State Champ Radio New York City
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On Tuesday afternoon (June 17), New York City mayoral candidate Brad Lander was accompanying an individual out of immigration court at 26 Federal Plaza in downtown Manhattan, when he was handcuffed and arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The entire interaction was caught on video by reporters and cameramen inside.
“Show me your warrant! Show me your badge!” Lander states in the video as several ICE agents surround and physically restrain him up against a wall in the hallway. “I’m not obstructing. I’m standing right here in the hallway. I asked to see the judicial warrant. You don‘t have the authority to arrest U.S. citizens asking for a judicial warrant,” he added. The agents then lead him into an elevator.The Department of Homeland Security issued a statement afterward in a post on X, formerly Twitter, alleging that Lander obstructed and assaulted officers. “No one is above the law, and if you lay a hand on a law enforcement officer, you will face consequences. “New York City Comptroller Brad Lander was arrested for assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer,” they wrote.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul blasted the incident in an earlier unrelated press conference. “It’s bulls—,” Hochul said. “Brad Lander has stepped up to be a guiding help to [migrants], and this is what happens to him? What the hell is happening to this country?” She would escort Lander from the building to meet reporters at Foley Square along with his wife Meg. “I will be fine, but Edgardo is not going to be fine,” Lander said. “And the rule of law is not fine and our constitutional democracy is not fine.”Lander has been charged with assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer, according to Fox News Digital. There is no word on when he is expected to appear in court. The detainment comes after other incidents where ICE agents have roughly detained Democratic lawmakers. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was arrested last month after he and other Democratic members of congress tried to enter the privately-run Delaney Hall detention center. Charges against him were dismissed by a federal judge, but officials with the Department of Justice also indicted Representative LaMonica McIver for “interfering with federal law enforcement officers.” She stated that she would plead not guilty. California Senator Alex Padilla was also forced to the ground after trying to talk to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in Los Angeles a week ago.
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Progressive Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez publicly endorsed New York City Councilman Zohran Mamdani for mayor, boosting his chances ahead of the Democratic Party primary being held later this month. She made her endorsement during an interview with the New York Times, which was released a day after the first debate between primary candidates was held Wednesday (June 4).“Assemblymember Mamdani has demonstrated a real ability on the ground to put together a coalition of working-class New Yorkers that is strongest to lead the pack,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “In the final stretch of the race, we need to get very real about that.” Her comments underscored the situation that the progressive candidate Mamdani faces; he currently trails behind former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in polling, which has many in the city concerned that a repeat of 2021 could occur where the left were fractured, affecting the ranked-choice outcome in favor of current Mayor Eric Adams.“Even if the entire left coalesced around any one candidate, an ideological coalition is still insufficient for us to win,” the Ocasio-Cortez stated. “We have to have a true working-class coalition.” Ocasio-Cortez’s other ranked choice endorsements were to rank City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams second, citing her “genuine inroads and connections” with the Black and Brown communities in Queens and the Bronx including her district. City Comptroller Brad Lander would be ranked third on her ballot, followed by Scott Stringer and Brooklyn State Senator Zellnor Myrie.Mamdani learned of the endorsement shortly after the debate ended. “Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a once-in-a-generation leader who has led the fight for working people in Congress. In 2018, she shocked the world and transformed our politics. On June 24, with @AOC’s support and this movement behind us, we will do the same,” he said in a statement. It comes at a time where supporters of Cuomo are zeroing in on areas they feel Mamdani is vulnerable, such as his public support of the Palestinian people in Gaza as well as his past support for shrinking the police force and his self-identification as a socialist.
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A fundraiser event for New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo was notable for the high amount of powerful women who attended.
Last Friday (March 7), former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo received a big boost for his mayoral campaign, thanks to a breakfast fundraising event that counted over 250 notable women in different fields in the audience. The fundraiser was held at 425 Park Avenue in Manhattan. Those who wished to attend were required to pay $250 for an individual ticket, with supporters chipping in $2,100 and chairpersons required to pay out $10,000. “Once a small group started talking about this event, it took off. We’re now having to turn people away,” a source close to the organizing group said.
Cuomo spoke to everyone in attendance, according to reports. There was even a surprise appearance by Brooklyn Assemblywoman Latrice Walker, who gave her endorsement of Cuomo for mayor. Her endorsement, along with that of former City Comptroller Carl H. McCall and Bronx Congressman Ritchie Torres represents striking early political support from some representing the city’s Black and Brown communities.
The attendees included Cuomo’s family – his mother, Matilda Raffa Cuomo, sister Maria Cuomo Cole, sister-in-law Cristina Greeven Cuomo as well as his daughters Cara, Mariah, and Michaela. Other attendees included Tribeca Enterprises co-founder Jane Rosenthal, Renee Rockefeller, Margie Loeb, Tanya Zuckerbrot, Jen Bayer, Simone Levinson, Judith Hope, Fern Mallis, Jennifer Gilbert, Harriet Schleifer, and former Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. Activist Patricia Duff, Serena Roosevelt, Melissa DeRosa, and Second Shift co-founder Jenny Galluzzo rounded out the notable personas in the audience.
Cuomo’s fundraiser marks a significant increase in his public appearances since he declared that he would run in the Democratic primary for mayor last week, reminding people of his achievements as governor. His opponents in the primary, including state Assembly member Zohran Mamdani and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, have attacked him on his having to step down as governor due to numerous allegations of sexual harassment in 2021. A recently released poll from Gotham Polling & Analytics favors a Cuomo win in ranked-choice voting, with him beating out Lander and Mamdani at 51% to 31% and 18%, respectively.
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A New York City hotspot announced a special Women’s History Month menu honoring industry trailblazers like Cardi B and Lil Kim, among others.
The midtown Manhattan Asian fusion restaurant Sei Less has become a beloved dining destination for many, including numerous celebrities since opening its doors in January 2022. And it’s adding to its prestige with the release of a new menu honoring several prominent women in the music, entertainment, and media industries for Women’s History Month. The new prix-fixe three-course menu is now available to all patrons at Sei Less as of Monday (March 3) for $50 per person.
The new menu features cherished items by celebrity diners such as the Angie Martinez appetizer of shrimp satay with peanut sauce, and the Cardi B featuring lobster poached in a “beurre blanc” butter with shallots and shiro-dashi wine. Actress and philanthropist La La Anthony is honored with her favorite Beijing Chicken, and the chocolate mousse is named after the Queen Bee of Hip-Hop herself, Lil’ Kim.
The Women’s History Menu is a continuation of Sei Less’ tradition of honoring the culture through their culinary offerings curated by veteran chef Allen Ma. In 2023, they released a special Hip-Hop 50 menu honoring New York City icons such as Jay-Z, Nas, Fat Joe, Ja Rule, and French Montana, among others. In February 2024, they celebrated R&B and Hip-Hop love songs from Babyface, Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo, and SZA with a “Lover’s Menu.”
“We’re very fortunate to receive such amazing support from this incredible group of women from the greater New York area, so as a heartfelt tribute, we wanted to honor these remarkable trailblazers and their impact on culture in our own special New York way,” said Sei Less founder Dara Mirjahangiry in a statement. “We’re proud to celebrate their creativity and influence with a special menu for Women’s History Month tailored to some of their favorite dishes whenever they visit the restaurant. They have been long-time supporters of Sei Less and this gesture is simply our unique way of expressing our gratitude.”
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Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo officially entered the race to be New York City’s next mayor, drawing criticism from opponents–except for incumbent Mayor Eric Adams.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo officially entered the race to unseat New York City Mayor Eric Adams over the weekend, framing his return to politics as a move to save a city “in crisis.” In a 17-minute video posted on X, formerly Twitter, Cuomo framed his announcement as a reintroduction and appeal. “We have had times when we are at our shining best, and there are times when we struggle and endure great hardship. But we also know we can handle a crisis because we have,” he said. “We recently did it together through COVID,” referring to his tenure during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cuomo, who left office in 2021 after being embroiled in a scandal after a report found he sexually harassed multiple women while in office, referenced that situation (as well as findings of mishandling the COVID crisis in nursing homes): “Did I make mistakes, some painfully? Definitely, and I believe I learned from them and that I am a better person for it, and I hope to show that every day,” he said. The 67-year-old also left the door open to working with President Donald Trump. “I will work with anyone who wants to work for the benefit of New York,” Cuomo said. “I hope President Trump remembers his hometown and works with us to make it better. But make no mistake, I will stand up and fight for New York. I have done it before and will do it again.”
The announcement video caps off months of speculation and strategic planning by the man once dubbed “America’s Governor.” His entry was greeted with swift attacks by his competitors in the Democratic primary, including current NYC Comptroller Brad Lander and State Senator Zellnor Myrie. As for Mayor Eric Adams, when asked by reporters about Cuomo’s declaration, he replied, “I have a great record to run on. We look forward to the campaign.” Adams is still wrangling with federal corruption charges, as well as potentially having to return $10 million in matching campaign funds from 2021 in addition to having matching donation requests denied. Cuomo currently has a campaign chest of $8 million, which he could use in conjunction with a super PAC known as Fix The City created by former supporters.
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Andrew Cuomo is said to be preparing to enter New York City’s mayoral race, with numerous signs indicating it will be soon.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is reportedly ready to throw his hat into the ring to become New York City’s next mayor, with several signs pointing toward him making an announcement as soon as the upcoming weekend. The decision comes four years after Cuomo resigned his position in disgrace after being hit with multiple allegations of sexual misconduct, but those close to him have said he’s framing a potential campaign to “save” the city from scandal and the pressure of President Donald Trump.
The reported decision to run places Cuomo in an enviable position against current New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who is rapidly losing approval in the wake of allegedly being pressured by President Trump to aid him in his immigration agenda to receive a pardon from federal corruption charges. Cuomo has not offered any public comment on Adams, but polling shows that among potential Democratic opponents in the June 24 primary, he shows higher numbers of approval from voters.
One of his potential primary opponents, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, has already gone on the offensive against Cuomo by publishing a website counting how many days it has been since Cuomo has mentioned Adams or Trump. “In the past 35 days, when the city has seen funding for hospitals, schools, and senior centers threatened; when our literal sovereignty has been in question,” Myrie said, “he has said nothing.” Observers noted that Cuomo’s late entry could be a good strategy to limit further attacks on him including allegations of mishandling data during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cuomo has meticulously avoided unscripted public events and media interviews but has reached out to several prominent Democrats such as current New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, with many donors lining up private events to raise money for his campaign. He has already obtained endorsements – one from his former political rival, H. Carl McCall, and Bronx Democratic Congressman Richie Torres. Cuomo is reportedly soon to be endorsed by the New York City District Council of Carpenters, although a representative’s comments were vague regarding such an announcement.
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New York City Mayor Eric Adams is sick and has a limited public schedule, but details on what is ailing him have not been publicized.
Late Sunday evening (January 26), a spokesperson for New York City Mayor Adams informed the press that he was sick and was set to undergo a series of appointments with doctors and routine medical tests. “While Mayor Adams will continue to communicate constantly with staff and ensure city business continues undeterred, during this time, the mayor will have a limited public schedule,” Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy said in the statement, adding that he “has a right to privacy when it comes to personal matters, but we will continue to communicate in the unlikely event he is unable to fully discharge his duties on any particular day.”
Levy didn’t offer any details on what Adams is ailing from but said that he is “doing well” and that he is continuing to conduct phone calls related to the city’s business. His public schedule on Monday (January 27) only showed a meeting with senior administration officials at the beginning of the day, and his office has canceled his usual Tuesday off-topic Q&A session with the media. Adams has also waived his scheduled appearance in court on Wednesday (January 29) on federal corruption charges. The hearing concerned classified evidence in the case.
The 64-year-old has often touted his energy and health, attributing it to becoming a pescatarian in 2016 after being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. “No one is going to outwork me,” he said to a press gaggle earlier in January. “I am so committed authentically to New Yorkers.” Under city rules, if Adams is indisposed further, First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer would step in as “acting mayor.” If needed, Public Advocate Juumane Williams would take over as mayor with limited authority.
The news comes as Adams has been under intense scrutiny for attending the inauguration of President Donald Trump at the last minute, and sitting down with conservative reporters such as Tucker Carlson. The moves are seen as a way to curry favor with Trump to gain a federal pardon. Adams is set to undergo trial in April, a short time before the Democratic primary elections for mayor are set to begin.
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Source: Fulton County Jail / Fulton County Sheriff’s Office
President-elect Donald Trump is slated to appear for sentencing for his conviction in the “hush money” case in New York City, and his online supporters are beside themselves.
Last Friday (January 3), President-elect Donald Trump received bad news regarding his sentencing in the “hush money” case in New York City when Judge Juan Merchan issued a decision that he would proceed. Judge Merchan ordered the sentencing to take place ten days before Trump is to be sworn in as president in Washington, D.C. The 18-page decision detailed Merchan’s reasoning, primarily explaining that Trump’s claims of immunity citing the Supreme Court’s infamous opinion were not valid. “The Constitution dictates that only a President, after taking the oath of office, has the authority of the Chief Executive, a President-elect does not. Accordingly, a President-elect is not permitted to avail himself of the protections afforded to the individual occupying that Office,” Merchan wrote.
Trump’s constant trashing of Merchan and other lawmakers and the court system also played a part in the decision. “Defendant’s disdain for the Third Branch of government, whether state or federal, in New York or elsewhere, is a matter of public record. Indeed, Defendant has gone to great lengths to broadcast on social media and other forums his lack of respect for judges, juries, grand juries, and the justice system as a whole,” he continued. Trump is not expected to receive any time in jail, as Merchan noted the difficulties in handing a prison sentence to a sitting president, he will not move to throw out the conviction.
Trump raged over that fact in a post on his Truth Social platform in the early hours of Monday morning (January 6), hours before his team declared that they would file an emergency appeal with New York State known as an “Article 78” petition used to challenge decisions by state judges and agencies. Several of Trump’s supporters among the right voiced their displeasure with Merchan on social media. “JUST IN: Judge Juan Merchan has just ordered President Trump to be sentenced in his phony hush money case on January 10th in New York City, 10 days before his inauguration. Outrageous,” wrote Laura Loomer, a far-right activist who’s been an ardent follower of Trump.
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Living in the Big Apple is about to get even more expensive. Governor Hochul is about to bring back congestion pricing to New York City.
As reported by the New York Times, the politician has announced she is reviving her plan for congestion pricing. Originally announced in April, state officials were aiming to impose an additional $15 dollar toll on vehicles that enter Manhattan below 61st Street. Commercial trucks, however, would face a higher fee of anywhere from $24 to $36 depending the axle count, dimensions, weight and other factors. The original idea was met with harsh criticism from citizens and business owners alike. Ultimately, the plan was put on hold in June.
This version of the plan has a reduced rate, which starts at $9 for regular cars. She detailed the reasoning during a formal press conference. “I’m proud to announce we have found a path to fund the MTA, reduce congestion and keep millions of dollars in the pockets of our commuters,” the governor said. She went on to add that citizens who make than less than $50,000 a year will receive a 50% discount after their 10th entry. Additionally, the toll overall will be cut after 9 p.m.
According to the New York Post, President-elect Donald Trump is not in favor of the move. “I have great respect for the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, and look forward to working with her to make New York and America Great Again. But I strongly disagree with the decision on the congestion tax,” he said in an exclusive statement to the newspaper.
The congestion pricing is currently being finalized but could start as early as January. You can see Governor Kathy Hochul’s press conference below.
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According to city officials, a controversial voucher program for migrants in New York City to get food using debit cards is ending.
New York City announced that it will discontinue a program that gave vouchers to migrants to pay for food, putting an end to an initiative that had been long assailed by conservatives and associated pundits. The vouchers came in the form of prepaid debit cards. “As we move towards more competitive contracting for asylum seeker programs, we have chosen not to renew the emergency contract for this pilot program once the one-year term concludes,” New York City Mayor Eric Adams said in a statement.
The program, which began in late March, provided debit cards for food and baby supplies to 2,600 migrants who arrived in the city and were staying in hotels funded by the city. The debit cards could only be used at convenience stores, bodegas, and supermarkets. They would be unusable at other businesses. Mobility Capital Finance, or MoCaFi, was the private company that won a no-bid, emergency contract for $400,000 to run the program for one year.
The program distributed the cards at the Roosevelt Hotel in midtown Manhattan to participants, totaling $3.2 million. It was a sea change from a previous food distribution system managed by another private medical company, DocGo, which obtained a $432 million contract from the city before troubling allegations forced the city to phase the contract out.
Conservatives have attacked the program since its creation, claiming it was ripe for fraud, but no instances of bad behavior with the debit cards have occurred. City Comptroller Brad Lander also previously revoked the city’s ability to enter into emergency deals for migrant services. While an estimated 700 migrants are entering New York City each week seeking asylum, 1,000 are making their way out. Mayor Adams William Fowler, a spokesperson at City Hall, said that Mayor Adams is open to potentially pursuing the installment of a similar program in the future. “We will continue to implement and learn from innovative pilot programs like the immediate response cards program as we care for hundreds of new arrivals every week,” he said in an interview.
