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Mamdani Gana, Hochul Dice ‘No’

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Gov. Kathy Hochul (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

En un claro recordatorio de que incluso dentro del Partido Demócrata puede prevalecer la cordura fiscal frente a los desenfrenos de gasto progresista, la gobernadora de Nueva York, Kathy Hochul, envió un mensaje contundente al recién electo alcalde de la ciudad de Nueva York, Zohran Mamdani, durante una reciente aparición en el retiro político SOMOS, en Puerto Rico.

Pocos días después de la sorpresiva victoria de Mamdani en las elecciones municipales del 4 de noviembre, Hochul dejó claro que no tiene planes de aumentar los impuestos a los ricos ni de financiar su promesa estrella de ofrecer transporte público gratuito en los autobuses de la ciudad.

Las declaraciones de Hochul se produjeron en el último día de la conferencia SOMOS en San Juan, donde se dirigió a una audiencia de líderes políticos latinos y respondió preguntas sobre las implicaciones del triunfo de Mamdani.

El asambleísta de 34 años, miembro de los Socialistas Democráticos de América, hizo campaña con una ambiciosa plataforma de 10 mil millones de dólares en “beneficios gratuitos”, que incluía guarderías universales, congelamiento de alquileres y, principalmente, hacer que los autobuses de la ciudad de Nueva York fueran “rápidos y gratuitos” para todos los pasajeros. ¿La fuente de financiación? Un aumento de dos puntos porcentuales al impuesto sobre el 1% más rico y un incremento del impuesto corporativo al 11.5%, alineándolo con la tasa de Nueva Jersey.

Pero Hochul, quien respaldó a Mamdani en septiembre, no está dispuesta a firmar cheques en blanco.

“Estamos gastando mucho dinero, por lo que no puedo presentar un plan ahora mismo que reste fondos a un sistema que depende de las tarifas de los autobuses y el metro,” afirmó Hochul con firmeza durante el evento.

La gobernadora enfatizó la dependencia de la Autoridad Metropolitana de Transporte (MTA) de los ingresos de los pasajeros, que ya enfrenta una pérdida anual de 315 millones de dólares por evasión de tarifas. En su lugar, abogó por una ayuda más focalizada: “¿Podemos encontrar una manera de hacerlo más asequible para quienes necesitan ayuda? Por supuesto que sí.”

Traducción: subsidios para los neoyorquinos de bajos ingresos, no una entrega generalizada que podría tensionar las reservas estatales de 15 mil millones de dólares, el mismo fondo que Mamdani busca para financiar sus otras iniciativas.

En materia fiscal, la postura de Hochul es igualmente inflexible.

Mamdani, sin desanimarse, reafirmó su posición tras las elecciones: “Esto no son solo consignas. Son compromisos, y espero poder cumplirlos.” Su visión refleja el enfoque progresista que ha dejado a ciudades como San Francisco enfrentando déficits presupuestarios y deterioro en los servicios públicos.

Sin embargo, la resistencia de Hochul pone de relieve una realidad clave: como gobernadora, ella controla los fondos de la MTA, una entidad estatal que canaliza miles de millones al transporte público de Nueva York. Sin el apoyo de Albany, los sueños de Mamdani podrían detenerse más rápido que un tren Q en hora punta.

Los conservadores que observan desde fuera no pueden evitar asentir con aprobación.

En un estado dominado durante mucho tiempo por experimentos de gran gasto público, la moderación de Hochul, aunque limitada, actúa como un dique contra la imprudencia fiscal de los planes de “todo gratis.”

El secretario de Transporte de Estados Unidos, Sean Duffy, capturó el sentimiento en las redes sociales: “Nada en la vida es gratis,” comentó, calificando la propuesta de Mamdani como socialismo puro.

Mientras Mamdani se prepara para asumir el cargo en enero, todas las miradas estarán puestas en si Hochul mantiene su postura. Por ahora, las familias trabajadoras de Nueva York y su sobrecargado presupuesto pueden respirar aliviadas. En la batalla entre las promesas audaces y la fría realidad matemática, los números van ganando.

Si bien todos los hechos presentados en este artículo son precisos y están respaldados por fuentes confiables, las opiniones o puntos de vista expresados son únicamente del autor y no reflejan necesariamente las opiniones de las organizaciones o editores asociados.

California Descubierta por Esquema Ilegal de Licencias

(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

El Secretario de Transporte, Sean Duffy, anunció que el Departamento de Vehículos Motorizados (DMV) de California admitió haber emitido ilegalmente 17,000 licencias comerciales de conducir (CDL) no domiciliadas a conductores extranjeros, poniendo en peligro a los estadounidenses.

“Después de semanas afirmando que no habían hecho nada malo, Gavin Newsom y California fueron sorprendidos con las manos en la masa. Ahora que hemos expuesto sus mentiras, se están revocando 17,000 licencias de camión emitidas ilegalmente,” dijo Duffy en un comunicado. “Esto es solo la punta del iceberg. Mi equipo continuará obligando a California a demostrar que ha retirado a todos los inmigrantes ilegales de detrás del volante de camiones de carga y autobuses escolares.”

Se han emitido avisos a miles de conductores, informándoles que sus licencias no cumplen con los requisitos federales y expirarán en 60 días.

El acontecimiento se produce mientras Duffy ha amenazado con revocar la capacidad de California para emitir licencias comerciales de conducir si no cumple con las políticas de transporte.

En una entrevista con Sean Hannity de Fox News en octubre, Duffy dijo: “Ya retiré 40 millones de dólares del estado de California. Estoy haciendo una revisión rápida de su falta de cumplimiento con nuestras normas. Tengo la capacidad y voy a retirar casi otros 160 millones.”

“Y luego tengo la autoridad para decirle a California: escuchen, si no siguen ninguna de estas reglas que mantienen seguros a los estadounidenses, vamos a revocar su capacidad para emitir una licencia comercial de conducir,” afirmó.

Al retirar millones de dólares del estado, Duffy dijo: “Notifiqué a los estados este verano: hagan cumplir los requisitos de idioma inglés de la Administración Trump o los cheques dejarán de llegar.”

“California es el único estado del país que se niega a garantizar que los conductores de camiones pesados puedan leer nuestras señales de tránsito y comunicarse con las fuerzas del orden,” explicó. “Este es un problema fundamental de seguridad que afecta a usted y a su familia en las carreteras de Estados Unidos.”

Venezuela Moviliza al Ejército Mientras Estados Unidos Interviene

Maduro
(Photo by Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)

Venezuela ha desplegado cerca de 200,000 soldados en respuesta al envío del portaaviones más grande de Estados Unidos a la región.

El ministro de Defensa venezolano, Vladimir Padrino López, afirmó que las autoridades estaban colocando el “arsenal militar del país en plena capacidad operativa”, incluyendo el despliegue de “fuerzas terrestres, aéreas, navales, fluviales y de misiles.”

El esfuerzo forma parte de una operación para enfrentar las “amenazas imperialistas.”

El grupo de ataque del portaaviones Gerald R. Ford ingresó al área de responsabilidad del Comando Sur de EE. UU. (USSOUTHCOM) el 11 de noviembre. El movimiento sigue la iniciativa del secretario de Guerra, Pete Hegseth, para desmantelar redes criminales.

Según el anuncio, el grupo de ataque reforzará las fuerzas conjuntas ya presentes en la región, incluyendo el grupo anfibio Two Jima Amphibious Ready Group.

“La mayor presencia de fuerzas estadounidenses en el área de responsabilidad del USSOUTHCOM fortalecerá la capacidad de EE. UU. para detectar, monitorear y desarticular a actores y actividades ilícitas que comprometen la seguridad y prosperidad del territorio estadounidense y nuestra seguridad en el hemisferio occidental”, declaró el portavoz principal del Pentágono, Sean Parnell. “Estas fuerzas mejorarán y ampliarán las capacidades existentes para interrumpir el tráfico de narcóticos y degradar y desmantelar organizaciones criminales transnacionales.”

El dictador venezolano Nicolás Maduro advirtió el 2 de septiembre que cualquier ataque militar estadounidense contra su país provocaría una inmediata “lucha armada.”

Durante una entrevista reciente con 60 Minutes, el presidente Trump afirmó que los días de Maduro en el poder están “contados”, aunque enfatizó que no espera que Venezuela y Estados Unidos lleguen a la guerra. Cuando se le preguntó si creía que la presidencia de Maduro estaba llegando a su fin, Trump respondió: “Diría que sí. Creo que sí.” Y al ser presionado sobre si un conflicto militar era probable, el presidente respondió: “Lo dudo. No lo creo.”

Venezuela Mobilizes Military as U.S. Moves In

Maduro
(Photo by Jesus Vargas/Getty Images)

Venezuela has deployed nearly 200,000 soldiers in response to the United States sending its largest aircraft carrier to the region.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López said officials were positioning the country’s “military arsenal on full operational readiness,” including deployments of “ground, aerial, naval, riverine and missile forces.”

The effort is part of an effort to address “imperialist threats.”

The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group entered the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility on November 11. The move follows War Secretary Pete Hegseth’s effort to follow through on dismantling criminal networks.

According to the announcement, the carrier strike group will bolster the joint forces already in the region, including the Two Jima Amphibious Ready Group.

“The enhanced U.S. force presence in the USSOUTHCOM AOR will bolster U.S. capacity to detect, monitor, and disrupt illicit actors and activities that compromise the safety and prosperity of the United States homeland and our security in the Western Hemisphere,” said Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell. “These forces will enhance and augment existing capabilities to disrupt narcotics trafficking and degrade and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations.”

Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro warned on September 2 that any U.S. military attack on his country would trigger an immediate “armed struggle.”

During a recent interview with 60 Minutes, President Trump stated that Maduro’s days in power are “numbered,” although he emphasized he does not expect Venezuela and the United States to go to war. When asked if he believed Maduro’s presidency was nearing an end, Trump said, “I would say yeah. I think so, yeah.” When pressed on whether military conflict was likely, the president responded, “I doubt it. I don’t think so.”

Mamdani Wins, Hochul Says ‘No’

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Gov. Kathy Hochul (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

In a stark reminder that even within the Democratic Party, fiscal sanity can prevail over unchecked progressive spending sprees, New York Governor Kathy Hochul delivered a sobering message to incoming New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a recent appearance at the SOMOS political retreat in Puerto Rico.

Just days after Mamdani’s upset victory in the November 4 mayoral election, Hochul made it clear: She has no plans to hike taxes on the wealthy or bankroll his signature promise of fare-free city buses.

Hochul’s remarks came on the final day of the SOMOS conference in San Juan, where she addressed a crowd of Latino political leaders and fielded questions on the implications of Mamdani’s win.

The 34-year-old assemblyman, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, campaigned on a bold $10 billion platform of “freebies,” including universal childcare, rent freezes, and, most prominently, making NYC buses “fast and free” for all riders. To fund it? A 2-point surcharge on the top 1% of earners and a corporate tax bump to 11.5%, aligning with New Jersey’s rate.

But Hochul, who endorsed Mamdani back in September, isn’t signing any blank checks.

“We’re spending a lot of money, so I cannot set forth a plan right now that takes money out of a system that relies on the fares of the buses and the subways,” Hochul stated firmly during the event.

Hochul emphasized the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) dependence on rider revenue, which already faces a $315 million annual hit from fare evasion alone. Instead, the governor advocated for targeted relief: “But can we find a path to make it more affordable for people who need help? Of course we can.”

Translation: Subsidies for low-income New Yorkers, not a blanket giveaway that could strain the state’s $15 billion reserves; the same pot Mamdani eyes for his other initiatives.

On the tax front, Hochul’s stance is equally unyielding.

Mamdani, undeterred, doubled down post-election: “These are not just slogans. These are commitments, and I look forward to delivering on them.” His vision echoes the progressive playbook that’s left cities like San Francisco grappling with budget shortfalls and service breakdowns.

Yet Hochul’s pushback highlights a key reality: As governor, she holds the purse strings for the MTA, a state-controlled entity that funnels billions into NYC transit. Without Albany’s buy-in, Mamdani’s dreams could stall faster than a rush-hour Q train.

Conservatives watching from afar can’t help but nod in approval.

In a state long dominated by big-government experiments, Hochul’s restraint, however modest, serves as a bulwark against the fiscal folly of “free everything” schemes.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy captured the sentiment on social media: “Nothing in life is free,” he quipped, labeling Mamdani’s pitch as straight-up socialism.

As Mamdani prepares to take office in January, all eyes will be on whether Hochul’s line holds. For now, New York’s working families, and its overburdened budget, can exhale. In the battle between bold promises and cold math, the numbers are winning.

While all facts presented in this article are accurate and supported by credible sources, any opinions or independent views expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations or publishers.

California Busted for Illegal License Scheme

(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) admitted to illegally issuing 17,000 non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) to foreign drivers endangering Americans.

“After weeks of claiming they did nothing wrong, Gavin Newsom and California have been caught red-handed. Now that we’ve exposed their lies, 17,000 illegally issued trucking licenses are being revoked,” Duffy said in a statement. “This is just the tip of the iceberg. My team will continue to force California to prove they have removed every illegal immigrant from behind the wheel of semi-trucks and school buses.”

Notices have been issued to the thousands of drivers, informing them that their licenses do not meet federal requirements and will expire in 60 days.

The development comes as Duffy has threatened to revoke California’s ability to issue commercial driver’s licenses if it fails to comply with transportation policies.

Speaking to Fox News’s Sean Hannity in October, Duffy said, “I already took $40 million from the state of California. I’m doing a quick review of their lack of compliance for our rules. I have the ability and I’m going to pull almost another $160 million.”

“And then I have the ability for California to say, listen, you don’t follow any of these rules that keep Americans safe, we’re going to revoke your ability to issue a commercial driver’s license,” he said.

Upon pulling millions of dollars from the state, Duffy said, “I put states on notice this summer: enforce the Trump Administration’s English language requirements or the checks stop coming.”

“California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement,” he explained. “This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s roads.”

Busted: University Caught Hiding DEI Agenda Behind Fake Labels

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DEI (Amy Elting/Unsplash)

A hidden‑camera investigation at North Carolina A&T State University captured administrators openly discussing how they renamed and repackaged DEI initiatives to sidestep recent anti‑DEI legislation.

In the footage, an assistant director in the Office of Intercultural Engagement acknowledged that the role is “not actually under the DEI office at all, so we’re able to just keep going,” and admitted that they “changed the wording of things.”

“It shook things up around here, but fortunately for us, this office is not actually under the DEI office at all, so we’re able to just keep going. We just like switched up our, you know, changed the wording of things,” stated Office of Intercultural Engagement assistant director, Pascha Miller.

Another administrator confirmed that the university had opted for “creative naming,” describing the process of rebranding DEI roles using the word “competency” instead of “diversity.”

The scene develops against a backdrop of action by the University of North Carolina System Board of Governors, which earlier this year moved to eliminate DEI offices in favor of an “institutional neutrality” standard.

Assistant director of LGBTA programs and services at the Office of Intercultural Engagement, Austin Horne, shared:

“The Board of Governors did a statute in May that is really like, attacking DEI jobs and restricting some of our language… It is very intentionally vague is what, you know, the way I read it. But it’s really leaving it up to you know each university to kind of think about it in their own way and consider how much they want to open themselves up to litigation. But, luckily I think there’s only been one position that wasn’t lost, it was just changed here.”

The undercover journalist pressed Horne further on this comment, getting confirmation that the university had taken no measures to remove DEI practices, but to rename them.

When asked by the journalist if this decision to rebrand was purely from a legal standpoint, Horne responded, saying, “Well, it’s not even to get around the legislation, so what the legislation is, is it’s giving us, I want to say it’s 11 rules for what we can and cannot say when we are speaking on behalf of the university, and so some universities like Charlotte have taken that and said these positions can’t function with these rules in place so we’re just going to get rid of them. Every other public university has said they can function, we’re just going to try and shield ourselves from litigation.”

Experts warn this case illustrates how many higher‑education institutions continue to maintain DEI frameworks in practice—even after states enact bans—simply by swapping labels.

The footage certainly raises concerns about accountability in taxpayer‑funded institutions.

If DEI is legally restricted or banned in a state, attempts to rebrand without public disclosure undermine transparency and risk misalignment with state law and public expectations for neutral, inclusive education frameworks.

Going forward, legislators and oversight bodies may need to not only scrutinize the presence of DEI offices but also audit the functions and language of renamed units to ensure compliance with state laws.

DOJ Probes California University Unrest During TPUSA Event

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Department of Justice seal (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division has launched an investigation into the University of California, Berkeley, after the school failed to protect conservative students during a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event.

Videos from the event show Antifa-linked protesters surrounding attendees and engaging in threatening behaviors.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon sent a letter to UC President James B. Milliken and the UC Board of Regents, informing them that the DOJ is investigating the university’s handling of the situation.

“We are also determining whether recent events provide a basis for additional investigation of violations of federal rights, including, without limitation, violations of the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution,” Dhillon wrote.

Ahead of the letter, she stated that the nation does not allow “citizens to be attacked by violent thugs and shrug and turn our backs. Been there, done that, not on our watch.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi similarly wrote that “Antifa is an existential threat to our nation.”

“The violent riots at UC Berkeley last night are under full investigation by the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force. We will continue to spare no expense unmasking all who commit and orchestrate acts of political violence,” she shared to X on November 11. “Under President Trump’s leadership, and pursuant to his Executive Order designating Antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, the Department of Justice and our law-enforcement partners are dismantling violent networks that seek to intimidate Americans and suppress their free expression and First Amendment rights.”

230 Illegals Busted in Florida, What DHS Found Will Shock You

ICE
(Photo by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement via Getty Images)

A high-impact immigration enforcement effort led by the Department of Homeland Security resulted in the arrest of over 230 illegal aliens with criminal backgrounds in Florida.

The sweep, conducted under the name “Operation Dirtbag,” targeted violent offenders, including more than 150 illegal aliens identified as sex offenders—many of whom were charged with crimes against children.

The arrests included individuals with charges such as attempted murder, aggravated battery, sexual assault, lewd and lascivious molestation of minors, and burglary. Florida law enforcement agencies, under the leadership of Governor Ron DeSantis, provided full cooperation with federal authorities.

“These individuals were sex offenders, but not just sex offenders… They targeted children,” Noem shared.

Secretary Kristi Noem, overseeing DHS operations, stated that this initiative is just the beginning, saying, “Our kids will be safer. And this partnership with Governor DeSantis in Florida is a model that we want to replicate across the country.”

Noem credited Florida’s willingness to assist as key to the operation’s success, calling it a “proof of concept” for how effective interior immigration enforcement can be when states support DHS efforts.

Noem went on to add, “These individuals should’ve never been in our country to begin with, and the fact that they were sexual deviants and perverts and now we’ve gotten them off of our streets… It’s remarkable, and we need to do more of it.”

Compare this operation to policies in sanctuary cities, where local governments often refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Secretary Noem’s remarks sent a strong signal that DHS intends to bypass these limitations and carry out targeted enforcement wherever necessary.

Operation Dirtbag underscores the ongoing need for secure borders, thorough vetting, and robust enforcement mechanisms that prevent dangerous individuals from exploiting weaknesses in the immigration system.

With public safety at the forefront, DHS appears poised to expand its crackdown on illegal aliens with criminal records, especially in states willing to cooperate with federal law enforcement.

Foreign Governments Halt Intel to U.S. Amid Narco-Boat Strikes

(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The United Kingdom has stopped sharing intelligence with the United States in defiance of U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats.

Sources familiar with the development told CNN that the UK does not want to be complicit in the strikes and believes they are illegal. Previously, the UK has “helped the US locate vessels suspected of carrying drugs so that the US Coast Guard could interdict them,” the report explained.

Similarly, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that he has directed the country’s security forces to end intelligence sharing with the United States.

“Issue the order to all levels of the public security forces’ intelligence to suspend the sending of communications and other dealings with U.S. security agencies,” he wrote on X. “Such a measure will be maintained as long as the missile attack on boats in the Caribbean persists. The fight against drugs must be subordinated to the human rights of the Caribbean people.”

This week, War Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the U.S. carried out “two lethal kinetic strikes” on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations.

“These vessels were known by our intelligence to be associated with illicit narcotics smuggling, were carrying narcotics, and were transiting along a known narco-trafficking transit route in the Eastern Pacific,” he said. “Both strikes were conducted in international waters and 3 male narco-terrorists were aboard each vessel. All 6 were killed. No U.S. forces were harmed.”

“Under President Trump, we are protecting the homeland and killing these cartel terrorists who wish to harm our country and its people,” Hegseth added.

Some U.S. lawmakers have criticized the strikes, with Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) saying they “go against all of our tradition.” Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) accused the Trump administration of participating in “sanctioned murder” when discussing the strikes.

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