Could a school really keep a parent in the dark about something as life-changing as a child’s gender transition?
In a case stirring national debate, Amber Lavigne, a Maine mother, is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to step in after alleging that Great Salt Bay Community School advised her 13-year-old daughter on gender transitioning without her knowledge, while Maine itself grapples with separate controversies over school policies and federal funding tied to male participation in female sports.
Lavigne’s fight began when she discovered a chest binder among her daughter’s belongings, only to learn it was provided by a school social worker, Just the News reported.
This wasn’t just a piece of clothing—it was part of a broader effort, Lavigne claims, where the social worker encouraged her daughter to adopt a different name and pronouns without a whisper to her as the parent.
When Lavigne confronted the principal and superintendent, she was met with justifications rather than apologies, a stance that only fueled her resolve.
Since filing her lawsuit in 2023, Lavigne has faced setbacks, with a federal judge in Maine dismissing her case and the First U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Boston upholding that decision in July.
Now, backed by the Arizona-based Goldwater Institute, Lavigne is taking her battle to the highest court, hoping for a ruling that could set a precedent on parental notification rights.
The petition argues for clear, nationwide guidance on school policies regarding gender identity, insisting that parents have a constitutional right to be informed about such significant decisions.
“We are asking the Supreme Court to step in and make it clear that parents like Amber have a right to know when public school officials make important decisions affecting the mental health and physical wellbeing of their children,” said Adam Shelton, a Goldwater Institute attorney.
Let’s unpack that quote—schools making unilateral calls on a child’s mental and physical health without parental input feels like a dangerous overreach, though one must sympathize with educators navigating these sensitive waters.
Amber Lavigne herself put it poignantly: “This situation is really about my parental rights being violated.”
She continued, “It’s about a social worker who had never even had a conversation with me encouraging my child to keep secrets from me. Our goal as parents is to raise amazing human beings who contribute to society, who care about other human beings, and to be left out of such a life altering decision just doesn’t make sense.”
While Lavigne’s case focuses on parental rights, Maine is also a battleground for debates over allowing male athletes in female sports, with Governor Janet Mills clashing with federal directives under President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting such participation.
The U.S. Education Department has sued Maine’s education officials over alleged Title IX violations, the Department of Agriculture has halted funding, and conservative groups are pushing a 2026 ballot measure to ban male students from girls’ teams—talk about a state caught in the cultural crossfire.
Lavigne’s struggle, though personal, mirrors these larger tensions, and while progressive policies may aim for inclusivity, one wonders if they’ve swung too far from common-sense family values; still, the pain of all involved deserves our respect as the Supreme Court considers whether to weigh in.
Is your tax money funding a ghost daycare in Minneapolis? Congressman Tom Emmer, a Republican from Minnesota, is raising serious questions about millions in federal aid funneled to a South Minneapolis facility that appears to be anything but operational.
The issue centers on the Quality Learning Center, where a viral video by citizen journalist Nick Shirley exposed an eerily empty daycare, despite claims it serves nearly 100 children, Breitbart reported.
Emmer is now pressing Governor Tim Walz for answers amid broader concerns about social services fraud in Minnesota.
This controversy kicked off when Shirley, a YouTuber, visited the Quality Learning Center during a weekday and found no signs of activity. There were no kids, no bustle, just silence at the facility.
Adding insult to injury, the center’s sign reads “learing” instead of “learning,” a detail that hasn’t escaped sharp-eyed critics. It’s hard to trust an educational facility with millions in taxpayer funds when it can’t even spell its own purpose correctly.
Shirley’s footage captured a tense moment when an unidentified woman inside shouted, “Don’t open up,” while wrongly accusing him and his companion of being ICE agents. That’s a peculiar way to greet visitors at a supposed bustling daycare, don’t you think?
In the video, Shirley himself noted, “There’s no one here,” a simple observation that cuts to the heart of this scandal (Nick Shirley, YouTube video). If a center claiming to care for 99 children is a ghost town midweek, where exactly is the money going?
Reports suggest the Quality Learning Center has raked in nearly $8 million in federal taxpayer money since 2019. This includes $1.9 million alone in 2025 and a total of $4 million over two years. That’s a hefty sum for a place that looks more like a vacant lot than a vibrant childcare hub.
Rep. Emmer didn’t hold back, sharing Shirley’s video on X and pointedly asking, “Care to explain this one, @tim_walz?” (Rep. Tom Emmer, X post). It’s a fair question—hardworking Americans deserve to know why their dollars are bankrolling an apparent mirage.
The timing of this viral video couldn’t be worse for Minnesota, as it coincides with a staggering announcement from Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thompson. He revealed that half of $18 billion in federal welfare funds have been lost to fraud. That’s more than the GDP of some countries, according to the Government Accountability Institute.
The Quality Learning Center has a troubling history, with 95 violations flagged by the state human services agency between 2019 and 2023, as reported by 5KSTP. These aren’t minor slip-ups—issues like failing to secure hazardous items suggest systemic neglect.
Another violation included missing records for 16 children at the center. This raises serious questions about oversight and care at the facility.
This isn’t just about one daycare; it’s part of a larger pattern of alleged social services fraud in Minnesota. The scale of misused funds is a wake-up call for tighter controls on these programs.
Taxpayers aren’t asking for much—just transparency and accountability. When millions are handed out, shouldn’t there be a basic check to ensure the lights are on?
Governor Walz now faces mounting pressure to explain how such a facility could receive substantial federal aid with so little apparent activity. Silence on this matter won’t cut it when public trust is already shaken by broader fraud scandals.
Rep. Emmer’s call for answers resonates with many frustrated by government waste and progressive policies that seem to prioritize funding over results. It’s not about pointing fingers; it’s about ensuring every dollar serves its intended purpose—helping real children, not padding empty ledgers.
Tragic news has struck the reality TV world as a beloved star is gone far too soon.
Mickey Lee, a former contestant on "Big Brother," passed away at the tender age of 35 on Thursday, leaving fans and family heartbroken, according to CBS News.
Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, and later calling Atlanta home, Lee made her mark on Season 27 of the CBS show, which aired this year.
Her family broke the devastating news on Friday through a post on her Instagram account, sharing their grief with a stunned audience.
The cause, as confirmed by her loved ones, was multiple cardiac arrests after severe flu complications—a harsh reminder of life’s unpredictability.
Earlier that week, Lee had been in critical but stable condition, giving a flicker of hope that ultimately faded.
In response to her medical crisis, her family launched a GoFundMe page to help cover expenses not met by insurance.
By Friday afternoon, the fundraiser had amassed over $32,500, showing the deep affection many held for Lee.
Yet, while this generosity warms the heart, it stings to know it couldn’t change the tragic outcome.
“Mickey captured the hearts of audiences nationwide through her appearance on Big Brother, where her authenticity, strength, and spirit left a lasting impression on fans and fellow cast members alike,” her family wrote on Instagram.
They’ve got a point—Lee’s realness cut through the often superficial world of reality TV, a breath of fresh air in a culture drowning in performative nonsense.
“Mickey’s light, legacy, and impact will never be forgotten,” her family added in their emotional statement.
Hard to disagree with that, though one can’t help but wonder if today’s hyper-divided society truly appreciates the unfiltered joy Lee represented.
Her passing slices through the petty dramas of reality TV, urging us to value those who connect without pushing some trendy narrative.
This loss is a somber call to focus on what matters—genuine human bonds over the fleeting squabbles of a woke-obsessed era.
Brace yourself for a political nosedive that could make even the most seasoned Washington insider wince.
Congressional Democrats have sunk to an unprecedented low in public opinion, with a Quinnipiac University poll revealing a measly 18% approval rating against a staggering 73% disapproval, while still managing key electoral wins in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia, as the Daily Caller reports.
The numbers are grim, folks, and they’ve been crunched by none other than CNN’s chief data analyst, Harry Enten, who didn’t mince words on Thursday when discussing this historic tumble.
According to the Quinnipiac survey published on Wednesday, Democrats in Congress are sitting at a net approval of negative 55 points—essentially, they’re underwater deeper than a submarine on a bad day.
Independents, often the swing voters who decide elections, are even less impressed, clocking in with a net approval of negative 61 points, signaling a profound disconnect with the middle ground.
Enten put it bluntly: “Look at this: -61 points,” highlighting just how far congressional Democrats have fallen in the eyes of those crucial unaffiliated voters.
Perhaps most shocking is that even self-identified Democrats are giving their own congressional representatives the cold shoulder, marking the first time Quinnipiac has recorded a net negative approval from within the party’s own ranks.
This internal discontent is a fresh wound, as Enten noted: “Democrats’ net approval rating of congressional Democrats … is actually lower than the disapproval rating” (CNN).
It’s a stunning reversal, reflecting a party at odds with itself over leadership and direction in Congress.
Interestingly, there was a brief uptick in approval during the October shutdown, a momentary “rallying-around-the-flag” effect that gave Democrats a fleeting boost.
But that goodwill evaporated faster than a puddle in the desert, with voters—especially Democrats—souring on how the shutdown was managed, leading to this current freefall.
The data from Quinnipiac, which has tracked this question for most of the 21st century, shows this is the worst shape congressional Democrats have ever been in, a point Enten hammered home on air.
Despite the abysmal polling, Democrats somehow pulled off significant victories in November, securing key seats in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia—proof that local issues can still trump national sentiment.
Yet, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing 46% of Americans aged 50 and older leaning Republican compared to just 38% for Democrats, the party faces an uphill battle to regain broader trust.
These numbers aren’t just a wake-up call; they’re a blaring alarm for Democrats to rethink their approach, lest they risk further alienating a frustrated electorate tired of progressive missteps and perceived disconnects from everyday concerns.
Imagine a quiet drive in Galloway Township turning into a nightmare, as a well-known actor allegedly pulls a gun in a fit of road rage.
On a fateful day in September 2025, Ernest Wesley Heinz, a 48-year-old New Jersey actor recognized for his work in the “Resident Evil” video game series and a minor role in “The Sopranos,” was indicted on 31 counts, including attempted murder, after allegedly shooting a woman during a heated traffic dispute.
This shocking incident began when Heinz reportedly cut off Maritza Arias-Galva as she attempted to merge at a red light. Tempers flared faster than a progressive policy debate at a town hall. What should have been a minor annoyance escalated into a life-altering confrontation.
Heinz didn’t just honk and move on; he allegedly exited his vehicle and threatened to end Arias-Galva’s life. This wasn’t a scripted scene from a video game—it was raw, unhinged anger on a public street.
Arias-Galva recounted the chilling moment to The Philadelphia Inquirer: “I know that kind of person, because I work in customer service. I just said, ‘Thank you, sir.’”
She continued, “And he said he was taking my life today.” If that doesn’t send a shiver down your spine, consider how quickly a mundane drive can turn into a battle for survival when personal responsibility is tossed out the window.
After the alleged threat, Heinz reportedly shot Arias-Galva in the face with a .380 caliber pistol registered to his father, leaving her with a non-fatal injury to her nose. Police provided immediate treatment, but the damage—both physical and emotional—was done.
Heinz then fled in a white Honda SUV registered to his mother, described by Arias-Galva to police as driven by “a White male with blonde hair in a ponytail.” Surveillance later captured him stopping at a residence in Port Republic, N.J., grabbing two bags—one from Wawa and another hiding a rifle. Sounds like a man on the run, not a man with a plan.
His escape led him onto Stockton University grounds, triggering a three-hour campus lockdown as law enforcement hunted for the suspect. Students and faculty were left on edge, a stark reminder of how one person’s recklessness can disrupt countless lives.
Police eventually apprehended Heinz at a residence near the university later that same day. Initial charges from the Galloway Township Police Department included criminal attempt homicide and aggravated assault with a firearm, among others. It’s a laundry list of wrongdoing that would make even the most lenient judge raise an eyebrow.
By early December 2025, a grand jury upped the ante, indicting Heinz on 31 counts, including an upgraded charge of attempted murder. Additional charges stemmed from firearms allegedly found in a storage unit Heinz visited post-shooting, some rented by a friend. One has to wonder if Hollywood’s influence blurs the line between fiction and reality for some.
This wasn’t a one-off bad decision; the layers of weaponry suggest a deeper disregard for the law. In a society obsessed with feelings over facts, it’s refreshing to see authorities holding individuals accountable for their actions, not their excuses.
Heinz remains in custody, with an arraignment scheduled for late January 2026, as reported by NJ.com. Until then, he’s not walking free to potentially endanger others, a small but necessary win for public safety.
As this case unfolds, it’s a grim reminder that fame doesn’t exempt anyone from responsibility. Road rage is a plague on our highways, and while we can debate the root causes—stress, entitlement, or just plain bad character—it’s clear that consequences must follow.
Let’s hope justice serves Arias-Galva, who survived a horrifying ordeal, and sends a message that no one, not even a “Resident Evil” star, is above the law. In a world quick to cancel over words, perhaps it’s time we focus on punishing real harm instead of perceived slights.
Minnesota is embroiled in a fraud scandal so massive it could make even the most seasoned bureaucrat blush.
A sprawling federal investigation has unearthed allegations of widespread fraudulent billing for government services, dating back to at least 2020, with Governor Tim Walz now under the microscope, Fox News reported.
This mess, centered largely but not exclusively in the state's Somali community, has been brewing for years, pulling in whistleblowers, nearly 100 mayors, and state lawmakers who are sounding the alarm.
House Oversight Chairman James Comer took to Fox News on Tuesday to drop a bombshell, ramping up scrutiny on state officials and zeroing in on Walz’s oversight.
“The walls are caving in on Tim Walz,” Comer declared, painting a picture of a state reeling from misallocated funds meant for social programs (Fox News).
While Comer stops short of demanding Walz’s resignation, he’s clear that due process will be followed—no free passes here, even for a sitting governor.
Comer’s committee isn’t playing games, coordinating with federal agencies to subpoena records and haul in testimony to track down every misspent dollar.
He’s banking on state employee whistleblowers, promising to get them under oath to spill the beans on what they’ve seen behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, nearly 100 Minnesota mayors penned a scathing letter on Monday, slamming the state for fiscal mismanagement that’s trickling down to cities and squeezing taxpayers dry.
Governor Walz, campaigning for another term, stepped up to the plate, owning the debacle with a public pledge to fix it.
“This is on my watch. I am accountable for this,” Walz said, doubling down on his intent to clean house (Minnesota Star Tribune).
Yet, he’s pushing back hard against federal prosecutors’ claims of billions in fraud, suggesting the numbers might be inflated for political theater rather than hard evidence.
A spokesperson for Walz didn’t mince words, calling the federal probe a coordinated hit job meant to muzzle a vocal critic of the administration (Minnesota Star Tribune).
Still, the spokesperson insisted Walz takes fraud seriously—a claim that might raise eyebrows given Comer’s insistence that no one buys the governor’s self-policing promises.
With cities feeling the pinch and state services on the chopping block, this scandal isn’t just a St. Paul problem—it’s a Minnesota crisis, and the pressure on Walz to deliver real answers is only mounting.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) just slammed the brakes on a dangerous trend with a major crackdown in California.
Through Operation Highway Sentinel, ICE arrested more than 100 unauthorized migrant truck drivers on California highways, targeting a troubling pattern of deadly crashes tied to state-issued commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) under controversial policies, Fox News reported.
This operation didn’t come out of nowhere—it was sparked by a string of fatal accidents across multiple states, all involving drivers who got their CDLs in California despite questionable qualifications.
ICE zeroed in on trucking companies in central and northern California, areas suspected of shady dealings that go beyond just bad driving.
Officials point out that the trucking world often intersects with serious crimes like human smuggling, labor trafficking, and narcotics distribution, making this sweep about more than just traffic safety.
Among those detained were individuals from nations including India, Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela, showing the global reach of this issue on American roads.
One high-profile case in Florida underscored the stakes, where an Indian national, Harjinder Singh, allegedly caused a crash that killed three people while making an illegal maneuver.
Singh reportedly flunked his CDL test 10 times in just two months before finally passing in Washington State, then snagged another license in California—despite failing English and road sign comprehension tests.
Now, Florida’s Attorney General is taking aim at both California and Washington with a Supreme Court filing, arguing their lax CDL policies for unauthorized migrants violate federal safety and immigration standards.
ICE isn’t mincing words about who they hold responsible, with Deputy Director Madison Sheahan pointing a finger at California Governor Gavin Newsom’s sanctuary state approach.
“Gavin Newsom’s sanctuary state policies are costing American lives,” Sheahan declared. “His government knowingly issued thousands of CDLs to illegal aliens who had no business driving at all, let alone behind the wheel of a massive semi-truck.”
Sheahan’s critique cuts deep, suggesting that progressive agendas prioritizing access over accountability have turned highways into hazard zones—and it’s hard to argue when the body count keeps climbing.
ICE also emphasized that many of these drivers can’t read English or understand road signs, a terrifying thought when you’re sharing the interstate with an 80,000-pound rig.
“ICE is stepping in where his state failed,” Sheahan added, promising that operations like this one in California—mirroring past sweeps in Indiana and Oklahoma—will keep dangerous drivers off the roads.
With 101 drivers now held pending immigration proceedings, and prior operations netting over 200 similar arrests in other states, it’s clear federal authorities are done playing catch-up with policies they see as reckless—though some might wonder if the root causes, like labor shortages, are being ignored in favor of enforcement spectacle.
Hollywood’s glitterati may dominate headlines, but today we mourn a quieter star as Adelia “Ada” Zeidler, sister of actor George Clooney, has left us at 65.
Born and raised in Kentucky, Ada carved her own path far from the Tinseltown spotlight. She dedicated years to shaping young minds as an elementary art teacher at Augusta Independent School. Her talent with a brush wasn’t just personal—it was a gift she shared generously.
Breitbart reported that during her high school years, Ada’s academic prowess earned her the prestigious title of National Merit Scholar. That’s the kind of brainpower the progressive elite often overlooks when it’s not tied to a coastal zip code.
Ada’s love for the written word connected her with like-minded souls in a local book club. She wasn’t chasing trending hashtags or virtue-signaling manifestos—just good, old-fashioned stories that bind communities.
As a member of the Augusta Art Guild, she contributed to her hometown’s cultural fabric. She even served as grand marshal of Augusta’s Annual White Christmas Parade, a nod to her standing in a place that values tradition over Hollywood hype.
Despite her brother’s global fame, Ada largely avoided the public eye, focusing on family and local impact. Reports from TMZ note she preferred the classroom to the red carpet. That’s a choice more folks should respect in an age of oversharing.
Still, she showed up for big moments, like attending George Clooney’s 2014 wedding to Amal Alamuddin in Venice. It’s a reminder that family ties trump fame’s fleeting allure every time.
George Clooney himself spoke of her with raw admiration in a statement to People.com: “My sister, Ada, was my hero.” He added, “She faced down cancer with courage and humor.” Now, isn’t that a testament to grit the woke crowd could never script?
Continuing his tribute, Clooney said, “I’ve never met anyone so brave.” He concluded, “Amal and I will miss her terribly.” That kind of loss cuts deeper than any box office flop.
Ada’s obituary paints a fuller picture of her legacy: “A talented artist, she shared her skills as an elementary art teacher at Augusta Independent School for several years.” It’s a quiet heroism—molding future generations without fanfare—that deserves more applause than any awards show.
The obituary also notes, “Her love for reading connected her with other readers in a local book club.” In a world obsessed with digital clout, isn’t it refreshing to honor someone who cherished real connection over clicks?
Ada leaves behind her brother George, parents Nick and Nina, husband Kenny, and children Nick and Allison. That’s a circle of love stronger than any celebrity entourage.
Her passing in Kentucky, where she lived and taught, underscores a life rooted in values too often dismissed by urban tastemakers. She wasn’t chasing progressive applause; she was building something lasting at home.
As we reflect on Ada Zeidler’s life, let’s celebrate the unsung heroes who teach, create, and connect without a spotlight. Her story reminds us that true impact doesn’t need a press release—just a heart for others. Maybe that’s a lesson even Hollywood could stand to learn.
President Donald Trump unleashed a fiery critique of Obamacare, branding it a cash cow for insurance giants during a charged speech in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, on Friday night, Breitbart reported.
In a nutshell, Trump blasted the health care law for inflating costs, announced plans to confront insurance companies directly, and highlighted ongoing political skirmishes over subsidies and government funding.
Earlier that Friday, Trump didn’t mince words, signaling his intent to haul insurance executives into a meeting to demand lower prices.
Whether at Mar-a-Lago in Florida or in Washington, D.C., he’s eyeing a showdown the first week he returns to the White House.
“I’m going to call a meeting of the insurance companies. I’m going to see if they get their price down, to put it very bluntly,” Trump declared.
That’s a bold promise, but let’s be real—insurance companies aren’t exactly known for rolling over when profits are on the line, and this meeting could be more theater than breakthrough unless serious leverage is applied.
During his evening address in Rocky Mount, Trump tore into what he calls the “Unaffordable Care Act,” arguing it’s a system rigged to fatten corporate wallets while leaving everyday Americans with skyrocketing premiums.
“The current Unaffordable Care Act, commonly known as Barack Hussein Obamacare, was created to make insurance companies rich. It was bad health care at much too high a cost, and you see now that the steep increase in premiums — it’s being demanded by the Democrats,” Trump charged.
Here’s the rub: if premiums are indeed soaring under this framework, as Trump claims, it’s hard to argue that the system isn’t failing the very people it was meant to help, though some might counter that subsidies have cushioned the blow for many.
Meanwhile, the political arena is a battlefield, with House Republicans pushing legislation to the Senate aimed at slashing health care costs.
On the flip side, Democrats are angling to extend COVID-era Obamacare subsidies, a fight that played out during a 43-day government shutdown starting in October and could flare up again.
Trump, ever the strategist, warned that Democrats might force another shutdown by the end of January—possibly on January 30—if their demands for extended subsidies aren’t met, painting them as pawns of big insurance.
Beyond the political chess game, Trump floated a vision where health care funds go straight to citizens, empowering them to shop for plans at better rates.
He also dropped news of nine fresh deals with pharmaceutical companies to slash prescription prices, adding to a tally of agreements struck since late September—a win for consumers if the savings actually materialize at the pharmacy counter.
Ultimately, Trump’s latest salvo against Obamacare and his push for direct negotiations with insurers signal a renewed focus on health care reform, though the road ahead looks rocky with partisan gridlock and corporate interests in the mix; still, for many frustrated with rising costs, his willingness to shake the table offers a glimmer of hope.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani just dropped a bombshell by naming Julie Su, a polarizing figure from the Biden administration, to a freshly minted role as deputy mayor for economic justice, according to the New York Post.
On Friday, Mamdani rolled out Su’s appointment alongside Leila Bozorg as deputy mayor for housing and planning, signaling a sharp left turn for New York City’s future policies.
Let’s unpack Su’s baggage first, because it’s heavier than a rush-hour subway car. She served as acting secretary of labor under President Joe Biden but couldn’t muster enough votes for full Senate confirmation, with even moderate Democrats and Republicans balking at her progressive leanings.
During her time as California’s labor secretary, Su oversaw a disaster of epic proportions at the Employment Development Department. A jaw-dropping $30 billion was lost to unemployment fraud, according to the Los Angeles Times, while millions of Californians faced payment delays or wrongful denials, per a non-partisan report.
Now, Mamdani seems to think this track record qualifies Su to oversee worker protection policies in NYC, including agencies like the Taxi and Limousine Commission and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protections. One can’t help but wonder if “economic justice” will mean more red tape than relief for struggling New Yorkers.
Su’s defenders, like Sen. Bernie Sanders, paint her as a champion of the working class, but critics aren’t buying it. Her 2005 paper arguing that corporate definitions fuel economic injustice only fuels concerns that her agenda might prioritize ideology over practicality.
Speaking of Mamdani, he’s brushing off Su’s rocky history like it’s a minor inconvenience. “I’m aware of the deputy mayor’s record, and I’m very excited to have her,” he said on Friday, doubling down on his enthusiasm for her labor advocacy.
That optimism might be misplaced when you consider the opposition Su faced in Washington. Senators like Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema rejected her nomination over her progressive stances, and business groups weren’t exactly sending her fan mail either.
Even Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, didn’t mince words about Su’s tenure. “Throughout her tenure at the Department of Labor, she prioritized partisan activism over American workers and their families,” Cassidy stated, slyly adding, “Julie Su is a perfect fit for the Mamdani administration.” Ouch—that’s a backhanded compliment if ever there was one.
Su’s new gig will involve enforcing policies like a recent City Council bill safeguarding Uber drivers from unfair terminations, which Mamdani touted as a blueprint for her work. But at what cost to the gig economy, which already struggles under heavy regulation?
Democratic operative Ken Frydman offered a colorful take, likening Su’s role to a union-friendly “Robin Hood” who might “take from the rich and give to the poor.” While witty, it raises a fair question: will this focus on wealth redistribution deepen the city’s budget woes?
Meanwhile, Mamdani’s other pick, Leila Bozorg, steps into the housing and planning deputy mayor role with her own set of credentials. She’s credited for work on the “City of Yes” housing initiative under Mayor Eric Adams, though some City Hall insiders grumble that Dan Garodnick, the true architect of that zoning overhaul, was snubbed for the position.
Not everyone’s sold on Bozorg’s qualifications either, with one insider noting she didn’t “drive the bus” on “City of Yes” despite being involved. Still, Mamdani’s team seems confident in her ability to tackle the city’s housing crisis.
Dean Fuleihan, named as Mamdani’s first deputy mayor, rounds out the trio of appointments, edging out Garodnick for that top spot. It’s clear this administration is setting a bold, progressive tone, but whether it resonates with everyday New Yorkers remains to be seen.
For now, Su’s appointment is the lightning rod, drawing both praise from labor advocates and sharp criticism from those wary of her past mismanagement. As the city braces for this new chapter, one thing is certain: Mamdani’s vision of “economic justice” will be a battleground, and taxpayers might just be caught in the crossfire.