*By Conor White*
The video of a racist rant by a New York lawyer that spread widely on the Internet this week is a shocking example of the impudence of racists and xenophobes, said Representative Adriano Espaillat, a Democrat from New York.
"It's an air of intolerance that is gripping the nation," said Espaillat, who was the first formerly undocumented immigrant to serve in Congress. "And it's people like this attorney, that think they are above the law, and think that they can do these things and get away with them."
The video shows Aaron Schlossberg, a 42 year old lawyer, berating the employees at a Fresh Kitchen in Midtown Manhattan for speaking to customers in Spanish. Schlossberg also threatened to call Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
In an interview Thursday on Cheddar, Espaillat said there's no room for such hate in America, and he blamed President Trump for emboldening people like Schlossberg.
"It's very toxic rhetoric that is poisoning the atmosphere," Espaillat said. "And one cannot predict the type of harm that this rhetoric could have across the population."
The Congressman filed a formal grievance against Schlossberg with the New York State Unified Court System, and he said he and his office will welcome whatever the disciplinary committee ultimately decides.
For the full interview, [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/fighting-hate-in-america).
The federal government is just days away from a shutdown that will disrupt many services, squeeze workers and roil politics as Republicans in the House, fueled by hard-right demands, force a confrontation over federal spending.
The Biden administration is finalizing a new rule that would cut federal funding for colleges that leave graduates with low pay and high debt after graduating.
The Biden administration is finalizing a new rule that would cut federal funding for colleges that leave graduates with low pay and high debt after graduating.
The second Republican debate last night saw several candidates try and stray away from frontrunner former president Donald Trump. Jonathan Harris, columnist and political analyst, broke down some of the most memorable moments of the debate.
House Republicans plan to make their case for pursuing an inquiry against President Joe Biden at their first hearing.
Several of Donald Trump’s rivals stepped up their attacks against him in Wednesday’s second Republican presidential debate.
U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to federal charges accusing him of pocketing bribes of cash and gold bars in exchange for wielding his political influence to secretly advance Egyptian interests and do favors for local businessmen.
A new bill that would give marijuana businesses access to banking services is expected to move forward in the Senate.
Israeli tourists will be allowed to enter the U.S. without a visa.
U.S. officials said they have the American soldier who crossed into North Korea in July after he was expelled from that country.
