POLICY AND PUBLIC INTEREST
Sandy Di Angelis 13, Nov 2 mins
2 mins
The Ritz Herald
© Getty Images
FLEOA urges Congress to complete FY 2026 appropriations before the January 30 deadline to prevent another shutdown affecting federal law enforcement operations

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) noted the passage of the continuing resolution and three regular appropriations bills that reopened the federal government after the longest shutdown in U.S. history. The legislative action restores funding for essential services and allows federal law enforcement professionals to return to full duty with pay. However, the Association cautions that another funding crisis looms on January 30, 2026, unless Congress continues bipartisan efforts to enact the remaining FY 2026 appropriations.

“FLEOA appreciates the Congressional cooperation that led to the reopening of the federal government,” said Mathew Silverman, National President of FLEOA. “We now urge Congress to act swiftly and collaboratively to enact a full-year appropriations measure well before the January 30 deadline, thereby avoiding another lapse in funding. Our nation’s law enforcement officers, and the citizens they protect, deserve the stability and predictability that only a complete budget can provide.”

During government shutdowns, most federal law enforcement officers are required to report for duty without pay as essential personnel, while support and administrative staff are often furloughed. According to FLEOA, this dynamic places financial strain on officers and their families, disrupts operational support, and can affect mission readiness and public safety. The Association is also urging Congress to pass Sen. Ron Johnson’s (R-WI) “Shutdown Fairness Act,” which would protect the financial security of federal law enforcement officers during future shutdowns.

“Federal law enforcement officers continued to perform their duties throughout the shutdown with professionalism and commitment, despite the personal and financial hardships caused by delayed compensation,” Silverman said. “No federal employee charged with…

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Secretary Bessent and Japan’s Finance Minister Katayama Chart a Path for a New Economic Era
The Ritz Herald

In a pivotal meeting in Tokyo, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama reaffirmed the enduring strength of the U.S.–Japan alliance and outlined a shared vision for sustained growth amid evolving global economic conditions.

Secretary Bessent emphasized Washington’s…

U.S. Department of Energy Issues Emergency Order to Ensure Reliable Power for Millions This Winter
The Ritz Herald

U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright has issued an emergency order under Section 202(c) of the Federal Power Act. This directive ensures that millions of Americans will have uninterrupted access to reliable, affordable, and secure energy during the colder months ahead.

The order allows…

From Barracks to Briefs: Enlisted Marines Transition to Legal Careers Through New Program
The Ritz Herald

Marine Corps 2nd Lt. William Hardwick has been recognized as one of the first candidates selected for the prestigious Enlisted to Judge Advocate Program, a new initiative designed to provide enlisted Marines with a pathway to becoming legal professionals within the Marine Corps.

Before…

Federal Reserve Seeks Public Input on Enhancing Transparency of Stress Tests
The Ritz Herald

The Federal Reserve Board is inviting comments on new proposals aimed at increasing the transparency and public accountability of its annual stress tests. This initiative comes as part of the Board’s ongoing efforts to ensure that large banks are adequately capitalized and can continue lending to households…

Strengthening Ties: U.S.-Japan Alliance at the Forefront of New Challenges
The Ritz Herald

In a significant diplomatic engagement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu to reaffirm the long-standing partnership between Japan and the United States. The meeting, marked by warm exchanges and mutual respect, highlighted the importance of collaboration in facing modern global…

2 mins
Statue of Albert Gallatin in front of the Treasury Building. © Thuan Vo
The Ritz Herald
New sanctions target individuals channeling tens of millions from Iran to Hizballah through covert business dealings and financial exchanges=

The United States has imposed sanctions on multiple individuals involved in funneling tens of millions of dollars from Iran to Hizballah. These operatives collaborate with regional businessmen and currency exchanges to enable large-scale financial transfers and sustain the terrorist organization’s funding operations.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, these individuals play a key role in Iran’s covert financing network. The funds are used to support Hizballah’s global operations, strengthen its influence across the Middle East, and undermine Lebanon’s economic and political sovereignty.

This action forms part of the United States’ ongoing campaign of maximum pressure against Iran and its proxies, as outlined in National Security Presidential Memorandum 2 issued on February 4. The U.S. government reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting illicit financial flows that fuel terrorism and destabilize regional security.

“By enabling Hizballah, Iran holds Lebanon back and undermines its sovereignty,” a State Department spokesperson said. “Iran and Hizballah cannot be allowed to keep Lebanon captive any longer.”

The sanctions, issued under Executive Order 13224, as amended, specifically target terrorists and those providing material support to them. Hizballah was designated as a Specially…

6 mins
© Zohran for NYC
The Ritz Herald
As New York embraces its youngest and most progressive mayor, while nearby New Jersey reaffirms centrist stability under Mikie Sherrill, two victories revealing how voters envision leadership in 2025

New Yorkers woke up to a political milestone this week as Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani claimed victory in the city’s mayoral race, becoming both the youngest and first Muslim person ever elected to lead the five boroughs. Across the Hudson, Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill won the New Jersey governorship on a platform of stability, fiscal discipline, and pragmatic leadership. Together, the neighboring states’ results tell a larger story about how Democrats are redefining power and priorities in 2025.

Mamdani’s campaign, powered by small donors and community organizers, promised sweeping reforms centered on housing affordability, fare-free public transit, and progressive taxation. His victory was hailed by some as a “socialist shockwave,” symbolizing a generational shift in urban politics.

Former governor Andrew Cuomo, whom Mamdani defeated in the Democratic primary, voiced skepticism over the new mayor’s readiness to manage New York’s complex bureaucracy. “This is no job for on the job training,” Cuomo said. “If you look at the failed mayors, they’re ones that have no management experience. That person has to be ready.” His comments reflect concern among establishment Democrats and business leaders about whether Mamdani’s ideals can translate into policy within the…

U.S. Delivers Urgent Humanitarian Aid to Vulnerable Minority Communities in Southern Syria
The Ritz Herald

The United States has announced a new humanitarian assistance initiative to support Druze, Christian, and Bedouin communities in Southern Syria’s Suwayda province — regions that continue to experience the fallout of years of conflict, displacement, and economic collapse.

According to the State Department, the…

Rubio Says U.S. Peace Effort in Gaza ‘Ahead of Schedule,’ Warns Against Israeli Annexation Moves
The Ritz Herald

Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke to the press on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews before departing for the Middle East. His remarks were focused on the ongoing peace efforts in Israel and the importance of maintaining the current ceasefire.

Rubio confirmed that…

National Grocers Association Urges Congress to Quickly Reopen Government, Protect SNAP and WIC Funding
The Ritz Herald

As the federal government shutdown threatens to disrupt critical nutrition programs, the National Grocers Association (NGA) is calling on congressional leaders to immediately restore government operations and ensure uninterrupted funding for SNAP and WIC.

Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of NGA…

U.S. Treasury Sanctions Haitian Gang Facilitators Linked to Viv Ansanm Terror Network
The Ritz Herald

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced new sanctions against two key Haitian gang figures — Dimitri Herard and Kempes Sanon — for their support of the violent gang coalition Viv Ansanm, which Washington has formally designated as a global terrorist organization.

Herard,…

ICE Arrests More Than 1,400 Noncitizens in Massachusetts During ‘Patriot 2.0’ Operation
The Ritz Herald

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal law enforcement partners arrested 1,406 individuals unlawfully present in the United States during a weeks-long enforcement surge across Massachusetts in September, the agency announced.

The coordinated operation — known as Patriot 2.0 — was conducted from Sept. 4 to Sept. 30 and…

3 mins
The Ritz Herald
Cheney speaks to US troops at Camp Anaconda, Iraq, in 2008. © Senior Airman Julianne Showalter
The influential yet controversial architect of post-9/11 U.S. policy passes away after a long battle with heart disease.
By / Newsroom Staff

Former U.S. Vice President Richard “Dick” Cheney has died at the age of 84. According to his family’s statement, Cheney passed away on the evening of November 3, 2025, surrounded by his wife Lynne, his daughters Elizabeth (“Liz”) and Mary, and other family members. The cause of death was given as complications from pneumonia and ongoing heart and vascular disease.

Born January 30, 1941, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and raised in Casper, Wyoming, Cheney embarked on a long career in public service that included roles as White House Chief of Staff under President Gerald Ford, U.S. Representative for Wyoming, Secretary of Defense under President George H.W. Bush, and finally Vice President under President George W. Bush.

During his vice presidency, Cheney played a central role in shaping the Bush administration’s policies, particularly following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He became known for his forceful advocacy of expanded executive authority, enhanced national security measures, and the invasion of Iraq. Many historians and analysts consider him among the most powerful—or at least most influential—vice presidents in U.S. history.

Significant health issues marked Cheney’s later years. He suffered multiple heart attacks, underwent a heart transplant in 2012, and dealt with other cardiovascular complications. On the personal front, he was married to Lynne Cheney for 61 years. They had two daughters—Liz, who became a U.S. Congresswoman, and Mary. He spent much of his post-political life in Wyoming, enjoying fly-fishing, hunting, and time with family.

FHWA Orders NYC to Halt 34th Street Busway Project Over Trucking and Emergency Access Concerns
The Ritz Herald

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has directed the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT) to pause all work on the planned 34th Street busway, citing unresolved concerns over access for trucks, commercial deliveries, and emergency responders along one of Manhattan’s most critical east–west corridors.

The request — confirmed…

FLEOA Hails Senate Passage of NDAA With Eight Key Law Enforcement Priorities Included
The Ritz Herald

The Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) has commended the United States Senate for passing the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which includes eight bipartisan law enforcement bills long championed by the association on behalf of its members and the broader federal law enforcement community.

The…

U.S. Treasury Takes Action Against Iranian Regime’s Operatives in Iraq
The Ritz Herald

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced significant actions against individuals and companies that enable the Iranian regime to evade American sanctions, engage in weapon smuggling, and perpetrate corruption within Iraq. This initiative underscores the troubling influence of Iranian-backed militias, particularly…

2 mins
Statue of Albert Gallatin in front of the Treasury Building. © Thuan Vo
The Ritz Herald
The U.S. official’s multi-country trip aims to tighten financial restrictions on Tehran and bolster cooperation with key allies across the Middle East and Europe

U.S. Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley will travel to Europe and the Middle East to advance President Trump’s maximum pressure campaign against Iran and reinforce international efforts to restrict terrorist groups from accessing the global financial system.

During the trip, Under Secretary Hurley will work closely with partner nations to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of United Nations sanctions and measures that were reimposed following Iran’s failure to meet its international obligations.

“President Trump has made clear that Iran’s destabilizing and terrorist activities must be met with sustained and coordinated pressure,” said Hurley. “I look forward to meeting with our partners to coordinate our efforts to deny Tehran and its proxies the financial access they rely on to evade international sanctions, fund violence, and undermine stability in the region.”

Hurley’s itinerary includes high-level engagements in Israel, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Türkiye, and Lebanon.

In Israel, discussions will focus on expanding cooperation to counter Iran’s regional proxies and further advance the U.S. maximum pressure campaign.

In the UAE, Hurley will underscore the importance of the U.S.-UAE…

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Trump Administration Advances Key Milestones in New York Penn Station Transformation

Quinten / RH
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced new progress this week on the Trump Administration’s ambitious overhaul of New York Penn Station, with Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy confirming that
Hamas Accepts Trump’s Peace Deal Bringing Hope for Hostage Release and End to Gaza Conflict
The Ritz Herald

In a historic turn of events, Hamas has accepted a peace deal put forth by former President Donald Trump, marking the end of a two-year conflict in Gaza that began with a devastating attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The agreement not only aims to cease hostilities but…

Trump Approves Ambler Road Project, Paving the Way for Mineral Development in Alaska
The Ritz Herald

In a significant move aimed at boosting American energy independence, President Donald J. Trump has approved the appeal for Alaska’s Ambler Road Project. This proposed 211-mile industrial road will connect the Dalton Highway to the Ambler Mining District, which is rich in critical mineral deposits. The decision marks…

Secretary of State Marco Rubio Outlines Two-Phase Approach to Gaza Peace Negotiations
The Ritz Herald

In a recent interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press”, Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the ongoing peace negotiations in the Middle East, specifically focusing on the conflict in Gaza. When asked if the war was reaching its conclusion, Rubio emphasized that while progress is being made, key…