interest of those in the food industry to post calorie countes and move toward a more health conscious approach. There is currently a health movement within NYC and if restaurants are able to target that growing niche of people it could prove

Local: Family Returns home to Breezy 3 Years After Sandy

I thought that this article was extremely important, because as someone who had family and friends that were greatly affected by Sandy in 2012, I understand the devastation that the event still causes. Many people still have not been relocated and/or compensated for their losses, and it is imperitive that even those who were left unscathed by the storm realize that these people still struggle as a result. The article itself was focused on a small victory for one family, however I think that it would have been more efective news if it had gone into the more intimate details of the family’s struggle.

http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20150909/breezy-point/family-returns-home-breezy-point-3-years-after-sandy

National: Records: Energy Department struck by cyber attacks

This article allows readers to be informed on the state of national security. Cyber attacks have been rampant and sensitive information is being released to people who do not have the US’s best interest in mind. Although the article was coverered well and with plentiful details and statistics,  I feel like this sort of news is the type that if covered too extensively can cause widespread panic among the public.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/09/09/cyber-attacks-doe-energy/71929786/

International: Obama to propose higher refugee limits for Syrians

This article sheds some light on an enormous issue at the moment. Syrian refugees have nowhere to go, and there are thousands of people suffering as they try to find sanctuary. The US has not made any great effort to relieve the refugees in this way, so it is great that Obama is working towards this cause. I think that the issue was covered effectively although I would have liked more statistics in order to communicate the graveness of the situation.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/09/09/obama-propose-higher-refugee-ceiling-syrian/71948318/

News 12 Brooklyn reports on the West Indian day parade.  This year, like many years in the past was marked with violence.  2 people lost their lives at the pre-party.  Some are calling for the return of stop and frisk.

Local:

United C.E.O is out amid inquiry at port authority

Two C.E.Os of the united airlines have resigned due to investigations being brought up by scandal amongst the airline and chairman, David Samson. Attorneys are looking at whether Samson made a deal with united to restart the use of specific money losing flights for his purpose in exchange for funds needed to improve the airline. Samson is a close confidant of governor Chis Christie who also works with the port authority. It is also investigation if Christie withheld flights to punish the mayor who did not want to endorse the governor’s re-election.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/09/business/united-ceo-port-authority-investigation.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Trade Center Steel is almost gone

Fewer than 30 pieces of steel from the fallen twin towers are left. Up to 200,000 tons of steel has been used to build these skyscrapers. Many of these scraps have gone to museums in New York, New Jersey and countries like Germany and Canada. There is still a pending approval to get the last steel from the accident that will live on forever.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/14-years-after-attack-remaining-trade-center-steel-dwindles/2015/09/09/f3a9ad3a-56ab-11e5-9f54-1ea23f6e02f3_story.html

Violence casts a shadow over J’ouvert Celebration in Brooklyn

On labor day, a caribbean parade was interrupted by gun shots. Carey Gabay, an aide to Cuomo, was shot in the head and is in critical condition. Two other people were shot and killed. This was due to gang violence around the parade in Brooklyn where is was taking place. Many are considering not having this big celebration anymore since it’s an all day event and has a history of violence from years before. However, others believe that the parade isn’t the cause of violence and should be used as a pedestal to talk about the killings that has been going on.

National:

Baltimore announces $6.4 million settlement

Due to the death of Freddie Gray, after he was killed by a spinal cord injury that could have likely been done by the police officers who dragged him, the courts have decided to give the family $6.4 million. This has happened days before the police officers who were involved in the case were put on trial. The police union believes that it is unfair to reach a settlement before the trials. However Terry Gilbert, a lawyer representing another racial crime, believes that the courts are taking a step in the right direction to address racial problems in America.

Kim Davis Released from jail

After being sent to jail for not giving marriage licenses to gay couples, Kim Davis is being released from her kentucky jail.  Davis had previously refused to give out licenses because it went against her religious belief. Judge David Bunning had put her in jail for five days while other officials in the office had granted the licenses to gay couples in her absence. Whether or not Davis, will give out licenses, it is against the law for her to stop her fellow co-workers from being able to. If she does, it could lead to more jail time.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/politics/kim-davis-same-sex-marriage-kentucky/index.html

Hilary Clinton says sorry

Clinton finally apologizes for not sending out private email on her personal email instead of using a business email. Originally, Clinton had believed that she had nothing to apologize for. Using a personal email is lawful, but seeing that her poll numbers were decreasing dramatically for this issue, Clinton decided to step up and remedy the situation.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/politics/hillary-clinton-private-email-abc-news-apology/index.html

International:

Senate democrats deliver Obama’s nuclear deal support

Democrats in the senate have given President Obama enough votes so that he won’t have to use is veto to pass the bill that lets Iran have nuclear weapons but at a low volume, which would take 25 years to build. Senate originally needed 60 votes to be able to have a measure to veto the bill that Obama wants to pass. But with the 41 votes from the democrats, Obama can still pass if law even if most of the senate does not agree.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/politics/iran-nuclear-deal-richard-blumenthal-ron-wyden-gary-peters-obama-democrats/

A new wave of immigrants flee Iraq

Many people are fleeing from the country, but from different reasons. Some are leaving because of the war in Syria, others are leaving because they don’t feel safe in their country who are run by militia that threatens their lives. In 2003, many immigrants in the U.S. had went back to Iraq, believing in the new start of their country. However, they are fleeing again from the danger, and are going to Europe and Germany.

Russian hacker group exploits satellites

Hackers from Russia, regarded as Turla for their malicious software use,  are using commercial satellites to extract private data from military and diplomatic agencies in America and Europe. It has targeted other government agencies as well, companies, pharmacies, and research groups. This hijacking has been going on for eight years and has been undetected due to the group being able to cover up their tracks.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/russian-hacker-group-exploits-satellites-to-steal-data-hide-tracks/2015/09/08/c59fa7cc-5657-11e5-b8c9-944725fcd3b9_story.html

 

 

 

 

Local: “It’s officially impossible to afford NYC rents on the minimum wage”

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/impossible-afford-nyc-rents-minimum-wage-article-1.2352294

 

I found this article to be somewhat informative, although the headline was very poorly written and the writing was mediocre at best. The article, which provides details about the financial difficulties of which all New Yorkers are aware, helps to clarify the severity of the situations faced by many residents of the City. Having never experienced the problems caused by high rent myself, I was startled to discover that even a minimum wage of $15 would not be even remotely livable for people in New York City.

In regard to the goal of objectivity, the writer of the article did a good job of reporting factual information, although it does seem unnecessary to claim the results of the study as “new” when they really were just known all along.

National: “A Columbine Parent Reflects on the Prospects for Gun Control”

http://www.vice.com/read/a-columbine-parent-reflects-on-the-prospects-for-gun-control-903

This article, which is more of a Q&A discussion about an important political issue rather than a real “news story,” probably does not fit within the context of “good reporting” due to its one-sidedness and broadness. The subject of the piece, a man whose son was killed 16 years ago in the Columbine High School mass shooting, was really the sole contributor to this story; thus, his pro-gun-regulation opinions are what stand out the most (as opposed to if the reporter had incorporated firsthand opinions from, say, an NRA member). With that being said, the article’s significance as a political piece should not be undermined by its unsuitability for “traditional” news. The need for gun regulation grows exponentially with every mass shooting (“mass shooting” is defined as an incident in which four or more people are shot – I recently read this in a book on the topic called “The Spiral Notebook”), and the validity of the Columbine father’s words should not be discounted just because his interview discusses “old” news. I found the following quote to be especially poignant, not just within the context of gun control, but regarding American politics in general: “We make these excuses but then we never get around to really dealing with what we are going to do about it.”

International: “Plutonium Is Unsung Concession in Iran Nuclear Deal”

From both a scientific and a political perspective, this New York Times article is especially interesting in the wake of the recent nuclear weapons deal with Iran, which will be placed before congressional vote within the next several weeks. The writing style is excellent and typical of the paper’s standards, but this article goes a step further and educates its audience about a popular (but rarely understood) subject: nuclear weapons. The reporter explained the general process of nuclear weapons better than other other source I’ve read, and the political element of the controversial Iran deal was mostly well-explored as well (although the writer should have included another small section about the controversy of the bill instead of explaining its provisions).

 

 

International: 

Refugees Who Could Be Us

This article speaks on the lack of action taken by countries and groups to relieve the refugees of their struggle. While many people from all over the world have taken matters into their own hands to help some of these refugees, the majority of the refugees still have nowhere to go. I do not believe that the article covered the story too well because the article seemed like a tug at the reader’s moral conscience rather that an accurate depiction of what is taking place. The article should have explained what should be done to relieve efforts and the logistics behind his solution.

US Moves to Block Russian Military Buildup in Syria

This article speaks on the undetermined, yet extremely suspicious acts the Russians are taking. The US does not want Russia to influence the political rule of Syria by providing military assistance in regards to both soldiers and equipment. Russia is believed to have a large number of soldiers inside Syria, which the US wants to prevent. I believe the article covered the story well because the uncertainty of the article is clearly stated. While we assume that Russians are building their military base in Syria, it is not yet proven. The article takes a more unbiased standpoint and decides to state only what he knows.

US Revamping Rebel Force Fighting ISIS in Syria

This article discusses the plan to strengthen the rebel force going against ISIS after suffering from an attack. Recent graduates of the program were attacked and found themselves underprepared and learned. The story was covered well because it goes into great detail about the history of the situation and where it is now. Despite the ongoing conflict, the article gave a good background to work with.

 

National:

Kim Davis, Released from Kentucky Jail

This article discusses a very popular national story where Kentucky county clerk was finally freed from jail. After being sentenced to jail for not issuing any marriage licenses for gays, she was set free with a warning. I believe this article was covered well despite all that has been going on because the story went viral. The article was very straightforward in saying what had happened.

Baltimore Announces $6.4 Million Settlement in Death of Freddie Gray

This article discusses the settlement made by the city of Baltimore due to the death of Freddie Gray by police brutality. While, the mayor says the settlement to be approved does not determine the guilt of Baltimore’s officers, many people feel otherwise. I feel like the event was not covered well because of the lack of exposure. The article makes many references but does not have too much to say on the issue at hand besides the fact that the mayor has to really consider the heart of the issue to be bigger than the police making a mistake.

Hillary Clinton Announces Campaign Finance Overhaul Plan

This article discusses the lack of specifics in Clinton’s Campaign Finance Overhaul Plan. While many have proposed reforms to Campaign Finances, it has not worked out for the most part. I believe that the story was covered well because it goes into a great amount of detail as to what Clinton did not address or answer despite her claims and standing.

 

Local:

Mayor de Blasio Says Homeless Problem is “Decades Old”

This article discusses Mayor de Blasio’s opinions on NYC homelessness, which states that while homelessness is an issue, it’s not something new to NYC. Mayor de Blasio states that he is on top of the issue and is doing his best to take care of it. I feel that the article was not covered to well because it is not a major issue at hand for many people in NYC. The article makes it seem as if the mayor’s policies affect the increase in homelessness. The depictions are not favorable and seem heavily opinionated.

Raymond Kelly, Ex-Police Commissioner, Blames Mayor de Blasio for Rise in Killings

This article discusses how the Ray Kelly blames Mayor de Blasio for the rise in killings because of his stance on stop-and-frisks. This was and still is a major issue in NYC. Many people were hurt and abused through the stop-and-frisk craze. I feel that the story could have been covered more effectively by doing some more accurate research on NYC killing statistics alongside stop-and-frisk numbers in order to determine the validity of the claims being made.

A Door-to-Door Push to get Parents Involved at Struggling Schools

This article discusses the different approach taken by Mayor de Blasio and his administration on developing struggling schools. Unlike Bloomberg, de Blasio wants to empower and teach the parents of students to get more involved in their schools. I feel that the article was covered effectively by interviewing many parents and officials that work with the schools. The article clearly stated all the problems and possible solutions being worked out by the city and the parents of students at these struggling schools.

Local:  This article in New York Daily News says it is currently impossible for someone earning minimum wage to afford rent anywhere in New York City.  This is an extremely important local news story because New York City has one of the highest cost of living in the country.  In the past, the country has discussed raising the minimum wage to $10 an hour but people in New York City are asking for the minimum wage to be increased to $15.  The article points out that even if the minimum wage is raised to $15 someone only earning $15 an hour would be able to afford rent in only two neighborhoods in the Bronx.

This news story was covered effectively because it gave the statistics of the minimum wage in New York City, the cost of living in most areas of the city, and the hourly wage someone would have to make in order to afford the rent.  The article gave multiple quotes from New Yorkers saying they could not afford to live on their own.

http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/real-estate/impossible-afford-nyc-rents-minimum-wage-article-1.2352294

National:  This article is about Kim Davis, the clerk in Kentucky who refused to issue  marriage licenses to same sex couples.  This is the most important national news story at the moment because of the historical events happening in the United States.  The Supreme Court of the United States declared the denial of marriage equality to homosexuals unconstitutional.  This means that Davis is going against the constitution and the Supreme Court.  This story was covered well however,  there could have been more detail about why the judge released Davis after only five days and why she couldn’t simply be fired.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/politics/kim-davis-same-sex-marriage-kentucky/index.html

International:   This article discusses the conflict within the nation of Turkey.  The Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) seeks an independent state in Turkey and is declared a terrorist organization by Turkey, the United States and the European Union.  This story is a top international story because it involves Iraq, Syria, and ISIS: the most talked about war zones in the world today.  This article says Turkey is sending troops into Iraq to look for the rebels of PKK.  This story was covered effectively because it explains the relationship between Turkey and the PKK and has a quote from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/middleeast/turkey-iraq-kurds-pkk/index.html

Local News: Mayor De Blasio Says Homeless Problem is ‘Decades Old’

This article tackles the issue of homelessness that consumes the city of New York. This is definietly an important matter because no permanent solution has ever been made and as well as being an ongoing matter for an extensive time. De Blasio points out that the issue is beyond is control and blames it on the rising economy. He also also informs us on how he is contributing to a solution, such as committing $1 billion to the issue and assissting 15,000 people move out of shelters and into housing. The article also includes critiques; one being from former mayor Giuliani who accused De Blasio of “letting people sleep on the streets”.  De Blasio shot back stating that homelessness went up 40% during Giuliani’s term. There was also comments from Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey attacking De Blasio’s liberal policies and blaming them on homelessness.

I think I would’ve liked the article if it focused more on the aspect of homelessness and what future plans were in store in regards to a solution. I felt like the article started that way, but then quickly turned into a sort of gossip column stating the bickering between the three gentleman. It strayed away from the real issue at hand for a bit.

Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/09/nyregion/mayor-de-blasio-says-homelessness-is-a-decades-old-problem.html?ref=nyregion

National News: Hilary Clinton on emails: ‘I’m sorry’

I think this story is important because it shows two sides of Hilary Clinton. It portrays a side where we can all relate to her because we all at some point in our lives made a mistake. It shows that even a woman in power can make a mistake. Her apology to the public sounds sincere, sweet and to the point. She doesn’t overdo it and she also reaches out to social media to apologize, which is smart being that is how the world frequently communicates these days. This situation can really influence the public to vote for someone that displays human characteristics and flaws. It could really work to her advantage.

I liked the way this article was compact and straight to the point. It described the attempts Hilary made to rectify the mistake and making her likable to the public.

Source: Www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/politics/hillary-clinton-private-email-abc-news-apology/index.html

National News: Merkel calls for migrant quotas for EU states to combat crisis

This article speaks about the flood of migrants that are entering Europe from Syria. With the massive amount of people seeking refuge, German Chancelor Angela Makel is advising that each country sets quota for people entering their lands. This is important for the simple fact that this can lead to a huge economic problem for these European countries. The resources may not be sufficient and the number of migrants only continue growing. It is both devastating and troublesome of what is to come if boundries are not imposed quickly.

I believe this story was covered effectively because it gave full details on the current issue at hand and what the thoughts of the countries from Europe were. It was clear and concise and it gave the public enough information to fully grasp what was going

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/Europe/Europe-migrant-crisis/index.html

Business Insider: Central Banks Are Making the Same Mistake That Led to the 2008 Financial Crisis

In this article Business Insider addresses how the International Monetary Fund wants to keep interest rates low even though this is exactly what led to the 2008 economic crisis, rates were too low for too long. This means potential trouble for the entire world economy. Despite a push from the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England to raise rates, we are still unsure of whether it will happen. I feel this article is important because as consumers we need to know what it means when interest rates are low for a long time and why they are this way. It is to incentivize to spend of course, but what are the short-term rewards vs  the long term risks? Business Insider presents both sides of the argument well, giving the reasons why the IMF wants to keep the rates low, why the US & England want to raise them, and what the potential risks are of both. I find this to be a well rounded argument that makes a clear point at the end: There is no “right” time to raise interest  rates, because in the short-term there will be some negative outcomes, however, our sight needs to extend past that and see what is best in the middle- and long-run.

Business Insider: Russia and Saudi Arabia Are ‘Sending Signals To Each Other’ About What Happens Next to the Oil Market

In this article Business Insider discusses the low oil prices that have been maintained by OPEC. It further discusses how OPEC put these prices in place to flush out other competitors like the US, but was unable to when the US was able to maintain steady production and profits even when the price per barrel fell from $70 to $50. Although Russia and Saudi Arabia have not always been on the best of terms, it may be possible to find allies within each other with this oil problem. Russian official insist that the government will not interfere and “force” oil companies to cut production because it would be unfair to the shareholders. However, Russia and Saudi Arabia may come to a deal which is huge news not only for the economy, but in a political sense in the Middle East since the two are on opposing sides in Syria. I do think this topic is important because these two countries are hold a lot of power not only in the global economy but potentially pose a threat to nearby countries if they join forces in more than an economic sense. Although the article does not really address this, I do not think it is irrational to believe that these two forces joining can be potentially harmful. I thought this article did a good job in addressing the issues both countries are facing however I think it could have done a better job of including how this would affect the European and American economies as well as addressing South American oil companies and how they would be affected.

The Telegraph: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Rejects Call to Admit Syrian Refugees

This article addresses not only the influx of Syrian refugees who are running to safety from a violent civil war, but what specifically a country in somewhat close proximity to it has chosen to do, or rather not to do. Israel Prime Minister has decided not only to not allow refugees but is working on measures at the border to keep refugees out for the fear that there may be terrorists among them. I find this article to be important not only because it addresses the terrible crisis that thousands of helpless Syrians are facing but because it also addresses a common sentiment towards migrants. There seems to be a widely spreading sentiment that migrants fleeing violence and unstable environments carry a threat within them when they are in fact seeking safety. I think this article does a fair job of addressing how inadequately Israel has been handling not only Syrian refugees but refugees coming from Southern Africa also fleeing turbulent home conditions.

Vox: This Chart Shows America Badly Needs Some Raises

In this Vox article, just how inadequately job salaries have kept up with inflation over the years is clearly quantified. This article reveals that the highest paying jobs have fell and the wages for the lowest paying jobs have fallen even more drastically, based on percentage and inflation. I find this article to be extremely important because there has been huge backlash when raising the minimum wage was suggested. Many people felt it was unfair for people to be making “so much money” but the reality of the matter is that the raise would really lead to a more equalized minimum wage with what it used to be 20 or more years ago. I do feel this article did a good job of covering the issue by presenting raw data. In highly polarized issues like this I find it important to not interject too much opinion, about what people “deserve” or what one person or official considers “fair”.  It is more important to address what the numbers prove, people are having a harder time living a stable job with wages these days not necessarily because of inadequate college education, lack of skills, or wild spending, but because the numbers simply do not match up.

Vice: A Former Inmate Talks About How Prisons Manufacture Criminals

In this article, a Vice journalist interviews with a former prisoner and a former Missouri state senator, Jeff Smith. Jeff Smith explains in this article how prisons do not work to help prisoners and explains that the violence that is perpetuated in the purposefully harmful environment created by our justice system makes prisoners more susceptible to being re-incarcerated after their first time out. This article is important because it points out how we dehumanize criminals and in doing so and by perpetuating the stereotype that prisoners are subhuman and undeserving of a second chance, we create an environment where prisoners come out even more violent or more likely to commit a crime. Although I did enjoy the point of view this article offered, I would have preferred an interview with a disadvantaged prisoner. Although Jeff Smith was a prisoner, he comes from a point of privilege, being a wealthy white man with a political background. He speaks of the trials of being a former-prisoner as one of an outsider’s perspective because he does not fully understand the extent to which namely poor black men and women ex-convicts have to go to in order to survive after coming out of prison for usually non-violent crimes.

Huffington Post: The CIA Didn’t Torture People; It Just Tortured People

This article discusses the use of torture by the CIA and how violent and inhumane the practices are coming to be considered. Recently the practice of “walling” was made publicly known where an agent would slam a prisoner’s head against a wall. Although the journalist ends the article by saying the practice of torture will likely become illegal by next year, I think a better job could have been done to point out how ineffective torture is in actually acquiring information. I also think that other practices should have been mentioned as well as the fact that we are unsure about whether the people detained and subject to torture are even connected to terrorist activity. Although this article only scratches the surface of the horrors of terrorism, I do find it important. There is a large consensus in America that torture is an effective practice when it indeed is not and more people need to understand that senselessly beating people will not result in the outcomes we hope for.

Local

Huffington Post: The Politics of the NYPD’s War on the Homeless

This article discusses the criminalization of the homeless and the public support within NY for de Blasio to “crack down” on them. It further discusses how de Blasio called in NYPD commissioner Bratton to take the reigns on this movement to get rid of homeless encampments instead of offering aid to those who desperately need it. I think the journalist does an effective job of explaining how helping the homeless is better for society and how we should not condemn people for not having what we do, no matter how they got to the point they’re at. I think this is an important article because there is a very popular sentiment that the homeless are somehow bothersome and a burden rather than people we need to take care of and be accountable for. We often fail to see the humanity in people who are suffering and it has become acceptable to treat the homeless poorly, which is an idea that needs to be changed.

News 12: Mayor de Blasio Signs Law Defending Rent-Regulated Tenants

In this news coverage, News 12 discusses that Mayor de Blasio has signed into law that landlords can no longer harass tenants to move out of their apartments and must inform tenants that they have a right to stay in their apartment when making an offer to buy them out. This is extremely important news given huge rent increases across the city as well as the desperation many people face when they are kicked out of their apartment. Gentrification has long been regarded as a good thing with no consideration for how the people who were bought out of their apartments had to cope. This puts some power back into the common people.

AM New York: Almost $60M in Fed Money to Help Storm-Proof Subway

This article discusses how a federal grant has been issued to the NY MTA in order to make communication between subway stations more effective and much quicker. $60M is going towards better communication systems as well as storm proofing transit rooms with signals and adding drains to prepare if another major storm like Hurricane Sandy hits New York. I think this article was not very well reported because it lacked a lot of detail in where the funds are specifically coming from and how the renovations in the subways will affect transit users during the renovations. But this article is important because it is glaringly apparent that major reparations need to be made to the subway system and a better communication system that could make rides smoother and faster is one thing New Yorkers certainly cannot say no to.