Midtown Tribune

Month: November 2025

White House. Thanksgiving 2025: Lower Gas Prices and Cheaper Dinners as Trump Administration’s Inflation Fight Brings Relief

As Americans prepare for Thanksgiving 2025, families across the country are seeing signs of economic relief that the Trump Administration credits to its efforts to unleash American energy, cut regulations, and fight inflation, following what it describes as the worst inflation crisis in 40 years under Joe Biden and the Democrats. Local reports from states including Colorado, Texas, Indiana, Ohio, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and others show gas prices falling—often below $3 per gallon and in some places nearing $2—just in time for holiday travel, while multiple Farm Bureau surveys reveal that the cost of a classic 10-person Thanksgiving meal has dropped, with notable savings on turkeys and other staples and some states like Louisiana and Michigan coming in well below the national average. While emphasizing that this is not “mission accomplished” and that Americans are still paying too much after years of what it calls reckless Democrat spending and regulation, the Trump Administration frames these lower gas and grocery prices as early evidence that its push for bold, structural economic changes is beginning to deliver tangible savings for American families.

More Relief on the Way as Economic Wins Bring Savings to Gas Pump, Thanksgiving Table

As millions of American families prepare to gather for Thanksgiving, they’re seeing a dose of the economic relief President Donald J. Trump is fighting to deliver. After inheriting the worst inflation crisis in 40 years from Joe Biden and Democrats, the Trump Administration’s actions to unleash American energy, slash regulations, and crush inflation are translating into lower gas prices in many states and a decrease in the cost of Thanksgiving dinner.

Make no mistake: this is not “mission accomplished.” Americans are still paying far too much after four years of reckless Democrat spending and regulation — and that’s why the Trump Administration is relentlessly fighting to deliver the bold, structural changes that will bring lasting relief to all American families.

Here’s what local news outlets are reporting as those signs of change start to appear:

KDVR-TV (Denver, CO): Cheapest gas prices in Denver hit less than $2 Sunday ahead of Thanksgiving weekend
Gas prices in Denver are trending down just in time for the busy Thanksgiving travel weekend, with one station in the city even hitting less than $2 on Sunday, according to GasBuddy. Just in the last week, gas prices in Denver have fallen 14.5 cents per gallon, hitting a $2.47 per gallon average Monday morning, GasBuddy reported. That number is lower than the national average of $3.03 per gallon, and it is even nearly 30 cents lower than Denver’s average prices a year ago.

KIMT-TV (Des Moines, IA): Lower Turkey Prices Bring Thanksgiving Savings to Iowa
Iowans can look forward to saving on their Thanksgiving meals this year. The American Farm Bureau Federation’s survey reveals the average cost of a classic 10-serving holiday meal is $55.18, down 5% from last year. In the Midwest, the average is slightly lower at $54.38. The survey highlights a decrease in frozen turkey prices as a major factor in the overall savings. Items like a 16-pound turkey, fresh cranberries, and dinner rolls have all seen price drops, attributed to lower wheat prices.

KSAT-TV (San Antonio, TX): San Antonio gas prices set to hit pandemic-era lows for Thanksgiving
San Antonio drivers may have noticed some interesting movement at the pump this week… Thanksgiving travelers are still expected to see cheaper gas at the pump compared to last year.

The Detroit Free Press (Detroit, MI): Ingredients that go into Preparing a Thanksgiving Meal to Cost Less this Year
In Michigan, those making the holiday meal will pay even less, $51.80 for a meal serving 10 people, Theresa Sisung, industry relations specialist for the Michigan Farm Bureau, told the Free Press.

WBIW Radio (Bloomington, IN): Indiana gas prices drop sharply ahead of holiday travel
Hoosier drivers are getting a break at the pump just in time for the busy holiday travel season, with average gasoline prices in Indiana falling 12.3 cents per gallon in the last week.

WGRZ-TV (Buffalo, New York): The Cost of Thanksgiving Dinner is Down for the Third Year in a Row
The American Farm Bureau Federation says the average price for a 16-pound turkey in the U.S. is $21.50. That’s down more than 16 percent from last year.

WKYC-TV (Cleveland, OH): Gas prices plummet in Northeast Ohio
Gas prices have gone down in Northeast Ohio within the last week, bringing the average cost in Akron and Cleveland below $3 per gallon. Akron saw the biggest drop, falling 38.1 cents within the last week.

WMUR-TV (Manchester, NH): Lower gas prices expected for Thanksgiving travelers this year
Anyone who plans to hit the roads for Thanksgiving travel this year will likely see the cheapest gas prices in the past few years. According to GasBuddy, gas prices in New Hampshire are expected to be the lowest they have been for the Thanksgiving holiday since 2021.

KDKA-TV (Pittsburgh, PA): Gas prices in the Pittsburgh area on the decline ahead of Thanksgiving travel
One small consolation for your trip is the price of gas… We are on a downward trajectory. We should see some solid relief in Pittsburgh over the next few weeks in terms of falling gas prices.

WLUK-TV (Green Bay, WI): Gas prices drop ahead of busy travel week
Average gasoline prices in Green Bay have fallen 5 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.75/g today, according to GasBuddy… GasBuddy forecasts a national average price of gas of $3.02 per gallon on Thanksgiving Day, matching last year and marking one of the cheapest holiday averages since 2021.

The Shreveport Times (Shreveport, LA): Thanksgiving Dinner with Turkey is Bargain in Louisiana, Where Costs Are Below U.S. Average
A Thanksgiving family feast to feed 10 people in Louisiana this year is more affordable than any other state in the U.S. except for Arkansas, according to the annual American Farm Bureau cost survey. The cost for 11 market basket items including a whole frozen turkey in Louisiana in 2025 is $44.70. That’s more than $10 cheaper than the national average of $55.18.

WAND-TV (Decatur, IL): Illinois Farm Bureau: Turkey Prices have Dropped Around 16%
Thanksgiving dinner prices in Illinois are going down. The Illinois Farm Bureau said that turkey prices have dropped around 16%, just over a dollar per pound. Other Thanksgiving staples like stuffing and pie crusts are also getting cheaper.

KJZZ Radio (Phoenix, AZ): Arizona Thanksgiving Meal Prices are Down 21 Cents from Last Year, Farm Bureau Says
If you’re already preparing for next week’s Thanksgiving celebration, you might have noticed slightly lower food costs. A traditional Thanksgiving — we’re talking turkey and all the fixings plus desert for an Arizona family of 10 — will cost $53.17 or roughly $5.31 per person, according to the Arizona Farm Bureau.That’s down 21 cents from last year.

WXMI-TV (Grand Rapids, MI): Thanksgiving Dinner Will Cost Less This Year With Michigan Families Getting Bigger Savings
Good news is coming to Michigan dinner tables this Thanksgiving as families will spend less on their holiday feast compared to last year. According to the Michigan Farm Bureau’s annual Thanksgiving dinner survey, the average cost for a traditional meal serving 10 people has dropped to $51.80 in Michigan — nearly $4 below the national average of $55.12.

The White House

November 24, 2025

Sources: White House , Midtown Tribune news

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November 24, 2025
White House. Geneva Peace Talks Readout: U.S. and Ukrainian Delegations Report Major Progress Toward Durable Peace Agreement

In Geneva on November 23, 2025, Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Secretary Driscoll, and the Ukrainian delegation held an in-depth and constructive meeting to review the latest draft peace agreements, with Ukrainian representatives confirming that their key concerns—security guarantees, long-term economic development, infrastructure protection, freedom of navigation, and political sovereignty—were comprehensively addressed. They stated that the revised draft now credibly safeguards Ukraine’s security in both the near and long term, supported by a strengthened security guarantee architecture, non-aggression commitments, energy stability measures, and reconstruction plans. Secretary Rubio and his team reaffirmed the United States’ commitment, under President Trump’s goal of ending a war that has claimed millions of lives, to ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty, security, and prosperity remain central to the diplomatic process. Both sides welcomed the significant progress made and agreed to continue close consultations as the agreements move toward final refinement and a durable, comprehensive peace.

Readout of Peace Talks in Geneva

Between Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, Mr. Kushner, Secretary Driscoll, and the Ukrainian Delegation

Today, Secretary Rubio, Special Envoy Witkoff, Mr. Jared Kushner, and Secretary Driscoll held an extensive and productive meeting with the Ukrainian delegation to review the latest draft agreements under discussion. The conversation was candid, detailed, and conducted in a spirit of partnership and shared purpose.

The Ukrainian delegation affirmed that all of their principal concerns—security guarantees, long-term economic development, infrastructure protection, freedom of navigation, and political sovereignty—were thoroughly addressed during the meeting. They expressed appreciation for the structured approach taken to incorporate their feedback into each component of the emerging settlement framework.

Ukrainian representatives stated that, based on the revisions and clarifications presented today, they believe the current draft reflects their national interests and provides credible and enforceable mechanisms to safeguard Ukraine’s security in both the near and long term. They underscored that the strengthened security guarantee architecture, combined with commitments on non-aggression, energy stability, and reconstruction, meaningfully addresses their core strategic requirements.

Secretary Rubio and his team reiterated the United States’ firm commitment to ensuring that Ukraine’s sovereignty, security, and future prosperity remain central to the ongoing diplomatic process. They emphasized that this work is driven by President Trump’s goal of ending a war that has taken the lives of millions of people and preventing further loss of life through a durable and enforceable peace. Both sides welcomed the steady progress made and agreed to continue consultations as the agreements move toward final refinement.

The meeting concluded with a shared understanding that today marked a significant step forward, and that continued close coordination will be essential as the Parties work toward a durable, comprehensive peace.

The White House

November 23, 2025

Sources: White House , Midtown Tribune

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November 24, 2025
Trump Vows Muslim Brotherhood BAN
Verification of the Claim

Yes, on November 23, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly vowed to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), effectively banning it under U.S. law.
This announcement came during an interview with Just the News, where Trump stated that “final documents are being drawn” and that the designation would be pursued “in the strongest and most powerful terms.” The move aligns with longstanding bipartisan efforts in Congress and recent state-level actions, such as Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s November 2025 declaration labeling the Muslim Brotherhood (and affiliated groups like CAIR) as terrorist entities, prohibiting land purchases, and enabling lawsuits to dismantle their operations.

Background and Context

The Muslim Brotherhood, founded in Egypt in 1928, is a transnational Islamist organization with affiliates worldwide. It has been banned as a terrorist group in countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Russia, and Jordan due to accusations of promoting extremism, funding militias, and undermining secular governance. In the U.S., Trump attempted a similar designation during his first term (2017–2021), but it faced internal resistance and was not completed. Renewed momentum stems from:
- Bipartisan Legislation: A House bill (H.R. 1234) and Senate bill (S. 567), co-sponsored by figures like Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and John Fetterman (D-PA), would mandate the FTO label, enabling sanctions, asset freezes, and travel bans.
- Recent Triggers: Israel’s ongoing conflicts with Hamas (which has Brotherhood roots) and Hezbollah, plus a French government report on Brotherhood influence in Europe, have amplified calls for action.
- U.S. Precedents: The DHS recently deported a British journalist suspected of Brotherhood ties, signaling enforcement readiness.
If enacted, the FTO status would criminalize material support to the group, targeting its U.S.-based networks like the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which critics link to Brotherhood ideology.

Reactions and Implications
- Support: Pro-Israel groups like ISGAP and AIPAC praised the move as a “serious” counter to ideological threats. Netanyahu reportedly thanked Trump, hinting at similar Israeli actions against Brotherhood-linked parties.
- Criticism: Some progressive voices and Muslim advocacy groups argue it risks stigmatizing legitimate political Islam and free speech, potentially echoing past overreaches like the post-9/11 Patriot Act.
- Global Ripple: Allies like Egypt and the UAE may expand cooperation, but Qatar (a Brotherhood funder) could face U.S. pressure, though Trump’s business ties there raise skepticism about full enforcement.
This development marks a significant escalation in Trump’s national security agenda, building on his first-term travel bans and “America First” rhetoric. For real-time updates, monitor official White House statements or congressional trackers.

Why is this so controversial?

Supporters say:
- The Brotherhood is the ideological parent of violent groups (Hamas, etc.), and that treating it like a terrorist network will help cut financing and support pipelines. New York Post+1
- Several countries (Egypt, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia) already list it as a terrorist organization, and they argue the U.S. is “catching up.” The Washington Institute+1
Critics say:
- The movement is globally fragmented, with some branches participating in elections and non-violent politics; a blanket designation could be overbroad and hard to justify under U.S. law. The Washington Institute
- A broad FTO label could criminalize ordinary association and advocacy, hit Muslim civil society groups in the U.S., and fuel Islamophobia rather than improve security. Human Rights Watch
- Lawyers point out that FTO designations can be challenged in U.S. courts if the evidentiary record is thin or politically driven. Brennan Center for Justice
Sources: Egypttoday.com , Midtown Tribune news

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York
November 24, 2025
WHITE HOUSE. JOINT STATEMENT ON UNITED STATES-UKRAINE MEETING

On 23 November 2025, representatives of the United States and Ukraine met in Geneva for discussions on the U.S. peace proposal. The talks were constructive, focused, and respectful, underscoring the shared commitment to achieving a just and lasting peace.

Both sides agreed the consultations were highly productive. The discussions showed meaningful progress toward aligning positions and identifying clear next steps. They reaffirmed that any future agreement must fully uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and deliver a sustainable and just peace. As a result of the discussions, the parties drafted an updated and refined peace framework.

The Ukrainian delegation reaffirmed its gratitude for the steadfast commitment of the United States and, personally, President Donald J. Trump for their tireless efforts aimed at ending the war and the loss of life.

Ukraine and the United States agreed to continue intensive work on joint proposals in the coming days. They will also remain in close contact with their European partners as the process advances.

Final decisions under this framework will be made by the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States.

Both sides reiterated their readiness to continue working together to secure a peace that ensures Ukraine’s security, stability, and reconstruction.

Office of the First Lady

The White House

November 23, 2025

Sources: WH.gov , Midtown Tribune

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November 24, 2025
Biden-Harris Justice Department Gathered Chairman Jordan’s Phone Records for Over Two Years

According to a press release, the House Judiciary Committee reports that the Biden-Harris Justice Department secretly obtained Chairman Jim Jordan’s phone records from January 1, 2020 onward using a grand jury subpoena issued to Verizon on April 25, 2022, without his knowledge. The subpoena, tied to the “Arctic Frost” investigation that underpinned Special Counsel Jack Smith’s election case against former President Trump, sought extensive data including call logs, texts, voicemail, payment sources, IP addresses, and location information, and was paired with a nondisclosure order to prevent alerting Jordan. The release states that under Smith’s leadership, the DOJ also collected phone records of more than a dozen Republican members of Congress, with Jordan’s records requested by prosecutor Timothy Duree, who worked with senior prosecutor Thomas Windom, now referred to DOJ for criminal prosecution by the Committee. It further alleges that members of Smith’s team failed to fully cooperate with the Committee’s oversight efforts and accuses the Special Counsel’s office of weaponizing the justice system through partisan prosecutions, prosecutorial misconduct, and constitutional abuses.

——

– In response to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan’s request for documents and communications between Verizon Wireless and former Special Counsel Jack Smith, newly obtained documents reveal that the Biden-Harris Administration Justice Department obtained Chairman Jordan’s phone records over a two-year period.

The Biden-Harris Justice Department obtained a grand jury subpoena issued on April 25, 2022—without Chairman Jordan’s knowledge—for “all call detail records” beginning on January 1, 2020, including but not limited to records for inbound and outbound calls, text messages, direct-connect communications, voicemail messages, addresses, as well as sources of payments, IP addresses, and location information.

The subpoena was accompanied by a nondisclosure order asserting that notifying Chairman Jordan of the existence of the subpoena could “result in flight from prosecution, destruction of or tampering with evidence, intimidation of potential witnesses, and serious jeopardy to the investigation.”

The Arctic Frost investigation, which launched on April 13, 2022, formed the basis of Smith’s election case against President Donald Trump. Under Smith’s leadership, the Biden-Harris Justice Department secretly obtained the phone records of over a dozen sitting Republican Members of Congress.

Chairman Jordan’s phone records were requested by Timothy Duree, a Justice Department prosecutor who worked with Thomas Windom, one of Smith’s top prosecutors who was recently referred to the DOJ for criminal prosecution by the Committee.

Several members of Smith’s Special Counsel team failed to fully cooperate with the Committee’s investigation into the Biden-Harris Justice Department’s weaponization of the rule of law. The disturbing tactics employed by Smith’s team during its partisan and politically motivated prosecutions of President Trump undermined the integrity of the criminal justice system. As Special Counsel, Smith was ultimately responsible for the prosecutorial misconduct and constitutional abuses committed by his office.

November 20, 2025

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Sources: Judiciary.house.gov , Midtown Tribune news

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November 23, 2025
New York. Judge Blocks Trump Plan to Scrap 4 Federal Agencies
New York Attorney General Letitia James and a coalition of 20 other state attorneys general won a major court ruling blocking the Trump administration from eliminating four federal agencies that support libraries, museums, minority-owned businesses, workers, and efforts to combat homelessness. A federal judge in Rhode Island granted summary judgment stopping an Executive Order that sought to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the Minority Business Development Agency, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. The court agreed with the attorneys general that the president cannot unilaterally shut down agencies created and funded by Congress, calling the administration’s actions unlawful and barring future attempts to carry out the order. James called the decision a major victory for protecting critical services that communities rely on every day.

Attorney General James Wins Lawsuit Stopping Elimination of Four Vital Federal Agencies

Court Bars Trump Administration from Dismantling Federal Agencies Supporting Libraries, Museums, Minority-Owned Businesses, Workers, and Services for the Unhoused

– New York Attorney General Letitia James today won her lawsuit protecting four federal agencies from being illegally dismantled by the Trump administration. The United States District Court for the District of Rhode Island today granted a motion for summary judgment brought by Attorney General James and a coalition of 20 other attorneys general. In April, Attorney General James co-led the coalition in suing the administration to stop the implementation of an Executive Order that would dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS), and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH). The court’s order permanently blocks the administration from eliminating these four agencies.

“The federal government’s illegal attack on these agencies threatened vital resources for workers, small businesses, and the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Attorney General James. “This is a major victory in our ongoing work to defend important services that New Yorkers rely on every day. I will keep fighting to stop the chaos and destruction of this administration’s attempts to dismantle our government.”

In April, Attorney General James and the coalition sued to stop the administration’s elimination of three federal agencies:
- IMLS, which supports museums and libraries nationwide through grantmaking, research, and policy development;
- MBDA, which promotes the growth and inclusion of minority-owned businesses through federal financial assistance programs; and
- FMCS, which promotes the peaceful resolution of labor disputes.
In May, Attorney General James and the coalition secured a preliminary injunction stopping the administration from implementing the Executive Order, which sought to dismantle these three agencies. In June, the coalition filed an amended lawsuit seeking to protect another agency targeted by the same Executive Order, USICH, which coordinates the federal government’s efforts to prevent and end homelessness nationwide.

Attorney General James and the coalition argued in the lawsuit that the Executive Order’s elimination of all four agencies violates the Constitution and the Administrative Procedure Act by attempting to override Congress. The president does not have the power to unilaterally eliminate federal agencies created and funded by Congress, and he cannot arbitrarily and suddenly cease agency programs. In its decision on the motion for summary judgment, the District Court sided with Attorney General James and the coalition, ruling that the administration’s actions were unlawful, and barred the administration from taking any future actions to carry out the Executive Order’s elimination of the four agencies.

This lawsuit is led by Attorney General James and the attorneys general of Rhode Island and Hawaii. Joining the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Letitia James

New York State Attorney General

November 21, 2025

NEW YORK

Sources: Ag.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
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November 23, 2025
New York. Governor Hochul Announces Thanksgiving Enforcement Initiative Targeting Impaired and Reckless Driving

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state will increase patrols to target impaired and reckless driving during the Thanksgiving travel season. Funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), the special enforcement period runs from Saturday, November 22 through Sunday, November 30 and also will address other unsafe driving behaviors, including violations of the state’s Move Over Law.

“Thanksgiving is the beginning of the busy holiday season with thousands of people traveling to gather and celebrate with friends and family,” Governor Hochul said. “Those celebrations should not be marred by tragedy caused by impaired or reckless driving on our roadways. I urge drivers to stay alert, stay sober and move over when you see vehicles stopped on the side of the road. I thank our troopers and local law enforcement for spending time away from their loved ones to work on Thanksgiving and throughout the holidays to help keep New York’s roadways safe.”

In addition to increased traffic volume during the Thanksgiving holiday period, it also is a time of the year associated with increased alcohol use. During the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday period, law enforcement officers arrested 1,705 drivers for driving while impaired or intoxicated, and issued 10,078 speeding tickets, and 1,702 tickets for distracted driving.

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and GTSC Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “We want everyone to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with their friends and families this year and for years to come. Impaired driving can change the very fabric of a family and alter holiday memories forever. Nobody wants to live with the consequences of poor decisions that could have been easily avoided.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Every year, there are preventable tragedies and a wake of victims left behind because of the decisions made by reckless and impaired drivers. As we drive throughout the state to see our family and friends this Thanksgiving holiday, driver safety is absolutely imperative. The New York State Police proudly joins our law enforcement partners in the continued effort to discourage, detect, and apprehend impaired and drunk drivers.”

The State Police will supplement regular patrols statewide through efforts including fixed sobriety checkpoints and utilizing Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) patrol vehicles to better spot distracted drivers and those talking or texting on handheld devices. These unmarked vehicles blend in with everyday traffic but are unmistakable as emergency vehicles once the emergency lighting is activated.

The average drinking and driving arrest costs up to $10,000. Individuals arrested for drunk and drugged driving face the loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, and expenses from attorney fees, fines, car towing and repairs, and lost time at work.

Construction Closures Suspended

To help ease travel during the busy holiday season, lane closures for road and bridge construction projects on New York State highways will be suspended beginning 6 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26 through 6 a.m. on Monday, December 1.

The construction suspension aligns with New York State’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists to minimize traffic congestion and travel delays due to road and bridge work. Motorists should be aware some work may continue behind permanent concrete barriers or for emergency repairs.

Motorists must follow the state’s Move Over Law, which was expanded in March 2024 to require drivers to slow down and move over for all vehicles stopped along the roadway. The Thruway Authority and state Department of Transportation urge motorists to stay alert while driving, slow down and safely move over when they see a vehicle on the side of the road. The lives of motorists, employees, roadway workers and emergency personnel depend on it.

Text stops, including park-and-ride facilities, rest stops, service areas and parking areas along state highways support the state’s effort to reduce distracted driving. 

In advance of the busy travel week for the Thanksgiving holiday, all 27 service areas located on the New York State Thruway are now open. Motorists can view the service areas and plan their stops on the Thruway Authority’s website and on the free mobile app, which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app also provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails, which provide the latest conditions along the Thruway.

Travelers can also check NYSDOT’s 511NY before traveling by calling 5-1-1, visiting the 511 website, or downloading the free 511NY mobile app on the App Store or Google Play. The free service allows users to check road conditions, view 2,219 traffic cameras and link to air and transit information. The app features Drive mode, which provides audible alerts along a chosen route while a user is driving, warning them about incidents and construction.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the most important times of the year for families across New York to gather with their loved ones, and we want to make sure everyone gets to their destinations safely.  By lifting construction restrictions during one of the busiest weekends for travel, we’re helping all New Yorkers spend less time in traffic and more time with one another. We urge all motorists to drive carefully this holiday season, and if you do come across one of our crews over the coming weeks, please slow down and give them room to do their jobs safely.”

New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare said, “The Thanksgiving holiday weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and suspending construction activities will help motorists get to their destinations with fewer delays. We urge motorists to make safety a priority-remain alert, don’t drive distracted or impaired, and slow down and move over if it’s safe to do so for all vehicles on the side of the road. We thank our partners at New York State Police Troop T for patrolling the Thruway and keeping motorists safe.”  

Chautauqua County Sheriff and President of the NYS Sheriffs’ Association James Quattrone said, “The Thanksgiving holiday is a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends. It is also a time when some people may drive impaired which puts themselves and others in danger. Law enforcement will be on the lookout for impaired and aggressive drivers. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to enjoy the long holiday weekend, be safe, courteous drivers, and have a plan to not drive impaired.”

New York State Association of Chiefs of Police President and Mount Pleasant Police Department Paul Oliva said, “As we enter the season of giving thanks for our blessings, local law enforcement will be out conducting Impaired Driver and Excessive Speed engagement details, ensuring that travel on our roadways is safe for everyone. Please drive attentively so all can make their destinations to enjoy the holiday weekend with family and friends.”

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation remind motorists that their “Have a Plan” mobile app, is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi or rideshare service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties and provides a way to report a suspected impaired driver.

November 22, 2025

Albany, NY

Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Midtown Tribune news
Big New York news BigNY.com

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November 23, 2025
Hochul backs Mamdani, slams Stefanik and vows focus on affordability

On MS NOW’s All In, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said the President’s meeting with Zohran Mamdani showed New York City is “in good hands” with a leader focused on public safety and affordability, making federal steps like sending in the National Guard unnecessary as crime drops and subways get safer. She said she’ll partner with the mayor-elect to build more housing, expand childcare and push down utility costs, arguing voters are “exhausted” and want leaders who understand their struggles. Hochul also blasted Rep. Elise Stefanik’s attacks on Mamdani as extreme and dangerous, and said as leader of the state Democratic Party she backed Mamdani early because New York City is the economic engine of the state and the nation.

Governor Hochul Is a Guest on “All In” With Chris Hayes on MS NOW

Governor Hochul: “[We have to] set the tone to let the President know that the city is in good hands. That we have a mayor who is vested in its success and keeping people safe and being laser focused on affordability. And so once they kind of came to those terms, I think we are in a much better place. And, we’ll just continue focusing on New York and our people as I will.”

Hochul: “I want to make sure that we get over the finish line. Building more housing. I’ve been talking about this for years. We can focus on childcare to help families that are struggling. We can do what we can to drive down utility costs, because that’s what the voters are expecting. They’re exhausted, they’re tired, they’re looking for real leadership of people who understand what they’re going through.”

Earlier tonight, Governor Hochul was a guest on “All In” with Chris Hayes on MS NOW.

AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

Chris Hayes, MS NOW: Governor, it’s good to have you, and I have to ask you what — was that the way that you saw this going?

Governor Hochul: Well, I’ve had meetings with the President and the White House as well, so, I wasn’t terribly surprised. I know the mayor very well. I believe that he demonstrated credible leadership by willing to go into the White House and have this conversation. And so it was probably a lot friendlier than people expected, but they’re both people. I had a sense they both get along in this context, when they’re talking about issues where there’s a common bond and a common interest, which appears to be affordability is something I’ve talked about for a long time.

The mayor has leaned into, in a way that was powerful. And so anyone who wants to work with us, to drive down the cost of living in New York. We’ll have those meetings, we’ll have those conversations and hopefully get things really done.

Chris Hayes, MS NOW: Partly this is optics and partly it’s interpersonal relationships, and partly it is I think the fact the President’s actually in person pretty conflict diverse. But there’s real stakes here. I mean, we have seen the videos and headlines out of Los Angeles, out of Chicago, out of Charlotte —- border patrol wrestling people to the ground, breaking people’s windows, children running from church, U.S. citizens having people with helicopters repel down their buildings, right?

So far, we have not seen that level of targeting of the City of New York by the federal DHS. Do you think today’s meeting is a welcome development in forestalling or avoiding that kind of faith?

Governor Hochul: Absolutely. First of all, this was an important takeaway. This was my hope that the President would see in Zohran Mamdani — someone who can lead the city, who is focused on public safety, who is working on affordability and quality of life issues and to give the President who is a New Yorker, who cares about the city, the confidence to know that he can lead. And I will continue to be his partner and make sure he’s successful.

But I also had a conversation with the President a few months ago, about it was unnecessary to send the National Guard to New York. Our crime rates are going down. We’ve worked hard on this. Our subways are safer than they’ve been in decades. So I said to the President, “You don’t need to send the National Guard in. We have 35,000 sworn members of the NYPD who work hard every day to protect our city. But if we need help, Mr. President, we’ll give you a call.” And he hasn’t called. We’re fine. I haven’t had to talk to him about that.

So I think between that, and also this really important meeting, set the tone to let the President know that the city is in good hands. That we have a mayor who is vested in its success and keeping people safe and being laser focused on affordability. And so once they kind of came to those terms, I think we are in a much better place. And, we’ll just continue focusing on New York and our people as I will. And the President has certainly has other issues to be concerned about, rather than sending troops into our streets.

Chris Hayes, MS NOW: A lot of people have noted political observers that one of the political casualties of today was Elise Stefanik, the New York member of Congress, who has announced she will be running against you for governor. And part of the reason is that she has — out of the gate — basically tried to tie you to Zohran Mamdani. She’s also keeps calling him a ‘jihadist,’ which I personally find really gross, bigoted, and objectionable. This was — he was asked about that and he swatted it away. He said, he doesn’t see it that way.

I want to read you her statement today after the meeting. “We all want New York City to succeed, but we’ll have to agree to disagree on this one. If he walks like a jihadist, if he talks like a jihadist, if he campaigns like a jihadist. If he supports jihadist, he’s a jihadist, and he’s Kathy Hochul’s jihadist.” Do you have a response to that?

Governor Hochul: She’s full of shit. I’m sorry. I mean, she really is. I mean, this is such an extreme position. Such an extreme position. She’s even more extreme than Donald Trump. I didn’t think that was possible. But she’s succeeded in proving that today she’s out-MAGA’d Donald Trump, the founder of the MAGA Movement.

So I hope she’s proud of herself, continuing to spew hateful thoughts and deeds and instead — and trying to create more violence in our political rhetoric. I think it’s disgusting, it’s abhorent, but that’s who she is, and people are seeing this, and even the President — realize that’s even too far for him.

Chris Hayes, MS NOW: On the politics of this as well, you were fairly early in endorsing Zohran Mamdani after he won the primary. Others took much longer like Hakeem Jeffries — notably the Senate minority leader, Chuck Schumer, who of course represents the State of New York in the US Senate, has never endorsed him. Given the fact that even Donald Trump seemed amenable to working with Mamdani and seemed charmed by him. Does it make the Senate Minority Leader’s lack of endorsement, kind of stand out as even more strange?

Governor Hochul: No, I won’t comment on that because everyone does what they need to do, but for me, it was important to show as the leader of the Democratic Party in the State of New York, this was our Democratic nominee, and we all should be interested, invested, and committed to his success. Because New York City is the economic engine of not just our state, but the entire nation. So never root against New York City. And I’ve pledged to work with the mayor, the new Mayor-Elect.

We’ve had many conversations and meetings that are extremely productive. And again, I want to make sure that we get over the finish line. Building more housing. I’ve been talking about this for years. We can focus on childcare to help families that are struggling. We can do what we can to drive down utility costs, because that’s what the voters are expecting. They’re exhausted, they’re tired, they’re looking for real leadership of people who understand what they’re going through.

I do for my own life story, I see people going through this now. I know it’s real and that’s what we can do in New York. So I think it’s going to be a new era, a new chapter for New York City, and I’m really excited to continue partnering with the mayor — the Mayor-Elect.

Chris Hayes, MS NOW: All right, Governor Kathy Hochul from Albany. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

Governor Hochul: Alright, thank you.

November 21, 2025

Albany, NY

Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com ,
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November 22, 2025
White House: ABC “News” Is Fake News
ABC “News” is not journalism — it’s a Democrat spin operation masquerading as a broadcast network. The network’s longstanding commitment to hoaxes, character assassinations, and outright fiction targeting only one side of the political aisle is a deliberate deception to wage war on President Trump and the millions of Americans who elected him to multiple terms.

ABC “News” has a long, rich tradition of peddling lies, conspiracies, and outright opinion thinly veiled as fact:
- In 2017, ABC suspended investigative reporter Brian Ross after he falsely reported that President Trump had directed Michael Flynn to contact Russian officials before the 2016 election.
- In 2020, ABC suspended veteran correspondent David Wright after he was caught identifying himself as a “socialist” and admitting the network pushes an anti-Trump agenda and airs stories designed for profit, not news.
- In 2020, George Stephanopoulos — longtime Democrat operative turned wannabe “journalist” — failed to ask Joe Biden about his son Hunter’s infamous laptop or the swirling allegations of impropriety.
- In 2024, Stephanopoulos repeatedly lied about President Trump’s legal cases. After being sued for promoting these defamatory lies, the network agreed to settle for $16 million and issue a statement of regret.
- In October 2024, the network erroneously “fact checked” President Trump at least five times during the presidential debate — but failed to call out his opponent a single time.
- Following President Trump’s historic 2024 election victory, 90% of the network’s coverage of his cabinet nominees was negative.
- In January, ABC News gave 27 times more coverage to President Trump’s pardons of January 6 defendants than of Biden’s last-minute pardons to his corrupt family members.
- In January, ABC News editorialized in a partisan way that President Trump’s personnel directives were “retribution.”
- In February, ABC News mischaracterized the Trump Administration’s effort to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in the bloated federal bureaucracy as an “attack on veterans.”
- In April, ABC News peddled the debunked lie that the Trump Administration was unilaterally deporting U.S. citizen babies.
- In June, ABC News’s senior national correspondent Terry Moran smeared White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller as a “world-class hater” whose “hatreds are his spiritual nourishment” — just one entry in a long series of Moran’s obvious liberal bias during his tenure.
- In June, ABC News aired what it called a “violent Border Patrol detention” — but failed to mention the detained illegal immigrant had been chasing federal agents with a weed whacker.
- In June, ABC News praised violent Los Angeles rioters for “self-policing” — as local businesses and property were being harmed — during coverage critical of President Trump’s National Guard deployment.
- In July, ABC News used its special coverage of the One Big Beautiful Bill signing ceremony to falsely claim the legislation would “mostly” benefit “the wealthiest Americans” and repeat the debunked talking point that millions of Americans would “lose their healthcare.”
- In July, ABC News refused to cover the Office of National Intelligence’s announcement of a landmark investigation into Obama-era politicization and manufacturing of intelligence assessments.
- In July, ABC News dismissed the vicious MS-13 gang — whose motto is literally “kill, rape, control” — as a “clique.”
- In September, Stephanopoulos repeatedly — and falsely — insisted that people had somehow “died” because of the Trump Administration’s decision to shutter a bloated, wasteful bureaucratic agency.
The White House

November 19, 2025

Sources: White House , Midtown Tribune

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November 21, 2025
RUBIO ORDERS RESTITUTION FOR HUNDREDS OF STAFFERS DENIED PROMOTIONS UNDER BIDEN DEI RULE – U.S. Department of State

The previous administration’s extreme DEI agenda imposed ideological litmus tests on government workers and robbed nearly 300 Foreign Service Officers of promotion opportunities.

Now the State Department is rewarding merit and providing restitution to those unjustly impacted.

An internal study conducted by the State Department revealed that 295 Foreign Service Officers were denied promotion opportunities in 2024 after the diversity, equity, and inclusion agenda was embedded into the promotion process.

Officers were disadvantaged in promotion considerations if they didn’t fully embrace the discriminatory DEI agenda.

The policy prioritized adherence to an extreme ideology over merit and competency.

Now the State Department is rewarding excellence. Those harmed by these extreme DEI policies will be treated fairly based on past performance.

Source: U.S. Department of State’s Post , Midtown Tribune news

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

November 21, 2025

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