Socialist mayor Mamdani backs Hochul in move that could reshape New York governor race
Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is getting a big boost from the left flank of her party as she seeks re-election this year, thanks to the backing of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Mamdani, the socialist mayor of the nation’s most populous city, on Thursday endorsed Hochul, saying, “I have come to trust Governor Hochul as someone willing to engage in an honest dialogue that leads to results. As we face threats from Washington, she has defended our social safety net and protected funding for critical infrastructure projects.” The endorsement by Mamdani — who, since shocking the nation with a Democratic mayoral primary victory last June, has skyrocketed in stature as a leader of the left — should give the moderate governor from upstate New York a key inroad with progressive voters in the blue-leaning northeastern state. “New Yorkers deserve leaders who believe in transformation. Leaders who understand that hope is inspired by a vision, and sustained by change. Governor Kathy Hochul has earned my endorsement because she has chosen to govern in that spirit. And in this moment, that choice matters,” Mamdani wrote in the progressive magazine “The Nation.” FLASHBACK: INSIDE THE POLITICAL MOVEMENT THAT PUT A SOCIALIST IN CHARGE OF NEW YORK CITY But Mamdani, in endorsing Hochul, also highlighted his disagreement with the governor over raising taxes on the wealthy to pay for the proposals he pitched during his successful campaign for New York City mayor. “The Governor and I do not agree on everything. We have real differences, particularly when it comes to taxation of the wealthiest, at a moment defined by profound income inequality,” Mamdani wrote. “I continue to believe that the wealthiest among us can afford to pay just a little bit more.” Hochul, who’s seen her political standing rise over the past year, in part due to her resistance to President Donald Trump‘s unprecedented second term agenda, highlighted the key issues of affordability and healthcare in a statement following Mamdani’s endorsement. “Mayor Mamdani understands that we need to build a New York that everyone can afford — I’m grateful for his partnership in finally bringing universal child care to New York, and I know that he’ll stand strong alongside me as we fight against Donald Trump’s attacks on this state,” the governor wrote. HOCHUL PRIMARY CHALLENGER PICKS DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST AS RUNNING MATE The Republican Governors Association, in a social media post, took aim at Hochul, charging that she “wants to bring Mamdani’s socialist playbook to the rest of New York. A complete & total dumpster fire.” The governor backed Mamdani last September as the Democratic Party’s mayoral nominee battled former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa in the general election mayoral showdown. The endorsement comes as Hochul is facing a longshot primary challenge from the left from her own lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado. Delgado on Wednesday chose a far-left politician with a history of legal and financial troubles as his running mate. The lieutenant governor named former Buffalo mayoral candidate India Walton, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, as his running mate in an effort to beef up his support among progressives. But any boost Delgado may have received from the naming of Walton will likely be superseded by Mamdani’s endorsement of Hochul. And the latest public opinion poll in the Democratic primary race, released this week by Siena University, indicated Hochul has a massive 53-point lead over Delgado. Hochul also picked her running mate on Wednesday, choosing Adrienne Adams, who served as New York City Council speaker from 2022 to 2025. The all-female ticket is a first for a major party in the Empire State. And if elected, Adams would make history as New York State’s first Black lieutenant governor. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is the all-but-certain GOP gubernatorial nominee. Trump endorsed Blakeman in December after Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik dropped her bid for governor. Then-Lt. Gov. Hochul was sworn in as New York’s first female governor in August 2021 after Cuomo, in the middle of his third-term, resigned in disgrace amid multiple scandals. She defeated then-Rep. Lee Zeldin by just over six points in 2022 to win a full four-year term steering New York. Zeldin’s showing was the best by a Republican gubernatorial nominee in blue-state New York since then-GOP Gov. George Pataki won re-election to a third term in 2002. The latest polls in the 2026 race indicate Hochul holding a wide double-digit lead over Blakeman.
AOC spent over $53K in campaign funds on luxury hotels in 2025: ‘Carpetbagger’
FIRST ON FOX: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., continued spending campaign cash in Puerto Rico, including at an upscale hotel in the territory’s capital despite being slammed last year for spending lavishly there on meals, lodging and entertainment while simultaneously railing against gentrification in San Juan. The final year-end campaign finance reports ahead of the November midterms were released this past weekend. AOC’s Q4 report revealed she spent close to $4,000 more at the Hotel Palacio Provincial in San Juan, after she came under fire for spending thousands of campaign dollars there in Q3. AOC’s spending during Q3 also included tens of thousands of dollars for fancy dinners and a “venue rental” at the same San Juan arena where the congresswoman was spotted dancing in a suite at a Bad Bunny concert in August, amounting to nearly $50,000 spent in Puerto Rico across one reporting period. AOC’s Q4 spending report for the final months of 2025 follows a similar pattern as the previous quarters, with disbursement records denoting thousands of dollars going toward four- and five-star hotel accommodations and fancy dining. In total, in 2025, AOC spent roughly $53,500 on these luxury and “boutique” hotels. AOC’s use of campaign dollars in 2025 also included upscale dining at restaurants where meals are easily $100 per person, such as a sushi restaurant in New York City with a $150 14-course tasting menu, a seafood restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip, and a fancy San Juan restaurant where cocktails eclipse $20. CORI BUSH RIPPED FOR ‘JAW-DROPPING’ HYPOCRISY ON KEY ISSUE AMID COMEBACK HOUSE BID “What better way to ‘fight the oligarchy’ than to use campaign funds on luxury hotels,” quipped Republican campaign strategist Mark Bednar, who has worked for lawmakers like former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and current Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy when he was in Congress. “If AOC has plans to follow through on presidential ambitions, she will need to explain to voters how her campaign spending squares with her campaign rhetoric.” When asked if AOC thought she needed to explain her campaign spending on luxurious hotels during 2025, the congresswoman’s representatives did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Many of the luxury hotels AOC spent thousands on in 2025 were not far from her home district, pointed out Daniel Turner, who is from Queens but eventually left. He is a longtime political communications strategist and is the founder of Power The Future, an energy-focused nonprofit. Much of his family still remains in Queens. “The difference between me and AOC is that I am actually from Queens. AOC, who pretends that she is from Queens, and pretends that she is one of us, is acting the way all New Yorkers do toward Queens. When she needs a luxury event, she goes to Brooklyn, or she goes to Manhattan. When she wants to do something fancy, she leaves altogether and she goes to resorts in Puerto Rico. She can’t spend that sort of money in her own district, because her own district is poor, like the parts of Queens where I grew up, and she’s fine with that,” Turner told Fox News Digital. AOC’S LUXURY SPENDING BINGE IN PUERTO RICO REIGNITES QUESTIONS ABOUT ‘SOCIALIST’ BRAND: ‘PEAK HYPOCRISY’ “She’s fine with the enormous amounts of prostitution… she’s fine with underage Latina girls who are selling themselves in her district, and she’s going to go to Puerto Rico and talk about gentrification.” Some of the fancier hotels that AOC spent her time at in 2025 include The Langham Huntington, located in Pasadena, California, Vdara Hotel & Spa, located in the heart of Sin City, the Lansdowne Resort & Spa located in rural Virginia, the Hyatt Grand Central, located just 5–10 miles outside of AOC’s district in Queens, and the upscale Westdrift Manhattan Beach. The majority of the stays were several thousand dollars, including a stop in Salt Lake City at the four-star Asher Adams Hotel, which cost over $3,100. Additionally, many of the hotel locations corresponded with AOC’s “Fight Oligarchy” tour stops she attended alongside Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., in 2025. The Leo Kent Hotel in Tuscon, the Arlo Williamsburg in Brooklyn, Bottleworks Hotel in downtown Indianapolis, and the Hotel El Convento in San Juan, were among the list of other upscale hotels AOC spent thousands of campaign dollars on during 2025, according to her financial disclosures. “The people of her district would be thrilled if she spent just a percentage of that amount of money in her own area, but she doesn’t want to represent that part of Queens. She doesn’t really even want to represent New York City,” Turner continued. “She thinks of herself as the congresswoman of more glamorous locations and more worldly causes.” Meanwhile, AOC used campaign dollars in 2025 at fancy restaurants like CATCH on the Vegas Strip, where 12 pieces of Nigiri, 12 pieces of Sashimi, a tuna avocado roll and salmon roe cucumber cups will cost you $225. Another place that AOC used campaign cash to dine was Sushi Ouiji, where guests dine on a $150 14-course tasting menu made with fish flown in directly from a Japanese fish market. AOC didn’t skimp on food in Puerto Rico, during Q3, either. As Fox News Digital previously reported in December, AOC spent $10,743.13 on “catering” and “meals” in Puerto Rico during a single reporting period, including at fancy restaurants like Verde Mesa, where espresso martinis cost $24. Her campaign picked up the tab for nearly $50,000 in Puerto Rico between late June and September on luxury hotels, pricey meals and a $23,000 “venue rental” at the same San Juan arena where AOC was spotted dancing in a suite at a Bad Bunny concert during an August trip to the U.S. territory. Meanwhile, a video of AOC railing against “the gentrification happening in Puerto Rico” appeared on social media in August around the time of her trip as well. “This is the problem with carpetbaggers. She can’t look at parts of Roosevelt Avenue and parts of
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 1,442
[unable to retrieve full-text content] These are the key developments from day 1,442 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Nike probed by Trump appointee over claims of bias against white workers
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s probe seen as latest effort by Trump administration to roll back diversity and inclusion policies. Published On 5 Feb 20265 Feb 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share Nike is being investigated in the United States over claims that it discriminated against white workers through its diversity and inclusion policies. The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) said on Wednesday that it had filed a court motion to compel Nike to produce information related to allegations of “intentional race discrimination” against white employees. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list The allegations relate to a suspected pattern of discrimination in “hiring, promotion, demotion, or separation decisions, including selection for layoffs; internship programs; and mentoring, leadership development and other career development programs”, the US government agency said. The agency said it took the action after Nike had failed to respond to a subpoena for various information, including the criteria used in selecting employees for redundancies and setting executives’ pay. EEOC chair, Andrea Lucas, an ardent critic of racial diversity initiatives who was appointed last year by President Donald Trump, said US anti-discrimination law is “colour-blind” and protects employees of “all races”. “Thanks to President Trump’s commitment to enforcing our nation’s civil rights laws, the EEOC has renewed its focus on even-handed enforcement of Title VII,” Lucas said in a statement, referring to a section of the 1964 Civil Rights Act that prohibits employment discrimination based on race, colour, religion or sex. Nike, based in Beaverton, Oregon, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The EEOC’s action is seen as the latest move by the Trump administration to roll back policies promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Advertisement In one of his first acts upon returning to the White House, Trump signed an executive order to abolish “radical” and “wasteful” DEI initiatives introduced under his predecessor, Joe Biden. Like many corporate giants in the US, Nike publicly backed social justice causes such as Black Lives Matter prior to Trump’s re-election in 2024. Between 2020 and 2021, Nike’s share of non-white employees rose more than four percentage points, the most among firms apart from healthcare provider Danaher, according to a Bloomberg analysis of company data reported to the EEOC. Adblock test (Why?)
Australia charges teen over online threat as Israeli president due to visit
‘Mass, peaceful’ demonstration are planned across Australia to protest the visit of Israel’s President Isaac Herzog. Published On 5 Feb 20265 Feb 2026 Click here to share on social media share2 Share An Australian teenager has been charged for allegedly making online threats against Israeli President Isaac Herzog, whose visit to the country on Sunday has been met with planned protests, police complaints over alleged war crimes, and efforts to have his invitation revoked. Australian Federal Police said in a statement on Thursday that the 19-year-old allegedly made the threats on a social media platform last month “towards a foreign head of state and internationally protected person”. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list Police did not name the intended target of the alleged threats, but Australian media widely reported they were directed at Herzog. The teenager was refused police bail and will appear before a court in Sydney on Thursday. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail, police said in the statement. Herzog is due to arrive in Australia on Sunday for a five-day visit, following an invitation by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the aftermath of the shooting of 15 people attending a Jewish festival at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in December. The visit by Herzog – who is expected to meet survivors and the families of the victims of the shooting – has drawn strong opposition from pro-Palestine groups and those opposing Israel’s genocide in Gaza, with protests against the visit planned across some two dozen Australian cities, according to reports. David Shoebridge, Greens party senator for New South Wales (NSW), home to Sydney, said the Albanese government “needs to withdraw this invitation now”. “They should not have invited Herzog to Australia. Now the police are saying they have concerns about how his visit will cause ‘significant animosity’,” Shoebridge said in a post on social media on Wednesday. Advertisement Shoebridge had tried in the state Senate to move a motion calling on Prime Minister Albanese’s government to revoke Herzog’s invitation. “He has literally signed bombs used in the genocide in Gaza,” Shoebridge said of the Israeli president. NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon announced on Tuesday that restrictions on protests would be extended in advance of the Israeli leader’s visit, stating, “I know that there is significant animosity about President Herzog’s visit.” The Palestine Action Group has called on supporters to attend a rally in Sydney on Monday, urging people to march to the New South Wales state parliament in what is described as a “mass, peaceful gathering”. An Australian and two Palestinian legal groups formally called on the Australian Federal Police last month to investigate Herzog for his alleged role in war crimes in Gaza. The Australian Centre for International Justice, Al-Haq and the Al Mezan Center for Human Rights said that they had written to “urgently alert” Australian police of their concerns “in light of serious and credible criminal allegations of incitement to genocide and advocating genocide” by Herzog amid Israel’s war on Gaza since October 7, 2023. Adblock test (Why?)
Uttar Pradesh: Lucknow metro’s East-West corridor construction gains momentum, first tender issued, check details
The corridor will have 12 stations, with five elevated stations from Basantkunj to Thakurganj and seven underground stations in the densely populated areas between Charbagh and Nawajgunj. The project is expected to be completed within five years.
Delhi Police arrests Al-Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui in fraud probe, sent to four-day custody
Delhi Police Crime Branch arrested Al Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui over alleged fraud and irregularities. The case follows UGC complaints and ED scrutiny, amid concerns about controversial staff hires and alleged false accreditation claims.
Ghaziabad Triple Suicide: Father under 2 crore debt, sold phones of sisters addicted to Korean Game, threatened them with marriage
The Ghaziabad family’s financial situation was dire, with reports indicating the father had sold the three minor sisters’ phones to pay off outstanding bills, adding to the family’s distress.
Delhi-NCR’s air quality improves marginally, but remains in ‘poor’ category, IMD predicts rainfall; Check full forecast here
Air quality improved compared to Wednesday, when the AQI was over 312. Despite this improvement, a thin layer of smog persists in parts of the city, and overall air quality remains poor.
Georgia GOP Rep Barry Loudermilk to retire, adding to wave of House exits
Rep. Barry Loudermilk, R-Ga., announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to a seventh term, becoming the latest Republican lawmaker to step aside amid a growing wave of GOP retirements ahead of the next election cycle. Loudermilk released a statement announcing his retirement, saying it has been a “tremendous honor” to represent the people of Northwest Georgia for six terms. He also said that during his tenure, he focused on upholding the U.S. Constitution and representing the 11th Congressional District. “I first ran for election to Congress in 2014 and, as I stated then, representing the people in Congress is a service, not a career; and although I continue to have strong support from the people of the 11th Congressional District, I believe it is time to contribute to my community, state, and nation in other ways,” he said. “Therefore, I have decided not to seek reelection at the end of my current term in Congress.” HOUSE GOP MAJORITY ON THE BRINK AS ALL-DEMOCRAT TEXAS SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION UNDERWAY Loudermilk said he learned throughout his life that doing what is right is not always easy, popular or convenient, and that he and his wife prayed and discussed the decision extensively. “This is not an easy decision, but we believe it is the right one,” he said. “While serving my constituents in Congress ranks among my greatest honors, being a husband, a father and a grandfather holds even greater importance to me, and at this time I wish to spend more dedicated time with my family.” He concluded by thanking the people of his district for allowing him to serve, as well as his staff for their “outstanding service” to the district, state and nation. REP. LAMALFA’S DEATH FURTHER SHRINKS REPUBLICAN HOUSE MAJORITY Loudermilk’s decision comes as lawmakers in both parties consider the toll of another election cycle, with redistricting, an early primary calendar and an increasingly national political climate influencing decisions ahead of the next midterm elections. Loudermilk is at least the 29th Republican to announce plans not to seek re-election at the end of the current term, part of a broader wave of departures from the House. Twenty-one House Democrats have also announced they will not seek re-election. REP. LAMALFA’S DEATH FURTHER SHRINKS REPUBLICAN HOUSE MAJORITY Last Tuesday, Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., said he would not seek re-election, ending a two-decade career in Washington at age 74. “After 20 years of service, I believe it’s the right time to pass the torch and begin a new chapter in my life,” Buchanan said in a statement. Other Republicans not seeking re-election include Reps. Neal Dunn, R-Fla., Jodey Arrington, R-Texas, and Troy Nehls, R-Texas. Fox News Digital’s Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.