President Joe Biden arrives at the construction site of the...

President Joe Biden arrives at the construction site of the Hudson Tunnel Project, Jan. 31, 2023, in New York. Credit: AP/John Minchillo

On Day 1 of the shutdown, Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought suddenly posted on social media that “roughly $18 billion in New York City infrastructure projects have been put on hold."

His explanation in the X posting was the move is needed to ensure funding is not flowing based on “unconstitutional” diversity, equity and inclusion principles. He said more information would be provided soon from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

But the timing comes just as two New Yorkers — Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn) — are leading Democrats in their shutdown standoff against President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans.

There was no immediate response from the two Democrats. 

Read more here.

On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg talks with Michael Sicoli and Tess Ferguson about county champs crowned in boys and girls lacrosse, and Jared Valuzzi reports on the Long Island flag football championship. Credit: Newsday

Sarra Sounds Off Ep 36: Champs crowned in lax and flag football On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg talks with Michael Sicoli and Tess Ferguson about county champs crowned in boys and girls lacrosse, and Jared Valuzzi reports on the Long Island flag football championship.

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