I was born and raised in NYC, and I’m just finding out about this…

Happening in the World: Italian police arrested 19 people accused of links to the Ndrangheta mafia group, with possible charges including the use of extortion, assault, and other offenses. According to the investigation, the Ndrangheta have emerged in recent years as a powerful rival to the better-known Sicilian mob, allegedly attempting to take control of all lucrative business activities around Milan’s Giuseppe Meazza stadium. (ABC) 

Happening in the US: Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance dodged a question on Trump’s loss in the 2020 election and downplayed the seriousness of the January 6 attack on the US Capitol during the vice presidential debate on Tuesday. “Did he lose the election?” Walz asked. Vance responded: “I’m focused on the future.” “That is a damning non-answer,” said Walz. (NBC) 

Happening in NYC: Four humpback whales were spotted earlier this month along with hundreds of bottlenose dolphins and a lone harbor seal just 10 miles off the coast of Brooklyn. The whales are currently gorging on fish in preparation for the long journey south, some passing through on their way to the West Indies to breed. Whale-watching tours depart from piers in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Long Island and along the New Jersey coast almost every day, lasting about 2.5 to 4.5 hours. (Gothamist) 

Happening in Our Community: “Election 2024: What’s at Stake? Panel #1: Voting,” the first part of the Incite Institute’s three-part panel series, is taking place at the Interchurch Center today from 2 to 3 pm. Professors Robert S. Erikson and Donald P. Green from Columbia University and Professor Christina M. Greer from Fordham University will be on the panel exploring key topics around this year’s election. Learn more and register here.

Whale via PickPik