Midtown Tribune

Month: November 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 ,
Midtown Tribune news

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

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

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York
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
New York. Governor Hochul Announces MTA Opening First-of-its-kind Railcar Acceptance and Testing Facility

Yard Inspects All New Subway Cars Shipped Via Truck, Rail and Barge; Features Direct Link to New York City Transit Tracks, Allowing Modern Trains to Enter System Faster and More Efficiently

Builds on MTA’s Plan To Add More than 1,500 Modern Subway Cars in 2025-29 Capital Plan; Details of the MTA Capital Plan Are Available Here

Three-Year Project Completed on Time and $5.5 Million Under Budget

Link to Photos of Railcar Acceptance and Testing Facility Is Available Here; B-Roll Is Available Here

Governor Kathy Hochul and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the opening of the first-of-its-kind Railcar Acceptance and Testing Facility. Delivered on time and under budget, this state-of-the-art complex serves as the first stop for all new subway cars before they are put into service. This facility will help the MTA process new subway cars, work locomotives and other rolling stock more efficiently, helping complete onsite testing so they can enter service more quickly. This comes as the MTA prepares to receive the biggest infusion of new rail cars since systematic capital planning was first introduced more than a generation ago.

“Thanks to funding from congestion pricing and the MTA’s 2025-29 Capital Plan, we are making generational upgrades to our subway fleet,” Governor Hochul said. “Thousands of new, modern cars are set to improve the riding experience for millions of New Yorkers. By streamlining the process needed to get these new cars on the rails and into service, this new facility will ensure that riders feel the benefits of a new and improved subway fleet faster than ever.”

Located near the South Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Sunset Park, the facility can accept rolling stock delivered by truck, rail, or boat. Once accepted, individual cars will be linked together for testing and commissioning on the facility’s in-house tracks. The newly created trains will then be sent via the facility’s direct connection to the subway network to complete further testing and will be entered into revenue service once they pass final inspection. This is the first brand-new, full-scale subway car facility located on a new property that the Authority has added since the Pitkin Yard opened in Brooklyn in 1948.

MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “Our historic $11 billion investment in rolling stock calls for a top-of-the-line new testing facility. Now we’re ready to start processing the 1,500+ rail cars included in the Capital Plan, no matter how they’re delivered — by land or by water.”

MTA Construction and Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said, “This facility consolidates work that was once spread amongst different yards and unites it all under one roof. It’s another example of the MTA delivering a critical project on time and under budget to improve subway reliability for decades to come.”

New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said, “As we continue to upgrade our rolling stock with modern cars, the Railcar Acceptance and Testing Facility provides a state-of-the-art space for NYC Transit employees to ensure new cars are safe, reliable, and ready to enter service. With streamlined inspections and a direct connection to transit tracks, NYC Transit has never been more prepared to keep up with the historic 2025-29 Capital Plan and the unprecedented investment it provides in rolling stock.”

The Railcar Acceptance and Testing Facility was completed within its three-year timeline and $5.5 million under budget by utilizing design-build delivery that streamlines project design and management. The MTA realized significant savings through the use of prefabricated building components and precast concrete for the track pit construction, speeding the project’s completion and minimizing cost.  

The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York recently awarded the facility the silver medal in the Transportation category at the 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards Competition. This prestigious award recognized the yard’s state-of-the-art design, innovation, complexity and the benefits it will bring to the subway riding public and community as a whole.

The opening of the facility comes as the MTA is actively buying hundreds of modern R211 and R268 subway cars that will eventually replace all R46 and R68 subway cars, which have been in service for decades. The historic $68 billion 2025-29 Capital Plan includes the purchase of 1,500 new subway cars – the largest new investment in rolling stock since the 1980s. New R211 cars are being delivered at a rapid pace, with 750 already delivered and another 860 still to arrive.  

First placed into service in March 2023, the R211 features pre-installed security cameras in each car, as well as 58-inch-wide door openings that are eight inches wider than standard door openings on the existing car fleet. These are designed to speed up boarding and reduce the amount of time trains sit in stations. In addition to wider doors, these cars provide additional accessible seating, digital displays that will provide more detailed station-specific information, and brighter lighting and signage, among other features that improve the customer experience.

The R211 is currently in service on the Staten Island Railway, as well as the A, B, C and G lines. There are plans to add the R211 on the D and the Rockaway Park S within the next two years. The R211 is just the start of the MTA’s investment in new subway cars. The MTA Board recently approved the purchase of 378 new R268 subway cars, which feature many of the same amenities as the R211. The R268s will service the MTA’s B division lines beginning in 2028. In addition, the 2025-29 Capital Plan will include the purchase of new cars for the A Division, replacing the existing R62 trains serving the 1, 3 and 6 trains.

These modern cars also assist the MTA in its efforts to upgrade subway lines to Communications-based Train Control (CBTC), the international gold standard of signal systems. All R211s and R268s come equipped with technology that seamlessly integrates with CBTC signals, leading to a better overall commute for millions of daily riders — including more reliable service, fewer delays, more frequent trains and less waiting.

Crews are actively working to complete CBTC upgrades on the A, C, E, F and G lines. Planned work on the Fulton St and Liberty Av Lines of the A and C trains in Brooklyn and Queens and the 6th Av Line of the B, D, F and M trains in Manhattan are being paid for by funds generated from congestion relief. Upcoming CBTC modernization efforts on the A, Rockaway Park S, J and Z trains from the Williamsburg Bridge to Broad St, as well as on the N, Q, R and W trains in Manhattan and Astoria will be financed through the 2025-29 Capital Plan.

Representative Daniel Goldman said, “The new railcar acceptance facility in my district in Sunset Park is exactly the kind of smart transit investment that delivers real results for New Yorkers. By streamlining delivery and testing for new subway cars, this site will help modernize our fleet, improve reliability across the system, and get riders the safe and efficient service they deserve. I am grateful for the leadership and vision that made this possible, and I look forward to seeing the benefits for Brooklyn and our entire city.”

State Senator Leroy Comrie said, “Investing in modern, reliable rail service is essential to keeping New York moving. This new testing facility will help the MTA bring upgraded subway cars online faster and more efficiently, improving safety, reliability and the rider experience system-wide. I commend Governor Hochul and the MTA for delivering this project on time and under budget and I look forward to continued progress that improves our ability to keep the system in a state of good repair, improving the ability of our transit network for all New Yorkers.”

Assemblymember Marcela Mitaynes said, “Today’s opening builds on Sunset Park’s legacy of industrial innovation and maritime commerce. As we strive to uphold our commitment to improving public infrastructure and transportation, I am proud to welcome this first-of-its-kind facility to our community. Thank you to everyone involved in ensuring the project was delivered on time and under budget.”

New York City Council Member Alexa Avilés said, “I am proud to welcome this new railcar acceptance facility into our district. Our public transportation system is the beating heart of our city. Investments that improve the efficiency of our trains will serve me and my neighbors, who rely on NYCT for their daily commutes across the city. I want to thank NYCT for the hard work they have put into opening this facility and look forward to supporting the dedicated NYCT workers who keep our city running.”

November 21, 2025

Albany, NY

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

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

November 21, 2025
The Genetic Diversity of Jewish Ethnic Groups: What DNA Reveals About Jewish History Around the World
The Jewish people are often spoken of as a single group, but in reality, Jewish history is a tapestry of migrations, exiles, conversions, and centuries-long separations. These events produced a wide range of Jewish ethnocultural groups, each with its own customs, languages, and—importantly—genetic signatures.

Modern genetic research has shown that while many Jewish communities share ancient Middle Eastern ancestry, different Jewish ethnic groups exhibit clear DNA differences that reflect their unique journeys across time and geography. Below is a fascinating look at how genetics helps us understand the story of Jewish diversity.

Shared Origins, Different Paths: Why Jewish DNA Is Not All the Same

Most Jewish groups retain a significant component of Levantine ancestry, tracing back to ancient Israelites. Yet over thousands of years, Jews settled in Mesopotamia, Persia, North Africa, the Caucasus, Europe, India, and even Ethiopia and China. Each community experienced:
- isolation
- intermarriage with local populations
- religious conversions
- genetic bottlenecks
- unique migrations
These shaped distinct genetic profiles. As a result, there is no single “Jewish DNA,” but rather multiple genetic patterns within the global Jewish population.

Genetic Differences Among Major Jewish Ethnic Groups

1. Middle Eastern Jews (Mizrahi)

Mizrahi communities—including Iranian, Iraqi, Syrian, Kurdish, Georgian, Yemeni, and Bukharan Jews—generally show strong Middle Eastern genetic continuity. Despite shared ancient ancestry, each subgroup has its own DNA profile formed through centuries of local history.

For example:
- Iranian and Iraqi Jews are genetically very close to each other but distinct from Yemenite or North African Jews.
- Yemenite Jews show unique markers likely influenced by ancient South Arabian populations.
- Bukharan Jews have Middle Eastern roots but also Central Asian admixture.
These differences create identifiable genetic clusters within the broader Middle Eastern Jewish family.

2. North African Jews

Moroccan, Algerian, Tunisian, Libyan, and Egyptian Jews form their own genetic cluster, separate from both Middle Eastern Mizrahim and European Jews.
- Moroccan Jews show mixtures of ancient Israelite, Berber, and Spanish/Portuguese Jewish ancestry.
- Libyan Jews are genetically more isolated, with distinct patterns reflecting long periods of endogamy.
North African Jewish DNA is internally diverse—but still distinct from neighboring non-Jewish populations.

3. Ethiopian Jews (Beta Israel)

Ethiopian Jews stand out genetically more than almost any other Jewish group.
- Their DNA shows strong Ethiopian highland ancestry, especially in maternal lineages.
- Yet there are hints of very ancient Near-Eastern admixture, possibly consistent with ancient Judaic influence.
Their distinct DNA tells a story of a long-isolated community with deep regional roots.

4. Indian Jews (Bene Israel, Cochin, and Baghdadi Jews)

Indian Jewish communities are among the world’s most genetically fascinating.

• Bene Israel

Show a clear mix of Jewish Middle Eastern ancestry and local Indian ancestry, reflecting ancient admixture followed by 2,000 years of endogamy.

• Cochin Jews

Blend Jewish Middle Eastern ancestry with South Indian ancestry, forming a unique genetic identity in the Kerala region.

• Baghdadi Jews

Descend mostly from Iraqi and Syrian Jews who migrated to India much later (18–19th century), so genetically they resemble Middle Eastern Jews more than Indian Jews.

5. Caucasus Jews (Mountain Jews, Georgian Jews, Krymchaks)

Mountain Jews (Juhuro)

Have a strong Middle Eastern core but also Caucasian admixture, producing one of the most distinctive Jewish genetic profiles.

Georgian Jews

Genetically closer to local Georgian populations, reflecting a 2,000-year presence in the region.

Krymchaks

Show a mixture of Middle Eastern Jewish ancestry and Crimean-Tatar influences.

6. Romaniote and Italian Jews

These ancient European Jewish communities are genetically distinct from both Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews.
- Romaniote Jews of Greece show long continuity in the Balkans, with moderate Levantine and Mediterranean admixture.
- Italian Jews (Italkim) predate both Sephardim and Ashkenazim and form their own genetic category, combining ancient Jewish ancestry with Italian lineages.
What These DNA Differences Mean

1. Jewish identity has never been biologically uniform.

Each Jewish community carries a blend of ancient Israelite ancestry and the genetic signature of the region where it lived.

2. Many groups show strong Middle Eastern paternal ancestry, indicating continuity of male-line descent from ancient Hebrew populations.

3. Maternal ancestry varies widely, reflecting local converts, intermarriage, and unique historical events (for example, Ethiopian Jews carry mostly African mtDNA; Ashkenazim have mainly European mtDNA).

4. Jewish groups form identifiable genetic clusters, confirming that Ashkenazi, Sephardi, Mizrahi, Ethiopian, Indian, Caucasian, and North African Jews each have distinct genetic histories.

Conclusion: Jewish DNA Is a Mosaic of Many Histories

Genetic research beautifully illustrates what history already tells us: the Jewish people are not a single biological unit but a network of diverse communities, each shaped by its own migrations, neighbors, and centuries-long traditions.

From the mountains of Dagestan to the deserts of Yemen, from the shores of Morocco to the villages of Ethiopia and the coast of India—Jewish DNA tells a global story. These differences do not divide the Jewish people; instead, they highlight the cultural and historical richness of a people whose identity survived and evolved across continents for thousands of years.

Here’s a concise list of groups many people refer to:

Middle Eastern / Mizrahi
- Iranian (Persian)
- Iraqi (Babylonian)
- Syrian
- Yemenite
- Kurdish
- Georgian
- Bukharan
- Egyptian
- Libyan
- Tunisian
- Algerian
- Moroccan
Caucasus
- Mountain Jews (Juhuro)
- Krymchaks
- Karaites (religious identity debated)
African
- Ethiopian Beta Israel
- Falash Mura
- Abayudaya (modern)
South & East Asia
- Cochin Jews
- Bene Israel
- Baghdadi Jews of India
- Bnei Menashe
- Kaifeng Jews
Europe (non-Ashkenazi/Sephardi)
- Italian Jews (Italkim)
- Romaniote Jews
Summary of Genetics & Linguistic Features of Major Jewish Ethnic Groups

Below is a concise table-style narrative covering each major group.

Middle Eastern / Mizrahi Jews

1. Iranian (Persian) Jews

Genetics:
- Strong continuity with ancient Middle Eastern ancestry
- Minor admixture with Persian populations
- Distinct from both Ashkenazi and Iraqi Jews despite shared roots
Language:
- Historically Judeo-Persian (Persian with Hebrew elements)
- Also Judeo-Tat in some subgroups
2. Iraqi (Babylonian) Jews

Genetics:
- Strong Levantine/Mesopotamian ancestry
- One of the closest groups to ancient Near Eastern genetic profiles
Language:
- Judeo-Arabic and Judeo-Aramaic
- Aramaic dialects persisted until the 20th century
3. Syrian Jews (Halabi & Shami)

Genetics:
- Middle Eastern core with moderate Levantine admixture
- Distinct from both Ashkenazi and neighboring Arab populations
Language:
- Mostly Judeo-Arabic
4. Yemeni (Teimani) Jews

Genetics:
- Unique cluster within Jewish genetics
- Some influence from ancient South Arabian populations
- Very high endogamy
Language:
- Judeo-Arabic
- Distinct pronunciation of Hebrew
5. Kurdish Jews

Genetics:
- Strong Middle Eastern ancestry with genetic continuity to ancient Israelites
- Very low admixture
Language:
- Lishan Didan (Jewish Neo-Aramaic dialect)
6. Georgian Jews

Genetics:
- Mixed Middle Eastern and Georgian ancestry
- Very old, isolated community
Language:
- Judaeo-Georgian
7. Bukharan Jews

Genetics:
- Middle Eastern Jewish core with Central Asian admixture
- Unique genetic cluster
Language:
- Bukhori (Judeo-Tajik)
North African Jews (Maghrebi)

8. Moroccan Jews

Genetics:
- Mixed Levantine, Berber, and Iberian Jewish ancestry
- Distinct from local non-Jewish Moroccans
Language:
- Judeo-Arabic
- Haketía (a Judeo-Spanish dialect in northern Morocco)
9. Algerian & Tunisian Jews

Genetics:
- Similar to Moroccan Jews but more North-African admixture
- Still form a separate Jewish cluster
Language:
- Judeo-Arabic
10. Libyan Jews

Genetics:
- Highly endogamous, forming a unique cluster
- Some of the most genetically distinct North African Jews
Language:
- Judeo-Arabic
Caucasus Jews

11. Mountain Jews (Juhuro)

Genetics:
- Middle Eastern Jewish ancestry with Caucasus admixture
- Highly endogamous
Language:
- Juhuri (Judeo-Tat), a Persian-based language
12. Krymchaks

Genetics:
- Blend of Near Eastern Jewish and Crimean-Tatar ancestry
Language:
- Krymchak, related to Crimean Tatar with Hebrew elements
13. Georgian Jews

(Already listed under Mizrahi but also grouped here)

African Jewish Groups

14. Ethiopian Jews (Beta Israel)

Genetics:
- Primarily East African highland ancestry
- Some signatures consistent with ancient Near-Eastern influence
- Most genetically distinct Jewish group
Language:
- Ge’ez in liturgy
- Amharic / Tigrinya historically
15. Ethiopian Falash Mura

Genetics:
- Same as Beta Israel due to shared ancestry
- Some later admixture with Christian Ethiopians
Language:
- Same as Beta Israel
Indian Jewish Groups

16. Bene Israel

Genetics:
- Roughly 50/50 Jewish Middle Eastern + Indian ancestry
- Long-term endogamy after admixture
Language:
- Marathi (local language)
- No distinctive Judeo-language
17. Cochin Jews

Genetics:
- Mixture of Middle Eastern Jewish and South Indian ancestry
- Distinct from Bene Israel
Language:
- Judeo-Malayalam
18. Baghdadi Jews (India, Myanmar, Singapore)

Genetics:
- Middle Eastern ancestry similar to Iraqi Jews
- Minimal local admixture
Language:
- Judeo-Arabic
European (Non-Ashkenazi) Groups

19. Romaniote Jews

Genetics:
- Mediterranean + Middle Eastern ancestry
- Very old Jewish community predating Sephardim
Language:
- Judeo-Greek (Yevanic)
20. Italian Jews (Italkim)

Genetics:
- One of the oldest European Jewish groups
- Mix of ancient Jewish + Roman/Italian ancestry
- Distinct from both Ashkenazi and Sephardi
Language:
- Judeo-Italian (Italkian)
Asian Jewish Groups

21. Kaifeng Jews (China)

Genetics:
- Originally Middle Eastern in medieval times
- Heavy admixture with local Han Chinese populations
Language:
- Spoke Chinese
- No unique Judeo-language preserved
Ultra-Summary for Fast Use

Genetic Patterns Across Groups
- Middle Eastern core: Strong in Mizrahi, many North African, Caucasus, and Italian/Greek Jews
- High admixture: Indian Jews, Ethiopian Jews, Kaifeng Jews
- Highly isolated: Mountain Jews, Libyan Jews, Georgian Jews, Yemenite Jews
- Most distinct genetically: Ethiopian Jews, Kaifeng Jews
Linguistic Patterns Across Groups
- Judeo-Arabic: Widespread across Middle East & North Africa
- Judeo-Iranian / Judeo-Tat: Iran & Caucasus
- Judeo-Aramaic: Iraq, Kurdistan
- Judeo-Romance languages: Italy, Greece
- Judeo-Indian languages: Malayalam (Cochin)
- Local languages: Bene Israel (Marathi), Ethiopian Jews (Amharic/Tigrinya), Kaifeng Jews (Chinese)
Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York
November 21, 2025
Hochul Vows New York Will Lead on ‘Responsible AI’ Despite Broadband Funding Clash

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is blasting the Trump administration, saying the White House is threatening to pull hundreds of millions of dollars in rural broadband funding from upstate communities because the state passed tough new rules on artificial intelligence.
Hochul says the AI safeguards are designed to protect kids, workers and consumers, and accuses Washington of siding with big corporations that don’t want to take basic steps to prevent AI-related harm. Calling the move “unacceptable,” she vows to keep fighting for working families and to keep New York at the forefront of “responsible AI” policy.

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul

“We passed some of the nation’s strongest AI safeguards to protect kids, workers and consumers. Now, the White House is threatening to withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in broadband funding meant for rural upstate communities, all to shield big corporations from taking basic steps to prevent potential harm from AI.

“This is unacceptable. In New York, we protect working families and set the standard for the nation. I will continue to fight to ensure our state remains a global leader in responsible AI.”

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

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

November 20, 2025
White House. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Nov. 20, 2025 (Video)
Full Detailed English Summary of the White House Press Briefing

November 20, 2025 Based on the official subtitles from the White House video (C-SPAN / White House YouTube)

Press Secretary: Karoline Leavitt Special Guest: Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Location: James S. Brady Press Briefing Room Time: 1:00 PM EST – approx. 47 minutes long

Opening Remarks – Karoline Leavitt (0:00 – 6:30)
- Welcomes everyone and introduces “a very special guest today, Secretary McMahon.”
- Yesterday: First Lady Melania Trump and Second Lady Usha Vance visited Marine Corps Air Station New River and Camp Lejeune, NC – met students, educators, military families, and Marines. “May God bless all of them.”
- September jobs report: +119,000 jobs added (more than double expectations), construction +19,000 (biggest monthly gain in a year). Almost all private-sector and went to American-born workers – “the opposite of the previous administration.”
- Inflation under control, wages up 3.8 % year-over-year. Real wages on track for ~$1,200 gain for the average worker in 2025 vs. ~$3,000 loss under Biden due to 9 % inflation.
- Thanksgiving affordability:
  - Gas prices projected to be the lowest since 2021 (thanks to “drill, baby, drill”).
  - American Farm Bureau: full Thanksgiving dinner down ~5 %, 16-lb turkey down >16 %.
- Tax policy: no tax on tips, overtime, Social Security; Piper Sandler study says average tax refund next year up ~$1,000 – “could be a record-breaking tax refund season.”
- Major announcement: Trump took “a significant step” toward closing the Department of Education. New inter-agency agreements with Labor, Interior, HHS, and State to transfer legally required programs. Goal: return education to states and localities.
- 43-day Democratic government shutdown (longest in history) proved the point: 90 % of Dept of Ed furloughed, schools stayed open, teachers paid, zero impact → “America does not need a federal Department of Education.”
- Since 1979: >$3 trillion spent, per-pupil spending up 245 %, yet math/reading scores down. 2024 NAEP: 13-year-olds at decades-low in math, lowest reading scores ever recorded.
- Introduces Linda McMahon as the “amazing leader” executing the president’s vision.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon Speech (6:30 – 16:30)
- Speaking directly to American families about the “hard reset” of education – Trump’s top campaign promise.
- This week: six groundbreaking inter-agency agreements to delegate redundant programs → cuts bureaucratic bloat, shifts authority to states, local superintendents, school boards, and parents.
- Critics claim “defunding education” or “no plan” – “could not be further from the truth.”
- Americans gave Trump the popular vote because they see the broken top-down system:
  - Only 3 in 10 students read proficiently.
  - $1.7 trillion in student debt, <50 % of graduates work in their field.
  - Teachers leaving due to burnout and over-regulation.
- Polling: when told only “shutting down Dept of Ed” → 51 % oppose; when told funding preserved and programs moved → 56 % support.
- Dept of Ed is a “pass-through entity” – doesn’t teach a single child. Shutdown proved money can flow directly to states.
- Her 50-state tour (14 states so far): states are already innovating – science of reading (Mississippi Miracle, Louisiana, Florida, Iowa, Tennessee), school choice, etc.
- Final mission: fully empower states for an “educational renaissance.” “We are not ending federal support for education – we are ending federal micromanagement.”
Q&A Session (16:30 – end)
1. Elizabeth (Politico) – Will Congress codify the transfers? McMahon: Already briefed dozens of members; once transfers proven successful, will ask Congress to make permanent.
2. Brian – Update on Harvard negotiations? McMahon: Ongoing, “very comfortable” – close to finalizing.
3. Diana – Federal AI standard for schools? Does Trump personally use AI? McMahon: Saw amazing AI tutoring at Alpha School in Austin (2 hrs/day individualized, then life-skills). Needs guardrails but very promising. Leavitt: Never seen Trump use AI.
4. Michael – Charter-school grants / special-needs funding during transition? McMahon: Zero interruption – legally obligated. First transfers (WIOA/Perkins) already to Labor; their grant system far superior (“ours is held together with bubble gum”).
5. Carrie/Rick – Half of medical schools reportedly defying new DEI rules – consequences? McMahon: President has been clear – DEI offices closed, rules stripped. Measures will continue.
6. Rick – Only 3/10 students literate – will states fix it? McMahon: States already leading – science of reading success stories. Federal government only 8–10 % of education budget; too much spent on compliance. Will publish “best-practices toolkit” from 50-state tour.
(Leavitt takes over)
1. Javier (Spanish media) – Why legacy media silent on murdered journalists in Mexico? Trump plan for cartels? Leavitt: Condemns murders. Mexico (President Sheinbaum) has been “incredibly cooperative.” Trump keeping all options on the table against cartels.
2. Question on NYC mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani meeting tomorrow Leavitt: “It speaks volumes that a communist is coming to the White House” because that’s who NY Democrats elected. Trump willing to work with anyone for Americans.
3. Nancy (CNN) – Trump said 6 Dem lawmakers committed “sedition punishable by death” – does he want them executed? Leavitt (strong pushback): They made a video urging active-duty troops to defy lawful orders – extremely dangerous, breaks chain of command. Former CIA/Navy officers knew exactly what they were doing. “If Republicans did this, this room would explode.”
10–15. Ukraine peace plan updates Leavitt: Trump frustrated with both sides. Rubio & special envoy Whitkopf have worked quietly for a month, engaging Russia and Ukraine equally. Plan exists, both sides briefed, talks ongoing. “We believe it should be acceptable to both.”

Remaining rapid-fire: G20 (US not participating in talks, only handover), “Piggy” nickname for reporter (“Trump is frank”), Coast Guard, France relations, Qatar mediation rumors (declined details), etc.

Briefing ends abruptly because President Trump is about to meet freed Israeli hostages upstairs.

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York
November 20, 2025
New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is choosing to go to trial on a federal misdemeanor instead of taking a deal that would have quietly ended his case.
What is he charged with?
- Lander is facing a federal misdemeanor obstruction charge.
- The charge comes from a Sept. 18 sit-in/protest on the 10th floor of 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, where ICE uses holding rooms for immigrants.
- Prosecutors say he was blocking entrances/foyers/corridors while he and other elected officials tried to inspect the detention area to see if ICE was complying with a judge’s order on overcrowding and conditions. AP News
What deal did he refuse?
- Federal prosecutors offered an “adjournment in contemplation of dismissal” (ACD) style deal:
  - No guilty plea.
  - Case would be dropped in about six months if he stayed out of trouble on federal property.
- All or most of the other 10 elected officials arrested with him accepted that offer.
- Lander was the lone holdout and told reporters, “I want a trial.” ABC7 New York+1
Why does he say he wants a trial?

According to his public statement and reporting:
- He argues the “real crime” happened inside the detention area, not in the hallway where he was arrested.
- He says a trial will “bring to light” how ICE is treating people in those holding rooms and whether they’re complying with court-ordered limits on crowding, cleanliness, sleeping mats, etc. AP News+1
- It also fits his long pattern of civil-disobedience-style protests around immigration enforcement. The Forward+1
What’s the potential penalty?
- The charge carries a maximum of 30 days in federal jail if he’s convicted. AP News
- Realistically, for a first-time nonviolent misdemeanor of this type, outcomes often range from a fine or conditional discharge up to short jail, but that’s ultimately up to the judge if he’s found guilty.
How does this tie to his earlier ICE arrest?
- Back in June 2025, Lander was arrested by masked ICE agents at the same federal complex while linking arms with an immigrant who was being taken into custody; those earlier charges were dropped after big political backlash. The Guardian+2AP News+2
- The current case is separate: it’s about the September sit-in on the 10th floor detention area, not the June hallway arrest.
Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York
November 19, 2025
Upper Darby Man Sentenced to One Year in Prison for Defrauding a Religious Organization and a Political Organization

United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Willie Jordan, 68, of Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, was sentenced today to one year in prison, one year of supervised release, $142,991 in restitution, and forfeiture of $142,991 by United States District Judge Harvey Bartle III for two separate fraud schemes Jordan conducted.

The defendant was charged by information with two counts of wire fraud and pleaded guilty in July of this year.

As detailed in court filings and statements made in court, Jordan was a deacon and trustee for Religious Organization #1, located in Philadelphia, Pa. Jordan was responsible for managing and overseeing various financial matters involving Religious Organization #1, including collecting funds for the organization, depositing those funds in the organization’s bank accounts, and paying the organization’s expenses.

Religious Organization #1 placed Jordan in a position of trust and allowed him to exercise almost total control over its funds. The defendant did not receive a salary from Religious Organization #1. Rather, he received his salary from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, where he was a Director of Operations for a state senator.

From at least in or about January 2020 through at least in or about January 2024, Jordan exploited Religious Organization #1 for his personal financial benefit. On a regular basis, the defendant improperly issued checks to himself from Religious Organization #1’s business checking account, and made it appear that such checks were to reimburse him for expenses that he incurred on behalf of Religious Organization #1. In fact, Jordan did not incur those expenses and simply issued those checks for his personal benefit. The defendant engaged in this activity fraudulently and without the knowledge or permission of Religious Organization #1, its trustees, or members.

As part of this scheme, Jordan issued approximately 82 fraudulent checks to himself totaling approximately $57,384, resulting in significant losses to Religious Organization #1.

As presented in court filings and statements, Political Organization #1 was one of 66 wards in Philadelphia and a subdivision of Political Organization #2, which represented the interests of a political party in the City of Philadelphia.

From in or about 1996 through in or about April 2025, the defendant was the elected leader of Political Organization #1 and controlled and managed the organization’s finances. Jordan did not receive a salary from Political Organization #1.

From at least in or about January 2020, through at least in or about January 2024, Jordan exploited Political Organization #1 for his personal financial benefit. He opened two bank accounts in name of Political Organization #1, made himself the sole signatory on the accounts in the name of Political Organization #1, and obtained, for both accounts, debit cards that he controlled.

On a regular basis, the defendant improperly conducted financial transactions, through debit card charges, checks, and ATM cash withdrawals, using Political Organization #1’s bank accounts to transfer the funds of Political Organization #1 to himself or others, for his personal benefit.

Jordan used Political Organization #1’s funds for personal purchases at airlines, car dealerships, furniture stores, grocery stores, and other retail establishments. He also used those funds to pay his personal credit card bills, utility bills, and cellular telephone bills. In or about the summer of 2023, Jordan used the funds of Political Organization #1 to pay more than $12,500 in expenses for a family member’s funeral. The defendant engaged in these personal financial transactions without any benefit flowing to Political Organization #1 and without the knowledge or permission of any of its members.

As part of this scheme, Jordan defrauded Political Organization #1 and its members of at least $85,607.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Louis D. Lappen and Special Assistant United States Attorney James E. Price.

Sources: Justice.gov , Midtown Tribune

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

November 19, 2025

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