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New York City Mayor Mamdani and AG James Sue to Block Trump Administration's Expanded 'Public Charge' Rule

New York City Mayor Mamdani and AG James Sue to Block Trump Administration's Expanded 'Public Charge' Rule

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York Attorney General Letitia James have filed lawsuits against President Trump's administration. The legal action aims to prevent the expansion of the federal 'public charge' rule, which allows the government to deny visa and green card applications if applicants are deemed likely to rely on public benefits. The Trump administration plans to broaden the list of benefits that fall under this rule, with the changes scheduled to take effect on September 18. Mayor Mamdani stated that these changes would not affect citizens or individuals seeking humanitarian relief like asylum. He characterized the new rule as an attempt to create uncertainty and fear among immigrant New Yorkers, potentially forcing up to 4 million people to disenroll from healthcare out of concern for their immigration status. Several other major cities and counties, including Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, Santa Clara County, and King County, are joining New York's lawsuit. Attorney General James...
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African asylum seekers find home in unlikely new American melting pots

African asylum seekers find home in unlikely new American melting pots

In 2023, thousands of migrants from West Africa arrived in Lockland, Ohio, nearly doubling the town’s population so suddenly it seemed to some that it happened overnight
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New York City and State Sue Trump Administration Over Expanded Public Charge Rule

New York City and State Sue Trump Administration Over Expanded Public Charge Rule

New York City and State have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to challenge a new, expanded 'Public Charge Rule' that is set to take effect. This rule significantly broadens the definition of what constitutes a 'public charge,' allowing immigration officials sweeping discretion to deny green cards and block pathways to permanent residency for individuals who use basic public programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or free school lunches. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Attorney General Letitia James, alongside other municipalities and attorneys general, argue that this rule forces immigrant families to choose between essential public services and their immigration status. They contend that the new rule is intentionally vague, designed to create fear and uncertainty, and could lead to severe health and economic consequences, with Mayor Mamdani stating that 'people could die' as a result of these changes. This legal action marks a renewed effort to counter the Trump administration's attempts to expand the p...
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The Latest: Federal Reserve defies Trump, hikes key interest rate for first time in 3 years

The Latest: Federal Reserve defies Trump, hikes key interest rate for first time in 3 years

The Federal Reserve has raised its benchmark interest rate for the first time since 2023 to address high inflation
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Explainer-Why are world leaders at the UN next week and what will they talk about?

Explainer-Why are world leaders at the UN next week and what will they talk about?

By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS, Sept 17 (Reuters) - World leaders gather in New York every September for several days of high-level debate starting on Tuesday at the United Nations General Assembly. WHO SPEAKS WHEN?
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The Latest: Federal judge orders Kennedy Center to provide 30 days' notice of any building changes

The Latest: Federal judge orders Kennedy Center to provide 30 days' notice of any building changes

A federal judge has ordered the Kennedy Center to provide 30 days’ notice before making any major physical changes to the building, including demolishing it — as President Donald Trump has threatened
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UN Secretary-General Guterres Calls for Security Council Reform Amid Geopolitical Divides

UN Secretary-General Guterres Calls for Security Council Reform Amid Geopolitical Divides

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has issued a stark warning regarding the paralysis of the UN Security Council, attributing it to significant geopolitical divisions among major powers. Guterres emphasized that these divisions hinder the Council's ability to act on global crises and address violations of international law. He specifically highlighted that some powers violating international law are also members of the Security Council, contributing to its ineffectiveness. Consequently, Guterres asserted that a reform of the Security Council is an "absolute priority." He argued that the current distribution of power within the Council no longer reflects contemporary global realities, necessitating a redistribution of influence to ensure its relevance and efficacy in maintaining international peace and security. Guterres also touched upon the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stressing the urgent need for a ceasefire and conditions for a just peace, and the devastating consequences for the global ...
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Representative Richard Neal Opposes Expanded Presidential Tariff Authorities in Russia Sanctions Bill

Representative Richard Neal Opposes Expanded Presidential Tariff Authorities in Russia Sanctions Bill

Representative Richard Neal, a Democrat from Massachusetts and the top Democrat on the Ways and Means Committee, has voiced strong opposition to a provision within the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026' that would expand presidential tariff authorities. Neal, alongside Rep. Gregory Meeks of New York and Rep. Don Beyer of Virginia, issued a statement calling the bill 'unacceptable' and arguing it would cause 'more harm than good.' The House passed this bill, which aims to impose new sanctions on Russian officials, financial institutions, and energy projects, and grants President Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil and gas. Despite Neal's concerns, the bill passed the House with a 262-159 vote, with 58 Democrats supporting it, and is expected to be signed into law by President Trump. Neal's opposition centers on the belief that this expansion of tariff authority lacks guarantees to protect Ukraine and Russia, ...
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The Latest: Trump says EU allowing Canada as associate member could be a ‘hostile act’

The Latest: Trump says EU allowing Canada as associate member could be a ‘hostile act’

President Donald Trump suggested that the European Union allowing Canada to become an associate member could be a “hostile act” and threatened to respond to the proposed move by imposing more tariffs on the bloc
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French Far-Right Leader Marine Le Pen Advocates for Reduced Financial Aid to Ukraine

French Far-Right Leader Marine Le Pen Advocates for Reduced Financial Aid to Ukraine

Marine Le Pen, co-leader of France's far-right National Rally (RN) party, stated on September 16, 2026, that France should scale back its financial support for Ukraine due to domestic financial constraints. While she supports continued training and equipment provision for Ukrainian soldiers, Le Pen emphasized that France cannot maintain its current level of financial aid, citing the significant amount already provided. Her comments come less than a year before the French presidential election, where polls suggest she is a leading candidate to succeed President Emmanuel Macron. Le Pen argued that France cannot continue spending heavily abroad when there are insufficient funds for domestic needs, such as indexing pensions. Her stance aligns with her party's co-leader, Jordan Bardella, who previously stated that France cannot indefinitely finance Ukraine without guarantees. The RN has faced criticism from other French parties regarding its Ukraine policy, particularly after Louis Aliot, the RN's vice-presiden...
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22 States Sue to Block DHS Public Charge Rule Expansion

22 States Sue to Block DHS Public Charge Rule Expansion

Attorney General Nick Brown, alongside 21 other states and the District of Columbia, has filed a lawsuit to prevent the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from implementing a new public charge rule. This rule, set to take effect on September 18, would grant immigration officials broader authority to deny green cards to individuals based on their lawful use of public benefits. Historically, public charge determinations focused on cash benefits, but the new DHS rule would expand this to include nearly any means-tested public benefit, even if used for a short period. The lawsuit, led by Attorneys General from New York, California, and Illinois, argues that this rule is designed to intimidate immigrant families and is unlawful. The coalition contends that DHS cannot legally withhold permanent residency from individuals entitled to benefits like food assistance. The lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeking to declare the rule unlawful and prevent i...
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EU chief to lay out priorities and vision for tackling the bloc's challenges in major speech

EU chief to lay out priorities and vision for tackling the bloc's challenges in major speech

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to deliver a major state of the European Union speech on Wednesday