October 2023 in Review
October 2023 in Review
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NYC Mayor Eric Adams Visits Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia
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October 2023 in Review
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SCOTUS Upholds NY's Gun Control Law
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October 2023 in Review
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Pres. Biden asks for $106 billion in combined aid
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October 2023 in Review
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Meta Sued by 33 States
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October 2023 in Review
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Mike Johnson Elected U.S. House Speaker -
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October 2023 in Review
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N.Y. Senate Cannabis Subcommittee Hearing
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October 2023 in Review
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October 2023 in Review 📰 NYC Mayor Eric Adams Visits Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia 📰 October 2023 in Review 📰 SCOTUS Upholds NY's Gun Control Law 📰 October 2023 in Review 📰 Pres. Biden asks for $106 billion in combined aid 📰 October 2023 in Review 📰 Meta Sued by 33 States 📰 October 2023 in Review 📰 Mike Johnson Elected U.S. House Speaker - 📰 October 2023 in Review 📰 N.Y. Senate Cannabis Subcommittee Hearing 📰 October 2023 in Review 📰
10/7 - NYC Mayor Eric Adams Visits Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City embarked on a 7,000-mile trip through Mexico, Ecuador, and Colombia to address migrants who hope to make their way to New York City. The mayor called for efforts to "push back on the propaganda that is giving people false hopes and false promises." Additionally, Mr. Adams emphasized the importance of countries working together to help migrants.
Protestors met the mayor along his tour route, chanting in opposition to his message. The New York Times interviewed dozens of U.S.-bound migrants, most of whom said they would not be discouraged by the mayor's statements.
10/20 - Pres. Biden asks for $106 billion in combined aid for Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. border security
President Joe Biden requested approximately $106 billion from Congress to support initiatives in Ukraine, Israel, and U.S. border security shortly after expressing solidarity with Israel amidst its conflict with Hamas. The President's strategy groups multiple crucial areas, like Israel, Ukraine, border security, refugee aid, and countering China, with the hope of creating a compelling national security spending bill. Some GOP members expressed reservations about funding the Ukraine-Russia conflict and showed concern over the U.S.'s mounting debt. Despite this, Biden's budget director, Shalanda Young, called for bipartisan cooperation to address these pressing concerns.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky vocalized appreciation for the U.S.'s continued support on social media, saying, "The unwavering bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States is incredibly encouraging for all of our warriors and for our entire nation. America's investment in Ukraine's defense will ensure long-term security for all of Europe and the world."
As public opinion on U.S. involvement in these global conflicts remained divided, President Biden reiterated the importance of American leadership and alliances in an address to the nation from the Oval Office.
10/25 - Mike Johnson Elected as U.S. House Speaker
After three weeks without leadership, the U.S. House of Representatives elected Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana 4th) as the new House Speaker. He faces the demanding tasks of uniting a divided Republican House and finding common ground with a Democratic-majority Senate and President Biden.
10/10 - Supreme Court Upholds NY's Gun Control Law
The U.S. Supreme Court upheld New York's addition to the Concealed Carry Improvement Act, which mandates background checks for ammunition purchases. Under this provision, gun retailers will work directly with New York State police, moving away from the National Instant Criminal (NICS) background check system. The state also requires background checks for firearms and ammunition and periodic inspections of firearms dealers.
Governor Kathy Hochul welcomed the ruling, expressing her dedication to public safety, commitment to collaborating with law enforcement, and emphasizing New York's commitment to gun safety.
10/24 - Meta Sued
by 33 States
New York and New Jersey joined a coalition of State Attorneys General in a lawsuit against Meta, alleging the company violated consumer protection laws by misleading users about the safety of its platforms and purposely targeting children.
States are now seeking financial penalties against Meta and are pushing for injunctive relief to force the company to stop using certain tech features they contend harm young users. Meta is expected to fight for dismissal of the case, with no settlement reached yet.
10/30 - N.Y. Senate Cannabis Subcommittee Hearing
The New York Senate Cannabis Subcommittee convened to discuss challenges related to the state's cannabis legalization process. Chaired by Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D-Rochester), the session aimed to gather insights from stakeholders to foster a more equitable recreational cannabis industry in the state. Chris Alexander, the state Office of Cannabis Management executive director, acknowledged delays in the cannabis legalization rollout, particularly emphasizing the impact on small farmers due to a disrupted supply chain. The hearing also touched on the THC potency tax, enforcement efforts, licensing priorities, and preventing youth from accessing cannabis. Cannabis Association of New York's Allan Gandelman urged the panel to consider issues surrounding strict marketing and advertising regulations and potential monopolization of the industry. Despite legalizing adult-use cannabis in 2021, New York has only seen around two dozen legal retailers open. Regulators aim to expand the legal market further and ensure it remains accessible and fair for all.
