# Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lights Up NYC!

![Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree](https://res.cloudinary.com/graham-media-group/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/c_scale,w_900/v1/media/gmg/UFJBLIWQTRFARI5BNETIDOI4R4.jpg?_a=DAJAUVWIZAAA)

The 92nd annual Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony took place on December 4th, illuminating a magnificent 74-foot Norway spruce with **50,000 multicolored lights** and a **Swarovski star** featuring 3 million crystals.  The tree, sourced from a small Massachusetts town, has traveled a long journey to its current location above the iconic Rockefeller Center ice-skating rink.

This year's ceremony featured performances by various artists, including **Kelly Clarkson**, the **Backstreet Boys**, and **Coco Jones**.  The tree will remain lit until mid-January, shining brightly for 24 hours on Christmas Day.

Following the holidays, the tree will be repurposed by Habitat for Humanity.

Despite a nearby shooting earlier that day resulting in the death of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, the event proceeded with a massive police presence to ensure public safety.

![Kelly Clarkson at the ceremony](https://res.cloudinary.com/graham-media-group/image/upload/f_auto/q_auto/c_scale,w_900/v1/media/gmg/GBEOBY53SJAJJOWZRFBNNYWFHY.jpg?_a=DAJAUVWIZAAA)



Fifty-thousand multi-colored lights are shining on Rockefeller Center’s iconic Christmas tree, with crowds gathering to witness the annual New York City tradition.

Rockefeller Center's Christmas Tree Dazzles NYC!

# NYC Mayor Eric Adams: Corruption Charges and Potential Ouster

**New York City Mayor Eric Adams** is facing a critical juncture in his career.  A federal judge is currently considering the Justice Department's request to drop corruption charges against him, while Governor Kathy Hochul weighs whether to remove him from office.

<img src="https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/20/USAT/79290685007-2199904901.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp" alt="New York City Mayor Eric Adams departs after attending a court hearing">

## The Charges Against Adams

Adams is facing charges including conspiracy, wire fraud, and bribery, stemming from a September indictment.  The indictment alleges Adams accepted bribes and solicited illegal campaign contributions, shielding these actions from public scrutiny.  The maximum sentence for these charges could reach decades in prison.

## The Governor's Decision

Governor Hochul is under pressure to remove Adams from office. The city charter allows for the governor to remove a mayor after a hearing. If Adams is removed before March 26th, a special election would need to be called.

## What Happens Next?

If Hochul removes Adams, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams would become acting mayor.  The ongoing legal battle and the possibility of a special election add significant uncertainty to the city's political landscape.

## Reactions and Calls for Resignation

Several New York leaders have called for Adams' resignation, claiming he's too closely tied to the Trump administration.  State Senator Zellnor Myrie accused Adams and President Trump of attempting to "subvert justice."

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Adams, facing corruption charges and possibly a gubernatorial ouster, planned a full day of standared mayoral actitives Thursday.

NYC Mayor Adams Faces Corruption Charges: Will He Be Ousted?

# Trump Admin. Challenges NYC Congestion Pricing

The Trump administration has moved to terminate federal approval for New York City's congestion pricing program, a controversial toll implemented to fund the city's aging mass transit system.  Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy argued that the tolls unfairly burden motorists from outside the city, citing federal jurisdiction over the highways leading into Manhattan.

<img src="https://media-cldnry.s-nbcnews.com/image/upload/t_fit-760w,f_auto,q_auto:best/rockcms/2025-02/250219-new-york-congestion-ew-1243p-8bd9a4.jpg" alt="E-ZPass readers and license plate-scanning cameras over Park Avenue in New York">

## Trump's Reaction

Former President Trump celebrated the move, declaring on social media, "CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!" This statement has been met with widespread criticism.

## New York's Response

New York Governor Kathy Hochul strongly rejected the Trump administration's decision, stating, "President Donald Trump tweeted, 'Long live the king.' I’m here to say New York hasn’t labored under a king in over 250 years, and we sure as hell are not going to start now."  The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) plans to challenge the decision in court.

## Arguments For and Against

**Supporters** of congestion pricing argue that it's necessary to improve the city's transit system and reduce traffic congestion. Data suggests that it has actually increased the number of visitors to NYC while making the streets safer and smoother for public transport.

**Opponents**, mostly those outside Manhattan, claim that it unfairly targets drivers who don't benefit from the improved transit system.  Rep. Josh Gottheimer called it a "giant cash grab for New York and the MTA."

## What Happens Next?

The legal battle over congestion pricing is likely to continue. The MTA is committed to fighting for the program's survival, while opponents will push for its termination. The outcome will impact the city's transportation plans and its finances.


President Donald Trump declared himself "king" on Wednesday as he celebrated his administration's bid to end federal approval of New York’s “congestion pricing” — an auto toll instituted last month to raise money for the region’s aging mass transit system.

Trump's SHOCK Move Against NYC Congestion Pricing: What You Need to Know

# Trump's Shock Move Against NYC Congestion Pricing

The Trump administration has unexpectedly moved to end New York City's congestion pricing plan, a program that charges drivers entering Manhattan's central business district.  The plan, launched just last month, uses the revenue to upgrade the city's aging transit system. 

**President Trump** declared the program "dead" on social media, proclaiming, "Manhattan...is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!"  This prompted a strong response from **New York Governor Kathy Hochul**, who called the move an attack on state's rights and vowed to fight the decision in court.  "We are a nation of laws, not ruled by a king," she declared.

<img src="[insert image of Kathy Hochul reacting to the news]" alt="Governor Hochul reacting to the news">

## The Details of the Dispute

The program charges a $9 toll to enter Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours. The Trump administration argues that the tolls unfairly burden working-class residents and that drivers have already contributed to highway construction through taxes.  **US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy** called the program a "slap in the face to working class Americans."

The MTA, New York's transit agency, has already filed a legal challenge to block the Trump administration's action.  Governor Hochul highlighted that the program has already reduced traffic by 9%, halved traffic accidents, and increased subway ridership.  She also showcased a White House social media post depicting Trump wearing a crown, emphasizing the perceived authoritarian nature of the decision. 

<iframe src="[insert video of Hochul's press conference]" width="560" height="315" title="Hochul Press Conference"></iframe>

## New Jersey's Perspective

**New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy**, however, supports the Trump administration's decision. He argues that the tolls unfairly burden New Jersey commuters who work in New York City.

## The Future of Congestion Pricing

The legal battle is set to determine the fate of congestion pricing in New York City.  The outcome will have significant implications for traffic management, transit funding, and the relationship between the state and federal governments.



New York's governor criticised Trump's declaration of himself as a "king" in the announcement.

Trump Admin Tries to Kill NYC's Congestion Pricing: What Happens Now?

# Trump Cancels NYC Congestion Pricing: Riders Furious!

President Trump's administration canceled congestion pricing in NYC, sparking outrage among subway riders.  This decision reverses a program designed to reduce traffic and fund transit improvements.

## Public Outrage

Many New Yorkers expressed anger and frustration.  One rider called Trump a "scumbag," while others voiced concerns about worsening commutes and the impact on the city's ailing transit system.  The cancellation threatens **$16 billion in funding** for the MTA's capital plan.

<img src="https://lede-admin.nyc.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/48/2025/02/heastie-on-cp.png?w=710" alt="Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie's statement on X">

Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie tweeted: "The president...just blew a $16-billion hole in the most important transit system in the nation."  The image shows his statement on X (formerly Twitter).

## Trump's Justification

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy justified the cancellation, claiming the toll unfairly burdened "working-class Americans."  This argument was met with derision from commuters who value efficient public transportation.

## Impact on NYC

The cancellation is expected to lead to increased traffic congestion, particularly in Lower Manhattan.  Commuters anticipate significantly slower travel times, reversing the positive effects of the congestion pricing program.  One tourist visiting from Germany stated, "Trains are better than cars, especially in a city. The city should be investing more in trains, not cars."

## Looking Ahead

Trump's move, described as a "monarchical" act, is seen as another example of his interference in New York City affairs.  Many expect the city to face significant challenges in funding transit repairs and upgrades.


"For him to cancel congestion pricing is insane. It just shows that he doesn’t really care about New Yorkers," said one straphanger. "He's a scumbag," said another.

Trump Cancels NYC Congestion Pricing: Subway Riders React!

# NYC Mayor Eric Adams: Corruption Charges and Potential Removal

<img src="https://www.usatoday.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2025/02/19/USAT/79171465007-2200421357.jpg?width=660&amp;height=440&amp;fit=crop&amp;format=pjpg&amp;auto=webp" alt="NYC Mayor Eric Adams speaks during a press conference">

**New York City Mayor Eric Adams** is facing federal corruption charges, accused of accepting illegal campaign contributions and free travel from Turkish officials.  He vehemently denies these accusations, calling them "sensational."  A federal judge will hear a Justice Department motion to dismiss the charges, a move that has sparked significant controversy.

## The Charges Against Mayor Adams

The indictment alleges that Mayor Adams traded favors – expediting safety inspections at a consulate and suppressing a statement on the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day – in exchange for the illegal contributions and travel.

## Pressure Mounts on Governor Hochul

The controversial Justice Department motion to drop the charges has put significant pressure on **New York Governor Kathy Hochul**.  There are calls for her to remove Adams from office, a power granted to her under the city charter.  Governor Hochul has met with city leaders to discuss the situation and is awaiting the judge's decision before making any moves.

## The Potential Removal Process

The city charter outlines a process where the governor can remove the mayor following a hearing.  If Adams is removed, **Public Advocate Jumaane Williams** would become acting mayor. The timing of a potential removal is crucial, as it could trigger a special mayoral election before the scheduled election this year.

## Trump's Immigration Policy Factor?

The situation is further complicated by accusations that Mayor Adams cooperated with **Donald Trump's** immigration crackdown in exchange for the charges being dropped.  Adams' lawyers deny any such deal.

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Adams denies accepting illegal campaign contributions and free travel from Turkish officials and business leaders during his mayoral campaign.

NYC Mayor Adams Faces Corruption Charges: Will He Be Removed from Office?

# 300 Paintings: A Comedian's NYC Adventure

![Sam Kissajukian](https://specials-images.forbesimg.com/imageserve/67b52b6f56776b25f8d7215d/Sam-Kissajukian--the-star-of--300-Paintings-/960x0.jpg?fit=scale)

Comedian Sam Kissajukian's one-man show, "300 Paintings," is currently playing at the Vineyard Theater in Manhattan until February 23rd.  This laugh-out-loud performance details Kissajukian's journey of creating 300 large-scale paintings during a six-month manic episode.  The show offers a unique blend of humor and vulnerability, exploring themes of mental health and artistic expression.

## NYC & Sydney: A Comedian's Perspective

Kissajukian, who splits his time between Sydney and New York, shares his insights on both cities.  He praises the East River views from a ferry, Chelsea's galleries, and Central Park's squirrels in NYC.  In Sydney, he highlights Newtown's vibrancy and the abundance of world-class beaches (with a cautious nod to the sharks!).

## NYC Eats & Entertainment

When asked about pre- or post-show meals, Kissajukian recommends "pepperoni pizza dispensaries."  For drinks, he admits he doesn't drink, suggesting instead to follow the mysterious people disappearing into a telephone box!

He suggests surprising yourself with a show you wouldn't normally see and even advises going alone for a unique experience.  His favorite NYC comedy club is the Comedy Cellar, while he's also a fan of the Vineyard Theater where his show is currently running.

##  Beyond the Stage

Kissajukian mentions "Hadestown" as a must-see show and hints at a future musical from Sydney about a controversial Olympic breakdancer.  He also shares his love for the ID Comedy Club in Sydney and Summerhall in Scotland.

## The Heart of the Show

The most memorable moment for Kissajukian?  Revealing his design for a contemporary art museum in outer space!  His biggest takeaway? Feeling "seen" in New York City, where the show's themes of resilience and creativity deeply resonate with the audience.

His biggest challenge as a performer?  Avoiding the act of 'performing' and instead sharing a genuine experience with his audience.

Over the course of a six-month manic episode, he created 300 large-scale paintings, unknowingly documenting his mental state through the process.

NYC Show: 300 Paintings, One Hilarious Story!

# NYC Mayor Eric Adams Faces Mounting Pressure

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is facing intense pressure to resign following a wave of resignations from his top deputies.  Four deputy mayors—First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom, Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi, and Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Chauncey Parker—announced their departures, citing "extraordinary events of the last few weeks".

<img src="https://assets2.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2025/02/17/d220fb95-74cc-428c-8461-4b9208054104/thumbnail/620x349/84ab7db279624ba89a99a3d622e241e7/fs-4-deputy-mayors-resign-springer-isom-joshi-parker.png" alt="Four Deputy Mayors Resignations">

## Governor Hochul Steps In

Governor Kathy Hochul has convened a meeting with key leaders, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, and NYC Council Speaker Adrienne Adams, to discuss the mayor's future.  Hochul is considering asking for Adams' resignation or, unprecedentedly, invoking her power to remove him from office.  This decision is complicated by Hochul's own upcoming reelection and the fact that Adams is the second Black mayor of New York City.

## DOJ Intervention and Court Hearing

A Department of Justice memo ordered federal prosecutors to drop corruption charges against Adams, raising concerns about a potential quid pro quo.  Mayor Adams denies these allegations.  A court hearing is scheduled where Judge Dale Ho will consider the DOJ's motion to dismiss the case, potentially appointing a special counsel.

## Key Leaders React

Reactions from key figures have been mixed.  While some call for Adams to demonstrate his capacity to govern, others, like Rev. Al Sharpton, emphasize the need for decisive action to restore public trust.  Comptroller Lander has demanded a contingency plan from Adams by Friday.

## Will Adams Resign?

Political experts predict a low probability of Adams resigning, suggesting that Governor Hochul's potential removal of the mayor is more likely, though it would require significant support from minority voters and community leaders.  The potential cost of a special election also influences Hochul's strategy.

## Public Pressure Mounts

Protests and public demonstrations have increased pressure on both Adams and Hochul to take action.  Mayor Adams maintains his ability to lead through turmoil.

As NYC Mayor Eric Adams faces pressure to step down, Gov. Kathy Hochul is meeting with key leaders to discuss whether he should be removed.

Rockefeller Center's Christmas Tree Dazzles NYC!

Summary:

Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lights Up NYC!

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