NEW YORK NEWS
Harrowing footage from a Brooklyn subway captured a violent clash between two men, escalating into gunfire during rush hour. The video depicted a confrontation where one man provoked the other before gunshots erupted, leading to chaos among commuters.
Witnesses reported the agitator being shot with his own gun after the other man wrestled it away from him. The altercation, marked by racial slurs and physical violence, involved bystanders pleading for them to stop, including a woman who stabbed one of the men. The incident ended with the 32-year-old attacker being arrested before exiting the subway, while the 36-year-old victim was hospitalized in critical condition. Authorities indicated a potential mental health crisis underlying the violence, although neither man had a documented history of mental illness. The investigation into the incident continues, with uncertainty regarding potential charges for the shooter.
Former President Donald Trump is facing difficulties in finding an insurance company willing to underwrite a bond to cover the substantial judgment against him in the New York attorney general’s civil fraud case, as stated by his lawyers to a New York appeals court. Trump has reportedly approached around 30 underwriters for the bond, which amounts to over $464 million with interest, but very few are considering such a significant bond. Insurance broker Gary Giulietti testified that securing a bond of this size is practically impossible, with potential underwriters demanding cash rather than properties as collateral. Trump’s legal team has requested the appeals court to delay posting the bond until the appeal process concludes, arguing that the value of Trump’s properties exceeds the judgment. However, Trump faces challenges as some major underwriters have internal policies limiting bonds to $100 million and are reluctant to accept real estate as collateral. The appeal bond is necessary to halt the state from enforcing the judgment, which Trump is appealing but could take years to litigate. Trump’s camp has criticized the size of the fraud judgment, calling it an abuse of the law and a threat to the rule of law in New York, while reiterating Trump’s commitment to fighting the case.
Anti-Israel protesters attempted to disrupt the New York Times’ printing facility in Queens, blocking trucks and carrying signs decrying the newspaper’s coverage. Police peacefully dispersed the protesters, allowing operations to continue. Later, over 100 protesters stormed the Times’ headquarters in Manhattan, chanting anti-Israel slogans and accusing the paper of genocide. Police made 124 arrests for trespassing. The Times reaffirmed its commitment to unbiased reporting despite the protests. This incident follows previous protests disrupting traffic in New York City bridges and tunnels.
Lebanese migrant Basel Bassel Ebbadi, apprehended by US Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas, admitted to being a member of Hezbollah and expressed intentions to make a bomb upon entering the US. He disclosed his training and involvement with Hezbollah for several years, focusing on “jihad” and targeting non-Muslims. Ebbadi’s encounter highlights concerns over individuals on terror watchlists crossing the US border illegally, with Border Patrol encountering a significant number of such individuals in recent years. In addition to his admission of terrorist ties, Ebbadi revealed plans to travel to New York and move around the country once in the US, adding a troubling dimension to the potential threat he posed. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in border security and the need for effective measures to address potential threats to public safety and national security.
New York State Trooper Anthony Nigro IV was acquitted of manslaughter charges in the killing of James Huber, an unarmed man in downtown Buffalo following a high-speed highway chase. Judge James Bargnesi of Erie County Court found Nigro not guilty after a bench trial. Nigro faced charges brought by New York’s attorney general, Letitia James, who accused him of fatally shooting Huber in February 2022. Nigro, a 15-year State Police veteran at the time, claimed self-defense, stating he feared for his life when he fired his gun. The incident, captured on Nigro’s body-worn camera, showed a brief interaction between Nigro and Huber, ending in gunfire and Huber’s death. The acquittal sparked mixed reactions, with the State Troopers Police Benevolent Association commending the verdict, while Huber’s family expressed dismay, insisting that Huber didn’t deserve to die in such a manner.
New York City’s population experienced a significant decline, with nearly 78,000 residents leaving in 2023, according to the latest census estimates. While Manhattan saw a slight increase, other boroughs, notably the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens, faced population decreases. Factors contributing to the exodus include high living costs and safety concerns, prompting many to relocate to neighboring states like New Jersey or Florida. City officials contested the decline, citing the influx of migrants and undercounted shelter residents. The city’s population dynamics are crucial for federal funding allocation, with efforts underway to ensure accurate counts and address affordability challenges. Despite demographic shifts, some boroughs have seen new migrants, indicating complex population trends impacting New York City’s social and economic landscape.
US NEWS
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign and dissolve his government, citing concerns about Netanyahu’s leadership during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Schumer criticized Netanyahu for tolerating civilian casualties in Gaza and undermining Israel’s standing in the international community. He suggested that a new election in Israel could lead to a change in policy and restore confidence in the government. Schumer also hinted at using U.S. aid to Israel as leverage to influence Israeli policy if Netanyahu’s government persists with controversial actions.
In the Georgia criminal case against Donald Trump and his associates, Judge Scott McAfee has dismissed some charges, leaving most of the racketeering indictment intact. McAfee ruled that six charges related to soliciting the violation of oath by a public officer lacked sufficient detail about the underlying crime. However, the conduct underlying these charges can still be considered in the larger racketeering charge. While most charges against Trump remain, the dismissal is seen as a setback for prosecutors. Defense lawyers hailed the decision as correct, labeling the prosecution as political. Special prosecutor Nathan Wade resigned from his position in the Georgia election interference case against former President Trump. His resignation came after Judge Scott McAfee ruled that either Wade or Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis had to exit the case for the prosecution to continue. Willis faced possible disqualification over allegations of misusing taxpayer dollars and favoritism towards Wade. The judge criticized Willis for a “tremendous lapse in judgment” but didn’t find an actual conflict of interest. Wade offered his resignation to move the case forward quickly. Willis accepted Wade’s resignation, thanking him for his bravery.
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, police do not suspect a hate crime in the intentional fire set to a van belonging to a Chabad rabbi on Shabbos. The suspect, Scott Hannaford, a transient with a history of mental illness and prior trespassing incidents, has been arrested. The incident, termed isolated by police, resulted in two arson charges related to the fire at the Las Olas Chabad Jewish Community Center. Additionally, the suspect faces charges of criminal mischief and cocaine possession. Security footage showed the suspect attempting to ignite the building before setting fire to the van, which spread to the structure, causing significant damage. Despite the destruction, a Jewish prayer book inside the van remained intact after the flames were extinguished, providing hope to the congregation.
The Biden administration announced sanctions against three Jewish men in Judea and Samaria, accusing them of undermining peace, security, and stability in the West Bank. Zvi Bar Yosef and Moshe Sharvit were accused of violence against Palestinians and obstructing their access to land, while Neriya Ben Pazi was accused of expelling Palestinian shepherds and involvement in attacks. The sanctions require reporting of their property in the U.S. Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen condemned the accusations as anti-Semitic and disconnected from reality.
The Biden administration reapproved a sanctions waiver allowing Iraq to transfer electricity payments to Iran through third-party countries, unlocking over $10 billion in frozen funds for Iran. Republicans oppose the waiver, arguing it supports Iran’s global terrorism operations despite the State Department’s insistence that the funds are restricted to humanitarian goods. Critics claim the waiver gives Iran more flexibility in spending the money compared to previous waivers. Former White House National Security Council member Richard Goldberg asserts that the Biden administration’s version of the waiver allows Iran to access funds for budget support, including debt payments and import subsidies.
The GOP-led House passed a bill on Wednesday aiming to potentially ban TikTok unless its Chinese-based parent company, ByteDance, divests from it. The “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act” received bipartisan support, with a vote of 352-65, and now moves to the Democrat-controlled Senate. The bill demands ByteDance sell TikTok within 180 days or face a clampdown in the U.S. It also allows the President to designate social media apps controlled by foreign adversaries as national security risks, subjecting them to similar restrictions. Supporters argue the bill is necessary to counter Chinese espionage and manipulation, while opponents, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Marjorie Taylor Greene, criticize its rushed nature and potential for increased censorship. President Joe Biden expressed willingness to sign the bill, while former President Donald Trump opposed it. TikTok warned that the bill could infringe on Americans’ First Amendment rights and harm small businesses.
President Joe Biden’s campaign has accumulated $155 million in cash on hand for the 2024 election, surpassing his Republican opponent, Donald Trump. Biden raised $53 million last month, marked as the strongest grassroots fundraising month since the campaign’s inception, including a fundraiser in New York that garnered $4 million. Biden highlighted the enthusiasm and support garnered from 1.5 million donors, with 500,000 being new and 97% of donations being under $200. Both Biden and Trump secured their party nominations, setting the stage for a 2024 rematch. Trump’s February financial figures have not been released, but by the end of January, his major committees had $36.6 million in cash on hand. Biden’s cash on hand total is noted as the highest for any Democratic candidate at this stage in a campaign.
Dollar Tree, the parent company of Family Dollar, announced plans to close nearly 1,000 underperforming stores due to poor market conditions and store performance. Around 600 Family Dollar stores will close in the first half of 2024, with an additional 370 Family Dollar and 30 Dollar Tree stores closing over the next several years. Experts attribute the closures to factors such as inflation, which necessitates price increases beyond the traditional dollar, squeezing profit margins. Shifts in consumer spending towards necessities over discretionary purchases also contribute to lower profitability. Additionally, online retailers like Amazon and Temu are gaining market share, impacting traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Dollar Tree cited elevated theft and product cost inflation as factors affecting gross margin profits. While theft is a concern, experts emphasize broader implications, including safety concerns for store staff.
Israel NEWS
A 3.6-magnitude earthquake struck northern Israel, causing buildings to shake and residents to seek shelter. No injuries or damage were reported. Israel, located along the active Great Rift Valley fault line, experiences frequent minor earthquakes. Despite warnings about earthquake preparedness, a significant portion of buildings in northeastern cities remains vulnerable to collapse. The last major earthquake in the region occurred in 1927, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
An extensive underground complex dating back nearly 2,000 years to the First Jewish Revolt against the Roman Empire has been discovered in the Galilee, just north of Tiberias, announced by the Israel Antiquities Authority. This hideout, the largest found to date, was unearthed during excavations at the ancient Jewish town of Hukok near the Sea of Galilee. It sheds light on dramatic periods in Jewish history, including preparations for revolts against the Romans. Residents of Hukok converted a water cistern from the Second Temple period into a hidden refuge, expanding it with tunnels to other underground cavities. The complex, with about eight cavities and connecting tunnels, was designed to impede heavily armed Roman soldiers. The excavation also uncovered artifacts such as broken clay and glass dishes and a ring. Hukok, a Jewish town in the Early Roman period, was mentioned in the Jerusalem and Babylonian Talmuds. The excavation directors described the site as a testament to resilience, with residents emerging from the hiding complex to establish a thriving village, including an impressive synagogue discovered nearby. The site, excavated with the help of students, soldiers, and volunteers, will be accessible to the public, expected to attract visitors worldwide.
Jerusalem is set to host its first Purim parade in over four decades, despite the recent war with Hamas in Gaza. The parade will feature 30 floats and seven musical stages along a kilometer-long route in downtown Jerusalem on Monday. The event, known as the “Adloyada,” marks the celebration of Shushan Purim in the ancient walled city. Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion emphasized the parade as a symbol of victory and resilience. This year’s parade holds significance as the first in the capital since 1982. The festivities will include musical performances and other entertainment, showcasing the spirit of the holiday.
WORLD NEWS
A memorial was inaugurated in Oporto, Portugal, to commemorate those who died on October 7 at the hands of Hamas terrorists. The event, organized by the Rabbinical Centre of Europe, the European Jewish Association, and the Oporto Jewish community, saw the participation of 150 European and Israeli rabbis. Rabbi Netanel Lev, who lost his son in the attack, expressed gratitude to the Oporto Jewish community for commemorating the victims. Rabbi Binyamin Jacobs highlighted the unacceptable condemnation of Israel and acceptance of anti-Semitism by the world. Rabbi Eli Rosenfeld emphasized the resilience of the Jewish people, stating that despite the pain, they will continue to thrive. The new cemetery in Oporto, named the Isaac Aboab Field of Equality, was opened in April 2023.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has appointed Mohammad Mustafa, an economist and political independent, as the new prime minister amid U.S. pressure to reform the Palestinian Authority (PA). Mustafa will lead a technocratic government tasked with potential administration of Gaza ahead of eventual statehood, facing obstacles like opposition from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ongoing conflict with Hamas. The appointment aims to implement reforms and combat corruption, but public demand for meaningful political change remains unaddressed. Mustafa, a respected figure with a background in economics and governance, faces the challenge of improving conditions in the occupied West Bank amidst economic crises exacerbated by the conflict. While the U.S. has welcomed the appointment, it emphasizes the importance of implementing credible reforms. The Palestinian Authority’s role in governing Gaza and the path to Palestinian statehood remain uncertain amid political, security, and regional challenges.
The European Union has announced a 7.4-billion-euro aid package for Egypt aimed at providing financial assistance to the country over the next three years. The aid includes both grants and loans and is intended to support Egypt’s economy, particularly in areas such as border security and hosting Sudanese refugees. The deal comes amidst concerns about potential migrant influxes due to conflicts and crises in neighboring countries. While the aid package has drawn criticism from rights groups over Egypt’s human rights record, European leaders defend the partnership, emphasizing the need to work with countries like Egypt to address both economic and humanitarian challenges.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his rule until 2030 through a presidential election that lacked real competition and was heavily managed. Despite some Russians protesting the undemocratic nature of the vote, Putin claimed victory with 87% of the vote, an even higher margin than in previous elections. Western governments condemned the election as undemocratic, while the Kremlin sees it as crucial to Putin’s portrayal as a popular leader. Critics argue that the election lacked transparency, with reports of ballot-stuffing and fraud. The vote lasted three days, making it easier for the Kremlin to boost turnout. Despite criticism, many Russians expressed support for Putin, praising him for elevating Russia’s global stature. Meanwhile, Ukraine attempted to undermine Putin’s image by launching attacks during the voting period, but these had little impact on his supporters. Opposition to Putin organized protests during the election, with voters encouraged to express discontent by lining up at polling stations at noon.