September 2023 in Review
September 2023 in Review
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Dems win Assembly District 27
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September 2023 in Review
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Pres. Zelensky visits U.S
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September 2023 in Review
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NY Leaders Pressure Biden on migrant crisis
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September 2023 in Review
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Flooding in NYC
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September 2023 in Review
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Sen. Dianne Feinstein Passes Away
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September 2023 in Review
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U.S v. Google
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September 2023 in Review
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FTC v. Amazon
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September 2023 in Review 📰 Dems win Assembly District 27 📰 September 2023 in Review 📰 Pres. Zelensky visits U.S 📰 September 2023 in Review 📰 NY Leaders Pressure Biden on migrant crisis 📰 September 2023 in Review 📰 Flooding in NYC 📰 September 2023 in Review 📰 Sen. Dianne Feinstein Passes Away 📰 September 2023 in Review 📰 U.S v. Google 📰 September 2023 in Review 📰 FTC v. Amazon 📰
9/12 - Sam Berger defeats David Hirsch in Queens Assembly District 27
In a closely watched special election in Assembly District 27, Democrat Sam Berger defeated Republican David Hirsch for the Queens-based seat. Despite initial concerns among Democrats, Berger secured the win with a lead of about 11 percentage points. The election was notable for its backdrop: the district had recently swung in favor of Republican gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin. Hirsch’s campaign focused on crime, the asylum-seeker crisis, and education, hinting at strategies Republicans may deploy in future elections. While Berger enjoyed financial and institutional advantages, including union backing, both campaigns were aggressive in their outreach efforts.
9/19 - Zelensky visits U.N and D.C
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the U.N. General Assembly, seeking continued support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. His visit came amid growing concerns among some U.S. Republicans and leaders from developing countries that supporting Ukraine would divert from other pressing issues. Despite a generally warm reception at the U.N., the half-full chamber indicated the challenges Zelensky faces in maintaining global aid, which has reached an estimated $73 billion. Zelensky linked Russia’s aggression not only to global food and energy issues but also to the broader challenges posed by climate change.
President Zelensky continued his tour in Washington D.C, meeting with President Biden and Congressional leaders from both parties. The visit showcased moments of bipartisan comity as leaders from both parties navigated the complex issue of foreign aid, despite growing dissent on the right.
9/28 - NYC Flooding
Torrential rain disrupted public transportation, closed a terminal at LaGuardia Airport, and flooded streets and basements as New York City experienced one of its rainiest days in decades. The downpour broke previous rainfall records, with more than 8.65 inches recorded at John F. Kennedy Airport. The weather event prompted states of emergency and caused widespread commuting issues. This extreme weather incident comes two years after the remnants of Hurricane Ida brought record-breaking rainfall.
9/12 - NY Cannabis Control Board Meeting
New York's Cannabis Control Board approved a set of regulations aimed at accelerating the state's cannabis market rollout. Businesses are allowed to apply for a variety of cannabis licenses starting on Tuesday, October 4th. Industry groups representing larger cannabis companies applauded the move's potential to boost tax revenues and eliminate illegal operators. However, it has sparked outrage among smaller growers and social equity applicants who say that the new rules undermine the state's initial promise to prioritize small businesses and those most directly impacted by prohibition. Additionally, indoor grow limits for smaller cultivators have ignited complaints that the policy gives unfair advantages to larger, existing medical marijuana companies. Officials reiterated their commitment to social and economic equity while highlighting nearly $66 million in legal cannabis sales since the beginning of 2023.
9/22 - Gov. Hochul and Mayor Adams pressure Biden on migrant crisis
Mayor Eric Adams and Governor Kathy Hochul, along with other Democratic leaders, urged the Biden administration to expedite work authorization for migrants. The administration extended temporary legal status to nearly 472,000 migrants, making it easier for them to obtain work permits. Despite this, experts say that shortening the mandatory six-month waiting period for asylum-seekers' work permits will ultimately require legislative action. The Department of Homeland Security has been active in encouraging migrants to apply for work permits and aims to reduce the application wait time from 90 days to 30 days.
9/29 - Sen. Dianne Feinstein Passes Away
U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, passed away at the age of 90. First elected in 1992, Feinstein was a centrist Democrat, known for her efforts to find middle ground with Republicans. She leaves behind a legacy of advocacy for environmental protection, reproductive rights, and gun control. Senator Feinstein also holds the record for the longest-serving female senator in U.S. History. Her death opens the way for California Governor Gavin Newsom to appoint a replacement, and it is anticipated that the seat will be hotly contested.
9/30 - National Gov. Shutdown Averted
In the eleventh hour, President Joe Biden signed a temporary funding bill to avert a federal government shutdown. The bipartisan deal was quickly approved by Congress and will fund the government until November 17. The package omits aid to Ukraine but increases federal disaster assistance by $16 billion. Speaker Kevin McCarthy shifted from demands for steep spending cuts and joined Democrats to pass the bill. Although the immediate threat of a shutdown is over, another funding crisis may loom as Congress will need to revisit the issue in the coming weeks.
Antitrust
Round-up:
U.S v. Google
The trial has begun in the U.S. Justice Department and a group of state attorneys general’s antitrust lawsuit against Google. The DOJ accuses the company of abusing its dominant position in the search-engine market. The government argues that Google's deals with companies like Apple to make its search engine the default option stifles competition and limits consumer choice. Google, which holds a 90% market share in U.S. search, counters that its search engine is the superior product, and the agreements are a form of legitimate competition that don't block rivals from entering the market. The trial is expected to last 10 weeks and could have far-reaching implications for Google. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, who has experience in antitrust disputes, is presiding over the case.
FTC v. Amazon
The Federal Trade Commission, along with 17 states, filed a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the online retail giant of anticompetitive practices. The government argues that Amazon has used various tactics to maintain its market monopoly, affecting both consumers and the hundreds of thousands of businesses that use its platform. In response, Amazon claims that the FTC misunderstands retail competition and insists that the company’s practices are geared towards promoting competitive prices. This lawsuit is part of a broader movement by the Biden administration and populist antitrust advocates to challenge companies that it perceives as having monopolistic powers. Amazon's shares fell by more than 4% following the announcement of the lawsuit.
