May 2024 in Review
May 2024 in Review
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U.S Approves Weapons for Ukraine
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May 2024 in Review
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Senate Democrats Reintroduce Legislation to Legalize Marijuana
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May 2024 in Review
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NJ's recreational cannabis law doesn't violate federal law, appellate court says
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May 2024 in Review
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Cease-Fire Talks Between Israel and Hamas Again at an Impasse
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May 2024 in Review
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After Weeks of Protests, Columbia Cancels Main Commencement Ceremony
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May 2024 in Review
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OCM changes rules amid legal controversy
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May 2024 in Review
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Trump Convicted on All Counts to Become America's First Felon President
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May 2024 in Review
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May 2024 in Review 📰 U.S Approves Weapons for Ukraine 📰 May 2024 in Review 📰 Senate Democrats Reintroduce Legislation to Legalize Marijuana 📰 May 2024 in Review 📰 NJ's recreational cannabis law doesn't violate federal law, appellate court says 📰 May 2024 in Review 📰 Cease-Fire Talks Between Israel and Hamas Again at an Impasse 📰 May 2024 in Review 📰 After Weeks of Protests, Columbia Cancels Main Commencement Ceremony 📰 May 2024 in Review 📰 OCM changes rules amid legal controversy 📰 May 2024 in Review 📰 Trump Convicted on All Counts to Become America's First Felon President 📰 May 2024 in Review 📰
5/1 – U.S Approves Weapons for Ukraine
The U.S. and its NATO allies ramped up weapon deliveries to Ukraine as Russia's military aggression in the country continued. President Biden approved $61 billion in military aid, resulting in rapid shipments of artillery shells, rockets, and missiles to bolster Ukraine's defenses. Ukraine's ability to defend itself depended heavily on the timely arrival of crucial supplies.
5/2 - NJ's recreational cannabis law doesn't violate federal law, appellate court says
A New Jersey appellate court ruled that the state's recreational cannabis law does not violate federal law, affirming a previous decision. The court rejected claims from Highland Park residents that the borough's ordinance allowing cannabis sales violated the federal Controlled Substances Act. Judge Jack Sabatino stated that New Jersey's law and federal marijuana laws could coexist, citing precedents like the Hager v. M&K Construction case. The decision highlighted the federal government's evolving stance on marijuana regulation, aligning with similar rulings in other states. However, the court reversed the dismissal of a related complaint and scheduled further proceedings.
5/7 - After Weeks of Protests, Columbia Cancels Main Commencement Ceremony
Columbia University canceled its main commencement ceremony due to security concerns following recent student protests and arrests related to pro-Palestinian demonstrations. The university instead held smaller ceremonies for each of its 19 colleges at its athletics complex in Inwood. The decision drew criticism from student groups, including Jewish students who felt targeted by the protests and others who were upset about the ongoing police presence on campus. Governor Kathy Hochul also criticized the decision, emphasizing the importance of in-person graduation ceremonies for students.
5/2 - Senate Democrats Reintroduce Legislation to Legalize Marijuana
Senate Democrats reintroduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act, aiming to legalize marijuana nationally. The bill, led by Senator Chuck Schumer, seeks to remove cannabis from the controlled substances list, regulate and tax the industry, expunge certain federal marijuana-related offenses, and support communities impacted by the war on drugs. Despite widespread public support, the legislation is unlikely to pass this year due to the divided government and upcoming elections. Critics warned of potential commercialization risks, while proponents highlighted legalization's political and social justice benefits.
5/6 - Cease-Fire Talks Between Israel and Hamas Again at an Impasse
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Cairo stalled as a Hamas delegation left the city. Despite signs of progress in the previous week, differences over the duration of a cease-fire remained unresolved. Hamas demanded a permanent cease-fire, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was only open to a temporary halt. The deadlock translated to continued hardship for Palestinians in Gaza and delays in the release of hostages.
5/15 - OCM quietly changes rules amid legal controversy
The Office of Cannabis Management set lab testing guidelines and safety limits for the solvent R134a, used in cannabis extraction, without notifying businesses or laboratories, leading to a shutdown of Hudson Valley processor Jenny Argie's facility. Argie alleged retaliation by OCM after she leaked a conversation with a top official. The shutdown, ordered after a surprise inspection, has raised concerns about targeted enforcement and opaque regulatory practices. Governor Kathy Hochul's recent report criticized the OCM's inefficiency and lack of transparency, leading to plans to overhaul the agency's leadership.
5/31 - Trump Convicted on All Counts to Become America's First Felon President
A Manhattan jury convicted Donald J. Trump of falsifying business records to conceal a sex scandal that could have impacted his 2016 presidential campaign. The verdict, which found Trump guilty on all 34 counts, marks a significant moment in American politics as he heads into November as the Republican nominee. The case, led by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, centered on a hush-money payment to Stormy Daniels and subsequent falsification of records to cover it up. The former president, who could face probation or up to four years in prison, planned to appeal the decision.
