NEW YORK NEWS
The Ramapo Police Department announced the arrest of Elijah Dean, 23, a New York City resident, on charges including attempted murder, assault, and weapon possession. Dean allegedly stabbed a man multiple times, including in the head and neck, while the victim was in his own driveway. The victim, identified as an Orthodox Jew, was left in serious condition but is expected to survive. The motive for the attack was not disclosed by the police. The arrest followed nearly 48 hours of intensive investigation, with collaboration between local police, the FBI, and the Spring Valley Police Department. Dean was arraigned with bail set at $1 million in cash and is scheduled to appear in court again on April 18.
In a harrowing turn of events in an upstate New York town near Syracuse, two police officers were fatally ambushed while responding to a routine traffic violation. Following the suspect’s trail to a house in Liverpool, officers found themselves in a perilous situation when they heard the distinct sound of firearms being manipulated inside the residence, leading to a barrage of gunfire. The ambush claimed the lives of Lieutenant Michael Hoosock, 37, and Police Officer Michael Jensen, 29, as well as the shooter, Christopher Murphy, 33, who were all pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Despite Murphy’s limited criminal history, the incident unfolded tragically as he was found armed with an assault rifle after reportedly using cocaine with a friend in the house. The community was left reeling in shock, with city officials expressing profound sorrow and Mayor Ben Walsh describing the event as a “dark day” for Syracuse.
Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders have reached a preliminary agreement on a $237 billion budget, including measures to combat shoplifting and protect retail workers. The plan proposes stiffer penalties for assaulting retail workers and allows prosecutors to charge repeat retail thieves with felonies. It also addresses illegal cannabis shops and initiates housing production in New York City, with exemptions for certain rent increases under tenant protection laws. Mayor Eric Adams secured a two-year extension of mayoral control for NYC schools, while education cuts have been minimized through a study and implementation plan. Despite calls for tax increases, the budget does not include new taxes, with updated revenue projections providing additional funds. Hochul also allocated $2.4 billion to support NYC’s migrant population, largely meeting Adams’ request. Final details are being ironed out, with Hochul poised to sign the budget by the end of the week.
The New York City Council overwhelmingly approved the construction of a privately financed 25,000-seat soccer stadium at Willets Point in Queens for the New York City Football Club, marking a significant step forward after a decade of proposals. The stadium, to be built near Citi Field, will also include affordable housing, a hotel, retail space, and public open space. The city will lease the land to the club for 49 years, with an option for a 25-year extension. The project is estimated to cost $780 million, financed by City Football Group, led by Sheik Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan. This stadium addresses the need for a soccer-specific venue, unlike the club’s current arrangement at Yankee Stadium, and represents the city’s first new major sports venue since 2012. Despite opposition citing concerns about public land use and financing, Mayor Eric Adams hailed the vote as a victory for housing and community transformation. The lone dissenting vote came from Shekar Krishnan, who criticized the deal’s lack of benefits for residents amidst a housing and inequality crisis.
US NEWS
Senator Robert Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, will face separate trials in a federal bribery case, as ruled by Manhattan judge Sidney H. Stein. Nadine’s trial will be postponed until the summer due to her serious medical condition, requiring surgery and extended treatment. Despite objections from prosecutors about holding two trials, Judge Stein decided to sever Nadine’s trial from her husband’s due to her health issues. Robert Menendez’s trial will proceed as scheduled on May 6. The couple faces charges related to accepting bribes in exchange for political influence. Nadine was allegedly a central figure in the scheme, receiving bribes directly, including a luxury car and mortgage payments. The decision to hold two trials may impact defense strategies, with Robert’s lawyers intending to argue his lack of knowledge of his wife’s actions. The trial outcome could affect Robert Menendez’s political future, as he has announced he will not seek re-election in a June Democratic primary but may run as an independent in November.
The GOP-led House successfully passed a bill to reauthorize Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA), sending it to the Senate before the authorities expire. Despite objections, including a motion from Rep. Anna Paulina Luna for a warrant requirement, the bill advanced with bipartisan support. Luna’s motion was defeated, paving the way for the bill’s passage. The legislation extends Section 702 for two years and implements reforms to FISA. Senate leaders Schumer and McConnell emphasized the need for quick bipartisan action to prevent lapse. Some senators, including Mike Lee and Rand Paul, advocate for the warrant amendment to protect the Fourth Amendment. While the White House supports reauthorization, it rejects the warrant requirement, citing concerns about restricting access to critical information. Former President Trump, who criticized FISA, met with Speaker Johnson to discuss the bill’s reforms, asserting that it addresses past abuses.
Anti-Israel protesters caused significant disruptions in various locations, including the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the roads leading to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. In San Francisco, demonstrators blocked traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge for hours, leading to delays and arrests. Similar protests occurred in Oakland and on the roads to O’Hare Airport in Chicago. The protesters demanded an end to US support for Israel amid ongoing conflict in the region. The disruptions caused frustration among commuters and travelers, prompting some to express their displeasure on social media. Despite the protests, authorities eventually reopened the affected roads, allowing traffic to resume.
Hridindu Roychowdhury, a 29-year-old man, was sentenced to 7.5 years in prison for firebombing a Wisconsin pro-life group’s headquarters in May 2022. He pleaded guilty to throwing Molotov cocktails at the Wisconsin Family Action building in Madison. The attack occurred shortly after a leaked draft of a Supreme Court opinion suggested a possible overturn of Roe v. Wade. Roychowdhury could have faced up to 20 years in prison but was sentenced to a lesser term by Federal Judge William Conley. U.S. Attorney Timothy O’Shea described the arson as an act of domestic terrorism. While Wisconsin Family Action members expressed disappointment with the sentence, stating that it did not adequately address the severity of the crime, Roychowdhury did not express remorse until prompted by the judge. Meanwhile, in Tennessee, six pro-lifers are facing over 10 years in prison for a peaceful protest at an abortion facility, with sentencing scheduled for July.
A self-proclaimed far-left protester from California was arrested for allegedly threatening Bakersfield City Council members and Republican Mayor Karen Goh for not supporting a Gaza ceasefire resolution. Riddhi Patel, 28, faces 18 felony counts, including making terrorist threats and threatening city council staffers. During a public hearing, she reportedly made explicit threats, including invoking violence and suggesting the use of a guillotine against council members. Moments later, Mayor Goh alerted law enforcement, leading to Patel’s immediate removal from the premises and subsequent arrest. Patel has been charged with multiple counts of threatening state officials and making terroristic threats. She was ordered to be held on $1 million bail and instructed to stay at least 500 yards away from city hall. A video of Patel sobbing during her arraignment on Friday circulated widely online.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has introduced a national regulation to limit certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water for the first time ever. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are synthetic compounds that persist in the environment for thousands of years and are associated with various health risks. The new standards require public water utilities to test for six types of PFAS chemicals and aim to reduce exposure for 100 million people, potentially preventing thousands of deaths and illnesses. The EPA is allocating $1 billion to assist states and territories in implementing PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems, part of a larger $9 billion investment to address PFAS contamination. While the regulation is a step forward, critics argue that it doesn’t go far enough, as there are over 15,000 PFAS chemicals, and the standard only regulates six. The regulation places the burden of cleanup on water utility companies, with limited accountability for polluters. Despite these challenges, individuals can take steps to limit their exposure to PFAS by ensuring water is tested for these chemicals and utilizing available filtration technologies.
Argentinian President Javier Milei is embarking on his third trip to America since his election, with plans to visit Miami and Austin, Texas. In Miami, he will receive an “Ambassador of Light” award from Chabad Lubavitch, a Jewish organization, for his efforts in supporting Israel and spreading freedom. Additionally, he will meet with Tesla co-founder Elon Musk in Austin, where he has been invited to tour a Tesla plant. Musk has expressed support for Milei, foreseeing prosperity for Argentina after his election. Argentina is a major source of lithium, crucial for Tesla’s electric vehicles. However, the meeting with Musk is viewed as an initial step between two leaders who respect each other, with no specific expectations beyond that. After the Austin meeting, Milei will travel to Denmark to meet with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Former NFL running back O.J. Simpson, renowned for his career on the field and notorious for his involvement in a highly publicized murder trial, has passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer. Simpson rose to fame as a college football star and played 11 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Buffalo Bills, earning recognition as one of the franchise’s greatest running backs. However, his legacy became overshadowed by the tragic murders of his ex-wife Nicole Brown and her friend Ron Goldman in 1994, leading to a sensational trial that captured global attention. Although acquitted in the criminal trial, Simpson was later found liable for the deaths in a civil trial and ordered to pay substantial damages to the victims’ families. His life took further tumultuous turns, including a 2007 arrest for armed robbery and kidnapping in Las Vegas, resulting in a prison sentence of 33 years, of which he served nine before being released in 2017. Survived by four children, Simpson’s life remains a complex and controversial chapter in American sports history.
Israel NEWS
With the launch of over 300 drones and missiles, Iran intended to cause mass casualties and infrastructure damage with its unprecedented attack on Israel over the weekend. The Biden administration reportedly communicated to Iran, through Turkey, that the attack had to stay “within certain limits.” Israeli officials condemned the attack, stating that Iran crossed a major red line by directly targeting Israel and that a military response would be necessary. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett criticized President Biden’s characterization of the situation as a “win” for Israel, arguing that intercepting enemy hits does not constitute victory and that a more forceful response is needed to deter further aggression. Bennett described Iran as a “terror-octopus” with Tehran as its head and expressed regret that Israel has historically focused on fighting its proxies rather than holding Iran accountable.
The 7-year-old Israeli Bedouin girl injured during Iran’s missile and drone assault on Israel remains in critical condition after undergoing multiple surgeries, as reported by a spokesperson from Soroka Medical Center in Beersheva. Despite some stabilization in her condition, she remains sedated and her life is still in jeopardy. Amina Alhasoni, residing in a Bedouin town near Arad, was struck in the head by shrapnel from an intercepted ballistic missile that hit her family’s home early Sunday morning. Notably, the home lacked a bomb shelter, and the girl was in her bedroom at the time of the incident. The attack, which occurred overnight Saturday, saw Iran launch over 300 missiles and drones at Israel in an unprecedented assault.
In response to Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel, IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that Israel will retaliate at a time and place of its choosing. Hagari emphasized Israel’s readiness and highlighted the successful interception of the majority of Iran’s projectiles. He also noted the regional anti-Tehran coalition’s support. Hagari mentioned ongoing efforts to protect Israeli citizens, particularly those displaced by the conflict, and reiterated the commitment to addressing the situation in Gaza, including securing the release of captives. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of learning from previous events and maintaining public trust in the IDF’s actions.
An Israeli Air Force strike in Gaza’s Al-Shati Camp resulted in the deaths of six relatives of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, including three of his grandchildren. The strike targeted three Hamas operatives believed to be preparing for terrorist activities. Haniyeh confirmed the fatalities and expressed gratitude for their martyrdom. This incident follows a previous strike in October that claimed the lives of 14 of Haniyeh’s relatives. Notably, Haniyeh’s sisters reside in Israel, with one recently arrested on suspicion of supporting Palestinian terrorists. Additionally, Haniyeh’s niece’s premature baby received medical treatment at an Israeli hospital earlier this year.
WORLD NEWS
German police in Oldenburg are offering a €5,000 reward for information on an arson attack on a synagogue. An unknown individual threw an explosive device at the synagogue, causing minor damage. No one was injured, and the perpetrator fled. Police are urging the public to provide any relevant information or footage that could help solve the case. Germany has seen a rise in antisemitic crimes since recent events in Israel and Gaza.
Iranian state TV attempted to portray footage of excited Louis Tomlinson fans as panicked Israelis during the recent missile and drone attack on Israel. The footage, initially claimed to show Israelis under attack, actually depicted fans near a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Additionally, other footage misrepresented scenes of devastation, including one falsely claimed to be the aftermath of a missile strike, which was actually from a forest fire in Chile. Another clip falsely portrayed Palestinians celebrating the attack at Al-Aqsa Mosque, when they were actually marking the end of Ramadan. Despite Iran’s efforts, Israel successfully intercepted around 99% of the drones and missiles launched during the attack. Israeli officials are considering retaliatory measures following the incident, which was triggered by an Israeli airstrike on the Iranian embassy in Syria on April 1.
A significant missile and drone assault targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, destroying the Trypilska power plant, a major supplier for several regions including Kyiv. The attack caused extensive damage, including destruction of critical components and a resulting fire. Russian President Vladimir Putin justified the strikes as retaliation for Ukrainian actions against Russian oil refineries. While the power grid managed to compensate, over 200,000 people in Kharkiv were left without power due to strikes on other facilities. Ukraine’s energy operators described the attacks as among the most severe this year, emphasizing the need for better defenses. Officials have appealed for more air defense systems, citing the growing threat and the challenges of repairing damaged infrastructure.
