New York News
New York City Police Commissioner Edward Caban resigned following a federal investigation that included raids on his and his brother’s homes, along with other city officials. Caban stated that his decision to step down was to avoid distractions for the department, emphasizing the need for leadership with integrity.
Although Caban himself is not the target of the probe, his twin brother is under investigation related to his nightlife consulting business. Mayor Eric Adams accepted Caban’s resignation, which comes just 14 months after Caban’s predecessor also left the role.
New York Mayor Eric Adams appointed Tom Donlon as interim police commissioner after Edward Caban resigned amid a federal investigation. Donlon, a seasoned law enforcement professional with experience across local, state, federal, and international levels, has a notable background that includes leading the FBI’s National Threat Assessment Center and investigating major terrorist attacks. His career also includes work with the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force and New York’s Office of Homeland Security, where he previously collaborated with Adams. Donlon aims to continue reducing crime, removing illegal guns, and maintaining transparency in the NYPD.
Lisa Zornberg, Mayor Eric Adams’ chief counsel, abruptly resigned after recommending the dismissal of three high-ranking City Hall aides—Phil Banks, Tim Pearson, and Winnie Greco—who were under federal investigation. Zornberg, a former federal prosecutor, grew frustrated with Adams’ refusal to act on her advice, particularly after the federal raids on these aides. She cited ethical concerns, particularly over Pearson’s undisclosed dual employment and Greco’s incomplete financial disclosures. Zornberg’s resignation follows increasing turmoil within Adams’ administration, with other officials like former NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban also stepping down amid probes. Adams has declined to comment on her departure.
Governor Kathy Hochul is set to undergo a minor medical procedure on Friday to remove a basal cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, from her nose. The cancer spot was detected during a routine checkup, and the procedure will be done under local anesthesia, allowing Hochul to return to work shortly afterward. She used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of regular skin screenings and sun protection, particularly for those with a family history of skin disease. Hochul expects a quick recovery, noting she may need to wear a bandage but will otherwise resume her duties promptly.
Russell Rickford, an associate professor at Cornell University, has returned to teach after a “voluntary leave” prompted by his comments referring to the Hamas attacks in southern Israel on October 7 as “energizing” and “exhilarating.” Following backlash from university officials and public figures, Rickford apologized for his remarks, which drew condemnation from the university’s leadership for showing a lack of regard for human life. Despite the controversy, Cornell did not discipline him and has not disclosed whether he was compensated during his leave. Criticism from politicians, including Sen. John Fetterman and Rep. Claudia Tenney, has highlighted concerns over Rickford’s comments and their implications for campus safety and educational ethics.
The Noguchi Museum in Queens has fired three employees for wearing keffiyehs in solidarity with Palestinians, citing a new dress code banning “political messages, slogans, or symbols.” The museum stated that while the keffiyehs were worn to express personal views, such expressions could alienate visitors and compromise the institution’s commitment to a welcoming environment. A fourth employee, the director of visitor services, was also dismissed, though not for wearing the keffiyeh. One of the fired employees criticized the move as censorship of Palestinian culture. The keffiyeh, often seen as a cultural garment, has long been associated with the Palestinian cause and its leader, Yasser Arafat. About two-thirds of the museum’s staff signed a petition protesting the dress code change, arguing that it represented a public stance by the museum.
New York City lawmakers passed legislation to study the city’s role in slavery and consider reparations for descendants of enslaved people, following similar efforts across the U.S. and a state commission. Although slavery was abolished in 1827, businesses continued profiting from the trade until 1866. Proponents argue the lasting effects of slavery are seen in systemic racism, such as redlining and underfunded Black communities. Council Member Farah Louis emphasized that reparations aim to address ongoing oppression, not just financial compensation. Mayor Eric Adams is expected to sign the bills, supporting efforts toward reconciliation and equity.
The Town of Hempstead in New York has established a new Antisemitism Task Force to enhance safety and combat antisemitism within its community, which has the second-largest Jewish population in the U.S. Town Supervisor Don Clavin announced the task force’s formation, which includes local leaders focused on education, outreach, and security measures. The initiative aims to promote tolerance through partnerships with educational institutions, Holocaust education programs, and the adoption of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism. This comes in response to a rising trend of antisemitic incidents, with a reported 110% increase in New York in 2023, according to the Anti-Defamation League. Clavin emphasized the town’s commitment to zero tolerance for hate and the importance of proactive measures to ensure the safety of its residents.
Long Island Unites has officially opened its office in Cedarhurst to register and mobilize Jewish voters, becoming the second initiative of its kind in New York after Westchester Unites. The launch, attended by leaders and activists from the Jewish community, aims to ensure that their voices are effectively heard at the polls, following the success of Westchester Unites, which significantly increased voter turnout in tight races. Maury Litwack, founder of the Teach Coalition, highlighted the influence of engaged communities and the importance of voter participation. The Cedarhurst office will serve as a hub for voter education and outreach, fostering civic responsibility among the Jewish community. Speakers at the event underscored the urgent need for political engagement, especially regarding support for Israel, and expressed hope that Long Island Unites will transform the community into a more organized and impactful voting bloc.
US NEWS
Federal and local law enforcement officials provided updates on an alleged assassination plot against Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump at Trump International Golf Course in West Palm Beach. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw reported that after the Secret Service responded to reports of shots fired, a witness captured a photo of the suspect fleeing in a black Nissan, leading to his quick apprehension. In the bushes, authorities discovered an AK-47-style rifle with a scope, two backpacks containing ceramic tiles, and a GoPro camera intended for recording. The Secret Service agent on the course effectively intervened after spotting the rifle barrel before the suspect fled. The FBI is investigating the incident as an attempted assassination, marking the second time Trump has been targeted, with a previous shooting incident occurring in July during a rally in Pennsylvania. According to Bradshaw, the suspect was positioned just 300 to 500 yards from Trump, making the threat significant.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that Springfield has received 33 bomb threats, all of which were confirmed to be hoaxes, some allegedly originating from overseas. The city has gained national attention following comments from former President Donald Trump and Ohio Senator JD Vance regarding complaints from residents about an influx of 20,000 Haitian migrants. Trump suggested, without evidence, that Haitian immigrants were involved in the disappearance of pets in the area. The media has linked Trump and Vance’s rhetoric to the bomb threats, which resulted in multiple evacuations of schools and government buildings. DeWine emphasized the need for schools to remain open and stated that additional law enforcement resources were dispatched to Springfield to assist with the migrant situation, criticizing the federal government’s lack of a plan. Vance defended his comments in an interview, rejecting accusations that he incited violence and insisting he was merely voicing his constituents’ concerns about the impact of immigration policies.
Former President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he would not participate in another debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, who expressed interest in a rematch following their recent debate. Trump claimed he won the debate, criticizing Harris and President Biden for their policies and accusing Harris of avoiding debates on other networks. In response, Harris emphasized the need for another debate to inform voters about the upcoming election choices. While some polls indicated Harris performed better, Trump’s team criticized the moderators for being biased. Trump expressed willingness for a debate on a “fair network,” but ultimately stated there would be no third debate before the election.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new bill on Thursday aimed at reinstating tough criminal penalties for large-scale theft and smash-and-grab robberies, which have been a source of voter frustration. The law mandates harsher sentences for those who cause damage or destruction to property valued over $50,000 during a felony. This legislation revives a similar law that expired in 2018 and is set to remain in effect until 2030. Newsom emphasized that California’s crime laws are already among the strictest in the nation and that this measure is a smart approach to crime prevention. The move comes as Democratic leaders seek to demonstrate their commitment to addressing crime amid discussions of a ballot measure proposing even harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
Aircraft assembly workers at Boeing initiated a strike early Friday after 94.6% of union members rejected a tentative contract offering a 25% wage increase over four years. This walkout, involving 33,000 machinists, is expected to disrupt the production of Boeing’s popular airliners, though it won’t impact commercial flights immediately. The proposed contract would have raised average salaries from $75,608 to $106,350 but did not meet the union’s demand for a 40% increase or the restoration of traditional pensions. Protests highlighted dissatisfaction with the deal and rising living costs, while Boeing expressed readiness to negotiate further, with new CEO Kelly Ortberg warning that the strike could jeopardize the company’s recovery and reputation.
A billionaire spacewalker and his crew returned to Earth on Sunday after a groundbreaking five-day mission, which included the first private spacewalk, achieving an altitude of 875 miles above Earth—higher than the International Space Station and Hubble Space Telescope. SpaceX’s capsule splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico near Florida’s Dry Tortugas, carrying tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, two SpaceX engineers, and a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot. Isaacman became the 264th person to perform a spacewalk, while SpaceX’s Sarah Gillis became the 265th, marking a significant milestone as all previous spacewalks had been conducted by professional astronauts.
Israel NEWS
Hundreds of Hezbollah operatives were reportedly injured across Lebanon due to the explosion of their communication devices, with blasts occurring in locations including Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahiya, the Beqaa Valley, and southern Lebanon. Eyewitness accounts described scenes of chaos, with senior Hezbollah officials among the wounded, and Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon also reported injured. Hezbollah attributed the explosions to a hack by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), speculating that malware caused the pagers to overheat and explode. The IDF has not commented on the incident, which comes amidst escalating tensions and ongoing attacks by Hezbollah on Israel since October. Israeli security agencies were engaged in urgent discussions regarding the threat posed by Hezbollah, and Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized that displaced citizens would not return without addressing security concerns related to the group.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that expanding his coalition government could facilitate a hostages-for-ceasefire deal with Hamas. This comes amid reports that he is considering replacing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant with Gideon Sa’ar, leader of the New Hope Party. While the Prime Minister’s Office denied active discussions with Sa’ar, media sources suggested that Netanyahu is preparing to fire Gallant soon due to ongoing tensions between them, particularly after Gallant publicly urged a halt to controversial judicial reforms and criticized military strategies regarding Hamas. Sa’ar’s potential return to the government could involve significant appointments for New Hope Party lawmakers in exchange for their support until October 2026. The possibility of Gallant’s dismissal has garnered support from right-wing figures in the government who believe he is not fit to lead military operations, especially in light of recent hostilities with Hamas.
The Israel Security Agency (ISA) announced on Tuesday that it had thwarted an assassination attempt by Hezbollah targeting a former senior security official. The planned attack involved a Claymore anti-personnel mine equipped with a remote activation mechanism, allowing Hezbollah to trigger it from Lebanon. The ISA reported that the attack was in the final stages of implementation and that the targeted official had been informed by security forces. The agency also connected Hezbollah to a previous attempted bombing in Tel Aviv’s Yarkon Park last year, indicating that the explosive devices used in both incidents were similar. Fortunately, the Yarkon Park incident, which aimed at hitting an Israeli official, resulted in no injuries.
The Chief Rabbinate of Israel is currently facing a crisis, as the mandates of both the chief rabbis and their governing Council expired on September 16, following a political struggle with the High Court of Justice over women’s representation. The Rabbinate failed to hold elections under the court’s terms, leading to the expiration of the Council’s authority. In response, the Israeli government has proposed a bill to extend the Council’s mandate until December 31, while elections for the chief rabbis are scheduled for September 29. This situation highlights tensions between an activist judiciary and the Rabbinate’s traditional stance. Although there are concerns about the implications for kosher certification and other religious services, officials believe that essential operations will continue smoothly during this transitional period. The Rabbinate has agreed to hold elections following recent court rulings that altered previous requirements for women’s participation.
WORLD NEWS
A Jewish mass grave containing 23 bodies was discovered in the town of Strešyn, Belarus, as reported by local media. The remains, which include 12 adults and 11 children aged one to seven, were found in the southeastern Gomel region, a site that was occupied by Nazi Germany in August 1941. During the Holocaust, the local Jewish population was forced into a ghetto, where many perished under harsh conditions. While no signs of execution were found on the remains, personal items such as keys and a rusty bullet were uncovered. The discovery was made by a local resident who had kept the find to himself for 15 years. This revelation comes amid a growing acknowledgment by Belarusian authorities of the atrocities faced by Jews during the Holocaust, countering previous narratives of a “Belarusian genocide.” Prior to the war, Gomel had a Jewish population of around 40,000, with an estimated 3,000-4,000 Holocaust victims from the area.
The United Nations has declared the Palestinian economy to be “in free fall,” with Gaza’s production plummeting to one-sixth of its pre-war levels following Israel’s military response to the October 7 attacks. A report from UNCTAD warns of a “rapid and alarming economic decline” in the West Bank as well, blaming Israel for the issues. UN officials call for urgent international intervention, including a comprehensive recovery plan, increased aid, lifting the blockade on Gaza, and releasing withheld funds to address the severe humanitarian crisis, which has left around 90% of Gaza’s population displaced and dependent on international assistance. No mention was made of Palestinian corruption.
During a visit to Kyiv, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced nearly $1.5 billion in additional aid for Ukraine, as Ukrainian officials called for Western missiles to target deeper into Russia. The U.S. pledged over $700 million in humanitarian aid, while the UK committed $782 million in assistance and loan guarantees, primarily aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s energy grid ahead of a challenging winter. Blinken indicated he would discuss the missile request with President Joe Biden and suggested that the topic would be addressed during Biden’s upcoming meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Their joint visit was marked by air-raid sirens, reflecting the ongoing danger, as Russia intensifies its military efforts in the eastern Donetsk region. Lammy described the conflict as being at a “critical” juncture and expressed condolences for the civilian casualties caused by recent Russian attacks.
Alberto Fujimori, the former president of Peru, has died at the age of 86, as announced by his daughter, Keiko Fujimori. His presidency, which lasted from 1990 to 2000, began with significant achievements in stabilizing Peru’s economy and combating the Shining Path insurgency but ended in autocratic governance and corruption scandals that led to his imprisonment. After initially fleeing to Japan amidst a political crisis, he was later arrested in Chile and extradited to Peru, where he faced multiple charges, including human rights violations. Despite his convictions and a 25-year sentence, he remained a controversial figure, having expressed intentions to run for the presidency again in 2026.
