Sign in

Ben Kochman

@benkochman.bsky.social
3K followers 196 following 79 posts

Senior courts reporter for the New York Post. Ping me on Signal from a non-work device: courttalk.99 nypost.com/author/ben-kochman

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Ben Kochman
John Annese @johnannese.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
A fun aside — MSG, owned by Trump pal James Dolan, tried to tell us that the party wasn’t cancelled because of Trump. And not long after, the NYPD sent an updated statement — yes, it’s cancelled because of the presidential visit. Here are the statements.
Statement from MSG Spokesperson:
"The permit for the Plaza33 Game 3 watch party was denied by the City's permitting office in consultation with the NYPD. However, the White House will confirm that this is not about the President. We understand NYPD Commissioner Tisch is planning additional street closures around Madison Square
Garden."D
DCPI
to me v
5:16 PM
• ••
Please see updated statement:
"There will be no watch parties outside of Madison Square Garden for Game 3 only. This was done fully in coordination with the Secret Service because of the presidential visit. We expect watch parties at Madison Square Garden to resume for Game 4."
481823479 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
John Annese @johnannese.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Cry more, New York Post.
The print lede of the NY Post’s story about Mamdani and Trump posing with a mock-up cover of the NY Daily News:

Mayor Mamdani snuck off to Washington, DC, Thursday to pitch President Trump on a housing project - and brought along a photoshopped version of a failing and irrelevant New York City newspaper in an attempt to flatter him.
1163 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Adam Klasfeld @klasfeldreports.com · 23/02/2026
Virginia Giuffre's family on the arrest of ex-U.K. Ambassador Peter Mandelson: "The contrast with the continued inaction in the United States is undeniable. Survivors deserve transparency, swift investigation, and real justice, no matter who is implicated." Full statement
As Virginia Roberts Giuffre’s family, we commend the British authorities for taking meaningful action and treating the Epstein files with the urgency they demand.

While these arrests aren’t for the underlying exploitation, they are a crucial step toward truth and accountability.

The contrast with the continued inaction in the United States is undeniable. Survivors deserve transparency, swift investigation, and real justice, no matter who is implicated.

Sky and Amanda Roberts
4955711583 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Mara Gay @maragay.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
In a lengthy call in June, Obama congratulated Mamdani, offered him advice about governing and discussed the importance of giving people hope in a dark time. Others in Obama’s orbit have also shown a keen interest in Mamdani, too. www.nytimes.com/2025/08/13/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Some Democrats Panicked Over Mamdani. Obama Called Him.
1041910317 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Eric Alterman @ericalterman.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
No evidence at all in this story to support its headline www.nytimes.com/2025/08/12/n...
nytimes.com
Cuomo’s Attack on Mamdani’s Apartment Struck a New York Nerve
7358997 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
NEW: Detainees at a Manhattan ICE jail could turn toothbrushes into “improvised” weapons, US Attorney Jay Clayton warns. He did not give an example of a migrant using a toothbrush as a weapon. Lawyers say they’ll be used to clean teeth. nypost.com/2025/08/14/u...
nypost.com
Feds claim jailed migrants at NYC ICE facility could use toothbrushes as ‘weapons’
The Justice Department is bristling at the idea of providing toothbrushes to jailed migrants at a Manhattan ICE lockup — claiming the detainees could use the teeth-cleaning tools as dangerous &#822…
020 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 02/04/2025
Despite Pam Bondi’s announcement that the feds would seek to kill Luigi Mangione, there was no movement on the docket today. But more than $20k in donations rolled in to his legal defense fund. “Keep your head high my little bambino!!!!” one donor wrote. nypost.com/2025/04/01/u...
nypost.com
Luigi Mangione should face death penalty for ‘cold-blooded assassination’ of UnitedHealthcare CEO, Pam Bondi orders
Law enforcement sources have told The Post that the feds had been lobbied by the insurance industry before bringing their case against Mangione.
140 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 28/03/2025
Columbia protest leader Mahmoud Khalil has been locked up, away from his pregnant wife, for more than two weeks. Did a judge listen to arguments today on whether to release him on bail? He did not. nypost.com/2025/03/28/u...
nypost.com
Mahmoud Khalil to remain in Louisiana ICE facility as judge refuses to free him at court hearing attended by wife
Detained Columbia University protest leader Mahmoud Khalil will stay locked up in a Louisiana ICE facility for now — as a New Jersey judge refused to consider freeing him on bail during a…
130 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Erik Uebelacker @uebey.bsky.social · 15/03/2025
Letters from Mahmoud Khalil’s Jewish peers are pouring onto the court docket: “I can state with full confidence that Mahmoud has never expressed support for Hamas.” “Mahmoud has protected Jewish students at Columbia like myself more than the university ever has.”
17524 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Erik Uebelacker @uebey.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
NEW: Congestion pricing has turned some of its staunchest critics into supporters. “I’ve definitely changed my mind,” one commuter told me, whose daily bus trip has gone from more than an hour down to 25 minutes.
courthousenews.com
‘It’s night and day’: Why some NYC commuters say they’re coming around to congestion pricing
New York Governor Kathy Hochul went to the White House on Friday in defense of the tolling pilot program, which is gaining popularity in New York City.
125964 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Josh Russell @jrussjruss.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
Diddy defense PR messaging screenprinted on hoodie: "The media and social media has this case all wrong...There are no celeb sex tapes. No minors. No celeb freak off tapes in this criminal case."
405 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Kyle Schnitzer @kyleschnitzer.bsky.social · 14/03/2025
PUFFED DADDY nypost.com/2025/03/14/u...
021 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Josh Russell @jrussjruss.bsky.social · 22/02/2025
The scene outside of the Manhattan criminal courthouse on Friday for Luigi Mangione's first NYC court appearance since his December 2024 arraignment.
18017 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 21/02/2025
NEW: Mayor Eric Adams and Trump's Justice Department have insisted that Adams' corruption case is over and done with. It's not. Judge Dale Ho has appointed an independent lawyer to weigh in before he rules on the government's unprecedented request: nypost.com/2025/02/21/u...
171 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 19/02/2025
!
010 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 17/02/2025
I second this motion!!
130 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 16/02/2025
NEW: The son of a British banker was arrested for violently assaulting Sienna Hubert-Ross, a comic known for Kamala Harris impressions. Months later, charges were quietly dropped. “This is a travesty of justice,” Sienna told me. We take a closer look: nypost.com/2025/02/16/u...
nypost.com
Exclusive | Son of British banking bigwig gets forgiving Manhattan plea deal on charges of beating comedian girlfriend: ‘Slap on the wrist’
The son of a British banking bigwig was allowed to take a forgiving plea deal after he was charged with beating and strangling his up-and-coming comedian girlfriend in Manhattan, The Post has learn…
020 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Samuel Rubenfeld (he/him) @srubenfeld.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
important story about a monstrous character
021 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 12/02/2025
NEW: Manhattan federal prosecutors have ditched a criminal probe into WWE boss Vince McMahon — months after a judge quietly found that there was “probable cause” that he covered up payoffs to women at his company, his atty says. We take a closer look: nypost.com/2025/02/12/u...
nypost.com
Exclusive | Feds drop criminal probe into whether WWE boss Vince McMahon covered up sexual misconduct allegations, his lawyer says
A grand jury had considered whether the 78-year-old billionaire broke the law by hiding allegations of sexual misconduct from two former two female employees, whom he ended up paying $10.5 million …
177329 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
The Justice Department says it’s shutting down an FBI task force targeting foreign influence because it has more “pressing priorities”. Russia, Russia, Russia cyberscoop.com/doj-disbands...
cyberscoop.com
DOJ disbands foreign influence task force, limits scope of FARA prosecutions
Both the task force and FARA were used by the bureau to investigate, charge and disrupt foreign and domestic actors accused of working to influence American policy on behalf of other nations.
193 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Nate Raymond @nateraymond.bsky.social · 06/02/2025
"It has become ever more apparent that to our president the rule of law is but an impediment to his policy goals," Reagan-appointed Judge Coughenour said as he blocked Trump's birthright citixenship order. www.reuters.com/world/us/us-...
reuters.com
US judge accuses Trump of ignoring rule of law to curb birthright citizenship
A federal judge in Seattle on Thursday accused Donald Trump of ignoring the rule of law for political and personal gain as he declared an executive order that the Republican president signed seeking to curtail birthright citizenship to be unconstitutional.
03011 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 07/02/2025
Andrew Taake pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer during the riot at the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Trump pardoned him. Now he’s been rearrested on charges of sending sexually explicit texts to a minor. nypost.com/2025/02/06/u...
nypost.com
Jan. 6 defendant pardoned by Trump arrested again on 2016 solicitation of a minor charge: ‘Suspected child predator’
Andrew Taake, 36, was captured by Texas authorities over allegations he sent sexually explicit messages to an undercover cop who was pretending to be a 15-year-old girl.
160 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Interim SDNY boss Danielle Sassoon blasts Biden for making pardons on his way out of office “without consulting the career prosecutors who handled the cases.” Sassoon is overseeing the case of Eric Adams — whose camp is angling for a Trump pardon www.wsj.com/opinion/bide...
wsj.com
Opinion | Biden’s Commutations Hurt Crime Victims
Despite his claims, the former president ordered many violent offenders released.
100 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
Trump has lawyered up to fight his felony conviction in his Manhattan hush money case — remember that one? His new attorneys for his appeal are from a very prominent law firm but you won’t see me calling any lawyers “elite” 😉 nypost.com/2025/01/30/u...
nypost.com
Trump to claim ‘misuse of criminal law’ as he appeals ‘hush money’ conviction: lawyer
“The misuse of the criminal law by the Manhattan DA to target President Trump sets a dangerous precedent, and we look forward to the case being dismissed on appeal,” attorney Robert Giu…
220 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
In court, Bob Menendez said he was a “chastened” man. Outside, he called the case a political “witch hunt” — even though he’s Democrat and the case was brought by a Democrat. I asked him about this. He slunk away without answering.
070 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 30/01/2025
When asked repeatedly why he was claiming the case was “political” given that it was brought against him by another Democrat, former Manhattan US Attorney Damian Williams, Menendez slunk away and walked to a waiting car without answering. nypost.com/2025/01/29/u...
nypost.com
Disgraced ex-NJ Sen. Bob Menendez cries as he begs for leniency — but gets 11 years in prison for gold bar bribery scheme
“Your honor, you have before you a chastened man,” Menendez, 71, said before choking up.
130 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
“Mr. Patel’s pattern of peddling misinformation is at sharp odds with Mr. Trump’s proposal to put him in charge of the nation’s premier agency charged with figuring out what is true.” www.nytimes.com/2025/01/23/u...
nytimes.com
Kash Patel, Trump’s F.B.I. Pick, Pushed False Claims About Trump Investigations
Kash Patel, Donald J. Trump’s choice to run the bureau, has made a series of spurious assertions about the Russia, Jan. 6 and classified documents inquiries.
010 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
Disgraced former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez — who’s reportedly seeking a pardon from President Trump after selling out his office for gold bar bribes — lost his bid for a new trial Wednesday. nypost.com/2025/01/22/u...
nypost.com
Disgraced ex-NJ Sen. Bob Menendez won’t get a new corruption trial — and holds out hope for Trump pardon
Disgraced former New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez won’t get a new trial based on an evidence snafu during jury deliberations, a Manhattan judge ruled.
020 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 23/01/2025
www.wsj.com/opinion/dona...
wsj.com
Opinion | Trump Pardons the Jan. 6 Cop Beaters
Law and order? Back the blue? What happened to that GOP?
130 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Inner City Press @innercitypress.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
Eric Adams docket, another slap-down of Spiro: Judge Ho denied his motions for sanctions for leaking - and notes that Damian Williams' op-ed is mostly about STATE government needing reform. So is his website directed at running for Albany, with Lawler and Torres?
042 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Justin Baragona @justinbaragona.bsky.social · 22/01/2025
Trump said this when he kicked off his campaign in 2022: "We're going to be asking everyone who sells drugs, gets caught selling drugs, to receive the death penalty for their heinous acts. Because it's the only way." Tonight, he announced he's pardoning the Silk Road guy as a favor to Libertarians
I just called the mother of Ross William Ulbricht to let her know that in honor of her and the Libertarian Movement, which supported me so strongly, it was my pleasure to have just signed a full and unconditional pardon of her son, Ross. The scum that worked to convict him were some of the same lunatics who were involved in the modern day weaponization of government against me. He was given two life sentences, plus 40 years. Ridiculous!
813451 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
“Mayor Eric Adams had a dream — to attend President Trump’s inauguration.” nypost.com/2025/01/21/u...
nypost.com
NYC Mayor Adams likens himself to MLK as he defends bailing on civil rights holiday to attend Trump inauguration: ‘I’m living that dream’
Mayor Eric Adams had a dream — to attend President Trump’s inauguration.
010 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Dana Rubinstein @danarubinsteinbsky.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
The day after the mayor attended Trump's inauguration, the mayor implicitly compares himself to MLK Jr., who, he says, put partisan politics aside for the greater good.
4377 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Victoria Bekiempis @vicbekiempis.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Hey editors! I'm available for the next four years to write explainers on whatever wacky policy proposals might arise, as per the last few hours. Clean copy. Turnaround quick unless I'm already booked. So, lets chat. Email victoriabekiempis [at] gmail [dot] com.
153 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Soft on crime
010 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
trust your eyes and report the news www.theguardian.com/technology/2...
theguardian.com
Elon Musk appears to make back-to-back fascist salutes at inauguration rally
Tech billionaire wades into controversy after shooting right arm on upwards diagonal during celebrations of Trump
180 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Gael Monfils is the greatest of all time
120 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
Sunday: Trump tweets “save Rudy!!” Monday: Negotiations heat up in deal to end his $148M defamation debt to Georgia election workers. Thursday: Rudy strikes deal to keep ALL his property — in exchange for mystery 💰 Who’s picking up the tab? nypost.com/2025/01/16/u...
nypost.com
Rudy Giuliani gets to keep Manhattan condo, Mercedes, Yankees gear in deal with Georgia election workers he defamed
The settlement was signed Thursday afternoon, just hours after the former New York City Mayor had been set to testify.
010 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 16/01/2025
Indictment expert Damian Williams — whose office prosecuted Bob Menendez, SBF, Eric Adams and more — weighs in on local government’s alleged failures…
041 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Mike Vorkunov @mikevorkunov.bsky.social · 13/01/2025
Feds say Jontay Porter sent a message before the Jan. 26 Raptors game to an alleged co-conspirator: “Hit unders for the big numbers. I told [Co-Conspirator 2] no blocks no steals. I’m going to play first 2-3 minute stint off the bench then when I get subbed out tell them my eye killing me again.”
97329 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
DON SENTENCED TO...NOTHING. But Friday's hearing crystallized the soon-to-be 47th commander-in-chief’s historic status as the only convicted felon ever to become president. nypost.com/2025/01/10/u...
010 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 11/01/2025
youtu.be/h2Jlz-QEVZo?...
youtu.be
How Do New Yorkers Really Feel About Congestion Pricing? Josh Johnson Investigates | The Daily Show
YouTube video by The Daily Show
000 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
And that’s a wrap. nypost.com/2025/01/10/u...
040 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 10/01/2025
Wow. Trump loses his emergency bid for SCOTUS to block sentencing in his Manhattan hush money case. But four justices — Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch and Kavanaugh — thought it would be “irreparable harm” for Trump to appear for 1 hour on video for a hearing where he will get no penalty.
021 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Just out here having a great time refreshing the SCOTUS docket for Trump’s emergency bid to stop his hush money sentencing in New York every minute or so. The docket number is…666.
040 0
Ben Kochman @benkochman.bsky.social · 09/01/2025
Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to freeze his long-delayed sentencing in his Manhattan hush money case — which would cement his status as the first convicted felon to ever be president. Here, I break it all down while wearing a corduroy blazer youtu.be/yQbuI_UyRtY?...
youtu.be
020 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
Hell Gate *subscribe today!* @hellgatenyc.com · 06/01/2025
We roamed Lower Manhattan to speak with New Yorkers on the first day of congestion pricing. "I think congestion pricing is a thumbs up. If I had four thumbs, I'd give them all up."
hellgatenyc.com
Congestion, Priced
And more stories to start your week in this brave new world.
421032 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
bendwalsh.bsky.social @bendwalsh.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
the Most Tri-State Man Possible gets it
201974359 0
Reposted by Ben Kochman
David Meyer @dmey.bsky.social · 06/01/2025
24910 0