NEW YORK NEWS
A man allegedly pushed another person onto subway tracks in East Harlem, leading to their death. The suspect has been arrested on a murder charge and has a history of mental health issues, according to his mother. The incident has reignited discussions about handling mental health crises in the transit system. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the city’s efforts to address homelessness and mental illness but faced opposition over involuntarily hospitalizing individuals. Adams proposed expanding Kendra’s Law to mandate treatment for those with mental health issues. Despite the tragedy, subway crime has decreased since Adams took office. The incident occurred amid increased police presence in the subway and follows a fatal shooting of a police officer. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is also considering safety measures such as metal barriers on platforms.
During a wake for slain New York City police officer Jonathan Diller, Donald Trump emphasized the need for “law and order,” positioning himself against President Joe Biden as he highlighted crime as a focal point of his presidential campaign. Diller, a 31-year-old officer, was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Queens. Trump’s visit coincided with Biden’s attendance at a fundraiser in New York City, with Trump’s campaign aiming to contrast his show of support for law enforcement with Biden’s event. Trump expressed condolences to Diller’s family, reiterated the importance of law enforcement, and criticized the current state of crime, although he didn’t provide specific policy proposals. The visit highlighted Trump’s campaign strategy to leverage issues of crime and law enforcement in his bid for the White House.
New York City officials unveiled a pilot program to deploy portable gun scanners in select subway stations, aiming to enhance safety and deter violence underground. Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of subway safety and announced plans for additional outreach workers to assist individuals with mental health issues living in the system. Despite concerns about the effectiveness of the technology, which has been attributed to Evolv, a company accused of manipulating testing results, Adams stated that the city would conduct its own analysis. Recent high-profile incidents, including fatal shootings and a fatal shove, have underscored safety concerns, prompting increased police presence and efforts to combat fare evasion.
New York City is set to implement congestion tolls, making it the first U.S. city to do so. The $15 fee will apply to most vehicles entering Manhattan’s central business district below 60th Street during daytime hours. The plan aims to reduce congestion, encourage public transport use, and raise funds for subway improvements. Opponents argue it burdens workers and increases prices. The tolls vary by vehicle size and time of day, with exceptions for emergency vehicles, certain low-income commuters, and others. Legal challenges have been raised, but if successful, New York will join cities like London and Singapore in implementing congestion pricing.
The New York judge overseeing Donald J. Trump’s upcoming criminal trial expanded a gag order on Monday, prohibiting him from attacking the judge’s family members, who have been targeted by Trump. The original order barred Trump from attacking witnesses, prosecutors, jurors, and court staff and their relatives, but not the judge or district attorney. The amended order now includes protection for their families. The judge cited recent attacks on his daughter and rejected Trump’s argument that his statements were political speech. Trump and his campaign criticized the gag order as unconstitutional. This is the latest in a series of gag orders imposed on Trump, including in his federal criminal case in Washington. Violating the order could result in fines or imprisonment. The state’s attorney urged the judge to warn Trump of consequences for ignoring the order, emphasizing the threat posed by his rhetoric to trial integrity.
US NEWS
Former U.S. Senator Joseph Lieberman, the Democratic Party’s 2000 vice-presidential nominee, passed away at 82 due to complications from a fall, surrounded by family. Known for his independent stance, Lieberman served in the Senate since 1988 after a tenure as Connecticut state senator and attorney general. Notable for crossing party lines, he famously endorsed John McCain for president in 2008, emphasizing country over party allegiance. Lieberman was also the first prominent Democrat to condemn President Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Following his passing, he received widespread praise from both sides of the political spectrum, with figures like Sen. Chris Murphy and Sen. Lindsey Graham commemorating his unique contributions and character.
Anti-Israel groups American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) and Within Our Lifetime (WOL) protested outside a synagogue in Teaneck, NJ, during an event hosted by the Zaka organization, known for its humanitarian efforts in identifying and burying victims of disasters, including attacks by Hamas. AMP and WOL aimed to “demand accountability for false claims that fuel Gaza genocide,” accusing Zaka of spreading lies and manipulating public opinion in support of Israel. The Rabbinical Council of Bergen County and the Bergen County Jewish Action Committee condemned the protest as anti-Semitic and a violation of sacred values, highlighting Zaka’s humanitarian work. WOL has a history of organizing disruptive protests, including at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and John F. Kennedy International Airport.
A cargo ship collision with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge resulted in the collapse of a section, presumably killing six construction workers. The ship issued a mayday call indicating a power loss before hitting the bridge support at 8 knots, causing the span to collapse within seconds. While two workers were rescued, four remain missing. Investigations revealed prior maintenance issues with the ship’s machinery. President Biden pledged federal aid for rebuilding, as the incident disrupts traffic and port operations, prompting a salvage operation and environmental concerns due to hazardous materials onboard. Bridge-ship collisions are rare but have occurred historically, with global and U.S. precedents causing significant casualties.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order mandating disciplinary actions against what he sees as a surge in anti-Semitic behavior on university campuses, particularly amidst tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The order requires colleges to update free speech policies, define antisemitism, and penalize violations, potentially including expulsion. Palestinian student groups criticized the order, asserting it infringes on free speech rights, while advocacy groups like the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression argued it stifles debate and violates the First Amendment. Abbott’s move aligns with his staunch support for Israel. Colleges must revise policies within 90 days per the order.
Anti-Israel activists disrupted a Berkeley, California City Council meeting, verbally assaulting attendees with anti-Semitic slurs and targeting an 89-year-old Holocaust survivor who spoke in favor of Holocaust Remembrance Day. The meeting’s agenda didn’t include discussions on the Israel-Hamas conflict, but activists hurled insults, stole a phone, and made derogatory remarks toward Jewish individuals, including accusing council members of being influenced by the Jewish community. The Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area condemned the incident, highlighting explicit language used by demonstrators. Berkeley’s mayor denounced the behavior, emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach to hate speech and threats. Various advocacy groups and officials condemned the anti-Semitic actions, labeling them as vile and explicit hatred rather than legitimate opposition to Israeli government policies.
Two Harvard Law students resigned from their student government positions due to procedural irregularities surrounding the approval of a resolution calling for divestment from Israel. The resolution, which accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians, was passed through an anonymous vote, prompting the students to resign in protest. They criticized the rushed process and lack of opportunity for student input. The Jewish Law Students Association condemned the resolution as divisive and anti-Semitic, while anti-Israel student groups celebrated its passage. A subsequent emergency meeting upheld the resolution despite procedural concerns.
Sam Bankman-Fried, a prominent crypto entrepreneur, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for orchestrating a massive fraud that led to the collapse of FTX, once a major cryptocurrency exchange. Despite receiving a sentence much shorter than what prosecutors sought, the judge sharply criticized Bankman-Fried for his crimes, including perjury during his trial. Bankman-Fried, who previously enjoyed success and recognition in the crypto world, apologized in court but showed little remorse according to the judge. His defense argued for leniency, portraying him as a math-focused individual rather than a malicious fraudster. The collapse of FTX left customers, investors, and lenders short over $11 billion, leading to widespread financial losses and devastation for many.
Israel NEWS
Iran has accused Israel of conducting an airstrike near its embassy in Damascus, resulting in the deaths of seven members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including a top commander. While Israel has not officially commented, The New York Times reported Israeli involvement. The strike targeted a building adjacent to the Iranian embassy, escalating tensions between the two countries. Among the deceased was Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior IRGC official responsible for operations in Syria and Lebanon. Iran warned of a harsh response, while Israel’s military announced new operational plans amid ongoing attacks by Iran-backed groups.
The Israeli military discovered a cache of weapons hidden within Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital, including mortars, explosives, sniper rifles, assault rifles, and handguns, hidden in various parts of the building. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the hospital as a “house of terrorists.” Approximately 350 patients and medical staff were evacuated by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), along with 6,200 civilians who were sheltering at the medical center. Meanwhile, fighting continued in other parts of Gaza, with the IDF conducting airstrikes on buildings used by Hamas and engaging in close-quarters combat with gunmen in various neighborhoods. The offensive was launched in response to a Hamas incursion into Israel on October 7, resulting in casualties on both sides.
Muhammad Sadia, the terrorist responsible for a shooting attack near Al-Auja on Thursday, surrendered to Israeli security forces in Jericho on Sunday. He was handed over to the Shin Bet for further investigation, and the weapon he used in the attack was seized. Sadia had wounded three Israeli civilians in the attack, which targeted vehicles and an armored bus on Highway 90.
Israel’s Supreme Court issued an interim order prohibiting the government from providing stipends to ultra-Orthodox Jewish men who evade military service. This ruling affects yeshivah students who failed to report for IDF service since July 1, 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested a 30-day extension to reach a political agreement on haredi IDF draft, citing the focus on addressing the Hamas terror attacks. The court is set to hear petitions for a universal military draft in May. The government’s proposed legislation includes increasing recruitment targets for haredim and creating special battalions accommodating religious sensitivities. The issue has raised tensions within the coalition government, with some questioning the timing and actions of the Supreme Court and attorney general. United Torah Judaism lawmaker Moshe Gafni emphasized the importance of Torah scholars in Israel’s future during a visit to an ultra-Orthodox school.
The Knesset approved the “Al Jazeera law,” granting the government temporary powers to shut down foreign news networks if they are deemed to harm national security. The law passed with a majority of 71 to 10 in the Knesset plenum. It empowers the communications minister, with the prime minister’s and security cabinet’s approval, to order the closure of foreign networks operating in Israel if they are believed to harm state security. This move was spearheaded by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, who vowed to shut down Al Jazeera in the coming days, citing its alleged role in spreading Hamas propaganda. The United States expressed concern over the legislation, emphasizing the importance of press freedom. The law is set to expire on July 31 unless extended by the government.
WORLD NEWS
Russia’s veto at the U.N. ended monitoring of sanctions against North Korea, raising Western accusations of Moscow’s involvement in buying weapons from Pyongyang for its war in Ukraine. The veto halted the extension of the mandate for a panel of experts monitoring North Korean sanctions, a move never previously attempted by Russia. While Russia claims sanctions are losing relevance, the U.S. warns the veto could embolden North Korea’s missile development. Western nations criticize Russia for violating U.N. sanctions by buying missiles from North Korea, exacerbating tensions amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. North Korea’s defiance of sanctions continues, with ongoing cyberattacks and nuclear weapons development reported by U.N. experts.
In Turkey’s recent local elections, the opposition secured significant victories across the country, gaining control of several major cities and increasing their share of the vote compared to previous elections. These wins are seen as a potential check on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s power, particularly in light of criticism over his handling of the economy. Erdogan’s party suffered its worst showing in local elections since its inception, with many voters expressing dissatisfaction with the economic situation. Despite these losses, Erdogan vowed to reflect on the outcome. The opposition’s success is attributed to their focus on economic concerns and positive messaging that resonated with voters. The results could energize opposition voters and leaders, shaping policy debates leading up to the next presidential election expected in 2028.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro has threatened to cut diplomatic ties with Israel unless it complies with a UN resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. This escalation follows tensions between the two nations, with Petro condemning Israel’s military offensive in Gaza and Israel accusing Petro of supporting Hamas terrorists. The strained relations jeopardize Colombia’s defense capabilities, as the country relies on Israeli companies for military equipment and maintenance of its fleet.
