At President Joe Biden's State of the Union speech in Washington, D.C., several locals spoke on behalf of the Hudson Valley. News12 Brooklyn said Rev. Dr. Stephen Pogue was at the event as a special guest of Rep. Jamaal Bowman.

Voicing Concerns of the Community

Pogue led the Greater Centennial Church in Mount Vernon. He called the church a community service, particularly in light of the ongoing police violence against African Americans.

He stated that he aims to ensure that the president takes the initiative in implementing the reforms.

Pogue claimed he would use his time in Washington, D.C., to discuss other issues affecting Mount Vernon with influential people, such as the requirement to restore crucial infrastructure, according to the News12 Brooklyn report. 

The Save Mount Vernon Hospital Coalition, the city's only hospital, is presided over by Pogue. He is battling to keep it open and also has healthcare concerns.

If services are cut off, in his opinion, the health of the Black and brown populations won't be guaranteed.

Cheryl Brannan has the same worries. The news outlet said Brannan is a Yonkers activist invited to the State of the Union address as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's special guest.

Biden's State of the Union Address

In a bitterly divided Congress, Biden called for togetherness during his State of the Union address on Tuesday night. 

The president and congressional leaders were finally allowed to bring guests to the ceremony for the first time after 2019. One of the evening's more famous visitors was a set of Tyre Nichols' parents.

After the Republicans firmly took control of the United States, Biden gave the historic address for the first time in front of a split Congress. 

In his annual State of the Union address, Biden fervently urged Republicans to lift the $34.1 trillion debt ceiling.

As he sparred with Republicans over more outstanding taxes on billionaires and immigration reform, Biden praised the expansion of American manufacturing, his infrastructure program, drug price reductions for seniors, and increased domestic employment. 

Securing Metro Stations in DC

Officials observed a moment of silence in memory of Robert Cunningham, a Metro mechanic shot in the head while attempting to subdue a shooter near Potomac Avenue, according to police.

Following the shooting spree at the metro station on Potomac Avenue in Washington, D.C., five Metro stations in the District will shortly have police patrols. It will supplement the transit police force, battling to keep the region's massive train and bus network safe from increased violent crime.

The additional patrols will begin the following week throughout the station's morning and evening rush hours.

Michael Anzallo, the chief of Metro Transit Police, said they would post two D.C. officers plus a supervisor to each station to beef up public safety.

Randy Clarke, the metro General Manager, said more transit cops would be permitted to ride trains and buses. He said police would ensure that at least one officer is present at all times at stations like Potomac Avenue, the scene of last week's homicide.

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