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32°
Sunday, feb 16
Tag:
White House
Politics
White House Valentine's Day Post Playing Off 'Roses Are Red' Poem Sparks Controversy
A Valentine’s Day post from the White House social media accounts sparked controversy after featuring a rhyme about illegal immigration, drawing sharp reactions from both supporters and critics. The post, shared across X, Instagram, and Facebook, reimagined the classic "roses are red, violets are blue" poem with a political twist: "Roses are red, violets are blue, come here illegally, and we’ll deport you." Set against a pink backdrop, the poem was accompanied by images of President Donald Trump and border czar Tom Homan, with the caption “Happy Valentine’s Day” followed by a red heart emo…
Politics
Another American Hostage To Be Freed Following Teacher's Return From Russia, NY Native Says
One day after Pennsylvania teacher Marc Fogel returned home from Russian imprisonment, another American hostage is expected to be freed, President Trump’s special envoy for hostages, Adam Boehler, told Fox News. The unnamed hostage is expected to be released on Wednesday, Feb. 12, Boehler, an Albany native and UPenn graduate, said during an interview with Sean Hannity on Tuesday evening, Feb. 11. “It’s another in a stream of hostages. It’ll be unilateral as well. And I can’t release [the person’s name] until the person’s released, obviously it could endanger the hostage release and that I c…
Politics
American Teacher Marc Fogel Freed From Russia In Prisoner Exchange
A Pennsylvania teacher is finally free after years in a Russian prison, following a high-stakes diplomatic deal brokered at the highest levels of the U.S. government. Marc Fogel, who had been detained in Russia since 2021, is back on American soil after President Donald J. Trump and his Special Envoy Steve Witkoff orchestrated a negotiated exchange. Fogel, a former teacher at the Anglo-American School in Moscow, was serving a 14-year sentence for possessing medical marijuana prescribed for chronic pain. Witkoff left Russian airspace with Fogel earlier on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, as part of…
Business
Trump Vows To Hit Canada, Mexico, China With Tariffs: Here's When, How Much
Donald Trump's months-long threats of implementing tariffs on other countries are apparently hours away from becoming a reality. Click here for a new, updated story - Trump Tariffs Take Effect: Expect To Pay More For These Items, Experts Say White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced at a news conference Friday afternoon, Jan. 31 that both of America's neighbors, Canada and Mexico, will be slapped with 25 percent tariffs on goods. A third nation, China, America's main economic rival, will be hit with 10 percent tariffs. They take effect on Saturday, Feb. 1, and are "for …
News
Fed Pauses Interest Rate Cuts Despite Trump's Push For Immediate Reduction
The Federal Reserve kept its key interest rate in place, pausing further cuts and ignoring a demand by President Donald Trump to immediately drop rates. After three months of reductions, the Fed decided to keep the key interest rate target at 4.25 to 4.5 percent. The Fed announced the decision on Wednesday, Jan. 29, after its first meeting since President Trump returned to the White House. Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed is monitoring inflation and economic stability under the Trump administration. "We remain committed to supporting maximum employment, bringing inflation sustain…
News
Israel, Hamas Agree To Ceasefire, Hostage Deal
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage-release deal after 15 months of war, according to multiple reports, citing senior sources in the White House. Around 30 hostages are expected to be released in the initial phase of the agreement, according to CNN. There are seven Americans being held, two of whom are expected to be free in the first phase, according to Axios. Hundreds of incarcerated Palestinians being held by Israel are expected to be released in the initial phase, CNN reports. It's unclear when the ceasefire will start. The agreement, reached on Wednes…
News
Korean War Hero And Dutchess County Native Charles Johnson Awarded Medal of Honor
A Korean War hero and Dutchess Count native has finally received the nation’s highest military honor after decades of effort by his family, students, local advocates, and US Congressman Pat Ryan. Private First Class Charles Johnson, a 1951 graduate of Arlington High School, was awarded the Medal of Honor on Friday, Jan. 3 at the White House. His heroic actions during a June 11, 1953 battle near the demilitarized zone in Korea are credited with saving at least eight lives, President Joe Biden said during the ceremony. During the battle, Johnson was severely injured but continued to ai…
News
Drones In The Sky: NY, NJ Senators Demand Answers From FBI, DHS, FAA
The senators representing New York and New Jersey are demanding answers about the drones that have been spotted flying in the skies of New York and New Jersey this past month. New York Senators, Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and New Jersey Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, all Democrats, wrote a letter on Thursday, Dec. 12 to FBI Director Christopher Wray, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and FAA Director Michael Whitaker demanding an immediate briefing on what they are doing to address the issue. "We are...especially concerned about how these drones may …
Politics
Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy Tapped To Head Trump's New Dept. Of Government Efficiency
President-Elect Donald Trump continues to fill his cabinet with loyalists and his biggest supporters following his sweeping victory in last week's election. He announced Tuesday, Nov. 12, that two billionaire former rivals turned allies, Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, would head up his new Department of Government Efficiency. Related: Trump Nominates NY Rep. Elise Stefanik As UN Ambassador The tech entrepreneur, age 53, and the 39-year-old Harvard and Yale Law grad will be tasked with major cuts in government spending. Trump called it "The Manhattan Project" for a new…
Politics
Former NY Congressman, Gubernatorial Candidate Lee Zeldin Named To Trump's Cabinet
President-elect Donald Trump has selected former New York congressman and gubernatorial candidate Lee Zeldin to run the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In a statement on Monday, Nov. 11, Trump said Zeldin "will ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses," adding that Zeldin will still maintain "the highest environmental standards." In a post on social media, Zeldin said, "It is an honor to join President Trump’s Cabinet as EPA Administrator. "We will restore US energy dominance, revitalize our auto indu…
News
No, The FBI Says It Isn't Investigating 301 Election Bribery Claims Or Other Lies
The Federal Bureau of Investigations said it has seen a rise in fake stories using the agency's name and insignia being shared online in an attempt to undermine the recent presidential election. The FBI cited four fake stories being shared on social media trading on the agency's reputation to give credence to lies. Those included a video stating that “at least 301 electors reported attempted bribery and blackmail" from a political party, the agency said in a news release. Another claimed that agents had tried to cover up the bribery scheme by pressuring news media outl…
Politics
Rep LaLota's Trump Support After Report Ex-Pres Praised Hitler Called Out By Challenger Avlon
Long Island Republicans are on defense following bombshell reporting from The New York Times that former President Donald Trump repeatedly praised Adolf Hitler. John Kelly – a four-star Marine general and Trump’s former White House chief of staff – told The Times that he had personally witnessed Trump make complimentary statements about the former dictator of Nazi Germany, even saying that Hitler had done “some good things.” Kelly went on to tell the outlet that Trump “certainly falls into the general definition of fascist,” and that Trump, should he win re-election, “would govern like a di…
Politics
Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets
Covid-
19 Again
Despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 — again, White House officials announced on Wednesday, July 17. The 81-year-old Biden has tested positive for COVID while in Las Vegas, Nevada ahead of the DNC, officials with the White House explained. His symptoms are mild. His doctor noted that he presented with upper respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, a non-productive cough, and "general malaise," as stated in the release. Since his condition did not improve throughout the day, a COVID test was conducted on Wednesda…
News
Covid-
19: Increase In Cases Sparks Concern At Start Of School Year
There's always plenty of anxiety at the start of a new school year, but that's especially true now due to increased COVID-19 cases. COVID-related hospitalizations have increased in the US for six straight weeks, with a 19-percent increase reported in the most recent week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The White House announced that First Lady Jill Biden tested positive for COVID on Monday morning, Sept. 5, and is experiencing “mild symptoms." Three school districts in Kentucky and Texas briefly suspended in-person classes after surges of COVID cases. T…
News
Cause Of Death Revealed For Obamas' Personal Chef, Who Died On Martha's Vineyard: Report
Medical investigators have ruled the death of Tafari Campbell, the personal chef of former President Barack Obama, as an accident, reports said. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Massachusetts performed an autopsy on the 45-year-old Campbell, who died after he fell into the ocean while paddleboarding on July 23 on Martha's Vineyard. Pathologists concluded his death was caused by "submersion in a body of water." Despite conspiracy theories online conjuring fantastic — and often impossible — reasons for his death, the autopsy confirmed the eyewitness reports. …
Politics
Biden To Pardon Everyone Convicted On Federal Marijuana Possession Charges In Historic Move
In a historic move, President Joe Biden announced he is pardoning all of those with prior federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana. The White House announced the marijuana reform on Thursday, Oct. 6 during Biden's visit to the Hudson Valley at an IBM facility in Poughkeepsie, saying he has directed Attorney General Merrick Garland to develop an administrative process to issue certificates of pardon to individuals who are eligible. Biden said thousands of people with federal convictions for marijuana possession have had their lives upended. "Criminal records for m…
News
Biden's Visit Expected To Cause Hours-Long Traffic Delays In Parts Of Hudson Valley
A visit by President Joe Biden to the Hudson Valley is expected to create hours-long road closures and cause heavy traffic delays. The president will travel to Dutchess County to speak at IBM’s campus off Route 9 in Poughkeepsie at around 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6. Biden is due to depart the White House around 10 a.m. Thursday and then arrive at Newburgh's Stewart Air National Guard Base in Orange County. During the IBM visit, the president is expected to speak on creating jobs in the Hudson Valley and ensuring the future is "made in America." "Route 9, between Marist College and I…
Politics
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 …
Politics
NYer Will Become First Black White House Press Secretary
A native New Yorker has been tapped to take over as the top spokesperson for President Joe Biden’s White House. Karine Jean-Pierre, a Haitian-American who was raised in Queens Village and grew up on Long Island, in Hempstead, was chosen to become the 35th White House Press Secretary following the departure of outgoing Jen Psaki, a native of Fairfield County, Connecticut. Earlier story - Fairfield County Native Leaving Post As White House Press Secretary For TV Gig, Report Says The appointment makes Jean-Pierre the first Black woman and LGBTQ+ to hold that position. “Karine not only …
Politics
Covid-
19: VP Kamala Harris Tests Positive
Fully vaccinated Vice President Kamala Harris has become the latest high-ranking elected official to test positive for COVID-19 amid an outbreak of cases in the Biden Administration. Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on both rapid and PCR tests, her office announced on Tuesday, April 26. According to Kirsten Allen, the press secretary to the vice president, Harris has exhibited no symptoms, is in isolation, and will continue to work from the Vice President’s residence. Harris "has not been a close contact to the President or First Lady due to their respective recent travel schedules,” …
News
NY Doctor Charged For $1.3 Million Fraud Scheme
A New York doctor is accused of defrauding Medicare and Medicaid of over $1.3 million. Federal prosecutors allege that Dr. Perry Frankel, age 64, of Roslyn, in Nassau County, submitted false billing claims to Medicare and Medicaid for office visits that were never performed for patients who received COVID-19 tests. The tests were done at mobile sites across Long Island through Frankel’s cardiology clinic, Advanced Cardiovascular Diagnostics PLLC, located in Great Neck. Frankel was not even in New York when some of the alleged office visits occurred, prosecutors said. “As alleged, exploiti…
Lifestyle
Covid-
19: New One-Stop Site Launched For Info On Vaccines, Tests, Treatments, Masks
The federal government has set up a one-stop website for all things related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The White House has just launched COVID.gov, a website designed to consolidate information regarding everything from free high-quality masks and antiviral pills to vaccines, tests, and treatments. The launch of the website coincides with President Joe Biden’s promise in his “State of the Union” address, when he announced a “test-to treat program so people can get tested at a pharmacy, and if they're positive, receive antiviral pills on the spot at no cost.” Related story - COVID-1…
Politics
Fairfield County Native Leaving Post As White House Press Secretary For TV Gig, Report Says
Fairfield County native Jen Psaki is going from the White House to the Peacock. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, who hails from Stamford, will be leaving her post after more than a year under President Joe Biden to join MSNBC as a host and on-air expert, according to a report from Axios. Psaki, who has been a prominent face of the Biden administration, previously said that she would stay as press secretary for a year, but her time at the White House was extended following multiple international crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, and mo…
Politics
Trump Aide From Northern Westchester Unanimously Held In Contempt By Jan. 6 Panel
The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol in Washington DC unanimously voted to refer former Trump aides Peter Navarro and Dan Scavino, Jr. to the Justice Department for criminal contempt of Congress charges. Scavino, a Northern Westchester native from Yorktown and former resident of Hopewell Junction in Dutchess County who served as a social media director during the Trump campaign and later worked alongside him in the White House as deputy chief of staff, is officially facing a criminal contempt charge for refusing to comply with subpoenas from the i…
Politics
Ex-Trump Aide From Northern Westchester Held In Contempt By Jan. 6 Panel
A top aide for former President Donald Trump who grew up in Northern Westchester and lived in Dutchess County could face charges from the House select committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the US Capitol. Yorktown native and former Hopewell Junction resident Dan Scavino, Jr., who served as a social media director during the Trump campaign and later worked alongside him in the White House as deputy chief of staff, could face criminal contempt charges for refusing to comply with subpoenas from the committee. Related story - Yorktown Native Dan Scavino Gets Post In Donald …
Politics
Covid-
19: Hillary Clinton Holed Up At Home In Northern Westchester After Testing Positive
Hillary Clinton has become the latest high-ranking Democrat to contract COVID-19. Following confirmed infections from former President Barack Obama and most recently, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Clinton announced that she tested positive and that she is hunkering down in her Northern Westchester home, located in the hamlet of Chappaqua in the town of New Castle. Clinton, age 74, said that she has some mild cold symptoms, but otherwise is feeling fine after the positive test. “Well, I’ve tested positive for COVID,” she posted on social media. “I’m more grateful than ever for the…
News
Covid-
19: Here's How You Can Now Order Four More Free At-Home Tests
Americans are now eligible to order a second round of free at-home COVID-19 test kits from the federal government. 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. Families that ordered up to four tests during the first round are now eligible to order another four, while households that missed the first round are now also able to order up to eight kits. During the first round of distribution of the kits, federal officials said that more than half of US households order…
News
Covid-
19: CDC Expected To Greatly Ease Indoor Mask Guidance, Reports Say
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to significantly ease its indoor mask mandate as the country continues its recovery from the latest wave of COVID-19 infections. According to multiple reports, the CDC is expected to announce a change in its guidance regarding masks, allowing most Americans to ditch their facial coverings indoors. The AP first reported the news, citing “two people familiar with the matter.” The new guidance is expected to be announced as soon as Friday, Feb. 25. It marks the first indoor mask guidance change from the CDC since July 2021. …
News
NY Strengthens Cyber Defenses After Russia Attacks Ukraine, Hochul Says
With tensions boiling over in Europe as Russian forces invade Ukraine, New York is beefing up its cyber defenses with the creation of a brand-new Joint Security Operations Center (JSOC). New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the JSOC, which will be stationed in Brooklyn and involve data sharing and cyber coordination across New York City, the five major upstate cities, local, and regional governments. Hochul said that the JSOC is “nation's first-of-its-kind cyber command center that will provide a statewide view of the cyber-threat landscape and improve coordination on threat intelligence a…
News
Covid-
19: New Mask Guidance Coming Soon, CDC Director Says At White House Briefing
The “new normal” may start to look more like the “old normal” as federal health officials are expected to loosen up COVID-19 mask mandates across the country. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced during a White House briefing on Wednesday, Feb. 16 that the agency will “soon put guidance in place” regarding mask-wearing. The announcement comes as the country continues to recover from the surge of Omicron cases that mounted over several months around the holiday season. Walensky said that the CDC will monitor certain metrics s…
Politics
Meet Willow: White House Has A Cat For First Time In More Than 12 Years
Call it the Oval Pawffice. First lady Jill Biden announced that America’s first family has welcomed Willow, a 2-year-old, gray-and-white feline to the White House, making her the first cat in the Oval Office in more than a decade. Biden, a community college professor, said that she named the cat after her hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania. “A farm cat from Pennsylvania, Willow made quite an impression on Dr. Biden in 2020 when she jumped up on the stage and interrupted her remarks during a campaign stop," Biden spokesperson Michael LaRosa said. "Seeing their immediate bond, the owner…
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