Andrew Cuomo
Warning: This story includes graphic content, which could be triggering to some readers
The Story
The calls for New York's governor to step down are getting louder.
Explain.
Last year, former aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) Lindsey Boylan accused him of sexual harassment. Weeks later, former executive assistant and health policy adviser Charlotte Bennett came forward with her story. Cuomo denied the allegations and requested an independent review. Enter: NY Attorney General Letitia James (D). During a nearly five-month probe, investigators interviewed 179 people including accusers, admin employees, and even Cuomo (for 11 hours). Now, the investigation revealed that the governor sexually harassed at least 11 women current and former state employees – violating state and federal laws.
What did the report say?
That Cuomo touched, groped, kissed, and hugged women without their consent. In one instance, a woman identified as "Executive Assistant #1" in the report accused Cuomo of reaching under her blouse and grabbing her breast. The report also described instances in which the governor harassed a female state trooper. Including running his hand or fingers across her stomach and back, kissing her on the cheek, and asking her why she didn't wear a dress. Investigators found that Cuomo and his team created a "toxic" and "hostile" workplace that "allowed the sexual harassment to occur and persist." Witnesses and text messages – and 74,000 other pieces of evidence including emails and pictures – supported some of the allegations.
What are people saying?
James applauded the "heroic women" who came forward. President Biden – who was also previously accused of sexual assault – said Cuomo needs to resign. Congressional lawmakers on both sides of the aisle want the governor to step down. And Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is calling for his arrest. But Cuomo said he didn't touch "anyone inappropriately," has no plans to resign (despite an ongoing criminal investigation and a potential impeachment), and said he's embraced a lot of people. In a video address, the governor included a picture slideshow of him kissing politicians, former presidents, and constituents on the cheek. He said that a family member is a survivor of sexual assault – which, it should be mentioned, does not excuse sexual harassment.
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As more prominent men come under the scrutiny of their misconduct, it's women who are holding them accountable by sharing their traumas. And although that sacrifice doesn't always come with court-ordered justice. It does open the door for more women to share their lived experiences, which is leaving some contending with the way they treat women in the workplace and beyond.
And Also...This
What has a temporary fix...
Evictions. Yesterday, the CDC issued a federal ban on most evictions in the US. The concern was that financial hardship due to COVID-19 would mean that millions of Americans struggling to pay rent could lose their homes...in the middle of a pandemic. And further the spread of the virus. But back in June, a Supreme Court ruling indicated that any extension would require congressional approval. The White House urged Congress to make it happen. But lawmakers said they didn't have enough notice, and said it's up to the admin. Meanwhile, over the weekend, the federal eviction moratorium expired. Now, the new ban (which Biden says he isn't sure will hold up in court) could buy time for a longer-term fix. Renter protections will last until October 3. But it only covers people living in areas with substantial and high levels of COVID-19 transmission – about 90% of the US population.
Speaking of high transmission: More than 50,000 people in the US are reportedly hospitalized with COVID-19, numbers the US hasn't seen since February. Florida and Texas are driving the stats, making up one-third of last week's infections. Florida is especially struggling – breaking its own record for most hospitalizations ever during the pandemic. It comes as Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) has banned schools from requiring masks and opposed vaccine passports.
Vaccine updates: New York City announced it will require proof of vaccination next month for indoor activities like dining, gyms, and venues. It's the first major US city to implement such a requirement. And comes as companies ranging from Tyson to Google and Facebook are requiring employees to get the jab done.
Where people are in crisis mode…
Lebanon. Yesterday, Human Rights Watch accused the country's caretaker PM Hassan Diab, President Michel Aoun, and other top officials of being "criminally negligent" in last year's deadly Beirut explosion. Today marks one year since nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate (a highly combustible material) detonated in Beirut's port. Over 200 people were killed and thousands of others were injured. Lebanon's gov put several port officials under house arrest. And Diab ended up resigning, although he is staying on as a gov caretaker until a new gov is formed. Meanwhile, a Lebanese probe into the blast has stalled. And now, HRW's saying some officials knew about the risks of storing the chemicals and "failed to protect the public." The org's calling on the UN Human Rights Council to mandate an investigation. And on foreign govs to sanction Lebanese officials for human rights violations. It all comes as both the economic and political situation in Lebanon continues to crumble. Here's where things stand...
Economically: The Lebanese pound has lost 90% of its value compared to 2019. Nearly half the country reportedly lives below the poverty line. Fuel, medicine, and other goods are in short supply. Unemployment has reportedly skyrocketed. And the World Bank says it could be one of the worst financial crises since the 1850s.
Politically: Lebanon has said 'hello' and 'goodbye' to at least two prime minister-designates since last year. The country's power-sharing government structure – which divides gov positions between the country's major religious groups – has struggled to reach agreements. Now all eyes are on billionaire businessman Najib Mikati as the third potential prime minister to try and wrangle a new gov again.
Who would do pretty much anything to WFCouch…
Americans. A new survey says nearly two-thirds would take a 5% pay cut if it meant they didn't have to go back to office life. That's one point for plants as officemates, zero points for humans. But wait, there's more: US workers so desperately want to avoid commuting past their shower that more than half said they'd give up Netflix, Amazon, or social media for a full year. And Gen Z is especially disinterested in swapping FaceTime for face time: a majority said they'd give up the right to vote in all elections. The bottom line: 'back to office' is less attractive than 'back to watching "The Office" while the Zoom camera's off.' Shocker.
Psst...before you agree to a pay cut, try negotiating for better work perks so you don't have to.
What's très adorable…
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