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CBS News
3 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Candidates for N.J. governor face off in primary election. Watch in-depth interviews on the issues.
At diners across New Jersey, voters sound off on primary races At diners across New Jersey, voters sound off on primary races At diners across New Jersey, voters sound off on primary races The candidates for governor of New Jersey are making their case to voters in the June 2025 primary election as early voting starts Tuesday. Get to know the 11 candidates and where they stand on the issues with these in-depth interviews from CBS News New York's Political Reporter Marcia Kramer on "The Point." Newark Mayor Ras Baraka (D) Ras Baraka is the 40th mayor of the City of Newark, and his family has lived there for more than 80 years. But now, he wants to move to Trenton. In this September 2024 interview, he answers questions about NJ Transit, congestion pricing, cellphones in schools, affordable housing, the racial wealth gap and reparations, tax credits and guaranteed income, taxes on the wealthy and real estate sales and other ideas for what he calls smart spending. Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop (D) Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop is hoping to move his office 63 miles down the Turnpike to Trenton. In this April interview, he also speaks about NJ Transit, as well as corporate taxes, helicopter tours, the rise in wildfires, climbing utility costs, Gov. Phil Murphy's proposal to raise the alcohol tax, President Trump's international tariffs, New Jersey's education needs, restoring trust in government, his thoughts on recent campus protests and antisemitism awareness. CLICK HERE to watch their extended conversation. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D) Congressman Josh Gottheimer is among the six Democrats running to replace Murphy. In this interview from March, he says he's focused on lower taxes and lower costs. He explains how he plans to pay for proposed tax cuts and answers questions about the White House's Signal chat scandal, fixing NJ Transit, fighting congestion pricing, his thoughts on Mr. Trump's executive orders and cuts, bringing back paper bags, whether Garden State residents should be able to pump their own gas, bringing back the 76ers (or even the Knicks), where things stand with the SALT cap, how to address homelessness and how the Democrats can take on Mr. Trump. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D) Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill is also seeking the Democratic nomination in the Garden State. In this interview from last month, she says she hopes to be a different kind of leader. She talks about solar and nuclear power, NJ Transit, the state's affordability crisis and housing, funding cuts from the federal government, how increased reading levels can help improve the wealth gap and whether social media should have warning labels. CLICK HERE to watch their extended conversation. N.J. Education Association President Sean Spiller (D) Spiller is the president of the New Jersey Education Association, as well as the former mayor of Montclair and a former public school teacher. His education plan includes creating a pipeline for green-energy jobs, and he says he wants to build more than 200,000 homes while limiting corporations buying properties. Spiller did not appear on "The Point," but you can read more about his campaign here. Former State Senate President Steve Sweeney (D) Sweeney was the longest-tenured state Senate president before losing his seat in 2021, and he is the lone Democrat from South Jersey in the race. His plan calls for billions of dollars in bond funding to upgrade the state's water, sewer and energy infrastructure, which he says will help create jobs. He also says he will cut housing costs and pledges not to increase taxes. Sweeney did not appear on "The Point," but you can read more about his campaign here. Sen. Jon Bramnick (R) New Jersey State Sen. Jon Bramnick was the first Republican to announce he's running for governor. In this March 2024 interview, he says he wants to represent the middle voter and that he's "not a Donald Trump Republican." He says he stands for the party's traditional values: smaller government, lower taxes and law and order, and he supports a woman's right to choose when it comes to abortion. He also responds to questions about congestion pricing, the gas tax and NJ Transit. CLICK HERE to watch their extended conversation. Business owner Justin Barbera (R) Barbera is a Burlington County business owner who has described himself on Facebook as a "MAGA Republican" guided by "God/Family/Country." He lists his top priority as cutting taxes for seniors, veterans and the disabled, and he says he supports a "NJ-Gov efficiency task force." Barbera did not appear on "The Point," but you can read more about his campaign here. Former state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R) Former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli, who has been endorsed by Mr. Trump, thinks 2025 is his year to move into Drumthwacket, New Jersey's governor's mansion. In this interview from March, he speaks about his plan for NJ Transit and other transportation, as well as the SALT cap and property taxes, school funding and age appropriate curriculum, legislative term limits, and funding cuts from Washington, D.C. He says he will have to grow the economy to fix the state's "fiscal mess," saying, "you can't cut your way out, nor can you tax your way out." Former Mayor of Englewood Cliffs Mario Kranjac (R) Kranjac is the former mayor of Englewood Cliffs and describes himself as an "unapologetic supporter of President Trump." His plan centers around cutting property taxes, and he also wants to create a state department of government efficiency modeled after the White House. Kranjac did not appear on "The Point," but you can read more about his campaign here. Former TV & radio host Bill Spadea (R) Spadea is a longtime radio host who led the morning drive talk show on 101.5 FM before stepping aside earlier this year to run for governor. He has vowed to work with federal law enforcement on immigration and reverse policies related to sanctuary designations. He's also called for lowering taxes and cutting government waste. Spadea did not appear on "The Point," but you can read more about his campaign here. Stick with CBS News New York and Political Reporter Marcia Kramer for the latest developments and expert analysis in the race. and contributed to this report.
CBS News
3 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's No. 2 challenging her in next year's election
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's number two, Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, is now challenging her in the race for governor next year. He announced his campaign Monday in a social media video, saying, "I'm not here to play the game. I'm here to change it." Delgado served in the U.S. House before Hochul appointed him as lieutenant governor in 2022. He announced he wasn't running for reelection back in February. CBS News New York reached out to Hochul's office for comment and we are waiting to hear back. Hochul and Delgado at odds Delgado has been hinting at a primary challenge against Hochul for months and he said he would not run for reelection alongside the governor, ramping up speculation about his future and leading Hochul's office to sideline him from the duties of his ceremonial post. For Hochul, who appointed Delgado after her previous lieutenant governor was indicted, the campaign announcement comes as she is expected to face a tough reelection fight next year, with serious opponents lining up. Delgado and Hochul have long been at odds. Discord between the two leaders became apparent last year ahead the presidential election when the lieutenant governor called on former President Joe Biden to drop his reelection bid, while Hochul was one of Biden's biggest supporters and surrogates. After the election, Delgado wrote an op-ed for The New York Times that argued Democrats are "ready for the next generation," and that the party won't succeed "with the same politicians telling the same old stories." In another break with Hochul, Delgado had called for New York City Mayor Eric Adams to resign as the mayor was battling his now-dismissed corruption case, while the governor was much more measured in her approach. The lieutenant governor's position on Adams led to a spokesperson for the governor releasing a statement that said "Lieutenant Governor Delgado does not now and has not ever spoken on behalf of this administration."
CBS News
28-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
2nd suspect in alleged NYC crypto kidnapping arraigned after turning himself in
A second person wanted in the alleged crypto kidnapping case in New York City turned himself in to authorities Tuesday morning, police said. William Duplessie, 33, of Florida was seen in handcuffs outside of the 13th Precinct in Manhattan. He was charged with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a firearm. Police sources told CBS News New York the man is a business partner and alleged accomplice of 37-year-old John Woeltz, the cryptocurrency investor accused of kidnapping and torturing an Italian man earlier this month to steal his Bitcoin wallet worth millions of dollars. Duplessie was arraigned Tuesday night. His lawyer says his client's involvement is hotly disputed and that he showed good faith by turning himself in once he found out Woeltz had been arrested. The defense asked for $1 million bond and home detention with his father in Florida. Both were denied. His private attorney had no comment, and neither did his father, who showed up in court to support his son and waved as he was remanded. Duplessie is facing a minimum of 15 years to life for the assault charges and 25 years to life for the kidnapping charge. He is due back in court Friday. A full order of protection was granted; he is to have no contact with the victim whatsoever. John Woeltz charged in alleged NYC crypto kidnapping According to court documents, Woeltz and an accomplice held the victim captive inside a SoHo apartment on Prince Street for three weeks. Prosecutors allege that while the victim was abducted, he was shocked with electric wires, his leg was cut with a saw, and he was forced to smoke crack cocaine. Investigators found body armor, night vision goggles, ammunition and t-shirts with a photo of a gun held to the victim's head in the apartment. "To be tortured for 17 days in terms of a chainsaw cutting your leg, in terms of putting your feet in the water and electrocuting him, in terms of making a person ingest narcotics, horrible crime," NYPD Chief of Patrol John Chell said. Investigators claim Woeltz and his accomplice took the victim's electronics and passports, hid them, and then threatened to kill the victim and his family unless he gave up his Bitcoin password on his laptop. The victim managed to escape last Friday and flagged down a nearby traffic agent. Woeltz was charged with kidnapping, assault, unlawful imprisonment and criminal possession of a weapon. He was ordered to remain in custody and surrender his passport as he awaits his next court hearing on Wednesday. "As to who did what, what was their culpability, there's still an investigation that's still going to find exactly," Chell said. The crypto investor, originally from Kentucky, rents a unit in the SoHo apartment building for somewhere between $30,000 and $40,000 per month, sources told CBS News New York. Cryptocurrency-related crimes "a thing" now, attorney says The harrowing case is one of several in recent months where high-ranking crypto executives and, at times, their relatives have been kidnapped or assaulted for ransom. "It's becoming a thing because people think it's an east way to get cash. Instead of robbing a bank, they can kidnap someone and get access to their Bitcoin wallet or crypto wallet," said David Seltzer, a criminal defense attorney who specializes in cyber crime. "Cryptocurrency could be easier to catch somebody. It might be easier to find but more difficult to decrypt the currency and actually get their hands on it. The good thing about crypto is the security base. People just can't steal you crypto. When you sign up for a crypto wallet, you need to remember that pin, write it down, remember the codes." Initially, police also arrested a 24-year-old woman in the SoHo case, but the Manhattan District Attorney's office declined to prosecute her pending further investigation.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NYC women speak out after influencer took their money for a specialized training course — and then vanished
In a New York minute, three women looking to bolster their aesthetician careers lost more than $3,000 each when a highly promoted makeup course vanished overnight, along with the influencer behind it. Marley Matamoros, Ashley Landin and Michelle Echeverry, all from New York, paid their money to take an unlicensed course led by Miami-based TikTok influencer Melanny Restrepo Herrera, who claimed to be a successful permanent makeup artist. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) But the class was canceled. After promising refunds and rescheduling classes, Restrepo Herrera disappeared without further communication and blocked the women on social media. 'I've seen her posts and I was really intrigued,' Landin told CBS News New York. 'She markets herself as a millionaire who helps people achieve financial freedom.' All three women are frustrated and angered by the lack of communication. After the CBS story aired, Restrepo Herrera followed up, offering a refund but with a catch: they need to sign 'corresponding documents'. Their ordeal raises concerns about how vulnerable people looking to improve their careers can be exploited by influencers or fake colleges who promise financial freedom but deliver nothing. Here's how you can avoid a similar situation. Restrepo Herrera, or simply Melanny, is a Florida-based TikToker who paints a rags-to-riches story and promotes her permanent makeup business, The Luxury Ink, through her social media. Her since-deleted Instagram and TikTok accounts were filled with posts promoting her services and luxury lifestyle. Restrepo Herrera said she went from a homeless shelter to earning $200,000 a month, and when advertising her courses, claimed she could teach students how to make $1 million a year. Although the course was initially priced at $6,000, Melanny offered steep discounts and payment plans. Landin said she saw others take the course and believed it was legitimate. But the night before the class, Restrepo Herrera canceled, saying she needed emergency surgery. She told students they could either request a refund or take another course she was offering in Miami, with travel covered if they gave 30 days' notice. Echeverry asked for a refund but was blocked on social media. Landin tried to accept the Miami offer but never heard back. As of May 11, when the CBS News New York aired its story, Restrepo Herrera was still promoting a course set to take place in Dallas in June. Upon further investigation by both CBS's New York and Miami affiliates, the Florida Department of Health said that Restrepo Herrera does not have the necessary licenses or permits to teach the courses she promotes. 'I hope she gets what's coming for her,' Echeverry said. Read more: This is how American car dealers use the '4-square method' to make big profits off you — and how you can ensure you pay a fair price for all your vehicle costs Unfortunately, bogus college and training course scams are common. To protect yourself, you can: Look up the college or influencer's full name and verify their credentials. Check for required licenses and permits if they're offering services or teaching a skill. Be wary of vague refund policies and unclear course details. Search for reviews or testimonials from past students — outside of the college or the teacher's social media. Use a credit card to make purchases, which can help you dispute a charge if things go south. And most importantly, act fast if you feel something's wrong — whether that means asking for a refund or filing a dispute with your bank. If it's too good to be true, it most likely is. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New York implements innovative new strategy to reduce its 3 million-strong rat population: 'You can't let these rats run your life'
In the city where pizza rats are as famous as pigeons, New York is trying a new tactic in its long war against rodents: birth control. Starting April 26, the city began distributing contraceptive pellets to rats in designated "rat mitigation zones," hoping to slow their explosive population growth, reported CBS News New York. The pilot program will begin in Harlem and expand on broader efforts to control the pests more humanely and, hopefully, more effectively. New York City ranked among the top three rattiest cities in the U.S. in 2024, with an estimated population of 3 million, according to pest control company Orkin. But extermination efforts, including rat poison, have come under fire for harming pets and wildlife — like Flaco the owl, who died last year after ingesting a poisoned rat. In response, Councilmember Shaun Abreu led the passage of "Flaco's Law," which funds a new contraceptive program to target rats at the source. "Two rats in a given year can reproduce 15,000 descendants," Abreu warned. With help from the company WISDOM Good Works, the city will begin distributing fertility control pellets in high-traffic rat areas. Officials said the pellets are designed to disrupt reproduction in rats without poisoning the food chain. Still, some residents remain skeptical. "They're not little babies no more," said Middle Village resident Cookie Barbara, who told CBS News New York she's considering hiring a private exterminator after seeing rats grow bolder in her neighborhood. "You can't let these rats run your life," her neighbor Debbie said. It's not just about squeamish sidewalk encounters. New York's rat boom is a public health issue rooted in deeper environmental problems. Should the government be paying people to hunt invasive species? Definitely Depends on the animal No way Just let people do it for free Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Population growth, aging infrastructure, poor waste management, and climate-change–driven urban shifts have created ideal conditions for rats. Warmer winters and overflowing trash provide rats with year-round food and shelter, helping them thrive. Unchecked, rats can spread disease, contaminate food, and damage buildings. And as rodenticide use climbs, so does the risk to pets and predators that eat poisoned rats. The problem is as much about how we live — and throw away — as it is about the rats themselves. Beyond the birth control rollout, the city has invested in trash containerization in neighborhoods like Harlem, cutting rat complaints by 55% in some areas. Education is another focus. Rat Czar Kathleen Corradi now hosts "Rat Walks" to teach New Yorkers how waste habits attract rats. "The only way we are successful is getting an educated public change in behaviors and addressing those conditions that support rats. Extermination will always be a part of the conversation, but we know the long-term success relies on front-end equation, and that's where we're really focusing and empowering New Yorkers," Corradi told ABC News. Residents can help by securing their trash, reporting infestations, and avoiding poison. Humane and preventative approaches, experts said, are the most sustainable path forward — for humans, animals, and ecosystems alike. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
