0 CommentsDisgraced former Congressman George Santos faces up to 87-months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud, identity theft, and campaign finance violations.
Happening in the World: Eight Brazilian workers, including a child laborer, have filed a civil lawsuit in the U.S. against Starbucks, alleging they were subjected to slavery-like conditions while working on a Brazilian coffee farm that supplies the company. The workers claim they faced unpaid labor, hazardous conditions, and human trafficking. One worker, nearly 16, was rescued in 2024 by Brazilian authorities during a raid.
Coffee Watch, an NGO, has also filed a complaint with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to block coffee imports produced with forced labor from entering the U.S. market. The organization argues that such exploitation is widespread in Brazil’s coffee industry, where workers—especially Afro-Brazilians—are often trapped in modern slavery conditions including debt bondage, unpaid labor, and degrading treatment. (The Guardian)
Happening in the US: The Trump administration confirmed that ICE agents arrested Columbia University graduate Mahmoud Khalil in March without a warrant, calling it a “warrantless arrest” justified by “exigent circumstances.” Khalil’s lawyers argue the arrest was unlawful, saying he never tried to flee. Khalil, a Syrian-born U.S. green card holder and participant in pro-Palestinian protests, was detained outside his NYC apartment. He missed the birth of his child after ICE denied his temporary release. (CBS)
Happening in NYC: Disgraced former Congressman George Santos is set to be sentenced Friday in federal court after pleading guilty to fraud, identity theft, and campaign finance violations. Federal prosecutors are seeking an 87-month prison sentence, citing his lack of remorse and continued inflammatory social media posts. (ABC7)
Happening in our Community: Columbia University and Nicholas Hall Ltd. will hold a symposium exploring the 17th-century Italian art market from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday. The exhibition challenges long-standing assumptions—popularized by Francis Haskell’s Patrons and Painters—that Italian 17th-century art was dominated by elite commissions. Opening remarks will be by David Feedberg and Nicholas Hall. Students can register here.
Loading ...