12 chapters across the catalog
A viral TikTok video featuring a man explaining how to occupy vacant homes has sparked national concern over squatter rights in cities like New York and Chicago. Recent incidents include the arrest of a New York property owner who attempted to remove occupants from her own home. The discussion compares these events to the "cracker" culture in the Netherlands, where legal rights for occupying empty buildings have existed for decades.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed executive orders strengthening the state's red flag laws and establishing a new domestic terrorism unit. The orders require state police to file protection orders when an individual is deemed a threat. The hosts note that the Buffalo shooter was already known to law enforcement prior to the attack, questioning the efficacy of additional regulations.
New York State Bar Association Vaccine Recommendation
The New York State Bar Association passed a resolution urging the state to consider mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, even for those with religious or philosophical objections. The hosts debate the legal precedent for such a move, referencing historical smallpox cases and questioning Alan Dershowitz's assertion that the government has the authority to "jab a needle in your arm."
New York Attorney General candidate Zephyr Teachout campaigned on a platform to abolish U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). She characterized the agency as a "tool of cruelty" born out of xenophobia post-9/11. Teachout pledged to use the AG's office to prosecute ICE for what she described as criminal acts and unconstitutional behavior.
Sarah Jeong, New York Times Editorial Board Controversy
Sarah Jeong's appointment to the New York Times editorial board is examined following the resurfacing of her past tweets regarding white men. Her background in technology journalism at The Verge and her speech at Harvard Law School are analyzed, with focus on her views that the internet is "implicitly organized around how white men see the world."
Martial Law Drills, Rule of Law Phases, Election Unrest
The hosts discuss ongoing military and FEMA drills in New York that simulate three phases of deteriorating social order: "No Rule of Law," "Limited Rule of Law," and "Authoritarian Rule of Law." These drills include scenarios for curfews and resource control. While the hosts don't expect post-election unrest, they note the government is preparing for such a possibility.
New "Affirmative Consent" or "Yes Means Yes" laws are going into effect at universities in New York and California. An NYU student's "man on the street" interviews reveal widespread confusion among students regarding whether kissing constitutes a sexual act requiring explicit verbal consent. The law's lack of clear definitions regarding "incapacitation" and "silence" is criticized as creating a legal gray area for college students.
A New York Times series by Ian Urbina exposes the lack of law enforcement on the high seas, documenting murders, modern-day slavery, and massive environmental crimes. The report notes that 90% of global goods are moved by sea, yet jurisdictional complexities make prosecution nearly impossible. The hosts suspect the timing of the report is linked to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations.
Passport Destruction, ISIL Threats to New York
The Canadian ISIL fighter interviewed by Vice News claimed that thousands of foreign recruits are mobilizing for a "brilliant attack" in New York. The fighter was shown ripping up his passport, an act described by analysts as a "phony" propaganda trope since real terrorists value Western travel documents. The messaging emphasizes a desire for Sharia law and warns the West to "leave us alone" or face martyrdom operations.
Two proposed New York State bills are discussed: one requiring psychological screening and BMI tracking for students, and another mandating that parents attend support programs and workshops before their children can advance to the 7th grade.
Mayor Bloomberg, New York City E-Cigarette Ban
In one of his final acts as Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg signed a law extending the city's smoking ban to include e-cigarettes and vaping. The legislation prohibits the use of these devices in offices, restaurants, bars, and parks. Critics argue the ban may hinder smokers attempting to transition away from traditional tobacco products.
Boy Scouts Counter-Terrorism Training, New York Times Report
The New York Times reports on Boy Scouts receiving tactical training from law enforcement to fight terrorists and illegal immigrants. The hosts criticize the militarization of the youth organization, noting photos of teenagers in combat gear with firearms.
