- Scouts Honor’ Review: Uncovering a History of Abuse https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/06/movies/scouts-honor-the-secret-files-of-the-boy-scouts-of-america-review.html?smid=url-share . “Scouts Honor: The Secret Files of the Boy Scouts of America,” directed by Brian Knappenberger and available on Netflix, provides a comprehensive look at a monumental case that unfolded nearly three years ago when over 82,000 people came forward with sexual abuse claims against the Boy Scouts of America. The survivors, mostly male and spanning all age groups and states, included individuals who had kept their traumatic experiences secret for decades. The documentary primarily follows Michael Johnson, a former director at the Boy Scouts who has turned into a vocal critic of the organization’s youth protection practices. Through interviews and historical footage, the film unveils the Boy Scouts’ troubling history of abuse and cover-ups, as well as its connections with the Catholic and Mormon Churches. While it touches on the organization’s once-wholesome image and media coverage, the documentary’s real strength lies in the survivors’ personal accounts, which convey the emotional toll of their experiences. However, it doesn’t delve deep enough into the culture of shame and stigma that silenced these survivors, leaving this critical aspect largely unexplored.
- New York City’s Crackdown on Airbnb Is Starting. Here’s What to Expect. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/05/nyregion/airbnb-regulations-nyc-housing.html?smid=url-share Starting this week, New York City is enforcing stringent regulations aimed at curbing short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb. These rules are anticipated to result in the removal of thousands of listings from such platforms and represent the latest chapter in the ongoing conflict between major cities and home-sharing companies like Airbnb. The city contends that short-term rentals have contributed to rising rents and exacerbated the housing shortage, necessitating the registration of hosts for short-term rentals. Fines for rule violations can reach up to $5,000 for hosts and $1,500 for platforms. Supporters of short-term rentals argue they benefit the tourism economy, but the regulations are now being enforced, leading to a significant reduction in available Airbnb listings in the city, with potential conversions to long-term rentals. Reservations after December 2nd may be canceled, but health or safety hazards are required for guest removal from illegal rentals.
- Why So Many Americans Are So Down on Biden https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/05/opinion/columnists/biden-unpopular-2024.html?smid=url-share Despite low unemployment, reduced inflation, and other positive indicators, a significant portion of the American population holds a pessimistic view of the country’s future, as reported in various polls and surveys. Rising prices in everyday goods, such as eggs, bread, and gasoline, contribute to this economic unease, even if these increases don’t always factor into official inflation calculations. Public order issues, like youth-related violence and disorder on city streets, have also raised concerns. The prolonged school closures during the pandemic, influenced in part by teachers’ unions, have negatively impacted children. Furthermore, the border crisis continues to challenge the nation, with an uncertain number of migrants remaining in the U.S. Under President Biden’s leadership, the world has become more dangerous, particularly with the Afghanistan withdrawal’s consequences. Additionally, concerns about the president’s fitness for the role persist. These visible issues, often overlooked in statistics, contribute to public sentiment.
- After Mass Killing of Trees on a Wealthy Waterfront, a Theory Takes Hold https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/05/world/australia/trees-killed-sydney-castle-cove-waterfront.html?smid=url-share In a wealthy Sydney suburb, more than 250 trees were brazenly culled, with speculation that the motive was to enhance a waterfront view. The picturesque waterside reserve was the crime scene, situated between multimillion-dollar mansions and a sparkling harbor. The trees, including Banksias, wattles, and gum trees, some almost a century old, fell victim to this arboricide. While the culprits remain unknown, the prevailing theory is that someone sought an unobstructed view of the water. Such actions to improve property values by creating waterfront views have occurred in the past but on a much larger scale in this instance, drawing outrage and disbelief from Australians. Local authorities have offered a reward for information leading to prosecution, but the penalty for illegal tree removal is relatively small compared to the potential gains. Concerns about environmental destruction persist, as well as doubts about whether the perpetrators will face consequences.
- Louisiana Grand Jury Indicts Retired Priest on Sex Abuse Charges https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/07/us/louisiana-priest-lawrence-hecker-sex-abuse.html?smid=url-share A retired Roman Catholic priest, Lawrence Hecker, aged 91, has been indicted by a Louisiana state grand jury on multiple felony charges related to allegations of sexually assaulting a teenage boy in the 1970s. These charges have emerged after public allegations that leaders within the Archdiocese of New Orleans had knowledge of accusations against the priest for decades. Hecker is facing charges of aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, aggravated crime against nature, and theft. These allegations came to light after The Guardian reported that Hecker had confessed in 1999 to sexually molesting or engaging in other sexual misconduct with multiple teenagers in the 1960s and 1970s. The indictment underscores the ongoing struggle to hold clergy members accountable for historical sexual abuse cases within the Catholic Church. Many of these cases date back decades, and the statutes of limitations have often expired.
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