Editor’s note: Well, that was kind of embarrassing

There’s no getting around it: Morale is low these days. Arguably, nowhere is that more true than here in New York City. A stream of recent executive orders and missives from President Donald Trump threatened to torpedo federal funding as well as immigrant and transgender rights last week. Meanwhile, Democratic Mayor Eric Adams is mired in his own legal troubles and completely disappeared from public life for a few days last month. Confused and yet captivated by the embattled mayor’s apparent pursuit of a presidential pardon and mysterious, dayslong absence, the public faced uncertainty as rumors of a superseding indictment and Adams’ resignation swirled. Got all that? 

And what were the journalists with the job a million girls would kill for – covering New York City Hall – focused on last Wednesday? Colonoscopy-gate. Adams finally explained he went under anesthesia during his time away, sparking questions about who was actually in charge while he was unconscious. Then City Hall clarified the mayor was under anesthesia for a colonoscopy, leading to an onslaught of bathroom humor. Quickly came conflicting reports that Adams’ colonoscopy was actually Jan. 3, weeks before he was out of commission, meaning we still have sparse details on what Adams was doing in those few days he was MIA two weeks ago. It was a wild goose chase that seemed like it should have been beneath both City Hall and the press that covers the mayor – especially at a time of massive national upheaval.

We take our jobs seriously, even if City Hall doesn’t take us seriously. At the very least, the City Hall press team should provide the public with accurate information. But that’s also what we’re here for: It’s our job to keep holding those in power accountable, and make sure those distractions don’t become the story. Now more than ever, it’s on us to make sure the public has its eye on the bigger picture.