The Monthly Outlook
POLITICS
Numerous Officials Resign as Federal Investigations Continue in the NYC Mayor’s Office
- Written by: Rui Zheng
- Researched by: Rui Zheng
- Edited by: Selina Chen
NEW YORK — On Sept. 26, a 57-page indictment charging New York City Mayor Eric Adams with bribery and campaign finance offenses was unsealed. This comes after numerous raids to the homes of the mayor and his aides by the FBI, who had the administration under investigation due to concerns about the mayor’s ties to the Turkish government. However, Turkey wasn’t the only country of interest — it was reported in September that the FBI had also begun investigating his ties to Israel, China, Qatar, South Korea and Uzbekistan.
The document alleged that during his 2021 campaign, Adams solicited and accepted tens of thousands of dollars in illegal straw donations from foreign nationals. The bribery allegedly continued after he took office as mayor, where he provided favorable treatment toward those wealthy donors throughout his term. Among these donors was a senior Turkish official, whom the indictment stated “facilitated many straw donations to Adams” and arranged free or discounted travel on Turkish Airlines, as well as free rooms, meals and entertainment for their travels in Turkey.
In light of the indictment being made public, at least six officials have resigned from the Adams administration this past month. Among these resignations are his director of Asian affairs Winnie Greco and community affairs liaison Mohamed Bahi, who announced their resignations on Oct. 7. The following day, Bahi was arrested on charges of witness tampering and destruction of evidence in connection to the ongoing Adams investigation. Winnie Greco has not been charged, though she has been accused of using her position to influence the administration’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party. A NYT investigation alleged “numerous instances of close collaboration with people and groups linked to the Chinese government, and a willingness on her part to guide politicians toward pro-Beijing narratives” over the past 20 years. Earlier this year, two of her homes in the Bronx and her office in Flushing’s New World Mall were raided by FBI agents.
Greco isn’t the only prominent Chinese American official that has been accused of ties to the CCP. Linda Sun, former Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Hochul, was indicted last month on charges related to being a secret spy for the CCP while serving in the Governor’s office. According to the unsealed indictment, Sun was charged with violating and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling and money laundering conspiracy.
Mayor Adams is currently denying any wrongdoing and has pleaded not guilty to all charges. However, these investigations continue to shake New York City’s political stability — this is the first time a mayor has been indicted while in office, and the fallout from numerous staff resignations leaves the future uncertain.
Korea’s Han Kang & Japan’s Nihon Hidankyo Awarded Nobel Prizes
- Written by: Jonathan Zhang
- Researched by: Jonathan Zhang
- Edited by: Rui Zheng
On Oct. 10, The Swedish Academy announced that Han Kang, a Korean novelist, won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature. She is the first Korean to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, and second Korean Nobel laureate after former Korean President Kim Dae-jung. The Academy praised Kang’s poetic prose which confronts trauma and the fragility of life, which she has shown through numerous novels such as “Human Rights” and “The Vegetarian.” Kang, as a result, has made major impacts on activism through her novels due to their ties to historical events and real-life problems. The Academy also noted that her unique style of writing has become an innovator in contemporary prose, with many of her novels appealing to an international audience. Kang’s presence in the literary world and her Nobel Prize win is not her first remarkable achievement, having already previously won The Booker Prize in 2016. Kang will become the 18th female writer to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature and the most recent female winner since Chinese author Mo Yan in 2012.
On Oct. 11, the Japanese organization of atomic bomb survivors Nihon Hidankyo was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. The Committee praised the organization for their eye-witness testimonies about the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings and resulting activism regarding a nuclear free world. Unlike other organizations that raise awareness about the effects of nuclear weapons, Nihon Hidankyo was unique as a result of being an organization of atomic bomb survivors who dedicated their lives to rid the world of nuclear weapons through first hand accounts of the tragedy that they witnessed. The Committee noted that the core of Alfred Nobel’s vision was that committed individuals who work together can make a difference, and Nihon Hidankyo honored this through having survivors share their experiences despite physical pain and trauma. Nihon Hidankyo has worked tirelessly throughout the decades to speak on the matter of nuclear disarmament, sending thousands of testimonies and delegates to the United Nations and numerous peace conferences. Nihon Hidankyo will become the 141st laureate of this prestigious prize, and it is the most recent group to win the Nobel Peace Prize through the topic of nuclear disarmament since The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons won the prize back in 2017.
Controversial SA Congress Resolutions Vetoed By SA E-Board
- Written by: Andy Huang
- Researched by: Andy Huang
- Edited by: Jessica Kwok
On Oct. 8, the Student Association (SA) Congress rescinded last semester’s resolution regarding Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) and implemented two new proposals to the agenda. Pipe Dream reported that Saul Hakim, an off-campus representative and senior advisor to Binghamton University’s Zionist Organization, proposed to add a clause that determined the BDS movement as antisemitic and to overturn the BDS resolution altogether. The BDS resolution was passed last April, which made Binghamton University one of the first SUNYs to pass student legislation calling for divestment from institutions supporting Israel’s military campaign. The F2425-R7 resolution, which overturned the BDS resolution, delivers a condemnation of the BDS movement as antisemitic, discriminatory and fundamentally at odds with the values of Binghamton University. The resolution stated that: “by repealing S2324-R11, it protects Jewish and pro-Israel students from being marginalized and reaffirms the Student Association’s commitment to inclusivity, academic freedom, and respectful dialogue.” Several student organizations have shown their support for or condemned the resolution since its passage.
On Oct. 14, resolutions F2425-R4 and F2425-R6 were vetoed by the Student Association Executive Board, who released their decision to do so in a statement. Resolution F2425-R4 called on university administration to restrict the use of masks during public assemblies. In addition, it expressed support for the passage of the NYS Assembly Bill A10057A and Senate Bill S9867, both of which seek to prohibit the use of hoods, masks and other facial coverings during lawful and unlawful assemblies, except during public health emergencies or for religious observance. “This resolution would unnecessarily impact the everyday lives of students, and the Executive Board does not stand for restricting how students express themselves,” they wrote. Resolution F2425-R6 prevented SA-chartered organizations from co-sponsoring, endorsing, partnering and collaborating with Binghamton Solidarity for Palestine (BSP), SUNY BDS and Binghamton BDS. It condemned the “discriminatory and violent rhetoric” of BSP, Binghamton BDS and SUNY BDS. The resolution further implied the potential de-chartering of SA-recognized organizations if there is association with the listed groups. In the SA Executive Board’s statement, they stated that “this ability has historically fallen under the purview of the Executive Vice President, but F2425-R6 delegates the ability to de-charter to the Judicial Board” and that “we believe this oversteps the checks and balances put in place for our three branches of government.” Furthermore, their statement clarified the role and responsibilities of the SA’s three branches: the Executive Board, Congress and Judicial Board.
Hakim told Pipe Dream that he accepted the E-Board’s decision to veto Resolution F2425-R4 and will not move to overturn it, stating that “this was a controversial resolution with valid concerns on both sides.” Hakim further expressed that “these groups must not be allowed to operate unchecked on our campus,” and “their hateful, discriminatory rhetoric is not only antisemitic but endangers the well-being of the broader student body.”
Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) agreed with the SA E-Board’s decision to veto the legislation, but SJP was critical of the circumstances and measures that were taken to pass it. In a statement to Pipe Dream, they wrote that “the zionist [sic] SA’s attempts to silence our organization by threatening groups who collaborate with us and their attacks on the safety and well-being of protest-goers should alarm proponents of free speech on our campus.”
ENTERTAINMENT
Seunghan Leaves Riize
- Written by: Kimberly Cheong
- Researched by: Kimberly Cheong, Tasnimul Fahim
- Edited by Kate Sum
SEOUL, South Korea — After an almost year-long hiatus, SM Entertainment announced Seunghan’s return to Riize on Oct. 11. Although fans were excited for his return, there were also many upset fans. On Oct. 13, the company released a statement that Seunghan will permanently leave the group. After discussing with the company, Seunghan made his decision: “After pondering deeply … whether I’m causing too much harm to the members and the company, and whether it’s really okay for me to be part of RIIZE .… I think that my leaving the group is the right path for everyone.” Seunghan’s long hiatus stemmed back to August 2023, where pictures from his pre-debut days surfaced on the internet.
The pictures showed Seunghan kissing a woman — his alleged ex-girlfriend — and videos of him smoking while he was still underage. This led to the idol receiving a lot of backlash and for many enraged fans to protest that the idol be removed from the group. Ultimately, in November 2023, Seunghan would halt all group activities and go on indefinite hiatus.
Before announcing his removal from the group, there were massive protests against his return. A form of protest included the delivery of funeral flowers in front of SM Entertainment. Fans sent dozens of them as a way to demand Seunghan to leave the group. According to Allkpop, some of the messages read, “Hong Seunghan Out,” “Seunghan leave RIIZE,” “Exit RIIZE,” “Hong Seunghan buzz off,” “Freeloader Seunghan exit” and more.
Many people went to see the funeral wreaths, and a netizen shared that they saw a person who looked like Seunghan walking outside the building. She stated, “I think I ran into Hong Seunghan by the flower wreaths at the SM Entertainment building … I was looking at the flower wreaths with a friend when someone walked up all dressed up like a trainee.” Seunghan would later share the letter explaining his departure from the group.
Moo Deng the Pygmy Hippo
- Written By: Jenny Zhao
- Researched By: Jenny Zhao
- Edited By: Jonathan Zhang
CHONBURI, Thailand — On July 25, the Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Chon Buri, Thailand opened up their doors to show off their newest baby pygmy hippopotamus named Moo Deng. Shortly after her reveal, she quickly became a popular icon across all platforms of the internet. At only one month old, Moo Deng was spiraling around TikTok and other social media platforms because of her visual cuteness, which, along with her name directly translating to “bouncy pork,” made her a complete internet sensation.
The name Moo Deng is partially behind her fame, as it was chosen through a poll on Khao Kheow Open Zoo’s Facebook page, along with the other options of Moo Sap (Minced Pork) and Moo Daeng (red pork). Moo Deng’s zoo keeper, Atthapon Nundee, was the first to post and share content about Moo Deng on the internet, but a Thai content creator, Yammi Saracino, saw the poll for Moo Deng’s name and translated it into English, reaching a larger audience and boosting Moo Deng’s international stardom.
In response to the rise in popularity of the baby pygmy hippo, there has been a significant increase in zoo visitors at the Khao Kheow Open Zoo. However, it has not all been pleasant. The zoo has had many visitors disturb the baby hippo by trying to throw water or other items at her to provoke a reaction. This has caused the zoo director, Narongwit Chodchoi, to promptly respond by threatening legal action against the misbehaving visitors. This increase in visitors has also caused the zoo to restrict times to see the pygmy hippo, now being limited to only weekends at 5-minute viewing rounds in groups of 30 to 50 people.
Given her popularity, many brands are hopping on the “Moo Deng trend” in order to capitalize while the meme is still popular. An example of this is Sephora advertising blush products in Thailand as being able to offer the “pink and peach yellow tone” of Moo Deng’s cheeks. Aside from these brands, people all over the internet have created more memes, artwork, cartoons and even cakes of her. Moo Deng has had so much internet traction to the point that Chodchoi announced that the zoo would be copyrighting and trademarking “Moo Deng the hippo” to protect Moo Deng from further brand commercialization.
🗣VOTING – YOUR ONE STOP SHOP
As Nov. 5 approaches, you have the unique opportunity to impact local and national policies. Students play a critical role in shaping the future, from policies affecting higher education to wider social, economic and environmental issues. Don’t know where to start? Read below for a quick guide to all things elections!
General Election:
When: Tuesday, Nov. 5 (6 a.m. – 9 p.m.)
Where: Mandela Room, University Union
Presidential Candidates
Democratic Party
Who: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz
*Policies:
- Human Rights and U.S.-China Relations – Emphasize diplomacy and engagement to strengthen alliances in Asia (e.g., Japan, South Korea) and collaboratively address shared regional security concerns, such as North Korea’s nuclear program.
- Immigration Reform – Commit to reforming the immigration system, including reducing visa backlogs (40% of which are from the Asia-Pacific region).
- Healthcare & Student Debt – Expand healthcare coverage through the Affordable Care Act and build on the Biden administration’s existing policies to provide broader student debt relief.
Republican Party
Who: Donald Trump and J.D. Vance
*Policies:
- “America First” foreign policy – Heavily invest in the U.S. military defense and “restore peace in Europe.”
- Immigration Policies – Restore Trump-era border policies including finishing the U.S.-Mexico border wall and reducing illegal immigration by invoking the Alien Enemies Act, a 1798 law that allows the president to deport any noncitizen from a country that the U.S. is at war with.
- US-China relations – Trump has praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, but also has proposed revoking China’s trade status and raising the tariff to 60% or more on their goods.
*Information acquired from ASU Cape Chairs
Congressional District Election
The House of Representatives is one-half of Congress and each seat won can heavily influence the delicate balance of control between Democrats and Republicans. Currently, 27 seats are “toss-up” races – the most competitive races where either party has a reasonable chance of winning. Binghamton, NY is part of the 19th Congressional District and is one of these 27 seats that can be flipped that pushes the majority to decide which party controls the House.
Although your vote may have less of an impact on the presidential election, it is essential in close Congressional races like this one. Every vote directly influences outcomes on issues from climate policy to education funding.
Democratic Party
Who: Josh Riley
Policies:
- Economic Opportunity and Job Growth – Committed to creating livable wage jobs through investments in infrastructure, expanding broadband access and supporting small businesses.
- Healthcare – Advocates for lowering prescription drug costs, expanding affordable healthcare access, and strengthening Medicare and Social Security. Promises to sponsor the Women’s Health Protection Act to restore the protections of Roe v. Wade.
- Environmental Protection – Focus on clean energy initiatives, reducing carbon emissions, and investing in renewable energy infrastructure to support both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Republican Party
Who: Marc Molinaro (Incumbent)
Policies:
- Economic Development and Tax Relief – Prioritizes economic growth by reducing taxes on small businesses, cutting government spending, and incentivizing local manufacturing.
- Public Safety – Committed to increasing resources for law enforcement, addressing crime rates, and enhancing community safety through partnerships with local police, to ensure safer neighborhoods across the district.
- Healthcare Access – Focuses on expanding access to affordable healthcare, particularly in rural areas, and improving mental health resources by supporting local healthcare providers and investing in community mental health services. Voted against codifying Roe v. Wade.
Early Voting
When: Saturday, Oct. 26 – Sunday, Nov. 3 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
Where:
- Broome County Public Library – 185 Court St., City of Binghamton
- Vestal Public Library – 320 Vestal Parkway E., Town of Vestal
- George F. Johnson Memorial Library – 1001 Park St., Village of Endicott
- Oakdale Commons (Exterior between Dick’s & former Ruby Tuesday) – 601-635 Harry L Drive, Village of Johnson City
- Taste NY Building (Cornell Co-op Exit) – 840 Upper Front St., Town of Dickinson
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