Collated by Aaron Mayer

World:

As European Migrant Crisis Grows, U.S. Considers Taking In More Syrians

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/09/us/as-european-migrant-crisis-grows-us-considers-taking-in-more-syrians.html?ref=world

The inconvenient and ugly truth echoes across oceans: the migrant crisis affects us all. This article from The New York Times is just one of many recent publications regarding the swarms of refugees from the Middle East (primarily Syria) seeking asylum in foreign countries. The author, Michael Shear, reports that the White House is considering a readjustment in its quota of immigrants to ease the pressure on more proximal European borders. Shear was reporting effectively because he remained unbiased, and he focused on the critical issue of the split between countries that have granted asylum and those that have not. Personally, I would have liked to see his opinion added to the end of the article, as I sensed he was indeed advocating for the U.S. to welcome more immigrants, and any voice in favor of the morally imperative action would add its weight to the growing urgency for reform.

National:

Apple and Other Tech Companies Tangle With U.S. Over Data Access

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/08/us/politics/apple-and-other-tech-companies-tangle-with-us-over-access-to-data.html?src=me

A drug-trafficking gun-bearing potential criminal is texting an assumed accomplice, the police want to monitor the texts in real time in order to prevent a crime, but they can’t do so. The culprit? Apple’s iMessaging encryption.

This article highlights the growing tension between tech companies (Microsoft, Apple, Google) that seek to protect the information of their customers, and the government, which is doing its best to uphold the law and stop crimes. It’s an important article because it fosters public discourse about the ever-changing landscape of privacy and surveillance in post-Snowden America. It was reported effectively because it included examples of several tech companies and several governmental agencies clashing in several ways, some of which appear more favorable to the companies and others to the agencies. In this way, the article encourages the reader to explore for his or herself the ticklish questions of just how far the right to privacy extends.

Local (NYC):

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

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/09/nyregion/a-door-to-door-push-to-get-parents-involved-at-struggling-schools.html?src=me

Alas, we still haven’t quite figured out this whole “education” thing. Amidst higher rates of dropouts and lower rates graduation, the de Blasio administration is tackling the issue of education reform by promoting parental involvement in their children’s schooling. The article itself is important because it broadens awareness about the epidemical condition of some NYC schools, and it is effective reporting because it addresses the positive and negative attributes of the $106M plan. People like knowing where their tax dollars are being spent, and articles like this one serve to inform the public and encourage valuable debates.

Thank you, and have a pleasant day.

–Aaron Mayer

1. Local News – An aide for Governor Andrew Cuomo is currently in the hospital after being shot at the  West Indian American Day Parade. This news story is important because every year you hear about violence during the parade and it seems that nothing is done about it. The story has been getting coverage, but there should be more questions answered about security measures for the future if the parade were to be held again.

http://bronx.news12.com/news/governor-s-aide-fights-for-life-after-shooting-1.10817304#autoplay=true

2. National News – A Kentucky clerk has made national headlines by denying marriage licenses to same sex couples due to her religious beliefs. This news story is important because it could set a precedent for future cases. It also adds fuel to a polarizing issue due to the political campaigns. I believe this story is being covered effectively since it’s plain and simple that the clerk must follow the law.

http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/08/opinions/jones-kim-davis-no-martin-luther-king/index.html

3. International – Russia is sending reinforcements to Assad.  As the civil war rages on,  the Assad Regime is  on the defense  as is has recently lost a lot of land to opposition groups. Now, Putin has reportedly sent thousands of troops along with supplies to the regime. This is important news because the turmoil in the middle east has created a refugee crisis and with Russia backing Assad, they are also in part to blame. This story has not been covered as effectively primarily because of the recent migrant crisis in Europe.

Local News

1.  Brooklyn bandit busted after getting shot in leg by NYPD, who fired 84 shots in wild gunfight: police

This article published by the Daily News on Saturday Sept. 5th covers an armed robbery which took place in Brooklyn that quickly became a “wild gunfight”. What strikes me about this story is that police shot at the individual 84 times, 83 of which missed the suspect. One shot was made the to the suspect’s leg, allowing police to stop the robber.

2. Cops bust alleged gunman, 21, for Brooklyn J-Ouvert celebration attack.

In an overnight celebration preceding the West Indian Day parade, shots were fired by a 21 year-old gunman, David Pugh, in Brooklyn and 4:25am. Mr. Pugh now faces charges of assault, weapons possession, reckless endangerment, assaulting a police officer and resisting arrest. The victim was hit once in the torso but is expected to survive.

3. Bronx pastor has witnessed the horrors of refugees fleeing Syria.

William Devlin, a pastor at the Infinity Bible Church in the South Bronx, has encountered many refugees from Syria in the past four days during his stay in a Turkish medical clinic. His goal is to aid the refugees with antibiotics brought from the U.S. as well as cash donated from New Yorkers to help arriving Syrians.

National News

1. Baltimore reaches settlement in death of Freddie Gray.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced on Tuesday that a $6.4 million settlement was reached with the city in the case of Freddie Gray’s death. The death was due t a spinal cord injury while held in police custody in April. The incident set off riots all across Baltimore. The settlement “does not constitute an admission of liability on the part of the city, the Baltimore police Dept., individual Baltimore police officers” or anyone else who might be responsible for Mr. Gray’s death.

2. Apple and other tech companies tangle with U.S. over data access.

Due to an investigation on guns and drugs, the U.S. Justice Department asked that Apple provide text messages between suspects. Apple claimed that it’s imessage system is encrypted and they could not comply. This leading to some senior Justice Department and FBl officials to advocate taking Apple to court. They are due to go to court with Microsoft on Wednesday (9/9/15) for similar issues.

3. Kim Davis freed from jail in Kentucky gay marriage dispute.

Davis spent five nights in jail after refusing to issue a marriage license to same-sex couples. A planned demonstration took place outside the jail with supporters of Davis applauding with “eye of the tiger” playing. She was released with a stern warning from the Judge to comply with the issuing of marriage licenses.

International News

1. German intelligence confirms Isis used mustard gas in Iraq.

Germany’s foreign intelligence agency BND collected blood samples from those who were victims of Isis attacks in Iraq. The samples confirmed the mustard gas was used. “Schindler told the paper that the mustard gas either came from old Iraqi stockpiles produced under Saddam Hussein’s rule or was manufactured by Isis after it seized the University of Mosul.”

2. More people applied for asylum to Russia than any other country.

1.66 million people submitted applications for asylum in 2014 which is the highest ever on record. Russia had an estimated 274,700 asylum claims, followed by Germany with 173,100. The U.S. came in third with 121,200 claims.

3. As Europe’s crisis worsens, the movement for the U.S. to accept refugees grows.

The Obama administration is actively considering ways in which the US can be more responsive in aiding refugees. Several online petitions have started in the US urging that we take in refugees from Syria as Europe continues to take in a large influx of migrants. Boogaard noted that the US has provided $4 billion in humanitarian assistance since the crisis began and $1 billion this year alone. The pressure continues to rise to contribute more to what is becoming a global crisis.

International – The Guardian

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/08/everyone-wants-to-leave-death-of-hope-drives-young-syrians-to-europe

The Syrian refugee crisis is currently the biggest story in international news. It affects the whole world and is dividing many people when it comes to what to do with the refugees. I chose this story because I feel that this is something that can change the entire future of Europe. I liked that The Guardian chose to use the personal narrative of someone who is actually experiencing this. Personalizing the story helps me gain a better understanding than that of an outsiders perspective.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/07/new-zealand-bans-into-the-river-teenage-novel-outcry-christian-group

I chose this article because it always shocks me that things like this still happen in today’s day and age. Having access to all sorts of literature, educating yourself, and forming your own opinions based on that is what shapes you into an adult. Banning books, in my opinion, is one of the most counterproductive things we can do as a society and it can have a very damaging effect on the world. This book was banned for mention of drug use and sexually explicit context. It seems as though the people resposible for this ban are unaware that although you may be able to censor a book that talks about these subjects, you cannot ban them from real life, and the lack of education on the topics only makes matters worse. Once again, The Guardian does a good job of explaining the situation, using relevant quotes, and includes examples from social media from people’s reactions to this news.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/08/israels-important-role-in-the-middle-east

Israel is always a topic that is important to me because it is a place that I have strong ties to. It upsets me to see that it is a country that is constantly slandered in the media. This article was more of a statement, written by two religious leaders of the UK, praising Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel for being the only place in the Middle East that Jews, Christians, and Muslims can all live peacefully if that is what they want. In addition, Israel is one of the few places in the Middle East that women and people of the LGBTQ community can live a normal life. I enjoyed reading the opinions of these two people and felt that they did a good job in factually explaining their support for Israel and supporting all their points with information.

Domestic – New York Times

Kim Davis was released from jail after refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples in Kentucky, stating it is against her religion. This article struck me because although I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinions and beliefs, they shouldn’t force those opinions onto other people.

President Obama’s Iran deal seems to be getting closer to getting passed but Republicans are still working to make sure that doesn’t happen. They want to be able to escape any blame if the deal does not work.

The United States is considering increasing their limit of 1,500 refugees a year in order to accommodate the growing crisis in Europe. Many international leaders, including Pope Francis, have called on countries like the U.S. to take in more refugees.

Local – ABC 7

http://abc7ny.com/news/gov-cuomo-aide-remains-critical-after-being-shot-in-head-during-pre-parade-festivities/972736/

A top aide to Governor Cuomo is in critical condition after being caught in the cross fire between two gangs. He was heading to a West Indian day celebration. The suspect has not been found yet and there is a 12,500$ reward out for him or her.

http://abc7ny.com/politics/chris-christie-blasts-new-york-city-mayor-bill-de-blasio-over-liberal-policing-policy/974048/

New Jersey governor Chris Christie blames Bill De Blasio’s “liberal” policies for the rise in homicide in NYC. The article fails to explain exactly what Christie means when he says “liberal” practices.

Local – Mercer County – NJ Times

1. Bye-bye-bennie day: The greatest day of the year at the Jersey Shore | Mulshine

– “Around the World,” is a party thrown by beach visitors known as “beenies,” dressing up and drinking excessive amounts of beer. Although this does not serve as the greatest political issue in Mercer County, it is relevant based on the number of visitors the Jersey Shore receives, and the safety hazard it could potentially present.

Link: http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/09/bye-bye_bennie_day_the_greatest_day_of_the_year_at.html#incart_most-readmercer

2. NFC exec on new Eagles QB Stephen Morris: ‘He’s bad’

– Based on the location of where I live in New Jersey, the Philadelphia Eagles are the professional football team that most residents support. With the NFL season approaching the Eagles have been one of the primary topics of discussion. Although the story was not as intriguing as other stories, it served its purpose of spreading news.

Link: http://www.nj.com/eagles/index.ssf/2015/09/what_you_need_to_know_about_eagles_qb_stephen_morr.html#incart_most-readmercer

3. More searches planned for woman missing from Hamilton

– This article is significant because it identifies a missing woman whose car was abandoned last week and notified by her family. The mercer county area is not as large as New York City, so every detail about Christine Rosie was important towards finding her.

Link: http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2015/09/more_searches_planned_for_woman_missing_from_hamil.html#incart_river

National – CNN

1. Jen Welter on Coaching in the NFL – This is an important national story because Jen Welter recently became the third female to become a coach in professional sports, which is a male dominated industry. The story provided insight on the life of a female coach and was well covered.

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/06/us/jen-welter-nfl-coaching-experience/index.html

Report: Dentist Walter Palmer, who killed Cecil the lion, to return to his practice – This story has been in the news for some time now based on the popularity of the African Lion, “Cecil the Lion.” Many readers are interested in Walter Palmer’s reasons for killing the lion and further solutions. The story was very well covered and provided detailed information.

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/07/us/walter-palmer-dentist-cecil-lion-interview/index.html

2. Kim Davis asks Kentucky Governor to free her in same-sex marriage case – This story has been one of the most talked about topics in the news. With same sex marriage being legal in the United States, Kim Davis has caused much controversy based on her disapproval of the law and refusal to give marriage license. Overall the story was accurately covered.

Link: http://www.cnn.com/2015/09/07/politics/kim-davis-same-sex-marriage-kentucky-governor/index.html

International – NY Times

1. U.S. Revamping Rebel Force Fighting ISIS in Syria – This story covers the Pentagon’s efforts to improve combat skills, and increase their program by using safer zones for fighters. This is article is well covered because it provides details about how and why the changes came about.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/07/world/middleeast/us-to-revamp-training-program-to-fight-isis.html?src=mv&_r=0

2. As Europe Grasps for Answers, More Migrants Flood Its Borders – For approximately 36 hours 13,000 immigrants traveled through Hungary before reaching Germany. The issue presented in this article is how the immigrants will be accommodated and prevent the challenges of poverty. This article is well covered because it talks about future meetings and many of the controversies such as religion and space.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/07/world/europe/pope-calls-on-europeans-to-house-refugees.html?src=mv

3. Melting Ice Isn’t Opening Arctic to Oil Bonanza – An impoverished fishing village located in Russia was expected to become an “energy powerhouse,” but has yet to be renovated. One of the key problems listed is turning the arctic environment into one that will produce oil and gas. It is very well covered because it provides information about the financial aspect of the renovation and the most difficult challenges they are facing.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/08/world/europe/melting-ice-isnt-opening-arctic-to-oil-bonanza.html?src=mv

Local News: Gov. Cuomo talks gun control after layer shot before West Indian Day Parade: How many youung innocent people need to die before this nation comes to its senses?

In this article the Daily News addresses the initiative and approach that Governor Cuomo is taking in regards to gun control.Before the start of the West Indian Parade  an incident regarding Carey Gabay, a lawyer for Governor Cuomo, occurred. Carey Gabay was  shot by a gunman prior to the start of the West Indian Parade.  . This story is important due to the issue of gun control that it focuses on. Throughout history violence has always been an issue. Everyday innocent people are put in harms way and it needs to stop. How many people must put their lives on the line before any real progress is made?

It could be the mentality of most citizens, mistaking peace with quiet. But now that these acts of violence are beginning to more frequently occur we begin to realize that further precautions must be taken. Although this article briefly mentions the SAFE Act it is not covered as effectively. The article fails to go into any further detailed discussions on any Gun Control acts or ideas in response to the shooting of Carey Gabay.

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/cuomo-talks-gun-control-lawyer-shot-parade-article-1.2351167

National News: Clinton rallies around gender appeal

In this article Politico addresses Hilary Clinton and her voice on important matters such as woman rights. As Hilary mentioned within this article “women’s rights are human rights and human rights are women’s rights”. With the presidential election drawing closer with each passing day it is greatly important to understand what each candidate is fighting towards. For years Hilary Clinton has been a fighter for womans issues.

This story is important due to the fact that womans issues has been a constant topic within our society for years.  For years woman have fought for being able to be treated the same as men. Despite how far they have come there have still been just as many setbacks. In todays society most woman do the same amount of work as men within the working field yet get paid only a small fraction compared to them.  I found the information within this article to have been used effectively.  Since 2008 Hilary has proven time and again her profound knowledge and understanding of the economic and political aspects of the world we live in.  As Hilary stated within the article  “I am not running as a woman,” she often said. “I am running because I believe I am the best-qualified and experienced person

Source: http://www.politico.com/story/2015/09/clinton-nh-women-213369

International News: We asked all 22 presidential candidates to define a US refugee policy. Few had clear answers

In this article The Guardian addresses the refugee crisis. As of now Europe struggles with hosting and looking after the millions of refugees.  If the United States were to merely stop building their walls and allow the opening of its borders. Should the United States open it’s borders to these refugees? These matters were brought to the campaigns of each candidate. Within this article both Republicans and Democrats had to speak upon this issue. At this moment they had to take their side on the matter of whether or not the United States should be accepting more refugees and how would each candidate define United States policy toward seeking asylum from war torn and impoverished countries.

This story is important due to one simple fact and that is millions of Syrians need our help. With each passing day millions of innocent civilians are suffering.  Due to the Syria crisis millions of refugees are displaced and have been forced to retreat to Europe in order to avoid the senseless violence within their home country. We as both a society and a government have the power to take an initiative and help out those in need.  This story was covered effectively because it brings light to the growing issue of the refugee crisisand brings further detail into the countless lives sufferring as a result.

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/07/refugee-crisis-immigration-us-presidential-candidates

2.)  It has sadly become a well known fact in New York City, that the West Indian Parade is now a festival often marred by violence. The same goes for this years festival, in which a legal aid for Mayor Bill De Blasio, was shot in the head during the night time portion of the festival. The Harvard educated lawyer, Carey Gabay is now in critical condition after walking into the line of fire during a gang fight at the parade.

This story is important because everyone needs to be aware of the violence that can ensue during what is supposed to be a celebratory occasion. My own room mate attended the parade and made jokes about not getting shot this year because she was so aware of the violence that has occurred at previous parades.

This story was covered effectively by NBC News, but my own critique is that there should have been more coverage on the three other people critically injured and dead from the festival.

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/West-Indian-Day-Parade-Violence-Shooting-Grand-Army-Plaza-325369701.html

2.) A video created by the New York Times, shows, in chronological order, short clips in minorities being shot by police force. The video has clips from July 30th, 2015 all the way back to November 2014’s Ferguson shooting. This graphic video strikes an emotional cord in people, giving a highly effective message on police brutality. This video did not just focus on white cops shooting minorities, but all races of officers using police brutality. While disturbing in content, this video actually shows people the violence, terror, and discrimination that minorities in our nation is still undergoing today.

http://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000003828834/the-videos-that-changed-policing.html?ref=us

3.) This story, covered by the New York Times, shows both videos and a short editorial about the increasing lure of ISIS on young people world wide. The story follows a young Egyptian body builder turned ISIS recruit, a young teen from London who leaves her home to join forces with the radical Muslim group, and a young woman from Washington who meets a love interest that convinces her to choose ISIS.

These videos and article is educational and shows how quickly one can change their mindset because of this radical group. ISIS has become increasingly strong and gaining much U.S. recruits, even one close to home from Queens College. This story was executed wonderfully, showing how ISIS can and is trying to connect with young people from all over the world in order to make their group more powerful. It also shows the dark side of technology in recruiting new ISIS members, which is important for anyone that uses online platforms to understand and be cognizant of.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/08/21/world/videos-isis-recruits.html?ref=world

1. Local story – Life on the Streets

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/09/06/nyregion/07homeless-in-new-york-city.html?ref=nyregion&_r=0

This story describes just how bad homelessness is in New York City. A reporter was able to capture the stories of people in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. A photograph before each story shows the faces behind each struggle. Each of these stories is important because they describe different reasons why people are homeless. It also gives a sense of why so many people are homeless. One story describes C.J. and Tiffany Dillinger, a couple who have been married for 17 years. Their house was foreclosed, they fell behind on mortgage, and they were both laid off. This explains how easy it is to become homeless even when life is just right. This story was covered effectively because it got a perspective on a variety of different problems people face that lead to homelessness.

2. International Story – Iraqis join an intensifying flow of refugees to Europe from Turkey

https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/iraqis-join-an-intensifying-flow-of-refugees-to-europe-from-turkey/2015/09/06/aee71eaa-54a6-11e5-9f54-1ea23f6e02f3_story.html

Refugees from Iraq and Syria have been traveling to Europe however they could to seek protection. Their reasoning is that the violence will make it too dangerous to live in their home country. This story is important because it explains just how eager people are to leave. Mohammed Hamed, an Iraqi policeman, left his family to go to Germany before he provides access for the rest of his family. This story was covered effectively because it gives the facts about why Iraqis and Syrians are leaving their countries. It also provides a first person perspective on the difficult journey that lies ahead.

3. National Story – Ousted as Gay, Aging Veterans Are Battling Again for Honorable Discharges

This story explains how over 100,000 service members were discharged between World War II and 2011 for being homosexual. It prevented them from receiving certain benefits, finding employment, and they felt shamed for decades. It is important that people continue to learn to accept themselves for who they are. Nowadays, there is a rise of service members in the gay community who want their honorable discharge to show they helped this country. One veteran named Donald Hallman says he does not care anymore about what people think of him. He has come out about why he was discharged, but has hid this fact for most of his life. This story was covered effectively because it brings light to the rising issue of gay marriage without the reporter taking a biased position.

New York Times National news: A Kentucky clerk is now appealing the decision of a judged how placed her in hail for refusing to follow a court order to issue a marriage license to a gay couple.  Ms. Davis made headlines when she refused to issue a marriage license to a gay couple sighting that it goes against her religious beliefs.  She stood her ground for what she believed in and ended up behind bars.  What’s most alarming about this story is how much of a hypocrite Ms. Davis really is.  She has been married multiple times and has children out of wedlock.  I don’t quite understand how we use our religion to put others down for the same things we are doing wrong.

Iowa state Republican representative posted on twitter that Ms. Davis should be given the “Rosa Parks award”.  The world that we live in is so mistaken.  Rosa Parks fought for equal rights and this woman is denying a couple theirs.