NEW YORK NEWS
Four migrants accused of attacking two NYPD officers near Times Square were released without bail by a Manhattan judge. However, it’s suspected that four of them might have fled, possibly heading for California by bus after giving fake names to a nonprofit aiding migrants. One of them was put on supervised release due to prior arrests but fleeing would likely violate his release terms. Another suspect was also released without bail. A third was arrested but not charged pending further investigation. One suspect was held on bail after being positively identified in the video footage of the attack. The decision to release the suspects without bail has sparked criticism from NYPD officials and calls for deportation from Governor Kathy Hochul.
A group called Westchester Unites is encouraging independent and Republican voters, particularly Jewish ones, to switch their registration to the Democratic Party for an upcoming primary election in New York’s 16th Congressional District. The group aims to influence the primary race between Rep. Jamaal Bowman, criticized for his stance on Israel, and George Latimer, who is portrayed as a staunch supporter of the Jewish state. The effort is organized by Teach Action, affiliated with the Orthodox Union, advocating for Jewish schools. Westchester Unites plans to spend a substantial amount on mobilization, targeting Jewish voters. Latimer, Bowman’s opponent, has been accused of aligning with Republicans, while Bowman faces criticism for a past incident involving a false fire alarm.
In Borough Park, a construction worker tragically died when a two-story home, being unlawfully built, collapsed. The 33-year-old worker was found unresponsive under debris in the basement after the first floor of the building suddenly gave way. The collapse, described as V-shaped, pinned the worker. Fire Department Assistant Chief Joseph Ferrante stated that the collapse occurred in the middle of the floor, resulting in the debris falling on the victim. The worker’s identity is withheld pending family notification. The construction was part of the framing for a Jewish synagogue, despite a stop-work order issued on January 4 due to a previous complaint. Commissioner James Oddo from the Department of Buildings emphasized that the construction activity should not have been happening, especially with heavy machinery like a bobcat present inside the structure. The incident did not cause any other injuries, but investigations are underway to determine the cause of the collapse, which may involve construction materials on the floor at the time.
Shellyne Rodriguez, known for holding a machete to a reporter’s neck in May and later fired from Hunter College for the incident, has now been terminated from her teaching position at Cooper Union. She was dismissed after making anti-Israel statements on social media, resulting in her firing from the adjunct faculty. Rodriguez accused the institution of fascism and emphasized her termination was due to her comments about “Zionists.” The college declined to comment on the specific reasons for her firing but confirmed her departure from their faculty. Rodriguez had previously participated in a CUNY for Palestine panel and made controversial remarks, including calling out individuals with ties to Israel. The firing has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting her termination, while others, including Students for Justice in Palestine, condemning it as repression. This incident comes after Rodriguez’s prior involvement in protests against the police, and her violent outburst against pro-life students at Hunter College led to her dismissal from there as well. Despite her past actions, Rodriguez began teaching a sculpture class at Cooper Union shortly after the incident at Hunter College, only to be fired again.
Bob Beckwith, a retired firefighter who gained fame for his role in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, has passed away at the age of 91. Beckwith died in hospice care in Rockville Centre after battling cancer. Following the attacks, Beckwith, donning his old firefighter uniform, volunteered to help clear debris at Ground Zero. It was during President George W. Bush’s visit to the site on September 14 that Beckwith became widely recognized. Asked by Karl Rove and Secret Service agents to test the stability of a fire truck, Beckwith climbed atop it, later sharing the spot with President Bush as he addressed emergency service workers. The iconic moment, captured in photographs, became emblematic of the nation’s resilience.
US NEWS
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is urging Republican senators to vote against a border bill introduced by Democrats. The $118 billion package has faced criticism from House Republicans who argue it aims to aid President Biden’s re-election and enables illegal immigration. McConnell is advising Republicans to block the bill, citing widespread GOP opposition. House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson and other leaders, have issued a joint statement declaring their opposition to the bill, highlighting its perceived flaws in border security and immigration policy. They assert that the bill will not be considered in its current form and urge the Senate to reject it.
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is introducing legislation in the House to provide $17.6 billion in emergency funding to Israel. This move comes as negotiations between the Senate and White House for a border security compromise and President Biden’s $106 billion supplemental funding request for Ukraine, Israel, and other humanitarian causes are ongoing. Johnson criticizes the exclusion of House Republicans from these talks and asserts that the House will take swift action to support Israel in its conflict with Hamas by passing a standalone funding bill. Previously, a similar bill was proposed but was not taken up by the Senate due to objections over offsetting the funds from the Internal Revenue Service budget. Johnson emphasizes the urgency of providing support to Israel and announces that the legislative text for the funding bill will be released soon.
President Joe Biden has signed an executive order imposing sanctions on Israeli residents of Judea and Samaria allegedly involved in violence against Palestinians. The order targets four individuals, freezing their assets and prohibiting transactions with them through the U.S. financial system. The State Department and U.S. Treasury will provide further details on the sanctions. The order also allows targeting leaders or officials contributing to instability in the region. The Biden administration initially considered including Israeli ministers but later dropped the plan. This move follows a previous visa restriction policy aimed at those undermining peace in the West Bank. Israeli officials have disputed claims of growing settler violence, citing a decrease in reported incidents. However, figures from Israeli police and rescue groups indicate ongoing security challenges in the region, including numerous terrorist attacks against Israelis.
In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, police have arrested approximately 200 protesters who were demonstrating against the state government’s investments in Israel. The protest, held on the steps of the Capitol Rotunda, aimed to highlight the state Treasury Department’s investment in Israel bonds. Organized by groups such as Jewish Voice for Peace, the Philly Palestine Coalition, and the Pennsylvania Council on American-Islamic Relations, protesters wore t-shirts with the slogan “Divest from genocide” and called for reallocating funds to healthcare, housing, schools, and climate initiatives. Despite citations for failure to disperse, many protesters were reportedly released shortly after their arrests. The demonstration featured chants of “Free Palestine” before and after the arrests took place.
Two House Democrats, Reps. Rashida Tlaib and Cori Bush, voted against a bill aimed at denying refuge in the United States to noncitizens involved in aiding Hamas in the attack on Israel. The bill, introduced by Rep. Tom McClintock, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, but Rep. Delia Ramirez voted “present.” Tlaib argued the bill was redundant with existing law and accused it of promoting hatred against Arab, Palestinian, and Muslim communities. Ramirez criticized the bill as a political maneuver and voted “present” in protest. Some Republicans praised the bill’s passage, emphasizing that the United States will not be a sanctuary for terrorists.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), a member of the “Squad” and advocate for “Defund the Police,” for potential misspending of funds meant for personal security. The investigation is related to her use of campaign funds for security services. Bush confirmed the DOJ’s review and stated she is fully cooperating with the investigation. She defended her spending, citing threats to her safety and asserting that she did not use federal tax dollars for personal security. Bush’s campaign spending on security has faced scrutiny, including payments to her husband, Courtney Merrits, who was hired as a security guard. Conservative watchdog groups have raised concerns about the nature and value of these payments. Bush maintains that the investigations are politically motivated and insists on her innocence, citing previous dismissals of complaints by the Office of Congressional Ethics.
Mike Gill, a former member of the Trump administration, died from injuries sustained during a carjacking in Washington, D.C. The incident occurred when a suspect, identified as Artell Cunningham, entered Gill’s vehicle and shot him. Cunningham later attempted to steal another vehicle and was accused of shooting and killing a man in a separate carjacking. Cunningham was subsequently shot and killed by law enforcement. Gill’s wife, Kristina, confirmed his death and described him as a beloved husband, father, and friend. Former CFTC chairman Christopher Giancarlo remembered Gill as a wonderful person and colleague. The incident adds to the rising concerns over carjackings and violent crime in Washington, D.C., with a notable increase in such incidents in recent years.
Tesla will initiate the process of transferring its legal registration to Texas following an online poll conducted by CEO Elon Musk on X (formerly Twitter). The company, which had been incorporated in Delaware since 2003, received overwhelming support from users, with 87.1 percent in favor of the move to Texas. Musk announced the decision to proceed with the transfer immediately and to hold a shareholder vote on the matter. The move comes as Tesla faces legal challenges in Delaware, including a ruling against its board’s approval of Elon Musk’s $56 billion pay package. Transferring registration to Texas aligns with Tesla’s existing presence in the state, where it has its headquarters and one of its gigafactories.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The tournament, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will commence in Mexico City at the Estadio Azteca on June 11, 2026, and conclude with the final match on July 19, 2026. With an expanded format featuring 48 national teams, the schedule includes 104 matches across various host cities. MetLife Stadium, capable of accommodating up to 82,500 fans, will serve as the venue for the final. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy expressed excitement about hosting the final, emphasizing the opportunity to showcase diversity, equality, and inclusion.
David Rubenstein, a Jewish billionaire businessman and philanthropist, along with a group of investors including Michael Bloomberg and Cal Ripken Jr., has agreed to purchase a 40% stake in the MLB’s Baltimore Orioles for $1.725 billion. Rubenstein, known for co-founding The Carlyle Group, aims to bring success to the team, expressing gratitude to the Angelos family, the current owners, and pledging to work towards winning a World Series Trophy for Baltimore. Rubenstein, a prolific philanthropist, has made significant donations, including $15 million to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Taking over at a time when the Orioles are performing well, Rubenstein’s ownership may signal changes in the team’s spending habits and bolster its success. Pending league approval, Rubenstein will become one of the wealthiest MLB owners.
Israel NEWS
The IDF confirmed to The New York Times that at least 32 of the remaining 136 hostages captured by Hamas during its Oct. 7 terrorist attack are confirmed to have died. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum confirmed the deaths of 31 captives, with unconfirmed reports suggesting an additional 20 casualties. Hamas abducted over 240 people during the attack, resulting in widespread casualties. Efforts to negotiate a hostages-for-ceasefire deal with Hamas are ongoing, with the group demanding the release of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli forces’ withdrawal from Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that while efforts to free hostages continue, Israel will not agree to every deal at any price.
Hamas is expected to reject an offer for a hostage-for-ceasefire deal with Israel similar to a previous agreement. This deal, proposed after Hamas’s massacre in October, saw over 100 hostages freed. Hamas demands the release of more terrorists, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and an end to the war. Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that while efforts to free hostages continue, not all deals will be accepted. The U.S. is engaged in negotiations to secure the hostages’ release, emphasizing the importance of a ceasefire for humanitarian aid. However, there is uncertainty about whether Hamas is fulfilling its promise to provide aid to the hostages.
Argentinian President Javier Milei, known for his conservative views, visited Israel and pledged to relocate Argentina’s embassy to Jerusalem. He was welcomed by Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Israel Katz and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Milei, accompanied by Argentina’s Foreign Minister and other officials, also visited the grave of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, seeking his blessing. Milei expressed admiration for the Jewish people’s resilience and pledged strong ties with the United States and Israel.
Israel plans to recruit 65,000 foreign workers from India, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan to replace Palestinian construction laborers amid the conflict with Hamas. The influx of foreign workers aims to address labor shortages caused by Palestinians fleeing and Israelis being called up for reserve duty. Additionally, Israel has previously authorized the entry of 8,000 Arab workers from Judea and Samaria and is considering admitting more Palestinian workers aged 45 and older after undergoing security screening. However, this move has faced opposition from lawmakers who fear it could jeopardize security during the conflict.
Ben & Jerry’s Israel is set to build a new $35.5 million factory in Kiryat Gat, replacing its current facility in Beer Tuvia. The new plant, scheduled to open in 2026, will cover 5 acres and include expanded production lines, a visitors center, and a flagship store. CEO Avi Zinger cited the need for a larger space to accommodate growth, with plans to introduce innovations in the food sector and expand product offerings. The move represents a boost for Kiryat Gat, following Intel’s $25 billion investment in a new manufacturing facility announced in December. Ben & Jerry’s Israel is distinct from its U.S. counterpart and is not connected to the 2021 decision to halt sales in Israeli territories beyond the Green Line. Additionally, the company’s chairwoman sparked controversy in December with comments seemingly endorsing Palestinian resistance. Despite the boycott controversy, the Israeli factory remains a destination for visitors, including Americans expressing support for the Israeli operation.
WORLD NEWS
King Charles III, aged 75, has been diagnosed with cancer following a recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement. The cancer was discovered as a separate issue during diagnostic tests, and the king has commenced a schedule of regular treatments. While advised by doctors to postpone public-facing duties, he will continue to undertake state business and official paperwork. The statement did not specify the type or stage of cancer but noted that it was not prostate cancer. King Charles III remains positive about his treatment and looks forward to returning to full public duty. The announcement aims to prevent speculation and provide public understanding for those affected by cancer.
A college student in Berlin assaulted a 30-year-old Jewish classmate during an argument about the Israel-Hamas conflict. The altercation occurred in the Mitte neighborhood, with the assailant, a 23-year-old student with pro-Palestinian views, repeatedly punching the victim, who had expressed pro-Israel sentiments on social media. The victim suffered facial fractures and was hospitalized, while the suspect fled the scene but was later traced by police to his home in Schöneberg. The incident reflects a surge in anti-Semitic incidents in Germany amid ongoing tensions related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Iran has initiated the construction of four additional nuclear power plants in its southern region, aiming for a total capacity of 5,000 megawatts. The country’s goal is to generate 20,000 megawatts of nuclear energy by 2041. Currently, Iran has one operational nuclear power plant, with another under construction. The UN’s nuclear watchdog reported Iran’s increased production of near-weapons grade uranium, sparking concerns about its nuclear intentions. Despite international suspicions, Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. The new plants are expected to take up to nine years to complete, costing around $20 billion and creating thousands of jobs. Each plant is projected to consume 35 tons of nuclear fuel annually.
Sweden’s domestic security agency, SAPO, is investigating a potentially dangerous object found at the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm as a possible act of terrorism. The object, which some media sources described as a hand grenade, was discovered near the embassy’s fence and later destroyed by a bomb squad. SAPO has taken over the investigation from local police and is treating it as a terrorist crime involving illegal threats and attempts to cause public destruction. No arrests have been made, and the embassy was not evacuated during the incident. Israeli Ambassador Ziv Nevo Kulman confirmed the attempted attack on the embassy and asserted that they will not be intimidated by terror.