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Every year around this time, it is only natural for people to look back on the year that was and think ahead about what will make next year different. However, as we reach the midway point of this decade, it’s just as wild to recall where we were at this point just five years ago as we entered the 2020s.

Over the last 15 years, there have been several large-scale social movements prompted by one or two major national news stories, which last for a few years until the movement either fizzles out or suddenly goes up in smoke. After that, the country moves on to the next social movement and the cycle continues.

There is always one question that hits at the heart of any story about Batman: Why does he need to exist? Why does a city as large as Gotham – a major metropolis presumably with a functioning government and police force – require a vigilante to prevent crime? It’s not like other superheroes who have superpowers, and combat villains with abilities beyond the abilities of local law enforcement. Most of Batman’s nemeses do not have superpowers; and those who do, like Mr. Freeze, can theoretically have their powers neutralized by local law enforcement. Most of Gotham’s “supervillains” are just glorified mob bosses. Batman himself does not even have any superpowers, making his stories more relatable than other comic book heroes.

All praise the mighty and benevolent governor of New York: Her Majesty, the Honorable Kathy Hochul! If there is one elected official who knows and understands the current fiscal plight of the constituents he or she represents, it is Hochul. Back in June, New York City was set to experience its first-ever congestion pricing toll plan. Vehicles entering lower Manhattan were set to pay a brand new $15 toll. However, the Governor put the kibosh on that plan.

On March 31, 2021, New York State passed a law legalizing recreational use of cannabis for adults. Three-and-a-half years have since passed, so perhaps we should look at the effects of legalization on New Yorkers.

We are now finally past the election, so...hurray! or boo! depending on who won and whom you wanted to win. It’s time now to go back to our regularly scheduled lives. Today, I have the unfortunate duty to inform you of the death of one of New York’s most beloved fixtures: Vision Zero. Let me clarify that. Vision Zero, the program, is not dead. However, the façade that New York City is interested in reducing preventable fatal car crashes in the guise of Vision Zero is dead.