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Congress

Matchup Set: GOP Picks Candidate In NY Special Election For Seat Held By Santos, Report Says Matchup Set: GOP Picks Candidate In NY Special Election For Seat Held By Santos, Report Says
Matchup Set: GOP Picks Candidate In NY Special Election For Seat Held By Santos, Report Says New York Republicans have nominated Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip as their candidate for the state’s special election to fill George Santos’ vacant House seat, NBC News reports. A spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee told the outlet that party officials in Nassau County and Queens had picked Pilip for the 3rd District race. A formal announcement was expected on Friday, Dec. 15. Pilip immigrated from Ethiopia to Israel as a refugee when she was 12 years old. She later served as a paratrooper in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). She earned her maste…
Harvard President Faces Plagiarism Allegations Amid Calls For Resignation Harvard President Faces Plagiarism Allegations Amid Calls For Resignation
Harvard President Faces Plagiarism Allegations Amid Calls For Resignation Harvard University president Claudine Gay faces new allegations while some are calling for her resignation after they took issue with recent comments she made to Congress about anti-Semitism.  A report claims that Gay had plagiarized portions of her doctoral thesis. However, the prestigious university said it had looked into the matter and determined that she had not violated any of the school's research standards. Officials said two of her articles will receive corrections for "inadequate citation." The Harvard Corporation, which supervises the university, announced in a statement on …
George Santos In Talks For Plea Deal In 23-Count Federal Case, Court Filing Shows George Santos In Talks For Plea Deal In 23-Count Federal Case, Court Filing Shows
George Santos In Talks For Plea Deal In 23-Count Federal Case, Court Filing Shows Disgraced former New York Rep. George Santos may avoid leaving his fate up to a trial in his federal fraud case. The Republican ex-congressman is currently in talks with federal prosecutors for a possible plea deal in his 23-count criminal case, according to a filing in Central Islip federal court on Monday, Dec. 11. In the joint filing, US Attorney Breon Peace and Santos asked the court to schedule the next status conference in approximately 30 days, saying “the parties are presently engaged in plea negotiations with the goal of resolving this matter without the need for a trial.” Earli…
UPenn President Resigns After Backlash Over Congressional Testimony UPenn President Resigns After Backlash Over Congressional Testimony
UPenn President Resigns After Backlash Over Congressional Testimony Moments after it was announced that University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill was resigning, Board of Trustees Chairman Scott Bok followed suit. Magill, whose testimony to Congress on antisemitism earlier this week sparked widespread outrage, resigned on Saturday, Dec. 9. Bok later announced his resignation, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Magill remains a faculty member at Penn Carey Law and will stay on as president until an interim president is appointment, UPenn Board of Trustees Chairman Scott Bok said in announcing the news Saturday evening. And Liz Magill has resig…
Ethics Chair Asks House To Expel Santos After Finding 'Substantial Evidence' Of Lawbreaking Ethics Chair Asks House To Expel Santos After Finding 'Substantial Evidence' Of Lawbreaking
Ethics Chair Asks House To Expel Santos After Finding 'Substantial Evidence' Of Lawbreaking The third time may be the charm for federal lawmakers hoping to oust embattled New York Rep. George Santos from office. House Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest, a Republican from Mississippi, filed a resolution to expel Santos from Congress on Friday morning, Nov. 17. Members are expected to vote on the resolution the week after Thanksgiving.  Earlier Report: LI Rep Santos Won't Run For Re-Election: 'Substantial Evidence' Of Lawbreaking, Committee Says The rare move came just one day after the committee, made up of five Republicans and five Democrats, released a report sayi…
Fairfield County Congressman Votes Against Expelling Rep. Santos: 'I'm Not F'ing Around' Fairfield County Congressman Votes Against Expelling Rep. Santos: 'I'm Not F'ing Around'
Fairfield County Congressman Votes Against Expelling Rep. Santos: 'I'm Not F'ing Around' A Connecticut congressman is defending his decision to vote against expelling New York Rep. George Santos from Congress despite the fact that he is facing almost two dozen federal criminal charges.  Rep. Jim Himes, who represents Connecticut's 4th congressional district, voted against expelling Santos during a resolution to oust him brought by his fellow New York Republicans on Wednesday night, Nov. 1.  Earlier Report - NY Rep. George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' The 4th District includes parts of Fairfield and New Haven counties, including the cities of B…
George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process'
George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' New York Rep. George Santos, who admitted to lying about his background and is facing nearly two dozen federal criminal charges, is claiming victory after an effort to expel him from Congress failed. The freshman Republican lawmaker from Long Island, whose 3rd District represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, easily survived a resolution brought by his fellow New York Republicans to oust Santos from the House on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The resolution failed with 179 members voting in favor and 213 voting against. Nineteen members voted “present.” Earlier Report: George Santos Pleads Not…
NY Rep. George Santos Criminally Charged By Federal Prosecutors, Report Says NY Rep. George Santos Criminally Charged By Federal Prosecutors, Report Says
NY Rep. George Santos Criminally Charged By Federal Prosecutors, Report Says Updated story: George Santos Now In Custody, Facing 13 Federal Counts Embattled New York Congressman George Santos has been charged with at least one federal crime, CNN reports. The Republican lawmaker, whose 3rd District represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, is expected to be arraigned on the sealed charge or charges in federal court in Brooklyn on Wednesday, May 10, according to the outlet, which cited three sources familiar with the matter. It was not immediately clear what crime or crimes Santos, age 34, is being accused of, but the federal probe is believed to center around ca…
NY Congressman Seen As Favorite To Become Dems' Congressional Leader After Pelosi Departure NY Congressman Seen As Favorite To Become Dems' Congressional Leader After Pelosi Departure
NY Congressman Seen As Favorite To Become Dems' Congressional Leader After Pelosi Departure The next House Minority Leader will most likely hail from New York, according to multiple reports. Democratic Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, who represents the state’s 8th Congressional District covering eastern Brooklyn and southwestern Queens, is widely viewed as the favorite to succeed California Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who announced Thursday, Nov. 17, that she would not seek a party leadership role in the next Congress. Jeffries, age 52, was elected to Congress in 2012 after previously serving in the New York State Assembly since 2007, representing the 57th Assembly District. He has chaired the Hous…
COVID-19: Biden Tests Positive, Has 'Mild Symptoms' COVID-19: Biden Tests Positive, Has 'Mild Symptoms'
Covid-19: Biden Tests Positive, Has 'Mild Symptoms' President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19, the White House announced on Thursday morning, July 21. The 79-year-old Biden, who is fully vaccinated and double boosted, is "experiencing very mild symptoms," the White House says. Biden tested posted after a trip to Somerset, Massachusetts on Wednesday, July 20. Biden has begun taking the therapeutic Paxlovid, the White House said. "Consistent with CDC guidelines, he will isolate at the White House and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time," the White House said. "He has been in contact with members of …
COVID-19: Here's How You Can Now Order Four More Free At-Home Tests COVID-19: Here's How You Can Now Order Four More Free At-Home Tests
Covid-19: Here's How You Can Now Order Four More Free At-Home Tests Americans are now eligible to order a third round of free at-home COVID-19 test kits from the federal government as the number of new infections and hospitalizations mounts. In January, the website covidtests.gov was launched, permitting Americans to order up to four more free testing kits per household, though supplies were initially limited. Then in March, the second round of free tests was provided for Americans. On Tuesday, May 17, the White House announced that they are opening up for a third round of orders, with US households permitted to order an additional eight free at-home tests…
COVID-19: Some Companies Exploring If Four-Day Work Week Could Increase Productivity COVID-19: Some Companies Exploring If Four-Day Work Week Could Increase Productivity
Covid-19: Some Companies Exploring If Four-Day Work Week Could Increase Productivity Some companies in the United States have begun exploring the possibility of switching to a four-day workweek as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in the way many Americans work. One of the companies planning to pilot a four-day workweek is Kickstarter. The company announced that next year it plans to pilot the shorter workweek while keeping pay the same for employees, according to the Wall Street Journal. The chief executive of the company said he hopes staff will remain just as productive while having more time to focus on their life outside of work. A study in Iceland found that c…
Ocasio-Cortez Raises Security Concerns After Confrontation With Controversial Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez Raises Security Concerns After Confrontation With Controversial Congresswoman
Ocasio-Cortez Raises Security Concerns After Confrontation With Controversial Congresswoman New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised security concerns after getting into a heated confrontation with controversial Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. The Washington Post reported that Greene, a Republican from Georgia, attempted to confront the New York Democrat outside the House chamber on Wednesday afternoon, May 12 shouting to get her attention twice while accusing her of supporting Antifa and Black Lives Matter, calling them “terrorists.” Greene, age 46, also reportedly shouted that Ocasio-Cortez was failing to defend her “radical socialist” beliefs by declining t…
Feds Arrest Man Seen With Norwalk Native Roger Stone Before Capitol Riot Feds Arrest Man Seen With Norwalk Native Roger Stone Before Capitol Riot
Feds Arrest Man Seen With Norwalk Native Roger Stone Before Capitol Riot A tattoo artist from the Hudson Valley with ties to the Oath Keepers militia group who was seen with former President Donald Trump’s longtime advisor Roger Stone before the deadly riots at the U.S. Capitol has been arrested. Orange County resident Robert Minuta, age 36, of Newburgh, was caught on camera with Stone wearing a baseball hat and military-style vest with the Oath Keeper logo prior to the violent insurrection on Wednesday, Jan. 6 prosecutors said following his arrest. Following his greeting with Stone, Minuta can later be seen among the crowd that approached the Capitol and intera…
COVID-19: First Sitting Member Of Congress Dies From Virus COVID-19: First Sitting Member Of Congress Dies From Virus
Covid-19: First Sitting Member Of Congress Dies From Virus The first sitting member of Congress has died from COVID-19. Rep. Ron Wright, a Republican representing the sixth district in Texas, had been hospitalized for two weeks before his death on Sunday, Feb. 6. He was 67 years old. He had been undergoing treatment for lung cancer, which was diagnosed in 2018, the same year he was elected to Congress. Wright is survived by his wife, Susan, who has also been hospitalized with COVID-19 for the last two weeks. “As friends, family, and many of his constituents will know, Ron maintained his quick wit and optimism until the very end,” Wright’s of…
COVID-19: Here's Who's Expected To Qualify For Third IRS Stimulus Check COVID-19: Here's Who's Expected To Qualify For Third IRS Stimulus Check
Covid-19: Here's Who's Expected To Qualify For Third IRS Stimulus Check Relief may be coming for millions of Americans after the Senate and House of Representatives took a major step forward by approving a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 package that includes a third round of stimulus checks. President Joe Biden has proposed sending $1,400 to every person who received stimulus checks during the first two rounds of payments, though it could be weeks until money starts showing up in bank accounts. The approvals by Congress will now lead to a “reconciliation” process in which congressional committees will draft a bill based on Biden’s sweeping proposal. Every adult taxpay…
Capitol Hill Riots Spark Outrage From Connecticut Political Leaders Capitol Hill Riots Spark Outrage From Connecticut Political Leaders
Capitol Hill Riots Spark Outrage From Connecticut Political Leaders Elected officials in Connecticut condemned the chaos that reigned supreme this week as Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building to show their support for his refusal to accept the results of November's presidential election. Following the riots in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Jan. 6, some of the Nutmeg State's top officials spoke out against the riots, during which four people died and dozens were taken into custody by police. U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy expressed his outrage over what he called "a violent, fringe group of traitors to our nation who are not going away so long as Tru…
COVID-19: Here's What To Know About New Stimulus Check COVID-19: Here's What To Know About New Stimulus Check
Covid-19: Here's What To Know About New Stimulus Check Relief is now finally on the way for Americans amid the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. It took more than a week of drama after Congressional leaders unveiled an approximately $900 billion stimulus deal on Sunday, Dec. 20that will provide Americans that qualify direct payments of $600 for individuals to help offset the hardships caused during the crisis. The $600 is half of what was directed during the first round of stimulus checks earlier this year. Payments are phased down from $600 for those making more than $75,000 annually and are completely phased out for indivi…
COVID-19: Here's When To Expect Second Stimulus Check To Arrive COVID-19: Here's When To Expect Second Stimulus Check To Arrive
Covid-19: Here's When To Expect Second Stimulus Check To Arrive Relief is on the way for Americans financially strapped during the COVID-19 crisis. Congressional leaders unveiled on Sunday, Dec. 20 an approximately $900 billion stimulus deal that will provide Americans that qualify direct payments of $600 to help offset the hardships caused during the pandemic. The $600 is half of what was directed during the first round of stimulus checks earlier this year. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told CNBC on Monday that the checks could be in Americans’ bank accounts in a matter of just a few days for those who have direct deposit info on file with the IRS.…
COVID-19: CT Congresswoman Jahana Hayes Tests Positive COVID-19: CT Congresswoman Jahana Hayes Tests Positive
Covid-19: CT Congresswoman Jahana Hayes Tests Positive Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, whose district comprises much of northwestern Connecticut, has tested positive for COVID-19. “This morning I received a positive COVID-19 test result and will be quarantined for the next 14 days,” said the 47-year-old Hayes in a statement released Sunday, Sept. 20. The news comes a day after a staffer whom Hayes said she had been in close contact with tested COVIC positive. “After going to two urgent care centers yesterday, I finally got an appointment at a third site and was tested this morning," Hayes said. "Contrary to popular belief, members of Co…
Tong Among State AGs Mobilizing To Stop Trump's 'Unconstitutional, Illegal' USPS Actions Tong Among State AGs Mobilizing To Stop Trump's 'Unconstitutional, Illegal' USPS Actions
Tong Among State AGs Mobilizing To Stop Trump's 'Unconstitutional, Illegal' USPS Actions Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has become the latest elected official to vow to battle President Donald Trump’s efforts to defund the U.S. Postal Service in advance of the November election. Stating that the federal government’s efforts to gut the USPS are aimed at hindering voting in the election, Tong announced that he was joining other attorneys general to stop the “unconstitutional and illegal” actions. “Donald Trump finally admitted what we all knew to be true—he is gutting the U.S. Postal Service in order to block Americans from voting during a raging pandemic,” Tong said. …
COVID-19: White House Works With Congress To Send Checks To Americans COVID-19: White House Works With Congress To Send Checks To Americans
Covid-19: White House Works With Congress To Send Checks To Americans The White House is working with Congress on a bipartisan plan to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak by cutting checks to Americans in need. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that the White House is proposing a $1 trillion economic stimulus package to battle the pandemic, including $250 billion that would be earmarked for direct payments to Americans. According to federal officials, the stimulus package has support on each side of the aisle, and they are working quickly to push the legislation through. “This is a significant economic stimulus plan, and we look forward to having bip…
Fraud Alert: You Are Not Being Drafted, US Army Says Fraud Alert: You Are Not Being Drafted, US Army Says
Fraud Alert: You Are Not Being Drafted, US Army Says The U.S. Army is still the place where one can “be all that you can be,” but no draft is coming to the country, despite a string of fraudulent messages that have been sent out nationwide by scammers. An alert was issued by the U.S. Army Recruiting Command this week warning of a series of fraudulent text messages that have been making the rounds informing some individuals that they’ve been selected for an upcoming military draft and will face fines or jail time if they don't comply. The Army said that they’ve received multiple calls and emails in recent weeks regarding the fake messages, and…
Sixth Vaping-Related Death Reported; Trump Moves To Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes Sixth Vaping-Related Death Reported; Trump Moves To Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes
Sixth Vaping-Related Death Reported; Trump Moves To Ban Flavored E-Cigarettes The Trump administration announced Wednesday, Sept. 11, that it plans to ban all flavored e-cigarettes as the number of vaping-related deaths continues to rise. “The Trump Administration is making it clear that we intend to clear the market of flavored e-cigarettes to reverse the deeply concerning epidemic of youth e-cigarette use that is impacting children, families, schools, and communities,” Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said in a statement. “We will not stand idly by as these products become an on-ramp to combustible cigarettes or nicotine addiction for a generation of yo…
More People Are Leaving NYC Than Any Other US City, New Report Says More People Are Leaving NYC Than Any Other US City, New Report Says
More People Are Leaving NYC Than Any Other US City, New Report Says The mass exodus of New Yorkers leaving New York City has hit a record pace. According to new reports, as many as 277 people are leaving New York City each day, leading all U.S. metro areas, and more than double the number recorded last year. Los Angeles and Chicago were second and third on the list, with 201 and 161 residents reportedly leaving each day. The data came from the 2018 Ceneus data on migration in the largest 100 cities in the country. Between July 2017 and July 2018, New York lost 180,306 people and gained 131,746 new residents. A difference of 48,560 abandoned New York — the …
Dems Deciding Whether To Make Greenwich Native Hope Hicks Test Case For 'Complete Immunity' Dems Deciding Whether To Make Greenwich Native Hope Hicks Test Case For 'Complete Immunity'
Dems Deciding Whether To Make Greenwich Native Hope Hicks Test Case For 'Complete Immunity' Fairfield County native Hope Hicks, a former top aide to President Donald Trump, testified for seven hours before Congress  -- refusing to answer many questions -- but gave the House Judiciary Committee "a lot of good information," according to the committee's chairman from New York. Hicks, 30, who grew up in Greenwich, worked as White House communications director and the White House director of strategic communications after having served as a senior aide on Trump's presidential campaign. Hicks is the first former Trump aide to testify before the committee, which is probing several m…
Amid White House Order To Keep Quiet, Potential Testimony By Greenwich's Hope Hicks Seen As Key Amid White House Order To Keep Quiet, Potential Testimony By Greenwich's Hope Hicks Seen As Key
Amid White House Order To Keep Quiet, Potential Testimony By Greenwich's Hope Hicks Seen As Key President Trump and the White House continue to fight every Congressional subpoena. But the Republican administration's strategy may cause trouble for Trump's former communications director from Connecticut. Hope Hicks, a Greenwich native, is among a long line of past and present Trump higher-ups to ignore subpoenas to testify before Congress. This week, Hicks and another top Trump aide, Annie Donaldson, defied House Judiciary Committee subpoenas for documents relating to their work in the White House.  Hicks and Donaldson now join other subpoena recipients -- Attorney General William…
Ocasio-Cortez Joins Bernie Sanders' Call For 15 Percent Cap On Credit Card Interest Ocasio-Cortez Joins Bernie Sanders' Call For 15 Percent Cap On Credit Card Interest
Ocasio-Cortez Joins Bernie Sanders' Call For 15 Percent Cap On Credit Card Interest Freshman Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s latest major bill since taking office has a powerful backer. The 2007 Yorktown High School graduate and presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders just introduced a proposal to cap credit card interest rates at 15 percent this week, which would rein in the profits major banks can capitalize on. The legislation has been dubbed the “Loan Shark Prevention Act.” Currently, the national average annual percentage rate his 17.73 percent, while the median was sitting at 21.36 percent, according to CreditCards.com. “Despite the fact that banks can borro…
Michael Cohen Starts Sentence At Prison Described As 'Castle Behind Bars' Michael Cohen Starts Sentence At Prison Described As 'Castle Behind Bars'
Michael Cohen Starts Sentence At Prison Described As 'Castle Behind Bars' Michael Cohen, the former personal lawyer and so-called "fixer" for President Donald Trump, will be reporting to a facility on Monday, May 6 once named by Forbes as one of the "10 cushiest prisons" in America. The 52-year-old Cohen was sentenced in December, 2018 to three years after he admitted to lying to Congress about Trump’s business dealings in Russia, breaking campaign finance laws on behalf of Trump and evading $1.4 million in taxes related to his personal businesses.  The Otisville Federal Correctional Institution, where Cohen will begin his sentence, is located in O…
Here's How Many Americans Think Trump Engaged In Criminal Activity, Quinnipiac Poll Reveals Here's How Many Americans Think Trump Engaged In Criminal Activity, Quinnipiac Poll Reveals
Here's How Many Americans Think Trump Engaged In Criminal Activity, Quinnipiac Poll Reveals The majority of Americans believe that President Donald Trump committed crimes before he took office, according to a brand new Quinnipiac University National Poll released this week. The poll found that 64 percent of American voters believe that the president committed crimes before heading to the Oval Office, against just 24 percent who believe he’s innocent. According to the poll, 48 percent of Republicans believe that Trump did not commit crimes before he was president, against 33 percent who do. “Every other listed party, gender, education, age and racial group says by wide margins that…
Half-Million Hyundai, Kia Vehicles Recalled As Fire Risk Grows Half-Million Hyundai, Kia Vehicles Recalled As Fire Risk Grows
Half-Million Hyundai, Kia Vehicles Recalled As Fire Risk Grows Some Hyundai and Kia vehicles got too hot to handle, prompting a recall of more than a half million vehicles in the U.S. due to problems that can cause engine fires. On Thursday, Feb. 28, the Korean automakers announced that they were recalling 379,000 Kia Soul SUVs from 2012 through 2016 with 1.6-liter engines. They are also recalling 152,000 Hyundai Tucson SUVs from 2011 to 2013 and Kia Sportage SUVs from 2011 and 2012. According to officials, the Soul SUVs have high exhaust gas temperatures can damage the catalytic converters. That can cause abnormal combustion and damage pistons and con…