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Tue, Aug 18, 2026

Just the News

Gov. Kathy Hochul slams brakes on NYC robotaxi plan

Gov. Kathy Hochul slams brakes on NYC robotaxi plan
(The Center Square) -

(The Center Square) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is hitting the brakes on plans to allow robotaxis to operate on the state's roadways, following pushback from labor unions, transit workers, and rideshare drivers.

During her state of the state address last month, Hochul floated the idea of allowing commercial robotaxi services, like Waymo and Alphabet, to begin operating in cities and towns outside of New York City if local officials approve pilot testing of the autonomous vehicles. But on Wednesday, the Hochul administration said it was walking back to those plans amid opposition.

Republican mayor doesn't want ICE facility in his town

Republican mayor doesn't want ICE facility in his town
(The Center Square) -

A middle Tennessee mayor said Friday he is a conservative Republican, but he does not want a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility coming to his town.

The Department of Homeland Security is looking at property in Lebanon, Mayor Rick Bell said. The department had not spoken with the city's utilities or engineering departments, he said.

GOP lawmakers urge Hochul to reject NYC bailout

GOP lawmakers urge Hochul to reject NYC bailout
(The Center Square) -

(The Center Square) — New York Republican lawmakers are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to drop her controversial plans to give New York City $1.5 billion to help reduce its budget shortfall.

In a letter to Hochul, Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt and other members of the Legislature's Republican minority caucus call on the governor to scrap her plan to help New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani offset the impact of a projected $5.4 billion revenue gap over the next two years.

The American Border Story slams Maryland governor for barring police cooperation agreements with ICE

The American Border Story slams Maryland governor for barring police cooperation agreements with ICE

The American Border Story on Friday criticized Maryland Democrat Gov. Wes Moore for signing a bill into law that bars police cooperation agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Moore signed the bill on Tuesday. The legislation does not preclude isolated instances of cooperation, but requires the termination of any formal arrangements by July. It also does not prevent local law enforcement from turning over illegal immigrants in government custody to ICE.

As Games draw to close, Olympic spirit shines through, fans cheer for athletes over politics

As Games draw to close, Olympic spirit shines through, fans cheer for athletes over politics

Amid a Winter Olympics shadowed by war, sanctions and partisan rhetoric, the clatter of skates on ice, swoosh of skis on snow and gasps from enthusiastic crowds have emerged as the central theme of the Games.

The world’s most prestigious winter sporting event had an inauspicious start earlier this month: there were protests in Milan about the inclusion of ICE agents within the U.S. security team, and Vice President JD Vance was greeted by hisses and boos when he appeared at the Olympic opening ceremony. 

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