## A Star’s Journey: Madison Oh Connects NY Pageant Glory to Florida Roots

In a recent exclusive conversation, **The Post’s** reporter **Arianna Otero** sat down with **Madison Oh**, crowned **2027 Miss New York**, to explore the surprising connections between her pageant triumph and her family’s deep roots in **Jupiter, Florida**.

While representing the Empire State on the national stage, Oh revealed how her upbringing and familial ties across state lines have uniquely shaped her perspective, resilience, and public service advocacy. Growing up with one foot in New York’s fast-paced culture and another in Jupiter’s coastal charm has given her a distinctive voice in today’s pageant landscape.

![Madison Oh, Miss New York, on her ties to Jupiter, Florida](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2026/09/05/NPPP/91632390007-090426-miss-america-carpet-24.JPG?crop=2096%2C3724%2Cx1571%2Cy0&quality=10)

Watch the full interview below to hear firsthand how **family heritage**, **community values**, and **cross-state experiences** are fueling her mission as she prepares for the national spotlight.

The Post's Arianna Otero talks with Madison Oh, the 2027 Miss New York, about her family's ties to Jupiter.

From New York to Jupiter: Meet Madison Oh, the 2027 Miss New York & Her Family’s Hidden Florida Roots

## The Revolution Gets a Real Estate Glow-Up

The New York City chapter of the **Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)** is making a striking departure from its modest Lower East Side roots, opting instead for premium commercial real estate across the city. In a recent budget presentation, co-chair **Grace Mausser** announced that the organization will relocate to two newly leased offices—one in **Midtown’s Hudson Yards** and another in **Bed-Stuy**—with a combined monthly rent of **$22,000**.

![Interior view of the new DSA offices at 315 West 35th Street](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/interior-view-one-offices-315-139608927_5383bb.jpg?w=1024)
*The sleek interior of the new headquarters features modern amenities and high-end finishes.*

The flagship Manhattan location sits on an entire floor spanning **5,150 square feet** within a towering 14-story building at 315 West 35th Street. For **$15,000 a month**, members will enjoy a full-service environment complete with a **doorman**, **24/7 security**, and a **furnished rooftop terrace** offering sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. This luxury lease will quickly become the chapter’s second-largest financial commitment, trailing only the executive compensation package.

![View of Midtown skyscrapers from the office balcony](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/interior-view-one-offices-315-139608930_878541.jpg?w=1024)
*Tenants will have access to panoramic city views from the new workspace.*

Compounding the irony for a group that frequently campaigns against corporate landlords and wealth inequality, the DSA’s new lease is with the **Chetrit family**, a prominent and controversial real estate development firm. The developers have previously faced **class-action lawsuits** from Brooklyn tenants alleging violations of rent-stabilization laws. Despite these controversies, the socialist chapter has moved forward with the high-profile relocation without public hesitation.

Alongside the real estate upgrade, the budget proposal revealed that both co-chairs—**Gustavo Gordillo** and **Grace Mausser**—will receive annual salaries of **$95,000** each. The decision has already sparked debate among local political observers. Former NYC Council minority leader **Joe Borelli** sharply criticized the move, remarking, *“Nothing says ‘we hate capitalism’ like sitting in a high-rise Midtown boardroom cosplaying as extras in Succession.”* 

![Rooftop seating area at the new location](https://nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/09/rooftop-seating-area-315-139656224.jpg?w=1024)
*The premium rooftop amenity underscores the upscale nature of the new headquarters.*

The DSA plans to host its inaugural gathering in the revamped Midtown space on **September 27**, marking a bold new chapter for the organization’s operations in New York City.

The New York City chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America is ditching its dingy Lower East Side headquarters and spending $22,000 a month on two new offices -- in Midtown and Bed-Stuy.

Socialist Paradox? NYC DSA Trades Dingy HQ for $22K/Month Luxury Offices While Leaders Pocket $95K Salaries

## A Decades-Long Story Told Through Canvas
After spending nearly **five decades** behind bars, Indigenous activist and American Indian Movement (AIM) elder **Leonard Peltier** has finally returned to his community in North Dakota. Now, his powerful visual narrative is making its way back to **New York City**, where advocates, supporters, and art enthusiasts will gather to celebrate his enduring legacy. On **Sunday, October 4, 2026**, the **Fifteenth Street Friends Meeting House** will host a special exhibition dedicated to Peltier’s prison-born artwork.

## From Incarceration to Creative Expression
Peltier was released on **February 18, 2025**, following a presidential commutation that shifted his sentence to home confinement. His nearly 50-year incarceration stemmed from a controversial 1975 incident on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation involving the deaths of two FBI agents. During his long years of imprisonment, Peltier turned to **painting** as a vital outlet for expression. His pieces vividly capture his lived experiences, cultural roots, and unbreakable bond with his people.

## What to Expect at the NYC Gathering
Organized by the **Church of Stop Shopping** and the **Ad Hoc Indigenous Affairs and Arts committees** of the historic Quaker meeting house, the event kicks off at **2 p.m.** with traditional greetings and song. Attendees will have exclusive access to view Peltier’s original works, which are being carefully transported from North Dakota by his son and grandson. The gathering also offers a chance to connect with longtime New York allies, Native friends, and members of Peltier’s family.

While Peltier has been personally invited, **Federal Bureau of Prisons travel restrictions** currently stand in his way. Should a furlough be approved, he plans to make the trip in person. If not, organizers will bridge the distance using a **movie-size Zoom screen** during the Sunday meditation session, ensuring his presence remains felt. All proceeds from artwork available for purchase at the event will support ongoing advocacy efforts.

For decades, Peltier’s case has served as a rallying cry for justice and Indigenous rights. This exhibition shifts the spotlight from courtroom battles to **creative resilience**, offering a fresh, deeply personal window into the life of an elder whose story continues to resonate far beyond Indian Country.

After spending nearly 50 years in federal prisons, Leonard Peltier has returned home to the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota. Now, hi...

After Nearly Half a Century Behind Bars, Leonard Peltier’s Art Finds a New Home in NYC

## A Peaceful Block Turned Upside Down
Nestled among tree-lined streets and manicured lawns, **Bayside, Queens** has long been known as a tight-knit, quiet community. But that tranquility shattered when longtime resident **Richard Klibschon** passed away in 2018 without immediate heirs, leaving his family home vacant. What followed was a months-long mystery that quickly spiraled into a neighborhood-wide crisis.

## Enter the Alleged Squatter
Residents say a stranger moved into the empty property over two years ago, sparking growing fears for local safety. In a formal letter to their local congressman, neighbors described feeling **"increasingly apprehensive, uneasy and very concerned"** about the unknown individual occupying the house. The man is widely believed to be **Vernon Glass**, a name familiar to New York investigators.

## A Pattern of Property Takeovers
Glass isn’t a newcomer to this type of controversy. Back in June 2018, Nassau County police uncovered him taking over another vacant home, changing the locks, and illegally renting it out to three tenants while pocketing thousands. He initially pleaded not guilty but later accepted a plea deal for lesser charges, receiving **five years of probation** in late 2019. 

The pattern reportedly continued. Court records reveal a 2023 lawsuit where Flushing homeowners accused Glass and an accomplice of forcibly entering their property, leading to severe financial strain and eventual foreclosure. Despite dropping that civil case due to mounting losses, Glass’s reputation as a serial property taker remains intact.

## The Legal Tug-of-War
When Eyewitness News reporter Dan Krauth approached the Bayside residence in March 2024, the man inside confirmed he lived there but refused to give his name or appear on camera, quickly shutting the door. Meanwhile, the bank handling the mortgage told residents they lack the authority to remove the **"illegal occupant"** until the foreclosure sale officially closes.

To cut through the red tape, the estate’s legal team petitioned Queens Surrogate’s Court to appoint a **Public Administrator**. This summer, the newly appointed administrator filed documents demanding the removal of any unauthorized occupants. A court hearing was scheduled for July, but records show **no one appeared** on behalf of the occupant.

## Waiting for Justice
Local Representative **Tom Suozzi** has been actively assisting residents, calling the situation an **"awful situation"** where a fraudster is wrecking the quality of life for the entire block. While it falls outside federal jurisdiction, Suozzi emphasized that everyone must do what it takes to right the wrong. 

For now, Bayside residents are holding their breath, awaiting an official **eviction warrant** that would legally clear the property and restore peace to their once-quiet corner of Queens.

Some people living in a Queens neighborhood worry they have a squatter on their hands.

Squatter Saga: How One Illegal Occupant Is Haunting a Quiet Queens Neighborhood

### A Historic Shift for New York Families
Governor Kathy Hochul kicked off the school year at William E. Cottle Elementary School in Eastchester to announce a **massive expansion of free Pre-K programs** across the Empire State. This isn’t just a policy tweak—it’s a **game-changer for working families**, bringing high-quality early education to **over 400 school districts** statewide.

### Breaking Down the Rollout
The initiative is already underway, with thousands of new seats online as the academic year begins. Thanks to strategic state investments, **53 Mid-Hudson districts** are adding fresh capacity, including **Dobbs Ferry**, which is launching its first-ever free Pre-K program. By the start of the **2028-2029 school year**, New York will guarantee universal access to full-day Pre-K for every eligible 4-year-old.

### Funding the Future
Behind this expansion is serious financial commitment. The **FY27 budget secures a $563 million boost** for the 2026-27 school year, part of a broader **$1.7 billion investment** in childcare infrastructure. Since 2021, annual funding for universal Pre-K has surged by **more than 70 percent**, proving that early learning is a top-tier priority for the state.

![Governor Hochul Highlights Her Historic Expansion of Free Pre-k Seats](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55506320955_4f5565ae16_z.jpg)

### Where the Expansion Hits Home
The initiative spans every corner of New York, with significant gains projected across all regions:
- **Long Island**: 84 districts
- **Western New York**: 58 districts
- **Mid-Hudson**: 53 districts
- **Finger Lakes**: 42 districts
- **Capital Region**: 45 districts
- Plus major expansions in the **Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, North Country, and Central New York**. (Note: NYC Public Schools operates as a single district with an existing universal program.)

### What Leaders Are Saying
State officials are hailing the move as a critical step toward economic stability and educational equity. **Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins** emphasized that the budget delivers **$11 million specifically for Westchester**, alongside a historic **$1.6 billion statewide allocation**—a jump of over 50 percent from last year. 

Local leaders echo the sentiment. **State Senator Shelley Mayer** highlighted that **19 Westchester districts**, including Tuckahoe, will immediately benefit. **Assemblymember Amy Paulin** celebrated a decade-long advocacy push finally coming to fruition, while **Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins** noted the dual win of **quality early learning and crucial financial relief** for parents balancing careers and family life.

With funding flowing directly into classrooms without straining local budgets, superintendents like **Tuckahoe’s Benjamin Roberts** confirm that schools can now scale programs seamlessly. For New York’s youngest learners and their parents, the message is clear: **affordable, high-quality early education is no longer a luxury—it’s the new standard.**

Governor Hochul visited the William E. Cottle Elementary School in Eastchester on the first day of Pre-K to highlight her significant expansion of free Pre-K in school districts across New York State.

NY Just Unlocked Thousands of Free Pre-K Spots—Here’s How It Changes Everything for Families

### NYC Public Schools Hit Pause on AI for Grades K-8

In a major shift for New York City’s education landscape, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and city officials have unveiled a **one-year moratorium** banning student use of generative artificial intelligence across all public schools from **2-K through eighth grade**. Set to take effect during the **2026-27 school year**, the policy will impact nearly **600,000 students**—roughly two-thirds of the city’s public school population.

### Prioritizing Human Connection Over Algorithms

“This moratorium is a commitment to getting the future right,” Mayor Mamdani emphasized. The administration argues that young learners need to develop **critical thinking, problem-solving, and social skills** through direct interaction with teachers and peers, rather than relying on AI companions or chatbots. While student-facing AI tools are off-limits, educators will still be permitted to leverage AI for **lesson planning and administrative tasks**, provided they meet strict city safety standards.

### Stricter Screen Time Rules & High School Pathways

Alongside the AI ban, the Department of Education is rolling out updated **screen time guidelines**:
- **Grades 3–5**: Maximum of 30 minutes of daily device use
- **Grades 6–8**: Capped at 45 minutes per day
- **Youngest students**: Strict limits on one-to-one device distribution

High schoolers won’t be completely shut out. Selected classrooms may join **closely monitored AI pilot programs**, while every high school student will receive **biannual AI literacy lessons** covering digital ethics, algorithmic bias, and responsible tech use.

### Why the Sudden Crackdown?

The decision comes after months of mounting pressure from **parents, educators, and lawmakers** who fear AI is eroding foundational learning and increasing unhealthy screen dependency. Union leaders like UFT President Michael Mulgrew echoed these sentiments, noting that families are rightfully protective amid widespread reports of AI’s unproven academic value and potential to bypass traditional learning methods.

This move mirrors the city’s successful **bell-to-bell cellphone ban**, which drastically reduced classroom distractions. As Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels and city officials finalize implementation details, principals were already instructed to pause software purchases this past July to align with the new framework.

Mayor Mamdani says children need "human connection" in the classroom as NYC launches a one-year AI moratorium for students through 8th grade.

Why NYC Public Schools Are Hitting Pause on AI for Millions of Students

## A Cross-City Clash Over Law Enforcement Leadership

The **Houston Police Officers’ Union (HPOU)** is making its stance unmistakably clear, offering high praise for **Mayor John Whitmire’s** hands-on approach to policing while taking another public swipe at **New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani**. In a recent social media post, the union highlighted the close ties between Whitmire and local officers, contrasting them with what they perceive as a distant relationship between the NYPD and their mayor.

![Houston Police Officers' Union praises Mayor John Whitmire](https://s.hdnux.com/photos/01/67/20/55/31263552/3/ratio3x2_960.jpg)

### The Praise & The Jab
According to the union’s statement, Whitmire doesn’t just sign off on policies—he shows up. The caption emphasized that the mayor regularly attends **roll calls**, participates in **FOP meetings**, joins **ride-alongs**, and works directly with officers to keep Houston streets safe. “We love our Mayor and he loves Houston,” the post read, before posing a pointed question: *“Can NYPD say the same thing about their Mayor?”* The accompanying image featured Mamdani seated at a table inside a correctional facility, underscoring the union’s critique.

### A Brief Friction Over ICE Policy
Despite the current harmony, the relationship wasn’t always smooth sailing. Earlier this year, tensions flared when the HPOU briefly threatened to withhold its endorsement of Whitmire over a controversial city ordinance limiting HPD’s cooperation with **ICE**. Union President **Douglas Griffith** initially expressed shock, stating, “All we want to do is go out and do our jobs as police officers. We don’t care about the politics.” However, the rift proved temporary. Within days, Griffith walked back his comments, and by May, the HPOU formally reaffirmed its endorsement. Whitmire later clarified that the union’s Political Action Committee never seriously considered stepping away from their longstanding support.

### Whitmire’s Stance on Public Safety
This isn’t the first time the Houston police union has taken aim at Mamdani. Following his initial election, the HPOU even circulated a recruitment flyer attempting to lure **NYPD officers** to Houston, asking if they were “disgusted with the election of Zohran Mamdani.” 

Looking ahead, Mayor Whitmire remains confident in his administration’s track record. He stressed that both the police and fire departments are highly satisfied with the newly negotiated **police contract** and **benefit packages**. With crime statistics trending downward and a firm commitment to campaign promises intact, Whitmire insists that public safety will remain the cornerstone of his governance. “Crime numbers are going down, but we’re really just getting started,” he noted.

Houston Police Officers' Union praised Mayor John Whitmire's relationship with officers while taking another public swipe at New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani

From New York to Jupiter: Meet Madison Oh, the 2027 Miss New York & Her Family’s Hidden Florida Roots

Summary:

Madison Oh recently crowned 2027 Miss New York shares exclusive insights into her personal background

Her family maintains strong ties to Jupiter, Florida, blending coastal life with New York ambition

Reporter Arianna Otero explores how cross-state roots influence her pageant journey and advocacy work

Oh highlights the importance of family heritage and community connection in shaping her public platform

A Star’s Journey: Madison Oh Connects NY Pageant Glory to Florida Roots

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