Latest news with #ThePoint
CBS News
2 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.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
TDF participates as 'Strategic Partner' in Aseer Investment Forum
Abha – Under the patronage of HRH Prince Turki bin Talal bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Aseer Region and Chairman of the Aseer Development Authority, the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) -the national enabler of the tourism sector- took part in the 2nd edition of the Aseer Investment Forum. The forum spotlights high-potential investment opportunities across the region's key sectors, with a special focus on tourism. TDF's participation as a strategic partner reaffirms its commitment to supporting high-impact projects, empowering MSMEs, and accelerating tourism investments in a region known for its extraordinary natural and cultural appeal. As part of the forum's agenda, senior executives from TDF embarked on site visits to several flagship tourism projects supported by the Fund in the Aseer region. The tour began with The Point—the region's largest mixed-use development. Spanning 75,000 square meters, the destination marks the first Hilton-branded hotel in Aseer, featuring 250 guest rooms. The project also includes a vibrant retail hub with 150 stores, 41 restaurants and cafés, and 10 state-of-the-art cinema halls. Thoughtfully designed to celebrate the region's cultural identity, The Point offers a seamless fusion of hospitality, entertainment, and shopping in one dynamic location. The delegation then visited Khayal Walk Boulevard, an entertainment and retail complex distinguished by its innovative design, which blends urban architecture with the mountainous terrain of Aseer. The project includes terraced levels that house upscale boutiques, restaurants, and cafés, delivering a refined visitor experience anchored in local heritage. Next on the itinerary was the InterContinental Hotel, one of the region's flagship luxury hospitality developments. Strategically located to offer stunning natural views, the hotel comprises over 200 rooms and operated by global hospitality leader IHG Hotels & Resorts. It also features an array of amenities, including fine dining venues, event spaces, and a children's club, serving a broad spectrum of traveler needs. The final stop was Le Premier, Aseer's first mixed-use destination that fuses modern aesthetics with a strong national character. The development includes six locally inspired restaurant and café buildings and the four-star Hajlah Hotel, which will offer approximately 150 rooms and a state-of-the-art conference hall, establishing the destination as a year-round draw for both leisure and business tourism in Abha. The combined value of tourism projects enabled by TDF in the Aseer region has now reached approximately SAR 2 billion, reflecting the Fund's ongoing commitment to developing distinctive tourism destinations that contribute to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. Qusai Al-Fakhri, CEO of TDF, commented: 'Our participation in the 2nd Aseer Investment Forum aligns with the Fund's broader strategy to enable promising destinations across Saudi Arabia. By catalyzing tourism investments and providing tailored financial and advisory solutions, we support transformative projects to grow and thrive. Aseer's exceptional natural and cultural assets make it a prime destination for tourism development, and we are proud to foster partnerships that drive sustainable growth in line with the National Tourism Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.' During the forum, TDF held a workshop titled: 'Tourism Financing: Sustainable Solutions for Investors in the Aseer Region,' which explored TDF's portfolio of financial offerings. The session provided insights into eligibility criteria, access mechanisms, and investor-focused financing solutions tailored to the local market. TDF also featured a dedicated interactive booth, where it showcased its suite of financing products and non-financial programs, offering direct consultations to entrepreneurs and investors interested in entering the tourism sector in the Aseer region. Through initiatives like these, TDF continues to play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable tourism destinations that enrich the visitor experience and position the Kingdom as a leading global tourism hub, fully aligned with the aspirations of Saudi Vision 2030. About the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) The Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is Saudi Arabia's national enabler of the tourism sector, going beyond financing to drive high-impact investments and enhance the competitiveness of the Saudi's tourism destinations. TDF enables entrepreneurs and tourism businesses with tailored financial solutions and non-financial support programs while attracting local and international investors to develop landmark tourism projects. With a vision to create a dynamic and attractive investment environment, TDF fosters strategic partnerships, supports economic diversification, enriches visitor experiences, and strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global tourism destination. Committed to advancing the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Tourism Strategy, TDF remains a trusted partner, working closely with investors and key stakeholders across the sector. For media inquiries, please contact TDF Corporate Communication team: cc@
Politico
20-05-2025
- Business
- Politico
Offshore wind revival linked to Trump-backed gas pipelines
LET'S MAKE AN ENERGY DEAL: Gov. Kathy Hochul may have poked a hole in New York's long standing pipeline blockade. The governor celebrated the revival of one critically endangered energy resource last night as President Donald Trump allowed the Empire Wind 1 offshore wind project to restart construction, POLITICO Pro reported. It faced uncertainty after the White House ordered the company to stop work on the fully permitted project last month. Hochul also alluded obliquely to working with the federal government and private companies on 'new energy projects that meet the legal requirements under New York law.' The governor told Newsday's The Point that she indicated to Trump she was willing to approve pipelines if they met state and federal requirements. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum hours later praised Hochul in a post on X for her openness to new gas infrastructure. 'I am encouraged by Governor Hochul's comments about her willingness to move forward on critical pipeline capacity,' he wrote. 'Americans who live in New York and New England would see significant economic benefits and lower utility costs from increased access to reliable, affordable, clean American natural gas.' There was no explicit offshore wind for pipeline tradeoff, according to Hochul's office. 'No deal was reached on any gas pipeline,' said Hochul spokesperson Paul DeMichele. Still, the remarks raised alarm for some environmental advocates who want Hochul to keep the door closed to new gas pipelines, which they argue undermine the state's climate law. 'If she goes down the path of exploring or, God forbid, approving pipelines, she should know that New Yorkers will make her life miserable until she's compelled to do the right thing,' said Laura Shindell, New York director at Food and Water Watch. While New York's anti-fracking movement hasn't been as active in recent years, advocates spent years hounding former Gov. Andrew Cuomo at nearly every public event to block hydraulic fracturing and pipelines. Trump has repeatedly raised the idea of building a pipeline through New York, including reviving the Constitution Pipeline. Williams Co. dropped plans for that project in 2020, years after New York first denied a permit because of water quality concerns. There are no pending new interstate pipeline applications in New York state. Hochul last year approved a project to increase the amount of natural gas flowing along an existing pipeline. State regulators said there was a reliability need for the additional supply. Business leaders support more access to natural gas. 'We need more natural gas, and it should be available to businesses that want to expand,' said Matt Cohen, executive director of the Long Island Association. Some environmental advocates — basking in the glow of a rare offshore wind victory — shrugged off the pipeline issue, given the likelihood of staunch public opposition, the years-long process and legal requirements in New York. 'We knew when Trump was elected that he was 'drill baby drill,' said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. 'We know he thinks he's the greatest dealmaker since sliced bread. If or when there's something proposed, it will be reviewed — and gas pipelines take years to permit.' Environmental advocates, union leaders and other supporters hailed the restart of the Empire Wind project as a major victory for the governor and New York's economy. It took an all-hands effort including Long Island Republicans, business groups, labor unions and even New York City Mayor Eric Adams to salvage the project. Hochul was on the phone with Trump three times over the weekend, pushing for it to restart. Adams today sought to take some credit for the victory as well, citing a May 9 meeting with the president in D.C. Adams, a registered Democrat, is running for reelection as an independent after losing support from voters wary of his hands-off attitude toward Trump. 'They can say 'I did it.' I want to say 'New York, got it,'' Adams said. 'So if she wants to say it was because she was strong and fought for it, 'hey, great, governor!' All I know is that when I sat down in the Oval Office, I shared with him how important this project was and what it meant. I know the letters that we sent, I know the conversations we had behind the scenes. I know that as long as you continue to talk to someone and reason with them, sometimes you win, sometimes you won't.' — Marie J. French From the Capitol NO BIG UGLY EXPECTED: Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins isn't expecting this year's session to end with the common 'big ugly' package of unrelated bills. 'I think we'll be able to get through the next four weeks without a big ugly,' Stewart-Cousins said at a press briefing today. Instead, she said, her house is likely to dedicate its time to a long list of bills focused on affordability. The majority leader left open the possibility of a return to Albany to respond to the federal budget: 'I don't think any of us doubt that if something dire happens, we would need to come back and deal with it.' Her remarks came soon after reports emerged that Trump told congressional Republicans like Rep. Mike Lawler to stop fighting for higher SALT deductions. Stewart-Cousins expressed concern that these representatives might 'continue to fall in line.' 'They were going to fight for us,' she said. 'We need them to fight for us. Not only in terms of saving our healthcare and saving our veterans services and saving what happens in education. ... If they fought on any front for us, I would be happy.' Lawler didn't rush to fall in line: 'New York has the highest tax burden of any state in the country. We need to raise the cap on SALT to deliver relief for middle-class families across New York,' he tweeted soon after the meeting with Trump. — Bill Mahoney PRISON REFORM: One of state Sen. Julia Salazar's bills to reform the state's prison system is expected to pass the Senate today. The legislation would increase the number of members on the state commission entrusted with overseeing New York's correctional facilities. Salazar hopes the oversight body includes new members with experience outside law enforcement and correctional administration. 'Just a few months ago correction officers murdered both Robert Brooks and Messiah Nantwi, and yet there has still been no substantial legislative action to address the systemic abuse that led to their deaths.' Salazar said in a statement. 'SCOC Expansion would increase oversight and accountability of New York's prisons and bring us closer to ending this pattern of violence.' The bill remains in the Assembly's committee on correction. James Miller, a spokesperson for the union representing the state's correction officers, indicated the union does not oppose the measure. '[New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association] is committed to working with the commission to improve the conditions and safety for staff inside the prisons with whoever sits on the commission moving forward,' he said. — Jason Beeferman FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL THE FIX IS IN: Andrew Cuomo's super PAC Fix the City is dominating the New York City airwaves. The group — which has no contribution or spending limits — has spent more on TV and digital ads than Cuomo's rivals combined, according to the media tracking firm AdImpact. Fix the City, which formed in March to boost the former governor's mayoral bid, has spent more than $6 million on TV and digital ads. The non-Cuomo candidates airing ads — city Comptroller Brad Lander, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, state Sen. Zellnor Myrie and fomer Comptroller Scott Stringer — have collectively spent $5.7 million. The super PAC has created headaches for Cuomo. Campaign finance regulators denied his campaign $622,000 in matching funds as they investigate allegations he illegally coordinated with the group. Fix the City has tapped into a pool of extremely wealthy donors — including several Trump supporters — which has given Cuomo's opponents fodder on the trail. But the group is giving the frontrunning Cuomo a clear advantage in the nation's costliest media market. Campaign committees typically pay lower TV ad rates than super PACS due to federal regulations. His campaign on Monday launched its first ad, spending more than six figures on a digital spot. — Nick Reisman BUT WHAT ABOUT BRAD?: Adams immediately pivoted to criticizing Lander, when asked about Mamdani declining to co-sponsor ceremonial resolutions commemorating the Holocaust and honoring Israel. 'I think we point (Mamdani) out because he is the obvious, but let's not forget the fact that we have a comptroller that's refusing, for the most part, to use pension funds to invest in Israel, which is a real partner of ours,' Adams said today at an unrelated press conference. Democratic socialists like Mamdani are Adams' favorite foil, and his response suggests he may prefer to face off against Mamdani in the general election rather than Lander. In his role as comptroller, Lander let the city's Israel's bonds expire without buying new ones. He's said his office has a policy against investing in foreign debt and isn't treating Israel any differently — and he noted the city has holdings in private Israeli companies. Lander has faced the same criticism, repeatedly, from Cuomo. 'I've got no idea why either Eric Adams or Andrew Cuomo (are) weaponizing antisemitism and leveling absurd, false claims against the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the city of New York,' Lander responded at an unrelated press conference today. 'This is somebody who has absurdly created a ballot line as a prop,' he added, referring to Adams petitioning on the EndAntiSemitism line. Mamdani's campaign declined to comment. Adams finished his press conference with comments on his own legacy. When people see portraits of mayors, 'you're going to see this bald-headed, earring-wearing Mayor Eric Adams,' he said. 'I'm going to be part of this history forever.' — Jeff Coltin HE CAN'T DANCE: During an appearance on Spanish-language radio station La Mega today the mayor criticized Cuomo for never coming by the studio during his 11 years as governor. 'I'm not going to show up when I need your vote,' Adams said before pivoting to Cuomo's appearance last week. 'The governor was in office for years yet that was his first time coming to your show.' 'That's right,' one of the hosts chimed in. 'And he can't dance, either.' That line of attack is likely to be a frequent one should Adams ultimately face off with Cuomo in a general election. Latino voters were a key part of the mayor's winning 2021 coalition, and he'll almost certainly continue to contrast himself with the former governor in an effort to win back a block of voters that polls show have soured on him. That won't be easy. Cuomo has a double-digit lead in the Democratic primary and has gained significant endorsements, including from the likes of Rep. Adriano Espaillat. 'Let's correct the facts, because we know the mayor is not always good with those: That was the first time the governor was invited on,' Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said. 'And New Yorkers know that he always shows up. The difference is he delivers.' — Joe Anuta IN OTHER NEWS — ZOHRAN'S NON-COMPROMISE: A deep-dive into the Assemblymember-turned-mayoral-candidate, his record in Albany and his charisma-fueled campaign. (New York Mag) — NO AID FOR AMBULANCES: Advocates for EMS workers were hoping to get a boost in their budgets following Hochul's budget proposal, but they left Albany empty handed. (NNY 360) — APOLOGIES: Hochul visited the Seneca Nation, near Buffalo, to apologize for 'sanctioned ethnic cleansing' that occurred at the Thomas Indian School, which closed in 1957. (AP) Missed this morning's New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
SBS Australia
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- SBS Australia
NITV's flagship news and current affairs program The Point elevates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' voices, returning with another community-led season filmed on Country and in-studio
Exploring First Nations perspectives on national discussions, The Point premieres Tuesday 3 June on NITV and SBS On Demand, encoring on SBS after World News Late *Images here* *Interviews available* 9 May 2025 National Indigenous Television's (NITV) flagship news and current affairs program, The Point, returns for its tenth season on Tuesday 3 June at 7.30pm on NITV and SBS On Demand, and on SBS following World News Late . Each week, host John Paul Janke, a proud Wuthathi and Meriam man, joins expert panellists, community leaders and decisionmakers to explore issues that matter most to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Marking a decade on air, The Point continues to bring Indigenous perspectives to the centre of national conversations, platforming diverse perspectives from across the continent. This season features one-hour issues-based panel shows, alternating between episodes filmed in community and in studio on Cammeraygal Land in Sydney. The series remains a leading source of original journalism and breaking news. This year, The Point will once again travel across the country to engage local communities and explore real solutions for the future. Locations include Hobart (nipaluna), Darwin (Garramilla), Cherbourg (Barambah), the Torres Strait Islands (Zenadth Kes), and Melbourne (Naarm). Proud Mudburra and Wagadagam woman, and NITV's Head of Indigenous News and Current Affairs, Natalie Ahmat, said: ' The Point is celebrating a decade on air and remains as vital today as when it launched with Stan Grant in 2016. We are incredibly proud of John Paul Janke and the team's tireless work, and we are excited to bring another season of essential viewing to all Australians – particularly in the wake of the Federal Election.' Host of The Point and National Indigenous Affairs Editor, John Paul Janke said: 'I'm thrilled to be working with the team on another timely season of The Point where we travel across the country to elevate community voices. It's important that these local people have a national platform to share their thoughts. Some of the locations we visit are places The Point hasn't travelled to in the last few years, so we're eager to reach more mob than ever before. At a time when disparity still exists between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples, we hope The Point helps inform all Australians and supports a deeper understanding of First Nations matters.' Synopses: Episode 1: We Put the 'Blak' in Blacktown (Tuesday 3 June) Originally called 'Blacks Town', the western Sydney suburb is home to the largest urban First Nations population in Australia. Blacktown residents are at the epicentre of rising costs and a shortage of affordable and social housing. The Point examines how urban Mob are getting on the front foot in the big smoke. Episode 2: Treaty Now or Never? (Tuesday 10 June) Australia has never been closer to forging its first treaty with its First Nations peoples, but the way ahead remains uncertain. In Melbourne, The Point examines the 'what' and 'why' of treaty and asks whether Australia is mature enough for a conversation about the past before we forge a vision for a shared future. Episode 3: On the Wild Frontline (Tuesday 17 June) John Paul Janke goes on Country with palawa changemakers who are fighting to preserve Australia's heritage. From old-growth forests to cultural practice and traditional access to land and water, First Nations communities in Tasmania are standing up for the future. Filmed in Hobart on nipaluna Land. The Point is among NITV's comprehensive, multiplatform Indigenous news and current affairs offering. For coverage with a unique First Nations lens, watch The Point, NITV News, Nula, and Living Black, and head online to The Point premieres weekly from Tuesday 3 June at 7.30pm on NITV, and encores on SBS after SBS World News Late. It will also be available to stream free on SBS On Demand, with captions in English and subtitles in Arabic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese. For screeners and images, please visit the SBS Screening Room. For a PDF of this media release, click here .
CBS News
27-04-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Sen. Andy Kim says ICE admits detained New Jersey man has no criminal history
Sen. Andy Kim says U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement admits it is detaining a man with no criminal history at a facility in New Jersey. Kim, a Democrat, said last week he made an unannounced visit to the ICE facility in Elizabeth, where officials told him Karim Daoud, a native of Egypt, did not commit a crime before his arrest in March. "He has spent 21 years in the United States, married to a U.S. citizen, two U.S. citizen kids, and ICE themselves told me he has no criminal background, no criminal history," Kim said Sunday on CBS News New York's "The Point with Marcia Kramer." New Jersey man remains at ICE detainment center Daoud's wife, Jennifer Metz, told CBS News New York he was arrested during a regular meeting about his immigration status in March. He came to the U.S. over 20 years ago on a visa from Egypt and has been trying to become a permanent U.S. resident since, she said. Jennifer Metz says her husband, Karim Daoud, an Egyptian native, was detained in New Jersey during a regular meeting with ICE about his immigration status, but he has no criminal history. CBS News New York "He is somebody that is on a pathway to try and get a green card, especially because of his wife. Why are they going after him?" Kim said. "Twenty-one years. I don't know all the details, there could be something there on that front, but again, they said it's nothing criminal in that way. He's not a violent criminal. He is somebody that's been, runs a restaurant in his community, beloved in his community in Hunterdon County." An ICE spokesperson previously told CBS News New York that Daoud was arrested "for violating U.S. immigration laws," and that he is "pending removal from the United States." They did not specify what crimes he is accused of. Kim, who also criticized the Trump administration for the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, said he believes there is "wide agreement" that ICE should go after violent and dangerous criminals. A recent CBS News poll found most Americans generally approve of President Trump's immigration policies and deportation program. Click here to watch Kim's full interview on "The Point with Marcia Kramer." contributed to this report.
