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The Biden administration has introduced new visa policies, including a weighted lottery favoring higher-paid applicants and a $1 million 'Gold Card' for wealthy immigrants. These changes aim to prioritize high-skill, high-wage workers and raise billions, amid ongoing legal challenges and policy debates.
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The U.S. Transportation Department has threatened to cut federal highway funds to New York over concerns about the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses to foreign nationals. The agency alleges that New York issued licenses improperly, with over half of a sample reviewed found to be invalid or issued without verifying immigration status. The state has 30 days to respond.
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Multiple US states face federal threats over issuing licenses to non-citizens, amid concerns about illegal immigration and safety. California, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and New York are under scrutiny for license verification issues, with potential loss of federal funding. The debate centers on immigration enforcement and safety standards.
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New York's 2019 climate law aimed to nearly eliminate emissions by 2050 but has slowed under Gov. Hochul. She cites economic and energy demands, including reliance on natural gas and nuclear, as reasons for the shift, raising concerns among environmentalists about the future of the state's climate commitments. Today's date: Thu, 18 Dec 2025 02:10:30 +0000.
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A lawsuit filed in Manhattan accuses UPS of unlawfully withholding wages from seasonal workers, including driver helpers and support drivers, over the past six years. The suit claims tens of millions in unpaid wages and seeks back pay, penalties, and changes to payroll practices. UPS denies intentional wrongdoing.
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A powerful winter storm swept the US Northeast from Friday night into Saturday, dropping 2 to 10 inches of snow from upstate New York to Long Island and parts of Connecticut. New York City received 2 to 4 inches, with Central Park reporting 4.3 inches. The storm caused over 14,000 domestic flight cancellations and delays, mainly at New York area airports, amid one of the busiest travel periods of the year. States of emergency were declared in New York and New Jersey, with hazardous road conditions and airport disruptions reported. The storm began to ease Saturday morning, with flurries tapering off by afternoon.
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A pretrial hearing in Manhattan is set for May 18 to determine if key evidence, including a gun and notebook, can be used in the trial of Mangione for the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The case involves a warrantless search and potential evidence suppression.
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Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has suspended her campaign for New York governor and will not seek re-election to Congress, citing family priorities. Her decision follows internal party challenges and a lack of explicit support from President Trump, impacting the GOP's chances in the upcoming state and federal elections.
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The Biden administration has paused leases for five offshore wind projects under construction along the East Coast, citing national security concerns related to radar interference. The move affects $25 billion in investments and thousands of jobs, prompting legal challenges from developers and political criticism from opponents.
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A volunteer rescue flight in Virginia transported 117 animals to northern shelters, marking the anniversary of Seuk Kim’s fatal crash during a rescue mission. The event highlights ongoing animal rescue efforts and the group's dedication to saving pets from overwhelmed shelters.
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New York Governor Hochul proposes eliminating state income taxes on up to $25,000 in tips, aligning with federal policy. Meanwhile, many states are not adopting recent federal tax provisions, affecting workers and budgets. The IRS predicts larger refunds due to unadjusted withholding from 2025 law.
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New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed a law requiring social media platforms to display warnings about addictive features, aligning with efforts in other states and countries to protect youth mental health. The law targets platforms with addictive feeds, autoplay, and infinite scroll, with penalties for violations. It applies within New York state boundaries.
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New York State and New York City are partnering to expand free child care, aiming to cover 100,000 more children by 2028. The plan includes funding for 2-year-olds and aims for universal access by 2028-2029, with a focus on high-need areas initially. The initiative aligns with Mayor Mamdani's campaign promise for affordable child care.
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Five Democratic-led states—California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, and New York—sued the federal government over a funding freeze targeting social programs. A judge temporarily blocked the freeze, citing potential harm to low-income families and ongoing legal questions about the administration's justification for withholding over $10 billion in aid.
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A settlement exceeding $182 million has been reached with victims of the 2015 Valhalla train collision, primarily benefiting the families of five victims. The crash involved a train hitting an SUV stuck on tracks, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries. The settlement reflects findings of liability against Metro-North Railroad.
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Recent articles highlight rising violence and political unrest in the US and abroad. In New York, homeless deaths during a cold snap prompt criticism of city efforts. Meanwhile, videos reveal masked US ICE officers engaging in violence, drawing comparisons to Middle Eastern conflicts. Internationally, trade tensions and leadership conflicts threaten stability.
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Homeownership tenure reached 8.55 years in 2025, driven by homeowners delaying moves due to low mortgage rates, limited inventory, and high prices. The market is now favoring buyers with more choices and less competition, especially in southern metros. Luxury sales continue to grow, while entry-level homes become scarcer.
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California lawmakers are advancing multiple bills to limit federal immigration enforcement, including banning ICE employees from state jobs, restricting courthouse arrests, and taxing detention profits. These measures follow recent deadly incidents involving ICE agents and reflect ongoing state opposition to federal immigration policies.
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Multiple US states are engaged in mid-decade redistricting, facing legal challenges and court rulings. Florida's governor faces a lawsuit over his redistricting proclamation, while courts in Virginia and Utah block or review district maps. The process impacts control of Congress ahead of 2026 midterms.
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Mejia has been declared the winner of New Jersey's 11th District special primary, consolidating support among Democrats ahead of the April 16 general election. Her victory reflects a shift toward more progressive candidates in the district, which includes parts of Essex, Morris, and Passaic counties. The race was closely contested, with Mejia narrowly surpassing Malinowski after mail-in ballots were counted. She campaigns on populist economic policies and the abolition of ICE, endorsed by prominent progressives like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez. The district, historically Republican, has shifted Democratic since 2018, and the outcome will influence the upcoming general election against Republican Joe Hathaway.
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Major US medical organizations now recommend delaying gender-related surgeries for minors until age 19, citing insufficient evidence and potential risks. This marks a significant shift from previous support, amid ongoing legal and political debates over pediatric gender care.
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The UK government will from April shift recovery of the warm home discount from standing charges to unit rates, reducing household bills by £40. Meanwhile, California and other US states see energy costs rise due to wildfire costs and policy decisions, with California experiencing a 39% increase over six years. US states consider suing fossil fuel companies over climate-related insurance hikes.
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New York's lawsuit alleges Valve's loot boxes and virtual item sales in games like Counter-Strike and Dota 2 constitute illegal gambling, especially due to the resale market and third-party cash-out services. The case questions whether digital items of value and resale practices breach state laws, with Valve facing potential fines and restitution.
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Nestlé and Danone have recalled infant formulas affecting over 60 countries due to cereulide toxin contamination. UK health authorities investigate cases of illness in babies, linked to contaminated ingredients. The source appears to be an oil supplied by a third-party, raising concerns about food safety and regulation.
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High energy bills persist in New York as state officials consider delaying climate law mandates due to rising costs. Leaked reports project household costs could rise by thousands annually, sparking political debate over balancing green initiatives with affordability.
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New York state and city leaders are at odds over proposed tax increases. Governor Hochul opposes hikes, while lawmakers and Mayor Mamdani push for higher taxes on the wealthy and corporations to fund public services and address budget gaps. The debate highlights ongoing tensions over fiscal policy and fairness.