Midtown Tribune

Midtown Tribune News Header

Category: MIDTOWN TRIBUNE NEW YORK

  • NYC Subway Attack: Teen Hiram Carrero Accused of Setting Homeless Man on Fire

    NYC Subway Attack: Teen Hiram Carrero Accused of Setting Homeless Man on Fire

    NYC Teen Hiram Carrero Accused of Setting Homeless Man on Fire

    A shocking attack in the New York City subway has raised new fears about rider safety. Police say 18-year-old Manhattan resident Hiram Carrero allegedly set a sleeping homeless man on fire in a No. 3 train car around 3 a.m. The incident happened near Times Square/Penn Station. The 56-year-old victim suffered serious burns but is expected to survive, according to the NYPD.

    The suspect, who was seen in surveillance video, was later perp walked out of the 9th Precinct after his arrest. Carrero has been identified by police and is being charged with attempted murder, three counts of assault, arson, and reckless endangerment. The case has quickly become another example used in the debate over crime and safety in the NYC subway system.

    New York Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis called the attack “horrific” and says it proves that the subway is still not truly safe. She notes that the NYPD is thousands of officers below past staffing levels and argues that more police are needed on trains and platforms. In Congress, Malliotakis is pushing a bipartisan transit security bill to increase federal funding for subway safety, including more officers, better lighting, more cameras, and upgraded surveillance systems to protect riders and the city’s most vulnerable residents.

    Sources: U.S. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis , Midtown Tribune News
    Fox News+2NBC New York+2 , Big New York news BigNY.com

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • New York. 30 Million Boost to Staten Island’s Parks, Culture, and Zoo

    New York. 30 Million Boost to Staten Island’s Parks, Culture, and Zoo

    NYC Mayor Adams and BP Fossella

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella are teaming up to deliver nearly $30 million in upgrades to some of Staten Island’s favorite places to play and explore. The funding will revamp Bloomingdale Park’s playground with new equipment, water features, lighting, and landscaping; modernize Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, along with key improvements for the Staten Island Museum and Noble Maritime Collection; and create a new interactive, sensory-friendly education center at the Staten Island Zoo. Together, these projects aim to make Staten Island’s parks, cultural hubs, and zoo more fun, accessible, and welcoming for families and visitors of all ages.

    Mayor Adams, Staten Island Borough President Fossella Celebrate $30 Million in Funding for Parks, Open Space on Staten Island

    – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella today announced that they have partnered to invest nearly $30 million of capital funding in three parks and public recreation projects on Staten Island. Investments will improve quality-of-life for Staten Islanders by making upgrades at Bloomingdale Park playground, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, and the Staten Island Zoo. The investments were made in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Adopted Budget, which builds on Mayor Adams’ FY 2026 Executive Budget, often called the “Best Budget Ever.”

    “Public space in our city is precious, and we cherish every inch of it — no matter where it is, no matter what borough it is in,” said Mayor Adams. “Under our administration, we have always made it a priority to take care of Staten Island and today’s announcement is just the latest example of how we are living up to that promise. In partnership with Staten Island Borough President Fossella, we are proud to celebrate nearly $30 million in investments in several parks and recreation projects throughout the borough invested through our ‘Best Budget Ever.’ This funding will upgrade Bloomingdale Park playground, the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanic Garden, and the Staten Island Zoo — expanding access to these public spaces and improving quality of life for all Staten Islanders. We thank Borough President Fossella for his partnership and helping bring us closer to becoming a city that is the best place to raise a family.”

     “We have some of the most scenic spaces and vibrant cultural institutions right here in Staten Island,” said Borough President Fossella. “We will continue to improve our parks and open spaces, and to support cultural institutions so they can continue to flourish and provide the best for our residents. We appreciate that we have a partner in Mayor Adams, who is committed to helping us to achieve our goals. We thank Mayor Adams for being a strong partner to make our parks and public spaces even better.”

    “Bloomingdale Park is a thriving oasis of greenspace and recreation on Staten Island,” said New York City Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. “These new capital investments in Bloomingdale Playground will offer the community a revitalized place to gather and play, with all-new play equipment, an enhanced spray shower, improved lighting, and more plantings. We’re excited to watch this project come to fruition and are grateful to Mayor Adams and Borough President Fossella for funding improvements that will benefit Staten Islanders for years to come.”

    “As my fellow Staten Islanders and I know, our cultural institutions contribute so much to making this borough an extraordinary place to visit, live, and raise a family,” said New York City Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Laurie Cumbo. “We’re proud of the city’s investments in the borough’s cultural infrastructure, which will enhance the incredible museums, cultural centers, and zoos that serve residents and attract visitors for years to come.”

    As a result of a $5.6 million investment made by Mayor Adams and Borough President Fossella, Bloomingdale Park playground will see significant improvements resulting in a vibrant reconstructed play space for the community. The reconstruction project — led by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation — will include new play equipment, a spray play area, fencing, security lights, and an upgrade of electrical and water utilities. This project will also be supplemented with new landscape improvements. The renovations are the next major investment in this heavily utilized park, building on recent improvements, including installation of adult fitness equipment, as well as a shade structure at the bocce court. In 2021, the Bloomingdale Park athletic field project was completed, resulting in new multi-use and soccer synthetic turf fields to accommodate activities, including toss sports, free play, picnics, and more. The project is expected to begin design in the spring of 2026 following a community input meeting where members of the public will have the opportunity to share their vision for this space. 

    The Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden received $6.5 million in funding from the Adams administration and Borough President Fossella to advance key infrastructure projects for the 83-acre campus and its cultural tenants. The site-wide improvements will upgrade the building management system and other infrastructure to improve the security, energy efficiency, and visitor experience across the campus. The project will modernize one of Snug Harbor’s key facilities, which provides the cultural center with programming space and revenue-generating rentals.

    Several organizations located on the Snug Harbor campus also received new funding from Mayor Adams and Borough President Fossella in the FY 2026 Adopted Budget. The Staten Island Museum received $6 million for the next phase of the museum’s expansion project, which will transform the currently vacant Building B into a state-of-the-art STEAM education center, with additional public space for natural history collections and exhibitions, a lab classroom for hands-on STEAM learning, and a café. The project will also include exterior restoration of the historic, Greek revival building. The Noble Maritime Collection, located in Building D on the Snug Harbor campus received $3.8 million to replace the museum’s existing chiller and air conditioning system. The group has struggled to maintain its existing aging system to ensure the comfort for guests in hotter weather and to maintain the protection of their extensive collections of maritime history from Staten Island and beyond. The Noble Maritime Collection’s 20,600 square foot space is one of the anchor institutions for the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and contains the entirety of the museum’s administrative and programmatic space.

    At the Staten Island Zoo, a combined $8 million in funding from Mayor Adams and Borough President Fossella will support the creation of a new interactive education center, which will provide a fun and enriching experience for children and visitors themed around sensory abilities in people and animals. The project will create a public purpose for special opportunities to have guests with sensory or developmental disabilities enjoy defined experiences for them, as well as a 1960’s-era children’s center with a modern, diverse and inclusive “Learn & Play Zone.”

    “At the Noble Maritime Collection, our staff and Board of Trustees are deeply committed to ensuring that our landmarked building remains a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible space for all,” said Megan Beck, executive director, Noble Maritime Collection. “We are grateful to Mayor Adams, Commissioner Cumbo, and the Department of Cultural Affairs for their generous capital investment in a new chiller and air conditioning system — an essential upgrade that will help preserve our collections and historic building. We also appreciate their continued support for major capital improvements at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and at the Botanical Garden, the beautiful and storied campus we are proud to call home.”

    “The Staten Island Zoo staff and visitors are excited to launch our vision for an entirely new re-imagined experience in our popular Children’s Center at the Zoo,” said Ken Mitchell, executive director, Staten Island Zoo. “Thanks to the generosity and support of Mayor Adams and Borough President Fossella, as well as our Staten Island City Council delegation, the zoo can start to bring this vision into the planning stage and ultimately reality. With our expertise in animal care, education, and exhibit design, the zoo can provide a unique experience and special place for children of all backgrounds to connect with nature and animals.” 

    “The Staten Island Museum’s board and staff are grateful to Mayor Adams, Cultural Affairs Commissioner Cumbo, and Borough President Fossella for their deep support of and investment in the STEAM Education Center expansion that will activate the adjoining historic building at Snug Harbor into a distinctive environment for exploring natural history while meeting professional standards for collections preservation,” said Janice Monger, president and CEO, Staten Island Museum.

    “Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden is profoundly grateful to Mayor Adams, Commissioner Cumbo, our New York City councilmembers, and Borough President Fossella for their visionary investment in Staten Island culture,” said Jessica Vodoor, president and CEO, Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden. “This funding will support critical ongoing HVAC infrastructure projects in buildings that support a myriad of public activities at Snug Harbor.”

    December 4, 2025 New York

    Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York News BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune news

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • Governor Kathy Hochul Touts New York Classroom Cell Phone Ban, Youth Mental Health and NY Affordability on Fox 5’s “Good Day New York”

    Governor Kathy Hochul Touts New York Classroom Cell Phone Ban, Youth Mental Health and NY Affordability on Fox 5’s “Good Day New York”


    In an appearance on Fox 5’s “Good Day New York,” Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted early successes from New York’s statewide classroom cell phone ban, saying students are more engaged, talking to each other at lunch, and “being kids again” instead of fixating on screens. She framed the policy as a key step in addressing a youth mental health crisis driven by constant online bullying, toxic content, and addictive social media algorithms, noting New York’s efforts to restrict unsolicited harmful content to minors and warning parents about AI chatbots that mimic human relationships. Hochul also discussed her partnership with Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani on housing affordability and child care, reiterated her opposition to raising personal income taxes while leaving other revenue options on the table, and strongly criticized federal threats to SNAP funding on privacy and moral grounds. Additionally, she defended investments in the MTA, including congestion pricing and safety measures that she says have boosted ridership and reduced traffic, and closed by sharing personal holiday traditions with her family.

    Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul is a Guest on Fox 5’s ‘Good Day New York’

    Governor Hochul: “We’re the largest state in America that went literally bell-to-bell… I have kids talking to each other during lunch now and making eye contact and playing games, they’re bringing board games to recess. I think this is fabulous. And so we’re letting kids be kids again.”

    Hochul: “With the cell phone ban, our kids are going to emerge as more well-adjusted, happier, more functioning adults when they go into the workplace because they’ll be used to working in collaborative settings instead of just staring at their phone all day.”

    Earlier today, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on FOX 5’s “Good Day New York.”

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

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

    Curt Menefee, FOX 5: Well, New York’s statewide cell phone ban in classrooms is already showing positive results and making a big impact for students and teachers.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: There’s new data and it reveals 83 percent of schools that implemented the smartphone restrictions reported a better classroom environment as well as better student engagement.

    Joining us now with more on this and protecting students in this digital age is New York State Governor Kathy Hochul. Nice to have you back on Good Day.

    Governor Hochul: Thank you.

    Curt Menefee, FOX 5: Thank you for coming in.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: So what have you found out about the cell phone ban?

    Governor Hochul: Well, the results are what I expected, but I had to persuade the rest of the state. I have been traveling around for almost two years, gathering teenagers and having forums with parents and understanding that our kids are really in the throes of a mental health crisis.

    And you ask, why is this happening now? We know teenage years are always tough. We lived through that. But it really is the presence of a cell phone that all day long in school is taking you to a dark place. Or you’re being mocked or bullied by other kids. Or the girls are meeting in the restroom and they’re excluding you and you’re stressed out about that. Or they’re making plans for a party on a Friday. These are all the stories I heard. And I said, you know what? We have to do something.

    And I talked to school boards and superintendents and teachers, no one wanted to take it on because of the fear of the backlash from parents or students, and “we just want to teach, we don’t want to get in the middle of this.”

    And I said, “You know what? I’m a mom. I’m used to getting blamed for everything, blame me. I will take this on behalf of the kids of this state.”

    And I am so delighted about the cooperation we’ve had. We did a lot of training with our school districts, talked to teachers, talked to students. So literally, starting in September, this was a whole new game in classrooms.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: Yeah, we’re hearing, “My kids are actually talking to one another.” But also, Governor, you know about the studies, the studies with these kids with cell phones, they’re finding if they have them before they’re 12 years old, they’re depressed, they’re overweight, there’s so many things. Do you have more plans with the cell phone ban? What are you going to do next?

    Governor Hochul: Well, the ban was dramatic. We’re the largest state in America that went literally bell-to-bell. Some say you can use it during recess or during lunch. That defeats the purpose because I have kids talking to each other during lunch now and making eye contact and playing games, they’re bringing board games to recess. I think this is fabulous. And so we’re letting kids be kids again. So don’t underestimate the power of this. I think every state should do this, absolutely. But we’re also looking at the addictive algorithms that they’re being bombarded with from social media companies, and we’re the first state in the nation last year to ban this, to say that unless the parent’s consent, you cannot be sending all this unsolicited information to your kids.

    For example, a student looks up, “suicide.” They’re having dark thoughts. They want to look for a place that maybe gives them some advice. It’ll tell you how to commit suicide instead of giving you the relief you’re looking for, the support you’re looking for. So we have to protect our kids, number one job, and I’m committed to this all the way through. We’re going to have some new ideas in my State of the State, even those AI companions where kids think they’re dating somebody and getting emotionally involved with an AI [chatbot] —

    Curt Menefee, FOX 5: But they think they’re talking to a human because they’re kids.

    Governor Hochul: They think they’re talking to a human. And so, moms and dads, we’ve got to be aware of what’s going on. These threats were not there when we were growing up. So I’m going to continue educating, but also passing laws to protect.

    But with the cell phone ban, our kids are going to emerge as more well-adjusted, happier, more functioning adults when they go into the workplace because they’ll be used to working in collaborative settings instead of just staring at their phone all day. And I encourage parents, at the end of the day, to find other activities for their kids and do not be on your own cell phone during dinner because your kids are watching everything you do.

    Curt Menefee, FOX 5: Lots has been accomplished. Lots more still to be done, as you just said. This is the first chance we’ve had to talk to you since the election here of Zohran Mamdani. He’s the Mayor-elect right now. I know you congratulated him right after he won the election. Have you been in constant communication with him? Regular communication with him? You’ve talked to him, what do you talk about?

    Governor Hochul: Fairly regular. We’re talking about how we can work together to make New York City more affordable. This is what the majority of voters want to have happen when they put their faith in him.

    It is my job as Governor to make sure that whomever the Mayor is, they’re successful. I work closely with Eric Adams. I worked with Bill de Blasio during the time we overlapped. And I’m committed to making sure that we focus on the issues like building more housing to reduce the cost of rent. That we focus on child care — I already started universal child care in the State of New York. We’re on the path to get there. But what people need to realize is that you can’t just declare there’s universal child care. You have to have enough facilities. You have to have enough teachers and caregivers. And so we’ve worked on this over the last couple years to really position ourselves to take more steps together, and I know that’s a priority of the Mayoral-elect, and we can work on that together. So our conversation has been very positive just about the future of New York and what we’re going to do together.

    Curt Menefee, FOX 5: You endorsed him. You congratulated him. You talk about talking with him constantly. But you have some political differences, you’ve been public about that. He has talked about free buses, which you’re against. Universal child care, you explained a little bit right there. Do you discuss all of that before he takes office? Or is this something that he’s not going to get day one, but you will work with him down the road?

    Governor Hochul: No, of course. We’ve already had meetings. Our staffs are in constant communication because I want him to hit the ground running. But also, he understands this is a four-year term he has. There will be a rollout of some ideas, you have to build support for others. But also, just the everyday running of city government requires a lot of support from the state. We fund a lot of programs. He’ll be coming to Albany like all the Mayors do, asking for financial support and making sure that we continue investing in the subway system and safety there.

    And we’re seeing dramatic changes in the investments that I have made in supporting police overtime, so there’s more police officers visible, hundreds of millions of dollars to make sure that every train has a camera on it. And right now, we have had the safest few months in a row in recorded history on our subways. We want to keep that going. So I talked to him about public safety as well, keeping those investments, keeping rebuilding the police force and supporting our police officers because they’re out there protecting us every day.

    So I think there’s a lot of common ground, but where there’s differences, I have no trouble talking about them. We’ve had those conversations. Or the timing of some of the ideas, what we can actually afford now. And remember this, we’re taking a lot of financial hits from Washington, programs that had been funded by the federal government, they’re now putting on the backs of the states. So we have to step back and assess — okay, wait a minute. This is the federal government’s responsibility. This is why we pay federal taxes for programs like health care, support for hospitals, nutrition programs, but to the extent that they stop doing this, we have to have those conversations in our next Budget about what we’re going to do. So it’s a very fluid situation, but it’s very positive. I think people should know that. It’s a very positive conversation about what’s good for New York.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: Can we talk about taxes? Because obviously, New Yorkers are talking about that. I know at one point you said, “No new taxes,” but then I felt like there was room for taxes. Are we talking about taxes, personal or business in New York? I know next year’s also an election year for you.

    Governor Hochul: That’s independent, because I’ve focused on reducing taxes since I’ve been Governor. We expedited a middle class tax cut my first year in office. Then we instituted our own tax cut last year, the largest middle class tax rate cut in 70 years.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: But will we have new taxes?

    Governor Hochul: Well, I’m not raising income taxes because I believe that we want to make sure that New York is more affordable for everybody and I want people who are successful to keep creating the jobs and investing here. But we have to look at other revenue sources to fund — again, we’re dealing with a lot of hits from Washington.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: So would you raise business taxes then? Because Mr. Mamdani keeps saying New York doesn’t pay as much in business taxes as Jersey does, and that’s not true. Businesses pay a payroll tax. There’s plenty. You tax everything.

    Governor Hochul: We have other taxes as well. So I would just say this, the Budget process is unfolding. We’ll be working with the Legislators over the next couple months and we’ll find out how we can take off a bite of what we need to do — like what is doable in this upcoming year, in the following year.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: Would you veto a tax increase?

    Governor Hochul: I’m not raising income taxes.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: Personal. What about business?

    Governor Hochul: Anything else has to go into our Budget process. So we are not there yet. We don’t know what our needs are. I have to see. I have to look at the revenues coming in. We’re even going to look at how well we’re doing with the end-of-year stock market bonuses, the bonuses, we get tax revenues from those. So I don’t have a clear view of what the resources are coming in, the revenues, and manage that against the Trump cuts versus what our needs are. All will be told in due time, but we’re really focused on just delivering for New Yorkers the programs and the services they come to expect.

    Curt Menefee, FOX 5: You talked about cuts from Washington. Just yesterday, the Secretary of Agriculture said that they’re debating withholding some funds that would allow Democrat-run states to fund the SNAP program. You’ve obviously been against that. But what they’re saying in Washington is, we just want the roles of people that are on public assistance, you’ve been resistant about that. Several states have, by the way, more than 20. Why not just say, okay, here are the names of the recipients.

    Governor Hochul: Let me tell you what’s going on here. We actually went to court about this because people sign up for a particular program, not to have their name in a — think about it. Do you really want every bit of information about you in other parts of the government monitoring you and tracking what you do?

    This is a privacy issue as well. Even if you’re on SNAP and getting nutrition benefits, like 42 million Americans do. Does that mean that your privacy should be invaded now or that you should be giving out this information unrelated to this program? So we went to court. A judge in October said, Governors of these states, you are correct. You do not have to turn over this information, and they cannot withhold that money. Now to have a secretary in the Trump Administration basically saying, “We’re going to ignore a court order,” that is problematic. That is problematic. And that’s what we’re dealing with right now.

    Curt Menefee, FOX 5: What are your concerns other than just privacy?

    Governor Hochul: Privacy is a big one. Privacy is a big one. Now we are working on the fraud issues. It’s something we monitor at the state level. We don’t want anyone to abuse programs, but basically to end a program for everybody in the expectation you might find a few who are abusing it — don’t you care about everybody else who’s hungry?

    The Mayor-elect, Mamdani, told me that on Veteran’s Day he was sitting down with some veterans who had had a hard life. One of them said when the SNAP benefits stopped, he went to his refrigerator and it was empty. And that is a heartbreaking story to know that those who wear a uniform to keep us safe at night to defend our country and our values can’t count on a program to feed them. So that is just cruelty. They need to stop trying to find ways to hurt Americans, make them go hungry, and work with us. We’ll work with you to fight fraud, of course, we do that already. But I think there’s just this base feeling that these are programs that no one needs and we should eliminate them to save money. And what do they do with that money? That helps fund tax breaks for millionaires and billionaires, and that’s exactly what’s going on.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: Can we talk about the MTA? They’re close to balancing the budget. But it does seem like it’s a big abyss with the MTA and they’re depending on the casino licenses. They’re going to make, what, a billion and a half from the just upfront casino licenses? Is that going to be enough for the MTA?

    Governor Hochul: We have found sustainable sources of revenues for the MTA.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: So does that mean they’re not going to raise fares anymore?

    Governor Hochul: I think that — very incremental. You see some other states, they keep it very low and all of a sudden it goes up dollars, if it goes up a dime or nickel here and there, that is what happens in the normal course of business to cover escalating costs. Look at the tariffs for having to pay extra for everything. Even supplies that we used to manufacture our train cars from Canada. Like we’re spending more because of the Trump tariffs on something like that. So we have to make adjustments for that. But I don’t want to see any increases that people are going to think are significant at all. It’s just incremental.

    So we have the MTA on a path to sustainability. It was going off the cliff when I first became Governor. Nobody was making the proper investment. I stepped in and said, “I will support at the state level. You have to find savings.” I put that on the MTA, “You have to find savings or I’m not going to keep funding this.” And we did.

    And also congestion pricing. I know your favorite topic, is another —

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: Governor, I’ve come to think that, okay, maybe it’s okay. We’re funding the MTA. It hasn’t really helped with congestion, but —

    Governor Hochul: No, it has. No, traffic, there’s 20 million fewer cars that went into that zone since last January.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: Go in there now.

    Governor Hochul: And that’s down. It would’ve been worse. It’s down 10 percent, right?

    Curt Menefee, FOX 5: Doesn’t get rid of all traffic. It just reduces traffic —

    Governor Hochul: And ridership on the subways and the buses is up 11 percent. So you’re getting what we’re looking for, that adjustment in behavior plus the revenue.

    Curt Menefee, FOX 5: We can talk to you forever. Your staff told us you have a hard time out here.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: I know, but wait, can we just so you have, go find out what the Governor’s going to do for the holidays?

    Governor Hochul: Yes. Yes. My house is being decorated right now. My sister who’s very good at this. She brought up some of her decorations. We’re decorating. I’ll be having grandchildren over, a little three-year-old and a four-month-old. And so I’ll be out shopping for some real pretty dresses for them and playing.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: Is there a traditional meal in the Hochul house?

    Governor Hochul: Usually it has some beef tenderloin and I’m all about pies. I’ve still been eating leftover pumpkin pie for days. I can’t — I inhale pumpkin pies.

    Rosanna Scotto, FOX 5: That could be a problem.

    Governor Hochul: I’ll make sure I have fresh pies for that. But it’s great to see the fa

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

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • Mayor Eric Adams Urges Americans to Stand Together Against Antisemitism at 2025 Mayors Summit

    Mayor Eric Adams Urges Americans to Stand Together Against Antisemitism at 2025 Mayors Summit

    At CAM’s 2025 North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism, Mayor Eric Adams gave a powerful speech asking people to stop “outrunning the lion” of hate and instead work together to remove it from our communities. He said that while many groups face hate and injustice, this moment is focused on fighting antisemitism, especially in New York City where Jews are a small part of the population but suffer more than half of all hate crimes. Adams urged everyone—teachers, faith leaders, and community organizations—to “play their position” by pushing back against antisemitism, misinformation, and the radicalization of young people. He announced an executive order against BDS and confirmed that New York City will keep investing pension funds in Israeli companies. Adams also reminded people of the long history of Jewish support for Black civil rights and called on Jewish communities to stand proudly and openly as Jews. He ended by saying he is willing to “leave everything on the ice” in the fight against hate and asked everyone to “lace up their skates” and join him.

    New York Adams forum against antisemitism 2025

    Transcript: Mayor Adams Delivers Remarks at CAM’s 2025 North American Mayors Summit Against Antisemitism Closing Gala Dinner

    Mayor Eric Adams: Thank you so much, mayor. Throughout this afternoon, you shared something that resonated with me, and I’m hoping people didn’t miss it. A good friend of mine, Rabbi Potasnik, told me a joke about two lions. Two hunters in a jungle, hunting for big game, they came up against a lion. One hunter looked at the other and said, “Let’s run, let’s get out of here.” The other hunter replied, “What’s wrong with you, we can’t outrun a lion.” The hunter replied, “I don’t have to outrun the lion, I have to outrun you.” 

    And when Rabbi Potasnik told me the story, I laughed, and he had this look on his face. He said, “That’s the problem. We’re trying to outrun each other.” Yes, the lion of foreclosure took your home, but I have my home, I outran that lion. The lion of crime may have taken your child, but I outran that lion. The lion of poverty, the lion of domestic violence, the lion of hatred. As long as I outrun that lion, I’m alright. 

    But what the hunter did not understand is, that if you don’t take the lion out of the jungle after he devours one hunter, he’s going to devour you. You were so right. The goal is not to outrun each other. The goal is to remove the lion of hatred from our community. That’s the goal. 

    If you go back to what Lyndon B. Johnson did in 1964 when he signed the Civil Rights Act, there were Jewish brothers and sisters that didn’t say, “Well, that had nothing to do with me.” When you look in 2013 and the Black Lives Matter movement took place after we saw the devastation, murder of a young man in Florida, and people used to say to Black folks who said Black lives matter, they said, well, all lives matter. Well, right now we’re not talking about all lives, we’re talking about Black lives. 

    And so, when we come to a conference and talk about combating antisemitism, don’t start telling me about other issues. Right now, we’re talking about antisemitism. And talking about a specific incident during a time does not dismiss the other incidents. Yes, we know we have other issues, but right now the focus is on antisemitism. That’s what it’s on. 

    And we can engage in other conversations. I’m going to continue to lift up my Asian brothers and sisters that are dealing with Asian violence. I’m going to continue to lift up the overproliferation of abuse in young African American males and the incarceration of them. I’m going to continue to lift up what’s happening with men and women of the LGBTQ+ community. We’re going to continue to do that. 

    But right now we’re in this stadium talking about antisemitism. And we need to be focused on what is happening, particularly in New York City, where you have a numerical minority of the community from the Jewish community and over 50 percent of the victims are Jewish people of hate crimes. That’s a real issue. And what we must focus on is to be laser focused on that. Because when we marry talking about this issue and bridging it with the other issues that we’re facing, we will raise the standard of who we are as human beings. 

    But how do we do it? That’s why I grabbed the football. This is a team sport, folks. If I’m the quarterback, you should not be the running back standing behind the center. Get your ass out of the way. Each player, play your position. We all got to play our positions. 

    If you are a teacher, you need to be in our public school system pushing back on the radicalization of our young people who not only hate Israel, they hate America because they were taught to hate America. That’s what we saw on the Columbia campus when the protests took place. We saw flyers that said hatred for Israel and hatred for America. Now, I don’t know who’s in this room, but I think you are Americans, right? 

    So, my educators must play their role. My faith-based leaders, play your position. You’re not the mayor. Be the rabbi, be the preacher, be the monk, be a Sikh leader. Play your position. And to my organizations, play your positions. Play your roles. And stand outside your comfort zones. Because if all we do all the time is speak to the same people, the choir heard the song, folks. It’s time to sing to those who are singing off-key so they can learn the lyrics and chorus of ending hate in our city and in our country. 

    And then let’s be honest with ourselves. Folks have been hating Jews for a long time. Our Jewish brothers and sisters have been fleeing and running from the days of Moses to when Columbus left Spain and Jews had to get out because of the edict, to being in Rome and watching the Jewish quarter. You can go over and over and over again to see how Jewish people have fled and ran from particular places. 

    And I’m saying to my Jewish brothers and sisters, your legacy in this generation is to say we run no more. We stand and fight. We don’t live in fear hoping that it goes away. We don’t allow certain groups to take to the streets and determine that you should be eradicated. And you’re sitting back contemplating what block you take off your yarmulke or what morning you remove your star of David. If you want to win this fight, then you need to stand up, stand firm, and say, “I am Jewish and there’s not a darn thing you can do about it.” 

    And you need to be strong in your faith and your belief. And people should see it in your presence and in your posture and in your stance. And that’s what we must do as a team. And then you need to lift up those who stand with you and let them know you support them. Because many of these mayors in this room will lose their races because they’re standing tall with you and not with the numerical loud minority that have hijacked the narrative. 

    They will be targeted, they will be focused, and they will go after them one at a time. That’s the hate that has swept our entire country and globe. You are being targeted. And we have to be as intelligent and as focused, as strategic as possible. That’s why we put the IHRA definition in place in New York City. 

    That’s why I am signing an executive order today to deal with BDS so we can stop the madness that we should not invest in Israel. That is why we’re going to sign an executive order stating that our pension funds will invest in Israeli companies because we’re getting a high return on our investment because they’re doing the right thing. 

    But Israel and Jews must tell their story. When I talk about ending antisemitism, you know what I talk about to that young African American man that’s in Brownsville? I tell him about the device that was discovered in Israel that helped his mother deal with a medical condition that she’s facing. 

    When I talk about ending hatred, you go look at who has the highest number of Nobel Peace Prize winners. Go look at the technology that’s coming out of Israel today because of the partnership that we have with New York City and Israel that is saving the lives of people from communities across the globe. 

    So, when you eradicate Israel and when you put them on an island and don’t allow their companies to go to trade shows and don’t allow their companies to participate in innovation, it is impacting us directly because it impacts us every day and the health and welfare of our communities. That’s what we have to do today. Don’t just talk about stopping antisemitism because it stops attacks on Jewish people. Stop antisemitism because we are all connected together and we’re all involved in this together. 

    I was sitting in a restaurant, as I conclude. It must have been October 10th. I’m sitting down at the table having a meal and a young African American woman walked in with a Howard University shirt on. She looked at me and said, “You’re one of those Zionist lovers. We know what you’re about. I just came from the march. We know what you are about.” 

    And while she’s saying that, I’m on my phone. I’m Googling Howard University. And I handed her my phone. And she looked at the founder of Howard University, Julius Rosenwald. And I told her, “Read on.” And she read on and she looked at the fact that almost 40 percent of the children in the Deep South were educated in schools that he opened, a Jewish philanthropist. 

    When segregation was the norm in the Deep South, he was opening schools so Black and Brown children could go to school and become teachers and educators to go into the Black and Brown communities and deal with segregation. And I said, “Read on.” And she saw how he was one of the original co-founders of the NAACP. 

    And I said, let’s go talk about the two Jewish young men who were down in Mississippi and lost their lives. But let’s not stop there. Let’s talk about when young white students went to the Deep South, 51 percent of them were Jewish, putting their lives on the line. And so yes, call me a Zionist. But what you can’t call me is mis-educated. And if you are going to denounce what gave birth to the college that you’re in right now, then they’re not educating you. 

    So, the next time you go in the street to celebrate October 7th, buy a plane ticket and go see what happened there. The next time you believe that you should eradicate from the river to the sea, first know where on the map you’re talking about. The next time you want to align yourself with groups who are proliferating hatred and talking about genocide, go look at what’s happening in Sudan and the thousands of lives that are being lost. 

    Lift up your educational understanding so you can properly fight a fight on the right side of the issue. That’s where we are missing this. They have indoctrinated and radicalized our children in the social media generation that is taking them down the road of devastation, of not knowing who their allies and brothers and sisters have historically been. 

    And you’re right, mayor. You are our cousins. You marched with us for Dr. King. You committed and volunteered your lives throughout the generations to stand side by side. But now your story can no longer be a tree that falls in a forest where no one hears a sound. It’s time for you to tell your story. Because if you don’t tell your story, people will distort your story. 

    So, I’m going to play my position. I may not be the best at it, but I’m going to do everything possible. We had a hockey player called Wayne Gretzky. They called him the ‘Great One.’ I loved his story. Wayne lost his first Stanley Cup. That’s a championship for hockey players. And he went into his locker room and all his teammates were pointing the finger at each other. “Who missed the puck? Who didn’t do their job?” 

    And then Wayne, being the gentleman that he is, walked down the hall to the opposing team’s locker room. It was quiet. He thought they went home. He peeked his head inside. They were laid out on the benches, bloody and bruised. They left everything they had on the ice. He knew then, that’s how you win. 

    And I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future. But I’m going to fight hate. And I’m going to be battered, I’m going to be bruised. I’m going to leave everything I have on the ice. And all I’m asking all of you, lace up your skates and get on this ice with me. And let’s win. 

    December 3, 2025 Manhattan, New York

    Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune News

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • Why Gen Z Is Renting Everything From Clothes to Strollers Instead of Owning (Video)

    Why Gen Z Is Renting Everything From Clothes to Strollers Instead of Owning (Video)

    Gen Z is driving a major shift away from traditional ownership and toward a rental-first lifestyle, according to a Fox Business discussion on the growing “rental boom.” Young consumers are now renting everything from clothes and kids’ strollers to glassware, treating access as more important than possession. What older generations might see as a financial red flag, many Gen Zers now see as a smart, flexible way to live—one that allows them to enjoy variety and convenience without long-term commitment or big upfront costs.

    USA news Z Rental Boom

    The panel highlighted that this rental trend has both lifestyle and environmental benefits. Renting fashion and children’s toys, for example, keeps items in circulation longer and reduces waste compared to fast fashion that ends up in landfills after just a few wears. At the same time, there’s still tension between the pride and responsibility that comes with owning assets and the ease of simply renting what you need, when you need it. The guests cautioned against calling things like clothes or shoes “assets,” noting that most people don’t recoup much value when they try to resell them.

    Technology is the backbone of this new rental economy. Subscription platforms and apps now make it easy to rent clothes, accessories, and even household items on demand, in much the same way services like Uber and Airbnb reshaped transportation and travel. Companies such as Nuuly, FashionPass, and rental programs by major brands leverage cloud-based technology to manage inventory, logistics, and customer preferences at scale. The result is a fast-growing business model where Gen Z can constantly refresh their lifestyle—wardrobes, baby gear, and more—without needing to own it all.

    Sources: Midtown Tribune news , Video Fox Business

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • Governor Hochul Launches Second $50 Million County Infrastructure Grant to Support Housing and Local Growth in New York

    Governor Hochul Launches Second $50 Million County Infrastructure Grant to Support Housing and Local Growth in New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul has opened a second round of the County Infrastructure Grant Program, adding another $50 million to help New York counties upgrade local infrastructure and support more housing, tourism, and community projects. Counties can apply now through April 1, 2026, with grants of up to $1 million for projects that create at least 10 new homes and up to $500,000 for smaller or non-housing projects. The program, run by Empire State Development, builds on a first round that funded 49 projects and more than 2,750 new homes, giving local governments the resources they need to fix aging systems, attract new residents and visitors, and create stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods across the state.

    Governor Hochul Announces Additional $50 Million for Second Round of County Infrastructure Grant Program

    Applications Now Open for County-Led Infrastructure Projects that Encourage Housing Growth, Placemaking and Tourism . Applications Due April 1, 2026

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a second round of the County Infrastructure Grant Program, which will provide an additional $50 million to support small- and medium-sized county-led infrastructure projects. Modern infrastructure is fundamental to New York State’s economic vitality. By supporting small- and medium-scale projects, the state can maintain its competitiveness, generate additional economic growth and continue to advance Governor Kathy Hochul’s bold housing agenda. Applications will be accepted now through April 1, 2026. Empire State Development (ESD) requires submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) prior to filing a final application. Links to the LOI and application are available here.

    “Coming from local government, I know firsthand how funding for local infrastructure projects can change a community — uplifting residents and providing those communities with a sense of purpose,” Governor Hochul said. “When counties are offered assistance to build more infrastructure, it gives these communities the opportunity to attract more visitors and spur housing development for generations to come.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Growing the state’s housing stock is not just a priority; it is a structural pillar of Governor Hochul’s administration and the essential catalyst for robust, sustainable economic growth. With another round of the County Infrastructure Grant Program, we are making a targeted investment that will provide critical housing stability for New Yorkers. This simultaneous effort will enhance the sense of place and vitality across our communities, creating the groundwork necessary to cultivate new jobs, attract new residents, and welcome visitors.”

    New York State Housing and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “With this second round of funding, Governor Hochul is building on the millions already invested to strengthen local infrastructure and unlock more than 2,700 housing opportunities across New York. The additional $50 million will pave the way for more homes, ensuring that counties have the tools they need to grow sustainably. By investing in the foundations of our communities, we are not only expanding the supply of housing, but also fueling economic vitality, supporting tourism, and creating vibrant neighborhoods where families can thrive. We are proud to continue partnering with counties throughout New York to turn these investments into lasting results.”

    New York State Association of Counties President Phil Church said, “This innovative grant program provides vital resources that empower counties to strengthen local communities — addressing critical housing needs while upgrading aging water and wastewater systems. The New York State Association of Counties applauds Governor Kathy Hochul, the State Legislature, and Empire State Development President & CEO Hope Knight for their leadership and continued investment in county infrastructure. These partnerships between state and local governments are essential to building vibrant, resilient communities across every region of New York. With this second round of funding totaling $100 M, counties have new opportunities to deliver projects that improve quality of life and lay the foundation for sustainable growth statewide.”

    State Senator Sean M. Ryan said, “Strong communities are built on reliable, modern infrastructure, and counties across New York have no shortage of worthy projects that just need the resources to move forward. This program gives local governments the support they need to upgrade aging systems, attract new housing, and lay the groundwork for long-term economic growth. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for continuing to invest in the growth of our communities.”

    Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “One of the biggest obstacles to economic development in New York State is housing — and a substantial amount of it for New Yorkers to live and work where they want to. The second round of the County Infrastructure Grant Program takes the housing crisis head-on, building on the success of its initial round to encourage additional housing, placemaking, and tourism in virtually every corner of the state. Small-scale infrastructure projects lacking the capital to get off the ground will get the chance to lift off and go from idea to implementation. This is an exciting opportunity to continue modernizing our neighborhoods and maintaining New York’s economic competitiveness, benefitting both residents and tourists alike.”

    An informational webinar will be held on Thursday, December 18 at 11:30 a.m. More information will be posted on the County Infrastructure Grant Program website.

    The County Infrastructure Grant Program was established to assist counties in developing infrastructure to better meet the needs of New Yorkers. The original $50 million program was included in the State’s FY 2025 Enacted Budget, with an additional $50 million included in the FY 2026 Enacted Budget. Grants of up to $1 million are awarded to priority projects that propose the creation of 10 or more housing units. Projects fewer than 10 housing units, or no housing creation, can receive up to $500,000. Projects are identified by the county and must support economic development, contribute to placemaking or encourage tourism. In July 2025, Governor Hochul announced that more than $37 million was awarded to 49 projects, supporting the construction of over 2,750 new homes, through the first round of the program.

    More information on the program, including how to apply, is on the Empire State Development website. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis through the Consolidated Funding Application portal.

    About Empire State Development

    December 2, 2025

    Albany, NY

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

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • Donald Trump and Venezuela: ‘Pinpoint Attacks’ on Drug Boats and Possible Ground Strikes

    Donald Trump and Venezuela: ‘Pinpoint Attacks’ on Drug Boats and Possible Ground Strikes

    In this segment, President Trump reaffirms his support for U.S. strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats and pointedly leaves the door open for potential land operations in Venezuela. He highlights that, in his view, more than 90% of narcotics arriving by sea have been stopped and frames the maritime campaign as a series of “pinpoint attacks” that are “saving hundreds of thousands of lives.” The messaging clearly positions these actions as part of a broader strategy to increase pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s regime and to treat the narcotics flow as a direct national security threat.

    The report then focuses on the controversy surrounding a two-strike incident on a suspected drug vessel in September. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth states he watched only the first strike live before leaving the room, after which operational control rested with Admiral Frank Bradley. According to U.S. officials cited by Fox News, Bradley authorized the second strike to fully sink the vessel, arguing it could have posed a threat to other ships or allowed survivors to call for armed backup. Hegseth references the “fog of war,” noting that fire, explosions, and smoke made it impossible to clearly see survivors in real time.

    Finally, the piece highlights the growing political and legal scrutiny in Washington. Both Democrats and some Republicans are questioning whether the second strike could qualify as a war crime under international law and U.S. rules of engagement. Lawmakers on the House and Senate Armed Services Committees are expected to press Admiral Bradley for detailed explanations in upcoming briefings. As a result, the Venezuela pressure campaign and anti-drug operations in the Caribbean are becoming not only a foreign and security policy issue, but also a test case for how far U.S. military force can be used in counter-narcotics missions without crossing legal and ethical red lines.

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • Reuters NEXT New York: Global Leaders Converge to Debate the World’s Most Urgent Questions

    Reuters NEXT New York: Global Leaders Converge to Debate the World’s Most Urgent Questions

    Reuters NEXT New York 2025

    New York, December 3–4, 2025 – As the world struggles to navigate geopolitical fracture, AI upheaval, and a fragile economy, Reuters NEXT returns to New York this week, assembling a heavyweight roster of policymakers, CEOs and creators to ask a simple but urgent question: what kind of future are we building?

    Over two days in the global financial hub, more than 700 leaders from business, government and civil society will take the stage across multiple tracks, tackling themes that range from war and peace to streaming wars, central bank policy to luxury retail.

    A summit of power brokers

    This year’s speaker lineup underlines the ambition of the summit. According to Reuters, confirmed speakers include:

    • António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations
    • Christian Klein, CEO of SAP
    • Naomi Gleit, Head of Product, Meta
    • Jimmy Wales, Founder of Wikipedia
    • Sarah Jessica Parker, executive producer and entrepreneur
    • Shari Redstone, Chair of Sipur Studios
    • Aidan Gomez, Co-Founder & CEO of AI firm Cohere
    • Stéphane de La Faverie, President & CEO, The Estée Lauder Companies
    • Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Television Studios & Peacock Scripted, NBCUniversal
    • Ilario Corna, CIO & CTO, International Olympic Committee
    • Joanne Crevoiserat, CEO of Tapestry
    • Rick Wurster, CEO of Charles Schwab
    • Senior leaders from Google, Cisco, Moderna and others

    They are joined by central bank governors, including representatives from Libya and Syria, underscoring how monetary policy and financial stability have become central to discussions about global risk and rebuilding trust in institutions. Reuters Agency

    Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni will lead interviews and discussions, supported by a team of senior journalists, as they press speakers on the decisions they are making now—and the consequences those choices will have for 2026 and beyond.

    Six themes, one turbulent world

    The official agenda is built around six core themes that reflect the fault lines of 2025:

    1. Geopolitics – Panels will explore an era of “growing geopolitical fragmentation,” as alliances are tested by regional conflicts, resource competition and shifting power centers.
    2. Economy & Markets – With investors nervously eyeing the outlook for 2026, speakers from banks, asset managers and major corporates will debate interest-rate paths, capital flows and the resilience of the global financial system.
    3. Banking & Finance – From regulatory scrutiny to fintech disruption, executives will drill into how financial institutions can stay profitable while financing the energy transition and safeguarding against systemic shocks.
    4. AI & Technology – Having moved from “AI experimentation to accountability,” the program delves into governance, transparency and the real business impact of generative AI, with leaders from Cohere, Google, Cisco and others.
    5. Climate & Sustainability – With pressure mounting after a year of record temperatures, CEOs and policymakers will look at how to fund decarbonization, reform supply chains and meet mounting disclosure demands.
    6. Business Leadership – Sessions will focus on leadership in an “increasingly contested information ecosystem,” where trust, internal communications and public credibility can make or break an organization.

    Beyond the headlines: AI, energy and attention

    What sets Reuters NEXT apart from many other executive gatherings is its framing as a live journalism experience. Interviews are run with the same rigor as a newsroom grilling: short on platitudes, long on specifics.

    Some of the most closely watched conversations are expected to orbit three clusters of issues:

    • AI disruption and accountability
      • Tech leaders will be asked how they intend to govern powerful AI models, reduce bias, and protect jobs—while still chasing growth.
      • Policy-makers and regulators in attendance are expected to push for clearer guardrails and more transparency on training data, safety testing and risk management.
    • Financing the energy transition
      • With trillions of dollars in investment needed, financial institutions and corporates will debate which models actually work, from green bonds to blended finance.
      • Executives in energy, heavy industry and consumer goods will be pressed on supply-chain emissions, reporting standards and how they balance shareholder pressure with long-term climate commitments.
    • The battle for attention – from streaming to social
      • Media, entertainment and tech executives—including leaders from NBCUniversal, Meta and the IOC—will explore how audiences are fragmenting across platforms and what that means for business models built on advertising and subscriptions.

    Why New York, why now

    New York—still one of the world’s dominant hubs for finance, media and diplomacy—offers a symbolic backdrop. The city has been at the center of debates on inequality, climate resilience, and the future of work, making it a fitting stage for conversations about reshaping global systems.

    The 2025 edition arrives at a moment when:

    • Markets are trying to price in a new interest-rate regime and adjust to slower, more uneven growth.
    • Governments are wrestling with how to regulate fast-moving technologies without stifling innovation.
    • Public trust in institutions—from banks to newsrooms to international bodies—remains fragile.

    In a statement ahead of the summit, Galloni framed the objective as cutting through the noise: Reuters NEXT is meant to “go beyond the headlines” and give decision-makers the “clarity, connections and action plans” they need to navigate the next few years.

    What to watch for

    While the full speaker page is hosted on the Reuters Events site and may feature additional names and sessions that aren’t publicly detailed elsewhere, a few flashpoints are already emerging from the published lineup and themes:

    • How blunt will leaders be? Will CEOs and policymakers speak candidly about geopolitical risks, or stick to carefully scripted talking points?
    • Concrete AI commitments. Will any firms announce new principles, partnerships or oversight mechanisms for AI deployment?
    • Climate credibility. Expect close attention to what companies say about measurable progress toward net-zero goals rather than generic pledges.
    • Media and misinformation. With Wikipedia’s Jimmy Wales, major broadcasters and platform leaders in the mix, discussions on information integrity and audience trust could become some of the most lively sessions.

    A forum under pressure to deliver

    Expectations for high-level summits like Reuters NEXT are rising. Critics often accuse elite gatherings of generating lofty rhetoric but little follow-through. Organizers, for their part, are positioning the New York summit as a working forum—where deals are sketched out in side rooms, cross-sector coalitions emerge, and some of the world’s most powerful decision-makers are forced to defend their strategies in public.

    Whether the 2025 edition ultimately shapes policy, markets or boardroom agendas will only become clear in the months ahead. For now, the arrival of this year’s speakers in New York signals at least one thing: amid uncertainty and upheaval, the conversation about “what comes next” is very much underway.

    Sources: Midtown Tribune , Reuters Agency+1

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • Ukraine Aid in November 2025: What Congress Funded and What Trump Could (Not) Do

    Ukraine Aid in November 2025: What Congress Funded and What Trump Could (Not) Do

    1. Who actually “allocates” money for Ukraine?

    Congress

    Under U.S. law, only Congress can appropriate federal money – set the legal dollar amounts and what they can be used for. This flows from the Appropriations Clause (“No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law…”) and is implemented through appropriations acts.

    Congressional Research Service (CRS) – the nonpartisan research arm of Congress – notes that Congress has passed five emergency supplemental funding measures for Ukraine since 2022, plus regular annual appropriations that also contain Ukraine-related money. Congress.gov+1

    A CRS brief on “U.S. Direct Financial Support for Ukraine” (IF12305, hosted on Congress.gov) lists those five Ukraine supplemental laws and states that as of January 2025 Congress had appropriated nearly $174.2 billion in Ukraine-related supplemental funding for FY2022–FY2024. Congress.gov

    The official UkraineOversight.gov “Funding” page (run by the Special Inspector General for Operation Atlantic Resolve) summarizes the same story in even plainer language:

    “Congress appropriated $174.2 billion through the five Ukraine supplemental appropriation acts enacted FY 2022 through FY 2024…” Ukraine Oversight

    So in law:

    • Congress writes and passes the bills that set the amounts and purposes (appropriations).
    • These include both the five Ukraine emergency supplementals and relevant pieces of annual spending bills.

    The President / Administration (now Trump)

    Once Congress has made money legally available, the executive branch controls how it’s used within those legal limits.

    CRS’s long report “Supplemental Funding for Ukraine” (R47275) walks through how Ukraine laws expanded the President’s authority to transfer or “draw down” defense articles and to reprogram some funds, but always within caps and conditions set by statute. Congress.gov

    The UkraineOversight.gov glossary (built from DoD’s Financial Management Regulation) explains the key concepts: Ukraine Oversight

    • Appropriation – Congress’s law that authorizes agencies to incur obligations and make payments for specified purposes.
    • Apportionment – how the Office of Management and Budget (in the Executive Office of the President) parcels out that appropriated money over time or categories.
    • Reprogramming / transfers – limited authority to shift money within or between accounts, as allowed by law.

    Putting that together, Trump (or any President) can:

    • Propose budgets and supplemental Ukraine requests (or choose not to request more).
    • Sign or veto what Congress passes.
    • Control implementation of already-appropriated funds:
      • which weapons go in which Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) package,
      • how quickly funds are obligated and disbursed,
      • and some reprogramming within the rules Congress set in the Ukraine supplementals and other appropriations. Congress.gov+1

    He cannot, on his own, create new Ukraine money that Congress hasn’t appropriated.

    Political reality right now (no non-gov sources)

    On top of the legal rules, there’s the politics:

    • A significant share of Members in the current Congress are openly skeptical about further, large Ukraine packages, often citing corruption and oversight concerns.
    • If Trump demanded a big new Ukraine supplemental that leadership and the base didn’t want, he would risk burning political capital with his own majority.

    Legally, he can ask; practically, he’s constrained by what Congress is willing to vote for.

    2. What did Congress budget for Ukraine in November 2025?

    Short answer using only U.S. government sources:

    • In November 2025, Congress passed H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026.
    • It is a continuing resolution (CR) that:
      • Ends the October–November 2025 government shutdown, and
      • Extends FY2026 “continuing appropriations” for most federal agencies through January 30, 2026, generally at FY2025 levels. Congress.gov
    • The official House Appropriations Committee press release describes this as a “clean funding extension” that extends funding “until January 30” and notes the shutdown “lasted 43 days.” House Appropriations GOP

    What exactly does H.R. 5371 do?

    The Congress.gov CRS summary (for H.R. 5371, now Public Law 119-37) states: Congress.gov

    “This bill ends the government shutdown by providing FY2026 continuing appropriations for most federal agencies through January 30, 2026…”

    and

    “The CR funds most programs and activities at the FY2025 levels with several exceptions…”

    Key implications:

    • It is not a Ukraine-specific law.
    • It continues existing accounts (including those that can be used for Ukraine) at about FY2025 levels for a short period.
    • It does not create a new, headline Ukraine supplemental title the way the five earlier Ukraine emergency laws did.

    From the House Appropriations Committee’s official November 12, 2025 press release, we see the same points in political language:

    • Shutdown “lasted 43 days”.
    • The CR is a “clean and straightforward short-term CR … [that] simply extends funding until January 30.” House Appropriations GOP

    Nothing in that official material indicates a brand-new, separate Ukraine aid package passed in November 2025.

    So, if someone says, “In November 2025 Trump budgeted $X more for Ukraine,” the government’s own documents show:

    November 2025 = general stopgap for the whole government, not a separate Ukraine supplemental.

    3. What Ukraine money was already on the books by then?

    By the time you reach November 2025, Ukraine funding mostly comes from:

    a) The five Ukraine supplemental laws (2022–2024)

    CRS’s IF12305 “U.S. Direct Financial Support for Ukraine” (on Congress.gov) lists the five emergency supplemental measures specifically responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: Congress.gov

    1. Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 – P.L. 117-103, Div. N
    2. Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022 – P.L. 117-128
    3. Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 – P.L. 117-180, Div. B
    4. Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 – P.L. 117-328, Div. M
    5. Ukraine Security Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2024 (USSAA) – P.L. 118-50, Div. B

    CRS then states:

    “As of January 2025, Congress has appropriated a total of nearly $174.2 billion from FY2022 through FY2024 in supplemental appropriations in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine.” Congress.gov

    The official UkraineOversight.gov Funding page uses essentially the same number and breaks it out: Ukraine Oversight

    • $174.2 billion from the five Ukraine supplementals (FY2022–FY2024),
    • plus $22.3 billion from annual agency appropriations,
    • plus $1.1 billion from other supplemental acts,

    for a total of about $187 billion in appropriations related to Operation Atlantic Resolve and the Ukraine response.

    That’s all money that Congress has already appropriated before the November 2025 CR.

    b) Ongoing defense and security authorities

    CRS’s R47275 “Supplemental Funding for Ukraine” details how these laws: Congress.gov

    • Raised the cap on Presidential Drawdown Authority for defense articles,
    • Created and funded the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI),
    • Expanded and adjusted transfer and reprogramming authorities for Ukraine-related support.

    Later, the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), in the Senate Armed Services Committee executive summary, notes that it extends USAI through 2028 and increases its authorized funding to $500 million (authorization, not appropriation, but still part of the Ukraine toolkit available once Congress supplies appropriations). Armed Services Committee

    Again, that’s not a November-2025 thing; it’s part of the broader FY2026 defense legislation.

    4. So how do you answer “Trump just allocated $X for Ukraine in November 2025”?

    Using only U.S. government documents, you can say:

    1. Congress, not Trump, legally allocates the money.
      • Congress has enacted five Ukraine supplemental appropriation acts plus related annual appropriations, totaling about $174.2 billion in Ukraine supplementals and $187 billion overall for the Ukraine response by early 2025. Congress.gov+1
    2. In November 2025, Congress did not pass a new, standalone Ukraine aid law.
      • It passed H.R. 5371 (P.L. 119-37), a continuing resolution that:
        • Ended the 43-day shutdown and
        • Extended most funding at FY2025 levels through January 30, 2026. Congress.gov+1
      • Nothing in the official CRS summary or House Appropriations release suggests a separate, new Ukraine-only tranche in November 2025.
    3. Trump’s actual role is:
      • He signs or vetoes what Congress sends him (H.R. 5371 became law on Nov. 12, 2025). Congress.gov
      • He chooses whether to request more Ukraine money in future supplementals. Congress.gov
      • Through OMB apportionment and statutory authorities (drawdown, reprogramming, etc.), his administration controls the pace and form in which already-appropriated Ukraine funds are used. Congress.gov+1

    Sources: Midtown Tribune news ,

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

  • New York City Reaches $38.9 Million Fair Workweek Settlement With Starbucks

    New York City Reaches $38.9 Million Fair Workweek Settlement With Starbucks

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) announced a $38.9 million settlement with Starbucks resolving more than 500,000 alleged violations of the city’s Fair Workweek Law at over 300 locations between 2021 and 2024. Under the agreement, Starbucks will provide more than $35.5 million in restitution to over 15,000 current and former hourly employees in New York City—generally $50 for each week worked from July 4, 2021 through July 7, 2024—and pay $3.4 million in civil penalties and costs. DCWP’s investigation found that the company failed to provide consistent and predictable schedules, reduced hours by more than 15 percent in many cases, and did not adequately offer additional shifts to existing staff, resulting in involuntary part-time work. The settlement requires Starbucks to comply with Fair Workweek requirements going forward and allows workers who experienced violations after July 7, 2024, or who were affected by recent store closures, to seek additional relief through DCWP’s complaint process.

    Mayor Adams, DCWP Announce $38 Million Settlement With Starbucks in Largest Worker Protection Settlement in City History

    What you should know

    • Historic Settlement Follows Multi-Year Investigation by Adams Administration
    • All Hourly Starbucks Workers From July 2021 to July 2024 in New York City to Receive Restitution Payments, Agreement Expected to Benefit Over 15,000 Workers
    • Over 300 Starbucks Locations Across City Arbitrarily Cut Workers’ Hours, Involuntarily Kept Them in Part-Time Work, and Failed to Provide Predictable Schedules, Resulting in Over 500,00 Violations of the Fair Workweek Law

    – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga today announced a landmark $38.9 million settlement with Starbucks for widespread violation of the city’s Fair Workweek Law — the largest worker protection settlement in New York City history. A multi-year investigation by DCWP found that Starbucks committed more than half a million violations of the law since 2021, illegally denying thousands of workers across more than 300 locations the right to stable and predictable schedules, as well as the right to pick up additional hours and earn more; instead, Starbucks arbitrarily cut schedules and illegally prioritized their own profits over their workers’ rights.

    The settlement announced today requires Starbucks to pay more than $35.5 million in restitution to over 15,000 workers harmed by Starbucks’ unlawful practices, as well as any additional workers who come forward. The settlement also requires Starbucks to pay $3.4 million in civil penalties and costs and requires the company to comply with the law going forward. With today’s settlement, the Adams administration has now secured nearly $90 million in worker relief from different companies as it ensures New York workers get every dollar they have earned.

    “It does not matter how big your business is or how much money your company makes, if you violate our workers’ rights, you will pay the price,” said Mayor Adams. “With this landmark settlement, we’ll put tens of millions of dollars back into the pockets of hard-working New Yorkers and reinforce every New Yorker’s right to a reliable schedule, full hours, and basic dignity. We’ll make sure that New York City remains a place where employees are treated fairly and working-class people can still get ahead.”

    “The city’s Fair Workweek Law provides workers with vital protections, like the right to a predictable schedule so workers can plan their lives and earn stable incomes, but Starbucks chose to ignore these rights and prioritize their own bottom line,” said DCWP Commissioner Mayuga. “All workers deserve to be treated with dignity, and we are proud to stand up for our neighbors when a multibillion-dollar company like Starbucks chooses to systematically violate their employees’ rights.”

    DCWP launched an investigation into Starbucks in 2022 after receiving dozens of worker complaints about several Starbucks locations. Based on the evidence gathered — including reports from hundreds of employees and data from Starbucks — DCWP uncovered a pattern of systemic violations beyond the initial locations. DCWP then expanded the investigation to all Starbucks locations citywide.

    DCWP’s investigation found that most Starbucks employees in New York City never received regular schedules, making it difficult for workers to plan other commitments, such as child care, education, or second jobs. Starbucks also routinely and unlawfully reduced employees’ hours by more than 15 percent, making it difficult for employees to know how much money they would make week to week or whether they would earn enough to get by. Further, Starbucks denied workers the opportunity to pick up additional shifts, keeping them involuntarily in part-time work while continuing to hire new workers.

    Under today’s agreement, most employees who worked for Starbucks in an hourly position in New York City will receive $50 for each week worked from July 4, 2021 through July 7, 2024. For example, an employee who worked for Starbucks continuously for a year and a half (78 weeks) will receive $3,900. Employees will receive a check in the mail this winter. Any employee who experienced a violation after July 7, 2024 may be eligible for compensation under the settlement by filing a complaint with DCWP.

    The settlement also carves out claims related to layoffs following Starbucks’ recent closures of New York City stores. Under the law, laid-off employees have a right to reinstatement at other open locations. DCWP is monitoring Starbucks’ compliance with this obligation and assisting workers who want reinstatement. Workers who want to file a complaint to claim restitution or experience violations of their right to reinstatement should contact DCWP online or call 311.

    Under the Fair Workweek Law, fast food employers in New York City must give workers regular schedules, work schedules 14 days in advance that are consistent with the regular schedule, premium pay for schedule changes, the opportunity to decline to work additional time, and the opportunity to work newly available shifts before hiring new workers. Fast food employers also cannot schedule a “clopening” shift (a closing shift one night, followed by an opening shift the very next morning) unless the worker consents in writing and receives a $100 premium to work the shift. Additionally, these fast food employers cannot fire or reduce the hours of a worker by more than 15 percent without just cause and must reinstate laid-off workers at their other locations.

    The Workers’ Bill of Rights — a multilingual and comprehensive guide to rights in the workplace in New York City — summarizes the laws that protect workers, including employees, freelancers, workers classified as independent contractors, and job applicants in New York City, regardless of immigration status. The Workers’ Bill of Rights includes information on rights enforced by DCWP, like Paid Safe and Sick Leave, the Fair Workweek Law, the Temporary Schedule Change Law, and the city’s Delivery Worker Laws, as well as rights enforced by other state and federal agencies, like minimum wage and the right to organize. It also includes information about who to contact for more information or with questions, as well as how to file a complaint. Workers and employers can visit DCWP’s workers’ rights site or call 311 (212-NEW-YORK outside New York City) for more information about the laws that DCWP enforces or to file a complaint. Complaints can be filed anonymously. It is illegal to retaliate against workers for filing complaints. 

    “This historic settlement marks a major victory for thousands of Starbucks baristas across New York City. For too long, Starbucks has acted with impunity: manipulating schedules, disrespecting workers, and ignoring legal protections put into place by New Yorkers to protect working people from unfair business practices,” said Lynne Fox, international president, Workers United. “The settlement money awarded to Starbucks baristas will help them make ends meet this winter. Thousands of Starbucks baristas in New York City and across the country remain on an Unfair Labor Practices strike and are demanding a fair union contract that memorializes job protections, better staffing, and higher pay. We are grateful to DCWP for holding Starbucks accountable for the baristas who keep their stores running.”

    “Starbucks workers deserved predictable hours and a fair shot at full-time work, and this settlement delivers real accountability,” said Brendan Griffith, president, New York City Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. “We applaud DCWP for enforcing the Fair Workweek Law and making sure thousands of working people get money they were denied. At a moment when Starbucks workers across the country, including here in New York City, are on a unfair labor practice strike for living wages, fair schedules, and respect on the job, this action sends a clear signal that workers’ rights matter and must be upheld.”

    “Far too often companies that abuse their workers, for reasons of pure corporate greed, do so without any repercussions,” said Theodore A. Moore, executive director, The Alliance for a Greater New York. “Thankfully, this is not one of those occasions. We applaud the work of Commissioner Mayuga and the amazing team at DCWP for their extraordinary enforcement of our city’s Fair Workweek Law. We hope this settlement will embolden workers to speak up and fight, while letting corporations know that their evil deeds will not go unpunished!”

    “Baristas are what keep Starbucks running. From Astoria to South Slope, we are the ones who create the warm, welcoming environment Starbucks advertises. When this company cuts our hours, understaffs our stores, and busts our union, it makes it harder for us to do our job and create that great experience for customers,” said Kai Fritz, barista, Starbucks. “This settlement is a step in the right direction. It shows the power baristas have when we stand together and demand change. We are continuing to fight back against Starbucks’ greed and will not stop until we have a fair contract that ensures the support and protections we need to thrive.”

    December 1, 2025 New York

    Sources: NYC.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
    Midtown Tribune News

    Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York