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New York. Governor Hochul Declares State of Emergency During Ongoing Coastal Storm
Governor Kathy Hochul today declared a State of Emergency for eight counties across southern New York after urging New Yorkers to continue to prepare as a strong coastal storm is set to impact much of New York beginning Sunday afternoon. The State of Emergency includes the Bronx, Kings, Nassau, New York, Queens, Richmond, Suffolk and Westchester Counties as well as counties contiguous to those eight. New York State has been working in close coordination with all county and city partners on storm preparations including the City of New York. The storm has strengthened as it has moved up the mid-Atlantic coast toward southern New England and is expected to cause widespread moderate to major coastal flooding throughout Downstate New York, along with bringing strong winds and long duration rain to the region. In response, utilities have added more than 1,600 workers throughout the Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions to support storm response operations.

“As the Nor’easter continues making its way through New York, I’m declaring a State of Emergency across boroughs and counties most impacted by the storm,” Governor Hochul said. “The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority, and I continue to urge extreme caution until the storm has passed through the state.”

Governor Hochul began warning New Yorkers of this storm and its impacts earlier this week and is continuing to urge New Yorkers to closely monitor their local forecasts, prepare their households accordingly and avoid traveling in impacted areas this weekend.

New York State Department of Public Service staff have been in communication with the electric utilities with service territories in the forecasted area anticipated to be affected by this weekend’s Nor’easter event. Con Edison, Orange and Rockland, PSEG Long Island, Central Hudson Gas and Electric, and NYSEG are all actively monitoring forecasts and preparing for potential impacts to their respective service territories.

Utility preparations have included bringing in an additional 1,618 workers, activation of respective Incident Command, staging equipment, conducting outbound calls to Life Support Equipment (LSE) customers and critical facility customers in the areas anticipated to receive the most impacts, as well as conducting municipal officials calls. Utility crews are prepared to operate in the overnight hours to respond where safe to do so. All utilities continue to monitor the forecast and will make resource adjustments in alignment with existing emergency plans.

The utilities have approximately 7,118 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across the state, as necessary. This includes the addition of more than 1,600 workers since Friday, with ConEd and Orange and Rockland adding 900 workers, PSEG LI adding 520, and NYSEG adding 198 workers, and Central Hudson adding 44 workers. Department staff will track utilities’ work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

The threat for coastal flooding has increased as the storm has moved up the coast and the National Weather Service now has Coastal Flood Warnings in place for Long Island, New York City and Southern Westchester County beginning 12 p.m. Sunday through 8 p.m. Monday. Forecasts are calling for widespread moderate to major coastal flooding for the south shore bays of Nassau and southwestern Suffolk counties during times of high tide until Monday. Widespread minor to moderate coastal flooding remains a threat for the remainder of the coastline, with the widespread possibility of dune erosion and localized overwashes along the Atlantic Ocean beaches.

Strong winds are also expected to be a major hazard throughout the duration of the storm. The National Weather Service has issued a High Wind Warning for much of Suffolk County beginning at 12 p.m. Sunday through 6 p.m. Monday, with a Wind Advisory in place for the rest of Long Island, New York City and Southern Westchester County. During this period, wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour are possible and could result in downed trees and possible power outages. Due to the forecasted high wind conditions, MTA Bridges and Tunnels will implement a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem (piggyback, dual, triple, etc.) trucks on its seven bridges beginning 3:00 p.m. Sunday. Based on the current forecast and the overall timing of this weather event, it is anticipated this ban will be in place until 6:00 p.m. Monday.

Forecasters are also calling for long duration rainfall as part of this storm, the most intense of which will be focused downstate where between 1.5 and 3 inches of rainfall is expected in the lower Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island Regions and minor flooding resulting from poor drainage is possible. The northern Mid-Hudson and southern Capital Regions are forecast to receive between an inch and 1.5 inches of rain, while the rest of the state should see an inch or less. The rainfall has the potential to cause flooding in urban areas with poor drainage throughout Sunday and into Monday.

New Yorkers are encouraged to monitor their local forecasts, weather watches and warnings. It is critical to ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones. New Yorkers can also sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts that will be texted to their phones by texting their county or borough name to 333111. For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov.

Safety Tips

Power Outages:
- Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
- If you lose power, turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
- If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.
To Report an Electric Outage, call:
- Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
- Con Edison: 800-752-6633
- National Grid: 800-867-5222
- NYSEG: 800-572-1131
- O&R: 877-434-4100
- PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
- RG&E: 800-743-1701
Flood Safety:
- Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
- Develop and practice a ‘family escape’ plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
- Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothing and other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place and consider maintaining photo and video documentation.
- Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
- Plan what to do with your pets.
- Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.
- Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
- Find out how many feet your property is above and below possible flood levels. When predicted flood levels are broadcast, you can determine if you may be flooded.
- Keep materials like sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting and lumber handy for emergency waterproofing.
- Check on your insurance coverage. Homeowners’ insurance policies generally do not cover flood damages. Only flood insurance can protect your home against flood damages. You can purchase flood insurance whether or not you live in a mapped flood zone.
For a complete list of weather terms and preparation ideas before, during and after a flood, visit the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services website at https://www.dhses.ny.gov/flood.

October 12, 2025

Albany, NY

Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Midtown Tribune News

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York
October 12, 2025
NEW YORK. ADAMS TOUTS PATH SUBWAY CRACKDOWN: 20K CONTACTS, 6K GET HELP, CRIME DOWN

— Mayor Eric Adams marked one year of the PATH co-response push on the subways, bragging that teams of cops and clinicians made 20,100 contacts, delivered care more than 6,100 times, and steered nearly 1,900 people living underground into shelter. Working with PATH clinicians, NYPD also bounced 2,100 riders for MTA rule and law violations. City Hall says transit crime fell 17% in September year over year—capping a summer of record lows—as Adams doubles down on his “end the anything-goes” mantra with more Safe Haven beds, expanded treatment, and a $650M plan to tackle homelessness and severe mental illness.

Mayor Adams Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Path Co-Response Program Connecting New Yorkers in Need on Subways to Shelter, Health Care, and Support

– New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Molly Wasow Park today celebrated the one-year anniversary of the Partnership Assistance for Transit Homelessness (PATH) program — a public safety and social services co-response outreach initiative, launched in August 2024, to help keep New Yorkers safe and healthy on the subway system. The PATH teams have made over 20,100 engagements with unhoused New Yorkers living in the subway system, delivering critical services — including shelter, meals, medical care, and mental health support — more than 6,100 times. Additionally, NYPD Transit Bureau officers, working alongside PATH clinicians, have removed more than 2,100 individuals from the transit system for various violations of the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) rules of conduct or state law.

Today’s announcement builds on Mayor Adams’ “End the Culture of Anything Goes” campaign, the administration’s landmark effort to change the culture and laws that prevented people with severe mental illness from getting the help they needed. This initiative simultaneously makes the investments necessary to support outreach, harm reduction, wraparound services, and housing — to make lasting impacts on lives and communities, and improve New Yorkers’ quality of life. Mayor Adams is bringing the same energy and approach that proved to be successful in carving a new path for people with severe mental illness to address other health crises playing out on city streets, like drug addiction, and he recently laid out plans realize that vision by connecting those suffering with treatment.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is our number one commitment — especially on the subways, which millions of riders rely on every day,” said Mayor Adams. “Today, we are proud to celebrate the one-year anniversary of our PATH program, which has already connected thousands of New Yorkers in need on our subways to critical services. When we took office, we made it clear: the days of ignoring people in need on our streets and in our subways were over. And since then, our administration has fundamentally changed the conversation on severe mental illness and fought to end the culture of ‘anything goes.’ Our PATH program shows that compassion, public safety, and justice must all go together — and this anniversary marks an important milestone in making New York City just that: more kind, more just, and safer for everyone.”

PATH teams bring together NYPD Transit Bureau officers, New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) nurses, and outreach staff from NYC Health + Hospitals to connect New Yorkers to services, including shelter, meals, medical care, and mental health support. From 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM the next day, teams conduct targeted outreach across Manhattan stations and trains, engaging anyone who appears to be unsheltered.

The program is part of the city’s growing use of “co-response” — a crisis response model gaining traction nationally in which clinical professionals are paired with police to engage with members of the public in need of medical care and/or social services. Participating police officers receive specialized training in crisis de-escalation and allow their clinical partners to take the lead once safety is assured. While co-response is not meant to replace traditional outreach conducted without police involvement, in certain situations, the presence of police officers affords clinicians a greater sense of personal safety, enabling more meaningful engagement with those in need. Co-response also greatly enhances the ability of a clinician to initiate transport to a hospital for evaluation in circumstances where an individual exhibits symptoms of mental illness presenting a danger to themselves or others.

Co-response offers tailored support based on each person’s needs — from a hot meal and a bed for the night to medical attention or psychiatric evaluation — improving both the safety and effectiveness of outreach efforts and increasing the changes of connecting people to lasting care.

“Strengthening interagency collaboration through initiatives like PATH is vital to expanding the scope of the city’s outreach efforts and increasing reliance on social workers to ensure meaningful engagements with New Yorkers experiencing homelessness,” said DSS Commissioner Wasow Park. “We are grateful for the dedication of our outreach workers and nurses who always lead with dignity and compassion as they engage New Yorkers who have fallen through every safety net, building trust and connecting them to life-saving supports. We are committed to leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to reach and support some of our most vulnerable neighbors and improve health care and housing outcomes for them.”

“The PATH program is a critical initiative to address homelessness and other quality of life conditions in our subway system, and one year later, the results of this whole-government approach speak for themselves,” said NYPD Commissioner Tisch. “Thousands of New Yorkers are getting access to the resources they need and deserve, and transit crime is at record lows across the city. None of this is by accident — it’s because of the incredible work of the NYPD, DSS, DHS, and NYC Health + Hospitals that have all provided this important care, and Mayor Adams who has always put the safety of our city first.”

“We’ve known all along that more effective mental health outreach and treatment were needed in our subway system to help cut down on transit crime and deal with disorder underground,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Thanks to investments from Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams, we’ve made progress on both fronts — as proven out by surging ridership and customer satisfaction.”

Addressing transit crime and homelessness in the subway system has been one of Mayor Adams’ top public safety priorities since taking office. In February 2022, Mayor Adams first launched the Subway Safety Plan to address public safety concerns, protect riders, and connect some of the city’s hardest-to-reach New Yorkers to services. Since the start of the plan, over 8,600 New Yorkers have been connected from the subways to shelter, with over 1,000 now in permanent, affordable housing. These outreach efforts, along with others, such as Subway Co-Response Outreach Teams (SCOUT), encounter a range of people living unsheltered with various needs.

In the fall of 2022, Mayor Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul deployed an additional 1,200 police officers to subway platforms and trains each day. Following the end of that deployment, in 2023, Mayor Adams again directed the NYPD to surge an additional 1,000 police officers into the subway system each day to help keep New Yorkers safe and bring overall crime in the transit system down. In January 2025, in partnership with the Adams administration and Governor Hochul, the NYPD began deployment of two police officers on every train during overnight hours, seven days per week.

These safety efforts together are delivering indisputable results: overall transit crime fell 17 percent in September compared to the same month last year — the lowest level for any September in recorded history, excluding the 2020 and 2021 pandemic years. This follows record low major crime in transit for July and August, excluding the pandemic years.

PATH complements the city’s 24/7 above-ground HOME-STAT outreach efforts — one of the most comprehensive outreach programs in the nation — which have also resulted in vital connections to shelter services for thousands of New Yorkers experiencing unsheltered homelessness across city streets, parks, and other public places. As of today, DSS has approximately 400 outreach staff canvassing the five boroughs around-the-clock; this includes a reliable network of contracted outreach workers from not-for-profit human services providers with extensive experience addressing unsheltered homelessness.

Throughout his administration, and as laid out in “Care, Community, Action: A Mental Health Plan for NYC,” Mayor Adams has been committed to taking a public health approach to supporting people with severe mental illness, focusing on prevention and intervention.

That Adams administration has opened 1,500 new low-barrier Safe Haven and stabilization beds for New Yorkers — bringing the total to 4,000 — and invested in innovative mental health programs like SCOUT, the opening of 13 new Clubhouses, and expanded Intensive Mobile Treatment teams.

Additionally, earlier this year, in his State of the City address, Mayor Adams announced a historic $650 million plan to tackle homelessness and support people with severe mental illness by dramatically expanding the city’s capacity to serve people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, as well as offering supportive, home-like environments to patients with serious mental illness who are ready for discharge from the hospital but do not yet have a place to go through “Bridge to Home,” a new innovative transitional housing model.

Finally, the Adams administration also successfully advocated for changes to state law, passed in 2025, that remove barriers to psychiatric care for those unable to recognize their own need for it, alongside increased transparency through public reporting of involuntary hospital transport data.

Building off all this work, in August, Mayor Adams announced a new change he is proposing in the 2026 state legislative session to support people struggling with substance use disorder and address public drug use on city streets that degrades quality of life and leaves a feeling of disorder among many city residents. The “Compassionate Interventions Act” will give clinical professionals the authority they need to bring someone who appears to pose a danger to themselves or others due to substance use disorder to a hospital and allow a judge to mandate treatment if the person is unwilling to enter treatment voluntarily. The change would help put New York in line with 37 other states that authorize involuntary commitment for substance use disorder as it builds on Mayor Adams’ successful work since the start of the Adams administration to address the interwoven crises of severe mental illness, addiction, and homelessness playing out on city streets.

By combining targeted enforcement with compassionate, evidence-based outreach, the PATH program and broader Subway Safety Plan — along with these other public safety, public health, and housing plans — are delivering safer subways, stronger communities, and better futures for New Yorkers.

October 10, 2025 NEW YORK

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

NYC Mayor’s Office

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

October 12, 2025
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month: A Message from Donald Trump

White House. In this message, President Trump condemns domestic violence as an attack on families and pledges strong action to protect survivors. He highlights support for victims, urging anyone in danger to call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. The statement outlines efforts to enforce the law, including arrests and prosecutions, strengthening border security, dismantling trafficking networks, and conducting large-scale deportations of violent offenders. It also notes the TAKE IT DOWN Act to protect children and families from online exploitation and deepfakes. The message closes with a promise to build safer homes and communities by holding abusers accountable and standing with survivors.

Presidential Message on National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

The shameful scourge of domestic violence is a direct assault on our Nation’s most sacred and fundamental institution: the family. For a family to be strong, all its members must feel safe.
Domestic violence, which particularly affects women, who so often are the backbone of our families, and their vulnerable children, is particularly corrosive This National Domestic Violence Awareness month, my Administration renews its commitment to ending domestic violence by restoring the rule of law, cleaning up our Nation’s streets, and aggressively arresting and prosecuting every criminal who terrorizes our fellow citizens and their families.

From the quiet seclusion of our homes and workplaces to the bustling centers of our cities and towns, every year, the violent plague of domestic violence inflicts searing pain, trauma, and heartbreak upon as many as 10 million precious American lives. As President, I am steadfastly devoted to uplifting survivors of domestic violence and ensuring they know they are never alone, and that help and support are always within reach. For immediate and confidential support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

To further safeguard American communities and protect families from domestic violence, I am securing our southern border, dismantling human trafficking networks, and conducting the largest mass deportation operation in American history. We are removing dangerous illegal immigrants who have brought bloodshed and mayhem onto our streets—many of whom have been charged heinous crimes, including domestic abuse, against citizens of our Nation. I have also supported our law enforcement officers who so often must respond to and work to prevent domestic violence. And I signed into law the TAKE IT DOWN Act—a landmark step that strengthens protections for children and families against digital exploitation and deepfakes, which are far too often used by abusers to target their victims online.

This month, we affirm that the American Dream should be within reach for our fathers, mothers, daughters, and sons. Under my leadership, violent criminals are once again being deported and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law—and we are once again a Nation committed to the sacred principles of law, order, and justice. Together, we will foster safer homes and stronger communities by striving to eliminate domestic violence in all its horrific forms, holding perpetrators accountable, and empowering survivors with unwavering support.

The White House

October 10, 2025

Sources: White House , Midtown Tribune News ,

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

October 10, 2025
Hochul Criticizes Federal Denial of $34 Million in MTA Security Grants
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul condemned a federal move that left the Metropolitan Transportation Authority without $34 million from FEMA’s Transit Security Grant Program—the only one of 21 applicants to receive no award—saying the state will pursue legal remedies to restore the funds.
The MTA had earmarked the money for cyber defenses, hundreds of additional cameras and access controls, expansion of chemical-detection systems, TSA-required training for 16,000 employees, and MTAPD counterterror deployments and vehicles. Following a lawsuit by the state attorney general, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking FEMA from executing the reduction; FEMA hasn’t formally reinstated the grant. City and MTA security officials warned of operational impacts, while the governor pointed to state and city investments she says have pushed transit crime to multiyear lows and noted separate restorations of $187 million in homeland-security funding.

Governor Hochul Slams Federal Cuts to Counterterrorism Funding for New York’s Mass Transit Safety

Governor Kathy Hochul today called out Washington Republicans for cutting critical safety and security funding for New York’s mass transit system. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) had been slated to receive $34 million in federal Transit Security Grant Program funds, which support essential counter-terror and transit security functions. Last week, lawmakers were notified that the MTA was to be the only agency of 21 applicants nationwide to not receive federal security dollars via this program.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe, from our streets to our subways, is my highest priority,” Governor Hochul said. “Since 9/11, New York has relied on federal support to ensure that our transit system has the counterterrorism resources it needs to keep millions of riders safe every single day. The shocking actions of Washington Republicans to slash these funds and defund the police put New York City at risk. We will not tolerate these cuts; New York will take every action available to us — including the courts — to ensure the MTA gets this critical funding to keep millions of riders safe.”

The Transit Security Grant Program was started after 9/11. Administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), these grants support critical functions to keep mass transit systems safe from security threats. The MTA carries a significant portion of the United States’ mass transit riders, with over 6 million daily trips taken on Metro-North, the Long Island Rail Road, and New York City Transit. In addition to approximately $12 million which would go to the NYPD, the MTA had planned to utilize this year’s grant funding to support the following public safety and counter-terror investments:
- Two cybersecurity projects, extending cyber visibility into MTA’s key systems, and a cyber lab to develop protections and vet operational technology systems.
- The procurement and deployment of approximately 330 tactical cellular cameras to replace & expand upon current unsecure offline devices in a cost-effective manner.
- The expansion of MTA weapons of mass destruction chemical detection system across 9 subway lines and a commuter rail terminal.
- The TSA mandated frontline security awareness training of 16,000 MTA employees.
- 374 deployments of MTAPD counterterrorism teams.
- The procurement of 3 MTAPD counterterrorism coordination and response vehicles.
- The installation of several hundred cameras, access control points, and laser intrusion detection systems at a major subway complex.
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, MTA has made huge progress on every front – safety, reliability and ridership. It’s truly strange that Washington keeps spinning stories about subway crime, but then defunds the NYPD and MTA cops who patrol the system.”

MTA Chief Security Officer Michael Kemper said, “I can’t overstate the importance of this grant funding in reinforcing and advancing our counterterrorism initiatives. It significantly enhances our operational capabilities, all with the goal of providing a safe and secure transit environment for our riders and workforce — a responsibility we take seriously every single day.”

“Keeping New Yorkers safe, from our streets to our subways, is my highest priority”

Governor Kathy Hochul

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said, “The NYPD’s counterterrorism operations are essential to keeping people safe both above ground and below ground on our subways. Withholding these critical funds from the busiest transit system in the country is a profound mistake, and one that will make New York City’s subways meaningfully less safe. Counterterrorism operations – and public safety in general – cannot be politicized, and I thank Governor Hochul for her efforts to ensure the NYPD has the resources it needs to protect New Yorkers.”

Following initial reporting that the MTA would not receive Transit Security Grant Program funding, the Office of the New York Attorney General filed suit in the Southern District of New York, which issued a Temporary Restraining Order barring FEMA from executing the cuts. To date, FEMA has not formally notified the MTA that their funding has been restored.

New York State and the NYPD continue to make significant investments in subway safety. These investments, which support an ongoing surge of NYPD officers in the subway system — including overnight train patrols announced by Governor Hochul in her 2025 State of the State address — have succeeded in reducing transit crime to historic lows in 2025. In 2022, Governor Hochul directed the MTA to install cameras in all 6,000 of its subway cars, which it completed last year. To further enhance safety, this year, the MTA began installing brighter, safer LED lights in all 472 subway stations as well as platform edge barriers to improve customer safety at 100 stations throughout the system.

Subway crime in September was down 31 percent from September 2024, and year-to-date, crime is down 4.3 percent compared to 2024. This summer was the safest summer in the subway since 2009, with major crimes down nearly 10 percent from 2024. Felony assaults in the transit system were down in September, and were down every month this summer when compared with the same month last year.

Last week, Governor Hochul successfully fought to restore $187 million in critical counterterrorism and homeland security funding cuts which had been planned by the Department of Homeland Security. These unprecedented cuts would have had a direct impact on public safety agencies throughout the state.

October 9, 2025

Albany, NY

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

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York
October 10, 2025
Federal Grand Jury Indicts N.Y. AG Letitia James in Bank-Fraud Case

U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan for the Eastern District of Virginia said a federal grand jury has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on bank fraud (18 U.S.C. §1344) and false-statement (18 U.S.C. §1014) charges, calling the alleged conduct a serious breach of public trust. If convicted, Ms. James faces up to 30 years in prison per count, fines of up to $1 million per count, and forfeiture; actual sentences typically fall below statutory maximums and will be set by a federal judge under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

New York State Attorney General Letitia James Indicted

Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, announced today that a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging New York State Attorney General Letitia James with Bank Fraud under 18 U.S.C. Section 1344 and False Statements to a Financial Institution under 18 U.S.C. Section 1014.

“No one is above the law. The charges as alleged in this case represent intentional, criminal acts and tremendous breaches of the public’s trust,” said U.S. Attorney Halligan. “The facts and the law in this case are clear, and we will continue following them to ensure that justice is served.”

https://youtube.com/watch?v=qGiY2iYyfy0%3Ffeature%3Doembed

If convicted, Letitia James faces penalties including up to 30 years in prison per count, up to a $1 million fine on each count, and forfeiture. Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

October 9, 2025Share

For Immediate Release

U.S. Attorney’s Office, Eastern District of Virginia

ALEXANDRIA, Va

Contact: Press Officer
USAVAE.Press@usdoj.gov

Updated October 9, 2025

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

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

October 9, 2025
New York City, 73 Others Urge Ninth Circuit to Keep Block on Federal Guard Deployment

— New York City joined 73 other local governments in an Oct. 7, 2025 amicus brief backing Oregon in Oregon v. Trump, asking the Ninth Circuit to uphold a district court order blocking the Trump administration’s September deployment of National Guard troops to Portland. The coalition argues Washington overstepped its authority under 10 U.S.C. §12406, saying there was no invasion or rebellion to justify dispatching roughly 200 troops over local objections. City officials warn such deployments disrupt policing, chill commerce and shift costs to taxpayers—citing prior bills of $134 million in Los Angeles and an estimated $10 million in Oregon. The group frames Guard use as a last resort, not a tool for routine civil unrest, while the federal government seeks an immediate stay of the district court’s Oct. 4 temporary restraining order.

City of New York Takes New Action Opposing Federal Government’s Military Deployment in American Cities

– The City of New York — as part of a coalition of 74 localities from around the nation — has filed a new amicus brief supporting Oregon’s ongoing case against the federal government’s unlawful deployment of the National Guard in Portland. In the brief, the coalition urges the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to affirm a district court ruling in Oregon v. Trump, which enjoined the federal government from deploying federal troops in Portland. The coalition warns against the Trump administration’s plans to deploy the National Guard at “anytime, anywhere, for any reason — based on nothing more than sporadic incidents of conflict or being a disfavored jurisdiction.” The coalition highlights the harms to local sovereignty, to local peace and tranquility, and to local economies from the federal government’s deployment of the National Guard to American cities on pretextual and political grounds.

“New York City is proud to — once again — partner with a multitude of localities to assert local control over our own domain: public safety,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Our administration has been unrelenting in driving down crime, rooting out violent criminals, and protecting New Yorkers, and we have had record drops in crime thanks to our commitment to public safety and the precision policing of the NYPD. Collaboration with state and federal law enforcement has always been a key part of our public safety strategy, but we do not need a deployment of the National Guard to our city. Instead, we plan to continue to work with the federal government on areas where collaboration is warranted, such as stopping the flow of illegal guns to our city from the Iron Belt. We remain committed to keeping New Yorkers safe while upholding our constitutional rights.”

“As highlighted in this brief, the president is continuing to treat American cities as military ‘training grounds’ based on pretext and misinformation that is contrary to the facts on the ground,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Muriel Goode-Trufant. “Federalizing and domestically deploying the National Guard can sow chaos in local communities and should be a last resort, not a primary tactic, reserved for exceedingly rare circumstances. The district court ruling enjoining the federal government should be upheld.”

In September 2025, the Trump administration deployed members of the National Guard to Portland, citing protests of immigration enforcement operations. On October 4, 2025, the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon ruled that the deployment likely violated federal law because plaintiffs submitted evidence that the cited protests were not significantly violent or disruptive in the days or weeks leading up to the president’s directive. The federal government filed an application in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit seeking an immediate stay of the district court’s temporary restraining order.  

In the amicus brief, the coalition argues that the federal government has overreached its authority and that the lower court’s injunction should remain in place, based on longstanding federal laws prohibiting the National Guard from engaging in domestic law enforcement. The brief asserts that the federal government has provided no factual basis or legal justification for deploying 200 federal troops in Portland over the objection of local officials. The coalition states that there was no invasion or rebellion directed toward the federal government that would have allowed it to lawfully deploy the National Guard under 10 U.S.C. 12406, and that this pretext dramatically increases the risk of irreparable injury by inflaming community tensions and interfering with local law enforcement personnel which is better trained to manage situations such as protests and crowd control.

Further, the brief cites the chilling effect that National Guard deployments have on the local economy and taxpayers — as more customers stay inside and local businesses lose customers. Also, taxpayers are stuck paying the bill for these deployments: $134 million for Los Angeles alone and, potentially, at least $10 million for Oregon.

Joining the City of New York and Portland, Oregon are the cities of Tucson, Arizona; Alameda, Anaheim, Berkeley, Culver, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Oakland, Sacramento, San Diego, San José, San Leandro, Santa Ana, Santa Monica, San Francisco, and West Hollywood, California; Denver and Ridgway, Colorado; New Haven, Connecticut; Tallahassee, Florida; Bloomington, Chicago, and Evanston, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Baltimore, Maryland; Boston, Cambridge, and Lawrence, Massachusetts; Ann Arbor, Bellevue, and Exeter, Michigan; Hopkins, Minneapolis, and St. Paul, Minnesota; Hoboken and Newark, New Jersey, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Hudson, Rochester, and Brighton, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Pittsburgh and Norristown, Pennsylvania; Providence, Rhode Island; Knoxville and Nashville, Tennessee; Austin, El Paso, Iowa Colony, and San Marcos, Texas; Burlington, Vermont; Alexandria and Norfolk, Virginia; Tacoma, Washington; Madison and Exeter, Wisconsin; as well as the counties of Pima, Arizona; Alameda, Los Angeles, Monterey, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Sonoma, California; Denver and Ouray, Colorado; Montgomery, Maryland; Ingham and Bellevue, Michigan; Columbia, Cortland, and Monroe, New York; Multnomah, Oregon; Allegheny, Bucks, Clarion, Dauphin, and Montgomery, Pennsylvania; Davidson and Shelby, Tennessee; Harris and Travis, Texas; Kings and Pierce, Washington; Dan and Exeter, Wisconsin.

October 7, 2025 NEW YORK

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

Midtown Tribune Independent USA news from New York

October 8, 2025
New York Waives College Application Fees at SUNY, CUNY and Nearly 130 Campuses This October
ALBANY, N.Y.—New York declared October “College Application Month,” waiving application fees at SUNY (up to five applications per student, Oct. 20–Nov. 3), CUNY (NYC high-schoolers Oct. 27–Nov. 21; students outside NYC Nov. 10–21) and dozens of private colleges—nearly 130 campuses statewide.
With typical fees of $50–$90 per application, the move aims to cut costs for families and widen access to higher education. The state’s Higher Education Services Corporation is hosting 40+ events to help students complete the 2026–27 FAFSA, New York’s Tuition Assistance Program and the NYS STEM Incentive Program, with participating schools listed on the state’s waiver page.

Governor Hochul Announces Free College Application Submissions
for Third Consecutive Year as College Application Month Returns

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that students across the state can apply to nearly 130 colleges and universities for free this October. The announcement comes as the Governor has proclaimed October as New York State College Application Month (CAM), which includes waived application fees at The State University of New York (SUNY), The City University of New York (CUNY), and dozens of private colleges and universities. With application fees typically ranging from $50 to $90 each, these waivers will save students and families significant money and help ensure that every New York State student has the opportunity to take the critical step of applying to college.

“Every New Yorker deserves the chance to pursue a college education without financial barriers standing in the way,” Governor Hochul said. “By waiving application fees at SUNY, CUNY and nearly 50 private colleges across the state, we’re saving families money and ensuring that more students can access the opportunities and futures they deserve. College Application Month is about breaking down barriers and helping every student take that critical first step toward college success. I want to thank our schools for their dedication and partnership in making this important initiative a reality.”

Application Waiver Periods
- SUNY: Waiving up to five application fees per student from October 20 through November 3.
- CUNY: Waiving application fees from October 27 to November 21 for New York City High School students, and from November 10 to November 21 for students outside of New York City.
- Private Colleges and Universities: Participating at various times throughout the month.
You can find a complete list of participating schools on the New York State Application Waiver webpage. Additional assistance with college applications and information on related events can be found on the Apply to SUNY and CUNY Month webpages.
Support for Students and Families
To help students make the most of this exciting opportunity, the HESC and its partners are hosting over 40 virtual and in-person events throughout October. With the 2026–27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), and NYS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Incentive Program applications now open, these events offer students and families the one-on-one support they need to complete their financial aid applications.

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation President Dr. Guillermo Linares said, “Governor Hochul’s leadership in prioritizing education is making a profound difference for students and families across New York. By waiving college application fees, we’re not only making higher education more accessible and affordable but also sending a clear message that every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. I commend our participating schools for stepping up and playing a vital role in this initiative, ensuring that students have the guidance and resources they need to confidently take this important step toward achieving their higher education goals.”

State University of New York Chancellor John B. King, Jr. said, “There is a place at SUNY for every New Yorker, and SUNY is proud to promote College Application Month with Governor Hochul. We invite prospective students to apply for free from October 20 to November 3 to discover SUNY’s excellence and affordability.”

City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “Waiving application fees is a simple but powerful way to encourage all students to apply to college, especially those who face logistical or financial challenges. College Application Month reinforces our shared commitment to making the admissions process more equitable, and CUNY is proud to stand with Governor Hochul and our state partners in making higher education, and the promise of a brighter future more attainable for thousands of New Yorkers.”

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky said, “As a former educator, I know how important it is to remove barriers that stand between students and their dreams of higher education. Waiving college application fees gives every person the chance to take that first step toward a brighter future. I thank Governor Hochul, SUNY, CUNY, these private colleges, and HESC for working together to make higher education more affordable and accessible for all New Yorkers.”

New York City Schools Chancellor Melissa Aviles-Ramos said, “Governor Hochul’s initiative to waive college application fees sends a powerful message to all students in New York City Public Schools: we are making higher education accessible. By removing this financial barrier, we ensure greater equity across the board and empower students from all backgrounds to pursue their academic and career goals. This initiative is critical for providing our students with a clear pathway to college and a bold future.”

Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities President Lola W. Brabham said, “College Application Month sends a clear message: college is within reach. By eliminating application fees and providing guidance, we expand access and momentum for students — and our private, not-for-profit campuses stand ready to welcome them.”

New York State Association of Private Colleges President Donna Stelling-Gurnett said, “New York’s College Application Month is part of the national American College Application Campaign (ACAC), which has helped over 5 million students submit over 10 million applications since 2005. CAM in New York is coordinated by the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) in collaboration with the State Education Department, SUNY, CUNY, the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities (CICU), the Association of Proprietary Colleges (APC), and the NYC Department of Education.”

Additional information about New York State College Application Month can be found at hesc.ny.gov/cam.

October 6, 2025

Albany, NY

Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
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October 7, 2025
New York. Hochul Extends Order Letting Pharmacists Give Covid-19 Shots, Presses for Vaccines-for-Children Access

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul extended Executive Order 52 for at least 30 days, keeping pharmacists authorized to administer Covid-19 vaccines while the state pursues a long-term legislative fix. Hochul urged the federal government to add Covid-19 shots to the Vaccines for Children program and directed the Health Department to explore options to ensure uninsured children can be vaccinated. Health Commissioner James McDonald said a standing order remains in effect for pharmacies. The administration also cited ongoing coordination with Northeast states on vaccination, surveillance and emergency preparedness.

Governor Hochul Extends Executive Order Ensuring All New Yorkers Can Receive the Updated 2025–26 COVID Shot

As the Trump administration continues to attack access to health care, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced an extension of Executive Order 52, which allows pharmacists to continue administering COVID vaccines, providing access for all New Yorkers who wish to be vaccinated. The Executive Order will be in place for at least another 30 days while work continues on a long-term legislative solution to protect the immunization and health care rights of New Yorkers.

Additionally, Governor Hochul is calling on the federal government to make the COVID-19 vaccine available through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. As of now, the Trump administration has yet to make COVID-19 vaccines available for states to order through its VFC program. This inaction is causing unnecessary disorder while putting the health of millions of children at risk. In the interim, out of an abundance of caution, Governor Hochul has directed the Department of Health to explore additional solutions to make sure all children, including uninsured kids, have access to the vaccines they need to stay safe and healthy.

“I’ve been clear with New Yorkers that even as Washington continues its misguided campaign against science, I will always do what I can to ensure New Yorkers have access to the vaccines and information families need to make decisions about their health care — with no exceptions,” Governor Hochul said. “I will sign as many extensions of this executive order as I need to. We will always let science lead the way — not politics.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “Governor Hochul’s swift action ensures that every eligible New Yorker will continue to have access to the updated COVID-19 vaccine. As we call on the federal government to make this vaccine available through the Vaccines for Children program, the Department will keep working to remove barriers and protect families’ access to lifesaving immunization. Vaccines save lives, and we will always stand with New Yorkers to safeguard their health.”

The Executive Order is part of Governor Hochul’s long-term strategy to protect access to vaccinations in New York. The Governor will begin working with the Legislature on a legislative solution to ensure permanent and continuing access to vaccines, including administration of vaccines by health care professionals and insurance coverage of vaccines.

New York is also working in coordination with — and helping to lead — a regional multi-state public health collaboration among Northeast states, which brings together public health leaders across the region to develop evidence-based recommendations and approaches on vaccination, disease surveillance and emergency preparedness. The collaborative also supports state public health laboratories in sharing resources and expertise to strengthen regional readiness.

Last month, Commissioner McDonald issued a standing order for the COVID vaccine that is still in effect, ensuring that pharmacists statewide can continue to provide timely and convenient access. Commissioner McDonald and the Department of Health will continue to issue detailed guidance to support pharmacies, clinicians and other vaccine administrators.

October 5, 2025

Albany, NY

Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
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October 5, 2025
Trump: Military, Hostages, and US Cities ( Video)

Donald Trump began by celebrating the Navy and the military, asserting that the United States possesses the greatest military in the world, which was largely rebuilt during his first term

Trump Touts Military, Claims Middle East Breakthrough, Blames Democrats for Crime and Layoffs

Trump Touts Military, Claims Middle East Breakthrough, Blames Democrats for Crime and Layoffs

In prepared remarks, Donald Trump praised the U.S. Navy and military as “the greatest,” saying he rebuilt them and that current operations have curbed Caribbean cartel drug routes by sea. He claimed to be advancing a swift hostage-and-cease-fire deal involving Hamas that he called a “great deal for Israel” and the Arab and Muslim world—framing it as a potential first in “3,000 years.” Domestically, he painted cities as gripped by unrest, saying Portland is “burning,” citing high violence in Chicago, and asserting Washington, D.C., went from “a hell hole to a safe place” in 12 days. He described the economy as “record setting,” labeled recent job cuts “Democrat layoffs,” called Obamacare a “disaster” needing fixes, and criticized a judge he said he appointed.

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October 5, 2025
New York. Hochul Says $187 Million in Law-Enforcement, Counterterrorism Funds Restored After Trump Reversal

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said $187 million in law-enforcement and counterterrorism funding will be restored after President Trump reversed planned cuts.
The governor said the move ensures the state has resources to support police, first responders and public-safety operations. “Because of our efforts, $187 million in critical funding will be restored,” she said, calling it a win for public safety and New Yorkers who rely on law enforcement to keep the state secure.

Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul

“From the moment these devastating cuts were announced, I made it clear that New York would not stand by while our law enforcement and counterterrorism operations were defunded.
I’m glad President Trump heard our call and reversed course, ensuring our state has the resources necessary to support law enforcement and keep our families safe.

“Because of our efforts, $187 million in critical funding will be restored — a victory for public safety and for every New Yorker who depends on our brave law enforcement and first responders to keep our state secure.”

October 3, 2025

Albany, NY

Sources: Governor.ny.gov , Big New York news BigNY.com
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October 4, 2025