JANUARY
January 8-18
A series of devastating wildfires strikes Southern California, fueled by drought, low humidity, and extreme Santa Ana winds reaching 100 mph. The Eaton Fire in Altadena and the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades cause the most damage, destroying over 18,000 structures and burning more than 57,000 acres. Evacuations exceed 200,000 people, with fatalities reported in the dozens.
January 15
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas takes effect in Gaza after months of mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The deal initiates a multi-phase process involving the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, increased humanitarian aid, and Israeli troop repositioning. Initial exchanges include Hamas releasing three hostages and Israel releasing dozens of prisoners.
January 20
Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th President of the United States in a ceremony held indoors at the US Capitol Rotunda due to severe cold weather. Chief Justice John Roberts administers the oath, marking Trump’s second nonconsecutive term. Vice President J.D. Vance is also sworn in. In his inaugural address, Trump declares January 20 “Liberation Day” for Americans and pledges to restore prosperity, safety, and peace.
January 22
President Trump signs an executive order initiating the United States’ withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on climate change. The order, titled “Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements,” cites unfair economic burdens on the US and revokes Biden-era climate actions.
January 27
President Donald J. Trump signs 26 executive orders in his first week in office, the highest number ever recorded for any president and surpassing Franklin D. Roosevelt’s previous mark of 15. The orders primarily target immigration enforcement (including mass deportations, border wall expansion, and cartel designations), energy independence (withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and new fossil fuel leases), trade protection (25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico, ten percent on China), and the elimination of DEI programs across federal agencies and the military.
FEBRUARY
February 1
President Trump signs executive orders imposing 25 percent tariffs on most imports from Mexico and Canada, with Canadian energy exports at ten percent, citing border security and fentanyl flows. The tariffs are scheduled to take effect on March 4, with exemptions later applied to USMCA-compliant goods to reduce disruptions in supply chains such as automotive parts. Canada responds with retaliatory tariffs on US goods, while Mexico delays retaliation. The measures aim to pressure both countries on immigration and drug issues. By midyear, most trade remains duty-free under USMCA compliance, though the tariffs generate revenue and raise costs for some consumers.
February 19
The Israel Defense Forces announce that the bodies of Shiri Bibas, 38, and her two young sons, Kfir, ten months, and Ariel, 4, are recovered from Gaza and identified through forensic testing. The family was taken hostage by Hamas from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7, 2023, attacks. IDF officials state that the Bibas family was killed shortly after their abduction, likely in the weeks following October 7, and their bodies were held in Gaza until recovery.
February 26
The Queens Jewish Link celebrates its 13th anniversary and 600th issue with a “bar-mitzvah” dinner at the Young Israel of Jamaica Estates. The event honors WABC radio host Sid Rosenberg, Dr. Paul Brody, and Rabbi Dr. Joseph Frager. Attendees include community leaders and politicians, with networking and tributes emphasizing Jewish unity.
MARCH
March 5
Queens Jewish Link columnist Moshe Hill announces his candidacy for the Nassau County Legislature in a column published on March 5. Hill, a longtime West Hempstead resident and father of three, states he is transitioning from supporting other candidates to running himself as a Republican for the newly created 5th Legislative District, which includes parts of West Hempstead with a significant Orthodox Jewish population. Hill later loses the November 4 election to Democrat Olena Nicks.
March 11
Kilmar Garcia, a Salvadoran national previously deported from Maryland in 2023, is apprehended by ICE agents in Baltimore shortly after reentering the United States illegally. Garcia, accused of being an MS-13 gang member, domestic abuser, and involved in human trafficking, becomes a high-profile case in the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation efforts targeting criminal aliens. Senator Chris Van Hollen visits Garcia in detention, advocating for due process and criticizing the administration’s handling of the case as politically motivated.
March 15
The United States launches large-scale airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, ordered by President Trump to counter attacks on Red Sea shipping. The campaign, codenamed Operation Rough Rider, targets command facilities, air defenses, weapons storage, and leadership sites. Strikes continue daily, involving carrier-based aircraft and other assets.
March 28
Immigration authorities initiate deportation proceedings against Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian activist and Columbia University graduate student, following his detention by ICE in New York. Khalil, known for his prominent role in pro-Palestinian campus protests against the Gaza conflict, is accused of providing false information on his green card application and engaging in activities deemed a threat to national security.
APRIL
April 1
Liberal Dane County Circuit Judge Susan M. Crawford defeats conservative Waukesha County Circuit Judge Brad Schimel in Wisconsin’s Supreme Court election, securing a 4–3 liberal majority. Crawford wins by about ten percentage points amid record turnout and spending exceeding $90 million.
April 2
President Trump announces sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs in a White House Rose Garden event, declaring the day a milestone in reclaiming American economic independence. He signs an executive order imposing a baseline 10% tariff on nearly all US imports, effective April 5, with higher reciprocal rates up to 50% on dozens of countries based on trade deficits and barriers. Trump emphasizes that the measures protect US industries, generate revenue for tax cuts, and counter unfair foreign practices.
April 10
A federal judge permanently dismisses corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams with prejudice, meaning prosecutors cannot refile them. The dismissal follows a Justice Department request under the Trump administration, which argues the case hinders Adams’ cooperation on immigration enforcement.
April 22
Reports from organizations such as the ADL and Hillel International document a significant increase in anti-Semitic incidents on US college campuses during the 2024–2025 academic year, with the ADL noting an 84% rise compared to prior periods.
MAY
May 9
Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the United States is elected pope, becoming the first American pontiff and taking the name Leo XIV. His selection follows the death of Pope Francis and marks a historic moment for the Catholic Church. Prevost, born in Chicago and a former Augustinian friar, is chosen on the fourth ballot.
May 14
Negotiations for the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire stall as both sides accuse each other of violating the initial truce terms. The first phase, which begins in January, facilitates the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, partial Israeli troop withdrawals, and increased humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza. Phase two discussions, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, aim to secure a full Israeli withdrawal, Hamas disarmament, the deployment of an international stabilization force, and a permanent end to hostilities.
May 21
Two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, DC, are fatally shot outside the Capital Jewish Museum after attending a reception hosted by the American Jewish Committee. The victims, Yaron Lischinsky, a German-Israeli research assistant, and Sarah Milgrim, an American public diplomacy employee, are a couple planning to become engaged. Surveillance footage shows the suspect firing at close range, including additional shots after they fall. He is apprehended inside the museum by security staff and states, “I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza.”
JUNE
June 6
Protests erupt in Los Angeles and other parts of California following a series of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids targeting undocumented immigrants, including at workplaces such as Home Depots, clothing stores, and construction sites. The raids, part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts, lead to dozens of arrests and spark widespread demonstrations, with some escalating into riots involving clashes with LAPD and ICE agents, vandalism, arson, and highway blockades. Over 1,000 protesters surround federal buildings, assault officers, and damage property, prompting President Trump to federalize the California National Guard and deploy 2,000 troops to restore order.
June 13
Israel launches a preemptive airstrike campaign against Iranian military and nuclear facilities, igniting the 12-day war that ends on June 23. The conflict begins after Iran launches a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for earlier Israeli actions. Israeli forces conduct multiple waves of strikes on Iranian missile production sites, air defenses, and suspected nuclear enrichment centers in Isfahan and Natanz, while Iran responds with drone and missile attacks that cause limited damage in Israel due to Iron Dome and allied intercepts.
June 18
Texas Republicans initiate a rare mid-decade redistricting of congressional districts during a special legislative session called by Governor Greg Abbott, prompted by pressure from President Trump to secure additional Republican seats ahead of the 2026 midterms. The new map, signed into law in August, aims to flip up to five Democratic-held districts, primarily in urban and South Texas areas, by leveraging 2024 election results showing rightward shifts.
June 22
The United States conducts direct airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear facilities – Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan – marking its first offensive military action against Iran since 2020. The operation, codenamed Operation Midnight Hammer, involves B-2 stealth bombers dropping GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator “bunker buster” bombs and Tomahawk cruise missiles fired from a submarine. President Trump describes the strikes as a “spectacular military success” that “completely and totally obliterates” Iran’s nuclear enrichment capabilities. The action occurs amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict that begins with Israeli strikes on June 13, with the US joining to target heavily fortified sites Israel cannot fully destroy alone.
June 24
Zohran Mamdani, a 34-year-old Democratic socialist state assemblymember, wins the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo in a significant upset. The victory is confirmed after ranked-choice voting tabulations, with Mamdani securing approximately 56% of the vote compared to Cuomo’s 44%.
JULY
July 3
The New York Times publishes a prominent article titled “Gaza’s Children Face Starvation as Aid Remains Blocked,” accompanied by a photograph of a severely malnourished Palestinian child. The image is widely shared on social media, including by children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel, to highlight claims of deliberate starvation in Gaza. After publication, the newspaper issues a correction acknowledging that the child has pre-existing health conditions unknown to The Times at the time of publication, which would have been included in the article and caption had they been known. The correction comes only after the image and narrative circulate extensively, amplifying false perceptions of widespread famine caused by Israeli policies.
July 11
Nvidia becomes the first publicly traded company to reach a $4 trillion market capitalization, surpassing previous records set by Apple and Microsoft. The milestone occurs amid surging demand for its AI chips, particularly the Blackwell series, which power data centers for major technology firms. Nvidia’s stock price rises more than 150 percent in the first half of the year, driven by record quarterly revenues exceeding $30 billion.
July 25
The US Department of Justice announces the indictment of 78 individuals and 12 companies in what officials describe as the largest healthcare fraud scheme in American history, involving over $1.2 billion in false claims submitted to Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers.
AUGUST
August 16
President Donald J. Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold a bilateral summit in Anchorage, Alaska, to discuss potential pathways to resolving the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. The meeting, hosted at a secure US military facility, lasts several hours and focuses on territorial disputes, security guarantees, and ceasefire terms. Trump describes the talks as productive and says both sides agree to continue negotiations through back channels. Putin states that Russia remains open to a durable peace but insists on recognition of its territorial gains and limits on NATO expansion. No formal agreement is signed, but the summit marks the first direct leader-level contact since the conflict escalates in 2022.
August 28
President Trump authorizes the deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, DC, to support local law enforcement in a major crime crackdown initiative. The order directs up to 2,000 Guard members to assist with patrols, traffic control, and security in high-crime areas, citing a reported rise in violent crime and carjackings in the District. The deployment is coordinated with Mayor Muriel Bowser, who requests federal assistance after local police face staffing shortages.
SEPTEMBER
September 10
Conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk is assassinated during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The 22-year-old gunman fires a rifle from a distance, striking Kirk fatally in the neck. Following a multi-day manhunt involving federal and local law enforcement, the suspect is turned in by his father on September 14, who contacts authorities after recognizing him from surveillance footage. The FBI classifies the attack as domestic terrorism driven by ideological extremism. President Trump denounces the killing as a “cowardly act against free speech” and calls for bolstered protections for conservative voices. Kirk’s death sparks national vigils and intensifies debates over political violence and public safety.
September 18
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announces that he is suspending his re-election campaign amid ongoing legal and political challenges. The decision follows the permanent dismissal of federal corruption charges against him in April, which is initially seen as clearing his path.
September 22
The governments of the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia jointly announce formal recognition of the State of Palestine, becoming the first major Western allies to do so in over a decade. The move comes amid stalled peace talks and escalating tensions in Gaza following the January ceasefire. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer states recognition will “support a two-state solution and encourage renewed negotiations.” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese issue similar statements emphasizing humanitarian concerns and international law.
September 29
The US Military launches its initial campaign against alleged drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, targeting boats originating from Venezuela. War Secretary Pete Hegseth authorizes the first airstrikes, which destroy several suspected narcotics-carrying vessels and result in dozens of casualties among crews.
OCTOBER
October 1
The US federal government enters a partial shutdown after Congress fails to pass a funding bill before the fiscal year deadline. The impasse stems from disagreements over spending levels and policy riders, including immigration enforcement and border security measures. President Trump blames Democrats for obstructing negotiations, while congressional leaders from both parties point to internal divisions. Essential services continue, but non-essential federal employees are furloughed and national parks close.
October 12
During Yom Kippur services, an anti-Semitic attack targets a synagogue in Manchester, England, killing two worshippers and injuring several others. The assailant, a 29-year-old man with a history of extremist views, enters the synagogue armed with a knife and attacks congregants. British police arrest the suspect at the scene, and authorities classify the incident as a hate crime and act of terrorism.
October 19
Israel and Hamas implement a fragile US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza, marking the start of the first phase of a multi-stage agreement. The deal, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, takes effect after months of negotiations. It includes the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, partial Israeli troop withdrawals, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid deliveries. President Trump hails the ceasefire as a major step toward lasting peace while emphasizing the need for Hamas to comply fully.
October 23
Hamas releases the last 20 living Israeli hostages as part of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. The release includes civilians and soldiers taken during the October 7, 2023, attacks. In exchange, Israel releases hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom are convicted of terrorism-related offenses. The exchange takes place at the Kerem Shalom crossing under international supervision. Israeli officials confirm the hostages’ safe return to Israel, where they receive medical care.
NOVEMBER
November 4
Democrats achieve major victories in off-year elections. Abigail Spanberger, a former congresswoman, wins the Virginia gubernatorial race against Republican Winsome Earle-Sears. Mikie Sherrill, a former Navy pilot and congresswoman, defeats Republican Jack Ciattarelli to become New Jersey’s next governor. In a historic upset, Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist state assemblymember, defeats incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and other challengers to become New York City’s mayor, making him the first Muslim and South Asian person to hold the office. The Democratic wins are widely viewed as a significant rebuke to President Trump’s administration.
November 7
Anti-Semitic vandalism occurs in Brooklyn’s Borough Park neighborhood, with swastikas spray-painted on the façade of Magen David Yeshivah, a nearby Jewish cemetery, and several adjacent buildings.
November 18
A shooting in Washington, DC, claims the life of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard member, and seriously injures Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24. The assailant, a 29-year-old Afghan national who enters the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, opens fire on the two service members in what authorities describe as a targeted ambush just blocks from the White House. The shooter is shot and wounded by a Guard member during the incident, taken into custody, and faces federal charges including first-degree murder.
DECEMBER
December 8
A mass shooting at a Chanukah gathering on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, kills 16 people and injures dozens. Authorities classify the incident as anti-Semitic terrorism, with two shooters, a father and his son, opening fire on the crowd. Australian security forces increase protections for Jewish communities following the tragedy.
December 14
Two people are killed in a shooting at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. The suspect, later found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot, is linked to separate incidents, including the murder of a Jewish MIT professor.
December 29
The advocacy group StopAntisemitism names podcaster Tucker Carlson its “Anti-Semite of the Year.” The organization cites his interviews with figures accused of Holocaust denial and his opposition to US aid for Israel as key factors. Executive Director Liora Rez states, “Tucker Carlson has become the primary platformer of anti-Semites in America.” The designation follows similar honors for Candace Owens in 2024.
By Moshe Hill
