NYC News: Detained Student Reunites with Son, AI Rent Bans, AmeriCorps Funding Cuts

Detained Student Reunites with Son

• 👨‍⚖️ A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's effort to keep detained Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil separated from his infant son.
• 👶 Khalil, who has been in immigration detention since March, was allowed a contact visit with his wife and child.
• ⚠️ Authorities have not accused Khalil of a crime but state his protest activities undermine US policy interests; a judge is currently considering his deportation appeal.

Jersey City Bans AI Rent Setting

• 🏢 Jersey City lawmakers unanimously voted to ban landlords from using artificial intelligence software to set rents.
• ⚖️ The ban targets algorithm programs like Real Page, which are facing lawsuits for allegedly colluding to inflate rents.
• housing shortage is cited by some property owners as the core issue, not AI.

AmeriCorps Funding Cuts Impact Brooklyn Programs

• 🇺🇸 The Trump administration has significantly cut funding for AmeriCorps, threatening childcare programs in Sunset Park, Brooklyn.
• 🧑‍🏫 AmeriCorps volunteers provide childcare and other services in exchange for a stipend and college grants.
• 💔 These cuts have led to volunteers losing stipends and jeopardize promised college grants, potentially impacting after-school programs and creating cynicism among young volunteers.
• 🏛️ While the administration claims AmeriCorps failed audits, federal officials state improvements were underway before the cuts.