NYC & NJ News: New Pope, Adams' Budget, School Prank, ICE Center, and Governor Candidates

New Pope Elected

• 🇻🇦 Cardinal Robert Pos, an American-born cardinal, has been elected as the new pope, taking the name Pope Leo XIV.
• 🌎 He is the first pope from the United States and previously ministered in Peru before heading the Vatican's office of bishops.

Mayor Adams' Budget Proposal

• 💰 Mayor Eric Adams is promoting a budget proposal to restore cleaning crews for New York City's parks and extend restroom hours.
• 🚽 The plan aims to keep park bathrooms open an average of 2 hours longer, 5 days a week.
• 🏙️ The mayor attributes budget cuts to parks and the need for these improvements to the influx of new immigrants.

Controversial School Prank

• 🏫 An all-boys school on the Upper West Side is addressing a prank by seniors described as xenophobic by teachers.
• 🛂 The prank reportedly involved a cardboard border patrol checkpoint, fake naturalization papers, and caution tape on teachers' desks.
• 🚫 Seniors involved face a ban from class trips, but teachers feel the disciplinary action is insufficient.

Newark ICE Detention Center Dispute

• 🚨 Newark's mayor, Ras Baraka, is protesting the opening of a new ICE detention center, citing a lack of full city inspection and permits.
• ⚖️ The city is in a legal battle with the GEO group, the private contractor running the facility, over access for inspectors.
• 🚫 New Jersey's ban on ICE detention was partially struck down, allowing private companies to contract with ICE.

New Jersey Governor Candidates Forum

• 🗣️ Three Republican candidates for New Jersey governor clashed at a WNYC and NJ Spotlight News forum.
• 🏘️ A key point of agreement was the opposition to mandates requiring individual towns to build affordable housing.
• 🇺🇸 Candidates debated their stances on Donald Trump, with some seeking his endorsement and others distancing themselves.