NEW YORK NEWS
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a war against shoplifting, addressing the issue in her 2024 State of the State address. The governor’s plan includes several measures to tackle the surge in retail theft, such as increasing penalties for offenders who assault retail workers, creating a new crime category for those selling stolen goods online, and establishing a “smash and grab unit” in the New York State Police Department to prosecute theft rings.
Other initiatives involve launching a joint state, local, and federal retail theft operation, expanding Crime Analysis Centers, and offering a tax credit to help merchants cover security costs. Despite positive responses from some retail groups, there is criticism for the absence of specific penalties for serial shoplifters in the plan. Merchants express the need for increased penalties and prison time to effectively deter shoplifting. Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz acknowledges the governor’s proposals as steps in the right direction but continues to push for his measure targeting recidivist shoplifters.
A 23-year-old man from Brooklyn, Mohamed Habachi, has been arrested on hate crime charges months after allegedly hurling a rock at a 45-year-old Orthodox man in Williamsburg. The attack occurred on Nov. 22, with the rock striking the victim’s leg and causing a laceration. The assailant, identified as Habachi, was caught on video throwing the rock from his bicycle and reportedly shouted “Free Palestine” during the incident. The NYPD released surveillance video in December, seeking public assistance in identifying the suspect. Habachi faces nearly half a dozen charges, including assault and menacing as hate crimes.
Federal prosecutors announced their intention to seek the death penalty against Payton Gendron, a white supremacist who killed 10 Black people in a Buffalo supermarket. Gendron is already serving a life sentence for state charges related to the 2022 attack. New York doesn’t have capital punishment, but the Justice Department could pursue it in a federal hate crimes case. Gendron drove over 200 miles to the supermarket, shooting eight customers, a store security guard, and a church deacon. The decision to seek the death penalty is the first under President Biden’s Justice Department. Gendron used racial slurs and phrases during the attack, referencing a conspiracy theory. Relatives have mixed views on the decision, with some seeking closure, while Gendron’s attorney expresses disappointment, highlighting his age at the time of the shooting. The case reflects the rare pursuit of the death penalty in federal cases under the current administration.
In the concluding day of his New York civil fraud trial, Donald Trump, barred from a formal closing argument, took the opportunity to speak in court, delivering a six-minute diatribe before being cut off by the judge. Trump, facing allegations of exaggerating his wealth on financial statements, claimed he was an innocent man being persecuted. The judge allowed him to speak almost uninterrupted for a brief personal summation but cut him off for a lunch break. Trump’s in-court remarks added drama to the trial, which focuses on allegations of financial deception. The judge aims to deliver a verdict by Jan. 31.
A Manhattan-bound F subway train derailed in Brooklyn, marking the second derailment incident in less than a week in New York City’s mass-transit system. The incident occurred between the West Eighth Street and Neptune Avenue stations in Coney Island. There were 34 passengers and three crew members on the train, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the derailment is under investigation, with speculation about a possible uneven or broken track. This comes six days after a No. 1 train derailment in Manhattan, but authorities state that the incidents are unrelated. Service on the F line in Brooklyn was partly suspended.
US NEWS
Former President Donald Trump has won the Iowa Caucuses with around 51% of the vote, according to Decision Desk HQ. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis came in second with 21.3%, and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley was in third with 19%. Tech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy secured around 7.7%, placing fourth. Trump’s victory was called by several media outlets with just 1% of the vote counted, drawing criticism for declaring a winner before all votes were cast. The low voter turnout, influenced by below-zero temperatures, is seen as favoring the candidate with the most enthusiastic support, Trump. Following the results of the caucus, Vivek Ramaswamy suspended his campaign and endorsed the former President, while Haley decaled that this was now a “two-person race” between herself and Trump, despite finishing third.
Anti-Semitic incidents in the United States surged in the three months following Hamas’s October 7 invasion of Israel, reaching 3,283 cases, including 60 physical assaults, according to the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The total incidents during this period are over four times the number from the same period last year and exceed the total for any full calendar year except 2022. The ADL attributes the increase to the Israel-Hamas war, with two-thirds of incidents referencing Israel or Zionism. The ADL CEO emphasized that anti-Semitism is spreading and mutating in alarming ways, linking anti-Zionism to anti-Semitism. The report also highlighted incidents involving fake bomb threats and recorded 505 anti-Semitic incidents on college campuses and 246 at K-12 schools since October 7.
The U.S. Department of Education is investigating Teaneck Public Schools for multiple anti-Semitic incidents since the attacks on Israel in October. The investigation focuses on potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in federally funded programs. The probe includes inflammatory town council meetings, approval of a walkout for Palestine by the Board of Education, and Superintendent Dr. Andre Spencer’s responses. The investigation aims to address concerns of intimidation and bias against Jewish students, creating a hostile environment. Community leaders encourage filing Title VI complaints, while the Board of Education has not commented on the investigation.
Pro-Palestinian supporters gathered in a charged protest near the White House, shouting anti-Joe Biden slogans and attempting to pull down a reinforced fence. The crowd damaged the fence, and some threw objects at Secret Service officers. The rally called for a ceasefire in Israel’s conflict with Hamas. The demonstration, part of a march through Washington D.C., resulted in the evacuation of non-essential personnel from the area as a precaution. No arrests were made, and the damaged fence was repaired. The protest focused on the death toll in Gaza during the 100 days since Israel’s counter-offensive attacks.
Hunter Biden unexpectedly appeared at a Capitol Hill meeting where lawmakers were discussing a resolution to hold him in contempt for defying a subpoena. Rep. Nancy Mace confronted him, accusing him of “white privilege,” while some lawmakers called for his arrest. Hunter Biden left the meeting after less than 30 minutes. Lawmakers had subpoenaed him as part of the impeachment probe into President Joe Biden’s alleged corruption. Hunter Biden demanded a public hearing, leading to the contempt proceedings. If the resolution advances, the House would vote, and the Department of Justice could bring charges. Democrats oppose holding Hunter Biden in contempt.
House Republicans accused Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of intentionally facilitating the crisis at the southern border during the first official impeachment hearing. They pointed to record numbers of illegal immigrants crossing the border and criticized lax administration policies. Under Mayorkas, Customs and Border Protection had 8.1 million encounters with illegal immigrants, including 6.7 million at the southern border. Republicans argued that the crisis was intentional, citing Mayorkas’ awareness of policies being exploited by cartels. Democrats defended Mayorkas, stating he hasn’t committed impeachable offenses. Mayorkas has faced criticism for mass releases and lax border security.
James Ray Epps, a man accused of being a federal agent inciting the January 6 US Capitol attack, has been sentenced to one year of probation for disorderly conduct in a restricted area. Epps, a former Marine, turned himself in to the FBI two days after the riot and attempted to deescalate conflicts between rioters and police. While Epps never entered the Capitol, he expressed his original goal to surround it and let lawmakers know of discontent. Prosecutors sought a six-month jail term, but Epps blamed Antifa for the violence and property damage, continuing to spread conspiracy theories.
John Kerry, the US special envoy on climate, is stepping down from the Biden administration in the coming weeks. Kerry played a crucial role in the fight against climate change, having been one of the leading drafters of the 2015 Paris climate accords. His departure comes as he completes his role as a climate envoy and follows his extensive experience abroad as secretary of state and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. While praised for his dedication to addressing the climate crisis, Kerry has faced criticism for aspects of U.S. climate policies seen as protectionist.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is leading a RICO case against former President Donald Trump, addressed allegations of ethical and legal misconduct during a speech at Big Bethel AME Church in Atlanta. Willis suggested she is being targeted due to her race and criticized those questioning her abilities. She is accused of tapping her romantic partner as a special prosecutor in the case, benefiting financially from the relationship, and facing allegations of federal and state violations related to lavish vacations and payments to her partner. Willis also mentioned being instructed by G-d to pray for Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Israel NEWS
The recent attack in Ra’anana, Israel, was carried out by two Palestinian terrorists from the West Bank. They were illegally working in Israel and perpetrated a car-ramming and stabbing attack, resulting in the death of an elderly woman and injuries to 17 people, including children and teenagers. The attackers were apprehended and are currently under investigation. The motive behind the attack was their decision to carry out an attack and become martyrs, intending initially to stab Jews but later opting to run over as many Jews as possible.
Israel has requested the dismissal of a case brought by South Africa to the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of committing genocide during its military operation against Hamas in Gaza. South Africa filed the suit on December 29, alleging genocide, and during the opening session, called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations. Israel denies the accusation, citing self-defense after a terror attack by Hamas on October 7, and asks the ICJ to dismiss the case, claiming the allegations are “grossly distorted.” Protests occurred outside the court, and casualty figures from both sides are mentioned.
Israel has agreed to expand the entry of medications into Gaza for Palestinians as part of a humanitarian aid agreement brokered by Qatar with Hamas. The negotiations were complex, with Hamas aiming to prevent Israel from discovering the exact location of the hostages. The list of medications includes those deemed “life-saving” for chronic illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and asthma. Israel has pushed for the transfer of medications to Hamas, and the terror group yielded under heightened pressure from Qatar.
Hezbollah carried out a cross-border missile attack on a northern Israeli community, resulting in the deaths of a man and his elderly mother. This followed the killing of three gunmen from Lebanon who infiltrated into northern Israel. Tensions escalated with Hezbollah claiming responsibility for the attack and launching additional strikes on northern communities. Israel responded with airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The situation is moving closer to war, challenging hopes for a diplomatic resolution. Ongoing conflicts in the region, particularly along the northern border, continue to pose security concerns.
Israeli forces entered several cities in the occupied West Bank, including Jenin, Nablus, Hebron, and Qalqilya, conducting raids on homes and detaining at least 26 people. In Jenin, six Palestinians were detained, two in Qalqilya, and 16 in Hebron. Roads and entrances to West Bank areas were closed during the operation. A Palestinian Red Crescent worker was injured in Askar Camp during the raids. Israel has increased its operations in the West Bank in recent months. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli strikes continued, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting 158 killed and 320 injured in overnight attacks. Communication cuts persist in Gaza for a fifth day. The situation remains tense and marked by ongoing conflict in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Hamas announced the deaths of hostages Yossi Sharabi and Itai Svirsky in captivity, while Noa Argamani is reported to be still alive. The announcement was made in a video featuring Argamani, who explained that the three hostages were in a building hit by an IDF airstrike, resulting in casualties. Itai Svirsky was killed during transportation after relocation, and Yossi Sharabi had previously died. Hamas is known for engaging in psychological warfare. The hostages were kidnapped during Hamas’s rampage in southern Israel. Svirsky’s parents were killed during his abduction. Argamani urged an end to IDF airstrikes and called for the hostages to be brought home while still alive.
WORLD NEWS
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards launched a missile attack in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, targeting what they referred to as “anti-Iranian terrorist groups.” The strike resulted in at least four civilian deaths, and air traffic was briefly diverted. The Revolutionary Guards claimed the attack aimed to destroy locations used by these groups to plan a suicide bombing in Kerman, Iran, that killed 86 people. They also cited an assault on a police headquarters in Rask, Iran, in December. The attacks come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with Iranian-linked groups targeting U.S. bases and camps in Iraq and Syria. The Revolutionary Guards later mentioned the Erbil target as the local headquarters for Mossad, Israel’s spy agency. The U.S. strongly condemned the attacks, and Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region of Iraq, called it a violation of sovereignty.
The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) has barred Israel from participating in its world championship events, citing security concerns. The decision is based on a risk assessment, discussions with participating countries, and discussions with the hosts. The IIHF did not specify if any country objected to playing against Israel, and the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza was not mentioned. Israel will remain excluded “for the time being,” and this decision is similar to the IIHF’s past suspension of Russia and Belarus following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Turkish prosecutors have initiated an investigation against Israeli soccer player Sagiv Jehezkel, accusing him of “inciting people to hatred and hostility” due to a gesture he made during a goal celebration in support of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Jehezkel was arrested in Antalya, Turkey, and has been suspended from Antalyaspor “until further notice.” The player faces criticism and protests in Turkey, with calls for his departure from the team. The Israeli government is reportedly working to push for Jehezkel’s release. The incident stems from Jehezkel’s celebration, where he made a heart sign and displayed the words “100 days. October 7” along with a Star of David symbol on his wristband. The Turkish Football Federation condemned Jehezkel’s behavior, and the Antalyaspor club president vowed to terminate his contract. Jehezkel’s gesture was in solidarity with the hostages taken captive on October 7.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah to discuss Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza and the potential role of the authority in the post-conflict situation. The Biden administration envisions a role for the Palestinian Authority in governing both the West Bank and Gaza. Abbas emphasized that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the state of Palestine. Blinken reiterated the U.S. commitment to a political solution and the formation of a Palestinian state. He also discussed reforms within the Palestinian Authority to enhance its effectiveness. After the meeting, Blinken flew to Bahrain for additional talks on the ongoing conflict. Abbas, Blinken, and Egyptian President el-Sisi later discussed securing an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and delivering aid. They emphasized the importance of displaced Gazans being able to return home and rejected any attempts to reoccupy parts of Gaza.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ruled out a ceasefire, stating that it would allow Russian forces to rearm and regroup. Zelenskyy, during a visit to Estonia, emphasized that a pause on the Ukrainian battlefield would play into Russia’s hands and might crush Ukraine afterward. Limited ceasefires have been proposed but never taken hold since Russia’s full-scale war in February 2022. Both sides are facing the challenge of replenishing weapons after 22 months of fighting and the prospect of a protracted conflict. Zelenskyy mentioned that Russia is receiving artillery shells and missiles from North Korea and drones from Iran.
Ruling-party candidate Lai Ching-te won Taiwan’s presidential election, with opponents conceding. Lai’s victory will impact Taiwan’s relations with China over the next four years, considering China’s claim over the island. Domestic issues like the economy and housing were significant in the campaign. China had framed the election as a choice between war and peace, opposing Lai and favoring the more China-friendly Nationalist party candidate. Incumbent President Tsai Ing-wen and Lai reject China’s sovereignty claims over Taiwan but express willingness for talks, which Beijing refuses.
