Northeast

Mamdani plan pours millions into ‘racial equity’ offices and six-figure diversity jobs, cuts 5,000 NYPD jobs

Published

3 months ago

February 21, 2026

Mamdani plan pours millions into ‘racial equity’ offices and six-figure diversity jobs, cuts 5,000 NYPD jobs

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Even as City Hall describes parts of its spending plan as “actions of last resort,” Mayor Zohran Mamdani is steering millions into an expanding “racial equity” bureaucracy and six-figure diversity positions.

To finance the $127 billion agenda, the plan carries steep trade-offs — higher taxes on wealthy residents and corporations, a potential 9.5% property tax increase if state lawmakers decline to act and a 5,000-officer reduction in the New York City Police Department’s ranks.

Mamdani’s budget is far from inconsequential. In a city of nearly 9 million people that represents the center of global finance, his sweeping progressive agenda isn’t just a local policy shift. It’s a high-stakes experiment that could reshape the nation’s largest economy.

FROM FREE BUSES TO CITY-OWNED GROCERY STORES, HERE ARE MAMDANI’S KEY ECONOMIC PROMISES

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani placed affordability at the center of his campaign to run America’s largest city. (Adam Gray/Bloomberg/Getty Images)

Under Mamdani’s plan, the city’s Office of Racial Equity would receive $5.6 million annually, while the Commission on Racial Equity would be allocated $4.6 million, a combined total of $10.2 million. The new figure represents roughly a $3 million increase — or about a 42% jump — from the approximately $7.2 million allocated last year.

Together, the allocations support a growing racial equity apparatus within City Hall. The Office of Racial Equity, which employs a staff of 38, serves as the administration’s operational arm, coordinating and implementing racial equity policies across agencies.

The Commission on Racial Equity, made up of 16 paid roles, functions as a separate advisory and analytical body, conducting research, developing recommendations and providing oversight related to racial equity policy.

Beyond the $10.2 million allocated to the Office and Commission on Racial Equity, the budget also funds several high-level diversity positions across city agencies.

MAMDANI PROPOSES RAISING NYC PROPERTY TAXES IF STATE DOESN’T APPROVE TAX HIKE ON WEALTHY

In front of a painting of Alexander Hamilton, Mayor Zohran Mamdani speaks to reporters about the city’s finances during a news conference in New York Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (Seth Wenig/AP Photo)

The Department of Education budgets more than $260,000 for a chief diversity officer. Meanwhile, at the fire department, three civilian chief diversity inclusion officer positions are funded at just over $301,000 in combined salaries, along with nearly $230,000 in associated overtime, bringing the civilian unit’s total to about $531,000.

The FDNY also funds a separate uniformed chief diversity inclusion officer position at just over $118,000, pushing the department’s total diversity leadership allocation to roughly $649,000.

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Under Mamdani’s budget plan, the city will cut 5,000 police officer roles. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Additionally, the city will funnel more than $835,000 for the Commission on Gender Equity, an advisory body solely dedicated to analyzing legislation and developing public positions on gender-based equality.

Mamdani’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Amanda covers the intersection of business and politics for Fox News Digital.

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Pennsylvania

Heading to Pennsylvania? New law will cost you if you text and drive

Published

33 minutes ago

May 10, 2026

Press Room

Heading to Pennsylvania? New law will cost you if you text and drive

Traveling from the First State to the Keystone State soon?

If so, you might want to put your cellphone down while you’re in the car unless you don’t mind coughing up a few extra bucks.

Beginning June 6, drivers caught using an electrical device while driving will be fined $50.

See how the new law works and what devices are legal to use while driving in neighboring Pennsylvania and here in Delaware.

Is it legal to use a cellphone while driving in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania law has barred drivers from reading, writing or sending text messages while driving since 2012, but other handheld cellphone uses were permitted.

The new law that takes effect next month expands the ban to all handheld device use while driving.

New law expands cellphone driving ban in PA

The new regulation, dubbed Paul Miller’s Law, defines an interactive mobile device as basically any electronic handheld device that can be used for things such as voice communication, texting, surfing the internet, playing games, taking photos or sharing social media that can be operated using at least one hand or “supporting body part” or requires pressing more than a single button.

Can I text when stopped at a red light in Pennsylvania?

No, the Pennsylvania law defines driving as operating a motor vehicle on a highway, including anytime the vehicle is temporarily stationary because of traffic, a traffic control device or other momentary delay such as a traffic backup.

What are the penalties for using a cellphone while driving in PA?

Prior to the law going into effect, the penalty is a written warning.
Starting June 6, the penalty is a summary offense with a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.
The law does not authorize the seizure of an interactive wireless device.
The violation carries no points against your license and it is not recorded on the driver’s record for noncommercial drivers. It will be recorded on a commercial driver’s record as a non-sanction violation.
If a driver is convicted of homicide by vehicle and driving while distracted, they may be sentenced up to an additional five years in prison.

When can you use a mobile device in the car in Pennsylvania?

A driver may use an interactive mobile device if the driver moves the vehicle to the side of or off a highway and halts in a location where the vehicle can safely remain stationary
The hands-free law allows for an emergency use exception if it is necessary to communicate with a law enforcement official or other emergency service to prevent injury to persons or property.
The texting ban does not include the use of a GPS device or a system or device that is physically or electronically integrated into the vehicle, or a communications device that is affixed to a mass transit vehicle, bus or school bus.

Who is the new law in PA named for?

Paul Miller Jr., 21, was killed in a head-on motor vehicle accident with a tractor-trailer in 2010 in Monroe County as the result of a distracted driver who reached for their phone while driving. He was a junior at East Stroudsburg University where he was majoring in sociology.

After his death, his mother, Eileen Miller, has become a national advocate for stronger laws to curb distracted driving. In 2024, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the law prohibiting the use of hand-held devices while driving, making Pennsylvania the 29th state to ban distracted driving.

Can you use a cellphone while driving in Delaware?

No, it is illegal for drivers to use any hand-held devices while driving in Delaware — and has been for over a decade.

This ban not only includes cellphones and smartphones, but also laptops, portable computers and tablets.

Drivers are also barred from reading, writing or sending text messages or emails; using the internet; or talking without a hands-free device at the ready while operating a vehicle.

Is there a fine for using a cellphone while driving in Delaware?

Any motorist caught using any hand-held device while driving will be fined $100 for their first offense. Any subsequent offense will result in a fine between $200 and $300.

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Rhode Island

RI Lottery Powerball, Numbers Midday winning numbers for May 9, 2026

Published

39 minutes ago

May 10, 2026

Press Room

The Rhode Island Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at May 9, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from May 9 drawing

15-41-46-47-56, Powerball: 22, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Numbers numbers from May 9 drawing

Midday: 0-8-9-5

Evening: 0-9-4-7

Check Numbers payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Wild Money numbers from May 9 drawing

08-13-24-27-34, Extra: 32

Check Wild Money payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 9 drawing

08-11-17-29-49, Bonus: 02

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your prize

Prizes less than $600 can be claimed at any Rhode Island Lottery Retailer. Prizes of $600 and above must be claimed at Lottery Headquarters, 1425 Pontiac Ave., Cranston, Rhode Island 02920.
Mega Millions and Powerball jackpot winners can decide on cash or annuity payment within 60 days after becoming entitled to the prize. The annuitized prize shall be paid in 30 graduated annual installments.
Winners of the Millionaire for Life top prize of $1,000,000 a year for life and second prize of $100,000 a year for life can decide to collect the prize for a minimum of 20 years or take a lump sum cash payment.

When are the Rhode Island Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:30 p.m. ET daily.
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Midday): 1:30 p.m. ET daily.
Numbers (Evening): 7:29 p.m. ET daily.
Wild Money: 7:29 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Rhode Island editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Vermont

VT Lottery Powerball, Pick 3 results for May 9, 2026

Published

1 hour ago

May 10, 2026

Press Room

Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win

Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.

Just the FAQs, USA TODAY

The Vermont Lottery offers several draw games for those willing to make a bet to win big.

Those who want to play can enter the MegaBucks and Lucky for Life games as well as the national Powerball and Mega Millions games. Vermont also partners with New Hampshire and Maine for the Tri-State Lottery, which includes the Mega Bucks, Gimme 5 as well as the Pick 3 and Pick 4.

Drawings are held at regular days and times, check the end of this story to see the schedule.

Here’s a look at May 9, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from May 9 drawing

15-41-46-47-56, Powerball: 22, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from May 9 drawing

Day: 6-4-9

Evening: 0-3-4

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 9 drawing

Day: 4-2-1-0

Evening: 1-5-5-4

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Megabucks Plus numbers from May 9 drawing

06-25-26-33-36, Megaball: 01

Check Megabucks Plus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from May 9 drawing

08-11-17-29-49, Bonus: 02

Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

For Vermont Lottery prizes up to $499, winners can claim their prize at any authorized Vermont Lottery retailer or at the Vermont Lottery Headquarters by presenting the signed winning ticket for validation. Prizes between $500 and $5,000 can be claimed at any M&T Bank location in Vermont during the Vermont Lottery Office’s business hours, which are 8a.m.-4p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.

For prizes over $5,000, claims must be made in person at the Vermont Lottery headquarters. In addition to signing your ticket, you will need to bring a government-issued photo ID, and a completed claim form.

All prize claims must be submitted within one year of the drawing date. For more information on prize claims or to download a Vermont Lottery Claim Form, visit the Vermont Lottery’s FAQ page or contact their customer service line at (802) 479-5686.

Vermont Lottery Headquarters

1311 US Route 302, Suite 100

Barre, VT

05641

When are the Vermont Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
Gimme 5: 6:55 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
Pick 3 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
Pick 4 Day: 1:10 p.m. daily.
Pick 3 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
Pick 4 Evening: 6:55 p.m. daily.
Megabucks: 7:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily

What is Vermont Lottery Second Chance?

Vermont’s 2nd Chance lottery lets players enter eligible non-winning instant scratch tickets into a drawing to win cash and/or other prizes. Players must register through the state’s official Lottery website or app. The drawings are held quarterly or are part of an additional promotion, and are done at Pollard Banknote Limited in Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Vermont editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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