Efforts to increase New York City sanitation are up, US Republican Party morale is down, welcome to Bwoglines.

Content warning: This article contains mentions of death.

Happening in the World: Two months after the death of Mahsa Amini at the hands of the Iranian morality police for violations of hijab rules, Iran has sentenced its first prisoners to death over the ongoing protests in the country. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), 339 have died since the start of the protest, including at least 43 children, and another 15,300 are being detained for participation in the protests and may face execution, for crimes such as enmity against God, armed rebellion, and/or corruption on Earth. (BBC)

Happening in the US: As the 2022 midterm elections wrap up, many are eager to speculate who may run for president in the 2024 elections, including President Joe Biden himself. The oldest president in history approaching 80 years old, he’s faced with the decision to run again after the recent historic victories, as well as former President Donald Trump’s supposed decision to run again, or to call it quits. Many argue that the victories are more a testament to the Republican Party’s weakness than Biden’s strength, as his approval rating still remains low. (NY Times)

Happening in NYC: Funding for cleaning the streets of New York City has recently increased by 30%, from $22 million to $28.6 million, thanks to as many as a third of City Council members re-allocating their discretionary funds into the efforts, along with Mayor Eric Adams’s additional increase of $4.9 million. The 311 service for the city has been the main way these politicians are being informed of the issue and measuring the impacts of their efforts, with an 88% decrease in complaints in areas like Hell’s Kitchen, Chelsea, and Midtown West after the initial sanitation budget increases earlier this year. (Gothamist)

Happening in our Community: Tomorrow from 12:00 to 1:15 pm, Professor Thiago Amparo and LGBTQI+ human rights defender Mariano Ruiz will host a discussion on migration routes for queer Central Americans on their way to the US when their livelihoods are threatened by their identities, a project he is developing with Rainbow Railroad. Registration is required and a light lunch will be provided.

NYC Trash Can via Flickr