Somnath Ghimire to enter race for New York State Assembly seat
Somnath Ghimire, a longtime Woodside resident and community leader, will formally announce his candidacy for the New York State Assembly in District 30 at a public event on 01/11/2026 at 6:30 pm at Gulshan Terrace.
"At its best, Queens is a place where every family belongs and has a voice," said Ghimire. "I'm stepping forward because District 30 deserves leadership that understands our communities and is committed to delivering real, smart practical solutions that work for everyone."
At the announcement event, Ghimire will outline his vision for a stronger and fairer Queens. His stated priorities include affordable housing, strong public schools, worker protections, and inclusive representation for all residents of Assembly District 30.
"I believe public service means listening, showing up, and fighting for the people we represent," Ghimire added. "Together, we can build a Queens where every family has the opportunity to thrive."
Further details are expected to be released following the announcement event.
Ghimire has lived in Woodside since 1996 and has spent more than two decades serving the Nepali American and South Asian community, advocating for workers, immigrants, and working families throughout Queens. His background includes serving as a 2020 Census Field Supervisor, helping ensure underrepresented communities were fully counted, and participating in human rights missions to 22 countries through the International Institute for Human Rights, Environment and Development (INHURED International).
Fog and mist to persist in Tarai today
Most places in the Tarai region will experience fog and mist today.
Furthermore, partial cloudiness will occur in the hilly and Himalayan regions of Koshi Province, as well as the high hills and mountain regions of Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali Provinces. The weather will be mainly fair in the remaining areas.
According to the 8 am bulletin published by the Meteorological Forecasting Division, there is a possibility of light rain and snowfall in one or two places of the high hills and mountain regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali Provinces.
Later tonight, fog will continue to persist in many places of the Tarai region.
Partial cloudiness will occur in the hilly and Himalayan regions of Koshi Province, as well as in the areas of Gandaki and Karnali Provinces. The weather will be mainly fair in the remaining areas.
There is also a possibility of light rain and snowfall in one or two places of the high hills and mountain regions of Koshi and Karnali Provinces.
The meteorological analysis by the Division also states that there is an influence of westerly winds across the country.
Dense fog, haze affect daily life in western Tarai
Daily life in western Tarai including Banke district has been affected due to dense fog and haze.
Children, students, daily-wage workers, people from poor backgrounds, helpless and senior citizens have been affected the most due to the chilling cold.
People have been forced to confine themselves inside the house.
Driver Ram Prasad Tharu of Nepalgunj-16 said they have been facing problems to provide transport service due to thick fog and chilling cold.
Following the chilling cold, the number of people suffering from asthma, pneumonia, cold, cough and fever has increased in Bheri Hospital, said the Information Officer at the Hospital, Sanket Risal.
More than 100 patients suffering from pneumonia, cold and cough visit the hospital every day in recent days, he mentioned.
Haze prevailing in Tarai; Light rain and snowfall likely in high mountainous area
With the partial influence of western winds continuing across the country, most parts of the Tarai region will experience haze and fog, while some provinces will have partly cloudy weather this afternoon, the Meteorological Forecasting Division stated.
Currently, most areas of the Tarai are covered with haze.
According to the division, hilly and mountainous areas of the country will have generally cloudy weather this afternoon, while the remaining areas will be partly cloudy.
There is a possibility of light rain in a few places of the hilly areas of Koshi and Gandaki Provinces and light snowfall in some places of the higher hilly and mountainous areas.
Similarly, tonight, hilly and mountainous areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali Provinces will be partly cloudy, while the weather in the remaining areas will mainly be clear.
There is a possibility of light snowfall in one or two places of the higher hilly and mountainous areas of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki Provinces.
Some areas of the Tarai will have haze. The Meteorological Forecasting Division has warned that due to the impact of haze in the Tarai region, daily life, health, and road traffic may be partially affected.
The division has cautioned the general public to take necessary precautions and keep updated with the daily forecasts.
