Northeast
Obama the ‘campaign closer’ for Democrats in top 2025 elections as party aims to rebound
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In the final stretch leading up to Election Day 2025, former President Barack Obama is everywhere.
From coast to coast, the former president is hoping to help push fellow Democrats over the finish line in the most high-profile and consequential ballot box showdowns this year as his party aims to rebound following last year’s election setbacks.
On Saturday, with just three days to go until Election Day, Obama will headline rallies in New Jersey and Virginia, the only two states holding elections for governor this year.
And last week he weighed in on another crucial ballot box showdown.
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Former President Barack Obama speaking at the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 20, 2024, in Chicago. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)
“A lot of us do not believe that politicians should choose their voters, they believe the voters should choose who’s going to represent them. That’s the meaning of democracy,” the former two-term president said as he joined California Gov. Gavin Newsom on an organizing call for California’s Proposition 50.
California voters are deciding whether to pass the proposition, which will give congressional redistricting powers in the left-leaning state back to the Democrat-dominated legislature over the coming years.
The move would likely create up to five more blue-leaning U.S. House seats in the nation’s most populous state, and counter new maps drawn in GOP-dominated Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina that will likely create up to seven Republican-leaning districts.
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It’s part of a broad effort by the GOP to pad its razor-thin House majority to keep control of the chamber in the midterms, when the party in power traditionally faces political headwinds and loses seats. Democrats need a pickup of just three seats to win back control of the House.
President Donald Trump and his political team are aiming to prevent what happened during his first term in the White House when Democrats reclaimed the House majority in the 2018 midterm elections.
Obama argued that the Trump-led effort by Republicans across the country is “brazen.”
“The problem that we are seeing right now is that our current president and his administration is explicitly saying that we want to change the rules of the game mid-stream in order to insulate ourselves from the people’s judgment,” the former president said as he joined Newsom.
Obama, who is appearing in “Yes on 50” TV ads, said that passing the proposition in California would give Democrats “a chance, at least, to create a level playing field in the upcoming midterm elections.”
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The former president is also appearing in ads in New Jersey for Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who’s locked in a close contest with GOP rival Jack Ciattarelli in the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat.
And he’s starring in spots for former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in Virginia, who’s facing off against Republican rival Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the showdown to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
Former Rep. Abigail Spanberger, seen at an early voting rally on Sept. 19, 2025, in Henrico, Virginia, is the Democratic Party’s nominee in this year’s election for governor. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
For Democrats, who are aiming to escape the political wilderness after losing control of the White House and Senate majority and falling short in winning back the House last year, the 2025 ballot box showdowns are their first major shot at redemption, and they hope that Obama’s two-state swing will energize their base voters.
But for the former president, whose crowning domestic achievement — the Affordable Care Act, which is better known as Obamacare — is front-and-center in the current federal government shutdown and a top issue on the 2025 campaign trail, his return to the campaign trail is also about protecting his legacy.
“President Obama reminds us what we can accomplish when we leaders are unafraid to take on big challenges to deliver,” Sherrill said in a statement. “He led historic efforts to insure millions of Americans and lower healthcare costs.”
Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic nominee for governor in New Jersey, greets voters at a senior center in Elizabeth, N.J., on Oct. 29, 2025 (Paul Steinhauser/Fox News)
Obama is often referred to as the Democrats’ campaign closer as they point to his recurring role since leaving office nine years ago as the party’s most effective campaign trail communicator.
According to a Gallup poll conducted in January, Obama had a 59% favorable rating among Americans, higher than any other living former president. And among Democrats, his favorable rating stood at an astronomical 96%.
“He’s the best communicator of our generation. The pathway back lies largely in meeting people where they are, and President Obama showed in his two election victories that he can do that,” seasoned Democratic strategist Joe Caiazzo told Fox News Digital.
But Erin Maguire, a veteran Republican strategist and communicator who served in top communications positions for then-House GOP leader Kevin McCarthy, for Trump’s 2020 presidential campaign, and later led communications for Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, disagrees.
“It shows what a vacuum of leadership there is in the Democrat Party that Obama has to be the closer here,” she emphasized.
Pointing to Trump’s come-from-behind 2016 White House victory, Maguire argued “there was a complete rejection of the Obama era when Donald Trump was elected to office. . . . For Democrats, this just shows what a monumental mess their whole party is that Obama has to be the strongest voice on any of these races.”
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Trump tightens US immigration after DC shooting
Fox News’ Danamarie McNicholl and law professor John Yoo join ‘Fox News Live’ to break down the Trump administration’s tighter immigration guidelines after two National Guard members were shot and former President Joe Biden’s use of the autopen.
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The Department of Homeland Security is calling on New York Attorney General Letita James to take action against New York City over its handling of illegal immigrants.
“New York City’s failure to honor ICE detainers has resulted in the release of 6,947 criminal illegal aliens since January 20. There are another 7,000 still in the custody of a New York jurisdiction with an active detainer,” DHS wrote on X.
“We are calling on NY Attorney General Letitia James to stop this dangerous derangement and commit to honoring our ICE arrest detainers. It’s common sense.”
In response to a request for comment, James’ office referred Fox News Digital to a letter that the state attorney general sent to Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons in September. The letter from James was sent in response to a Sept. 10 message from Lyons. First, she stated that the New York Attorney General’s Office does not receive detainer requests “as we rarely take custody of individuals.”
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New York Attorney General Letita James speaks outside federal court in Norfolk, Va., on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. (Eric Lee/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
She said “detainer requests are sent to a variety of entities within the State of New York, many of them local police department and local jails, each of which may have applicable laws and policies with respect to whether, to what degree, and under what circumstances to respond to federal detainer requests.”
“This creates a range of lawful practices that we cannot address in our capacity as the attorney general,” James’ letter reads.
On Monday, Lyons sent a fresh letter to James. In the letter, which was obtained by Fox News Digital, he included details about criminals in New York’s custody and examples of instances in which ICE was able to capture illegal immigrants accused of criminal activity.
“These are people who are not only in the country illegally but who have committed additional crimes, including heinous crimes like murder, rape, possession of child pornography, armed robbery, and many others. Virtually all Americans agree that people like this should be swiftly removed from the United States when they leave New York’s custody and not be returned to our streets to wreak havoc on law-abiding citizens,” Lyons wrote.
Federal immigration officers consult as they wait for respondents to depart from their hearings to conduct targeted detainments at U.S. immigration court in Manhattan, in New York City, Oct. 24, 2025. (David ‘Dee’ Delgado/Reuters)
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One of the men mentioned in Lyons’ letter was Steven Daniel Henriquez Galicia, who was arrested by local authorities for attempted murder and criminal possession of a weapon. ICE later nabbed him in the Bronx, New York, and he remains in federal custody pending the outcome of immigration proceedings.
Vyacheslav Danilovich Kim, who was also featured in Lyons’ letter, was arrested by New York State Police for “use of a child less than 17 years of age in a sexual performance; rape in the second degree; disseminate indecent materials to minors; and patronizing a person for prostitution in the second degree of a person less than 15 years of age.”
Lyons said Kim was convicted in February 2013 and was sentenced to time served as well as five years’ probation. He also alleged that “Albany County and New York Probation refused to assist ICE in locating and/or arresting Kim.” However, ICE was able to arrest him in September 2024 as he was leaving an appointment with his probation officer. He was deported, according to the letter.
Another man mentioned in the letter was Anderson Smith Satuye-Martinez, an accused Crips gang member. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) noted that Satuye-Martinez had a conviction for assault. He was arrested in August for criminal possession of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance. Despite having an active ICE detainer, Satuye-Martinez was released. However, ICE arrested him in September. He remains in federal custody.
Street vendors, many of whom are recent arrivals from West Africa, sell bags, watches, and jewelry along Canal Street on Dec. 1, 2025, in New York City. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
US ATTORNEY NARROWLY ESCAPES KNIFE ATTACK BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT, BLAMES NEW YORK’S SANCTUARY POLICIES
“Attorney General James and her fellow New York Sanctuary politicians are releasing murderers, terrorists, and sexual predators back into our neighborhoods and putting American lives at risk,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital.
“We are calling on Letitia James to stop this dangerous derangement and commit to honoring the ICE arrest detainers of the more than 7,000 criminal illegal aliens in New York’s custody. It is common sense,” she added. “Criminal illegal aliens should not be released back onto our streets to terrorize more innocent Americans.”
McLaughlin also directed her ire at New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, writing in a post on X, “Under [Gov. Hochul] New York has refused to honor [ICE] detainers and RELEASED back onto New York’s streets 6,947 criminal illegal aliens since January 20.”
McLaughlin said that the crimes committed by the nearly 7,000 illegal immigrants include 29 homicides, 2,509 assaults, 207 sexual predatory offenses, 199 burglaries, 305 robberies, 392 dangerous drug offenses and 300 weapons offenses.
A spokesperson for Hochul called the claims “categorically false.”
“Since 2021, more than 1,500 individuals convicted of violent crimes have been turned over to federal immigration authorities following their time served at State prisons. Meanwhile, between January and November of this year, President Trump’s Department of Homeland Security failed to pick up 20 deportable felons that New York informed them would soon be released from prisons,” the spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
“If federal immigration authorities are serious about safety, they should continue to work with us to hold violent offenders accountable and stop wasting critical resources trying to separate families and deport immigrants who are making meaningful contributions to our communities.”
Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers stand guard as people gather near a General Services Administration (GSA) parking lot to prevent ICE from leaving for an immigration raid in the Manhattan borough of New York City, Nov. 29, 2025. (David Dee Delgado/Reuters)
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There are currently 7,113 illegal immigrants with active retainers in custody in New York, according to DHS. The individuals who are locked up are accused of committing 148 homicides, 717 assaults, 134 burglaries, 106 robberies, 235 dangerous drug offenses, 152 weapons offenses and 260 sexually predatory offenses.
ICE has faced challenges in New York City as it engages in a crackdown on illegal immigrants in Chinatown. The operation has sparked protests in the area for over a month.
On Saturday, police confirmed officers made multiple arrests during a protest in Lower Manhattan.
The NYPD told Fox News Digital that upon arriving at the scene, officers found agitators blocking the street and its exits at different locations. Video footage showed rioters pushing large potted plants in front of ICE vehicles, throwing trash at officers and screaming obscenities. They were also spotted hurling trash cans and recycling bins and pushing barricades against officers. Many were arrested after failing to comply with police demands that they disperse.
Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch and Fox News’ CB Cotton contributed to this report.
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The rest of the world may be a wee bit jealous, because – based on his upcoming appearances – Santa absolutely loves the Bay State.
From cozy Back Bay parlors to Cape Cod seashore backdrops, the Big Guy (and the Mrs. most times) – will hop across Massachusetts until he returns to the North Pole for his Big Night. Consider these day trips/visits.
Santa in the Hub: Like all of us, Santa loves a true Back Bay vibe, which is why he not only has his own brownstone to kick off his boots in; he invites us all to visit him in his own city-based open house.
“Santa In the City,” takes place Dec.13 and Dec. 20 from noon to 6 p.m. in the brownstone directly across from Sweetgreen in Hynes Place. Stop by and be welcomed into the brownstone with classic Back Bay decor, holiday decorations (but of course), and Santa himself. Santa is happy to review wish lists, discuss gift choices and pose for photos. Santa will have his personal photographer there as well to capture your visit.
There ‘s bonus fun too: Right across the road at the Pru you’ll find Treehouse Brewing’s Winter Garden, as well as an immersive winter light show. (https://www.prudentialcenter.com/experiences/events/santa-in-the-city-2/)
Santa shares his posh holiday escape: You can’t blame Santa for needing some posh TLC pre-game so it’s no surprise he finds time to stay a night or two at The Dagny Boston (https://www.thedagnyboston.com/). Their holiday “Gilded Suite” is available to him – and to you – all holiday season.
The limited-time decor immerses you in holiday ambiance, with twinkling garlands and more. You’ll be greeted by Santa’s favorite scent – fresh baked cookies (from the Tradesman Coffee Shop). The lights of Boston via the impressive view out your window add the perfect touch.
Even better: if you book now, Santa promises to find time for a private visit in your suite. He’s not only bringing his love of all things Christmas, he’ll also come with stories to share, a smile for photos and Boston-themed gifts.
No time to stay over? No worries: Santa will appear in the hotel’s beautifully decorated lobby Dec. 18-22 where you can take your own photos or grab the hotel’s classic Polaroid to capture one. Times vary each day and can be found on the hotel website.
Santa likes grown-up holiday fun too : Which is why he applauds Cambridge’s Kimpton Marlowe (https://www.hotelmarlowe.com/) and its annual “Miracle” pop up bar.
In its eighth season, the pop up bar surrounds you in holiday cheer with lighted garlands, a crackling fire and festive decor.
And then there are the adult holiday cocktails, with names like Dancing Sugar Plums, Candy Cane Lane, Cherry Cherry Chocosaurus, Blitzen Barrel, Miracle Mouse and Coconut Hot Chocolate. Their “Nice and Naughty” shots are back too. Santa knows we don’t all imbibe though, so they’ve introduced new non-alcoholic options like the Snow Day Sipper, Silent Night and Mellow Mouse.
You’ll sip on season-themed cocktails served in cool glassware shaped like Santa’s head, a “Santa-saur” and a holiday unicorn. You can purchase the limited edition glassware for holiday gifts
Santa near the sand: As any Bay State lover knows, Santa understands a good escape to the Cape is always in order. That’s why you’ll find him at the Pelham House (https://www.pelhamhouseresort.com/) the beautiful resort set right on the beach in Dennisport. There, on Dec. 21, he’ll be up close and personal at his annual brunch.
Brunch takes place at the resort’s Rooftop Restaurant. While you’ll feel like you’re outside thanks to the floor to ceiling windows taking in the expansive seaside view, you’ll be snug since it is enclosed and heated in the winter,
Santa will be on hand to mingle, take gift requests, pose for photos and just plain celebrate with you. Reservations via the website are required.
Pittsburg, PA
Arizona signee Brandon Smith, prolific offense leads Central East past Pittsburg in NorCal 1-A final
PITTSBURG, Calif. — The game was decided, the Bengals of Central East of Fresno had given up a couple easy fourth-quarter scores but Brandon Smith wasn’t quite satisfied.
The 6-foot, 190-pound senior running took the direct snap, raced up the middle and carried two Pittsburg defenders on his back the final eight yards to finish off a 19-yard run.
He could have gone down easily five to 10 yards earlier, but that’s just not his style. And perhaps, he was making a statement.
The Bengals want to finish the job.
Even though Smith got banged up late in the third quarter, he too wanted to finish and did so with a career high 38 carries for 270 yards and two touchdowns as the Bengals went wire-to-wire to hand an equally hungry Pittsburg squad a 55-36 CIF Northern California Division 1-A home championship game defeat Saturday night under brisk and breezy conditions.
Smith’s determined run came on his 35th carry.
“He’s an absolute stud an a great kid,” Central East coach Kyle Biggs said. “He’s been amazing on both sides of the ball and just does everything for us.”
“Our goal since January was to finish the job,” said Biggs, whose team did so in his fourth season (2019), when they went 15-0, beating favored Sierra Canyon 34-19 in the State 1-AA finals at Cerritos College.
This team (13-1) has one hiccup, a 42-26 loss at Grant in Week 2, but have since rattled off 12 straight wins utilizing perhaps the most complete offense in the state, one which averages 49 points and 541 yards per game.
The Bengals upped those numbers on Saturday, piling up 563 yards and going for 55 points against a prideful program and a defense that had given up just 81 points in its last eight games with two shutouts.
Besides Smith, who signed to the University of Arizona on Wednesday, churning out hard yards inside and outside, junior quarterback Jelani Dippel threw for four touchdowns, two more to Bayon Harris for 49 and 30 yards, his 24th and 25th TD catches of the season. Dippel also rushed for a touchdown to put the finishing touches on this one.
“Jelani has been great all year long and keeps getting better,” Biggs said.
He also hit Cal-signee Eli Morgan with a pretty 35-yard bomb to start the third quarter and a 22-yard to Andrew Garcia, his first TD catch of the season, to start the game.
Add in two brilliant play calls, a 52-yard reverse by speedy Xavier Jones and an 11-yard keeper from Dippel — neither runner was touched on either play — and the Central East offense was on full diplay, leading to a 48-14 lead midway through the third quarter.
The Pirates (12-3), who largely outplayed Northern California Open Division representative De La Salle-Concord in a 24-17 defeat about a month ago, showed all sorts of pride and athleticism all night, including the brilliant one-hand 7-yard touchdown catch by RJ Mosley, a long and fleet 6-foot-4 receiver who will join Smith at the Unviersity of Arizona.
Mosley (seven catches, 95 yards) added a 42-yard catch and run in the fourth quarter, when fleet sophomore receiver Kenneth Moore, a big play machine, added a 67-yard touchdown from senior quarterback Carlos Torres (13 of 23, 247 yards).
Moore also had a 79-yard catch-and-run — he was caught at the one by Smith — that set up a short TD run, and an 18-yard touchdown catch.
But the Pirates, who bring back many of its top players next year including sophomore quarterback Javale Jones (three completions, 117 yards, and two runs for 45 yards), couldn’t overcome five turnovers, including a fumbled kickoff after Morgan’s touchdown catch to start the second half.
When the Bengals turned that immediately into seven more points on Smith’s second TD run of the night, this one was essentially over at 48-14.
That said, after long touchdown passes to Mosley and Ward cut the deficit to 48-28 early in the fourth and the Pirates forced a three-and-out, a miracle was still in reach.
But linebacker Juan Ochoa made a leaping interception of a Torres pass which sorta sealed it. Dippel did so officially with his 11-yard keeper with 4:41 to go, making it 55-28.
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